Member Reviews

Such a sweet book about second chances. They probably wouldn't of ever split but Allison had Hollywood dreams and Jackson did not. And while they loved each other, they were young.
Hiding out in her parents Ohio home felt like the best idea but she opens the door to Jackson remodeling the master closet. The book isn't complicated and feels very satisfying.

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America’s Sweetheart
By: Jessica Lemmon

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Why didn’t Love conquer all?

When American’s sweetheart runs home to hide from reality can she remember what Love once was? Can he let Love in again or is it best to protect himself.
Well let me start by saying I have become a huge fan of this author. She writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Allison: When I left for California, I gave myself a new name and never looked back. Now my carefully crafted good-girl image is getting torn to shreds in the press thanks to my Oscar-winning A-hole of an ex-boyfriend. So I escape to the only safe haven I know and trust—my hometown—to take a breather while I plot my triumphant Hollywood comeback. However, when I arrive at my parents’ house, Jackson Burke answers the door instead. And suddenly the past comes rushing back. . . .

Jackson: First kiss. First time. First love. Yep, Allison Murphy and I shared a lot of firsts back in the day. When she left, she took half my heart with her. Now she’s back in town, and even though I swore I’d keep my distance, her parents hired me to remodel their house, and I’m going to finish the job. But one hot kiss later, suddenly the press is calling us the next big celebrity couple. Sure, I’ll play the part, for Allison’s sake—but I refuse to let her close enough to break my heart all over again. . . .


I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

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I received an advance reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. I have read almost all the books in this series of her and so far have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. The characters are connected and interwoven but you do not need to read them in any particular order. I would recommend me this book as it a good second chance romance.

This book follows Jackson, a small town boy who owns his own construction/remodeling company, and Allison, a Hollywood starlet. Jackson and Allison dated through high school and part of college before Allison went out to Hollywood for a chance at a walk on role that made her famous. She asked Jackson to move to LA but that life wasn't for him so they called it quits. Fast forward 10 years later and Allison is all the talk for a scandal involving stealing a certain golden statue. The first person she sees when she walks into her parents house? That would be Jackson who is there to remodel it while her parents are on vacation. Now that they are back in close proximity, what will happen between the two? And in the end, when Allison gets her career back on track, will she choose the career or the love of her life? And can Jackson let her walk away again?

This is a great book with lots of humor, romance and second chance love. It is very well written and was a quick and fun read. I would definitely recommend this book or any other in her series.

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I adore Jessica Lemmon's writing. She’s gifted, plain and simple! Her characters always feel real and are usually very relatable.

In America's Sweetheart, Jackson, the hero, struck all the right notes for me. He's a pretty simple guy - honest, hot, not afraid to fall in love and show it. He gets his heartbroken when his high school and college sweetheart moves to Cali for a semester and then decides to stay. Allison, the heroine, isn't a bad person. She's had dreams all her life and goes after them. By luck, or skill, or both, she makes a bigger splash than imagined.

Jackson’s and Allison’s lives are different. Well, their career goals are, and considering his is small town entrepreneurship and her’s is Hollywood, they couldn't be more disparate. She wants to stay in LA and for him to move there too. He says no. In my opinion, neither is a bad person, but I sure like Allison a lot less. Her whole celebrity persona thing just made her unlikeable for me. She was upfront and honest about the scheme and the intention behind it, but she has to be pretty clueless or careless not to think it is wrong to even ask the ruse of Jackson.

In the end, our characters get their HEA and the reading is smooth and easy, just like I expect from Ms. Lemmon. Yet, this one isn’t my favorite. If you want to read her at her best, pick up Eye Candy and then Arm Candy and eat your heart out.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Sexy, sweet and exciting all rolled into one really hot story. Jax and Allie tore up the pages with their chemistry and steaminess. Quick read too.

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I wasn’t super impressed with this story. Definitely wasn’t my favorite by Jessica Lemmon. I didn’t like the character Allison aka Nina. She was full of herself and left a bad impression. Jackson definitely deserved someone better.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

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Jackson was a college football player at Ohio State until he was injured since he could no longer play he had to drop out of college. But that was all after he college sweetheart left for the summer to pursue acting. She was only supposed to be in Hollywood for the summer. The plan was for her to return and they would finish their degrees together. Plans never pan out especially for Jackson. Allison was only on set as an extra for a day before she was offered the lead role in a television series: America's Sweetheart. He tried to make their long distance relationship work...really. He's a small town kind of guy. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio. What did he know about living in La-La land? During his one and only trip to see Allie, he left after only a few days...ok a day. She asked him to move in with her. What's a guy to do? He went home and wallowed after returning to Columbus and working for his father's construction business. Now, Allison is Nina Lockheart the star of America's Sweetheart and dating her co-star Xavier McCormack. 

Why did I let my manager talk me into dating McCormack? What a jerk! I went from America's Sweetheart to the most hated person in Hollywood. All because of that two-faced ex. I can't escape the media. So, I go to the only place where I can be me. No, not Nina Lockheart--but Allison. The girl from Columbus, Ohio. The first thing I see is Jackson Burke. Great! When I thought my life couldn't get worse, the one man who shattered my heart is standing in my parents' living room. He is remodeling my parents' bedroom while they are on a month long trip to Europe. Terrific. The more time, I spend with Jax the more I remember how it felt to be in his arms. The more I want that again. 

Thanks to a fan snipping a picture of Jax and I grabbing lunch, my manager wants us to "date." I'm not sure this is a great idea. I need the positive publicity, but can my heart survive Jackson Burke again? Why would he agree to this? Does he still have feelings for me as I do him? Do I really care if he has the ability to shred me to bits? He is all I ever think about. I'm disappointed when he finishes his job at my parents; I won't see him every day. I'm heartbroken at the mention of returning to Hollywood. What will happen to my heart if my manager arranges a reconciliation with McCormack?

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**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

What a fantastic second chance love story! There are plenty of them out there, but I really enjoyed Jessica Lemmon's take on it and how it all unfolded.

Back in high school and college, Jackson Burke thought he and Allie Murphy were going to end up together forever. What he didn't plan on was Allie deciding that heading off to Los Angeles to chase the bright lights of Hollywood would win out over their relationship. Jackson knew he was headed home to help his father run the family construction business and LA was the last place he'd ever want to be.

It's been 10 years and the last thing that Jax expects when he's working on a construction job is for his ex-girlfriend, and the one woman he's never gotten over, to come barreling into his arms. While it is her parents home, Allie, or Nina, as she's known in Hollywood has come back to hide out after being accused of stealing and being publicly humiliated by her then boyfriend. Even though Allie is cool toward Jax in the beginning, it's clear that there is something still between the two. Will spending time together rekindle the sparks that are clearly still smoldering? Or will this "reunion" just cause more heartache for both of them?

I loved Jax from the outset of this book. There was just something about him that drew me in. He was loyal, kind, sexy and selfless. It was clear what he wanted, but he also wanted Allie to be happy and to him that was more important than his own happiness. While I eventually came to love Allie too, the build was much slower. She definitely had her moments of being a spoiled Hollywood starlet, but then the small town girl showed through and you got to the root of the real Allie.

This was a great second chance romance and while it is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone. Another really enjoyable work by Jessica Lemmon!

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I want a man like Jackson Burke! He's gorgeous, he's considerate, he's HOT, and he never fell out of love with his high school sweetheart! This is every girl's dream come true. It took a while for these two to find their way back to one another, but they've come a long way and never forgot what it was like to be in love with each other. I fell in love the Allison/Nina and Jax - they are so perfect for each other, and have such awesome chemistry. Jessica Lemmon's books are always a fun read, with just right amount of drama, humor, and steam.

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This was such a feel good book. I loved it! I needed something that didn't make me think that I could get lost in. This book did that for me. Kudos to the author for a very well written book.

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I have a soft spot for Hollywood stories that are behind the scenes-y. So when I saw the description of this, I requested it immediately. I really liked Allison and Jax - this is a great example of a well developed, well plotted second chance romance. If this hits any of your trope boxes, I'd definitely recommend picking it up. It's also a good example of Lemmon's writing, so if you've never gotten the chance to read her before, this a great place to dive in!

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Jackson and Allison became sweethearts in high school, continuing into college where Jackson was attending with on a football scholarship. Allison wants to be an actress and over summer break she goes to stay with her aunt in California and gets her big break. She wants Jackson to move out there to be with her, but he has commitments and says no.

Years later, Allison is caught up in a Hollywood scandal and goes home to Ohio to escape the media frenzy. She gets to her parent’s house and is shocked to find Jackson, who is remodeling the master bedroom for her parents while they are on vacation.

I liked Jackson from the beginning, he is a great guy. Allison starts out in this wonderful relationship, but once she is in Hollywood she wants him to drop everything to be with her. Then when she comes back, Jackson is bending over backward for her and she seems rather callous in her treatment of him.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley

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A sweet, if predictable, second chance story about a famous actress and the hometown love she left behind. I loved Jackson from the first page and really had to warm up to Allie and I am not sure I ever completely did. The ending was a little unsatisfying but overall this was an engaging story that I am happy to have read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I am definitely a fan of Jessica Lemmon's books, and I enjoyed this one. There were just a few issues here and there that pulled me out of the story with a jolt that made me unable to give it 5 stars.

A "blue collar" guy seemed out of place telling her she was wearing a gorgeous dress or wanting her to leave her sexy shoes on. I can't imagine many guys giving a darn about any of that. And the scissors scene with the roses was just wrong. There were a few others I won't go into so as not to spoil the book for future readers.

Speaking of plots, I give kudos to JL for actually having one. The trend these days for this type of book seems to be to have the storyline nothing but one long conversation between the main characters, thus making books repetitive and dull. Lemmon has given this one a plot, even if it's not a huge one, and I appreciate that.

It is a light story, and the characters are engaging. Their chemistry is good, and I enjoyed the addition of Barrett and Catarina from her previous book. More from them would have even been better actually.

All in all, a solid 4-star book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC given in exchange for my honest review.

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I'm a big fan of reconnection romances and America's Sweetheart did not disappoint. Allison and Jackson were high school and early college lovers, breaking up after Allison moved to California and Jackson stayed home in Ohio. Hollywood drama ensues and Allison comes back to Ohio to get away from it all. I love that Allison and Jackson danced around each other for awhile. It wasn't a here we are let's jump back in deal but a slow burn acknowledging that they are different people now.

Their relationship isn't without it's struggles, but they work through them as adults, there is no pouting or storming off in a childish manner. I thought the ending was super sweet and was so happy to see them together forever.

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I loved this book, mostly because of Jackson, one of the two main characters. Rarely do I start a book that is narrated by the man in the couple and I loved that. He is funny, honest and so sweet. He broke up with his high school sweetheart, Allie, 10 years ago because she moved to LA to become an actress, which she has accomplished. He moved on and has his own business. A Hollywood scandal occurs and Allies comes back home only to run into Jax who is working on her parent's house. An adorable romance follows and along with a lot of love and angst. Super cute story--perfect summer beach read! I just realized that this is #5 in a series so I will definitely now be checking out the first four books. Thanks to NG for this great light romantic read.

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Best romance novel I’ve read in a long time! America’s Sweetheart is a second chance novel that is character driven. I love the hero, Jax, who’s a down to earth hot hunk of man! He an the heroine Allison/Nina, have been dating since high school and into college when Allison decides to take a summer internship in California. Allison dreams of being a star. When the small walk on role on America’s Sweetheart becomes a big role Allison, stage name Nina never comes home. Despite their best efforts it becomes clear that their lives are on opposite sides of the country.
Fast forward and Allison is back in town temporarily. The attraction is still there for Jackson and Allison but they both know this is just a pit stop for Allison. Do they have a fling or risk their hearts? Between the mess Nina/Allison is in and their different lifestyles do these two have a chance or is it just to much to overcome?
This books has some of the glitter of Hollywood and also the dirty underbelly of the business. That lifestyle is in contrast to the more laid back lifestyle of the Midwest.
This is also a stand-alone book with a HEA!
If I had to find a flaw with the book it’s that I wish the author had been more specific with the locations in Columbus, Ohio, where the story is located. Being a Columbus native I’d love to know details like what high school they both attended and what suburb Allison’s parents house is is located in.
Highly recommend!
This book was generously provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A second chance at love between high school sweethearts. Jax and Allie never really picked up the pieces from their broken hearts after she took off for Hollywood. Now here we are 10 years later, Hollywood is showing its true colors and Jax just happens to be right where they both need him to be. A sweet story with some great steamy scenes too! I received an advanced reader copy for my honest review.

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Jessica Lemmon has composed a wonderful and frustrating story in America's Sweetheart. I say frustrating because the heroine, Allison, has developed into kind of a selfish witch, who I wanted to throat punch...and she doesn't deserve Jackson!!! OK...now that I got that off my chest...

America's Sweetheart is a fantastically written book about a small town girl turned Hollywood actress. She and Jackson were highschool sweethearts until she moved to California. After an embarrassing mishap involving her manipulative actor boyfriend, she flees back to her hometown, and right into the arms of Jackson, who is remodeling her parent's home. She plays with Jackson's emotions, but is it mutual???

I love Jessica Lemmon's writing style! She is very descriptive and fun! She adds some humor, some heartbreak, and love. I would highly recommend America's Sweetheart!

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It was cute story but very predictable. I enjoyed his POV more than hers but in the middle it just stopped being engaging.

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