Two Avoiding Series novellas written from Jack and Ramsey's point of views from the first time they each meet Lexi.
Jack Jack is balancing being a barista, hanging with his friends, and his girlfriend, who he keeps trying to break up with.
Then a girl enters his life that changes everything—Lexi.
Ramsey Ramsey recently went through a terrible break up. Out for an interview for his father's company, he meets a gorgeous woman that changes everything—Lexi.
K.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
After reading 'Avoiding Responsibility', I simultaneously read 'Avoiding Decisions' while listening to 'Avoiding Intimacy'. Of all the books in the series, 'Avoiding Decisions' was the only one that was not available in Audible format. I like to start and finish a series in the same format, so that kind of bugged me...but not nearly enough to keep me away. This series is my latest addiction!
Unlike the other books in the series, 'Avoiding Decisions' wasn't really a full-length book. It is a compilation of two "novellas" really. While I enjoyed every minute of it, it read like an "extra" or "bonus material" vs. an actual book.
The first part of 'Avoiding Decisions' describes Jack and Lexi's first encounters from Jack's POV. Reading this helped me to understand some of his actions, even if I disagreed with his choices. I needed reassurance that Jack's feelings for Lexi were sincere after everything he'd put her through. This book gave me that.
Likewise, the second part of 'Avoiding Decisions' provides Ramsey's account of his first encounters with Lexi. In much the same way as Jack's story convinced me that he had real feelings for Lexi, Ramsey's story did not. If anything, his story confirmed my suspicions that Lexi was a fill-in for Parker and that he was never really in love with Lexi.
That being said, this book only covered a very brief period of time from the POVs of either Jack or Ramsey. It is quite possible that Ramsey later came to love Lexi very much, as he professed. It is also possible that Jack later fell out of love with Lexi, as this book only provided a brief glimpse into the beginnings of these relationships and did not follow them for the entire course of their relationships.
My only gripe is that I still feel like Lexi was never enough. Jack supposedly loved her, but still didn't care enough to make her a priority. Why were her feelings always less important than everyone else's? It drove me nuts!
This was a very quick read and well worth it if you're a fan of the series. Like the other books in this series, I ate this one up. I cannot get enough of this sordid, angsty, drama-fest! I just love it!
Avoiding Decisions is a little novella in the Avoiding series that goes through Lexi’s first meeting with Jack and Ramsey. It is written from the men’s p.o.v.
Jack. This novella reminded my why I loved Jack so much in the first book. That’s my problem. Why I hate Jack is because I know how he can be, I remember why I loved him and hate how dirty he’s done Lex. But this is the Jack I knew and loved. It’s good to see him as the good person who really tried to do the right thing and had the best intentions at heart. Now I’m move confused than ever. I promised myself I’d never be Team Jack again after the shit he pulled in the last book, but I feel myself starting to sway in his direction after reading this. Thats a problem.
Ramsey. I do love Ramsey, but his past behavior has always made me wonder if he’s truly changed. I have mixed feelings about him right now lol! In this novella, Jack really outshone him. I could have done without seeing Bekah. Ugh. By far the most terrible character of the series!!!
The moral of the story- I guess I’m going into Avoiding Temptation more undecided than I already was. These two guys both have positives and negatives, but you can’t forget about John. I really love John and I wouldn’t count him out... maybe Lexi needs a fresh start with someone new??? I guess we’ll have to read to find out how it ends! I for one can’t wait!!!
Still not a fan of Jack and he still needs to grow a pair. This Novella left me with a few questions the main one being....WHAT THE FRICK IS Bekah #KillTheBitch UP TO??????
Read Jack's POV in Shades of Pink but I think Ramsey's will be very interesting...and possibly telling.
Jack's POV:
I cannot wait for the last book so I was happy to have this in the meantime. It was great reading about the affect Lexi had on Jack even though I didn't like how he couldn't break free of Danielle!
Favorite quote:
� "She fit into him like she was the missing puzzle piece."
Ramsey's POV:
Ugh...that's why I will NEVER be Team Ramsey! I guess what I said at the beginning is true...it is telling. Jack better UP his game big time.
And thank goodness for the excerpt for Avoiding Temptation because it sounds like it's gonna lean that way! *fingers crossed*
I really enjoyed getting Jack & Ramsey's POV from when they first met Lexi! With Jack it just confirmed my feelings more about how he feels about Lexi. He clearly felt something different and real from the moment he met her, and I still think he is her meant to be. This story also showed me how scared Jack is of ending up in a broken relationship like his parents.
Ramsey's POV was the most eye opening for me. I had no idea he had someone else he was still hung up on. I am now wondering if his feelings for Lexi are more about him missing and wanting Parker. I really enjoyed the first chapter of Avoiding Temptation, and think Ramsey is super hot!!!I do think he is really a great guy, just not for Lexi.
(Here are some Jack quotes)
-It's just...something about this felt different.
-They never broke eye contact, and he wondered if she knew what she was doing to him.
-Something about Lexi seemed to just fit. She was so easy to be around. There was no forcing the conversation. There were no awkward silences. There was only Jack and Lexi.
-He wanted to know everything about her. Just her.
-Tilting her head up to him, he bent down and kissed her mouth. She tasted like strawberry lip gloss and every addictive substance on the planet. He couldn't get enough.
-He only cared that he was hopelessly falling for her. And all he wanted was to stay exactly where they were with his arms wrapped around his girl. Because when he was with her, there was nothing and no one else.
-He had this strange feeling creeping through his chest. It started at there and blossomed out to his extremities. She had ignited something in his body that he would never forget- just like he would never forget the way her hand fit perfectly in his, those soul-searching brown eyes, the taste of her pink lip gloss, the intoxicating nature of her presence.
I read Jack's POV in the anthology book (I can't remember the name off the top of my head) I downloaded recently and feel like this was exactly the same, no extras. Apparently it is supposed to have extra details but it didn't seem that way to me. I am still Team Jack but now I just think that's mainly because they are both such idiots that they deserve each other.
Ramsey's POV was also no surprise. Don't we already know that he thought Lexi looked so much like Parker? Because really that's the only real information we are getting here. Oh and him talking about how at that point he was still in love with her.
Now.. for the first chapter.. Two years later and still no mention of a marriage or engagement? No hints as to where Becca is? And Jack still calling Lexi up when he's in trouble. Can't we have something a little more original for this story? I'm pissed over the whole thing.
There was no need for all of this to be in a novella, IMO. Granted, it has only cost 99c, but I'm sorry.. how about for free? There are a million and one authors out there who are giving away things like this. The only real, new thing, we are getting is Chapter 1. We shouldn't be expected to pay for that. It's greedy. Colleen Hoover gave away a whole freaking NOVELLA and didn't ask for a penny. It makes me mad.
I feel like this series is being ruined for me and it's a real damn shame. I'm still going to read the conclusion but I can't help feeling that maybe it's a little too late for me and I'm not going to enjoy it.
I've already read Jack's and Ramsey's POVs before but I feel like I get a different insight into these characters when I read them again. I'm 100% certain that Jack is the better man after reading both POVs, side by side!!!
Jack falls for Lexi from the start, for her, no one else. Sure he's physically attracted to her and would love to get her into his bed, but he does the honorable thing and builds a friendship with her. The best relationships begin as friendships!!!
I'm not sure how anyone can seriously think Ramsey is the right man for Lexi. I think he's super gorgeous and good for a distraction but the dude's carrying a torch for Parker! His POV just reaffirms which guy truly loves Lexi.
I'm more than anxious to get my hands on "Avoiding Temptation" !!
Let's compare quotes from both guys in this novella...shall we??
Jack Quotes:
Under those lashes were deep, chocolate brown eyes as big as saucers that made him feel like he was sinking through quicksand. - Jack
He took one last look at the girl seated at the table across from him. When he stared at her, he felt that same stirring in his body that he'd had when she had been at the counter. He didn't know what it was. She was hot, but it was more than that. It was just something about her. - Jack
They got along, and they had some kind of connection. He would be an idiot to not do anything about it. Even if absolutely nothing came from it and they just became friends that would be okay with him. Her leaving without him knowing if he would ever see her again...that wasn't okay with him. He couldn't see that ever being okay with him. - Jack
Jack's smirk grew with her laughter. Something about Lexi seemed to just fit. She was so easy to be around. There was no forcing the conversation. There were no awkward silences. There was only Jack and Lexi. - Jack
The world was lost to them in that moment, and without a second thought, he dropped his arms across her shoulders and drew her into him, her head falling into the crook of his neck. She fit into him like she was the missing puzzle piece. -Jack
He couldn't help feeling like she belonged there. He didn't want her to go. He wanted to put her back in the car and take her to his place. He wanted to kiss her, explore her. He wanted to know everything about her little body. He wanted to know everything about her. Just her. - Jack
Lexi terrified him. How did she have such control over him? He'd never cheated on anyone before. That wasn't the kind of person he was! But when those big brown eyes stared up at him, begging and pleading, and she smiled up at him with her pouty lips coated in pink lip gloss...he fucking forgot who he was. - Jack
He didn't care if everything seemed to be spinning off axis. He only cared that he was hopelessly falling for her. And all he wanted was to stay exactly where they were with his arms wrapped around his girl. Because when he was with her, there was nothing and no one else. - Jack
Ramsey Quotes:
He spent more time in his clubs now than anywhere. After Parker had left, there hadn't been anything for him. Now he had the clubs, and most of the time they were the only thing that mattered.- Ramsey
Ramsey couldn't help himself. He just stared at Parker. Holy shit, she was beautiful. His heart was beating wildly in his chest, and it was hard to swallow. Why did she have to be here? He was trying to forget her. Why wouldn't she just let him forget her? - Ramsey
He wanted her--not just physically either. He had never wanted anyone else more--anyone else at all. It had been three years since the break up, since their fuck up, and she still managed to grip his heart. She kept him from feeling anything for anyone. How could he? Why would he feel, when she was out there somewhere? - Ramsey
And then he saw it even in the dimness, and his heart contracted. She was not his Parker. She looked a whole hell of a lot like her, but she wasn't her. No one else could ever be her. He sagged in his seat hating himself for the disappointment that settled in his gut. - Ramsey
He slowly dragged his eyes up her body and into her face. Still all he saw was Parker. Her voice was more musical, but it was easy to ignore the difference. He was about to earn his one-way ticket to hell. At least it was all done with good intentions. Maybe. - Ramsey
Ramsey had to remind himself that whoever that girl was, that Alexa, she wasn't Parker. She just happened to look like her. And he had been about to use her. Man, he was fucked up. - Ramsey
Yea, ask me why I'm a Team Jack girl. The quotes pretty much sum up why. :)
You get two POV's in this. For those who missed the Fifty Shades of Pink with Jack's POV, you get it here. You also get Ramsey's first time meeting Lexi as well.
In addition the first chapter of Avoiding Temptation is snuck in at the back.
Let's just say that if we were to base who is the biggest douche based solely on these two POV, Ramsey wins hands down. He always seemed slick to me, but jeez, what a freaking dog. At least Jack was trying not to be a decent guy when he met Lexi.
This was just a short glimpse into the minds of Jack and Ramsey. But I can't help getting a feel for where the author will be taking the final story. Now that she's got us pulling so hard for Ramsey... I get the feeling we are going to be changing our tune...
I didn't feel that this one had the same flow and addictive pull a the first two books, maybe I just liked being in Lexie's head better (which actually is quite hard to believe.) Anyway, I'm anxious to get to the final book, so I'm going to cut this short.
Despite the fact, that when Avoiding Temptation comes out I can bet you EVERYTHING that Ramsey will be the one to win out, because there are a whole lot more people on Team Ramsey than Jack..
All the same I am a Team Jack Girl.
I liked hearing their POV's. Of course, i already read Jack's. I bought the series that the author along with a whole bunch of other author's did a few months ago for Breast Cancer Awareness. But I still liked reading it again. I know he isn't perfect, I know he is really selfish and kind of messed up, but I still think he and Lex should be together.
Ramsey, he's hot.. But he just doesn't hold a candle...
I am prepared for complete and utter disappointment in a few weeks.. I am getting my heart ready for some smashing.
Avoiding Decisions contains two novellas. The first novella is told from the point of view of Jack Howard and centers around the time he met Lexi while in college. The most important take away from this story is that readers can see there is more to Jack than meets the eye. He admits to himself that he is not a cheater. Even though he knows he is not happy with his current girlfriend, he backs up his admission by fighting his feelings for and holding back with Lexi. Readers also learn Jack has a deep fear that relates to his parent's marriage.
The second novella is told from the point of view of Ramsey Bridges. Readers learn exactly what Ramsey was thinking and feeling on the night he met Lexi in a bar while waiting to interview Jack for a position with his father's company. The important take away from this novella is Ramsey's reaction to Lexi. He is overwhelmed by the similarities between Lexi and his ex-girlfriend, Parker, and he still pursues her. We learn that he still has very strong feelings for Parker.
There has been so much speculation by readers of the Avoiding series regarding Lexi's future and with whom her future lies. The importance of these novellas is not the events that take place, but what readers learn about Jack and Ramsey - their actions based upon their thoughts and feelings.
Gahhhhh! I'm even more torn than ever going into Avoiding Temptations as to whom Lexi should be with. Avoiding Commitment had me totally on Team Jack butttttt Avoiding Responsibility found me swaying to the Peppermint side. I mean, really? Jack lied to everyone about sleeping with Lexi at Turner field and I wanted to punch him. Here we have both Jack and Ramsey's POV's of the first time they each saw/met Lexi. *Sigh* I'm now convinced that Jack truly does love Lexi with all his heart but I want to throttle him for continually letting her get away. As for Ramsey, I had to keep in mind he met her years ago, and that while his motives for initially wanting her were for the completely wrong reasons (it was strictly because she looked like Parker) he's now with her for the right reasons. I hope *bites nails* what I'm most certain of though is December 10th can't come fast enough. I NEEEEEEED answers to my questions and I NEEEEEEED to find out who gets the girl.
A brief novella in Jack's POV and a short scene about how Ramsay met Lexi. Being in Jack's mind in particular during the time he first met Lexi, it felt as he almost has a conscience after all (at least at the beginning). At least he contemplates multiple possible choices and he is fully aware of what is the right decent one, and which is the one that would turn him into an asshole, so I have to give it to him, there is at least some deliberation between right and wrong. Only that he always chooses the minimum effort, easiest option, which incidentally is the wrong one, and to hell with the consequences. In my book this does not make him a good guy and I don't see him as the much coveted prize that Lexi has him to be. In any case, being in his head sheds some light at least on the whole sorry mess of the serial infidelities as it started.
Avoiding Decisions is a short, very short novella into the mind of the two boys we love or we hate. Okay even despise; Jack and Ramsey. I knew going in the novella would be short and finished it within 45 minutes. It was only 99 cents and picked up my copy immediately after it went live on Amazon. I am on Team Jack and want this crazy bastard to redeem himself and finally be the man I know he is. I couldn’t wait to read about the moments he first met Lexi and what he was actually FEELING! He hides his feelings the entire series.
I’ve never read anything from Jack’s POV and it was great. It’s really the moments Jack and Lexi start to hang out even though he has a girlfriend. They definitely cross lines and but it was sweet and innocent for the most part. We get a very short insight on what about Lexi scares him the most at the end of his POV and I think it sums up their entire relationship. As for Ramsey, I like Ramsey too� he is just not for Lexi. I was disappointed with his POV because I read it before. It was FREE once before on the authors blog. I was hoping it would have been more to it.
I do not feel either POV helped out either man. Both men have issues that Lexi must break down whether it’s running from feelings or an ex girlfriend. It was nice to get into their heads for a bit but I would really have loved the opportunity to get into Jack’s mind sometime more currently like in the last book Avoiding Responsibility or at the end of Avoiding Commitment.
Best part was we got a sneak peak at Chapter one of Avoiding Temptation!!! I can’t wait for December 10! I plan on taking the day off so I can stay up and read all night! #TeamJack!
This was okay. I didn’t feel like I gained anything from reading it, which I was disappointed in. I give Avoiding Decisions 3 Stars.
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This was a super short novella showing both Jack and Ramsey's POV of when they met Lexi.
In book 1 I was still a little unsure which 'team' I was on but now I am 100% team Ramsey! Therefore it was not fun reading about what a hold Parker still had on his thoughts even years after breaking up. The number of times Ramsey thought about fucking Lexi because she looked like Parker was irritating� I'm also annoyed at the fact that not only did he go for Lexi because she looked like Parker, but he had initially thought she was Parker. ... I really hope Parker is no longer in the picture but it sounds like Parker and Ramsey's connection is a lot more like Lexi and Jacks than I thought.
Whereas Ramsey’s POV annoyed me to no end, Jacks had the opposite effect. His initial reaction to Lexi was adorable and unexpected. We didn’t learn anything new, but it was nice to see that he actually felt some guilt and emotion over the whole Danielle/Lexi situation. It still doesn’t change anything he did in the last book but I guess I have warmed to the asshole a little bit.
That being said I am very nervous to read the final book. This novella painted Ramsey in a very negative light and softened me towards Jack... I’m hoping that isn’t foreshadowing what I’m about to read in the final book!
I have ALWAYS been team Ramsey, but after reading this...I just don't know anymore. I mean, I've always disliked Jack because he is shallow, cruel, and rather heartless when it comes to Lexi. I mean, how else could someone explain how he treats her??? He seems to just use her as a means to his wicked ends. Lexi obviously loves him, so I had hoped that he would straighten up during the first two books, but no such luck.
Ramsey was supposed to be different. He was supposed to care about her feelings and be compassionate, but it turns out all he wanted to do was ease his own twisted soul by using Lexi for his own twisted, wicked ends. Oh, and Parker...really? I mean, I knew that he was initially attracted to Lexi because she strongly resembles Parker, but I never suspected how he really viewed Lexi during that first meeting...ugh! Now I'm pretty sure that he's not good enough for Lexi either.
After reading this I would have to say that neither of them are good choices for Lexi. They are both two selfish and shallow to really love her. I mean, Jack doesn't have what it takes to cowboy up and claim the women he "loves" and Ramsey is still so stuck on Parker that he can't see straight. My advice to Lexi would be to take a long vacation to the Caribbean where she finds a nice, young hottie to take away her pain. It's not the greatest long term plan, but it will make her feel better :)
I love this series but this novel was only just over 120 pages which described jacks POV when he first met Lexi and also Ramsey's POV and then the 1st chapter of the new book. I love these guys but i thought it was a bit of a waste of money to be honest as i already read Ramseys POV for free online when K A linde put it on line, And she also put some of Jacks POV on line which i also read so i didnt think i gained anything from reading it. She did put the first chapter of the new book at the end but i didnt read it because i want to wait for the whole book to be released so i can enjoy the whole story. I have loved this series though and it did get me in the mood for reading the next book.
I didn't read Shades of Pink so I was glad Kyla decided to publish it separately. I enjoyed reading Jack and Ramsey's POVs but it was too short. It would have been nice to read Jack POV until he told her and to read Ramsey's reaction after he saw her at the country club.
This book put them on a level playing field. Ramsey was a douchebag. I couldn't believe how he treated that girl.
Jack and Ramsey's POVs!!! I love this series especially getting into the minds of the lovable douche Jack and the exquisitely yummy Ramsey! Both characters are a strong presence in Lexi's life! Man it's not easy picking sides, but alas I'm still Team Ramsey and I cannot wait for AT and hopefully Lexi and Ramsey's HEA!! K.A. Linde's writing rocks! This is a an amazing series that makes you feel everything the characters go through and I highly recommend it to everyone!!
I am sitting on the fence with both of these guys. Gotta admit though, Ramsey doesn't come across looking very good in this one when he first meets Lexi. Freaking Parker......
And Jack... my heart swooned for him with this POV... he really wants Lexi but is so scared and STUPID!!!!
But what made this for me was the teaser to AT!!!! As if my heart wasnt already pounding in anticipation for AT... we get this mini teaser!! Bring on December 10!!
Getting Jacks and Ramsey's pov was enlightening. I knew I was on team jack for a reason! Ramsey is def too smooth and now I know why. He was attracted to Lexi because she looked like his ex. At least Jack waited to do anything with Lexi until him and Danielle broke up.
Must admit I was a bit disappointed with this, didn't really learn anything new. The first chapter of the next book starts 2 years after the last, I hope we find out what happens in between.