Don't Forget Me Tomorrow (Time River) Paperback – October 4, 2023

Wow, AL Jackson does it again with Ryders and Dakota! This story is an emotional rollercoaster that truly touched my soul. It follows the beautiful journey of Dakota, the best sister, and Ryder, her brother's best friend, who have been in love for years without fully acknowledging it. The depth of their connection and the years of unspoken feelings make for such a powerful and heartfelt romance.What I loved the most about this story was the way Jackson crafted the slow-burn relationship. The chemistry between Ryder and Dakota was undeniable, and as they navigated the emotional complexities of their feelings, it was impossible not to root for them. The twists and surprises that came along the way kept me hooked from start to finish.This book is filled with raw emotion, moments of joy, and heartache that make you feel every single page. If you’re a fan of poignant love stories that leave a lasting impact, Ryders and Dakota is definitely one you don’t want to miss!

Dakota and Ryder. Enough said. I had put off reading this story because I knew I would want to savor the build up between these two. We know from book 1 where they stand. Dakota loved him from afar, and Ryder hooks up with a TON of women. But none of them are ever Dakota. He treats her special but never takes it too far. The hype for this one did NOT disappoint. Ryder sounds ridiculously hot. The epitome of darkness to Dakota's light. I was fearful going in to this one and honestly got a little frustrated with how long the back and forth went on until they acted on their feelings. Their chemistry was legit off the charts. Throw in Dakota's son and I was a goner. I was completely blown away by all of the plot twists AL threw our way- I mean DAMN. The bad guy in this one was determined to keep Ryder under his thumb for as long as possible. I absolutely loved reading the past POVs- it helped bring a clearer picture to their relationship and why Dakota's head was where it was.Dakota doesn't know what to do anymore. Her feelings for Ryder have gotten a little out of control. She wants more with him and doesn't know how to tell him without risking their friendship. He treats her like a queen but never seems to want to cross that line with her. Well things have changed. Someone is trying to scare Dakota. They have broken into her house. Ryder insists her and her son move in with him. But Dakota is scared. She won't be able to pretend anymore. She is convinced he doesn't feel anything for her until she catches him in an awkward situation and OMG does it change the course of everything. At least she thinks it does. But nothing changes. Dakota finally has to go out with someone else for Ryder to realize it's now or never. He keeps telling her that he is too dark. That his soul is too far gone for her to save. But she is determined to help him see that he is a good man. But then she learns the truth. A truth that crushes everything she thought she knew. Now she is on a roller coaster of emotions. Ryder always told her to stay away and maybe he was right.Ryder is living as a shell of a person. He goes out. He sleeps around. But he has no real connections with women besides the one he can never have- his best friend's little sister, Dakota. The Dakota who has been in his life for forever. The Dakota who makes him feel like he is sitting by the sun because of how much she radiates. The one woman he can't get out of his head. He keeps telling her that nothing good can come of them. But she is persistent. And now that her and her son are in his house all bets are off. But what will she think of him when she learns the truth of what he did all those years ago? Of how weak he was and what he sacrificed? Will she prove him wrong? There is only way one to find out. Because now that he has her in his life- there is no way he is going to let her go.I think that this is my favorite one in this series thus far. I just started Cody's though so that may change. It's always fun to see the playboy get put in his place. Dakota and Ryder were just it for me. They had been circling around each other forever and their f*ck it moment was HOT. ALL of the spice scenes were HOT. This man oozed sexiness in my opinion. And he worshiped Dakota the way she deserved. If you are looking for small town romance with some serious suspense, I HIGHLY recommend this series!!

A.L. Jackson beautifully crafts this small town, brother’s best friend, single mom romance. With sensual chemistry, heartfelt moments, angsty tension-this story is brought to life. Jackson’s writing weaves together present with perfectly timed moments of insight from the past, giving the reader the anticipation and pay off of information. This novel is well paced, interestingly plotted, and centers this romance and the building of a family beautifully. This novel is a really lovely addition to the Time River series, a small town romance with a suspenseful sub plot to give some plot tension.Ryder and Dakota’s romance is one that is definitely built on longing and true love and support of the other. There are of course some underlying things that slowly parcel out to the reader and give their relationship obstacle to work through. But at the true heart of this romance are two people who have loved each other for a long time and would do anything for the other. Jackson not only let’s the reader know about the depth of their relationship but also shows us in the moments and actions they each have toward each other. I loved Dakota’s two year old son and how he plays such a beautiful role in the trust and love Ryder and Dakota have for each other and her boy. Jackson also uses the physical side of their relationship to final push them both over the edge and fight for what they both truly want. I love that Ryder through physically can show Dakota that she is a beautiful and desirable woman and that he can’t keep his mind or hand off her. I also love that no matter what stage they are in their relationship that they both always have Dakota’s boy as one of the most important people involved when it comes to decisions about their growth and future.My heart will always be won by a hero who puts a kid first, who love a child as his own, and treats that child and the woman he loves as the most important things in his world. Ryder is that kind of hero. Ryder might not always put himself first. But he always puts Dakota and her son first and through them he learns he also need to prioritize himself. Dakota and Ryder truly teach each other what matters most, how to stand tall and fight for what they desire, and that hard work and persistence will pay off. They teach each other “love is always on the house”.A.L. Jackson is definitely a must read author and this novel and this series is a wonderful place to start!Thank you so much to Valentine PR for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.