Enlightened (Untwisted Series): Explosively gripping and filled with erotic passion (The Untwisted Series): 4

And so the Jackson saga continues. “Enlightened”, you may think is foretells the end of the Jackson’s tale and I suppose in some respects it may be doing that but in my heart I truly hope that this will not be the end…call me soppy, but when Alice Raine puts the Jacksons on the back burner it will be like moving away from a friend and losing touch – not something that I am looking forward to.And so to Enlightened. Written from the points of view of all four main protagonists, it is advisable to make a mental note of who is ‘speaking’ so as not to get confused. However, any confusion can be easily overcome with a little re-read, and who’s objecting to that as a course of action?The prologue takes one straight to the wedding planning and with what may be a typically male perspective Nicholas ‘enduring’ the process because he ultimately wants to marry his Becky. So Nicholas and so endearing.Fourteen days later and the planning is still in full force for Nicholas and Rebecca and Nathan and Stella are about to be flung centre stage. Nathan is still evolving; discovering the ‘new’ him as he continues to ‘compromise’ in his relationship with Stella. If you’ve learnt to love Nathan, as I have, then you know that compromise is not something that he is accustomed to.This also brings Nathan’s understandable aversion to marriage to the forefront. What if that is something that Stella wants to be in their future? What if it comes down to marriage or nothing? Knowing that he does want more with her, Nathan once again asks Stella to move in with him.For Stella it brings her uneasiness at the ‘ghosts’ of Nathan’s past that haunt his apartment. It may have been the first that he designed/built and so have a niche in his heart, but that doesn’t make it any easier for Stella to live with. Deciding that he needs to hear the truth, even if it will be hard to hear, Stella lays her cards on the table and explains that she’d always wanted to live in a house with a conservatory. Estate Agents beware; the uncompromising Nathaniel Jackson may be crossing your threshold in the near future.Throughout the wedding planning Nicholas continually surprises both Rebecca and the reader with his genuine thoughtfulness. He may have ‘negotiated’ a split in duties with Rebecca that means he has less of the ‘girly’ things on his plate, but that doesn’t mean that the things that he is doing aren’t done wholeheartedly. Witnessing the rapture he experiences at Becky’s reactions is a joy to behold. Some may see it as excess, but I see it as Nicholas expressing his love and devotion for his one and only Becky and given his start in life it just means so much more.What comes before a wedding? Stag and Hen parties, that’s what. The Stag-do happens a little later so now to the Hen-do.Nathan is dragged in to assisting Stella scout locations in Rebecca’s absence. Nathan? Dragged? Whom I kidding; as far as Stella is concerned, there is nothing Nathan wouldn’t do.He’s using public transport; willingly, although may be a little begrudgingly at times. He suggests and then uses his contacts to get them into the latest club, even if he’s not exactly thrilled at the prospect of Stella out clubbing. It does bring his Dom side out and he petulantly blurts out that ‘he could order’ her not to. His growth is demonstrated when he sulkily admits that it would be easier to do so, not that he is doing so. Not long afterwards, Nathan is demonstrating just how much he has changed when a car arrives to take them ‘home’ after Stella had said that she was tired. But this is Nathan and the car journey is more than just a car journey!Now if there’s one way to get Nathan on edge it’s to put him outside of his comfort zone; and let’s face it he’s there quite regularly nowadays. Take one ill Stella; add to that not being in his apartment, the flamboyant Kenny, a hint of possessiveness and a delirious mumbled truth and the end result is a completely frazzled and determined Nathan who does what Nathan does best, inching his way into hearts as he goes and thankfully Stella is more understanding than most.Not one to be left out, Nicholas is also promptly treading virgin territory as due to Stella’s incapacitation he agrees to accompany Rebecca to check out florists, only to find himself facing Earls Court and all that that entails. But give him his due he acquiesces and puts ‘his’ Becky first.And from flowers to dresses. More accurately bridesmaids’ dresses, fizz and boobs; boobs that endanger a perfectly innocent silver dress.I seem to remember mentioning a Hen-do…you didn’t think that things would go smoothly, now did you? How could it with the ever so slightly over protective and somewhat possessive Nathan knowing where the girls would end up? Without going in to the specifics, Nathan may overreact just a tad. Written in a way that both entertains, allows a certain Mr Jackson to steal a little more of your heart and grows your admiration for Stella’s quick thinking distraction techniques and apparently infinite understanding of her flawed but loveable man. We also learn that the irrepressible Nathan does do ‘sleepovers’.Moreover it is a privilege to observe Nathan’s lighter side develop. Whilst he continues to view the world ’his’ way, and woes betide anyone who defies that view, he can now inject humour whereas one would have been introduced to Mr Downright Dark and Dangerous. That most definitely applies to Stella and her troublesome lower lip.Whilst Nicholas and Rebecca are off enjoying their Arctic Yuletide, an uncharacteristically nervous Nathan is experiencing his first family Christmas in years as he shares the day with Stella and her family. As incongruous as Nathan looks suited and booted for a relaxed family day, it’s just Nathan as we and Stella know and love him.In to the New Year and as Rebecca continues her running routine in preparation for her upcoming nuptials, Stella is finding her usual fitness regime a little tougher previously but due to this joint effort we are treated to the most wonderful visual of the Jackson brothers in full competitive mode in Nathan’s gym – and that can’t fail to bring a smile to a lowly reader’s face.On to the Stag-do. Nicholas shouldn’t have been concerned about Nathan’s ability to construct the perfect occasion: fine dining and speed. Those Jackson brothers and their cars!As you read this book, I’m sure that you’ll have had your suspicions regarding Stella; her fitness, her snug fitting dress and her sickness. Hey presto! Two pink lines are appearing before her traitorous eyes. Once over the initial shock and with a Dr’s confirmation, Stella’s only concern is ‘how will Nathan receive the news?’Fate has a funny way of intervening in life. Ask Stella. Absentmindedly answering your phone without checking caller ID leads to Nathan storming over to her flat after hearing her throwing up. Unable to cope with Stella being ill, Mr Domineering Boyfriend is insistent on a trip to the doctor except that Kenny happens. Engaging one’s brain prior to opening one’s mouth is always a useful trait to possess. Somehow at this instance it doesn’t seem to be Kenny’s strength.History repeats itself in as much as Nathan’s inability to articulate his emotions leads to one hell of a misunderstanding. I’m not one for giving away major plot points and so I’ll suffice in saying that sufficient angst to fill several lifetimes follows, though with a dash of kink thrown in.What follows for Nathan and Stella is as life changing and affirming as Nicholas’ proposal to Rebecca. Although I won’t say how they got there, Nathan surprises Stella by agreeing to move to a new place as long as she agrees to live with him. How could she refuse, it’s what she’s wanted for quite some time. There is a further surprise, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself.Just as all seemed right, the unwelcome possibility of Stella wanting marriage shatters Nathan’s serenity and he suggests yet another compromise. In typical Nathan style it doesn’t go smoothly, but it does ‘go’. To those of you familiar with their story it won’t come as much of a surprise but again, I don’t want to spoil the anticipation….One’s attention turns back to the younger Jackson and his beautiful Becky. The day finally arrives. No spoilers from me. In place of further details, I would like to thank Alice for how beautifully written the pre-wedding and wedding are. I for one am envious of both Rebecca and Stella and their Jackson men.Epilogue: Hi William xAnd so I find myself with a single Jackson instalment to go. It is akin to reluctantly waving off a treasured friend with hope in one’s heart and a tear in one’s eye…to “Christmas with Nathan”.

I'm writing the review for the whole set of four books. Alice Raine has a better writing style than that of EL James (and I enjoyed 50). I only mention this because the comparison should help you judge for yourself. Troubled childhood then love finds you seemingly out of nowhere. End the comparison there. You can relate to characters, more believable that they could meet and experience the circumstances they face. The Jackson brothers had an awful start and when you find out about it this sets the scene for the evolution of their characters. The female leads are strong; understanding but not weak - normal, relatable insecurities. Admittedly I'm not normally a fan of the heroine in these types of books and I've read my fair share of adult fiction but I really enjoyed these characters even in their 'lesser' moments. You can actually read them standalone because unlike many writers of a trilogy/quadrilogy etc she doesn't leave a frustrating cliff hanger. This tells you all you need to know about the writer. She let's the books speak for themselves and they do. You WANT to know how the story ends. I loved it and will reread over again.

Well, read this only if you read the first 3 books in the series. The twists and turns are there to keep you going to the nuptials of Nicholas and Rebecca.... beautiful. Plus we get the dom/sub version for Nathaniel and Stella just as moving in it's own way. Boy oh boy how to end....will miss you all.

After reading book one I skipped books two,and three going straight for this thinking it was more about Rebecca and Nicholas. However this book is a mix between those two as well as Nathan and Stella.I felt this book was a bit of a let down really, I just expected and hoped for more.We got the guys mother for all of two seconds, a wedding and a baby.

After reading the other three enlightened books I couldn't wait to read the final instalment and I must say I was a bit disappointed. I understand the author wanted a conclusion to the series and a happy ending, but I was hoping to hear more about the brothers earlier life with their abusive parents ,I thought why bring in the mother for just a few pages of nothing. Most of the book was obviously about the wedding which was sometimes boring and the pregnancy which was also boring at times . All the characters had the potential to be really interesting but by the end I felt I New nothing about them.I felt the author wanted a quick conclusion to the books but lost interest,as I did.

Often get to the end of a book and think 'I wonder what happened next' well this is that book that tells you. Really nicely finishes off all four stories, obviously their lives wouldn't just end like that but when you get to the end you don't feel short changed. Love the journeys and loved the way they were written! Great series of books!

A very fitting ending to a fabulous series,so,so,so sad to have finished them all,every girl need's a Nathan Jackson in their lives...cannot wait for this author's next offering,suffice to say,i will be practically stalking her for release dates!

Just brilliant. This was a perfect 4th book in the series. I have loved them all and Alice has managed to draw me into the lives and loves of the Jackson brothers. I know it could go on into a fifth book but for now that is my imagination. A great ending to a great series. Thank you Alice.