Fighting Redemption

Book Review of Fighting Redemption 

Title: Fighting Redemption

Series: Novel

Author: Kate McCarthy

Date Published:December 2nd 2013

Date Read:    October 07 to 11, 2015

The Blurb:

Ryan Kendall is broken. He understands pain. He knows the hand of violence and the ache of loss. He knows what it means to fail those who need you. Being broken doesn’t stop him wanting the one thing he can’t have; Finlay Tanner. Her smile is sweet and her future bright. She’s the girl he grew up with, the girl he loves, the girl he protects from the world, and from himself.

At nineteen, Ryan leaves to join the Australian Army. After years of training he becomes an elite SAS soldier and deploys to the Afghanistan war. His patrol undertakes the most dangerous missions a soldier can face. But no matter how far he runs, or how hard he fights, his need for Finlay won’t let go.

Returning home after six years, one look is all it takes to know he can’t live without her. But sometimes love isn’t enough to heal what hurts. Sometimes people like him can’t be fixed, and sometimes people like Finlay deserve more than what’s left.

This is a story about war and the cost of sacrifice. Where bonds are formed, and friendships found. Where those who are strong, fall hard. Where love is let go, heartache is born, and heroes are made. Where one man learns that the hardest fight of all, is the fight to save himself.

My Review

      2.5 Just didn't work for me Stars

              

                      *Spoilers below *

I feel like the odd man out here. Like everyone of my Goodreads Friends loved this book. Like they wanted to give it 6 stars out of 5. I wanted to like this book so much. I mean it has some of my favorite things in it. Military men, a baby, love each other their whole life and best friend's sister. I mean it had all the makings for me to think I would love it, but I didn't. I was about 10% into the book when I knew my ass was in trouble, but I held out because I hoped the love would redeem all the other stuff that bugged me. It didn't. This book hit on so many of my pet peeves, cheating, cowardly fear making one of the MC push the other away to an extreme, and long separation of the H&H. Add in all the drama, and angst, and not nearly enough happy moments to balance it out. This book just left me sad, annoyed, and unsatisfied.

Before I start to tell you what all didn't work for me in this book let me just say that even though this book wasn't my jam, I could tell by the writing that the author is extremely talented and that I would try other books by her. That being said here is a list of all the things in this book that left a bitter taste in my mouth and ruined this read for me.

1. Fin loses her virginity to her bf Ian who is not the hero Ryan. It is written in great detail her making love to Ian, not Ryan. And even though they are not together, they both already have feelings for each other. Also it may not have bugged me so much if her being with another man wasn't so detailed. 

2. Ryan leaves for 6 years without saying a word to her. For 6 years no letters, no email, no calls nothing. 

3. I feel so bad for Ian. Fin does him dirty. Fin dates Ian for years, but when he wants to move in together and take the next step because he is madly in love with her she holds him at arms length. Then when Ryan comes home after 6 years of cutting her off, she lets Ryan touch her and kiss her. Yes she does stop before sleeping with him , but if you have a bf and you're kissing someone else and they have their hand on your breast,and ass, and you are kissing them back it's cheating. It felt like she used Ian as a filler, because she couldn't have who she really wanted. 

4. Ryan drove me crazy the way he wanted Fin but would push her away, want her, nope not good enough for her, but I want, can't have her, I can't live without her, I will leave for her own good ......blah blah blah. I felt like the book went in circles. Ryan acting like a coward causes Fin and himself a ton of pain, and made me wanna slam my head into a wall.

5. Ryan doesn't man the fuck up until almost the end of the book and only after he finds out she is pregnant. 

6. The story jumps around a lot. 5 years here, 6 months there, 2 months here, 8 weeks there, on and on. I felt like I was missing big chucks of the story. I can understand jumping forward every once in a while in a story, there are so many in this book it's crazy.


All that being said there was some moments in this book that totally broke my heart and had me emotional, and there was some sweet moments with Fin and Ryan, I loved Jake, and the writing was good. And for those reasons I am giving this book a 2.5 stars. Though I didn't really get into this book I didn't hate it. I just dislike more about it than I liked. I am the minority in my views on this book and almost all my friends loved it so I would tell anyone who wants to read it to go for it. 

Fully Ignited

Book Review of Fully Ignited (Boston Fire Series)

Title: Fully Ignited

Series:Boston Fire Series

Author: Shannon Stacey 

Date Published: February 23nd 2016

Date Read:    February 21, 2016

The Blurb:When Jamie Rutherford takes a temporary assignment as lieutenant of Boston Fire’s Engine 59, she doesn’t anticipate any problems. She’s been in the fire service for a long time and, even though she’s fairly new to Boston, she knows how to make any firehouse her home. What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to firefighter Scott Kincaid.

Scott is looking for a wife. It’s been a fun ride as a single guy, but he’s tired of being the third wheel, and nearly losing his brother-in-law finally made him realize just how much he wants a family of his own. When the new guy at the firehouse turns out to be a capable, confident and very attractive woman, his plan is completely derailed.

Hooking up with a fellow firefighter has never been part of Jamie’s plan, but she’s tempted by Scott—even though getting involved with him could tarnish the reputation she’s worked so hard for. And Scott can’t stop thinking about Jamie, despite the fact that she’s his superior and not sticking around. Chemistry can crush the best-laid plans, though, and while Jamie and Scott might not be each other’s future…there’s no resisting the right 

My Review

                      4 Temporary Stars

* May have mild Spoilers and sexy firefighter gifs*

Fully Ignited the 3rd book in the Boston Fire series was a wonderful read. I loved the book before this one Controlled Burn, but I loved this one more. This was a nice laid back read. No crazy over the top drama to tie my gut in knots. Just me relaxing and enjoying Scott and Jamie's love story. 

Scott was yummy, hot tempered, and a bit of a reformed playboy. He use to date a lot but he wanted to have the real deal marriage, love, and a family. So he took a break from dating til he could find a woman worth while. Someone he could really see himself being with long term. I really liked Scott. I felt he was very realistic and I liked him having a little bit of a temper because sometimes heroes can be too perfect making them unrelatable. Of course he was a charming firefighter, so really he could pretty much do no wrong in my eyes. 

Jamie was so awesome. She was this kick ass women in a almost all male field. She was this hard worker who proved herself ever bit as good as the men in her field. She was not only a firefighter she was a respected lieutenant. Jamie had a cute, playful disposition, but she took her work serious. Even though Jamie was a firefighter she was still very sexy and feminine just not high maintenance.

Jamie and Scott had a ton of heat and they didn't fight their passion. I loved that their relationship for the most part was honest, mature, and that they respected each other. I really loved the other guys at the fire station. They were all so cute and playful. There was a real brother like feel to their group. I really liked Scott's sisters too. After I read Controlled Burn, the book before this one I was kinda upset at the ending. I felt it didn't give me enough closure. So I was happy to get to catch up with that past couple Jessica and Rick and find out what was happening with them. I also enjoyed this ending much better. I felt it wrapped the story up so well, and gave me a sweet HEA. A great read I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice low drama read.

The Asset

Book Review of The Asset  (Wounded Warrior Series)

Title: The Asset

Series:Wounded Warrior Series

Author: Anna Del Mar 

Date Published: February 22nd 2016

Date Read:    February 19, 2016

The Blurb:

Ash Hunter knows what it is to run. A SEAL gravely injured in Afghanistan, he’s gone AWOL from the military hospital. Physically and mentally scarred, he returns home to his grandmother’s isolated cottage—and finds a beautiful, haunted stranger inside.

Like recognizes like.

Lia Stewart’s in hiding from the cartel she barely escaped alive, holed up in this small Rocky Mountain town. Surviving, but only just. Helping the wounded warrior on her doorstep is the right thing to do…it’s loving him that might get them both killed.

Soon, Ash realizes he’s not the only one tormented by the past. Pushing the limits of his broken body, testing the boundaries of her shattered soul, he’ll protect Lia until his last breath.

My Review

                         3 Everest stars 

The Asset by Anna del Mar sounded so good. It had some of my favorite things in it. Military men being at the top of that list, but sadly for me this was just a mediocre read. I thought it started strong, and grabbed my interest. I liked Ash. I liked his damaged testy self. I thought he was sexy, smart, and sweet under all the gruff. I also liked Lia. I thought she was brave, sweet, and a fighter. But I had a few problems with the book. For one the book really dragged for the first half. It took me almost 3 days to read this book, and for me who whips through books within a day most of the time, that is like forever. Also I felt a total disconnect with Lia and Ash's relationship. It felt very superficial to me. I felt like I missed big parts of their relationship which leads to another problem I had with this book. It kinda jumped around. Don't get me wrong jumping forward in books is fine at times, but I felt this book jumped past or just skimmed important details of their relationship that would have helped us readers connect with them, feel their love, understand how they even fell in love to begin with. With that being said. The sex in this book was steaming. Anna del Mar can write some really sexy scenes. Also her bad guy was top notch evil and creepy. This book got dark at times. Lia's past was a hard one to read about. I really liked the other guys in this book especially Will. I wouldn't mind reading Will's book if he gets one. Overall I felt this author and series shows potential. This is her first book in the series, and I am always more lenient when it comes to the first book in a series. Though this wasn't a great hit with me I would give this author another shot. Especially if it's Will's book "HINT HINT". 

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Darkest Before Dawn

Book Review of Darkest Before Dawn (KGI Series)

Title: Darkest Before Dawn

Series: KGI Series

Author: Maya Banks 

Date Published: October 27th 2015

Date Read:    December 24, 2015

The Blurb: 

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t...

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they've known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock's true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he's been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She's the only woman who's ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he's spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.” 

My Review

1.5 Pissed Off Stars

Oh there will be spoilers and lots of gifs!!

I am so pissed and disappointed right now! I have waited forever for my beloved Hancock's story. His story had such potential. My Hancock, the super soldier, cold, hard, but good and redeemable under it all. That is not what I got here. See that is the problem when you love a character so much and you wait for their book, sometimes it doesn't live up to your expectations. Well this book didn't just let me down, it blew my dreams of a yummy Hancock love to hell! 

The first 30% of the book was so boring, repetitive, and tedious it took everything in me to power through. Repeating over and over the same lines, thoughts, and inner- struggle. Then over the top, unnecessary details are the reason it took 50 pages to say what could have been covered in 10 tops. At points my eyes glazed over and I just prayed for it to be over!

So in the first half of the book I really liked Honor. I thought she was brave, sassy, and a fighter. She had a sweet caring heart and a ton of courage. Then it's like at about the 60% mark she turned into someone else completely. Someone so over the top ridiculous, and unrealistic that I could no longer relate to her and felt a complete disconnect. Come on, you want me to believe that this woman, this fighter, or any woman for fuck sake, would all of a sudden just be ok with being a sacrificial lamb for the greater good? She not only is okay with dying she knows she will be raped repeatedly, and tortured beyond belief before said death will come and then the death will be slow and painful, but hey she's okay with that. It's cool.

“And I forgive you, for what it’s worth. You’re right. What is the good of the one compared to the good of the many?”-Honor

Oh and of course I am suppose to believe that after she is nearly raped twice, beaten during both almost rapes, Hancock betraying her, breaking her trust, and planning to hand her over to hell, She wants him to be her first lover. You know so that her first time isn't from rape since she is going to be raped over and over. 

“Would you . . . Would you make love to me? Now? Before you have to give me to Maksimov? Will you show me just once what it should be like so that I’ll know? So that I’ll have that one memory of something beautiful, something that no one else can ever touch. That can never be tainted no matter what else is done to me. So that when another man . . . hurts me, I can retreat to this moment and hold on. Shut out everything but this one perfect night. Will you do this for me?”-Honor

She deserved a gentle initiation. Not down-and-dirty fucking. He closed his eyes, swearing at his choice of thoughts. The idea of other men holding her down, raping her like mindless animals made him sick. His erection lost its rigidity and bleakness entered his soul.-Hancock

That leads to the creepiest sex I have ever read. It was bad, just bad. I mean fuck! The whole time he is "making love" to her he is thinking of how he has to make it good so that when she is being raped she can hold on to this beautiful memory! LOL sure. Hancock the whole time he is fucking her (because that was not making love) is doing it while still planning on turning her over to a fate worse than hell. Because nothing is more romantic then thinking about impending rape while making love for the first time to a traitor.

“Killing is second nature to him. To him killing is as normal as breathing. As eating or drinking. If it gets him what he wants, he does it. He thrives on pain, torment.” He winced again. “Torture. Rape. You can’t imagine the twisted, sadistic things he does to the women he rapes. He’s into every imaginable crime. He has no loyalty except to himself. He deals drugs, guns, bombs. Human trafficking. He’s a fucking pedophile and he indulges himself even as he sells children to people who are as perverted and twisted as he is.”-Hancock about Maksimov

And Hancock, pff his character was destroyed for me. I mean I could understand to a point that he is a harden man and he has to finish the mission for the greater good. But from the minute he started having feelings for Honor he should have changed the plan to sacrifice her. As the book went on I lost all respect and love for him. He was so hypocritical and ludicrous. He was not the same Hancock I grew to love from the other books. He even at one point thinks of how he could save her, he has done it twice before, saved other women. That there would always be another chance to get the bad guy, but he ain't gonna do it. Why? Cause he is tired of chasing the bad guy and letting him slip through his fingers. So fuck Honor. Oh but he feels guilt about it. 

He’d dropped the guise of justice and his pursuit of Maksimov, not once but twice, to save other innocents. So why not Honor? If he were truly honest, he would admit to himself, to his men, that this being their last chance was bullshit. There was always another opportunity given time and patience. But patience was what he was fast running out of. His resolve to end it now had less to do with it being his only shot and a lot more to do with the fact that Hancock was weary and he wanted out. -Hancock

By the time he gets his shit together and decides he isn't giving Honor up. It's too little, too late for me. He was ruined for me. I didn't buy his instant change of heart. I didn't buy his love. I didn't buy that he goes from a heartless prick to a sappy puss that cries all the time in the blink of an eye. And I didn't buy their relationship at all. This book was a total fail for me.

It really upsets me. This book was a total hot mess. like a train wreck that you can't look away from. KGI has always been one of my favorite series. Their stories so awesome, their loves so epic. I can't believe this is a KGI book, let alone my Hancock's book. I feel so let down. I really hope this isn't going to be the new norm for the KGI books, because I can't take much more of this shit. 

The Hunter Bride

Book Review of The Hunter Bride (Hope's Crossing Series)

Title: The Hunter Bride

Series: Hope's Crossing Series

Author: Cynthia Woolf

Date Published:November 27th 2015

Date Read:   February 13, 2016

The Blurb:Jo Shafter is not your simpering miss. She’s a bounty hunter and a darn good one. For the last five years she’s tracked down the men who killed her parents and little brother. Finally, she captured ringleader and sent him to prison. Now Jo can begin the new life she wants more than anything, that of a wife with a husband and children. Manlier than most of the men of her acquaintance, she becomes a mail-order bride. 

Sam Longworth is the sheriff of Hope’s Crossing. He wants a wife to cook and clean and give him children, a demure miss who won’t give him any trouble. One who will be happy with the simple life he leads. 

A nemesis from Jo’s past shows up with murder on his mind and Jo is drawn back into her old life in order to protect not only herself but Sam. 

Both Sam and Jo have secrets from their past. Can they build a happy marriage when neither trusts the other with the full truth or will the secrets drive them apart? 

My Review

                 3 Keeping Secrets Stars

Cynthia Woolf is not a new author to me. I have read two of her series, The Tame series and Matchmaker & Co series both of which I loved. I also have 5 of her books waiting on my kindle for me to read, so needless to say I am a fan. The Hunter Bride was missing something for me. I liked it okay, but it didn't really grab me like some of her other books have. I liked Jo, thought she was brave and a little sassy. I also liked Sam thought he was sweet and maybe a little cavemanish (that's a word right? lol) but for back then that was totally normal, and hey we all love it when our men go a little caveman now and then. But I felt some of the things Jo and Sam said were kinda cheesy. Then at times it felt to me, like their relationship was forced or rushed. Now this is a short book like 127 pages so maybe that's why. Whatever the reason this book for me was just okay overall. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it, I wasn't bored, I just was. Still it was a cute, quick, and entertaining read. 

His Reason to Stay

Book Review of His Reason To Stay (In the Line of Duty Series)

Title: His Reason To Stay 

Series: In The Line OF Duty Series

Author: Cathryn Fox

Date Published:February 16th 2016

Date Read:   February 11, 2016

The Blurb:

"They made one beautiful mistake. The consequences could haunt them for life."

"In the Line of Duty," Book 6

From the moment the Nelson brothers took a lonely young girl from the wrong side of the tracks under their wing, Rachel Andrews loved them both with all her heart. But it was James who won her hand.

Now widowed, she s trying to pick up the pieces for her daughter s sake as well as her own, but once again loneliness is her closest friend until James s brother comes back to town. The man she secretly wishes had asked her first.

Army ammunitions expert Kyle Nelson would rather face live fire than face the raw reminder that the woman he loved chose his brother over him, but he s tired of running. And ready to step up to be the man everyone needs him to be especially the young niece he s never met.

As time runs short before Kyle ships out again, the desire Kyle and Rachel have suppressed breaks free in a fiery rush. Tempting her to reveal a secret that could give him a reason to stay or burn their love to ash.

"Warning: Contains a hot military man who will steal your panties as well as your heart."

My Review

                       5 All of you Stars

"Sweetie, one look at you and I could tell you had sex last night." "Shh." She glanced around to make sure of the patrons entering or exiting the store had heard Sara. She lowered her voice. "What gave it away?" Sara pursed her lips and circled her finger in front of Rachel's face. "The glazed look in your eyes, the way your skin is glowing. Those are all tells, but the biggest giveaway is in the way you're walking." "What?" she said mortified as Sara laughed. "I was not walking funny," she shot back. "You kind of were." She licked her lips. "He was big, huh?"-Sara and Rachel

OMG Wow this book! So this is the second book I have ever read by Cathryn Fox and I just freakin loved it. So a few months ago I came across a book on Netgalley called His Best Friend's Girl by Cathryn Fox. I had never heard of her but the book sounded good so I requested and got it. When I read it I loved it. Matt was so yummy and I really connected to Cathryn Fox's writing style. So when His Reason to Stay hit Netgalley I didn't even think twice about requesting it. His Reason To Stay was better then His best Friend's Girl and that is saying something with how much I loved Matt's story! Kyle and Rachel story blew me away. It was emotional and sweet. I sat there reading it with a silly grin on my face almost the whole time. 

"Rach... Fuck.... I..." He brushed his thumb over her cheek, his touch so caring and gentle it took her breath away. "You what?" she asked. "I...I need...I fucking need, okay." "Then take." "Take what you need, Kyle." Her hand went to his chest, the soothing balm in her palm cool on his heated skin. His cock surged to life. "Take what you need and give me only what you can give."-Kyle and Rachel

Kyle was sexy as hell which I am beginning to think is a trait all the men in Cathryn Fox's books have. He was strong, supportive, and outspoken. Kyle was a giver, always putting others needs and happiness before his own. Kyle down played all his strong suits so his older brother James could shine. Kyle and James were both in love with Rachel and Kyle always putting his brothers needs before his own stepped back. Kyle felt a ton of guilt over his feelings for Rachel especially after his brother died. Kyle was charming and a bit kinky in the bedroom. The way he was with little Ava (Rachel's daughter) melted my heart. Nothing is sexier, NOTHING..... than a man who loves and cares for a child. Good fathers(by blood or love) = Sexy beast! Just Sayin' Add in the fact that Kyle did dishes and he was a dream come true. Rachel was very down to earth. She was sweet and playful and had that whole cute girl next door thing going on. Both Kyle and Rachel felt very realistic. They acted and did things that I as a reader could relate to. 

"I'm going to fuck you so hard tonight, Rach." "Oh God," she cried out. She swiped her tongue over her bottom lip and he struggled to get himself together. "But first I'm going to run my tongue all over you. Then, just when you think you can't take it anymore, I'm going to slip between your legs and take your pussy into my mouth."-Kyle and Rachel

Kyle and Rachel's chemistry was off the charts. They also had a easiness that came from being close for years. Their relationship was cute and when you add in a small adorable little girl with big blue eyes you have my happy zone! I was all about the cute family moments. I just really enjoyed this read. I said it too with Matt's book, and I will say it again I have to go back and read all the other books in this series! This small taste isn't enough I need more of the In the Line of Duty series. 

"You. What I want is you. All of you."-Rachel