Embattled Home

Book Review of  Embattled Home (Lost and Found series)

Title: Embattled Home

Series: Lost and Found

Author: J.M. Madden

Date Published: April 27th 2014

The Blurb: 

His Marine training taught him that failure is never an option regardless of circumstances. That certainly applies to Chad's need to stop Lost and Found's deranged client from using the information he gathered to stalk and abuse his ex. Falling in love with the broken woman and her sweet daughter in the middle of rescuing them is definitely not the best timing. But it's also inevitable. In Book 3 of this heart-warming military romance series, Chad will discover that protecting Lora is a much easier task than proving he’s the one man she can finally trust with her heart. 

Weeks of no incriminating evidence should have clued him in sooner about who was the real victim. Now Chad Lowell is wracked with guilt after the woman he’s assigned to investigate is attacked by her abusive ex-husband right under his nose. Lora and her little girl are in incredible danger, and he vows to protect them at all costs, whether the angry and hurt woman wants him to or not. His Marine training makes the protecting part easy, but nothing he does seems to make Lora want to take a chance on him or his love. 

Lora O’Neil left a life of abuse to make a new start for herself and her daughter. When her ex hires Lost and Found Investigative Service to track her down, she’s left reeling both physically and emotionally. The private detective that had been watching her for the past couple of months did finally come to her rescue, but does that mean she should now trust him to help her turn their lives around? The sexy former Marine makes her body feel things she thought she’d never feel for a man again, but she just can’t imagine what it would take for her to heal enough to ever say yes.

My Review

4.5 Coming home stars

Wow another great book for the Lost and Found Series!!!!! I was looking forward to Chad's book since The Embattled Road and it did not disappoint. This book starts out raw and shows the ugly and true side of domestic violence, rape and it's lingering effects

Chad Lowell has been watching Lora O’Neil for weeks now. His client, Lora's ex husband swears she is a wild party girl and a danger to their daughter Mercy. It is Chad's job to find some dirt on her and to report back, but in all the time he has been watching the beautiful Lora the only thing he sees is that she is a great mother. One night while watching her home he hears a crash of glass and a female scream and goes to check it out. What he finds is Lora's Ex husband his client attacking and trying to rape Lora right under his nose. Feeling guilty and heartsick he vows to protect Lora and her daughter from her evil ex no matter what!

Chad:

I loved Chad he was a southern sweetheart , who knows how to treat a woman with respect and love. He oozes southern charm! He is very protective, brave, with a strong sense to do the right thing. Funny, laid back, and truly understanding, he gives Lora the time and strength she needs to overcome all the pain she is dealing with. 

“I’m sorry. It just pisses me off to no end that a guy would do this to a woman. I’m a Texas boy. Our women are treated with the respect they deserve. I want to take your ex out and beat the shit out of him, then hang him by his balls for the vultures to eat.”


“Then that’s all you need. I’m not pressuring you for anything. Would I like to be in a relationship with you? Hell yes, I would. Though it’s unethical and unwise, I’m seriously attracted to you. But there’s no time limit on it. I’ve been attracted to you for a long time and I’m willing to wait ten times that long if that’s what it takes.”


“I will never judge you,” he whispered into the darkness, his words hitting her heart like a cannonball. “What was done to you should never happen to any woman. I know you feel like you need to make a stand against him, but I don’t want you to rush this. I plan on being here for the long haul, no matter what. Okay?”

Lora:

Dealing with being raped, beatin, abused, and harassed by her ex husband and ex mother n law, Lora is fearful of men! She doesn't trust anyone, and feels alone, with only her daughter, Mercy, she is determined to protect her at all costs. I love that Lora's character didn't just jump into the sack with a guy after the abuse she went through. J.M. Madden showed the real side of rape, abuse and the after effects. I love that even with all the pain and fear Lora has a strong side that is trying to resurface. She wants to reclaim her life and not let her ex husband steal anymore of her life or happiness away, but like true life it is a long road to healing. It made Lora very human and likable.

“Do you think you can…” She paused to drag in a deep breath. “Do you think you can kiss me?” Chad straightened in the water, his eyes latching onto hers. “Is that what you want?”She forced her head up and down, but began to have second thoughts. Chad must have seen something in her expression because he shook his head. “As much as I want to, I’m not going to kiss you. You’re going to kiss me. That way you will know when you need to stop. If you need to stop. Do you understand?”


Lora cringed, just a bit. “I know it’s not ideal, but I’m tired of living with him on my shoulder. I can’t do anything without worrying. I’m ready to take back my life.”


“Chad, stop it. I’m not crying because you hurt me. I’m crying because it was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. You need to not freak out every time I react to something. You’re making me grow, and I appreciate that more than I can ever tell you.”

I love the patience, strength,and encouragement that Chad gives Lora. He is there for her and puts her first before his own wants and needs. I loved how Lora found the courage to go for Chad. Even when she would get frightened, freak out , run, or cry she would still come back and try again. They both were true overcomers. I loved Chad with Mercy. I thought the whole book was very realistic. I love J.M. Madden's no nonsense, cut through the crap to get to the heart and beauty of real life writing style. I am a fan girl for life and I will read anything she writes!!!!

Favorite moment from the book:

Moving from the couch, he went down on one knee in front of Mercy, sitting on the floor. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny gold ring. “Mercy O’Neil, will you marry me and be my awesome daughter? To have and to hold, in muddy times and clean? And help me keep your mother happy and safe?” Mercy nodded her head as hard as she could, laughing and crying at the same time. She flung her arms around Chad’s neck and sobbed. Lora’s eyes were leaking as well, so overcome with love that he had thought to include Mercy. But then he turned his damp eyes to her and she was rocked with the deep-in-her-heart knowledge of what was coming next. Levering to his feet, still holding Mercy against him, he circled the table to kneel in front of her. Then he reached into that pocket again and pulled out a shining white gold solitaire ring. His eyes incredibly kind, he held it out. “Lora O’Neil, would you do me the honor of wearing my ring? I promise to protect you and love you as long as I’m allowed, in whatever way I’m allowed, and I promise to always have Starlight mints at the ready.”

I can't wait for Duncan's book!

Embattled Minds

Book Review of  Embattled Minds (Lost and Found series)

Title: Embattled Minds

Series: Lost and Found

Author: J.M. Madden

Date Published: June 30th 2013

The Blurb: 

Zeke Foster has little to no experience with women over the past couple of years, after being injured in Afghanistan. Brutally scarred, he has no expectation that he’ll ever find a woman capable of accepting him the way he is. But he can’t help but be enamored of Ember, the waitress of a local watering hole.

Ember Norton’s life has turned into one devastating catastrophe after another. When the scarred soldier with the kind eyes brings some security to her life, she’s afraid to trust her luck. She’s been self-sufficient for a long time. But his wounded soul calls to her and she finds herself falling for him.
In spite of the secrets he continues to keep. 

My Review

                       4.5 Oorah! Stars

Wow Embattled Minds is the second book in the Lost and found series and It was better than the first!

Zeke Foster was injured while in Afghanistan serving as a Marine. He suffered a TBI (traumatic brain injury )and is scarred all over his body, but mainly his face. He speaks with a stutter. Working for Lost ‘N’ Found Investigative Service has been a real blessing for him. His bosses are great. They understand his needs and the limitations that come along with his injuries. Even though he is doing the best he can and trying to get his life together he is struggling with a lot of insecurities about his looks and very embarrassed and self conscious that he stutters and has a hard time putting his words together. He and his buddies from work have been hitting the local bar and grill every Saturday, where a little dark haired waitress has caught his eye. 

Zeke was sweet, and sexy as hell. I melted the way he was with Ember's son. The way he helped and protected Ember being her strength when she needed him showed what a great guy he is . My heart broke for his struggles. I felt his fear, his frustration, and his pain. His imperfections made him beautiful and courageous and damn if he wasn't a sexy beast in bed! 

“I appreciate the sacrifices you made for your men and our country, but if you ever lay a hand on Ember again, accident or otherwise, I think I’ll have to teach you some manners.”


“You’ve d-d-drugged me. I couldn’t think of anything but you last night and this morning.”


“I would walk over g-glass for you, in a damn hospital gown with my ass h-hanging out. And your son is brilliant. I look forward to playing Legos with him again.” He dared to reach out and tuck some hair behind her ear. “And I love you because you’re the only one that sees me, not the scars or the h-history, just me. You scare the hell out of me with how much you see.”


Ember Norton has been watching Zeke and his buddies come into her place of work every Saturday. She doesn't know why, but she is drawn to Zeke like no other. Tall as hell and built like a shit, brick house. He has scars all over his face, and he stutters, but that doesn't bother her in the least. She talks and flirts with him every time he comes in and tries to find a reason to touch that body every chance she gets, but when her dad, a ex Vietnam vet has a episode and ends up hitting her and sending her to the hospital, Zeke steps up and helps her in one of the worst times of her life, Sparks fly........

Ember was so brave and strong. The way she loved and accepted Zeke's flaws was heartwarming! I love the way she opened her heart to Zeke and gave him her all, showing him over and over again just how sexy, and strong she found him. Letting him see how much she needed him and how safe he made her feel! 

“Now wait a minute. You’ve been with me all day. I’m not blind and I’m definitely not cruel. You know that. I actually do think you’re good-looking. Hell, you’re built like a damn underwear model and have the prettiest ice-blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Yes, you have scars, but they certainly don’t bother me, or turn me off. If anything, they turn me on, because they tell me exactly the kind of man you are.”


"Quit saying that, damn it! You have no idea what I’m thinking. Yes, I am attracted to you, but the only thing fugly about you is your attitude right now.”


“What a freaking ridiculous…” she lunged to her feet, throwing her hands in the air, “senseless, egotistical Marine thing to do! All this protective, defensive bullshit has to stop. I won’t stand for it. I told you flat out that I loved you. I think I loved you when you kicked those college kids out after they grabbed my ass. I know I loved you that day in my office when you held me in your arms as if you couldn’t let me go and let me cry out my frustration. I love your looks, even though,” she glared at him, “you went and changed them without telling me.”


“But your looks aren’t why I love you. You’re strong and resilient and have a heart of absolute gold, and I can tell when you touch me that you would walk over glass for me. Most especially, I love the way you treat my child, with respect and encouragement.”

I loved this book. Found Ember and Zeke's relationship sexy and romantic. Enjoyed everything about this book. The only reason it's not a 5 Star is I wanted it to be longer. I need more , it was too good and I didn't want it to stop! Great read I would 100% recommend this series! 

Favorite Quote: He waited until she met his gaze. “I do love you.” Her face eased and relaxed into a smile. “I love you, too.” “I want you and Drew to marry me.” The nurse lifted the mask completely from him, sniffed and tactfully left the room. Ember’s brown eyes were wide and luminous with tears. One slipped down her cheek. “And I can speak for Drew when I say we want to marry you too. He already told me you needed a family. Our family.”

God I love this series. On to the next book :)

Embattled Hearts

Book Review of  Embattled Hearts (Lost and Found series)

Title: Embattled Hearts

Series: Lost and Found

Author: J.M. Madden

Date Published: December 13th 2013

The Blurb: 

John Palmer hasn't felt like a real man since he was injured during combat in Iraq. Though not content with his new life, he is mostly adapting, just like the other vets at the Lost ‘N’ Found Investigative Service. When Shannon Murphy is hired on as the new office manager, life suddenly gets a lot more interesting. Before long, John finds himself wondering if he could ever be the kind of man Shannon needs.

Shannon Murphy wasn't really looking for love when she hired on at LNF, but finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sex-on-wheels former Marine, John Palmer. The man is grumpy and nearly impossible to work with, but his brand of masculinity appeals to her on a basic level. Soon Shannon is wondering just what it would take for John to want her the way she wants him.

When an old enemy tries to settle a vendetta against Shannon, John insists on protecting her. He moves into her house, fanning the spark of attraction into a blaze. But the danger continues to escalate. Will the connection that they've found survive when they’re thrust into a fight for their lives?

My Review

              4 I only wanted you! Stars

If you have not read The Embattled Road the prequel to this book, you should check it out. It will help you get to know the men in this series better and give you a look into their past. Embattled Hearts is the first book in the Lost and Found series. 

John Palmer is a former Gunnery Sergeant . He was badly injured in Iraq ending his Military career and leaving him in a wheelchair. John has no family and the only friends he has is the two Military brothers that he went into business with Chad and Duncan. For the last few years John has been picking up the pieces of his life and doing the best he can. Working for Lost and Found helps, but he is still grumpy and bitter over his disability. Six months ago they hired a new office manager Shannon Murphy, and he wants her bad. Feeling insecure and like less of a man, John doesn't feel like he has anything to offer her. Shannon has been crushin on her boss John since she met him six months ago. She has never wanted anyone as much as his grumpy, sexy ass. When her troubled past catches up with her, John becomes her protector. 

John: Was very real for me. He was angry, vulnerable, bitter, but trying to deal with what life has tossed at him. I love that he doesn't get out of his chair. In some books they all get the miracle cure, everything is fixed and they all live HEA, but not in this book. John has to overcome his insecurities and embarrassment of his disability. It makes him a real and wonderful character, with human flaws that are endearing. I fell hard for John!

"Shannon, I don’t want you to be…disappointed." He could feel his face burn with humiliation, and was thankful it was fairly dark in the bedroom. "Things don’t always happen the way I expect them to, if they happen at all."



“I can’t promise you anything beyond this, Shannon. Hell, maybe nothing will happen. My body isn't like it used to be. But I can make sure you’re taken care of.”


“I feel like I let you down, with everything. I guess I’m feeling defensive. Useless, to be blunt.”

Shannon: I loved Shannon as well. She was loving, and understanding. She gave him dignity and respect. She didn't look down on him and most of all she made him feel like a Man!

“I like you. A lot. I wasn't flirting with that cop because he didn't do anything for me. You’re the one that makes my heart race.”



"John, like I told you before, we can do as much or as little as you want. There’s no pressure, other than what you’re putting on yourself. I love being with you. If lying beside me is what you’re comfortable with, that’s what we’ll do."

This book was touching and sweet. Their relationship felt real, gritty and raw! These two characters complemented each other beautifully. I rooted for them, felt their pain and their struggles. 

“But I didn't want any of the other guys here. I only wanted you.” He frowned at her and shook his head, as if that wasn't what he wanted to hear. “I don’t know why. I’m a crippled, bitter, grumpy ass who swears too much.” “I know, but I've been half in love with you for months.” His eyes flared with heat before he looked down at his lap. “No, you’re not.”Shannon smacked him on the knee. “Don’t tell me I’m not in love with you.”



“And it doesn't apply to you. You’re the first person I've ever been with who doesn't make me want to shoot somebody out of boredom. You have spunk and heart and you’re sexy as hell, and you don’t mind my shit. And lady,” he said with a sigh, “I come with a lot of shit. I have a lot of baggage, and though I don’t mean to spew it on you, I know I will. I’ll tell you I’m sorry now and every day for the rest of my life.” He reached out and tugged her to lie across his lap. “But I'll also tell you I love you every day, which I do. I do not fucking deserve you. I know that. I've not done anything in this life to be given a gift like you. But I will cherish you, and honor you, as much as I possibly can. You make me feel like a man, and I cannot tell you how much I need that.”

This book is beautifully written, has tons of action, romance, and hot sex, but it didn't have a ton of silly drama which was nice. I loved this book and would totally recommend it to anyone who loves Military romances and broken heroes finding the love of a good woman!

The Embattled Road

Book Review of  The Embattled Road (Lost and Found series)

Title: The Embattled Road

Series: Lost and Found

Author: J.M. Madden

Date Published: December 5th, 2012

The Blurb: 

In the harrowing prequel to The Lost and Found series, three embattled Marines must deal with their devastating physical and emotional injuries in a world that seems to have turned against them. 
When the rescue helicopter crashes into his convoy in Iraq, Marine First Sergeant Duncan Wilde struggles with the loss of men, his career and the use of his body. Things can't get much worse. Until his fiancée decides she has to move on with her life, and that of her unborn child by another man.
Sergeant Chad Lowell knew when he went to war that it would come with a price. And it did. A young Marine under his command is killed by a landmine. Chad's left with one less leg and a mountain of recriminations. That doesn't mean he wants to be a pitied by every female he comes in contact with.
Gunnery Sergeant John Palmer is furious at the hand he's been dealt. He's served his country faithfully, if not without antagonism, for many years. Now they're turning him out like a relative who has overstayed his welcome. And, since he's not even a real man anymore, maybe it is time to move on permanently. 
Can these wounded warriors use a friendship borne out of adversity to form a partnership rescuing others? And can they find real love in spite of their challenges?

My Review

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Wow this little novella was a beautifully emotional journey of 3 Marines injured in Iraq. As they learn to deal with their disabling injuries, they develop a friendship with each other that leads to them going into business together. I loved this little Novella. John, Chad, and Duncan have already stolen my heart. J.M. Madden grabs you, drawing you in and getting you invested in these heroes, who have given up so much for their country, and are now trying to figure out where they belong in this world, when they can no longer be Marines! There are no love interest in this book and it was still awesome. The guys all had such strong, intriguing personalities that they feel real! I think J.M. Madden really touched on the issues our soldier face when they come home from war injured or not. The struggles they face. The sacrifices they make. So touching I can't wait to read this series! I have always had a thing for Military men, and if this book is any indication I have a feeling I am going to love this series!