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Knockout #1
12 Rounds
Sean (Right-Hook) Reilly knows a few things about himself. One, he's the middle-weight boxing champion of the world with an undefeated record. Two, women find his cocky persona, chiseled biceps, and inked body sexy. Also, the fact that it's known that he doesn't do relationships only adds to his sex appeal. And three, he's Irish, proud of it, and a member of the Braithreachas Don Saol, a branch of the Irish mafia and king pins of the drug cartel taking over the streets of Cleveland.
Connor Doyle(aka Connie) the boss and leader of the Braithreachas Don Saol, has been like a father to Sean, taking him under his wing and teaching him how to survive on the streets after the death of his parents. Sean has never been ungrateful, but has always wanted one thing...
More. More to live for. More to fight for. More to believe in. A chance at a future without drugs or guns. A chance at a future without wondering which day will be his last.
There's only one problem with that. You live by the braithreachas. You die by the braithreachas. And Sean knows whether Connie considers him to be family or not, the only way he'll be leaving the braithreachas is in a body bag.
Hadlee Flax has had a year to overcome her issues. After almost being raped and brutalized, she's putting her best foot forward, seeing a therapist, and has even(with some persuasion from her best friend, Lara) enrolled in self defense classes. And she's doing well moving on with her life until she meets the dark, and conflicted Irish boxing champion of the world, Sean Reilly.
Hadlee is immediately drawn to the gorgeous, cold, and mysterious man who speaks with a slight Irish brogue. She soon learns that there is much more to him than his darkened gaze, cool demeanor, and body covered in tattoos. He's not the type of man she thought he was. And Hadlee finds herself doing something she never thought she would do in the last year...
Falling for a guy.
Falling for Sean Reilly. A man who is on the path to becoming a boxing legend.
One thing Hadlee doesn't know is the other part of Seans' life. His life of drug running, and killing. Or the fact that when he's not boxing he's walking the streets with a gat tucked into the back of his loose jeans, and glancing over his shoulder at every turn.
But it doesn't take Hadlee long to learn that some attractions and relationships can be fatal.
And sometimes...
They just might be worth fighting for.
Connor Doyle(aka Connie) the boss and leader of the Braithreachas Don Saol, has been like a father to Sean, taking him under his wing and teaching him how to survive on the streets after the death of his parents. Sean has never been ungrateful, but has always wanted one thing...
More. More to live for. More to fight for. More to believe in. A chance at a future without drugs or guns. A chance at a future without wondering which day will be his last.
There's only one problem with that. You live by the braithreachas. You die by the braithreachas. And Sean knows whether Connie considers him to be family or not, the only way he'll be leaving the braithreachas is in a body bag.
Hadlee Flax has had a year to overcome her issues. After almost being raped and brutalized, she's putting her best foot forward, seeing a therapist, and has even(with some persuasion from her best friend, Lara) enrolled in self defense classes. And she's doing well moving on with her life until she meets the dark, and conflicted Irish boxing champion of the world, Sean Reilly.
Hadlee is immediately drawn to the gorgeous, cold, and mysterious man who speaks with a slight Irish brogue. She soon learns that there is much more to him than his darkened gaze, cool demeanor, and body covered in tattoos. He's not the type of man she thought he was. And Hadlee finds herself doing something she never thought she would do in the last year...
Falling for a guy.
Falling for Sean Reilly. A man who is on the path to becoming a boxing legend.
One thing Hadlee doesn't know is the other part of Seans' life. His life of drug running, and killing. Or the fact that when he's not boxing he's walking the streets with a gat tucked into the back of his loose jeans, and glancing over his shoulder at every turn.
But it doesn't take Hadlee long to learn that some attractions and relationships can be fatal.
And sometimes...
They just might be worth fighting for.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2012
41 people are currently reading
3298 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Hammond
29 books1,088 followersLauren Hammond knew from a young age that she was born to be a writer. After publishing her first novel in 2007, she then went on to write several screenplays and a few award winning poems.She aspires to be a positive role model for young people who have a pencil, a piece of paper, and a dream. Never give up on your dreams, you might wake up one day and regret not pursuing them.She has two more novels in the works, as well as some film projects
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
October 14, 2013
Sean (Right-Hook) Reilly knows a few things about himself. One, he's the middle-weight boxing champion of the world with an undefeated record. Two, women find his cocky persona, chiseled biceps, and inked body sexy. Also, the fact that it's known that he doesn't do relationships only adds to his sex appeal. And three, he's Irish, proud of it, and a member of the Braithreachas Don Saol, a branch of the Irish mafia and king pins of the drug cartel taking over the streets of Cleveland.
Really liked this one. Was hoping the Irish references would be authentic and they were, just a little issue with no accents on the names and Irish expressions but hey, you can’t be spot on with everything …. Actually you should be and authors should get the details right. But still it did not deter me from enjoying the story.
“That’s what you don’t get, Hadlee. You’re saving me too. Every second I spend with you, you save me a little more. When I’m around you, I want to better myself. I want to be a better man.”
“Don’t you think I’m just as fucked up as you are? I might even be worse.” He pulls me closer and tightens his grip around me. “All I know is that you, Hadlee Flax, are different than any other girl I’ve ever met and I’m willing to give this my all. Yes, we’ve both got issues. We’re both mentally and emotionally fucked up. But I’ve got this theory that we just might be what each other needs to make it through our broken and fucked up lives and live to see the next day.”
Got to about 95% and still no sex but I did not care, got to 96% and I thought to myself “there is no way this is going to be resolved in this book.” Thanks, Courtney, for giving me the heads up that it would be a sort of cliffhanger….. look forward to reading more of this series.
September 6, 2012
I'm super excited about this book....
I'm going to go ahead and say this now... It's NOT YA.
Here's a little teaser...
~Sean Reilly~
I know what most people think of guys like me.
They think that I’m a scumbag.
A bottom feeder.
They think I’m the lowest form of a man.
A good for nothing ex-drug runner mixed up in a ring of corruption, blow(yes, the white powder), and illegal activity.
What I’d really like to tell them is to F*** off. Well, that and that I am none of the things they think I am. Damn hypocrites. All they want to do is judge.
I’ll tell you what I’d ask them if I had the chance. I’d ask them what they wouldn’t do for the people they cared about. I’d ask them if they wouldn’t get down on their knees to grovel before Lucifer himself if it meant you could save who you loved most in the world. I don’t know why I think about asking because I know exactly what they’d say…
Anything.
They’d do anything for the people they loved and cherished.
I like to think most people would.
I’m no different. With both parents gone, I did what I had to do for my sister and myself and I hate it when pretentious assholes judge me for that. I used to see it all the time. I’d walk in to a restaurant or a store and people would take one look at my tatted up arms, facial piercing, and cold distant eyes and assume I was a punk. Their eyes would sweep over me, disgusted scowls on their lips, then they’d turn their heads.
That’s right, I’d think. Turn your f****** heads before I knock your damn teeth out.
I know.
I have anger issues.
I’m working on it.
Truth is, I’m just a guy who fights for what matters most to him and what matters most to me—is family.
Or what’s left of mine anyway.
UPDATE**** OKAY. WHOA. I was completely unaware that there were that many errors in the version of 12 Rounds that was up. Please know that most have been corrected and a new version is up. THANK YOU so much readers for pointing them out.
I'm going to go ahead and say this now... It's NOT YA.
Here's a little teaser...
~Sean Reilly~
I know what most people think of guys like me.
They think that I’m a scumbag.
A bottom feeder.
They think I’m the lowest form of a man.
A good for nothing ex-drug runner mixed up in a ring of corruption, blow(yes, the white powder), and illegal activity.
What I’d really like to tell them is to F*** off. Well, that and that I am none of the things they think I am. Damn hypocrites. All they want to do is judge.
I’ll tell you what I’d ask them if I had the chance. I’d ask them what they wouldn’t do for the people they cared about. I’d ask them if they wouldn’t get down on their knees to grovel before Lucifer himself if it meant you could save who you loved most in the world. I don’t know why I think about asking because I know exactly what they’d say…
Anything.
They’d do anything for the people they loved and cherished.
I like to think most people would.
I’m no different. With both parents gone, I did what I had to do for my sister and myself and I hate it when pretentious assholes judge me for that. I used to see it all the time. I’d walk in to a restaurant or a store and people would take one look at my tatted up arms, facial piercing, and cold distant eyes and assume I was a punk. Their eyes would sweep over me, disgusted scowls on their lips, then they’d turn their heads.
That’s right, I’d think. Turn your f****** heads before I knock your damn teeth out.
I know.
I have anger issues.
I’m working on it.
Truth is, I’m just a guy who fights for what matters most to him and what matters most to me—is family.
Or what’s left of mine anyway.
UPDATE**** OKAY. WHOA. I was completely unaware that there were that many errors in the version of 12 Rounds that was up. Please know that most have been corrected and a new version is up. THANK YOU so much readers for pointing them out.
August 29, 2013
5 Right Hook Stars!!
SEAN: Sex appeal galore. tats, facial piercing, undefeated champion boxer of the world, speaks with a slight Irish brogue!! Oh my fucken god where can I find HIM!!
He just gets more bad ass and appealing, ex drug runner, corrupted killer, illegal activity!! And also a member of the Braithreachas Don Saol, a branch of the Irish mafia and king pins of the drug cartel..
Someone please tell me what wasn't covered in this book!! It had it all!!
Wants book 2 now!!
SEAN: Sex appeal galore. tats, facial piercing, undefeated champion boxer of the world, speaks with a slight Irish brogue!! Oh my fucken god where can I find HIM!!
He just gets more bad ass and appealing, ex drug runner, corrupted killer, illegal activity!! And also a member of the Braithreachas Don Saol, a branch of the Irish mafia and king pins of the drug cartel..
Someone please tell me what wasn't covered in this book!! It had it all!!
Wants book 2 now!!
January 7, 2024
When Sean Reilly thought he had no other options, he committed a pledge to the Braithreachas Don Saol vowing his loyalty until his death. At seventeen he did not realize the extent of his pledge, nor that it would lead him to a life surrounded by drugs, death, and the seediest side of Cleveland. He did all this though and never spoke a complaint as long as it kept his sister Teagan safe.
Sean walks in on a man forcibly attacking a woman, all that inner rage he carries has found a victim to unleash his control on. That one act changes his life, now middle-weight boxing champion Sean is more fighter than drug runner, he has stepped back in the brotherhood but only because he is a bigger moneymaker as a fighter.
He recognizes the girl he rescued the minute she steps into his gym, the angelic beauty he has thought of often since that day. Hadlee Flax has struggled to find some normalcy since the day of her attack, but panic attacks hinder her progress. Her therapist suggests self defense classes which she is weary, when she sees Sean she finds herself curious about the brooding man.
Sean sees himself as everything bad where as Hadlee is everything pure. Despite his misgivings that he is no good for her, Sean can't seem to stay way.
Your drawn in right away, Sean is not the most likable of characters because of his harsh demeanor but once you learn more about him, he is hard to resist. Hadlee is a mess, she is trying so hard but her circumstances have left her with little support system. I loved this story, thought it was raw and seductive. This is the first in the series and has a cliffhanger ending.
Sean walks in on a man forcibly attacking a woman, all that inner rage he carries has found a victim to unleash his control on. That one act changes his life, now middle-weight boxing champion Sean is more fighter than drug runner, he has stepped back in the brotherhood but only because he is a bigger moneymaker as a fighter.
He recognizes the girl he rescued the minute she steps into his gym, the angelic beauty he has thought of often since that day. Hadlee Flax has struggled to find some normalcy since the day of her attack, but panic attacks hinder her progress. Her therapist suggests self defense classes which she is weary, when she sees Sean she finds herself curious about the brooding man.
Sean sees himself as everything bad where as Hadlee is everything pure. Despite his misgivings that he is no good for her, Sean can't seem to stay way.
Your drawn in right away, Sean is not the most likable of characters because of his harsh demeanor but once you learn more about him, he is hard to resist. Hadlee is a mess, she is trying so hard but her circumstances have left her with little support system. I loved this story, thought it was raw and seductive. This is the first in the series and has a cliffhanger ending.
December 11, 2012
WHAT THE FUCK!!!
I'm speechless right now... I have no one to blame but myself for this too. I broke one of my own rules. Rules I established after the last time I read a book going in blind, and wound up on an emotional roller coaster that broke my heart. True, this one wasn't as bad, but still. I can't decide if I'm pissed right the eff off or intrigued enough to come back for more... Here I am going with the flow, enjoying the writing of this author. She drew me in from page one. I felt what Hadlee felt, cried for her even. Same with Sean. Their situations were heartbreaking and I really wanted to see the happy ending here. Well, as happy an ending as the situations they were in would allow. But nope, no happy ending for this girl. In fact, I didn't get any kind of ending! Grr I really hate cliffhangers. I have a mostly pretty firm rule to only read books with some form of hea. Reading is my escape from reality. I enjoy my happily ever afters, regardless of how unlikely they may be dammit! Oh Ms. Hammond, how you have won this round!
On the plus side, aside from the awful editing, which I believe has been addressed, the writing was pretty dang good! I really did feel drawn in by these characters and what they were feeling and going through. I also love the name Hadlee! Sean is the perfect tortured hero. They are perfect for each other! And lets not forget to mention the connection they had with no sex! Still not sure how I feel about that one...
I've had my eye on this one for a while, which is why I'm stupefied at myself for never reading the reviews! Epic fail, Nikki. *shakes head with shame*
I'm speechless right now... I have no one to blame but myself for this too. I broke one of my own rules. Rules I established after the last time I read a book going in blind, and wound up on an emotional roller coaster that broke my heart. True, this one wasn't as bad, but still. I can't decide if I'm pissed right the eff off or intrigued enough to come back for more... Here I am going with the flow, enjoying the writing of this author. She drew me in from page one. I felt what Hadlee felt, cried for her even. Same with Sean. Their situations were heartbreaking and I really wanted to see the happy ending here. Well, as happy an ending as the situations they were in would allow. But nope, no happy ending for this girl. In fact, I didn't get any kind of ending! Grr I really hate cliffhangers. I have a mostly pretty firm rule to only read books with some form of hea. Reading is my escape from reality. I enjoy my happily ever afters, regardless of how unlikely they may be dammit! Oh Ms. Hammond, how you have won this round!
On the plus side, aside from the awful editing, which I believe has been addressed, the writing was pretty dang good! I really did feel drawn in by these characters and what they were feeling and going through. I also love the name Hadlee! Sean is the perfect tortured hero. They are perfect for each other! And lets not forget to mention the connection they had with no sex! Still not sure how I feel about that one...
I've had my eye on this one for a while, which is why I'm stupefied at myself for never reading the reviews! Epic fail, Nikki. *shakes head with shame*
November 25, 2013
4-4 1/2 STARS
Loved it even if it was getting closer to the end and I was getting frustrated things weren't moving fast enough for my liking!!
Sean well where do I start with him???
He is just amazing in my eyes <3 <3 <3 <3 I love him for all his darkness as a member of the mob and a boxer! He was tattooed, well built, powerful, arrogant yet a hero who rescued Hadlee when she was in need *sigh*
Did I say I love him??
I just wanted to cuddle him oh and other things too...I am not good at resisting temptation when faced with an extremely hot man who is in need of unconditional love
You may not like it but I loved it and am so glad I heard about it and decided to read it :)
Loved it even if it was getting closer to the end and I was getting frustrated things weren't moving fast enough for my liking!!
Hadlee has been through a very bad experience which has left lasting scars. The author did a brilliant job or portraying her feelings throughout the book. I really did sympathise with Hadlee as battled against what happened to her and the demons telling her she was too weak to withstand them :(
Sean well where do I start with him???
He is just amazing in my eyes <3 <3 <3 <3 I love him for all his darkness as a member of the mob and a boxer! He was tattooed, well built, powerful, arrogant yet a hero who rescued Hadlee when she was in need *sigh*
Did I say I love him??
I just wanted to cuddle him oh and other things too...I am not good at resisting temptation when faced with an extremely hot man who is in need of unconditional love
You may not like it but I loved it and am so glad I heard about it and decided to read it :)
July 30, 2012
So I have been eagerly anticipating this book for MONTHS now. It's should come as no surprise that when it comes to Lauren Hammond I have definitely drank the Kool-Aide. So when I first found out about this book I about drooled on myself. I mean you take a awesome writer like Lauren and then she writes a totally hot bad boy? Ummmmmm YES PLEASE!! And let me tell you she does not disappoint!
Sean isn't really a bad guy. I mean deep down there is a heart in there somewhere. In fact that heart is what got him in to the bad things that make him look bad on paper. The day his mother died so did the naive little boy Sean once was. He did what he had to do to provide for his little sister, even if that meant working for the mob, and giving up the chance at ever having a normal life...The only thing good he has going for him is is boxing career. Then again, of course he would be a good fighter.
Hadlee hasn't been the same since that night she was attacked. She just can't seem to get it out of her head. If it hadn't have been for the guy that saved her everything could have been much worse. Still as it is she can't get close to a guy, and can barely handle going to class much less out with friends without having a panic attack. There just isn't any such thing as a safe place when the devil as weaved his way into your head. That is until she meets Sean, Right Hook, Reilly. There's something about him that just seems so familiar, but most importantly safe...
Can these two fix the broken pieces of each other?
First of all I just need to get this out of my system....Sean Is HOTTTTT. Like omg I just drooled on myself, can someone pick my jaw up off the floor hot. I can't help it, I just love my bad boys. I mean here's a man that's covered in tatts, is in the mob, fights for a living, muscles for days, and underneath all that hard shell is heart? Um yes please, may I have another? *winks* lol
Then there is Hadlee. She is a girl you can't help but love. She's broken, and lost, and raw. You just want to fix her, and can't help rooting for her. Between the two of them I'm not sure who needs the other more, but either way you just want them to have a HEA.
Overall Lauren has written another great novel. I loved all the background story and how she makes sure that you really understand each character and where they come from. Plus she does it in a way that only she can. I soooooo can't wait for the next book in this series!
Sean isn't really a bad guy. I mean deep down there is a heart in there somewhere. In fact that heart is what got him in to the bad things that make him look bad on paper. The day his mother died so did the naive little boy Sean once was. He did what he had to do to provide for his little sister, even if that meant working for the mob, and giving up the chance at ever having a normal life...The only thing good he has going for him is is boxing career. Then again, of course he would be a good fighter.
Hadlee hasn't been the same since that night she was attacked. She just can't seem to get it out of her head. If it hadn't have been for the guy that saved her everything could have been much worse. Still as it is she can't get close to a guy, and can barely handle going to class much less out with friends without having a panic attack. There just isn't any such thing as a safe place when the devil as weaved his way into your head. That is until she meets Sean, Right Hook, Reilly. There's something about him that just seems so familiar, but most importantly safe...
Can these two fix the broken pieces of each other?
First of all I just need to get this out of my system....Sean Is HOTTTTT. Like omg I just drooled on myself, can someone pick my jaw up off the floor hot. I can't help it, I just love my bad boys. I mean here's a man that's covered in tatts, is in the mob, fights for a living, muscles for days, and underneath all that hard shell is heart? Um yes please, may I have another? *winks* lol
Then there is Hadlee. She is a girl you can't help but love. She's broken, and lost, and raw. You just want to fix her, and can't help rooting for her. Between the two of them I'm not sure who needs the other more, but either way you just want them to have a HEA.
Overall Lauren has written another great novel. I loved all the background story and how she makes sure that you really understand each character and where they come from. Plus she does it in a way that only she can. I soooooo can't wait for the next book in this series!
October 14, 2012
Hollay Shyte! I don't know what it is with me and the mob/mafia but Gawd I love those men.
Book 2 needs to come out now because it left me feeling bereft and I need to know how this story is going to unfold!
13 rounds looks like it is going to be even better than 12!
November can't come soon enough
Book 2 needs to come out now because it left me feeling bereft and I need to know how this story is going to unfold!
13 rounds looks like it is going to be even better than 12!
November can't come soon enough
August 14, 2015
Lauren Hammond is a hit or miss author for me. 12 rounds is the fourth of her books that I read. It was okay.
I won't go into the story details since the summary is extremely thorough, but I'd like to talk about the execution, character work and pacing.
A year or so ago, I read Famished, Lauren Hammond's YA Dystopian book. The idea was decent enough, but the execution was terribly lacking.
I assume that 12 Rounds was written later, and the author's style has improved tremendously since Famished.
12 Rounds has a good pacing for the first 85% of the book. It had what I like to call the Gena Showalter pacing. Fast and always sticking to the main conflict. You never get bored when you read books with Gena Showalter pacing. The last 15% were terrible, though.
Somewhere around the 85% mark, Miss Hammond seemed to lose interest in finshing the story in a normal pacing and summarized the last 100 pages into 30.
I didn't like that.
Now this is a series, so the story will continue and maybe the pacing in the second book will be great again. But everytime an author changes the pacing so dramatically, I feel like being robbed of a great ending.
The characters: They were what I call Gena Showalter characters. Easy to understand and to follow, likeable and uncomplicated. They have high pacing and their back stories are mostly tools freely used to increase tension in the book. Now I adore Gena Showalter Characters, Pacings, and Stories. But if you want deep and honest to god tortured, look elsewhere.
Execution in general: First 85% more or less smooth. Last 15%: terrible.
Overall 2 stars.
A note to language-nazis: This is a typical self-published book with a certain amount of mistakes. Either you can live with that, or you can't. If you can't, drop this book. I have to say though, that I have seen much, much worse than this.
I won't go into the story details since the summary is extremely thorough, but I'd like to talk about the execution, character work and pacing.
A year or so ago, I read Famished, Lauren Hammond's YA Dystopian book. The idea was decent enough, but the execution was terribly lacking.
I assume that 12 Rounds was written later, and the author's style has improved tremendously since Famished.
12 Rounds has a good pacing for the first 85% of the book. It had what I like to call the Gena Showalter pacing. Fast and always sticking to the main conflict. You never get bored when you read books with Gena Showalter pacing. The last 15% were terrible, though.
Somewhere around the 85% mark, Miss Hammond seemed to lose interest in finshing the story in a normal pacing and summarized the last 100 pages into 30.
I didn't like that.
Now this is a series, so the story will continue and maybe the pacing in the second book will be great again. But everytime an author changes the pacing so dramatically, I feel like being robbed of a great ending.
The characters: They were what I call Gena Showalter characters. Easy to understand and to follow, likeable and uncomplicated. They have high pacing and their back stories are mostly tools freely used to increase tension in the book. Now I adore Gena Showalter Characters, Pacings, and Stories. But if you want deep and honest to god tortured, look elsewhere.
Execution in general: First 85% more or less smooth. Last 15%: terrible.
Overall 2 stars.
A note to language-nazis: This is a typical self-published book with a certain amount of mistakes. Either you can live with that, or you can't. If you can't, drop this book. I have to say though, that I have seen much, much worse than this.
September 5, 2012
I was really caught up in this book. At first I thought it was moving sort of slowly, Hadlee and Sean to get together. I kept thinking that the book would be over before they admitted feelings for each other. But when I finally got to the end and saw where she said the next installment would be coming out in November, I breathed a sigh of relief first. But then I thought back over what I just read and was really excited. Lauren Hammond is really taking her time telling this story. The flow is very natural and more realistic than most romances. I'm glad it wasn't a rushed, I-just-met-you-now-I-love-you, kind of book.
I loved what I've read so far. I love how caring Sean is for Hadlee, when he would allow himself to let down his guard for her. My favorite moment was when she freaked out at the gym and he was holding her and said,
"What did he do to you?"
Of course the best part of that scene is on the next page, but I loved it when he said that. He is so tortured over the decisions he made and I can't wait to get the next installment and see what happens regarding his connections to the mob. I also loved his fight. How Bad-A was he when he unleashed on whatever that guys name was. I didn't even mind that she didn't write the fight scene. She skipped it but rehashed it through Hadlee's POV and I thought it was perfect. I love that we were in Sean's head right up to the second that the fight started.
The reason I couldn't give this story a full 5 stars, and maybe this is wrong, was because story isn't finished. It's hard to rate a book like this when it is only the beginning of the whole story. Really the problems are just starting by the end of this book. Nothing was resolved, I just can't rate this book by itself, a full 5 stars for that reason. But I will say, I LOVE that Hadlee was strong enough to stay at the end. She knew he was gonna need her and she stayed. Loved it!
There were a couple of things I found that were errors or I missed the significance. One was with Teagan's husband. His ring was on the ring finger of his right hand? Why? Why wasn't on the left hand? Is it an Irish thing and if it is, was her husband Irish? She barely lived in Ireland so I'm wondering why the wedding band wouldn't be on the left hand.
Another thing that confused me was when Sean was arguing with Teagan. This is the quote from the book.
Huh? I might be mistaken... but I think Sean just switched sides and started saying his mother would NOT, in fact, be angry. What?! If you're going to write an argument like that, you need to be sure your characters end up on the same side they started the argument on. I must have read this scene 5 times trying to figure it out.
Now that I got that out of the way, I want to go back to what I loved. A quote. I thought this was such a cool visual for something Sean was feeling internally.
Such a cool description.
Another thing that I LOVED about this book was the music. I absolutely love it when an author mentions songs in their books. It really helps to set the mood for scenes. One of my favorite times that she did this when was when they were in the car and The Zombies, Time of the Season played I could picture Sean sitting in the driver seat all slouched, keeping the beat with his fingers, ignoring Hadlee, kind of lost in his own world. That whole scene was so much more real to me because of the songs. Also it made me wonder why that song was not on my ipod. So thank you Ms. Hammond for reminding me of that song. :)
I loved what I've read so far. I love how caring Sean is for Hadlee, when he would allow himself to let down his guard for her. My favorite moment was when she freaked out at the gym and he was holding her and said,
"What did he do to you?"
Of course the best part of that scene is on the next page, but I loved it when he said that. He is so tortured over the decisions he made and I can't wait to get the next installment and see what happens regarding his connections to the mob. I also loved his fight. How Bad-A was he when he unleashed on whatever that guys name was. I didn't even mind that she didn't write the fight scene. She skipped it but rehashed it through Hadlee's POV and I thought it was perfect. I love that we were in Sean's head right up to the second that the fight started.
The reason I couldn't give this story a full 5 stars, and maybe this is wrong, was because story isn't finished. It's hard to rate a book like this when it is only the beginning of the whole story. Really the problems are just starting by the end of this book. Nothing was resolved, I just can't rate this book by itself, a full 5 stars for that reason. But I will say, I LOVE that Hadlee was strong enough to stay at the end. She knew he was gonna need her and she stayed. Loved it!
There were a couple of things I found that were errors or I missed the significance. One was with Teagan's husband. His ring was on the ring finger of his right hand? Why? Why wasn't on the left hand? Is it an Irish thing and if it is, was her husband Irish? She barely lived in Ireland so I'm wondering why the wedding band wouldn't be on the left hand.
Another thing that confused me was when Sean was arguing with Teagan. This is the quote from the book.
"What do you think she'd say to you?" I lower my voice and move closer. "Huh, Teagan? Do you think she'd be f***ing elated over this? I'm gonna go ahead and say no. She'd be just as pissed off as I am."
Tee shakes her head. "No she wouldn't."
"Yes she would."
"No she wouldn't"
"Yes she would."
"No. She. Wouldn't." Now I'm screaming "She wouldn't Teagan Rhiannon Reilly! She would not!"
Huh? I might be mistaken... but I think Sean just switched sides and started saying his mother would NOT, in fact, be angry. What?! If you're going to write an argument like that, you need to be sure your characters end up on the same side they started the argument on. I must have read this scene 5 times trying to figure it out.
Now that I got that out of the way, I want to go back to what I loved. A quote. I thought this was such a cool visual for something Sean was feeling internally.
There's an internal battle royale going on inside of me.
My mind has a sword.
My heart has a shield.
And the clashing of the metal when it connects throbs in my temples.
Such a cool description.
Another thing that I LOVED about this book was the music. I absolutely love it when an author mentions songs in their books. It really helps to set the mood for scenes. One of my favorite times that she did this when was when they were in the car and The Zombies, Time of the Season played I could picture Sean sitting in the driver seat all slouched, keeping the beat with his fingers, ignoring Hadlee, kind of lost in his own world. That whole scene was so much more real to me because of the songs. Also it made me wonder why that song was not on my ipod. So thank you Ms. Hammond for reminding me of that song. :)
June 22, 2013
What's not to like
hot possessive faithful Hero -check
Irish mofia -check
fighter -check
great love story -double check
what we get is a great story about a girl who because of an attach is living with fear and a guy who because of a bad decision as a teen has had his life taken from him with only his sister and boxing left. Until Sean and Hadlee see each other one day at the gym were Sean boxes and Hadlee takes self defense classes. After they see each other they're relationship grows and they fall in love but Hadlee has doubts because Sean keeps leaving during the night and has to leave for emergencies. At the end of the story Hadlee finds out what some of what Sean is really involved in. l defiantly read book 2 13 rounds when it comes out to see what happens next.
***Edited to add***
this is a book I'm glad I can re-read, it never gets boring and it's better the second time around. I can't wait for book 2!
hot possessive faithful Hero -check
Irish mofia -check
fighter -check
great love story -double check
what we get is a great story about a girl who because of an attach is living with fear and a guy who because of a bad decision as a teen has had his life taken from him with only his sister and boxing left. Until Sean and Hadlee see each other one day at the gym were Sean boxes and Hadlee takes self defense classes. After they see each other they're relationship grows and they fall in love but Hadlee has doubts because Sean keeps leaving during the night and has to leave for emergencies. At the end of the story Hadlee finds out what some of what Sean is really involved in. l defiantly read book 2 13 rounds when it comes out to see what happens next.
***Edited to add***
this is a book I'm glad I can re-read, it never gets boring and it's better the second time around. I can't wait for book 2!
April 4, 2015
I really like Lauren Hammond's previous books. This one had poor character development. We did not even see the main characters talk until 23% or so. Also, ends in a cliffy, but not sure sequel will be released. The author has not released anything...to my knowledge...in awhile.
September 20, 2012
Love to be surprised! A great book!
I was so surprised by this book...12Rounds has the bad boy, the fighting and the tat's etc...but so much more. I loved the evolution of character that both Sean and Hadlee under went. Well written and eagerly awaiting 13Rounds!
I was so surprised by this book...12Rounds has the bad boy, the fighting and the tat's etc...but so much more. I loved the evolution of character that both Sean and Hadlee under went. Well written and eagerly awaiting 13Rounds!
September 27, 2012
HOLY BABY JESUS I NEED A SEAN RIGHT HOOK REILLY RIGHT NOW! Man where to begin with this review. I have read a lot of books this year and I have LOVED a lot of books but 12 Rounds is in my top five for the year! Holy Cow was I so into this book that I just checked out and did not cook super or do homework with the kids. I told my husband dammit it is daddy duty get to it! I am reading and I don't want to be interrupted. Bawhahaha needless to say everyone left me alone to read and I was so happy!
Sean Right-Hook Reilly is a BAD BOY PERSONIFIED! Man he is a brother, boxer, player, and a member of The Irish Mob. What more could you ask for.... I mean the guy has gone through so much. Losing his mother at an early age and having to raise his sister by himself was tough enough but the mob helped him. Connor Doyle The Irish Mob's leader took Sean in and helped him be who he is. But underneath all that Sean wants more. He wants a normal life where he is not looking over his shoulder all the time or waking up thinking this is his last day. Enters Hadlee Flax into his life and Sean is taken by this sexy no holds bar girl.
Hadlee is broken and trying to put her life back together after she was attacked and almost raped. Between her best friend Lara and her therapist she is slowly putting together the pieces. Then she meets bad boy extraordinaire Sean Right Hook Reilly and her life takes a turn she never imagined it would. She is taken by Sean and wants more from him. She actually wants a relationship with him and she is scared. No one has ever done things to her heart the way Sean does. She is scared but she is ready to let Sean in her life. The only problem is she does not know Sean is in the mob. Is it worth fighting for? Will Sean be able to get out of the mob life without getting killed? Will Hadlee allow her heart to love and her body to surrender to Sean?
This is a must read! It is hot, steamy and an adventure into the unknown for both Sean and Hadlee. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you Lauren for this EPIC read!
Sean Right-Hook Reilly is a BAD BOY PERSONIFIED! Man he is a brother, boxer, player, and a member of The Irish Mob. What more could you ask for.... I mean the guy has gone through so much. Losing his mother at an early age and having to raise his sister by himself was tough enough but the mob helped him. Connor Doyle The Irish Mob's leader took Sean in and helped him be who he is. But underneath all that Sean wants more. He wants a normal life where he is not looking over his shoulder all the time or waking up thinking this is his last day. Enters Hadlee Flax into his life and Sean is taken by this sexy no holds bar girl.
Hadlee is broken and trying to put her life back together after she was attacked and almost raped. Between her best friend Lara and her therapist she is slowly putting together the pieces. Then she meets bad boy extraordinaire Sean Right Hook Reilly and her life takes a turn she never imagined it would. She is taken by Sean and wants more from him. She actually wants a relationship with him and she is scared. No one has ever done things to her heart the way Sean does. She is scared but she is ready to let Sean in her life. The only problem is she does not know Sean is in the mob. Is it worth fighting for? Will Sean be able to get out of the mob life without getting killed? Will Hadlee allow her heart to love and her body to surrender to Sean?
This is a must read! It is hot, steamy and an adventure into the unknown for both Sean and Hadlee. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you Lauren for this EPIC read!
September 5, 2012
Wow! By looking at this cover you'd think that it would be one of those steamy-hot, R-rated kind of reads....but it's not. However, it is still hot 12 Rounds was not what I was expecting. In fact, it turns out to be a really good story that deals with realistically flawed characters; whom I had no trouble connecting with. I loved Sean, his character has a lot of depth. He is just like the one guy (I'm sure we've all had them) that you think you could tame or make a difference with. Lee is also a very relatable character who is struggling physically and emotionally from an almost incedent at the beginning of the story. I give this book a good solid 4.5 stars. I have to admit I am seriously excited for the next book to be released in November . I can only imagine what's going to happen after that sneak peek (I really hate Connie). Geez, thanks Lauren now I'm going to have to mull over all the posibilities for a while! :)
October 24, 2012
Okay, I was cruising through this book and liking it. Thinking surely it's got to be getting to the juicy bits, it's leading to them, okay something goods happening....then bam. End of Story. What?!??
So the next bits out soon, right? I want to know what's going to happen but I have to say I am a little disapointed that the author has split the story over two books.
So the next bits out soon, right? I want to know what's going to happen but I have to say I am a little disapointed that the author has split the story over two books.
September 9, 2012
I am going to lose my mind waiting for the sequel to this book!!! I keep telling myself that I will stop reading books with sequels unless all the books are already out in the series but once again I got roped in!! This was a great read!!!!
October 15, 2012
Loved the book, can't wait for 13 rounds to come out. This author captures her readers with her books... For all that I read they are never boring and every time for me I can't seem to put them down!
July 31, 2013
3.5 maybe? I love the story.... Hadlee's character here I don't get yet... their story/link as a pair I'm still trying to also grasp then the book ended... but the story by itself is what I like the most... and.. It is a cliffhanger...
December 15, 2013
Irish mafia + tortured hero + droll-worthy romanse = I LIKE IT!
4,5 stars
4,5 stars
February 19, 2019
#1 in the Knockout romance series
There's nothing worse than a cliff-hanger, but in this case I was warned ahead of time to expect it, so it wasn't as much of a shock. I still took off a point for that, though, because I hate that an author will suck me in and force me to buy further books in order to continue with a series. Our hero is a totally hot fighter who is also involved in the Irish mafia. He has a conscience, he has had a tough life, but he's protecting his younger sister and has to keep going. Hadlee is kind of a messed-up college student. She was attacked a year ago, and she's still having a hard time coming to terms with it. When she takes a self-defense class, she meets Sean and falls for him, realizing that they had a connection in her past. They're taking it slow, which bothers them both because Sean is used to losing those who are close to him, and she is feeling like he doesn't care enough about her to take the next step. I like the back-and-forth format which allows us to know their deepest feelings and thoughts and motivations. I will continue with this series because there are a lot of loose ends, and I'm interested enough to want to find out what happens.
There were some oddly written sentences. Such as "I go to this tiny dive bar on the west side of town sometimes called, The Shady Grove."
There's nothing worse than a cliff-hanger, but in this case I was warned ahead of time to expect it, so it wasn't as much of a shock. I still took off a point for that, though, because I hate that an author will suck me in and force me to buy further books in order to continue with a series. Our hero is a totally hot fighter who is also involved in the Irish mafia. He has a conscience, he has had a tough life, but he's protecting his younger sister and has to keep going. Hadlee is kind of a messed-up college student. She was attacked a year ago, and she's still having a hard time coming to terms with it. When she takes a self-defense class, she meets Sean and falls for him, realizing that they had a connection in her past. They're taking it slow, which bothers them both because Sean is used to losing those who are close to him, and she is feeling like he doesn't care enough about her to take the next step. I like the back-and-forth format which allows us to know their deepest feelings and thoughts and motivations. I will continue with this series because there are a lot of loose ends, and I'm interested enough to want to find out what happens.
There were some oddly written sentences. Such as "I go to this tiny dive bar on the west side of town sometimes called, The Shady Grove."
September 27, 2012
Posted @ We Fancy Books Blog
WARNING: This book may contain language that may not be suitable for young ages.
12 Rounds is probably the best Contemporary Romance I’ve read in awhile. I never thought I would get attached with the story and characters this way. I want more.
Connor Doyle is the leader of a Mafia and with Sean Reilly’s parent recent death he adopted him to be his right arm, the heir of the Mafia after him. Sean didn’t realize this when he did the pledge. He didn’t know what the consequences of his action will be. All he ever wanted is to repay his debt from his Uncle Connie and a good life for his sister. With the ever growing threat of the Mafia Activity, he met Hadlee Flax a girl different from his usual conquest; would he find true love in the midst of being a Mafia?
As much as I hate to say that I don’t like the Mafia storyline basing on the previous book I just read, this one uplifted my belief about it. It added so much with the story, it was plotted in a way that I made me understand the whole situation and therefore I can say worked so well. I was into it with the characters especially Sean because he was in a situation where he just wanted to escape and be free of the Mafia but he can’t. He made a choice to pledge loyalty with the Mafia and with that his life depended on it.
Hadlee Flax is a broken girl; she’s suffering from anxiety panic attacks due to an attempted rape. She proves to be difficult at start but her connection with Sean was the most intimate thing I’ve read lately. Their connection was instant but you can’t say it was instant love. They were good together yet bad at the same time. They bring out the best with each other that provided me absolute entertainment on reading this book. Their connection felt real and was not pushed through, it just came naturally which is why I really love this book.
Sean has proven me that amidst the Mafia ways he can still be human after all, he was not corrupted by the Mafia ways. He was able to care for someone beside his sister, which proves that he still have a soul by which he covers up with his snarky and rude attitude toward girls. His sister was a big twist in the story that I never really knew was coming. With her around it brought out Sean’s protective brotherly side. I’m really intrigued by her character and what her real purpose is.
Overall I totally recommend that you read this book! If you like snarky meets good girl this book is totally for you. It was an exciting and heart breaking, I love the dynamics between characters. If you have a chance to get this book I suggest you do it!
Favorite Quotes
Truth is, I’m just a guy who fights for what matters most to him and what matters most to me – is family.
Or what’s left of mine anyway
Time doesn’t heal pain.
You do.
And I just can’t seem to flip that switch.
“Look, Hadlee. You can’t climb a mountain overnight. That’s exactly what overcoming the pains of your past is going to be like; climbing a mountain. It’s a slow uphill climb at first, but eventually you’ll be on a snow-crusted peak, admiring a valley below you and you’ll be thinking to yourself, wow what an accomplishment. After that, life gets easier, better.”
“I know I don’t deserve you. I know I’ll never be good enough. But I want to try Hadlee. Please let me try.”
“Yes, we’ve both got issues. We’re both mentally and emotionally fucked up. But iv’e got this theory that we just might be what each other needs to make it through our broken and fucked up lives and live to see the next day.”
“You saved me.” In more ways than one.
In one swift motion, he rolls on top of me, brushing my hair away from my forehead and answers me with, “That’s what you don’t get, Hadlee. You’re saving me too. When I’m around you, I want to better myself. I want to be a better man.”
WARNING: This book may contain language that may not be suitable for young ages.
12 Rounds is probably the best Contemporary Romance I’ve read in awhile. I never thought I would get attached with the story and characters this way. I want more.
Connor Doyle is the leader of a Mafia and with Sean Reilly’s parent recent death he adopted him to be his right arm, the heir of the Mafia after him. Sean didn’t realize this when he did the pledge. He didn’t know what the consequences of his action will be. All he ever wanted is to repay his debt from his Uncle Connie and a good life for his sister. With the ever growing threat of the Mafia Activity, he met Hadlee Flax a girl different from his usual conquest; would he find true love in the midst of being a Mafia?
As much as I hate to say that I don’t like the Mafia storyline basing on the previous book I just read, this one uplifted my belief about it. It added so much with the story, it was plotted in a way that I made me understand the whole situation and therefore I can say worked so well. I was into it with the characters especially Sean because he was in a situation where he just wanted to escape and be free of the Mafia but he can’t. He made a choice to pledge loyalty with the Mafia and with that his life depended on it.
Hadlee Flax is a broken girl; she’s suffering from anxiety panic attacks due to an attempted rape. She proves to be difficult at start but her connection with Sean was the most intimate thing I’ve read lately. Their connection was instant but you can’t say it was instant love. They were good together yet bad at the same time. They bring out the best with each other that provided me absolute entertainment on reading this book. Their connection felt real and was not pushed through, it just came naturally which is why I really love this book.
Sean has proven me that amidst the Mafia ways he can still be human after all, he was not corrupted by the Mafia ways. He was able to care for someone beside his sister, which proves that he still have a soul by which he covers up with his snarky and rude attitude toward girls. His sister was a big twist in the story that I never really knew was coming. With her around it brought out Sean’s protective brotherly side. I’m really intrigued by her character and what her real purpose is.
Overall I totally recommend that you read this book! If you like snarky meets good girl this book is totally for you. It was an exciting and heart breaking, I love the dynamics between characters. If you have a chance to get this book I suggest you do it!
Favorite Quotes
Truth is, I’m just a guy who fights for what matters most to him and what matters most to me – is family.
Or what’s left of mine anyway
Time doesn’t heal pain.
You do.
And I just can’t seem to flip that switch.
“Look, Hadlee. You can’t climb a mountain overnight. That’s exactly what overcoming the pains of your past is going to be like; climbing a mountain. It’s a slow uphill climb at first, but eventually you’ll be on a snow-crusted peak, admiring a valley below you and you’ll be thinking to yourself, wow what an accomplishment. After that, life gets easier, better.”
“I know I don’t deserve you. I know I’ll never be good enough. But I want to try Hadlee. Please let me try.”
“Yes, we’ve both got issues. We’re both mentally and emotionally fucked up. But iv’e got this theory that we just might be what each other needs to make it through our broken and fucked up lives and live to see the next day.”
“You saved me.” In more ways than one.
In one swift motion, he rolls on top of me, brushing my hair away from my forehead and answers me with, “That’s what you don’t get, Hadlee. You’re saving me too. When I’m around you, I want to better myself. I want to be a better man.”
August 24, 2016
Sean (Right-Hook) Reilly knows a few things about himself. One, he's the middle-weight boxing champion of the world with an undefeated record. Two, women find his cocky persona, chiseled biceps, and inked body sexy. Also, the fact that it's known that he doesn't do relationships only adds to his sex appeal. And three, he's Irish, proud of it, and a member of the Braithreachas Don Saol, a branch of the Irish mafia and king pins of the drug cartel taking over the streets of Cleveland.
Connor Doyle(aka Connie) the boss and leader of the Braithreachas Don Saol, has been like a father to Sean, taking him under his wing and teaching him how to survive on the streets after the death of his parents. Sean has never been ungrateful, but has always wanted one thing...
More. More to live for. More to fight for. More to believe in. A chance at a future without drugs or guns. A chance at a future without wondering which day will be his last.
There's only one problem with that. You live by the Braithreachas. You die by the Braithreachas. And Sean knows whether Connie considers him to be family or not, the only way he'll be leaving the Braithreachas is in a body bag.
Hadlee Flax has had a year to overcome her issues. After almost being raped and brutalized, she's putting her best foot forward, seeing a therapist, and has even(with some persuasion from her best friend, Lara) enrolled in self defense classes. And she's doing well moving on with her life until she meets the dark, and conflicted Irish boxing champion of the world, Sean Reilly.
Hadlee is immediately drawn to the gorgeous, cold, and mysterious man who speaks with a slight Irish brogue. She soon learns that there is much more to him than his darkened gaze, cool demeanor, and body covered in tattoos. He's not the type of man she thought he was. And Hadlee finds herself doing something she never thought she would do in the last year...
Falling for a guy.
Falling for Sean Reilly. A man who is on the path to becoming a boxing legend.
One thing Hadlee doesn't know is the other part of Sean's' life. His life of drug running, and killing. Or the fact that when he's not boxing he's walking the streets with a gun tucked into the back of his loose jeans, and glancing over his shoulder at every turn.
But it doesn't take Hadlee long to learn that some attractions and relationships can be fatal.
And sometimes...
They just might be worth fighting for.
I loved the behind development..it made me feel a lot closer to the characters especially Sean. To realize he is doing what he is doing and for the reason he is doing it, went deep...
April 7, 2013
This book will grab you and pull you into Sean and Hadlee's world really quickly. There are a smattering of typo's throughout the book but not enough to detract from the story and what a story it is.
Sean, sold his soul to the Brotherhood and has ever since been living to serve Connie and stay alive. He also one night saved a girl from being raped and killed. Sean is a womanising, muscle bound bad guy, all he sees in women is tits and arse and them giving him a good time to satisfy his needs, he's never ever wanted to connect with any of them other than between the sheets.
Hadlee is that girl he saved and by chance and circumstances they meet again. Hadlee is portrayed really well, wouldn't we all have issues after suffering an attack like that, I know I would. Her best friend is the only person that actually gets and understands Hadlee and her difficulties in trying to get over the attack. She's meets Sean and and something stirs in her.
But Sean is under Connie's arm and he is a constant in Sean's life, he has to keep Connie sweet so he sister stays safe. The underlying current that runs through this book is the claw that has grabbed you. You can't not read on, your hooked on what Connie might do, Sean might do and how will Hadlee cope if she finds out about the brotherhood.
I had to knock a star off though for two reasons, I felt the author did waffle on occasions and this I find frustrating. Especially when the waffle happens mid conversation. That said though this book still had me hooked. The second reason I knocked off the star I was extremely frustrated when I got to the end to find out it wasn't the end, yeah I could have seen it said series and I did, but often series go off with other characters, this is not one of those series, it'll be all about Sean and Hadlee. So now I am left wondering how long am I going to have to wait to read on............. and I hate to wait :(
Sean, sold his soul to the Brotherhood and has ever since been living to serve Connie and stay alive. He also one night saved a girl from being raped and killed. Sean is a womanising, muscle bound bad guy, all he sees in women is tits and arse and them giving him a good time to satisfy his needs, he's never ever wanted to connect with any of them other than between the sheets.
Hadlee is that girl he saved and by chance and circumstances they meet again. Hadlee is portrayed really well, wouldn't we all have issues after suffering an attack like that, I know I would. Her best friend is the only person that actually gets and understands Hadlee and her difficulties in trying to get over the attack. She's meets Sean and and something stirs in her.
But Sean is under Connie's arm and he is a constant in Sean's life, he has to keep Connie sweet so he sister stays safe. The underlying current that runs through this book is the claw that has grabbed you. You can't not read on, your hooked on what Connie might do, Sean might do and how will Hadlee cope if she finds out about the brotherhood.
I had to knock a star off though for two reasons, I felt the author did waffle on occasions and this I find frustrating. Especially when the waffle happens mid conversation. That said though this book still had me hooked. The second reason I knocked off the star I was extremely frustrated when I got to the end to find out it wasn't the end, yeah I could have seen it said series and I did, but often series go off with other characters, this is not one of those series, it'll be all about Sean and Hadlee. So now I am left wondering how long am I going to have to wait to read on............. and I hate to wait :(
September 24, 2012
This book is going to be hard for me to review, mainly because I loved so much about it and because there as so much I didn't like about it.
Sounds contradictory right? And it is, sort of but it isn't as bad as it sounds.
What I loved about this book? The characters. They were real and flawed and broken and then found strength and solace in each other.
I loved their loyalty and their strength. Their love for each other.
I loved the secondary characters almost as much as I loved the main.
What I didn't like about this book? What Sean did. The brotherhood. I really hated the choices that he made and while I don't agree with them, I understand why he did them.
I didn't like the way he viewed woman or what he did (selling drugs, shooting, lying, what have you) but, again, I understood why he thought that way even though I wanted to smack him a few times with the disrespectful things he thought, said and did towards woman. And the things he did in the city that he supposedly loved.
And I certainly didn't like Connie, but again, who would? That was kind of the point of his character.
So you see, I have a love hate with this book, with these characters.
But of course the storyline was amazing and it kept me interested, it kept me wanting to read more.
And the ending was just cruel. I wanted some things resolved that weren't and I can't wait to read 13 Rounds to find out if they will be. To find out if everyone gets there HEA.
This is definitely not a book for younger teens. There is a lot of swearing, crud talk, mention of sex (no explicit scenes or anything!) and drugs.
Overall I give this one 3.5 to 4 Stars!
Sounds contradictory right? And it is, sort of but it isn't as bad as it sounds.
What I loved about this book? The characters. They were real and flawed and broken and then found strength and solace in each other.
I loved their loyalty and their strength. Their love for each other.
I loved the secondary characters almost as much as I loved the main.
What I didn't like about this book? What Sean did. The brotherhood. I really hated the choices that he made and while I don't agree with them, I understand why he did them.
I didn't like the way he viewed woman or what he did (selling drugs, shooting, lying, what have you) but, again, I understood why he thought that way even though I wanted to smack him a few times with the disrespectful things he thought, said and did towards woman. And the things he did in the city that he supposedly loved.
And I certainly didn't like Connie, but again, who would? That was kind of the point of his character.
So you see, I have a love hate with this book, with these characters.
But of course the storyline was amazing and it kept me interested, it kept me wanting to read more.
And the ending was just cruel. I wanted some things resolved that weren't and I can't wait to read 13 Rounds to find out if they will be. To find out if everyone gets there HEA.
This is definitely not a book for younger teens. There is a lot of swearing, crud talk, mention of sex (no explicit scenes or anything!) and drugs.
Overall I give this one 3.5 to 4 Stars!
August 30, 2012
3.5 stars. Great mob-style romance. Loved Sean with his faults and all and Hadlee was a great main character as well. One downside was there wasn't much romance in this book. It was a lot of storyline buildup with Sean's lifestyle in the mob and Hadlee trying to deal with the big thing that happens to her in the beginning of the book, so i am hoping the next book is less of that and more of Sean and Hadlee's relationship. No hot and steamy scenes in this, just kissing and very little of that too. I was kind of expecting more from the cover, so that was a bit of a let down. But i also haven't read much of Hammond's work so I might have expected that if she writes mostly YA. Anyhoo, good book and looking forward to 13 Rounds.
October 21, 2012
I must say that I was really looking forward to reading this book and was left wanting more!!! Lauren does a great job of building up the characters and developing the story line but I was expecting more between the two characters together. But what we did get to read about the two characters was great - Sean comes from a rough background (and HOT!!) and Hadlee's history is not something that is easy to overcome and move on from. I am hoping that with so much build up in this book between Sean and Hadlee that in book 2 we get to read about these two together more. Lauren did a great job of making you want to come back for more - I definitely want to know what happens next.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series
I am looking forward to the next book in this series
August 6, 2012
I was expecting 5 star brilliance from all the hype and after the blurb, but sadly the end is a big turnoff for me along with some of the writing. However, as a first in a series, it did gain my interest and I probably will be buying the next one. I do love mafia-crime-mob like storylines so that part was great. Sean captured my interest and stirred up my yum-O-licious hero meter strongly but I really wish there was more Hadley-Sean scenes apart from all of their inner thoughts. Also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't let the rat be teagan. That would really peeve me but I do have a guess on who it is.
March 11, 2013
This was an okay read to me. Most of this book was story and character building. There was not much interaction between Sean and Hadlee.
It was slow to get started and then close to the end when things finally start happening you suddenly get left with a big cliffhanger. I recommend waiting until the 2nd book comes out before you read it.
Also the POV constantly changes between Sean, Hadlee and Connie, I found this kind of annoying.
Since this is the first in the series I will give the 2nd book a go and see how it goes.
I have no idea why this is listed as erotica. I would say Romance maybe NA but not erotica.
It was slow to get started and then close to the end when things finally start happening you suddenly get left with a big cliffhanger. I recommend waiting until the 2nd book comes out before you read it.
Also the POV constantly changes between Sean, Hadlee and Connie, I found this kind of annoying.
Since this is the first in the series I will give the 2nd book a go and see how it goes.
I have no idea why this is listed as erotica. I would say Romance maybe NA but not erotica.
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