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Russells #1
Made for Breaking
When she was nineteen, Lisa Russell’s life turned upside down…and kept turning. Now, at twenty-four, she’s a bartender, a receptionist, and too jaded for her own good. An only child, she’s served as daughter and son to her father, tagging along with his mechanics and security contractors. She tests his rules and his patience, absolutely fearless…until someone from her father’s past reaches out to deliver a mysterious threat. With bouquets of flowers, and a strange note, a killer with a bone to pick brings a terror to her world she’s never known.
Prize fighter Drew Forester knows only two things: that he’s good in the ring, and that he’s instantly attracted to his new boss’s daughter. He’s been charged with tailing Lisa Russell, keeping her safe, and keeping his hands to himself. It’s a tall order, though, because Lisa takes too many risks – and because it’s not just about the job anymore. It’s about the girl.
Prize fighter Drew Forester knows only two things: that he’s good in the ring, and that he’s instantly attracted to his new boss’s daughter. He’s been charged with tailing Lisa Russell, keeping her safe, and keeping his hands to himself. It’s a tall order, though, because Lisa takes too many risks – and because it’s not just about the job anymore. It’s about the girl.
326 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
41 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 16, 2020
At 19 Lisa Russell left her douche of a fiancé and swore never to be played by a man again. Now at 24 she's rather jaded. When it looks like someone from her father's past is targeting her and her mother things take a dangerous turn. Drew needs money an has ended up in the wrong crowd, when Lisa's dad offers him a job he is both surprised and warily hopeful. When he is charged with guarded Lisa he is determined to do his job even if she doesn't seem to be able to stand him.
I found myself unable to connect with the MCs in this book, and at times really disliked the heroine Lisa - she seriously grated on my nerves. Then there is Drew who is positioned as a guy who is only good with his fists, I hated how he thought he was good for nothing (stupid) and how crappy Lisa treated him. For me there was no relationship development or heat between the MCs. It was all so epically lacklustre.
Plus the whole plot just felt painfully slow.
I'm still asking myself why I didn't DNF this, so not what I was expecting given how much I am enjoying the Dartmoor series.
99p on amazon.
I found myself unable to connect with the MCs in this book, and at times really disliked the heroine Lisa - she seriously grated on my nerves. Then there is Drew who is positioned as a guy who is only good with his fists, I hated how he thought he was good for nothing (stupid) and how crappy Lisa treated him. For me there was no relationship development or heat between the MCs. It was all so epically lacklustre.
Plus the whole plot just felt painfully slow.
I'm still asking myself why I didn't DNF this, so not what I was expecting given how much I am enjoying the Dartmoor series.
99p on amazon.
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September 13, 2015
09/12/2015 -- I really didn't like this one at all. It was slow to evolve. I tried, but ended up having to abandon it. This is my first after the Dartmoor series. I hope I enjoy others by this favorite author.
DNF at 33% -- 1 Star.
Happy Reading!
DNF at 33% -- 1 Star.
Happy Reading!
July 20, 2017
3.5 stars
December 24, 2017
DNF at 60%. To the point I stopped reading, there was absolutely nothing to like about the two MCs, Lisa and Drew. The author has written Lisa as a bitch with no redeeming personality and she has written Drew as an almost mentally deficient man with NO skills other than boxing. Again, to this point, Lisa did not have anything nice to say about Drew, calling him a meathead, an idiot and maybe not as stupid as everyone thought, with absolutely no regard for his feelings. Are these two supposed to fall in love? Seriously? There was no relationship development or connection between the MCs whatsoever. The subplot storyline, who was sending Lisa and her mother flowers, and the subsequent attack on Lisa was not developed on pace with the book. Very disappointed since I’m a huge fan of the Dartmoor series and the first book in the Sons of Rome series, White Wolf.
January 28, 2019
I was immersed in this book and couldn't put it down...I enjoyed some aspects of it...but it was pretty violent in places...but very realistic in others....possibly too realistic for this reader who reads to escape and this was a bit to rl for me...but I will try the next one in the series. I love this writer and if you like darker books this one is definitely for you.
August 15, 2021
For the most part this was an enjoyable read. I didn’t feel a connection with the mc’s. I didn’t like that a character good with his fists felt he had nothing else to add..I would have liked to see the heroine provide a little of that for him. He adored her but she seemed aloof and disinterested toward him even though her self talk was different but he doesn’t know that so spends a long time feeling she could dump him at any time. 🙃
May 29, 2015
I very much enjoyed this, however it did take a little patience at first to get into the flow of the writing and understand the motivations of the characters. The H and h, Lisa and Drew are neither written in the most attractive light at first. Lisa is very attracted to Drew and deals with this by shunning him and insulting him both to his face and behind his back. Not a direct quote but she makes countless references to him being dumb as a dog. I found this both refreshing from your usual heroine, but it also made her quite dislikeable a lot of the time. When she finally admitted her feelings though I did think that she redeemed herself.
I loved Drew. Drew's character was also at odds from the norm, he was quite down on himself, he didn't appear amazingly confident, except in the fight ring. He was very loyal though, which is one reason why Lisa makes reference to him as a dog. He himself admits he is not college smart, but I think as the story progresses he gains confidence in himself, he is only 26 I think. He has been beaten down by life, and I can see why he has fell into bad company. He is basically rescued by Lisa's father but it is not all plain sailing. The way he is with Lisa's mother is so sweet and the way he eventually does stand up for himself is great.
There are some very interesting side characters in this story. Lisa's father himself seems to have an interesting past.
The story is different to the usual and the style is a definite grower. The romance is believable and I liked the way it slowly grew on me.
I loved Drew. Drew's character was also at odds from the norm, he was quite down on himself, he didn't appear amazingly confident, except in the fight ring. He was very loyal though, which is one reason why Lisa makes reference to him as a dog. He himself admits he is not college smart, but I think as the story progresses he gains confidence in himself, he is only 26 I think. He has been beaten down by life, and I can see why he has fell into bad company. He is basically rescued by Lisa's father but it is not all plain sailing. The way he is with Lisa's mother is so sweet and the way he eventually does stand up for himself is great.
There are some very interesting side characters in this story. Lisa's father himself seems to have an interesting past.
The story is different to the usual and the style is a definite grower. The romance is believable and I liked the way it slowly grew on me.
December 21, 2014
2.5 Stars
The story line was interesting but I just couldn't find myself liking any of the characters. Lisa is spoiled and childish, always seeking her dad's attention and approval. Drew is too quiet and too subdue, never speaking up until the very end and even then, he runs away!! As for the rest of the family, they are ok I guess but still, no deeper attachment that happens when you really get into a book.
The story line was interesting but I just couldn't find myself liking any of the characters. Lisa is spoiled and childish, always seeking her dad's attention and approval. Drew is too quiet and too subdue, never speaking up until the very end and even then, he runs away!! As for the rest of the family, they are ok I guess but still, no deeper attachment that happens when you really get into a book.
April 19, 2020
Minor spoiler....
I got so attached to these characters I needed more from them. I feel like it could have gone on into more detail about how he would get out from under Ricky again at the end. I really liked the characters because they werent perfect and described the same way as everyother single person in wveryother book ever written. Loved getting to know Lida and Drew was amazing to watch his unearthing of who he really was underneath that silence. I feel like it all ended right as I got to the core of them. Im not super interested in the others stories and kind of want to skip to their next book in 3.5.
I got so attached to these characters I needed more from them. I feel like it could have gone on into more detail about how he would get out from under Ricky again at the end. I really liked the characters because they werent perfect and described the same way as everyother single person in wveryother book ever written. Loved getting to know Lida and Drew was amazing to watch his unearthing of who he really was underneath that silence. I feel like it all ended right as I got to the core of them. Im not super interested in the others stories and kind of want to skip to their next book in 3.5.
August 23, 2020
I loved this book! Yes, it starts slow but it gets really good. I have read a bunch of Gilley’s work and I keep coming back for more!
I don’t want to say much more - just give it time - you will be happy you did.
One comment - the way Gilley paints a scene in words is amazing. You practically feel the heat of the sun on your face with her descriptive prose.
On to book 2 of The Russell series!
I don’t want to say much more - just give it time - you will be happy you did.
One comment - the way Gilley paints a scene in words is amazing. You practically feel the heat of the sun on your face with her descriptive prose.
On to book 2 of The Russell series!
July 10, 2023
2.5 Stars
Certainly not the romance book I was expecting, in that there was very little romance or romantic tension (or even sexual tension) between Drew and Lisa. Found myself just powering through the last 40% so I could move on to something more interesting.
Very much a let down after having just finished Fearless.
Certainly not the romance book I was expecting, in that there was very little romance or romantic tension (or even sexual tension) between Drew and Lisa. Found myself just powering through the last 40% so I could move on to something more interesting.
Very much a let down after having just finished Fearless.
July 11, 2017
Gotta love the Russells
I am just coming off of a Dartmoor reading binge and wanted to stay with Lauren in all her writing glory. Don't get me wrong, the writing is still amazing, but the story lacked the push forward. The pace was a little slow and Lisa's bs got to me at times. It was a good story just took a long time to get there. I would say this is more a 3.5 star read.
I am just coming off of a Dartmoor reading binge and wanted to stay with Lauren in all her writing glory. Don't get me wrong, the writing is still amazing, but the story lacked the push forward. The pace was a little slow and Lisa's bs got to me at times. It was a good story just took a long time to get there. I would say this is more a 3.5 star read.
December 7, 2020
Interesting
I only connected with the characters at the end. Throughout the book I felt bad for Drew, the way he was being treated. I didn't really like anyone else. I sort of understood them in the end. I will read the rest of the series to see how things progress.
I only connected with the characters at the end. Throughout the book I felt bad for Drew, the way he was being treated. I didn't really like anyone else. I sort of understood them in the end. I will read the rest of the series to see how things progress.
October 24, 2016
Lauren Gilley's writing takes me right into the story. My heart races, I feel nervous and edgy when dangerous things are happening. I just love every second of it.
I liked Lisa, even though she was a tough one. I love when outwardly tough characters have that sweet loving core for the right person. Drew was a great hero, I loved his loyalty and devotion.
I liked Lisa, even though she was a tough one. I love when outwardly tough characters have that sweet loving core for the right person. Drew was a great hero, I loved his loyalty and devotion.
January 4, 2018
It’s good
I love the Dartmoor series and this was slow to get into. Once it picked up it really ran. Will be getting the next in the series. Love Lauren Gilley!
I love the Dartmoor series and this was slow to get into. Once it picked up it really ran. Will be getting the next in the series. Love Lauren Gilley!
August 10, 2024
I really could not stand Lisa, she is a spoiled brat and her father is an asshat. Drew deserves so much better. I love Lauren Gilley's books but this one just was not my cuppa.
July 7, 2015
After enjoying the author’s other book “Fearless”, I read this book next. I preferred “Fearless” more but nonetheless this was also quite an interesting read. If you are looking for romance, this book is not for you. It was more a suspenseful read. The story revolved around the Russell family and how Ray, the patriarch of the family, compromised the safety of his wife and daughter because of his previous legal profession or his current shady security business. The romance between Lisa and Drew was secondary and nothing really happened between them till 60% of the book because both of them were very guarded characters. I enjoyed the author’s writing and she manages to portray the characters and settings in a vivid manner.
October 26, 2015
2.5 stars
I struggled with this one. It's an interesting story and the dialogue is good. I liked the characters. It had lots of potential but fell flat. There are editing issues. More significantly, the writing is not as tight as it could be. It took me several chapters and lots of re-reading to place all of the characters and figure out all of the back story. There are several plot lines going on that converge nicely at the end, for the most part. But the introduction of all is sloppy and hard to follow. I was able to sort it all out about 1/3 of the way through and am glad I did. It's definitely worth reading but would benefit from some revisions.
I struggled with this one. It's an interesting story and the dialogue is good. I liked the characters. It had lots of potential but fell flat. There are editing issues. More significantly, the writing is not as tight as it could be. It took me several chapters and lots of re-reading to place all of the characters and figure out all of the back story. There are several plot lines going on that converge nicely at the end, for the most part. But the introduction of all is sloppy and hard to follow. I was able to sort it all out about 1/3 of the way through and am glad I did. It's definitely worth reading but would benefit from some revisions.
May 15, 2015
Set in Cartersville Ga. a local family's story of the father who was disbarred and moved from Alpharetta to Cartersville. He runs a security business now and the family is being threatened by an ex con with a vendetta. Lisa, his daughter, is feisty and has fallen in love with the boxer, Drew. He's assigned to Lisa to keep her safe while they determine who the perpetrator might be.
Ok, not what I normally like to read, but it did keep me riveted throughout the story.
Ok, not what I normally like to read, but it did keep me riveted throughout the story.
May 13, 2016
Fixed
This book is made for breaking, and it will fix your need for a good read! It's sucks you in from the start, and the more you read, the more you need. Lisa isn't your run of the mill romance woman and Drew is smarter than the stereotype. During his journey of protecting Lisa he learns to read her as nobody can and come's full face with the family that's binding as they are captivating. THIS IS A MUST READ
This book is made for breaking, and it will fix your need for a good read! It's sucks you in from the start, and the more you read, the more you need. Lisa isn't your run of the mill romance woman and Drew is smarter than the stereotype. During his journey of protecting Lisa he learns to read her as nobody can and come's full face with the family that's binding as they are captivating. THIS IS A MUST READ
July 6, 2015
A Good Read
Having read Lauren's Dartmoor MC series, (that I absolutely love) I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I still enjoyed the writing but wished the story with Lisa and Drew had been fleshed out a little more. I will of course read book 2 just to see if the story gets better.
Having read Lauren's Dartmoor MC series, (that I absolutely love) I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I still enjoyed the writing but wished the story with Lisa and Drew had been fleshed out a little more. I will of course read book 2 just to see if the story gets better.
January 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this book as with all, if not most of LG's series. It was not as slow going for me as some reviews did post. I like how this family, the Russells stand behind and support each other.
I would really like to read more of this series but I am having a difficult time locating a (Kobo) epub version to continue this series. :(
I would really like to read more of this series but I am having a difficult time locating a (Kobo) epub version to continue this series. :(
July 27, 2015
The story was focused more on the Russells' backstory and suspense than the romance which was actually ok because the heroine was rough. I'm all for prickly women but Lisa barely showed a softer side. Still love the author's voice and the way she tells the story.
May 20, 2024
I really REALLY liked Fearless by the same author.
2.5 on this one, it was a slow burn but there was no tension and not a lot of chemistry between mmc and fmc
The plot resolved in an almost cartoonish way and sudden after a somewhat long build.
Will try others from same author
2.5 on this one, it was a slow burn but there was no tension and not a lot of chemistry between mmc and fmc
The plot resolved in an almost cartoonish way and sudden after a somewhat long build.
Will try others from same author
tried-or-gave-up-on
December 1, 2017I started this book, it wasn't terrible, but I know I'll never get back to it and finish it.
November 25, 2017
Sooo.. yeah . This was an great book with and amazing storyline and an incredible plot twist. Unfortunately the speed of the story caused it to lose a lot of stars. The whole beginning dragged, like the first 250 pages ! The whole part was irrelevant and confusing. Lisa was to head strong and drew was to timid for me but I enjoyed how they complimented each other. Before reading this story I read many bad reviews. I have to be honest that the only reason i did read it was because the reviews for the books that follow are amazing!! Regardless of what led me to picking this read out in the first place, I don't regret reading their story .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews