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Atlanta #3
Breaking Through
Luke has almost nothing…no job, no apartment, no stability. His life consists of off-the-books jobs and crashing on the couches of buddies who’ll take him in spite of his screaming PTSD nightmares. He wouldn’t even care about his lack of stability except for one reason: when he comes home from his tour in Afghanistan, Luke is surprised to find he has a two-year-old daughter. He instantly wants to take care of his little girl and protect her from her party-hungry mother. He just has no idea how.
Through luck and circumstance, Luke begins fight-training with Marcus Walker, Atlanta’s top MMA fighter. With a proper outlet for his rage and physical tension, Luke pulls his life together one small piece at a time. It’s not until he meets Jennalyn Roche, however, that he understands love, peace, and hope. With the influence of good friends and the woman he calls his angel, even scars as deep as his may heal.
Through luck and circumstance, Luke begins fight-training with Marcus Walker, Atlanta’s top MMA fighter. With a proper outlet for his rage and physical tension, Luke pulls his life together one small piece at a time. It’s not until he meets Jennalyn Roche, however, that he understands love, peace, and hope. With the influence of good friends and the woman he calls his angel, even scars as deep as his may heal.
317 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2013
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295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 6, 2016
"Mine, Jenna …you are fucking mine…" he demanded again as he pounded into her body and tugged at her earlobe with his teeth.
"Yours, Luke… oh, God…"
"And you own me… every fucking bit…"
"Yes…"
3.5 SUGARY SWEET STARS! Breaking Through was a fluffy, sweet NA romance with a wounded warrior hero that liked to say great alpha-one liners and excelled in the I own you type of love.
"Jenna, you're mine," he rasped as he collapsed over her, "and I don't want some damn condom between us. I'm clean and I want you on the pill. I want to shoot my cum straight up in you and feel your tight pussy hot and wet around my cock, baby. You're mine now, Jenna. Just mine."
Lucky for me, I'd spent the weekend with serial killers so a fluffier than normal read was called for. This is the third book in the Atlanta series by author Kemmie Michaels, and the first one I had read. It worked fine for a stand-alone although the series is sequential and shares supporting characters so expect minor spoilers on the first two books if you want to back and read them later. While I enjoyed the story, I probably wouldn't read more in the series just because the NA genre isn't really one I read much in. Readers that do and don't mind sweet sexy romances with a little dirty talk should enjoy this one. The sexy bits were steamy, the hero was yummy, the heroine wasn't annoying, and the writing was a good.
May 9, 2014
This one was my favorite out of the series I really loved Luke the boy had so much potential and underneath that rough exterior is so much passion, "Jenna was left breathless and wide-eyed. Luke's face relaxed into an amused smile. "Sorry," he said. "You got me kind of carried away." I loved how take charge Luke was, "two things you have to know, Jen. I'll buy you what I want to, and I'll keep you safe. Boots work for both." I loved seeing the vulnerable side of Luke, he's so sweet and caring, "baby, what's wrong? Did I hurt you? Sh**! I'm so sorry..." His face was panicked. Jenna knew already her cared for her, but the look of desperate concern on his face melted her heart." I mean he puts her needs before his and that's how it should be, "but you didn't come? Why did you hold back? Baby...I don't understand." He pulled out of her and released her hair, but remained over her body. "Why are you crying? Why didn't you let me get you there?" he whispered, almost sounding panicked....and hurt." I hope there's a few more characters to come in this series I kinda don't want it to end yet.
January 17, 2014
A nice sweet read with some drawn out moments.,
This author is new to me and I was glad to find her. I think this book was a lovely book with two people who were from very different lives but somehow found each other and struggled to find a way to live together. The military part of the story was sad but I found it very honest of the Hero to say that he was there because he seemed delinquent and violent as a teen. Also, when he was in the military he still struggled to find his place and it was eye-opening to think that a Hero would be shown to have weaknesses like this. I appreciated the honesty though and when he could speak of it finally to Jenna, that was when they really clicked, confessions of love already having been made. This book was sweetly composed but perhaps needed some editing for content and repetition of inane details. I will read the other books in this series (this is book3) because I liked the other couples and their roles in this story.
This author is new to me and I was glad to find her. I think this book was a lovely book with two people who were from very different lives but somehow found each other and struggled to find a way to live together. The military part of the story was sad but I found it very honest of the Hero to say that he was there because he seemed delinquent and violent as a teen. Also, when he was in the military he still struggled to find his place and it was eye-opening to think that a Hero would be shown to have weaknesses like this. I appreciated the honesty though and when he could speak of it finally to Jenna, that was when they really clicked, confessions of love already having been made. This book was sweetly composed but perhaps needed some editing for content and repetition of inane details. I will read the other books in this series (this is book3) because I liked the other couples and their roles in this story.
November 18, 2013
Perfect ending to an amazing series!!!!!! Loved all three books for different reasons but this was my favorite. Great series a must read!!!
January 3, 2020
This book was such a tearjerker!! I loved this story, and it was a perfect ending to the trilogy, beautifully wrapping up everyone’s story.
November 8, 2013
4.5 Stars
Breaking Through is the third book in the Atlanta series. After finishing the first two, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and I was pleasantly surprised that it was just as good. This book is about a man trying to fight through his inner "demons" and become a better father for his daughter after having a rough few years.
Luke Baylor has nothing but the items in his duffle bag. He works under the table jobs and crashes with friends. He's unstable at times due to all the nightmares in his head from his tour in Afghanistan. When he comes home from his tour, he finds out he has a 2 year old daughter from a one night stand. This motivates him to become a better person, but he doesn't know how to fight the mess going on in his head. In an unforeseen situation, Luke is introduced to Marcus Walker, a top MMA fighter, who wants to mentor Luke like someone did for him many years ago. Training in the gym helps him with his frustrations, but he still can't shake what his mind keeps reminiscing.
Jennalyn Roche works at the front desk of a children's clinic. She's shy, pretty and doesn't think highly of herself, but she loves working with the kids. The day Luke walks in with his daughter, Sophie, there's a connection between the three that shouldn't be over looked.
Luke thought fighting for his daughter would be all he needed until he met Jenna. She brought a light to his life he didn't think he had or deserved. She was his "Angel".
Will Luke finally be able to overcome the nightmares going on in his head? Will Jenna be able to stand strong and help Luke throughout everything?
Luke is a sexy, tattooed, alpha male who had me swooning through the whole book. This story was passionate, sweet and happy but then it had me rolling with conflicted emotions. It was beautiful one moment and then broke my heart with tears in my eyes the next. I loved how Kemmie reeled me in to the story with so many different emotions. I felt every single one of them. This book was very hard to put down. If you're looking for something different to read, check out Breaking Through. It would be very helpful to read the first two books in the series to get acquainted with the other characters and know how they fit into Luke & Jenna' s life. Thank you, Kemmie, for another awesome story.
Breaking Through is the third book in the Atlanta series. After finishing the first two, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and I was pleasantly surprised that it was just as good. This book is about a man trying to fight through his inner "demons" and become a better father for his daughter after having a rough few years.
Luke Baylor has nothing but the items in his duffle bag. He works under the table jobs and crashes with friends. He's unstable at times due to all the nightmares in his head from his tour in Afghanistan. When he comes home from his tour, he finds out he has a 2 year old daughter from a one night stand. This motivates him to become a better person, but he doesn't know how to fight the mess going on in his head. In an unforeseen situation, Luke is introduced to Marcus Walker, a top MMA fighter, who wants to mentor Luke like someone did for him many years ago. Training in the gym helps him with his frustrations, but he still can't shake what his mind keeps reminiscing.
Jennalyn Roche works at the front desk of a children's clinic. She's shy, pretty and doesn't think highly of herself, but she loves working with the kids. The day Luke walks in with his daughter, Sophie, there's a connection between the three that shouldn't be over looked.
Luke thought fighting for his daughter would be all he needed until he met Jenna. She brought a light to his life he didn't think he had or deserved. She was his "Angel".
Will Luke finally be able to overcome the nightmares going on in his head? Will Jenna be able to stand strong and help Luke throughout everything?
Luke is a sexy, tattooed, alpha male who had me swooning through the whole book. This story was passionate, sweet and happy but then it had me rolling with conflicted emotions. It was beautiful one moment and then broke my heart with tears in my eyes the next. I loved how Kemmie reeled me in to the story with so many different emotions. I felt every single one of them. This book was very hard to put down. If you're looking for something different to read, check out Breaking Through. It would be very helpful to read the first two books in the series to get acquainted with the other characters and know how they fit into Luke & Jenna' s life. Thank you, Kemmie, for another awesome story.
May 10, 2016
Breaking through Kemmie Michaels
Breaking Through follows on from Unlikely Hero and Real Challenge in the Atlanta series and tells Jenna and Luke's story. The Atlanta series for me is all about overcoming the odds stacked against you as a couple. Luke our hero in Breaking through has a similar character to Marcus in Unlikely Hero. He's a troubled man with a shadowed past that pushes him into becoming a MMA fighter, as it means that his aggression is controlled and allowed free in a safe space. .
Discharged from the Army with little more than the clothes on his back Luke needs to get his life back together but with PTSD, a crazy Ex and an unexpected daughter finding him on his return from the sandbox it's a harder battle than he thought. Luckily for him he has an unexpected champion in Marcus a man who has battled and overcome his own demons by using MMA he begins teaching Luke ways to help with the anger.
Jennalyn Is friends with Marcus's sister and girlfriend but that's not how Luke and she meet its when he brings his little girl to the clinic she works at that the 2 begin to fall in love. However with CB (Luke's pet name for his Ex) wanting Luke back for herself and using his little girl Sophie to control him Luke can't risk his new girlfriend being bought to her attention so they need to keep there love secret. A sexy secret beginning to their relationship hiding from their friends and family creates problems in itself with Jennalyn thinking she's not good enough for him.
I love reading a bout a sexy badass motorcycle riding tattooed man with issues and a heart of gold. Reading about this pair falling in love and little Sophie made my heart melt I loved reading all 3 books in this series 4 stars.
B2B
Heather
Breaking Through follows on from Unlikely Hero and Real Challenge in the Atlanta series and tells Jenna and Luke's story. The Atlanta series for me is all about overcoming the odds stacked against you as a couple. Luke our hero in Breaking through has a similar character to Marcus in Unlikely Hero. He's a troubled man with a shadowed past that pushes him into becoming a MMA fighter, as it means that his aggression is controlled and allowed free in a safe space. .
Discharged from the Army with little more than the clothes on his back Luke needs to get his life back together but with PTSD, a crazy Ex and an unexpected daughter finding him on his return from the sandbox it's a harder battle than he thought. Luckily for him he has an unexpected champion in Marcus a man who has battled and overcome his own demons by using MMA he begins teaching Luke ways to help with the anger.
Jennalyn Is friends with Marcus's sister and girlfriend but that's not how Luke and she meet its when he brings his little girl to the clinic she works at that the 2 begin to fall in love. However with CB (Luke's pet name for his Ex) wanting Luke back for herself and using his little girl Sophie to control him Luke can't risk his new girlfriend being bought to her attention so they need to keep there love secret. A sexy secret beginning to their relationship hiding from their friends and family creates problems in itself with Jennalyn thinking she's not good enough for him.
I love reading a bout a sexy badass motorcycle riding tattooed man with issues and a heart of gold. Reading about this pair falling in love and little Sophie made my heart melt I loved reading all 3 books in this series 4 stars.
B2B
Heather
November 1, 2013
Jenna was a simple girl. Always told she was cute or petite but never beautiful. She was the blonde with dark eyes, and curves.
Luke was the dark, damaged soldier who had held a deep secret. Would he ever get past the anger and self hatred he had?
Sophie, Luke’s little girl, would bring the two together, and they would have a connection like no other, but would it be enough to keep them together.
Kemmie Michaels does it again, with a story of love, strength, friendship, and forgiveness. As with the other two books in the Atlanta Series this is more than just a simple story of two people falling in love. There is depth to the characters and the parts they each play in the lives around them. Breaking Through is full of unexpected surprises, and I found myself crying through certain parts, from joy, love, and even pain.
The descriptions in this book of special places are so well written it puts you right in the scene with the characters, and you can feel the love and tension. Your heart will break with Jenna and Luke as they struggle to open up to each other and get past the self hatred and insecurities. I personally love the scenes where Jenna takes time to sit in her large tub full of bubbles, mainly because that is one of my favorite ways to relax. I totally get that feeling of relaxation, and indulgence.
I have to say that as the final book in the Atlanta Series this is the perfect way to end, with all of your favorite characters from the first two books. This book will be on my mind for a long time to come!
November 25, 2013
This was a wonderful end to a fabulous series! Luke and Jenna might be my favorite. : )
Each of the books in the Atlanta series could be read as a stand alone, the stories are complete & well done. However, reading them all together (and in order) brings out an amazing depth to the overall story. Book 1 is Marcus & Erin's story, and we get to know Cassie's personality a bit, and her relationship w/ her brother, and how her friendship with Erin helps them both. Book 2 is Cassie & Scott's story, and we get to know Jenna. In both 1 & 2, we get little snippets of Luke's story, and the author does a terrific, subtle job of making us want more of his story. We're rewarded soundly in this installment.
Luke & Jenna both have big hearts and big issues to work through. And there is a little girl named Sophie who does her best to try & steal the show! *laugh* But the story is super sweet, HOT, and amazingly well-written.
Going back to the series as a whole - I was pleasantly surprised that each story had its own unique feel, while still keeping the core feel of love and family. Each couple's situations are well defined and fleshed out, so although the tone of the writing is the same, no two stories feel the same. In other words, you don't feel like you're reading the same book 3 times, which can sometimes be an issue with series! : )
This series, and this book in particular (the epilogue is FANTASTIC!), gets two thumbs up & a permanent spot on my favorites/re-read shelf.
Each of the books in the Atlanta series could be read as a stand alone, the stories are complete & well done. However, reading them all together (and in order) brings out an amazing depth to the overall story. Book 1 is Marcus & Erin's story, and we get to know Cassie's personality a bit, and her relationship w/ her brother, and how her friendship with Erin helps them both. Book 2 is Cassie & Scott's story, and we get to know Jenna. In both 1 & 2, we get little snippets of Luke's story, and the author does a terrific, subtle job of making us want more of his story. We're rewarded soundly in this installment.
Luke & Jenna both have big hearts and big issues to work through. And there is a little girl named Sophie who does her best to try & steal the show! *laugh* But the story is super sweet, HOT, and amazingly well-written.
Going back to the series as a whole - I was pleasantly surprised that each story had its own unique feel, while still keeping the core feel of love and family. Each couple's situations are well defined and fleshed out, so although the tone of the writing is the same, no two stories feel the same. In other words, you don't feel like you're reading the same book 3 times, which can sometimes be an issue with series! : )
This series, and this book in particular (the epilogue is FANTASTIC!), gets two thumbs up & a permanent spot on my favorites/re-read shelf.
July 15, 2014
I settled in with this book and a piece of chocolate cake, knowing in my bones it was going to be a good one, and it didn't disappoint. I actually forgot about the cake!
From page one, reading Jenna's description of Sophie, I couldn't wait to meet her. And then, she stole my heart from the words "Fry fries and muggets". Her mother, however, is a character you'll love to hate, another reason to want Luke and Jenna together, as if the electric connection between them wasn't enough reason already.
Jenna seems real, believing she wouldn't measure up to the supermodel type, doubting that Luke was really interested in her. She has real life insecurities that every woman deals with, but manages to recognize her good qualities as well.
Luke is a wonderful daddy, made even more impressive considering his PTSD from Afghanistan. I, admittedly, have a weakness when it comes to men who love kids and wounded warriors... so it goes without saying that I was head over heels for Luke within the first dozen pages.
Ms. Michaels is amazingly descriptive and gave her characters great personalities, even the supporting roles. I absolutely loved Marcus playing Fairy-God-Father and Cassie is the friend we all either have or wish we had. Able to spot the "gooey" feeling, she's what a best friend is supposed to be.
All in all, I would say this was a truly wonderful book and would recommend adding it to your TBR list.
~Jai
From page one, reading Jenna's description of Sophie, I couldn't wait to meet her. And then, she stole my heart from the words "Fry fries and muggets". Her mother, however, is a character you'll love to hate, another reason to want Luke and Jenna together, as if the electric connection between them wasn't enough reason already.
Jenna seems real, believing she wouldn't measure up to the supermodel type, doubting that Luke was really interested in her. She has real life insecurities that every woman deals with, but manages to recognize her good qualities as well.
Luke is a wonderful daddy, made even more impressive considering his PTSD from Afghanistan. I, admittedly, have a weakness when it comes to men who love kids and wounded warriors... so it goes without saying that I was head over heels for Luke within the first dozen pages.
Ms. Michaels is amazingly descriptive and gave her characters great personalities, even the supporting roles. I absolutely loved Marcus playing Fairy-God-Father and Cassie is the friend we all either have or wish we had. Able to spot the "gooey" feeling, she's what a best friend is supposed to be.
All in all, I would say this was a truly wonderful book and would recommend adding it to your TBR list.
~Jai
December 7, 2018
Breaking Through begins with us getting to know how Jenna and Luke met. Luke has a two year old daughter who got sick so he had to take her to the doctor's office. At the doctor's office is where Luke meets Jenna. They instantly have a connection, but Luke has some major issues and has a hard time asking Jenna out. But after a few more trips to the office he takes a chance with his little girl's help and asks Jenna out. From then on they form a beautiful relationship. But Luke has some major dark issues going on and he won't let Jenna help him. These two have to go through a whole lot before they can find their happily ever after.
I really liked Luke and Jenna together. And I loved how they had their changing point as well, even though I was a little worried for Jenna. Not to mention you throw in that little girl Sophie and it makes the book so much sweeter. I also loved getting to see more of the characters from the previous books. They added a whole lot more to this story as well. This one to me as a whole lot sadder than any of the previous books, and I really felt for Luke, and Jenna both. I felt for Jenna because she was strong enough to try to help Luke even when she could get hurt in the process. I won't say much more because it will spoil it. But these two were perfect together, and the book was very good.
I really liked Luke and Jenna together. And I loved how they had their changing point as well, even though I was a little worried for Jenna. Not to mention you throw in that little girl Sophie and it makes the book so much sweeter. I also loved getting to see more of the characters from the previous books. They added a whole lot more to this story as well. This one to me as a whole lot sadder than any of the previous books, and I really felt for Luke, and Jenna both. I felt for Jenna because she was strong enough to try to help Luke even when she could get hurt in the process. I won't say much more because it will spoil it. But these two were perfect together, and the book was very good.
October 10, 2014
3.5 stars
I was really intrigued by Luke in the other books, so I anticipated this would be my favorite of the series. Unfortunately, that didn't hold true. I liked the base of Luke's character, but at times he was too much and/or he was repetitive. I got that he was dominant in bed, and actually enjoyed that aspect; but then it got repetitive and I just wished his possessiveness or dominance would come across a little different in each scene. I didn't care for Jenna all that much, no particular reason, I just didn't connect and therefore didn't stay as invested.
Despite that, the writing is still very good. I appreciate the diversity among all 6 main characters and 3 romances within the series. I was a tad nervous about the PTSD element because I have personal experience, so I didn't know how accurate it would feel. The author handled that well and it didn't feel dramatized, especially Luke not wanting to expose Jenna to "the blackness". Overall, I enjoyed this series so I'd probably watch for her other novels.
I was really intrigued by Luke in the other books, so I anticipated this would be my favorite of the series. Unfortunately, that didn't hold true. I liked the base of Luke's character, but at times he was too much and/or he was repetitive. I got that he was dominant in bed, and actually enjoyed that aspect; but then it got repetitive and I just wished his possessiveness or dominance would come across a little different in each scene. I didn't care for Jenna all that much, no particular reason, I just didn't connect and therefore didn't stay as invested.
Despite that, the writing is still very good. I appreciate the diversity among all 6 main characters and 3 romances within the series. I was a tad nervous about the PTSD element because I have personal experience, so I didn't know how accurate it would feel. The author handled that well and it didn't feel dramatized, especially Luke not wanting to expose Jenna to "the blackness". Overall, I enjoyed this series so I'd probably watch for her other novels.
November 2, 2013
Oh, Kemmie you did it again. Definitely knocked it out of the ball park with this one. What a great story to finish up this series.
This is Luke and Jenna's story and my favorite one yet. Totally speechless on this one and can't express my feelings on this because you will just have to read it yourself to full understand what i'm talking about.
This story had me laughing and crying and so emotional as Luke struggles to live with his guilt from the past. He's trying to be a good father and get his life straighten out and then he meets Jenna and it's instant attraction. He think of her as his "angel" and omg swoon. Luke is intense, sweet, loving, and holy hell... ALPHA MALE.
Such an incredible journey of finding your way through life, love, friendships, heartaches.
This is Luke and Jenna's story and my favorite one yet. Totally speechless on this one and can't express my feelings on this because you will just have to read it yourself to full understand what i'm talking about.
This story had me laughing and crying and so emotional as Luke struggles to live with his guilt from the past. He's trying to be a good father and get his life straighten out and then he meets Jenna and it's instant attraction. He think of her as his "angel" and omg swoon. Luke is intense, sweet, loving, and holy hell... ALPHA MALE.
Such an incredible journey of finding your way through life, love, friendships, heartaches.
December 21, 2013
An okay read but nothing spectacular. Young ex-military guy has lots of anger issues and PTSD from time served in Afghanistan. Meets a sweetheart of a girl when he takes his daughter (a surprise for him when he got home from war) to the doctor and she's the receptionist. He finally gets up the courage to ask her on a date and its insta-lust. The rest of the story unfortunately just seems to dwell again and again with the solider's anger issues and the sweet receptionist's saintly attempts to help him heal (she's certainly more forgiving then I'd ever be). It's a sweet story, but ultimately not very interesting.
August 16, 2015
Breaking Through, the third book in the Atlantla series was just that: I break through from the past.
I knew when Jake was introduced in the first book that he is going to get his story and his HEA. I didn't have any idea of what troubled him and his past.
Reading about his struggles was like peeling an onion: layer after layer. His story allowed me to see Marcus path to becoming the man that met Erin.
Jenna unfortunately didn't manage to get my full attention. I would have wanted a stronger woman to help Jake but in the end it worked because they both grew together in life and relationship.
Another beautiful story from Kemmie Michaels who made want to read more.
I knew when Jake was introduced in the first book that he is going to get his story and his HEA. I didn't have any idea of what troubled him and his past.
Reading about his struggles was like peeling an onion: layer after layer. His story allowed me to see Marcus path to becoming the man that met Erin.
Jenna unfortunately didn't manage to get my full attention. I would have wanted a stronger woman to help Jake but in the end it worked because they both grew together in life and relationship.
Another beautiful story from Kemmie Michaels who made want to read more.
August 29, 2015
Another fab read by this author. I must say I have really really enjoyed reading the 'Atlanta Series'. I had anticipated reading Luke's story since he was introduced in the first series. Luke is a troubled soul and Jenna is his calm to his storm. They make a great couple and reading about their sweet romance was bliss. However at the end I found it a bit too much for me especially the 'Mommy J' bit. This puts me off as I felt uncomfortable reading it. Still a sweet read and I would recommend.
June 17, 2015
3.5 stars. A pretty sweet story, with some real life tough situations. PTSD, child custody....all handled pretty realistically, IMO.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews