Worth the Battle

Heaven Hill #4

by Laramie Briscoe

Movie star running from her life.
Secret writer of erotic romance.
Trusts only Layne O’Connor of the Heaven Hill MC.

When Jessica Shea fears that her privacy is in danger, she takes the drastic step to leave her life behind and escape to the only person who’s never treated her like the movie star she is. He’s the one person who’s never sold a story to the tabloids and who knows the real Jessica, the one underneath the makeup and high-gloss shine of Hollywood.

Their friendship has stood the test of time. Now, someone has stolen private photos and writings from her home. Things that she doesn’t want the public at large to see. There’s only one place she knows she can go to be under the radar and lick her wounds.

That place is wherever Layne O’Connor is.

War Veteran.
Striving to live a normal life.
Member of the Heaven Hill MC.

Layne left a piece of himself in the war zone. Fighting PTSD and demons that he can’t explain has left him tired and changed from the man he was before he went overseas.

The only thing he feels like he excels at anymore is being a criminal, and he gladly does it for his brothers of the Heaven Hill MC. The only people who took him in when no one else knew what to make of his anger and

When Jessica arrives, however, she’s a trigger for everything he’s trying to forget. She makes him remember who he was before his life went to hell, she makes him want to get himself back. While working through those issues, he and Jessica are racing against an unknown enemy—someone who wants to destroy her reputation and take her sweetheart persona with it.

As they both work to trust each other and figure out just who her enemies are,they learn that love is never easy. They have to decide if the victory is worth the battle.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Adult, Military Fiction

285 pages, ebook

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

Laramie Briscoe is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books.

When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix.

Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband and an adorable dog named Gus.

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Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed as part of a box set: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Big Stars!



WOW Laramie let me just say you hit it out of the park again with your Heaven Hill guys! I loved this story. This story is the continuation of the Heaven Hill MC #4 in the series and is Layne and Jessica's story. Even though we see all the other characters in this book but the main focus is on Layne and Jessica.

Let me say I thought Jagger was my favorite but I think Layne just stole my heart right out of my chest. Layne is a very complex guy. He flat out tore me up. I cried several times in this story and laughed out loud at other times. You will go on an emotional roller coaster with this one. Jessica and Layne have a long history together both people with secrets. Layne's secret devastated me when he revealed it. I boo-hooed. Layne came back from the war a shell of a man with scars both emotional and physical. Although Jessica has some of her own issues from being a child star and wanting someone to love her, she knows she wants Layne. She is going to stand by her man. This book has so many deep emotions in it. The very important subject of PTSD is covered in depth with Layne. Laramie did a fabulous job with her writing about this subject. Jessica and Layne share a deep connection and strong friendship. I loved the change of pace in this story, normally we see broken guy and broken girl and the girl is weak and angst. In this story we have a strong female presence and a very broken man. Layne has a strong support system with people who love him deeply (the club and Jessica). We learn about healing and loving someone in through the good and bad. As always I love Jagger. He plays a big part with being Layne's best friend and Bianca be-friending Jessica. Liam, Denise, Tyler and Meredith all have big parts here too. I love them all!

The mystery in the story gives you that Awe-Ha moment and was very well done. The flow of the story is excellent. I would strongly recommend this book anyone. Laramie Briscoe is one of my favorite author's. I cannot wait for #5 which will be Steele and Christine's story (even though we see all the other characters in #5 too- Keeping my fingers crossed for Mer & Ty). Please take the time to read the other Heaven Hill books in order to get the whole experience.

Thank you for the beautiful story of healing and the power of love.

"I love you Layne, when you feel like you aren't going to make it home, remember that. I love you." - Jessica

"I don't care if this is just for today Layne, or maybe it'll last a week, but my God, I need you. I need to feel you against me, and I need to know that you're still mine." - Jessica

"Entering her body for the first in so long made him want to cry. In every memory he'd ever had of home when he was overseas, this had been it." - Layne

What was Jessica to him? "She's everything I want but nothing I've ever deserved," he whispered. - Layne

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC For Honest Review

Worth the Battle was definitely Worth the Wait! I actually went back and re-read books 1 through 3 to prepare myself for this story. Laramie tackles some difficult issues with her latest story of Layne and Jessica. Military PTSD is no joke and Worth the Battle hits it hard. Layne was always the quiet one in the previous books, kinda loner, he was there but wasn't. Now we all know why. Jessica, Hollywood superstar, meets Layne when she accepts his invitation to a military ball. This has been quiet common recently since 9/11. Since that night, they have kept things going up until Layne's deployment to Iraq. The hard life that the military is, takes a toll on their relationship. Things happen that can change a person, and since his return he's never been the same. When Jessica has trouble, the first person she calls is Layne. When the Heaven Hill MC takes Jessica as one of their own, trouble is a bit closer than they think and it all revolves around her. Trying to help Jessica has brought Layne's own issues front and center which almost drives him over the edge. The tone of this story is more romantic/drama then the action/romance. It is no less addicting either. Being a huge fan of Liam and Tyler, we get plenty of interaction with them and other characters. The realness that Laramie brings to this story is intense and gripping. Be prepared to read it from start to finish. Enjoy.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as I have the rest in the series. Why? I couldn't connect with or care about either of the characters. Also, the push and pull between them went on for way too damn long until it was over-worked, and it got a bit irritating. The suspense part of the story was also wrapped up too quickly and neatly. I would rather have had more of this than Layne constantly being a tool.

2.5 stars

[Loari Bioletto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the others

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review

I was intrigued when in the last book, Losing Control, we found that Layne O’Connor knew and award was friends with an actress. Knowing they had some sort of past made me think their story would be extra special and Worth The Battle exceeded my expectations. Emotionally gripping, heartwarming, and sexy all rolled together into another fine book in the Heaven Hill MC series. Author Laramie Briscoe weaves an intricate tale of life inside a motorcycle club and with each book we begin to see more about what drives these men into this life and why the women who love them chose to accept that life.

Layne O’Connor is one of the youngest members of the Heaven Hill MC; he’s a war veteran suffering from PTSD and carries so much guilt on his shoulders; guilt from his time in the service and guilt about his personal life. He’s been managing his PTSD fairly well until his friend and ex-lover actress Jessica Shea calls him for help. With Jess back in his life, he’s having a hard time managing his emotions and anger. There’s no question there is something between these two but Jessica’s on the run from a scandal that will tank her career and Layne is sure she deserves someone better than him. Both are young and have so much life ahead but will their past allow them to move forward or will it tear them apart?

I very much enjoyed this story even though reading about Layne’s struggle was at times difficult. I hate that he’s been through so much and won’t allow himself to share his burden and unload his grief. I appreciate the fact that Jess realizes he needs some outside help and appeals to the older members of the MC to ask them to help Layne get it. While I would have like her to take the initiative and asked him to see a counselor, I understood why she asked the club to step in. At times both characters seemed a little immature, but I had to remind myself they are young and both have been put in some horrible situations that people older than them would have trouble dealing with so their actions were somewhat warranted. I love that they had this almost sweet history between the two of them and that their bond was very strong despite at one time being on divergent paths.

While the budding relationship between Layne and Jess was center stage in this book, it’s hard not to mention how the other members of the club not only stepped in to help Layne but also Jessica. The bond between the members of the MC is stronger than most family bonds and the women in their lives are quick to welcome and accept Jess but also have no problem letting her know that they have Layne’s back. I loved the interaction between Tyler and Layne which reminded me of an uncle/nephew type relationship. It also amazes me how the women of the club do their best to make Jessica feel welcome and the fact that everyone within the club treats her like a person, not the celebrity that she is, which in turn makes her feel comfortable and safe.

We all know that most MC’s straddle the line between right and wrong or good and bad. I appreciate that this author doesn’t shy away from those discussions; some of their activities are illegal and some are legitimate and all are part of the story. I’m also very curious about their new found relationship with Rooster, the town’s deputy sheriff.

With each book in this series, I grow more invested in the characters and this club. I’ve also watched this author grow and hone her craft and it’s exciting to see. I loved watching the emotional battle that took place in this book, the fact that both the main characters had to come to grips with their ever changing lives and figure out if they could handle even more changes if they plan to be together. Both characters were at war; one with himself and the other with her life but in the end they came to realize that together it was Worth The Battle. Well done, Ms. Briscoe, well done!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

<< I received an ARC from the author for an honest review >>

"Movie star running from her life.
Secret writer of erotic romance.
Trusts only Layne O’Connor of the Heaven Hill MC."

"Worth the Battle" was well worth the wait...I was SO lucky to be able to get an ARC of this long anticipated sequel! Author Laramie Briscoe's three sentence summary shown above is barely a whisper of what this book is about. I would safely say it is probably one of her most well-written and most mature work to date out of all 4 Heaven Hill books.
I LOVED Liam and Denise, cried along with Tyler and Meredith, chuckled and enjoyed the cute couple of Bianca and Jagger...but wow, Layne and Jessica take trouble and deep emotional bonds to a whole new level.
Layne is a war vet having gone from the horrors in Iraq to living a life skirting the edge of danger with the Heaven Hill boys, battling PTSD that he mostly keeps under control...that is until Jessica comes back into his life. She was his past, his one real love that he thought he lost while he was away at war, but now she needs him...needs the protection he can give her and as we learn, they both need each other for different reasons.
I do not like to give away plot spoilers in my reviews but I will try to express how much I enjoyed this book without spilling any secrets.
There is not a lot of graphic sex or excessive violence or wild parties or major battles that we come to expect in the majority of biker romance novels in this one...what you get is a very family centered tale of love lost, parental betrayal, blackmail, deception and learning to forgive and while not forget, move on to live your life at peace with oneself. When we do finally see the culmination of all the sexual frustration, it is rather sweet and satisfying =)
Everyone struggles for something in this book...Liam and Denise to find a balance now that they have a child to raise, Tyler and Meredith to be content with having only each other while desperately trying to have more, Jagger and Bianca working out their differences as just a man and woman as well as the focus of the book, Layne and Jessica attempting to free themselves from the demons of both their past lives that are threatening their future.
A beautifully written, deeply personal book that might give hope to those fighting similar battles in their everyday lives.
There were also some funny surprises and twists near the end of the book and the door has been left open to another book about the nerdy tech man of the club and another member's sister.
Highly recommend this one!!

*****5***** "Learning to take it one day at a time" stars =)

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all of the previous books in this series and liked all of them. This book took a different path in that it focused mainly on Layne's struggles with post war PTSD. He and Jessica had a relationship before he went to Iraq and he came back from that war a different man than when he left. Some of his problems also went back to his childhood. Jessica has problems of her own, running from the bad guys. Briscoe did a wonderful job handling the PTSD issue and succeeded in getting me emotionally involved with Layne's struggles. The author effectively deals with not only Layne and Jessica's struggles but all of the other Heaven Hill MC family members. They all, especially Tyler, Liam and Jagger, want to help Layne overcome his debilitating mental struggles. Briscoe did a good job showing how all of the people who love you are invested in making you whole again, just because they love you. There were a few minor plot issues I could detail but the overall results is that I enjoyed this book and all of the characters. There's not that much violence or even sex but it really made me realize there are many men and women too that suffer from PTSD and go through the same battles daily trying to get their lives back to normal.
I'm waiting on the next book just to see if Tyler/Meredith get pregnant. Next book is about Steele (the techie) and Jagger's sister, Christine. Good set up in this book for the next one.

[Skye Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Battle is Laramie Briscoe’s best work to date and that’s saying something. Her writing is constantly evolving and I am so glad to be along for the ride.
I found this book to be much more “personal” that the other books. I am not certain why, but I connected with it on a deeper level.
Some extremely serious topics are covered in WTB and they are done so in a brilliantly written, completely draws you in way.
Layne has PTSD and is such a complex character, yet at no point was I lost or confused. I just wanted to give him a hug. As the story unfurls, we learn so much about him and it just makes him so damn desirable.
Jessica is the spoiled child starlet who is running for her life.
Layne and Jessica have history and a deep friendship which I found very endearing.
I cried multiple times, I laughed until my cheeks hurt, it squirmed a bit, and through it all, I kept furiously flipping pages.
Amazing story and you will not be disappointed.
In all honestly, this book would get more than 5 stars if it was possible.
You keep writing Laramie and I’ll keep reading!
**ARC given in exchange for an honest review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laramie Briscoe did it again - or maybe she went way beyond with this one. Worth the Battle is the 4th book in the Heaven Hill Series, and hands down, this is my favorite book so far. the story of Layne and Jessica is so heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. Each book in the series deals with a social issue or life challenge, this one deals with the ghosts and demons our war hero's are forced to face and live with every day. Layne came back from Iraq a changed man, war took it's toll and his self doubt were nearly broke him. Jessica life was spinning out of control - they needed each other more than they would or could admit. This is their story, their journey to find themselves and to find each other. Laramie Briscoe, you rock! You write stories that capture the whole picture. I can't wait for book 5 to come out. I think we're in for another great one with Steele.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with a compelling story line. The author did a fantastic job of keeping the details just right about what Layne had gone through while in Iraq. It could easily have turned graphic and I appreciate the effort that obviously went into keeping the story from becoming too traumatic. Jess didn't have as much of a role in the book as the female from the previous 3 stories but that was ok with me; she was interesting but the story really was driven by Layne and his experiences. I again loved how much the other characters show up throughout the story and how their story lines continue to move forward. Next book is Steele and Jeager's sister Christine...can't wait.

[Lady E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read each book in this series. Honestly this title was a bit of a letdown. I didn't connect with the characters or the story line, which is disappointing as I thought the plot was interesting. It just didn't flesh out to me and the plot wrapped up in such a neat bow that I was honestly confused as to what had seriously just happened. I was looking forward to Layne's story. He had a rough back story and I just didn't feel like it was fleshed out. He and Jessica's book just didn't conntect to me. I'm not sure if I will read Steele's book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

*received ARC from author foe an honest review*

I love Heaven Hill and Tyler was the one for me until Layne stole my heart. Layne and Jessica are awesome together, they both have things in their lives they are working thru, Jess is running from a Hollywood scandal and Layne is trying to come to turns with things that happened to him in Iraq and Jessica has to make a decision about her future and where Layne will fit in.

[Paige Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this book is not out yet but I am one of a lucky few who received an ARC of this book. This book is the story of Layne and Jess. I think I'd be willing to take on Jess because even when he was at his worst Layne was winning me over. I love that she tackled the very real problem of PTSD and this was a great story. I cannot wait for it to continue so I can see more about all of the people I've fallen in love with throughout this story.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about Layne and Jessica that just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I read this book in one shot. Couldn't put it down until I finished it. I wanted to reach in and hug both of them several times throughout the story. I keep saying that the club is on a journey and I feel like it is even more on point for these two. The things they have lived through have shaped them into some really good people that I wish I knew in real life. I'm so hooked on this series!

[Deb B · Rating 5 out of 5]

read the first few in this series several years back and remembered enjoying them then. the first book of the 2nd generation of hh's has just been released so time to revisit and catch up with this series. great reading, def my style of books

[Amber "Epp" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I am in love with the series I read the little blurb for the next book in the series and I just want to scream because I am sure its going to be my favorite book in the series and it hasn't come out I can't wait to read it though this is a fantastic MC book series happy reading for all ... :)

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn't really click with me as well. It felt kind of rushed and half told. The end was abrupt.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Meant to Be (Heaven Hill #1)
Out of Darkness (Heaven Hill #2)
Losing Control (Heaven Hill #3)

This is Jessica and Layne’s story. These two have history that is until he pulled away from her. Now when she really needs help, she calls him. He drops everything to go get her. When they reunite, they are both feeling things, but they are both different people then they last time they saw each other. She has secrets and so does he. He also has demons from his time in the military and he is struggling. When she brings danger to the club, they will have to figure out their differences and work towards making her safe from harm. Do they have a future? Or will he have to deal with his own demons before working on a relationship with her?

I recommend this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layne O’Connor returned home from war not only physically wounded, but with mental & emotional wounds that have turned him into a different man than he ever was before. The only family that he has had since leaving the Army is the Heaven Hill Motorcycle Club and their families. Jessica Shea is a movie star on the run from her life and the paparazzi storm that will inevitably ensue once the gossip rags run a story on her. She calls the only person who has ever made her feel safe in her life, the only person she can trust, the only person she has ever loved, Layne.

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the last book in the boxset I had gotten and just like with Jagger and Bianca's story, I did not care for Layne and Jessica's. But with this one I didn't really connect with either Layne or Jessica. I felt like this one dragged on and the drama was so/so. The romantic connection with the two also felt a bit lost in everything else that was happening. Tyler and Meredith's book was by far my favorite of the four and I don't think I really care to continue on with the rest of the series.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 star read for me. I enjoyed the story, but it seemed like Layne was able to work out his issues way to quickly. There was enough of a lead in for the next book that I'm definitely curious about it.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf. At 60%. There had been too much talk of the H being with other woman after he was with the h. In fact he was still in contact with her. Definitely seemed like cheating. I just didn’t like him as much after that

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Shea is a movie star and secret writer of erotic romance. Layne O’Connor is a war veteran dealing with PTSD. He is a new member of the Heaven Hills MC family. Layne has been friends with Jessica for many years.

[Janelle b · Rating 2 out of 5]

MC books are not for me. I read the first 4 books in this motorcycle club series and I liked the second one best. I may give this author another try if she has other books that are not surrounded by any club lifestyle.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

MC...

Love the way Laramie Briscoe writes about real struggles such as PTSD and Anxiety... I also love the way they fall so deeply in love...must read

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Jazmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t super into this one like I was with the rest of the series, but I still enjoyed it.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst this wasn’t my favourite story in the series I enjoyed it but I don’t think it will rate in my must rereads.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layne and Jessica

5 stars for another good one in this series. I love this series and this author. This one had a little mystery and live story in it.