Born with a broken heart, Hadley Rivera hasn't stopped fighting since the moment she drew her first breath. Coddled and spoiled by her wealthy parents, she's finally managed to break free and live life on her own terms. With a bestselling series of graphic novels and her very own thriving arts center, Hadley has one more box to check on her to-do list.
And his name is Finn Connolly.
Damaged and broken, former Marine Finn Connolly has never wanted anything as badly as he wants Hadley. After saving her life from a cartel assassin, he can't stop thinking about the alluring heiress with striking gray eyes—or all the reasons he'll never be good enough for her.
Until one perfect night together changes everything…
But his decision to cross a cartel threatens his life and those of everyone he loves. With the cartel and the Russian mob breathing down his neck, Finn learns Hadley's heart is giving out on her again. After everything he's survived to finally find his perfect other half, Finn refuses to lose her now.
He'll prove his heart is strong enough for both of them.
When I’m not chasing after my wild preschooler, I like to write super sexy romances and scorching hot erotica. I live in Texas with a husband who could easily snag a job as an extra on History Channel’s new Viking series, a sweet but rowdy three-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot, and Bosley, our Great Dane with major mommy issues.
I also have another dirty-book writing alter ego, Lolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.
Out of the three Brothers, Finn is my favorite brother. I loved his book and I really liked Hadley although I thought that she was going to be another Vivian.
But in saying that why can't it be a different threat then the Underworld out to get them. Just sayin'. Still a rockin' Finn stars.
FREAKIN' A!!!! Bought this within 5 minutes of it hitting Amazon, devoured it in 2.5 hours (finished it just after midnight, here in Australia) and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!!! So amazingly sweet and highly emotional... Roxie Rivera, there is NOTHING that you will ever write that I will not like/love... I have LOVED your Fighting Connollys SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! While Kelly was my absolute favourite, I have to say Finn has come in a close second *LE SIGH* I cannot wait to see what you release next :)
I'm not sure how to feel about this book. On one hand I liked that it had a little bit less intrigue in it than In Jack's Arms, but on the other, what intrigue and mafia/cartel drama it did have was slightly confusing to me. I'm still not sure what the heck happened there at the end with Hector and Kostya--I may need to re read it and try to dope it out. Or maybe that's all just part of what's supposed to keep us all coming back for more.
I'll tell you what keeps me coming back for more--These heroes! Man, Roxie Rivera knows how to write a hero. Whether her heroes are mobsters, bodyguards, moguls or middle-class wounded war vets, they are all sexy, smart, protective and have hearts made of mush when it comes to their ladies. I can't get enough. Plus, we got to peek at a new male character named Conn. I'm praying this guy gets a book, too.
As for the romance between Hadley and Finn, I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, so I'm not going to go too far in-depth to the issue that Hadley has. I will say that I'm not quite sure that it was played out in the best way. I could have handled a little more angst or crazy self-blame stuff from Finn, but it didn't really go there and it was mostly a smooth-sailing sort of love affair for them. The danger wasn't so dangerous (intrigue-wise) and the conflict on the relationship side wasn't really conflicting. Am I making any sense? Let me just say that I didn't worry for these two. At no point in the story did I think, "oh, no, this is going to drive them apart!" But there were ample things the author had set up that could have done the job--Hadley's "issue", Finn's alcoholism, her father's protectiveness, the wealth disparity, the potential danger of Finn's forced association with Kalasnikov and Guzman--Not one of those things gave either of them a second thought to the relationship.
But it was sweet, sexy and gave us all more of the Houston underworld drama, peeks at new characters, references to past characters and a few scenes with Kostya, who I am DYING to read about. If you've never read a Roxie Rivera book, my advice would be not to start with this one. Start with Ivan, read through the Her Russian protector series, then move onto the Fighting Connolly's--each book features a different couple, but the side story is an on-going saga that can get confusing.
In Finn's heart was a good read. Jack and Kelly's story were much lighter. I really like that Hadley and Finn were complicated emotionally and physically. Other characters, Bee, Abbey, Vivian, Coby, etc. cross into this book. Also, There is a bit of an "Easter Egg" where Koysta is concerned. The author throws in a hint of his storyline within this book. If you've read A Very Russian Christmas, then you will catch it. Okay, now to the parts that I was meh about. Finn's ties to the Russians and cartel were rushed, given all of Hadley's issues, it could've been left out all together. Honestly the mix of the female characters and their dynamics could've been played up, and how they mix with Finn and the brothers. Hadley is a cute character, and I wish there would have been more character development on her and her family. I also, think that she should've had a different last name. It's just a pet peeve but it should be different than the author (for me it was weird). I've read Jack and Kelly's story twice. Finn's is a one and done for me. But overall a good end to the series. Maybe Conn will get a book ;)
Perfectly girly cute. Simple and no drama . Falling in love comes easy for these two but it's watching them fall hard that keeps you page turning, loved the characters hope to read about them all again in the future. Great angst free story. Plenty of romance.
This book was definitely "lighter" on the mob action and seemed to deal primarily with the development of the H and h's romance and Hadley's medical condition. It was a tad disappointing how glossed over and the lack of details we got when it came to the blackmailing and mob connections, it was made to be this big thing and then I blinked and it was all happily resolved....WTH????? Again the cover lead's you to believe a possible MMA/boxing element, but other then co-owning the gym with his brother Jack, there is no actual "fighting" in this book. I guess they "fight" for their family and partners but the cover could have been a lot better suited to story line. I like how this book dealt with the couple facing serious health conditions, both past and present. The sexy times were a bit on the tame side compared to her previous book. This is the last Connolly Brother but the book didn't wrap up the series very well, it kind of has an unfinished feel to it??!!?? Not sure if there are anymore planned, or a spin off??? Overall and easy read.
Finn really does have a gentle, caring heart, "his hand moved from my chest to the back of my neck. He cupped my nape so gently and ran his thumb in slow, warm circles on my skin. "Oh, sugar, what the hell did they do to you?" He likes to show affection and in a bada** MMA fighter that is seriously hot, "that's better." He claimed her mouth again and relished the way she happily submitted to the erotic onslaught of his kisses. "You look so beautiful." I mean the boy doesn't care who sees them smooching, "for my good too," he added. "Those brothers of yours have been giving me dirty looks all night. They're going to kill me when they see this." He swept in and kissed me." He can be a dirty boy to, Finn is literally all that and a bag of chips, "he laughed and nibbled at my lower lip. "You can't tell me that you aren't getting wet just thinking about me spanking this fine a** of yours." I enjoyed Hadley and Finn's story.
I was so anxious for Finn! Boy was I not disappointed. I can't express how refreshing it is to read Roxie Rivera and about her totally ADULT acting heroes and heroines. *Sigh* Now, the heroes in Fighting Connollys are much more calm than her outstanding primal Russian hero's, but the stories are just as good. The way she's woven this world is enthralling. I love everything about it. Finn met Hadley and saved her life not shortly after. The two had immediate spark and chemistry. Throughout the book you watch as two amazingly hot, sexy and sweet people fall in love. I loved the added element of Hadley's medical issues and Finn's nonstop possessiveness of her. I love the Rivera's and totally hope they start getting their own books. Especially Dom and Tres...yum! I absolutely recommend this book, but not out of order at all. As a matter of fact, if you haven't read her Russian series before this one, you might be lost or missing out on some scoop. Great Alpha goodness!
Oh what a great ending to the Connolly brothers series, Finn and Hadley's story was so sweet, both physically scarred Finn from war and Hadley from her heart condition, separately they battled with there supposed setbacks but together they fit perfectly, they were just waiting to find each other, nice introduction to Hadley's family who I hope we hear more about especially Tres and Dom, but I like the sound of Conn Finns friend now he peeked my interest. I'm going to assume that Holiday Phillips fits somewhere along this storyline and we get to hear more about her no doubt in the next Russian books. have to say I thought the epilogue was perfect I had a soppy smile on my face. I am loving this series and it seems to be getting better and better and if my reading order is correct it's Sergei 2 up next.
While I thought this one was a little abrupt, I did like it. I just wished that there would have been more interaction with past characters, it something I love about this series.
I did like how neither Finn or Hadley shied away from the less than perfect parts of their lives, missing leg, recovering alcoholic, and heart problems. These issues were vulnerable spots with them, so having acceptance of them went a long way to cement their relationship.
I think my favorite part of the book was when Finn and Hadley's dad talked about Finn dating Hadley. It was nice for Finn to see what bothered dad was not really anything he had control of.
The ending was perfect for Finn and Hadley, so very them!
I am constantly impressed by this author's ability to tell a story that has all the elements, danger, human failing, redemption, intrigue and heart (pun intended). Despite a few typo's and a disconcerting change in voice a few times, this was a great read. I was interested to know more about these characters, a full lenth book might have been more satisfying, but altogether this book was very enjoyable.
This spin off is way much more sweeter and Her Russian protector and Debt collectors with bit of drama and action. Really enjoyed but I can not wait for Kostya's book!!! and next Albanian mob book!!! jeez those I really looooove!!!1
This was a really good story and addition to the series. I really liked both Hadley and Finn and enjoyed their story very much.
Hadley is an artist that writes and illustrates graphic novels that have become quite popular. She's the daughter of a very rich family but is much more down to earth than you'd expect considering. Hadley has had heart defects that have threatened her life since she was born. Her last surgery was when she was 16 and she hoped that would be the end to her problems.
Finn is an ex Marine who lost his left leg in battle. Now Finn co-owns the family gym with his brother, Jack. Finn had a really hard time after losing his leg and leaving the Marines...resulting in depression and alcoholism. It was tough but (with some help from his brothers) Finn was able to pull himself out of it and has been sober and doing well for almost 3 years now.
Finn and Hadley first met about a month before the story began. Hadley teaches an art class and when her and Finn meet at the class, there's an instant and mutual attraction. Finn even has some interest in creating graphic novels like Hadley does and they discuss this and it creates an opening for them to explore. Unfortunately, Hadley ended up getting caught in the crossfire of a shootout that had to do with Jack and Abby's issues (from book #2). Finn risked his life to save her life and wanted to call her but after what happened, Finn didn't think he was good enough for her. Thankfully, some changed plans brings Hadley and Finn the chance they need to connect and realize just how good they are together.
Once Finn understands that Hadley really wants him, he pretty much lays his detractions out on the table for her so she'd know exactly what she's getting with him. Hadley is more than willing to accept Finn as he is, especially since she has heart problems that many men would see as a major detriment to going out with her. Once Hadley and Finn start in a relationship together, things go very quickly. This is probably a good thing because some issues show up in both of their lives and it helps that they have each other to lean on as they work through things. Thankfully, Hadley and Finn are able to deal with the problems facing them and the story ends with them doing well and on their way to a HEA together.
I really enjoyed this story. Hadley was a sweet heroine and I really liked her. Finn was a good hero. He got caught in a mess (not of his own making) but he was willing to do whatever was necessary to protect Hadley and his family. I also loved the way he proposed at the end!!! Overall, this was a really good story with very likable characters and I'd recommend it. :)
Born with a broken heart, Hadley Rivera hasn't stopped fighting since the moment she drew her first breath. Coddled and spoiled by her wealthy parents, she's finally managed to break free and live life on her own terms. With a bestselling series of graphic novels and her very own thriving arts center, Hadley has one more box to check on her to-do list.
And his name is Finn Connolly.
Damaged and broken, former Marine Finn Connolly has never wanted anything as badly as he wants Hadley. After saving her life from a cartel assassin, he can't stop thinking about the alluring heiress with striking gray eyes--or all the reasons he'll never be good enough for her.
Until one perfect night together changes everything...
But his decision to cross a cartel threatens his life and those of everyone he loves. With the cartel and the Russian mob breathing down his neck, Finn learns Hadley's heart is giving out on her again. After everything he's survived to finally find his perfect other half, Finn refuses to lose her now.
He'll prove his heart is strong enough for both of them.
‘I wanted to live. I wanted to survive.’
Finn and Hadley’s story is probably the sweetest out of the three brothers’ stories!
“You forget about the pain because you want to live. Survival is a hell of a motivator.”
Both of these characters are so strong. So perfect for each other.
“I see you, Hadley. Ever since the day I met you, I see you everywhere I look. I see you when I’m running in the mornings. I see you late at night when I’m drawing in my room. I see you right now,” He shook is head in wonder. “And you don’t even know,” he murmured. “You don’t even realize that you’re the brightest fucking star in my sky.”
This book was very focused on the romance part of the relationship and them coming together to overcome something terrible. Finn is clearly husband goal and Hadley is very brave. However, in this book I really miss the interactions between the Connolly brothers and more importantly the action which made these books fun to read. That little episode with Kostya and crew felt too much like lip service. We didn’t even get a proper explanation of what was going on. As for the ending it felt rushed because of the 10 months jump. I would really have wanted to read about them after the surgery and building their relationship. Having all 3 couples interacting, sharing, supporting each other, would have been great too.
Finn for some reason always seem like the youngest Connolly brother. His past experiences with the military and alcoholism left him with a broken heart. He didn't believe that he would find love. Hadley who was born with an actual broken heart didn't think she would find true love either. Circumstances of a Cartel hit through them together for the better. In addition to chaperoning a date for their friends. In the end they mended each other's hearts by falling head over heels in love. I just love the Connolly brothers love stories. The sex scenes are a plus.
I liked this book. It had all my likes, Romance, Action, great story plot and a dash of crime. Although not as much in this as the first too, I wish there was a tiny bit more, but at the same time I'm glad nothing happened to Finn. It was disappointing that Jack only appeared for a cameo, and Nick wasn't in it at all. The series was supposed to be the three brothers standing together, but oh well, I still like it. ^.^
😭😭😭 I love all of Roxie's stories that I've read, but this one. This one head way to close to home for me. So it meant more to me. My nephew has a heart condition and had to have surgery within hours of being born and he had to have several more in his short 17 years of life so far. So thank you Roxie for the story.
Oh my goodness. This one just oh man, I cried. Finn and Hadley were soo gorgeous. Now, I'm just angry at myself for not reading this series earlier. All of these Connelly Brothers were awesome. I thought Jack was my favorite but Finn just swooped in and stole the show. I loved the characters, the writing, the premise, their story, loved it all.
This was probably my favourite of the whole series!
I loved Hadley and Finn together. So great!! And I liked how most of the problems were rooted not in the mafia. That was fun to have a little bit of a break (although still some features from the mafia guys).
Out of all the Connolly brothers, Finn was my absolute favorite brother. I’ve been looking forward to this book since I found this trilogy on goodreads.
Those Fighting Connolly's Are True Men of Honor!!!
But only one brother captured my heart and that is Finn Connolly, man you just want to get hi lots of hugs and kisses because he was truly a gentle spirit. In fact his spirit is that way because he is the only one so far out of the brothers who have forgiven their father. Their father was an abusive alcoholic and an extreme gambler, is there redemption for the elder Connolly I think so well I hope so.
Finn Connolly was a Marine who lost part of his leg in the war, an expert sniper, a recovering alcoholic and a budding graphic novel artist. Hadley Rivera a young woman born with a broken heart who from the time she was born has had numerous heart surgeries, spoiled by her parents and brothers and loved unconditionally by them. Two people who have never been in love, believed love was incapable of finding them and thought they would live out the rest of their days with only the love for their families. Who knew a paper origami frog would be the start of two soul mates finally finding one another and so begins the love story of Finn and Hadley.
In the second book you see Finn rescuing Hadley from a hired assassin, what that assassin didn't realize was that Finn was well known as a sniper and always got his mark. That is the last you see of those two from story two and they meet again in book 3, for me what endeared me to their story is that it is not often you get thread about two people with health challenges, oftentimes the man and the woman are perfect and may have emotional baggage but not physical. Finn and Hadley had both and to top it off she was an heiress but she was totally relatable. And this is why their story was just so beautiful.
The last Connolly once again found himself in the cross hairs of a pending mob war, because Finn took out an assassin the Russians had the body, the bullet and Finn's rifle in exchange for not turning it over to the police the needed a favor for him. Enter Nikolai, Kostya and some other players and Finn will find himself locked in a battle that hopefully doesn't get his family, Hadley and her family and himself killed. There is an interesting plot twist to this too because if you are not paying close attention it will be missed by the reader.
Finn's good friend Conn pays a visit and looks like he will be sticking around or a while and I do hope he gets his own story.
Another great book in this series. The Connolly brothers are so flippin sweet, and yet they are also smokin hot at the same time. They can melt your heart with something they say and then turn around and get all protective and make your heart beat faster.
I absolutely loved Finn. He was injured over seas serving in the military and as a result lost part of his leg from the knee down. He's a recovering alcoholic and co-owner with his brother in their gym. When Finn helps save Hadley in Jack's book, we knew there was interest there between these two characters. Well, Finn hasn't stopped thinking about Hadley. The problem ... he doesn't think hes good enough. Hadley's parents are loaded and he doesn't know what he has to offer. When circumstances arise where he ends up accompanying Hadley with Maddie and his girlfriend on a date, Finn realizes he has a shot.
Hadley has been crushing on Finn since he saved her during the shooting at her school. When Finn ends up with her chaperoning Maddie's date, she decides to make sure that Finn knows she's interested. In the past, guys have always been threatened by her father and the amount of money they have. She wants to make sure that Finn sees her for who she is and not what she has.
This story was more of a love story than anything else. There was a little side story with the Cartel and mob, but for the most part, we mainly got to witness Finn and Hadley falling in love and dealing with the problems with Hadley's heart and the surgery to follow. It was a really sweet and pretty quick read.
I also love the books in the Her Russian Protector companion series and am looking forward to the next book, Sergei, which is scheduled for release in May. These books are easy good reads, with some sex and romance and action thrown in.
Finn & Hadley's story might just be my favorite of the Connolly brothers, altho I really loved all 3 stories. The first story of Kelly & Bee had a lot of action, but was a little bogged down introducing all the characters & having cameos from the Russian Protector series. Jack & Abby's story was smoother, and led up to Finn & Hadley's.
Some of the things I loved about this story are things other reviews complained about, so I guess that just proves every story doesn't touch ppl the same way. I liked that the things that could have caused angst, didn't - Hadley has a medical condition, Finn is a recovering alcoholic and wounded war vet; Hadley comes from extreme wealth, Finn is a successful business owner, but pretty firmly middle class; Hadley's family isn't keen on anyone being in her life at first... Oh yeah, and Finn is being blackmailed by the Russian mafia AND a Mexican cartel (who just happens to have family ties w/ Hadley). I liked that none of these things caused problems in their relationship, and that the main focus of the story WAS that relationship. The outside things happening were used to highlight their working together to build a life. And that made me happy! : )
My only complaint, which is not really a complaint, more of an observation, is that it felt a little like one of the big storylines - the blackmail part & what exactly was going on w/ that - fizzled at the end. It was all this build up to something & then *poof* like 3 pages of plotting & no real explanation as to what was happening. Finn apparently knew what was going on, but WE the readers did not. Or, maybe it was just me? Maybe this is a set up for a future book in another connected series? Still, it annoyed me.
But overall, I greatly enjoyed this story, and I L O V E how she did the epilogue! : )