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When past and present collide, sparks fly.

Ten years ago I broke Jack Walker’s heart without an explanation and we’ve been bitter enemies ever since. It hasn’t been easy considering he’s my best friend’s brother, but it’s better all around if I keep my distance from the only man I’ve ever loved.

Some secrets are better off buried.

When my mother dies and leaves behind my two teenage brothers, I don’t have a choice but to return home to take care of them. The last person I expect to be waiting for me is Jack. And this time he isn’t going away without answers, even if they may ruin us both.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2016

270 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Blanchard

59 books1,931 followers
Nicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.

When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.

You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...

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5 stars
298 (42%)
4 stars
232 (33%)
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138 (19%)
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28 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews428 followers
April 28, 2016
Nicole Blanchard really did hear my prayers as for bk2 of this series, we get Jack and Sophie's story and a little something something on the side on our previous characters, Ben and Livvie.

This book is not necessarily an easy journey for both characters. Not that the course of love or life did ever sail smoothly to begin with.

It covers a sensitive topic, one of which the author forewarns readers from the very beginning even before you venture into the story, and it is beautiful and tormenting on how it unravels. Sophie, is an example of a survivor living through hardship and trying to overcome her past. And Jack, Jack is the epitome of what unconditional and resilient love looks like.

Jack and Sophie were flawed and beautiful characters. There are some things about their reactions and the developments that I felt could have been worked out more or even expanded, but all in all, I was satisfied with seeing the two and their family&friend support unit band together through thick and thin and tackle the good and bad that came their way.

Very exemplary writing!

Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
July 24, 2016
I wanted to love this book—and actually, I really did love many things about it. The love was so palpable, so real. The secondary characters from the first book were as wonderful the second time around, an absolute delight to revisit. The writing flowed, and told a story that wouldn't let me go; it kept me reading and I finished almost in one sitting.

What I just couldn't love were the inconsistencies in the characters themselves. I know personal tragedy affects everyone differently. This is no reflection on that. It wasn't emotional inconsistencies, or those reflecting directly on a character's past. It was the larger things. A character living in fear, a fear that causes her to make monumental decisions, but then walking through a deserted parking garage alone. A character asserting her strength, and bragging about self defense training, but then never using any of it. A character that talked the talk, but never walked the walk.

There were a few minor plot lines that also felt very unresolved, and while small, they ate at me well after I finished. It was a good book, and I would absolutely read any new ones to come, as I the writing was completely addictive. I just couldn't love it like I wanted to. ~ George, 3 stars
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,172 reviews339 followers
May 22, 2016
Survivor
First to Fight
Book 2
By Nicole Blanchard

Can Jack and Sofie put their history behind them & start over?

Amazing heart-wrenching story about young women who has Suffered & Survived Tragedy …. That same Tragedy kept Sofie from her family & friends… When we find out the reason why she left Nassau, it is truly heartbreaking, they fact that she's been suffering alone for years.
The only reason why Sofie has to return to Nassau is Cuz her mother pass away… Sophie has two younger brother that don’t even know her, but she has return to raise them on her own

Jack still own & runs the family Gym…. Over the years he has been close with Sofie’s Mother & younger brothers.. Helping as much as he can ….. Jack feels unsettled & is thinking about relisting in the Military he not sure that he can handle being in the small town of Nassau, who doesn’t seem to want him around her…

This a great second chance romance. The writing is phenomenal. Can't wait for Savior.
Profile Image for Shannon.
517 reviews165 followers
April 30, 2016
I commend Nicole for writing a story about this issue. This book does contain sexual assault and no this is not a spoiler. The author warns you even before you start, which I appreciate. It's quite a hard topic to discuss but I think she did pull it off. At times I was a little put off by the heroine portrayed her feelings while looking back on said incident, but in the end her character growth made up for it.

I enjoyed the family dynamic and having a strong community of friends and family to always be supportive, plus you get plenty of cameos from Olivia and Ben to keep readers of the series happy.

“What do you want from me?” he asks finally. “Whatever you want, you’ve got it. I can be your friend. If that’s all you need, I can do it. I just want to have you in my life again. And not like it’s been these past few years where we act like strangers. I want my best friend back. Even if that means that’s all we’ll ever be.”


Jack seemed like a good guy. He said some cute things but I couldn't really get a grasp on any of the characters. What they wanted, how they were acting, how the relationship just started back together again, decision making, etc.

“I can’t imagine a future that doesn’t have you in it. When I thought about what my life would be like after training, it was always a life that included you at the finish line.


I think this story could've been overall more effective had it been longer. There needed to be room for more detail, more emotion and more connection between the characters. The plot changed suddenly from growing their relationship to dealing with the antagonist and it was a little choppy. There were times I was a little confused as to what was happening or how the characters got to a certain scene.

Some decisions or small details could've been expanded upon to add another dimension. I can think of one specifically and a smaller detail from the beginning that I think could've certainly been expanded upon to help give this story more sustenance and added to both the character's connection and growth. I both like and dislike how Survivor focused solely on the one incident. Yes this is important and needs to be talked about but like I said earlier, I don't think there was enough to justify sticking solely to this aspect. It was on the verge of being a novella and perhaps it needed to be decided one way or the other. Clear up some things and make it a novella or deepen some others to make it a full length.

My biggest problem with this book was the amount of obvious contradictions. For example, Sofie sees Jack from across the room with his military buzzed hair, but in the next paragraph she's running her fingers through his hair and pulling in it. This can't happen if it's buzzed. Or later on, she eats breakfast in bed and when she goes to have a shower, Jack says he'll go make her breakfast. There were a few others that I noticed but I'll leave them out to avoid spoiler issues. Also the fact that when pointing out who's POV each chapter is in, the heroine's name is Sophie. During the entire novel, it's Sofie or at times even changed to Sofia. Her brother's name also changes from Donnie to Donny on occasion.

All in all I liked the idea of the plot. I think it needed either some more direction or fine tuning, but it's a great base. It's intriguing and keeps the reader engaged, but I do wish we had more to go on. I'd be interest in reading about Logan's story in the future and will go back at some point to read about Ben and Olivia in Warrior!

*an ARC was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christina J. .
98 reviews70 followers
October 9, 2016
*spoiler free*

Honestly this thing was so quickly devoured that I barely remember it being read. Very fast read and great story!

The book takes place in the past and the present in both Jack and Sofie's POV.
Despite the prospect of years apart Sofie and Jack hope for a future together. Jack is leaving to join the marines and Sofie has four years of college ahead of her. They want to make the best of the time they have left before their years apart and the unknown future. However their time together and their future is taken away from them.
Ten years later Sofie has to return to take care of her brothers. Jack and Sofie quickly discovers that despite the way things ended and the years apart they can't deny that there's still something there. However coming back to town means Sofie has to deal with her old demon especially when he comes back to haunt her.

When I first started I kept thinking okay uhhh what is going on, but as I read more and knew what was going on I just loved that beginning of the story cause it really pulled me into the story so I could find out what it was about. The story didn't get more dull at all after that it just became more interesting. I felt really bad for Sofie and what she had to go through and how that affected her life and her relationship not only to Jack, but her family as well. Despite that she did move on from what happened even though it meant running from home and the love of her life. After everything I really just hoped for the best for both of them.

And bonus! Ben and Olivia from the previous book shows up as well!
Overall a book just as good as the first one with a unique and original, emotional story. Good writing and another set of awesome characters.
Profile Image for Bergströms Bookshelf.
746 reviews24 followers
January 10, 2025
A beautiful story with genuinely layered characters and an everyday-vibe that easily gives you a connection to the MCs.
I just found it too angst-filled and drawn out, to the point of becoming too uncomfortable to enjoy and gave me too much anxiety to appreciate.

⚠️ TW contains drawn out and explicit descriptions of SA of a minor.

————-
SPOILERS

I’ve probably read too many books with Über-Alpha MMCs with that “Touch her and die”-attitude and a revenge-fetish. So I’m confused when no one is pressing charges or planning to slice and dice the asshole who assaulted the FMC when the truth is finally shared.

I also just couldn’t get over thinking this poor FMC needed therapy, counselling and understanding - NOT another guy telling her it’s all gonna be okey and pressuring her to “feel good” and let him “take away the pain”.
His way of “giving her a reprieve”, and “help” her with her anxiety and fear from being sexually assaulted, raped and physically abused at 17 yo. is to go down on her and say “Hush, baby. It’s all gonna be okay!”
Profile Image for Amber.
1,275 reviews33 followers
March 10, 2016
Survivor is a tremendously remarkable story of the power and the resiliency of the human spirit. Many things in this life can try to break us, and while they may succeed in fracturing a part of our soul, only we can allow ourselves to truly crumble under the overwhelming weight. What we find more often than not is a reason to rebuild the shattered parts of our heart. Whether that comes in the form of family, friends, or the grace of a stranger is inconsequential when they have the power to save a life. Can you think of anything more wonderful and empowering then to know that you can breathe life and hope into another human being just by merely offering them some love and grace?! If that doesn’t give you a reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other, then I don’t know what will.

Jack was certain of one thing above all else – he loved Sophie. His heart was drawn to her like nothing and no one else in his life. She embodied the beauty, hope, and joy of his life, and he would do whatever he could to keep her by his side. In his heart he knew she loved him just as much as he loved her until she didn’t. One day changed the course of his life, and he was never able to find out why. His heart walked away from him, and he was left hurt and broken. When she returns to take care of her brothers, Jack has a decision to make. Will he fight for what he lost and wants most, or will he walk away this time never to return?

Jack and Sophie ripped my heart apart and then carefully and beautifully put it back together. The intense emotions and the wondrous feelings that flow throughout this story brought me to my knees. The power of these characters to touch my very soul was unprecedented, and I found myself completely captivated by them. Reading this story in one sitting was mandatory because I just couldn’t pull myself away from the suspense, the danger, and the passion that threatened to rip me in half. Jack and Sophie were born to complete the other. Their connection was all consuming, unapologetically passionate, and beautifully uplifting. Jack was a wonderful insightful man who understood the importance of listening, loving, and accepting those things that he couldn’t change while moving mountains to show his devotion, passion, and determination in order to win back the heart of the only woman who would ever be his.

Nicole Blanchard continues to write with an exquisitely masterful talent all the while upping her game with each incredible story that she brings to life. Her heart will not let her give us anything less the all that she is which is easily seen in each of her beautiful characters. These stories never fail to leave me completely breathless with wonder and full of boundless appreciation for being blessed by them. I am left better for having experienced a small glimpse of the beauty and wonder that is Nicole Blanchard.
Profile Image for Amy.
693 reviews
May 29, 2016
Survivor
Nicole Blanchard
5 stars

Survivor is a story that does contain an issue that might be a trigger. If you cannot read of violence against women then potentially this might have a trigger for you. The story focuses on surviving. Surviving heartbreak, violence, abuse loss of love. Everything was stacked against Sophie but she came out of it on the bright end of things ..not without fighting for herself and her brothers but she made it. If you can read the story knowing this then do click this up.

Jack find himself in front of Sophie at her home. The home she just broke into. Not telling you why or how. This first chapter is what draws you in. There is so much unsaid that you know there is so much more going to weave through the pages. Jack will do whatever it takes to protect Sophies family now that they have lost everything. She left and now she is back but for how long. Jack needs to convince her to stay. Laying it all out on the line he hopes she will do what if right for her brothers.

Sophie left and pushed Jack away because she had to. There was no choice or so she thought. Staying would ruin her. And now that her past is back and haunting her again there is no way she can stay. She cant do it again and she cant stand the thought of the hurt returning.

Jack and Sophie’s story is a brutal one. Both characters have been through so much and the fact that Jack stuck around caring for Sophie’s family after she walked away with no regard made me love him more. But don’t judge before you turn the last page. There is a reason for the madness and a reason Sophie ran.

Hang on to your heart … you are going to need it. You don’t need to read Warrior to understand what is going on in this release but when you finish Survivor go and grab Warrior. We have a new release coming out in June and its going to be a great one. There is Anchor which is a 0.5 release and then Warrior which is the first complete book … Savior is coming … you want to be all caught up before you click it up …. Powerful story … wonderful last page. Thank you Nicole!

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Profile Image for Wendy .
160 reviews23 followers
January 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and love Jack and Sofie together however, there were a few small issues I had...nothing that would lessen my appreciation for a beautifully written story about a very difficult topic, however. First the scene changes were choppy and confusing in a few places making it difficult to always follow along with who's POV we were getting at the time. I also wondered why Sofie never used this intense self defense course that she was quick to mention around Jack but all we saw when her antagonist was around was fear and weakness.....and how did he get her to go with him when she was in the midst of a hugely crowded area and had her dog with her (and what happened to Rosie)? I would have been screaming my damn head off and making a scene from hell before I would have let him get close enough to take me or chloroform me or whatever he did to her (we are never told how he took her). I didn't buy that part at all.

Finally, did she ever go and talk to Emma? I think if the author had included their emotional meeting and eventual support of each other in the storyline, it would have made a huge difference and added so much to the realism of the book. When an author chooses to tackle a difficult subject such as rape, they also need to assume the responsibility of showing how victims can come together and support each other even if it is only a few pages. There are too many rape victims in the real world that opportunities like this could help.

Again, overall it was a beautifully written and emotional book. I will definitely continue on with the series. 3.75 stars

Profile Image for Jade Rosemarie.
112 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2016
*4 1/2 STARS!*
*I received an ARC for an honest review.*

Two people in love, and planning their future.
Until, tragedy strikes and they are ripped apart.

Sofie:
Smart.
Savvy.
Scarred.
She has a secret.
One she's hurried beneath the wall she's built around herself.

Jack:
Tough as nails.
Sexy as sin.
An ex-marine with a tender side.
He wants answers. Answers Sofie isn't ready to give.

After leaving 10 years ago, Sofie is back.
Back to face the people she left behind, with no explanation. No goodbye. Nothing.

When she attends her mom's funeral she feels the guilt over leaving so suddenly, and the sadness of not being there for her family.

But now that she's back she has a decision to make.
Stay, and face her painful past to be with her brothers.
Or leave. Again.

When her past, and present collide and the secret Sofie has hidden away is revealed, will Jack and her brothers forgive her? Will they understand?
Can Jack help save her from the terrors of her past?
Or has too much time past?

A story about pain, and secrets.
Love, and understanding.
Forgiveness, and truth.

A definite must read that will give you all the feels!!
I laughed.
I cried.
I yelled.
I almost fell off the edge of my seat a few times, and I loved every minute of it!!
Profile Image for Maria .
2,486 reviews23 followers
May 26, 2024
Disappointed

2 Stars - Jack and Sofie's story was okay. It wasn't my favorite because of the way he reacts to important circumstances, honestly confused me. I won't give specifics because I want no spoilers. It truly is too bad because the story is good. But because of what I'm writing down below it took it down to two stars for me.

Also, even though the book indicates epilogue, there is none unless you sign up for a newsletter. I feel I paid for the story it should have been there. This was disappointing to me. This is only the 3rd book that I've read in this series by this author. Also I was confused because there is a 2.5 novel, but when you get into that story you realize it is years down the road. I went to start that before this book and I realized how far down the road it was! It was giving away Information from future books and characters. I truly didn't understand that. Needless to say, I opted on not reading 2.5! There is such a mess with the order Of the series Because on kindle Survivor indicates it's book 4, when it is actually book 3. I'm saying all this in the review so that readers Have a heads-up because it's truly disappointing and confusing Whatever you do, do NOT read book 2.5 before Survivor. The author should fix this on Amazon or even on her own author's page.
Profile Image for Laura McMillin.
256 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2016
Jack and Sofie's story is one that is unforgettable!
A story of love, heartbreak, fighting, surviving, and rebuilding! I absolutely loved it!!!
10 years ago, best friends Jack and Sofie fell in love. Even though he was going into the Marines and she was headed off to college, they were unable to deny their feelings. However, someone else destroyed it all in the blink of an eye.
Sofie has pretty much stayed away from her hometown in the past 10 years but when her mother passes away, she is the only one left who can care for her 2 younger brothers. Seeing Jack around all the time, it's hard to not think of what could of been. When old threats resurface, she turns to Jack with the secrets that tore them apart.
Jack has loved Sofie his whole life and has always wondered what happened. When she re-enters his life and confides in him the secrets of their past, he is determined to protect her family and her. Will they be able to have their second chance or will the threats of the past be too detrimental?
Profile Image for Sarah Armstrong.
653 reviews19 followers
May 1, 2016
Amazing.... 5 Stars

Simply amazing. I loved the connection between Jack & Sofie, even though they've been separated, you can still feel the love between them. When we find out the reason why she left Nassau, it is truly heartbreaking, they fact that she's been suffering alone for years. The writing was phenomenal. Can't wait for Savior.

*** arc gifted to leave honest review ***
Profile Image for Brynne Hounsell.
422 reviews
May 17, 2016
Jack and Sofie forever

Jack and Sofie have history together but what no one knows is the real story. What will happen when Jack learns the truth? Will he leave her forever or will stand by the side of the women he's been in love with for the last ten years?
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2018
I love this series by Nicole, it sucked me in & I am curious where she will take the next book. such a fan!!! Nicole writing rocks! please add this to your "must read" list. ( ;
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
April 26, 2016
Oh my!!! This book was amazing. It's a great second chance romance. I am gonna have to check out her other books now


I received a copy of the book for my honest review
Profile Image for dutchessofshenanigans.
8 reviews
June 10, 2025
I listened on Audible as I do for all of my books. I’m less likely to fall asleep and more likely to do things while enjoying my guilty pleasures. The narrators were really good. Aiden Snow could narrate the worst book in the history of books and I’d still enjoy his voice. Emma Wilder was able to put on a beautiful and emotional performance as well as having the kind of talent that when she performs a male voice is able to coax you into almost forgetting you’re listening to a female speak a male role.

I have to admit I am not huge on romance stories that don’t have a LOT of spice, stress and darkness. This book does deviate from my typical choice but I do love Nicole Blanchard and since I started the First to Fight series I figured I might as well keep on keepin’ on.
I think I prefer the darker romances because the stalking, torturing and thrills take the edge off of any emotional edge that a romance may contribute to the story. It also feels almost like the romance in the darker books lack the depth of many of the lessor intense romance novels. Not to say that they’re shallow and never illicit emotional response because I have totally shed a few tears over the some of the most twisted romances in the darkest books. However, the books that reach down past my chest and deep into my gut ripping open the raw emotional scars left by experiences and memories and leaving me to uncontrollably bleed tears and hold back sobs are the ones that I truly need trigger warnings for. Blood, gore and torture I can handle but make me feel my feelings and I am shattered. This book shattered me at times.
Rather than an enemy to lover, as many like these are it’s more of a lover-to-enemy-to-lover story. It’s not a spoiler to know that Sophie broke Jack’s heart without giving him any kind of explanation, and took off. What isn’t immediately clear is why and why did she also have to stay away from her mom and brothers as well and pretty much avoid coming back to her hometown altogether. Obviously she’s keeping a secret and it is revealed slowly throughout the story. When the first part of the secret is revealed you kind of have an understanding but not completely because that piece only leaves you with more why’s. What happens is a major deal and maybe answers some of the questions but creates more. You get the “ok, that happened and it’s huge and gives us a few puzzle pieces but not many and oh wait, here’s more pieces that for somewhere” and you’re left with the “but why all of this then?” pieces.
Nicole is great at pulling at the specific heartstrings most of us have regarding a relationship of some kind that leaves us tortured by remaining questions, left over emotions and chasing a closure that we may never receive. You know there’s things Sophie is holding back but until it’s completely revealed you’re left baffled at some of her decisions based on the information at that point which only makes you feel so much more ache for her and Jake. It’s a situation where it’s easy to say what you’d do when you’ve never been in their shoes. It’s that much more agonizing as the reader knowing Sophie’s feelings and decisions, Jake’s feelings and lack of information, and also knowing the whole truth when you get enough pieces to see the whole puzzle. The plots where there is so much ache and I just keep screaming “Just tell them already! Make the pain stop!” are some of the most difficult for me. Give me a story with physical pain and someone restrained over relatable heartache any day.

All in all it’s a really good read if you’re more of a marshmallow romance lover with secrets and tension and ok with feeling things. The small corner of my heart that isn’t completely black yet was warmed.

It wasn’t until the end of the book that I realize the title related less to Jake and more to Sophie.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,797 reviews54 followers
July 13, 2017
Love second chance at love romances, and I love the connection between Jack and Sofie (there were two spellings for her name in the book, so I'll go with the spelling from the text; rather than the spelling from the chapter separations). Jack was heartbroken when Sofie broke up with him without much explanation, but when she returns to town 10 years later to help out her family, Jack and Sofie can't deny the chemistry between them, and Jack wants to know why Sofie has walls built up. I don't really understand Sofie's reasoning for leaving and why she has a bit of attitude with Jack at times, but I get that she was young and that she was a bit frantic, and that she is trying to make it so Jack stays away, but 10 years is quite a long time to stay gone; especially since why she ran wasn't quite an issue for a lot of those 10 years. Jack is wonderful, and I loved how caring and protective he is. He's a really good guy, and doesn't let Sofie's prickliness push him away. The romance is really sweet and passionate, and I loved the little glimpses we got of when they were together when they were younger. They have some things to work through in the present, and I felt so bad for them! Jack really got a raw deal! And poor Sofie! I enjoyed the bit of suspense in this story, and loved seeing a couple past characters. Entertaining read! I've really enjoyed this series!
6,527 reviews27 followers
December 31, 2019
This book is all about Marines "The First to Fight" and the battles they have when they return home


We have met both Jack and Sofie in previous books and the chemistry between them has been hot all along in fact they where one another's firsts but something happened that caused Sofie to pull away from him just as he was about to leave for the marines in fact she left the town they grew up in and the only time she has returned is during emergency to help her friends and then she has fled as soon as she could afterwards. Jack is now retired from the marines as he came home to help his father with his martial arts business something he was a trainer for in the marines on the death of his father he has taken over the business but he is getting no satisfaction from it. When Sofie's mother dies she has no choice but to step up and take over the care of her brothers bringing her back to the town she grew up in . Will the close proximity bring these two star crossed lovers back together Will Jack finally find out why she fled and what will he do when he learns her secret Can they become the family they are meant to be You will have to read to see
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,145 reviews
May 31, 2023
This book did not go in the direction I thought it would when I started it. Next, I truly believe the description should include a trigger warning. I found the scene to be intense, wondering how far the author was going to take it.

Jack and Sophie danced around their past for so long I was wondering if she would ever tell him why she left. I was surprised, that knowing there was a possible threat to Rafe and Donnie, Sophie would not have been running to Jack with the information.

I did like the main characters together. I actually liked all of the characters, except or the villain. I have to say he was a well written villain.

I would have liked the last chapter or epilogue to have provided more information regarding the aftermath of the last gym scene. There had to be fallout. What happened with Emma? What was her reaction? How did Sophie react immediately after it was all said and done? What did Jack have to endure? What were Ben and Livvie's reactions? This was a fairly small town. What happened when all of this came to light? I felt like I got all the details of the initial incident, yet I didn't get the details of the conclusion.
Profile Image for Cassy.
1,455 reviews57 followers
February 17, 2024
This book was definitely a slow burn, which is fine! Almost slower than I liked but not quite. So A+ for a slow burn.

Also the scene where she finally told Jack what happened, ugh it almost broke me. And Jack was so effing perfect about it. Like amazingly perfect and sweet and they were perfect together.

I really liked seeing Sophie with her brothers and watching them rebuild that relationship. And I really enjoyed that even though we all know teenage boys can be little assholes, they can also be incredibly generous and sweet.

The only thing I really didn’t like about this book was the ending. When she gets kidnapped at the end it’s REALLY unclear how that happens. One second she sees him at the basket ball game and the next she’s unconscious in the gym?

Also, Jack runs an MMA gym and is a marine but like… this dude with a knife can beat him? Like I understand the other guy was also a fighter but come on. I feel like an ex marine, who actually probably knows how to fight with a knife, could have beaten him.

I really liked this book though. Probably won’t read the rest of the series but I liked this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,887 reviews
October 23, 2018
2nd chance love, oh so sweet

10 yrs ago, everything was good in Jack’s world...he was heading out to boot camp and the girl he loved was starting college. They made plans for the future...together. Until she ripped his heart out and broke up with him the night before he shipped out. Now he’s helping her younger brothers pick up the pieces after the death of their mother...and trying to convince her that taking custody of the boys is the right thing to do. Sofie was in love and making plans 10 yrs ago...until a monster changed her life and she ran away. Now she’s back home to raise her brothers, while trying to avoid Jack. Of course, that’s easier said than done since Jack has been a big part of their lives while she was gone. But she must resist the chemistry between them because the monster is back. Will Jack allow this second chance with Sofie to get away or will he fight this time around? Love Sofie and Jack’s families...very supportive and funny. This was a great series.
Profile Image for Cyndi Babinger.
125 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2021
This setting was also easy to fall into while reading. Very descriptive at some points and just enough at others. The thought behind setting description was done well throughout the book.

The storyline and plot twist were also do amazingly well. Flashbacks and memories were well placed. The entire story kept me turning the page to watch it unravel.

Character development in this book is nothing short of unbelievable. The development of Sophia's character throughout the other books gives a view of a strong well balanced successful woman. Here we get to see just how broken she is and why. It is a completely different character than was previously developed for her. It was done so well the two flowed together seamlessly. Great Job!

A definite recommend for stand alone. However much better when read in sequential series.
Profile Image for Sarah.
165 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2025
1.75 ⭐️

Sophie finds herself back home and in charge of her two younger brothers after her mom unexpectedly passed away. To top it all off, her ex boyfriend and first love has been the one to help.

Jack had his heart broken by Sophie a decade ago and has never forgotten her. After getting out of the marines, he takes over his dads old boxing gym and tries to move on with his life.

When Sophie comes back home, everything comes back at once for him including a dangerous man who is the reason Sophie left him in the first place.


I wanted this to be good but the writing just fell flat for me. The random time jumps and pacing was all over the place. We had tension with the characters but it was hardly a second chance romance when they barely left the first chance.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,895 reviews22 followers
August 26, 2019
This was my first book from this author, and won't be my last. This is the third book in the First to Fight Series. Wow! I loved this second chance to love. Jack and Sophie are great characters. Sophie's story is heartbreaking. She's a strong and beautiful character. Jack is handsome, protective and supportive. The secondary characters are great, and Sophie's brothers are cute. The storyline is suspenseful, filled with twists and turns. I love the Epilogue. Emma Wilder and Aiden Snow did an amazing job with the narration! I love their voices together. I highly recommend it! Now, I’m looking forward for more books written by this author, and narrated by these narrators!
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,816 reviews69 followers
December 19, 2019
Wow this was an amazing story! This is not an easy one to put down. The main characters, Jack and Sophie have worked their way into my heart permanently. The chemistry between these two is explosive. The flow of the story was perfect, it draws you into their world, and has great detail. The storyline is exceptionally well written, the characters are well defined and palpable. This story has it all, mystery, passion, action, heartbreak, and love. A superb read, with fantastic descriptions and dynamic writing. I definitely recommend to anyone!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.5k reviews48 followers
March 13, 2020
Coming home for family but maybe getting a second chance with your first love

Survivor is the fourth book in the First to Fight series and the first that I have read. This is an emotional roller-coaster and I had my tissue box beside me for most of it. The story of Jack and Sophie was well written with a really great story-line filled with drama, danger, suspense, twists, family, love and of course a second chance with your first love.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to other readers.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
51 reviews
October 9, 2024
4.5

Such an interesting story! Two ex lovers reconcile after 10 years, after she randomly disappeared on him due to a huge secret. This book is both sad but reality for some people having experienced horrible trauma, and needing to hide it from their families.

I love stories like this. At the end of the day, we always know what will happen (they fall back in love) but the stories never get old. ❤️ This one is the 4th installment (alos listed as #3, due to the previous book being a novella) in the First To Fight series and it is the most liked of mine so far.

TW:
Rape/assualt
Blood
Violence

#forcedproximity
#enemiestolovers
#rehashedlove
#marine
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
December 31, 2019
This story was so quick for me. Jack and Sophie really touched my heart. I had the tissues ready! The traumatic event that Sophie is dealing with is something that NO ONE should have to even deal let alone live through it. Jack sees in Sophie not only a survivor but someone who he emulates and wants to be with. Together they are unstoppable let alone a very sexy couple. These two characters grabbed my heart and just didn't let go. I love this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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