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Lost and Found #3.5
Her Forever Hero
This 35K word novella is also part of the Uniform Desires anthology!
Kendall Herrington is drawn to her handsome new security guard, prosthetic hand and all. The man is totally wrong for her, but on a lonely Christmas night, in a wine-laden effort to get him out of her system, she gives into her body’s demands. She regrets her actions almost immediately and tries to distance herself.
Former Marine Grafton Parks knows Kendall Herrington is pregnant, she’s just too stubborn to admit it to herself. But the luscious woman better come to her senses soon, because the board won’t allow an unwed, pregnant female to run the multi-billion dollar Herrington Limited. Even if she is the boss’s daughter.
As they struggle to come to terms with each other, an unexpected danger threatens their very lives. Will they survive long enough for him to be...Her Forever Hero?
Kendall Herrington is drawn to her handsome new security guard, prosthetic hand and all. The man is totally wrong for her, but on a lonely Christmas night, in a wine-laden effort to get him out of her system, she gives into her body’s demands. She regrets her actions almost immediately and tries to distance herself.
Former Marine Grafton Parks knows Kendall Herrington is pregnant, she’s just too stubborn to admit it to herself. But the luscious woman better come to her senses soon, because the board won’t allow an unwed, pregnant female to run the multi-billion dollar Herrington Limited. Even if she is the boss’s daughter.
As they struggle to come to terms with each other, an unexpected danger threatens their very lives. Will they survive long enough for him to be...Her Forever Hero?
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2014
About the author
J.M. Madden
71 books930 followersNY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 4, 2015
***2.5 This Breaks My Heart Stars***
Seriously bums me out to give such a low rating to a J.M. Madden book!
I'm a big fan of J.M. Madden and her Lost and Found series, and it breaks my heart that this book didn't do much for me.
It felt rushed, awkward and slapped together. The characters were one dimensional, with stiff and robotic dialogue. I've come to expect lots of emotion from Madden's books, but I felt no connection between Grif and Kendall...and even worse than that, no chemistry. There wasn't any sizzle or spark between these two. The sex scenes felt more scripted than engaging, if that makes sense?
The whole book stems from an event that happened in the past, but we aren't really given many details about that event. Maybe a flashback or a brief retelling of what happened would have helped, but even then I'm not sure. I just needed something to feel more engaged and invested in the story, and I didn't get that here.
It was nice, however, to hear tidbits of what's going on with past Lost and Found couples. And anytime Duncan shows up, it's a guaranteed smile on my face.
So unfortunately this one ended up in my not so good pile, but I'm just counting it as a bump in the road because it would take a lot more than a bump to stop me from continuing with this series.
April 27, 2014
Review originally posted for Uniform Desires as Her Forever Hero is a short in the anthology.
4 Stars! A beautiful heartwarming short. Grafton Parks' story is not to be missed!
I was honored that J.M. Madden gave me the opportunity to read and review Her Forever Hero, a short about Grafton "Grif" Parks who works for Lost and Found Investigative Service. He's on a security job protecting Kendall Herrington, when one night of passion puts them both in a position they'd never imagined they'd be in.
You're brought into the story after the fact, and to the point where Grif and Kendall realize the predicament they are in. Grif recognizes the signs that their night of passion brought them an unexpeceted gift, and Kendall is in denial. Being an honorable man, Grif wants to do the right thing and Kendall agrees to marry him. Though they've shared one night, they feel a spark, and know that something bigger is brewing. Kendall wants all of Grif and he has yet to share that piece of him that he's lost. When he finally takes off the long sleeve shirt that hides his stump, Kendall shows him no pity, only that she wants to love him...all of him and sets out to prove that to Grif!
I wish we could have gotten more of these two as they build a life together, but nonetheless it was a beautiful, touching short. Nobody writes wounded warriors like this author! It's always raw and real, she never sugar coats the reality of the situation. But, for all they've been through, her heroes always get a happily every after, which unfortunately is not always the case in real life.
I can't wait to see what she has in store for Chad, Duncan and the brave warriors that work at Lost and Found Investigative Services. Thanks J.M.!
February 2, 2015
Re read
Still hate the heroine! Don't love the hero either. Sucks because this series is AWESOME!
Prior Comments!:
I hate rating a book in this series with only 3 stars, because it is such an amazing series of stories.
However, I just could not get into this story. I kind of disliked the heroine for a lot of the book, she was cold, pushed Grif away too much and for too long and consequently Grif was pretty detached towards her. I get they were in denial and in an awkward situation, but good grief! I also did not love how came about. It just felt all wrong to me.
All that being said, it was still a good story and I am glad I read it, but it is probably not a re read while the rest of the series is.
Still hate the heroine! Don't love the hero either. Sucks because this series is AWESOME!
Prior Comments!:
I hate rating a book in this series with only 3 stars, because it is such an amazing series of stories.
However, I just could not get into this story. I kind of disliked the heroine for a lot of the book, she was cold, pushed Grif away too much and for too long and consequently Grif was pretty detached towards her. I get they were in denial and in an awkward situation, but good grief! I also did not love how came about. It just felt all wrong to me.
All that being said, it was still a good story and I am glad I read it, but it is probably not a re read while the rest of the series is.
December 23, 2016
This book wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. I couldn't figure out why the heroine got pregnant, as condom breakage was never mentioned and her lack of birth control never discussed. Made the heroine pretty stupid in my book! The book blurb was a bit misleading about her problems with the company her father ran, as they didn't object to her lack of husband or pregnancy but her previous career. The hero wasn't very personable, and I felt he lacked something that the rest of the agency bodyguards had, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. It was an entertaining story, but not the strongest installment in the series.
February 23, 2014
1.5 stars, this book was just off. Also, it was pubb-ed before.
This book was previously published in a collection called "Uniform Desires (Make Mine Military Romance)" on 11Nov2013.
I was extremely disappointed with this book. There was something so off about it that reading it was a chore. There was zero chemistry between Grif and Kendall. The entire book was peppered with awkward phrases, one of which was Kendall's inner voice, she's supposed to be this pale, blond, refined, ice-queen type (oh the cliche!) but she says things like "what the hell, man" inwardly. This was just one of many jarring instances of writing in this book. A poor effort from JMM and I guess she's not an autobuy for me anymore.
This book was previously published in a collection called "Uniform Desires (Make Mine Military Romance)" on 11Nov2013.
I was extremely disappointed with this book. There was something so off about it that reading it was a chore. There was zero chemistry between Grif and Kendall. The entire book was peppered with awkward phrases, one of which was Kendall's inner voice, she's supposed to be this pale, blond, refined, ice-queen type (oh the cliche!) but she says things like "what the hell, man" inwardly. This was just one of many jarring instances of writing in this book. A poor effort from JMM and I guess she's not an autobuy for me anymore.
April 25, 2015
A bit on the light side. But not bad. Obviously I loved the epilogue, because I loved babies :)
July 19, 2014
Read as part of an Anthology - Uniform Desires
April 19, 2014
I came across this whilst searching for more books in this authors Embattled Hearts series. It wasn't until I read the product description that I realised I already had this book as part of a box set entitled 'Uniform Desires'. Unfortunately that box set no longer seems to be available on Amazon.
Grafton (Grif) Parks is part of the Lost and Found Investigate Service set up by Duncan in the Embattled Hearts series. Grif is security guard to Kendall Herrington. The book starts after they have already had their one night stand which resulted in Kendall being pregnant.
The novella details their growing relationship but there are some 'baddies' causing some trouble.
I like this authors writing style and this is a good story to add to the series. I'm still waiting for Duncan's story in the Embattled Hearts series but all I can find is Chad's story but no release date for that one as yet.
Grafton (Grif) Parks is part of the Lost and Found Investigate Service set up by Duncan in the Embattled Hearts series. Grif is security guard to Kendall Herrington. The book starts after they have already had their one night stand which resulted in Kendall being pregnant.
The novella details their growing relationship but there are some 'baddies' causing some trouble.
I like this authors writing style and this is a good story to add to the series. I'm still waiting for Duncan's story in the Embattled Hearts series but all I can find is Chad's story but no release date for that one as yet.
April 21, 2014
This is a short story or novella. It was published as part of an anthology, but I read it separately and then this comment is abut just this one story.
Very well put together and carefully written, this is the "2.5" installment in the Lost and Found series. I like the series, and this story fits in nicely.
In relation to the entire series: Disability and the traumatic emotional scarring military people suffer is a touchy and difficult subject in many levels. The author faces it head on and in a simple straightforward way, and she shows understanding of the psychological landscape that sorrounds this group of people, whithout drama.
Well done.
Very well put together and carefully written, this is the "2.5" installment in the Lost and Found series. I like the series, and this story fits in nicely.
In relation to the entire series: Disability and the traumatic emotional scarring military people suffer is a touchy and difficult subject in many levels. The author faces it head on and in a simple straightforward way, and she shows understanding of the psychological landscape that sorrounds this group of people, whithout drama.
Well done.
April 15, 2015
Kendall Herrington finds Her Forever Hero in Grafton Parks, her hot ex-military security guard. Grif finds a life he never imagined with Kendall when they marry and have a son together. After his troubled childhood, his medical discharge from the Marines, he finds loving Kendall the best thing that has ever happened to him. She is the new CEO of her father's company and finds stability with Grif that she never knew as a child. Her Forever Hero is a sweet love story with a wicked step-mother and full of wonderful strong ex-military men.
Her Forever Hero is part of an anthology I purchased.
Her Forever Hero is part of an anthology I purchased.
May 11, 2016
Meh.
Not really impressed with this installment of the LNF series. Right from the start, I didn't like Kendall. She was a spoiled ice queen who lost all my respect and interest when she bitched to her dad about his hiring "disabled" security. I was ready to stop reading then and there. I made it through, but only in case something worthwhile happened with someone we've previously met.
It got better towards the end, but I don't feel it added anything to the series (other than the update on Ortiz). The latter part of the story is the only reason I bumped up the rating from 2 stars to 3.
Not really impressed with this installment of the LNF series. Right from the start, I didn't like Kendall. She was a spoiled ice queen who lost all my respect and interest when she bitched to her dad about his hiring "disabled" security. I was ready to stop reading then and there. I made it through, but only in case something worthwhile happened with someone we've previously met.
It got better towards the end, but I don't feel it added anything to the series (other than the update on Ortiz). The latter part of the story is the only reason I bumped up the rating from 2 stars to 3.
September 25, 2014
3.5 stars. This was not my favorite but I enjoyed it just the same. It felt unemotional until the end. However, I can't wait for the next boom.
Want to Read
December 22, 2014Free on Amazon as of 12/22/14!
December 4, 2018
Put together one bodyguard, one former model turn business woman and a bottle of wine on a lonely Christmas night and you get a pregnancy.
Former Marine Grafton Parks works for LNF and is on assignment in Vail, Co. He assigned to guard Kendall Herrington a former model now business woman who is in contention to become CEO of her father's company. She resents have to have protection especially on a full time basis. She isn't sure a couple of disabled veterans are up for the case but she is wrong.
Parks and Kendall are attracted to each other from the beginning but they put the cart before the carriage and what ensues is a fast fun ride.
I love these characters. Grif is a disabled vet who doesn't let his disability or his crappy past keep him down. Kendall also has had a less than stellar childhood and she is not letting that hold her back either. These two come together and the sparks fly.
Former Marine Grafton Parks works for LNF and is on assignment in Vail, Co. He assigned to guard Kendall Herrington a former model now business woman who is in contention to become CEO of her father's company. She resents have to have protection especially on a full time basis. She isn't sure a couple of disabled veterans are up for the case but she is wrong.
Parks and Kendall are attracted to each other from the beginning but they put the cart before the carriage and what ensues is a fast fun ride.
I love these characters. Grif is a disabled vet who doesn't let his disability or his crappy past keep him down. Kendall also has had a less than stellar childhood and she is not letting that hold her back either. These two come together and the sparks fly.
February 23, 2020
Some lines are meant to be crossed and Grif stepped over one big time. He slept with the bosse's daughter, the woman he was protecting. Kendall is not sorry for the night they had together but there are consequences to be paid. What starts out as a business transaction of sorts soon becomes much more.
September 13, 2017
Loved it!
I loved this as much as the other books in the series and even though there isn't much interaction with the others its a fab read about two people struggling to move on from very different but very difficult childhoods and pasts!
I loved this as much as the other books in the series and even though there isn't much interaction with the others its a fab read about two people struggling to move on from very different but very difficult childhoods and pasts!
August 7, 2018
Didn't care for this one as much as the other. Mainly, because the relationship wasn't as sweet and romantic. Yes, she gets pregnant right away. They are together and it's a bit awkward. Love doesn't come till the very end.
March 29, 2019
Sweet story
This is a very nice short novella. It happens around Christmas, but is not overpowering. The best part is that it is written well and has characteris defined from other books in the series. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
This is a very nice short novella. It happens around Christmas, but is not overpowering. The best part is that it is written well and has characteris defined from other books in the series. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
September 19, 2023
What an outright surprise
This story came at me out of the blue, but I'm so glad I didn't miss this one. I wondered how LNF established an agency in Vail. This explains a lot. If I hadn't read the list of books at the end of book 5 I would have never known. Enjoy!
This story came at me out of the blue, but I'm so glad I didn't miss this one. I wondered how LNF established an agency in Vail. This explains a lot. If I hadn't read the list of books at the end of book 5 I would have never known. Enjoy!
September 1, 2025
Read as part of The Lost and Found Trio. The book starts, it seems, it in the middle of our couple's story. I feel like we missed the first half and it would have been a better book with at least a prologue describing the Christmas night
May 23, 2017
Good read
September 3, 2018
I mean it is J.M. Madden.. anything she writes especially in her military fiction series and the Lost and Found crew is engrossing.
February 7, 2019
Read in epub format on my Nook.
August 17, 2024
I loved it. Checked all my boxes in a HEA.
September 4, 2025
It just felt like a very rushed storyline. They are cute together, but it was a bit awkward writing wise.
July 11, 2026
A decent short story in the Lost and Found series. Quick reading.
October 8, 2026
good read
Enjoyable read by trusted author who knows how to spin a good tale. Liked all the major players apart from deedra and the pace of the story was a good one.
Enjoyable read by trusted author who knows how to spin a good tale. Liked all the major players apart from deedra and the pace of the story was a good one.
October 23, 2017
Decent story of bodyguard Grif and future CEO Kendall and the fall-out from the previous Christmas.
Note: Downside (to me)-As with all the books in this series, there *are* explicit scenes. I skip them.
Note: Downside (to me)-As with all the books in this series, there *are* explicit scenes. I skip them.
February 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this body guard romance. I like that it didn't take the normal marriage of convenience path--they agreed from the beginning to try and make things work for real. A fun novella!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews