Worth It All

The McKinney Brothers #3

by Claudia Connor

She’s fighting for control. . . . Paige Roberts learned to fend for herself growing up. Now she’s doing everything possible to give her daughter, Casey, the stability she never had. But when the vivacious five-year-old decides she’s done wearing her prosthesis, Paige faces her toughest challenge yet: trusting a handsome, brooding stranger who simply wants to help.

He’s struggling to connect. . . . JT McKinney lost more than his leg in a car accident that stole his dreams of pro football. Eight years later, he's made a new life for himself far away from his old one. His business is developing cutting-edge prosthetics and he’s more than happy to turn his attention to machines instead of people. Still, he can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.

Will they take a chance on love? . . . When JT gets the chance to help Paige’s daughter, he takes it. He never planned on the two of them tearing down his walls or teaching him to believe in himself again. Paige might not believe in happily ever afters, but JT wants more than anything to be her prince. They’ll both have to let go of the past if they want a future.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Disability, Family, New Adult, Adult

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2016

About the author

Claudia Connor is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The McKinney Brothers.

Claudia writes, warm, heartfelt contemporary romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after. Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. When she's not writing, she enjoys movies, reading, and travel, with a heavy dose of daydreaming during all three. Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.

You can find out more about Claudia’s books at http://claudiaconnor.com

or stop by and say hello on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaConnor.

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Sweet Stars



* May have Mild spoilers*

Worth it all was so sweet. Like All the McKinney brothers I fell in love with JT. There is just something about this series that I just connect with. The characters are all amazing and the stories so touching. This book was no different. It was a beautiful, heartwarming love story. Worth it all was a easier read than the last one. No real angst just a nice easy light heart love story with an adorable little girl as a bonus.
JT was wonderful and so sweet. The youngest of the McKinney gang he was a rising football star until he lost his leg in a car wreck at 19. That was not the only thing he lost in that wreck and he carries a lot of guilt over it. JT moved far from his family and became a biotechnology engineer that designs and patents new prosthetics. All JT does is work until he meets Paige and her daughter Casey. The way JT was with both Paige and Casey was heartwarming. There is nothing sexier than a man loving and taking care of children. JT and Casey had a cute friendship, and much like Matt from book one JT fell in love with the daughter as well as the mother. With Paige he was understanding, supportive, and charming. He let her go at her pace and did everything he could to make her happy and break down her walls.



Paige was a single mom trying her hardest to give her daughter a better life than she had. To give her stability. Paige worked 2 jobs and went to college working towards her goal of giving her daughter a better life. I loved Paige she was a great mom, smart, sweet, and loving and I thought it was cute how she rambled when she got nervous. I loved that she wasn't a drama queen and didn't act over the top like some heroines are. She was very real and down to earth.
I loved JT and Paige together their relationship was a slow burn. There was a nice build up and lots of romance. Their relationship was almost zero drama. It was so nice to have a sweet sexy lighter read. I loved all the Casey time I got. Casey was too cute and the things she said made me laugh. Casey and JT's relationship was almost as important in this book as his and Paige's. There was a lot of tender moments and I really enjoyed getting to catch up with the other McKinney family members and see where they are years later. Especial Matt and Abby as they are still my favorite! I loved the whole book and the Ending was swoon worthy. Claudia Connor is an amazingly talented writer who writes beautiful and touching love stories that make you feel good. I look forward to reading many more books from her. Hopefully I will be reading some Walker brother (Hannah's brothers from book 2) books really soon. Like Nick's HINT HINT!!! I recommend this book for anyone looking for a low angst romance read. I also recommend reading the first two books in this series they are epic, especially Matt's as I adore Matt!



http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There's always a prince."

Worth It All is the third book in The McKinney Brothers Series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to fully understand the dynamics between the characters. This series has been a delight to read because of the family relationships and the tender romantic themes.

"He needed to take a giant step back and think, because the things he was feeling were racing far into unknown territory."

JT is the youngest brother in the McKinney clan. After surviving a horrific car accident, he leaves the nest and makes a life for himself in California. Although JT has established himself (in the previous books) as a cocky "know it all" football player, the trials and tribulations of his life have inspired him to change and serve others. As a biomedical engineer, he uses his experience as an amputee to develop prosthetic equipment and help other amputees in their recovery. Although JT has found financial success and he is surrounded by good friends, he has been unable to move past the demons from his past.

"Let me take you home."

Paige is a struggling single mother. She is working two jobs and attending school to provide her daughter (with a disability) a better life. When JT frequents the diner that she works at, her life is changed forever.

"This was a jumping off point."

JT and Paige drawn to one another. Although both are hesitant to explore a relationship, they begin to grow closer together. The added element of Paige's sweet daughter Casey only strengthens their bond. Paige has been struggling to survive and JT offers friendship and love to both Paige and her daughter.

"You have me."

Told in dual POV, Worth It All is an excellent addition to this series. The characters are well developed, and the relationships between them are what keep me coming back for more. The McKinney Family is a fortress of love and protection and getting to know each brother has made me more invested in their lives. The romance element between JT and Paige was quite tender and full of passion. The disability element enhanced this read because it brought light to the challenges JT and Casey experience daily as a disabled individuals. Additionally, I felt an abundance of compassion for the single mothers in the world that work hard every day to give their children a better life. The relationship between JT and Paige (and sweet Casey) kept me engaged the entire read. The natural progression between the three was full of love! Frankly, I found myself smiling throughout the entire read.

Overall, I highly recommend Worth It All to my reading friends who love a light and tender read that will touch your heart and leave a smile on your face. Ms. Connor continues to amaze me with her lyrical writing and stories full of heart. I will certainly keep my eye out for more from this author!

***The McKinney Brothers Series***


*ARC graciously provided via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review!*

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Jeannine Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars (Second Read 7/9/2018)

5 Stars (First Read 5/4/2016)



Perfection. This book was exactly what I needed. It was light, heartfelt, and so damn sweet. Low on drama and with completely and totally dedicated MCs.

I LOVED JT... to be honest I didn't remember him from the other novels (I read them so long ago) but man, I'll never forget him again. He was awesome and I loved how he pursued Paige. He was hesitant and scared but he never ran scared and I really admired him for it. And Paige was the exact same way, even though she had to be a little more cautious (because she had a kid), she never let that stop her.



The character development was spot on (something I really appreciate) and the romance just melted me, it was the definition of swoon. This book is perfect for when you want a nice, honest-to-goodness romance without all the drama and angst.

And don't even get me started on Casey... she was freaking adorable!! I love the way Claudia Connor writes child characters, they are always so damn cute <3 :)



I cannot recommend this novel enough. If you loved the other two (particularly Worth the Fall), then you will ADORE this. It's definitely not to be missed.

[Gi's Spot Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were everything I'd hoped for and more...
Just PERFECT!!! <3
Full review to follow...



Before reading:



OMFG, I can believe I got an ARC for this one!!!
I hope it's as good as the first, I loved Matt! Let's hope JT is as amazing! :)))

[KAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED! THIS! SERIES!

Ms. Connor sure has a knack for developing the most swoon worthy males and introducing adorable, scrumptious little children for additional reading pleasure. This is the third book of the McKinney Brothers series, and we are gifted with yet another delectable, yet humble brother, who makes my toes tingle ;)

  "He grinned, which was enough to make a woman stupid"

Eight years has passed since we first met nineteen year old, JT, in the first book of the series. He was quite cocky and full of himself, but a lot has happened to him since then. He's been knocked down quite a few pegs, and as a result, has grown up in many ways. This story is all about second chances, which I adore as a reader.

Jake (JT) McKinney is a 'stay under the radar,' loner type hottie whose life, when he was a college freshman on a football scholarship, took a 180 degree turn while driving on a tree lined, winding road eight years ago. The "what ifs" and guilt haunt him. He also dons a below-knee prosthesis due to that fateful day. He actually wears the one he designed and continues to work on improving the bionic device. Jake is a biomedical engineer and owns a company in California that specializes in cutting-edge prosthetics. He grew up in a big, close family and is the youngest of seven siblings, but lives as far away from them as possible. He near the Pacific Ocean, and they, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Atlantic. Although he misses his family, shame and disappointment in himself keeps him from going home.

Paige works two waitressing jobs and attends college. She is a single mother raising a four year old daughter, named Casey, who is six ways to Sunday precious. Casey was definitely unplanned, the result of a stupid decision as a teenager, but Paige wouldn't have given her up for all the world. Paige's childhood was less than ideal and she wants to make sure she can adequately care for all of Casey's needs. Paige has no time nor any real desire to date until the day Jake walks into the diner and makes her heart stutter and other body parts hum with need. When he smiles at her, she melts. Little does Paige know, as she is admiring him, he is pining away for her and is crazy with need to touch her.

Here is the kicker of the story which brings Jake and Paige together. Casey also wears a below-knee prosthetic, which hurts her when she walks. Of course, Jake offers to make her a new one. I really enjoyed the progression of Paige and Jake's relationship. Their love story is moving and heartfelt. I also enjoyed revisiting with family members from the previous two books in this series.

[~Nichole~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can finally post my review






I freely admit that when it comes to Ms. Connor that I am biased, from the Worth the Risk to Worth it All I am a huge fan.

In saying that this book is different to the others but I think that has more to do with the fact of Ms. Connor’s writing and that each brother is different.

I also had to wait almost a year for this to be released but you can’t disturb a genius. Laying it on a bit thick here I know but you get me drift.

Paige Roberts wants more in life. She’s not looking for love, she just wants to look after her five year old daughter, Casey. Who, is fucking adorable and the let’s face it the real star of the book. Paige works two jobs and is going to college.

Jake/JT McKinney works and basically works he isn’t looking for anything serious. He has his work and Simon and that is about it.

“Right. Because you don’t do serious. You’d rather eat my mom’s leftovers and watch Jeopardy! with your dog” “Boulder prefers Wheel of Fortune, if you must know, and he’s damm good,” he added with a smile.

After an accident at the age of 19 where he lost his leg and an important part of himself that he regrets to this day he thinks that he doesn’t deserve to be happy or deserve a family. He works in A.I. and has created patents to help build a facility who require prosthetics.

But there is something about Paige that won’t let him ago.

He’d seen her five times, she’d waited on him three of those, and they’d still only exchanged a handful of words. It was just looks and smiles and for some reason that was a lot.

Jake gets furthermore involved when he sees Casey they have something very important in common.

Casey is five years old going on twenty five. She knows exactly what she wants.

“Hey Mommy?” Paige paused at the doorway. “What, baby?” “I’ve been thinking and I decided something.” This ought to be good, she thought, smiling down at her angelic face. “What have you decided?” “I’ve decided not to go to Kindergarten.”

I go all soft and gooey when there is a book about men and getting to know the heroine’s kids and this book was no different. Casey and Jake are just the icing on the cake.

“You always call me things to eat. Cotton Candy. Pop-Tart.” “All good things,” he said, finishing his cone. ”All things I like.” “And you like me?” “Yes.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her closer. “I like you.” I love you. “Jake?” “Hmm?” “Can I ask you a question?”

She lifted her head from his arm and peered up at him with those summer-sky baby blues. “Do you think…..” She paused, glancing at the ground in front of her. “Do you think you could ever want a girl with one leg?”

“I most definitely could,” he said, cradling her against his chest. ”But mostly, more than anything, I’d want a little girl that was you.

Paige was frustrating and I get that she didn’t want to end like her Mom but through her stubbornness she nearly missed out on something spectacular. This is about closure, moving on and realising that not everything is written in stone and that things/plans and everything in between can change. That you have to learn to grieve otherwise you will never have the life that you want.

There are spoilers right at the bottom

I was so fucking happy when I got me ARC.





ARC kindly supplied by Random House Publishing - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...

From the way that Paige’s first time was described it sounds if it wasn’t consensual and that it was actually rape.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both JT and Paige weren’t out looking for romance, but isn’t that always when it smacks you right up the head?! Both were hesitant and had a lot on their plate, but there is no stopping what the heart wants, especially when an adorable five year-old is involved. JT and Paige have been sharing stolen looks and heated glances every time he eats at the diner she works at. Their feelings begin to burn brighter and brighter when JT steps in to help Paige with her daughter, Casey, a five-year-old struggling with her prosthetic leg. JT knows all about the challenges little Casey faces as a fellow amputee, and his heart is split wide open over Casey’s situation.

Paige doesn’t want to be indebted to anyone, she’s got a plan in place for making a better life with Casey so she doesn’t really have time to date, but JT is swooping in like a regular super hero, and her heart can’t resist this knight-in-shining-armor. Their romance was a slow burn that turned hot and passionate!

One of the things Claudia Connor excels at it portraying a close-knit, big family, complete with adorable kids and humorous exchanges. I dare you not to smile when the McKinney family is all together, bustling in chaos and sharing time! Paige and Casey fit right in with this big loving brood, and I loved catching up with everyone! My heart just swells “seeing” the past couples happy in the future.

I have loved The McKinney Brothers series from the beginning so I was glad to be back with the clan in Worth It All! This series is a must read for any romance junkie (like me) out there.

A copy was kindly provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This review is also posted on The Readers Den.

[Jln · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

This was a very sweet book. And by sweet, I mean mushy, sappy, complete with talk about handsome princes and a hero that says, "make love".



Oh, and let's not forget the PG 13 sex scenes. Lol. I wish I could roll my eyes and be my usual sarcastic self. The truth is, I loved it anyway. I didn't think the swoon factor of Matt from book one could be matched, but JT was just as perfect. I also have to say, that this author is really good at writing child characters, imo. Not every author can write kid characters that seem believable. And honestly, what is a more swoonworthy characteristic than a guy who is good with other people's kids? *sigh*

What can I say, it fit my mood and made me happy.

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved the McKinney brothers series each book has something special with the greatest characters and Worth It All is no exception it was wonderful and heart warming I loved every single word. I am sad now that this is over.

Suffering from McKinney withdrawals



JT “Jake” McKinney left home for California eight years ago after his accident he keeps in touch with his family but rarely visits them he finds it to hard to go home. He runs his own company with his friends developing cutting edge prosthetics spending most of his time working.

Paige Roberts works two jobs, doing college classes and she is a single mum to Casey, she wants to give Casey everything she never had growing up security and stability, she has a plan and she is sticking to it.

Casey in nearly five and due to a medical condition her leg was amputated below the knee when she was a baby and Casey will not wear her prosthesis.

Jake goes to the diner where Paige works is it for the food or to see her? Jake meets Casey and their bond begins from there Jake shows Casey his leg and that they are the same, Casey has many questions for Jake, so he decides to help Casey and find out why she won’t use her prosthesis.

The relationship between Jake and Paige is a slow burn they spend time together with and without Casey getting to know each other and slowly falling for each other but they are both scared to confess their true feelings. When an opportunity comes that would change Paige and Casey’s lives, what will Paige decide? What will Jake do?

I loved little Casey she is adorable she made this story was heart warming the things she would come out with was so cute and her bond with Jake reminded me of Matt and Annie together, their bond stole my heart.

I loved all the family time with the McKinney's catching up with Matt, Stephen the ladies and ALL the kids. With Paige and Casey in Jake's life they help him become closer to his family.

Claudia Connor has been added to my favourite authors list and I am looking forward to her future work.

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 stars


Best thing I can say about this book... well, it was mediocre. I mean, it didn't even make me feel enough not to like it, it was just meh.

The characters were typical, those absolutely perfect people who are perfect together with the perfect people around and who think perfectly alike (yup, I said "perfect" so many times just so you can understand how this book made me feel).


At least bad books have something that makes them special (something bad, but still). This one, well, it had absolutely nothing. I finished it 'cause I skimmed a lot and I didn't DNF it 'cause it wasn't so horrible. It just... was.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read JT's story after getting small hints about him in the first two books in the series.

This book is definitely packed with romance and passion. Claudia Connor has such an amazing way of writing about families and especially children. She brings together strong women, children that will melt your heart from the very beginning and hot heroes. This wonderful combination makes for a swoon-worthy, heartwarming and sexy read.

If you enjoyed the first two books in this series then you will love this one just as much.

ARC received via Loveswept/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Inna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. A nice story if you like low angst.

Compared to book one of this series, this one has significantly lower angst. I skipped book 2 so I’m not sure how that one compares.

The hero and heroine of this book meet at a diner where she works as a waitress. She is a single mother trying to better the life of her daughter by working two jobs and also taking a college course. The hero is drawn to her and keeps coming back, he’s hesitant to ask her out because he doesn’t do relationships. Several years prior to the events of this story, the hero was in an accident where he lost his leg, but took the tragedy and turned it into something positive by starting a company making next gen prosthetics.
He sees that the heroine’s daughter, who has also had part of her leg amputated, and immediately offers to help with the fit of her prosthesis. They slowly get to know each other and eventually get a sweet HEA ending.

This is basically a love story first sight book, even though the hero isn’t really sure of his feelings immediately. He is the main pursuer of the relationship. The heroine does some pushing away because she is determined not to let men wander in and out of her daughter’s life. She also is hesitant to rely on anyone besides herself. Overall though, this story is SO low angst, and is just about the MCs getting to know each other and how their relationship progresses.

Safety is good, no OM/OW drama, heroine only had sex once and there is a graphic memory which was more akin to sexual assault than anything else, she got pregnant and was never with anyone else, her daughter is 5 and a big part of the story. Hero has a lot more experience but didn’t strike me as a manwhore. He has a lot of past trauma about a HS girlfriend who he got pregnant and then she miscarried because of an accident. No scenes with OM/OW besides the heroine’s memory, no cheating.

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I know, I know. I am a heartless bitch for not LOVING this book. Tell me something I don't know. This book was good, it just did not come close to book 1 , which I read right before this one. The little girl, Casey, was cute - but not nearly as cute as the kiddos in book 1. Actually her incessant questions bugged me a little. This book's rating is basically suffering because I read it so close to book 1. It also dragged a bit and the H/h were too scared of a relationship.

However, it is still a good CR with fairly low angst, a sweet little girl and a stud of a hero. The heroine. Paige, was a great Mom and heroine. I am really impressed by this author's heroines. They are not TSTL, are responsible parents and hard working. Things I admire! Jake was a good man who lived with way too much grief. I actually found it a bit unbelievable, but I have no personal experience to draw on. I thought he gave Paige too much room. I wanted him to be more assertive. But that is a personal preference. He had terrific reasons for giving her space. The development of his relationship with little Casey was sweet.

I skipped the second book for personal reasons so I was shocked by the amount of time that has passed between book 1 and 3. But it was great to catch up with the family and see what was up with Matt and Abby and their crew (from book 1).

One thing that bugged me is a spoiler Paige was raped...how is that not ever addressed? I found it odd. Other than what she told Jake (which was not the whole story we heard in her thoughts) it does not appear she told anyone what happened. And she offered to let the father have a relationship with the baby?! Denial is NOT just a river in Africa!!!

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 stars


Best thing I can say about this book... well, it was mediocre. I mean, it didn't even make me feel enough not to like it, it was just meh.

The characters were typical, those absolutely perfect people who are perfect together with the perfect people around and who think perfectly alike (yup, I said "perfect" so many times just so you can understand how this book made me feel).


At least bad books have something that makes them special (something bad, but still). This one, well, it had absolutely nothing. I finished it 'cause I skimmed a lot and I didn't DNF it 'cause it wasn't so horrible. It just... was.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received for review

4.5 stars

J.T./Jake was as amazing as his big brothers. Paige was amazingly strong and don't get me started on her little girl, Casey. Great romance with hot bedroom scenes, plus a bonus romance with Paige's cousin. Loved seeing all the McKinney boys again along with the multitude of kids every where.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. Don't really have much more to say about it. Nice cover. Sorry I cannot be more gushing.


Nice characters.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

I liked this sweet romantic story. The characters in this book were absolutely wonderful and the story made my heart melt. This book is listed as the third book in the McKinney Brothers series but it is really more of a stand alone that is loosely linked to other stories. This is a series that you can easily jump in at any point. I have only read the second and third books and don't feel like I missed anything besides maybe another great story.

This story focuses on JT, Paige, and Casey. JT, or Jake, lost his leg in a car accident. He know works to make prosthetic devices with advanced technologies. He really has completely recovered from his physical injuries and is able to do just about anything except forgive himself. He has had his eye on the cute waitress even before he realizes that her daughter could benefit from his expertise.

Paige is a single mom who works tirelessly to make sure her daughter Casey is given a good life. She makes every decision in her life with Casey in mind and is determined to go to school so that she can get a better job to take care of them. Paige does not believe in fairy tales. Not for a minute. Paige has a really hard time doing anything for herself and really doesn't end up with a lot of free time to do anything for fun. Will she take a chance on Jake?

I loved the characters in this story. Casey really added a lot to the story and I don't often like kids as a main focus in a romantic novel. Casey was just a lot of fun and she was completely honest as kids tend to be. Her connection with Jake was absolutely precious. I could feel the love that Jake and Casey shared as much as the chemistry between Jake and Paige. These three were just meant to be together.

I would say that this romance was more of a sweet story than a sexy one. There were a few sexy times but I was really pulled in by the sweet moments. I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. I plan to read much more of Claudia Connor's work in the near future.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
I really liked this one. Jake, Paige, and Casey were all awesome characters. This was really more of a sweet romance but Jake and Paige did have a lot of chemistry.

[Hannah G · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn't like Paige she ruined the book for me.

[Jo - •.• Midlife Cosy Reader •.• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having already experienced the incredible writing of Claudia Connor with the prior books in this series, I went into this story with immense anticipation and was quickly caught up in another wonderful story. Once I started reading this I simply could not stop, except when I had to (like going to work) and even then I was thinking about it and talking about it to my workmates. I really recommend that you put time aside to read this uninterrupted. Having said that, I also wanted it to never end and I savored every moment, every word.

Jake McKinney was so bloody swoony, my uterus was wishing it could have another baby fathered by him. He has a lot of nieces and nephews, thanks to his older brothers so is very experienced in dealing with children. When Jake first meets Paige and her daughter Casey I was instantly in love. Casey is a gorgeous wee girl with that wonderful inquisitive nature that children have. Some of the conversations that she has with Jake had me laughing so hard and other conversations had me in tears, like rolling down my face big fat tears.

'Watching Jake sit there and let her five-year-old with still-developing fine motor skills paint his nails and cuticles a bright fuchsia was the sweetest and hottest thing she had ever witnessed. She looked at him now, sitting still on the couch, hands on his knees to let his nails dry as he'd been instructed.'

Jake and Paige are two people with very different pasts but what they do have in common are things that they have had to overcome. Paige is a wonderful mother, determined to give her daughter a better life than she had. She is focused and knows what she wants to do to get her life 'started.' Jake is just getting on with life, he is very passionate about his business and he is doing great things in that area. He is completely blind-sided by the depth of feelings he is experiencing each time he is with Paige & Casey. It is making him want things he never thought he could ever have. I love it when that happens in a story and the slow change when a couple realizes that they are falling for each other, it's like the best moment in a book!

There were so many times reading this when I was smiling, laughing and crying - sometimes it was all at once. I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book, it gave me everything that I love in a romance story and all those wonderful feelings that seeped into me completely sums up why I love to read. When can I have more Claudia?

'They filled a hole in him that he'd made himself, or maybe he'd always had it. But he felt fixed, healed, a better version of himself than he'd ever been.'

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

AVAILABLE: April 19, 2016

The McKinney Brothers
Worth the Fall (Book 1)
Worth the Risk (Book 2)
Worth it All (Book 3)

Worth is All is the third book in Claudia Connor's McKinney Brothers series. This is the first book I've read by this author and (obviously) the first book I've read in this series. I LOVED this book and most definitely go back and read the previous two books in this series. Worth it All is a beautiful, heartwarming love story.

JT McKinney, the youngest of the McKinney crew, was a rising football star when a car accident left him without his leg. To get away from the guilt and gain some space from his (somewhat smothering) family, JT moves across the country and (eventually) starts a Biotech company that makes advanced prosthetics. He is much more comfortable in his lab working on his next development then with people. But all that seems to change when he notices a waitress at the diner near his work. Especially when he sees her five year old daughter is like him: missing her leg.

Single mother Paige Roberts has learned that she can't depend on anyone but herself. She is working hard to provide her five-year-old daughter, Casey, with stability that she never had. If she can just make it to when Casey starts kindergarden, Paige will be able to take more classes herself. But her daughter has decided that she doesn't want to go to school or does she no longer want to wear her prosthetic anymore.

Wanting to connect with people but not knowing how, JT jumps at the opportunity to help Paige's daughter. He just didn't plan on these two making him open his heart and believe in himself again.

But in order to be able to have a future together, they each need to let go of their past's.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**

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[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews]

There is one thing I know for sure when reading a Claudia Connor book. It’s that she is the single mom’s author. Any woman who is raising a child on her own and feels jaded by love needs to get herself as close as she can to a McKinney man. Men who, no matter what, stand up, protect, and love their woman and her child. Not many books out there are like these in my reading experience.

The youngest of the McKinney boys had a terrible accident resulting in not only the loss of his limb, but his scholarship and consequently his home in Virginia. Now, years later JT now owns and runs a prosthetic research and development company in California. He spends his time working mostly and hanging out with his close friends and co-workers.

The single young mother to a beautiful little girl is doing her best to make a better life. Working two jobs and going to school is a ton of work. Now add in the beauty that is her little girl… well, it’s quite the experience. Habitually tired and constantly worried about kindergarten approaching would be a lot for any parent, but Paige’s little one has a bit more on her mind. Little Casey isn’t just worried about starting school. She worries about being different from the other kids too.

A chance meeting in the diner makes fast friends out of Casey and JT McKinney. Sharing a similar missing appendage and having the ability to help has JT seeing Paige in a different light.

Sweet, affirming, and simply beautiful is how I describe Worth it All.
I think I have a new favorite brother



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[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Slow and steady, character focused storytelling with high emotional impact. The burn builds at a snail’s pace, but the vulnerabilities and connection between the characters is genuine. Also, excellent inclusion and representation for amputees (the MMC and the FMC’s child). Trigger warnings though for flashback of date rape while intoxicated and flashback of an accident leading to loss of part of a limb and child miscarriage.

Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama. The H didn’t come across as a manwhore but he’d dated and then later had hookups when he was going for casual. I think he hadn’t been with anyone for a bit though. The h had the one sexual encounter that led to her being pregnant with her daughter and it was close to as bad as it can be.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Single parent FMC
☆ Adorable child
☆ Both MMC and child are partial leg amputees with prosthetics
☆ FMC is struggling with serving jobs and school but persevering
☆ MMC is a successful engineer but emotionally disconnected
☆ Hilarious and supportive friends/family for both
☆ Slow burn
☆ He pursues her carefully and wants to be there for her
☆ Cute dog (who didn’t get enough page time)

I enjoyed this but it’s not necessarily going to grab everyone. I feel like the author has a writing style that lets you truly sink into the characters and their emotional backstories and journeys. However, the pacing drags at times. Paige (h) and Casey (her daughter) were appealing and Jake (H) was wonderful. He’s entranced by Paige as his waitress, but what pushes him to approach her first is actually Casey and seeing her not wearing her prosthesis. I loved how he built a rapport with Casey that helped build her confidence as she was worried about being different heading into starting school.

A lot of the story is their daily minutiae with Paige trying to keep them afloat and Jake slotting in as a helping hand, with them getting to know each other as friends first. Friends with a serious case of attraction and a hefty dose of hang-ups between the two adults of course. Paige had a sad backstory of growing up with her mom hopping from man to man and eking out a survival. While Jake had major trauma as a young man who’d been looking at a promising and very different life before his accident. Mental and emotional processing has to occur for both - about what they want for their presents, futures, and looking at their perceptions of how their pasts shaped them.

This is one where the burn is slow and the steam is lower. It’s not fade to black but it’s also not overly explicit. It fit well with how wary Paige was actually, though she certainly lusted after Jake hard lol. It’s said multiple times how attractive he is. He doesn’t skimp on the admiration of her beauty either. I didn’t love the way that the author described Paige sometimes, it felt more like an older-style romance for some reason in my head with the paleness of her skin and how blonde she is being highlighted.

Paige has the best cousin and Jake has the best best friend. They injected much needed humor and some nudging. Jake also has this big, loving family who he ran away from after his accident and I waited many pages for them to pop up and get some reuniting on that front. A couple of his older brothers had prior stories and even though I only read one of those, it was nice to see that couple again. His family also completely embrace Paige and Casey in an exuberant way. One of Jake’s SILs goes as far as to spark an interest in a future career choice for Paige.

No third act break-up but Paige is offered an opportunity that would potentially put distance between them. This is not a situation where the FMC just shoves her dreams to the side for a man, thank god. They evaluate separately and then communicate. The ending is HEA with an overall update on their happiness, Casey, and both of their best friends. It’s very sweet. This won’t be one I re-read probably but it kept my attention and I enjoyed the transformations that the characters underwent.

[The BookChick · Rating 5 out of 5]

4-19-16

I listened to this new release in audio format. The narration gets about 3 stars from me but the story itself is still a 5 star read.

****

I fell in love with Claudia Connor's McKinney Brother's book ever since stumbling onto Worth the Fall. Now, I recommend the series to anyone who will listen to my bibliophilic ramblings :). I was so excited to receive an advance copy of Worth it All, and I can say without a doubt that this story was truly worth the wait!

Connor has a wonderful manner of aborbing readers with an engaging story, and this installment in the series was no exception. In Worth it All we meet the youngest McKinney, JT (Jake) and experience his journey to a happily ever after with Paige, and her adorable little daughter Casey. Readers begin the story with being introduced to JT, an amputee who is a lead engineer at a biotechnology company that he helped to start. JT is suffering a severe case of guilt and self recrimination so he keeps to himself mainly -- having shallow relationships and going as far to distance himself from the close-knit McKinney clan. But JT's self imposed exile comes to end once he lays eyes of Paige who is working as a waitress at a diner he frequents. His fate is even more solidly sealed when he meets Paige's daughter who tugs on his heart so strongly that he wants to get closer to mother and daughter instead of backing away.

The road to happily ever after is not an easy one for JT and Paige. Although there is a very strong and passionate attraction between them, the demons from their pasts keep them from going all in. At first. However, the more time that they spend with one another their walls that encompass their hearts begin to quickly crumble.

Worth it All captured my attention in a way that the other books did not, and that is for one simple reason: I love the twist that she added to the story with Casey. I wasn't expecting that but it truly just endeared the characters to me even more. JT was loyal and protective and he gently entrenched himself into Paige's life. He wanted her and wanted to protect and care for her, and he did that in the most amazing manner: first by taking care of Casey's immediate need, and then by bringing her into the McKinney clan.

Worth it All was low impact when it came to the drama department. Frankly, there just wasn't any. HOWEVER (and the caps are intentional), this story packs a punch right in the heart. These characters and the issues surrounding them will absolutely draw you in from the beginning and hold your rapt until THE END. The McKinney Brothers series just continues to get better and each story is more compelling than the one before it.

[Bj · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 "2nd Chance at Love & Family" Stars!

Be ready to be wooed by the perfect family man! When two characters with independent, unfortunate pasts when it comes to the love & family department, meet, and one sweet little girl does her magic, this trio forms the perfect merger. Worth It All is the result, and it's sure to leave romance enthusiasts panting and no doubt feeling this story deep in the "feels" department.

Whether you have devoured the previous McKinney Brothers books, or like me chose Worth it All to be your first foray into the McKinney family, you will no doubt enjoy this sweet, inspirational romantic story. Worth it All can be read as a standalone as the primary romance is fully contained within this book. All that said, the prior McKinney brothers and their heroines, as well as, the whole McKinney family, play a part in this story. So if you've already fallen in love with the McKinneys, you will be happy to know that you get to enjoy them all again in Worth It All.

Worth it All features the romantic story of JT McKinney, the youngest McKinney brother. JT thought he lost his dreams for a future in a car accident. Following that accident, not only did JT lose his ability to continue playing football in college and ultimately possibly play pro, but he also partially lost one of his legs. Learning to deal with such a physical injury, changed his life. Never mind the emotional scars that the events leading up to the car crash rendered on both his quest and desire for happiness in the form of love. Instead, JT threw himself into his career, and built a very successful biomedical engineering career devoted to helping other amputees.

But one little girl (Casey), who was born with a birth defect that led to one of her legs being partially amputated, and her single mother (Paige), who is barely making ends meet, cause JT to question all of his beliefs and plans. Shortly after meeting Casey and Paige, JT finds himself inexplicably drawn to them. He can't help but offer to help them. But Paige has her own emotional scars to bare, and is equally conflicted. Could the joint mission to improve one little girl's life, actually lead to a HEA neither JT nor Paige ever believed possible?

If you love romances where the main characters get a 2nd chance for a fresh start, particularly ones that will tug at your heartstrings with the future of young child hanging in the balance, then you will no doubt not want to miss Worth it All.

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

[✨Rachael, Island Bookworm ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread loved Casey so much!!!!



Spoilers ahead, 3.5*


JT is the youngest McKinney brother, he got into an accident that caused his pregnant girlfriend to lose their baby and ended his dream of playing pro ball. Years later he's the owner of a prosthetic company. He meets Paige who's a waitress at a diner. Though it takes him awhile to make an approach her daughter Casey unwittingly provides him the opportunity to speak to Paige. Attempting to help young Casey with her prosthetic leg slowly helps JT to recover from his past mistakes and to believe that he deserves a family
Paige has had a tough time, one sexual encounter led to her being a single parent to her precocious daughter Casey. She's made a promise to herself to work hard and achieve her goals. JT's appearance in her life causes Paige to start believing in fairy tales, but a lifetime of witnessing disappointments in love has left her skeptical and afraid to trust

**********
In all honesty this was a bit slow and similar to the first two books as JT, just as his brothers did before him, is suffering needlessly from an event in his past BUT considering the previous book was about Stephen I'm inclined to cut this book some slack
I loved Casey! Hands down one of my favorite thungs about this author are the kids in her books and Casey was another fine example
JT was a relatively good H, he struggled a bit with the effects of his past but when he got involved in their lives there wasn't much unnecessary pushing away and needlessly hurting Casey. I liked that he ended up relocating for Paige's sake she deserved an opportunity to fulfill her dreams
Paige did a bit of pushing away, always hesitant to believe that the relationship would last but I liked her. She was an excellent mom and a hard worker and her HEA was well deserved
All in all I'm bumping up my rating based on the cuteness of Casey, her interactions with JT and genuinely likeable mcs


No cheating
There was a recap of Paige's sex scene where she ended up pregnant. She was drunk and wasn't fully aware or 100% consented to the act
She hadn't been with anyone since
JT's girlfriend lost their baby in an accident this wasn't graphically detailed

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5+ RATING- I was really looking forward to reading Worth It All by Claudia Conner. I loved the first book in this series, Worth the Fall, and enjoyed the second book in the series as well. The story was pretty much everything I’ve come to expect from this author: quality writing, a heart-warming story, and likable characters. I know most readers of contemporary romances will love this one! (For readers that haven't read the earlier books, Worth it All will work fine as a stand-alone.)

So why didn't I rate this higher? I think this falls under the old adage, "it's not you, it's me". Basically, I like my romances HOT! HOT! HOT! You know… sexy scenes aplenty, maybe some dirty talk thrown in, possibly some angry wall sex... (hey, don't judge!) I’d classify the entire McKinney Brothers series as lukewarm. Well done, but lukewarm. Definitely something I’d feel comfortable buying and sharing with my mom (which I actually have!). So while the story was a quality read and enjoyable, I kept missing something. Even in the face of a great quality romance, I missed the sizzle.

Even without the steam, this is a series I'm definitely sticking with and have zero problem recommending. Can't wait to see what's next in this series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alex ♈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book in this series.
I loved the h – strong, loving single mother with adorable sweet disabled child. I had much respect for Paige!
The H was a very good man with a golden heart. JT didn’t give up after the accident he lost his leg and proved himself by building his own company and helping disabled people. *love is in the air*
Their romance was sweet and sexy. I loved how he loved her daughter.
Best couple ever!
I hope to read more of them in the next books.
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[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "Fairy tales exists" stars***



This was the third book of the McKinney Brothers series and it's was equal wonderful as the two previous books!!! It was sweet, tender and overwhelming in a good way...
All those men in a way or another had their fair share in pain and they need the right person to heal them...

I honestly don't understand why those men are getting far away from the nest of their family when they are hurting... Man pride, maybe??? But they all did it!!!
But boys, all the members of your family are such wonderful persons!!!


Well, in this book, we had the story of J.T. McKinney, the youngest of the brothers... and from my calculations, the book went forward seven years from Stephen's book...
We had see glimpses of J.T. in the first book, but he was just an angry teenager who didn't want to have much contact with the rest of his family...

In the second book, we learnt from Stephen about his accident and how he isolated himself from the rest of them...

Now, eight years after the accident that changed his life, J.T. is a different man from the cocky boy that he used to be...

Because of the accident, he lost his dreams on football career and also, he lost one of his legs.
At this moment, he had a successful business with prosthetic parts... He is one of those who wears them after all... But if you could see him, you could never understand the difference to his legs...
He is a little bit isolated and lately, he is having an infatuation with a waitress, named Paige...


"What was so different about Paige that he couldn't resist her, that he felt so out of control around her and couldn't stop thinking about her?...
He was drawn to her in a way he didn't even understand. But there was a connection there and he was sure she felt it."

Paige had also a rough life... She was living with her mother in a trailer park and her dreams for a better life changed course when came unexpectedly in her life her daughter, Casey...
But that change on her plans didn't make her unhappy...

Now, she is a devoted single mother who is working two jobs and at the same time, she is attending college in order to provide to her daughter a better life.
She had a goal and she is determined to succeed it, no matter what.
But she didn't calculate in the equation J.T.'s presence in her life...


"No matter how attracted she was to Jake, no matter how much she liked him, she needed to remember that wasn't part of her plan. Casey, work, school, better job. No time to get sidetracked."

J.T. and Paige had noticed each other for the first moment, but none of them was making a move to get to know each other...

The opportunity came because of Casey and her disability...
That small girl captured J.T.'s attention as much as her mother... and as much as they tried to stay away from each other, it was difficult to do it...


"Is this your way of saying you're not going to get wrapped up in me?"
"No, I guess it's my way of saying I'm already so wrapped up there's not much of me left."

So what will happen between them???
Will they get over their hesistation and start to acknowledge their feelings???

Or will they continue the way that they already had been following???

J.T. was such a wonderful person toward Paige and Casey...
Every day that he was spending with them was a day that he was connecting even more with them...

He wanted to live this dream, but he was afraid that he wasn't capable to fulfill that role for them.
His past and his guilts didn't aloud him to do it!!!
But he couldn't stay away from them and then he couldn't live without them!!!


"He wouldn't push her, but he also wouldn't let her run from whatever was building between them because she was scared."

Paige was a lion mother... She could do anything for her child and she thought that she didn't have to be happy with a man to succeed it... She thought that J.T. was a distraction, but he was a distraction that she was craving like a mad woman...


"It was one thing to screw up your own life, making decisions that could screw up a child's, her child's... that was much, much bigger.
...If she wasn't careful, she was going to mess everything up.
And now on top of that, there was the very real fear of losing her heart."

I liked very much J.T., Paige and Casey...
They were such sweethearts!!!!

I liked their romance very much, but i have to admit that in the beginning the things were moving a little bit slow... and to be honest in the first half part, i was missing the rest of the McKinneys... but thank God, when they made an appearance everything were staring to get much better...
What can i say??? Those crazy, lovely persons are giving more colour to the book!!! Bahahaha...

I also have to say that Jenny and Simon were so great!!! I loved them too!!!

"It was a swift, hard punch to his chest, realizing how much he loved her. Both of them. They filled a hole in him that he'd made himself, or maybe he'd always had it. But he felt fixed, healed, a better version of himself than he'd ever been." {J.T.}

"She was falling. Had fallen. She didn't know when or exactly how she'd come to believe that the fairy tale actually existed, that she could possibly have it, but with Jake she absolutely did." {Paige}

Paige was such a wonderful kid and such a brilliant mind...
I loved her instantly... She was so funny and i liked the way that she was trying to avoid to do some certain things!!!!

I felt sorry for her condition, mostly because in a deeper level, she was feeling different from the rest of the kids, but i think that J.T. played a big part to her newly found confidence...
They were clicking so good together and i adored their connection...

Okay, maybe i'm more sensitive to those kind of relationships because of my personal experiences!!!

"Do you think... Do you think you could ever want a little girl with one leg?"
"I most definetely could. But mostly, more than anything, I'd want a little girl that was you."
"But there's only one of those."
"That's right. Only one."
Only one Casey. Only one Paige. {Casey & J.T.}

For once again, Claudia Connor gave us a wonderful story and i would love to read another one book in this series, but I'm afraid that the rest three brothers are already married...

So, i will wait to read new stories by her!!!

***ARC generously provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

[Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I try to read my books in the order that they will be released/review date, but when I get an advanced copy of a McKinney Brothers book I just can't help myself. I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH! It doesn't matter what I am reading, it gets moved to the side (sorry other authors!) and the McKinney Brothers take center stage. And like the books before this one, once I picked it up, I had a hard time putting it down and I didn't want it to end.

I was hooked from Chapter 1. Paige works at a diner that JT frequents with his friend and coworker Simon. He has definitely noticed her, but is too chicken (as Simon likes to remind him quite often) to do anything about it. Just when he gets up the nerve to ask her out, he discovers she has a daughter. And that scene where JT meets Casey....OH MY GOD. Talk about adorable. Then to make the scene even more important, he discovers that Casey is also part of one of her legs. Just like him. And just like that JT finds himself drawn to Paige and Casey in way he has never experienced before. He lost part of his leg in an accident when he was only 19 years old. Since then, he has worked to make his cutting edge prosthetic company one of the best in the world. He does not hesitate to help Casey when he notices that her prosthetic may need some adjusting. He invites Casey and Paige to his office and for me, that is where the story begins. Paige learns a lot about JT while she is there and sees a side to him that she did not expect.

I absolutely LOVED the bond that JT formed with Casey. Thanks to a past relationship, he doesn't think that he will ever have his own family, but he becomes so attached to Casey (and Paige) in such a short time,. I think the fact that they had something in common helped, but Casey was also a smart, hilarious, and adorable kid. One of the things I like best about these books is how well Claudia writes the children. JT gave Matt a serious run for his money in this book. (And don't worry, if you need a Matt fix or maybe a Stephen fix, you will get it in this book.)

Paige and JT as a couple was just the BEST. With the help of her cousin Jenny, Paige has been raising Casey, but she is also working two jobs and taking online classes towards her associates degree. Paige hasn't had a man in her life since before Casey, so while she is wary of getting involved with JT, he is the perfect man for her. He sees how hard she is working and makes a point of telling her that she is not only a wonderful mom, but an amazing person. He wants to take care of her and Casey. He NEEDS to be the man in their lives.

I cried a lot while reading this book. Not because it was sad, but because so much of it was so darn sweet and emotional. I highlighted the bejesus out of this book, but while looking over what I did highlight, the following excerpt stood out for me:

“Jake?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.” He smiled, thinking she’d never asked permission before. “It must be a big one.”

“It is.”

He prepared himself for some kind of birds-and-bees question or something otherwise out of his zone.

She lifted her head from his arm and peered up at him with those summer-sky baby blues. “Do you think . . .” She paused, glancing at the ground in front of her. “Do you think you could ever want a little girl with one leg?”

The bottom dropped out of his stomach and the world from under his feet. His chest squeezed so tightly he couldn’t get a breath. The answer was he could, he did.

He lifted her into his lap. “I most definitely could,” he said, cradling her against his chest. “But mostly , more than anything, I’d want a little girl that was you.”
She tilted her head back further. “But there’s only one of those.”

“That’s right. Only one.”

She leaned against him, seeming to think about that, and so did he.

Only one Casey. Only one Paige. Only one woman who’d ever made him want to change the person he’d always thought he was. The only one who could make him want what he hadn’t wanted and then make him feel good enough about himself to have it.

“You’re smart and you’re beautiful, just like your mother with your mother’s eyes.”

“Not exactly like Mommy’s.”

He rubbed his hand lightly over her back. “No, not exactly. Your eyes are the color of the sky. Hers are the color of the sea.”

Casey straightened, her bright smile back in place like the sun after a storm. “And yours are the color of dirt! So we make the sky and the water and the land.”

He shook his head and smiled at her, figuring that was the weirdest, sweetest compliment he’d ever received. And perhaps the best way to explain it.

Could these two BE any cuter?? I think not. Scenes like this reminded me of Matt's story and there ain't nothing wrong with that!

I could on and on about this book (I kind of already have...oops) so I will end by saying this: You know when you are tucked into bed all warm and cozy? You get that warm and fuzzy feeling that makes you not want to get out of bed? That's how I felt when I read this book.