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The McKinney Brothers #1
Worth the Fall
The McKinney Brothers, Book 1
They meet on a beach. . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.
They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.
But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for.
They meet on a beach. . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.
They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.
But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2014
717 people are currently reading
13884 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Connor
15 books2,388 followersClaudia 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,898 reviews
May 25, 2017
5 Mount McKinney Stars
Spoilers
"I don't know what you want," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Time," he said softly. "Just time. I don't have a good reason, but I have three days left and I want to spend them with you."-Abby and Matt
Holy shit I loved this book!!!!!!! This book was the holy Grail find OMG. So damn good. This is my first Claudia Connor book and I'm sold. This book had it all and more. My emotions are all over the place right now. Worth The Fall made me cry, laugh, and want to lick my kindle just so I could get a taste of super sexy Matt.
"Do I really scare you that much?" He cupped the side of her face in his hand. "Because I gotta tell you, you scare the hell out of me."-Matt
What this book is about
Matt McKinney, on medical leave from the Navy, goes to the beach with his cousin Rob. There he meets Abby. A beautiful 6 month pregnant widow with her four children. When he is with Abby he feels peace and like that is where he is meant to be. Her and her four adorable children get so deep under his skin he wants them for his own, but he is still a Navy Seal and they live in different states. Matt can tell Abby is scared and ready to run. She has been hurt before. But Matt just can't get Abby and her kids out of his mind or his heart. Now he just has to find a way to make them his.
"You know, I haven't heard them laugh so much since....probably ever. It was good for them. You were good."-Abby
"What? People leave. It's fine. I'm fine. I tell Angie that all the time." She shook her head. "She never listens."-Abby
Matt was the epitome of a hero. God in heaven that man was melt my panites sexy. Hello Sexy Navy Seal willing to be a father to five small children that are not his.... P-e-r-f-e-c-t. Kicking ass, saving the world, loving his woman, and reading bed time stories Damn Matt was lickable. Seriously yummy! Matt felt torn between a promise to his fallen best friend to not quit the Navy but it gutted him to be away from Abby and the kids. Matt had honor and tried to always keep his word. But he didn't want to hurt Abby and the kids by leaving all the time and missing out on their life. The way Matt was with the kids was so touching. He had a special bond with each child personally and you could feel the love he had for them through the pages. He was so tender and loving towards Abby breaking down her every wall. I loved Matt so much. He was so protective, charming, and loving. He has now been added to my book boyfriend list!
The entire scene amazed him. Awed him. Lying with a woman-not inside her, but beside her- and feeling so close to her, it was as if their hearts beat together.-Matt
"I don't want to hurt you, baby, I swear, but please don't ask me to let you go. Give us a chance. Give me a chance."-Matt
Abby has been heartbroken and abandoned her whole life. When she was a very small child her dad died and the next year her mother killed herself and Abby found her body. From there Abby was shipped from one foster home to the next never knowing love or feeling like she was enough. Straight out of college Abby met and married her now dead husband. But their marriage was anything but happy. He was never there for Abby always out on business trips he was never even home to take Abby to the hospital or bring her home after she had their children she would have to take cabs. So Abby doesn't let anyone in but her children. She knows everyone always leave her in the end. Abby truly had a heartbreaking past. She fell for Matt even though she tried hard not to. She never really pushed him away she just tried not to get attached, but how could she not when he was so wonderful with her and loved her children. Abby was vulnerable but still strong. She was very independent but she had so much love to give. She put her heart out there and gave it everything even though she was so scared to be hurt again.
"I can't breathe when you look at me like that." "Like what?" He traced her cheek with his thumb. "Like I love you? Because I do. More than I ever thought possible."-Abby and Matt
"I do push. I push people away, before they-" She broke off, and a single tear escaped and ran into her hair. "I don't want to push you away."-Abby
Matt and Abby's love story was the very definition of romance. It was beautiful, passionate, and giving. I felt their love like it was a real tangible thing. Their story sucked me in and stole my heart. I was so moved by this book I teared up and I cried numerous times. Some sad tears some happy. The parts with the children were super cute and heartwarming. I felt such a instant connection to this book to all these characters. I fell in love with Matt, Abby, Jack, Gracie, Annie, and Charlie. I just loved this book. Best read of the year so far. I will be reading more books by this author that is for sure. I would recommend it to anyone who loves romance. Try this book for real it was awesome. It's only .99¢ on Amazon right now!
"Stop thinking about what could happen and hear me. I love you, and nothing and no one could keep me from you."-Matt
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Spoilers
"I don't know what you want," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Time," he said softly. "Just time. I don't have a good reason, but I have three days left and I want to spend them with you."-Abby and Matt
Holy shit I loved this book!!!!!!! This book was the holy Grail find OMG. So damn good. This is my first Claudia Connor book and I'm sold. This book had it all and more. My emotions are all over the place right now. Worth The Fall made me cry, laugh, and want to lick my kindle just so I could get a taste of super sexy Matt.
"Do I really scare you that much?" He cupped the side of her face in his hand. "Because I gotta tell you, you scare the hell out of me."-Matt
What this book is about
Matt McKinney, on medical leave from the Navy, goes to the beach with his cousin Rob. There he meets Abby. A beautiful 6 month pregnant widow with her four children. When he is with Abby he feels peace and like that is where he is meant to be. Her and her four adorable children get so deep under his skin he wants them for his own, but he is still a Navy Seal and they live in different states. Matt can tell Abby is scared and ready to run. She has been hurt before. But Matt just can't get Abby and her kids out of his mind or his heart. Now he just has to find a way to make them his.
"You know, I haven't heard them laugh so much since....probably ever. It was good for them. You were good."-Abby
"What? People leave. It's fine. I'm fine. I tell Angie that all the time." She shook her head. "She never listens."-Abby
Matt was the epitome of a hero. God in heaven that man was melt my panites sexy. Hello Sexy Navy Seal willing to be a father to five small children that are not his.... P-e-r-f-e-c-t. Kicking ass, saving the world, loving his woman, and reading bed time stories Damn Matt was lickable. Seriously yummy! Matt felt torn between a promise to his fallen best friend to not quit the Navy but it gutted him to be away from Abby and the kids. Matt had honor and tried to always keep his word. But he didn't want to hurt Abby and the kids by leaving all the time and missing out on their life. The way Matt was with the kids was so touching. He had a special bond with each child personally and you could feel the love he had for them through the pages. He was so tender and loving towards Abby breaking down her every wall. I loved Matt so much. He was so protective, charming, and loving. He has now been added to my book boyfriend list!
The entire scene amazed him. Awed him. Lying with a woman-not inside her, but beside her- and feeling so close to her, it was as if their hearts beat together.-Matt
"I don't want to hurt you, baby, I swear, but please don't ask me to let you go. Give us a chance. Give me a chance."-Matt
Abby has been heartbroken and abandoned her whole life. When she was a very small child her dad died and the next year her mother killed herself and Abby found her body. From there Abby was shipped from one foster home to the next never knowing love or feeling like she was enough. Straight out of college Abby met and married her now dead husband. But their marriage was anything but happy. He was never there for Abby always out on business trips he was never even home to take Abby to the hospital or bring her home after she had their children she would have to take cabs. So Abby doesn't let anyone in but her children. She knows everyone always leave her in the end. Abby truly had a heartbreaking past. She fell for Matt even though she tried hard not to. She never really pushed him away she just tried not to get attached, but how could she not when he was so wonderful with her and loved her children. Abby was vulnerable but still strong. She was very independent but she had so much love to give. She put her heart out there and gave it everything even though she was so scared to be hurt again.
"I can't breathe when you look at me like that." "Like what?" He traced her cheek with his thumb. "Like I love you? Because I do. More than I ever thought possible."-Abby and Matt
"I do push. I push people away, before they-" She broke off, and a single tear escaped and ran into her hair. "I don't want to push you away."-Abby
Matt and Abby's love story was the very definition of romance. It was beautiful, passionate, and giving. I felt their love like it was a real tangible thing. Their story sucked me in and stole my heart. I was so moved by this book I teared up and I cried numerous times. Some sad tears some happy. The parts with the children were super cute and heartwarming. I felt such a instant connection to this book to all these characters. I fell in love with Matt, Abby, Jack, Gracie, Annie, and Charlie. I just loved this book. Best read of the year so far. I will be reading more books by this author that is for sure. I would recommend it to anyone who loves romance. Try this book for real it was awesome. It's only .99¢ on Amazon right now!
"Stop thinking about what could happen and hear me. I love you, and nothing and no one could keep me from you."-Matt
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
September 15, 2014
3.5 stars.
This was a nice read. Seemed to drag a little bit in the middle.
Navy Seal falls for a mom of 4, who is pregnant with her fifth child… not sure about that. But hey, its fiction so just go with the flow.
Her kids were cute.
Matt was trying to decide if he wanted to change careers. He felt he owed it to his “brothers in arms” to stay a Seal. But he knows that Abby would hate that.
I guess the cover alone deserves its own kind of star.
ARC received from NetGalley, which is much appreciated.
This was a nice read. Seemed to drag a little bit in the middle.
Navy Seal falls for a mom of 4, who is pregnant with her fifth child… not sure about that. But hey, its fiction so just go with the flow.
Her kids were cute.
He liked watching her when she didn’t know. There were no games. No trying to impress him. Just beautiful and real.
Matt was trying to decide if he wanted to change careers. He felt he owed it to his “brothers in arms” to stay a Seal. But he knows that Abby would hate that.
”I’d say everything turned out pretty well."
I guess the cover alone deserves its own kind of star.
ARC received from NetGalley, which is much appreciated.
October 4, 2014
4 Stars!
Worth the Fall is a very sweet and swoony romance. When I first read the blurb I’m thinking Navy SEAL falling in love with pregnant mother of four after spending a week together on the beach... a little far fetched, right? And maybe it’s not the most realistic storyline, but it worked. I really enjoyed this book!
When Matt first meets Abby at the beach while on vacation, he is drawn to her. Abby isn’t alone. She has her four young children right there with her. Abby wants her children to have a fun vacation. She’s the type that can do it all alone. Even though she was recently widowed, she’s been doing it alone for a long time. Matt starts to spend his days with Abby and the kids. It seems fast, but within that week, he’s become attached to the children and started to fall for Abby. He can’t imagine just leaving her when the week is over. This week is no where near long enough.
Once Abby goes back to her home, Matt can’t stand not seeing her, not seeing the kids. He visits, but how could things ever work? Being in the service is not an easy life and Matt knows deep down Abby deserves to be with someone who is going to be with her all the time. And the kids deserve more than a part time dad. Matt thinks about quitting the Navy... he’s done his time, but he made a promise years ago to a fallen brother, his best friend, and he doesn’t feel right breaking it.
Matt is torn. He only knows he can’t be without Abby. He loves her. Abby is falling for him too, but she’s been let down too many times by too many people in her life. Can she trust Matt will be there for her?
Matt and Abby were both great main characters. Abby had some major trust issues, but the more you got from her past, the more you understood why she was that way. Matt was the sweetest hero. The way he was with those children. It made me melt! Their interactions were so adorable. I was stuck between laughing and smiling like crazy. But Matt wasn’t all sweet, he also had that alpha side that I love too!
Overall, I was impressed with this incredibly sweet debut novel. There were some adorable scenes. It was light on the angst, and a little light on the steam as well. It started off fast paced, then got a little slow for me, but still was a nice read. I enjoyed the story a lot and I’m looking forward to more from this author!
Worth the Fall is a very sweet and swoony romance. When I first read the blurb I’m thinking Navy SEAL falling in love with pregnant mother of four after spending a week together on the beach... a little far fetched, right? And maybe it’s not the most realistic storyline, but it worked. I really enjoyed this book!
When Matt first meets Abby at the beach while on vacation, he is drawn to her. Abby isn’t alone. She has her four young children right there with her. Abby wants her children to have a fun vacation. She’s the type that can do it all alone. Even though she was recently widowed, she’s been doing it alone for a long time. Matt starts to spend his days with Abby and the kids. It seems fast, but within that week, he’s become attached to the children and started to fall for Abby. He can’t imagine just leaving her when the week is over. This week is no where near long enough.
One kiss would never be enough. Neither would one night, or one week.
Once Abby goes back to her home, Matt can’t stand not seeing her, not seeing the kids. He visits, but how could things ever work? Being in the service is not an easy life and Matt knows deep down Abby deserves to be with someone who is going to be with her all the time. And the kids deserve more than a part time dad. Matt thinks about quitting the Navy... he’s done his time, but he made a promise years ago to a fallen brother, his best friend, and he doesn’t feel right breaking it.
Matt is torn. He only knows he can’t be without Abby. He loves her. Abby is falling for him too, but she’s been let down too many times by too many people in her life. Can she trust Matt will be there for her?
“You’ll never have to live without me.”
Matt and Abby were both great main characters. Abby had some major trust issues, but the more you got from her past, the more you understood why she was that way. Matt was the sweetest hero. The way he was with those children. It made me melt! Their interactions were so adorable. I was stuck between laughing and smiling like crazy. But Matt wasn’t all sweet, he also had that alpha side that I love too!
Overall, I was impressed with this incredibly sweet debut novel. There were some adorable scenes. It was light on the angst, and a little light on the steam as well. It started off fast paced, then got a little slow for me, but still was a nice read. I enjoyed the story a lot and I’m looking forward to more from this author!
She was everything he’s always wanted and never thought he would have. She loved him. And she owned him, body and soul.
June 25, 2014
Arc kindly provided in exchange for honest review
I made it to 17 percent before I started feeling mentally drained. I actually felt tired for the lead, Abby. She has 4 kids (all under 6, I think) and a baby on the way.
Abby's husband, aka father to her 4 kids and unborn child, died in a plane crash. Not that Abby cares because he wasn't a good father to begin with. (She kinda makes this known early on.)
When I saw the cover of this book, I was expecting a hot, steamy novel. The cover is a little misleading. I believe it will attract readers but under false advertising, like the wonderbra.
The writing was good, but the overall plot sucked. There was no room to get to know Abby and Matt as a couple (or as individuals) because the 4 kids were always around. Charlie, Gracie, and Jack...I forget the other kid's name, which should tell you something. Every time you think something is about to happen, one of the kids starts babbling away and I'm not ashamed to admit I rolled my eyes. I found myself resenting these children.
I get that some people live this, er-the 4+ kids, but it doesn't work for a novel. To me they were distractions that stood in the way.
Matt watch me.
Matt play with me.
Matt help me..
All I wanted was some alone time for the two leads, Abby and Matt. So they could actually get to know each other and have some one-on-one. As bad as this is going to sound, I felt like I was watching the bachelor and hoping Abby or Matt would get a rose. That rose symbolizing a date they would be able to share kidless.
I'm so sorry. God I know how this must sound. Like I hate kids or something. But I don't. I have a niece and I adore her. The problem here is Pregnant woman + 4 kids + Brad Pitt look alike = does not equal Angelina-like setting. Okay?
And even though Matt was a HOT Navy Seal, that still wasn't enough to keep me going. Not with Jack always "Hi Matt." Just no. Add on the constant descriptions of Abby taking care of these kids (feeding, cleaning, pacifying them ect...) And it really feels like you are reading a chore.
I'm sorry, but that's as blunt as I can put it. And it kills me because I had high hopes for this one. I can say the author knows how to write very well. I'm not sure if this was something her publisher wanted her to write, or an idea that she came up with her on own, but it didn't work.
I just don't know what else to say. It felt like a chore and there were too many kids running around. I knew the kids better than I knew the lead characters. And I didn't sign up for no Children's book, understand?
I made it to 17 percent before I started feeling mentally drained. I actually felt tired for the lead, Abby. She has 4 kids (all under 6, I think) and a baby on the way.
Abby's husband, aka father to her 4 kids and unborn child, died in a plane crash. Not that Abby cares because he wasn't a good father to begin with. (She kinda makes this known early on.)
When I saw the cover of this book, I was expecting a hot, steamy novel. The cover is a little misleading. I believe it will attract readers but under false advertising, like the wonderbra.
The writing was good, but the overall plot sucked. There was no room to get to know Abby and Matt as a couple (or as individuals) because the 4 kids were always around. Charlie, Gracie, and Jack...I forget the other kid's name, which should tell you something. Every time you think something is about to happen, one of the kids starts babbling away and I'm not ashamed to admit I rolled my eyes. I found myself resenting these children.
I get that some people live this, er-the 4+ kids, but it doesn't work for a novel. To me they were distractions that stood in the way.
Matt watch me.
Matt play with me.
Matt help me..
All I wanted was some alone time for the two leads, Abby and Matt. So they could actually get to know each other and have some one-on-one. As bad as this is going to sound, I felt like I was watching the bachelor and hoping Abby or Matt would get a rose. That rose symbolizing a date they would be able to share kidless.
I'm so sorry. God I know how this must sound. Like I hate kids or something. But I don't. I have a niece and I adore her. The problem here is Pregnant woman + 4 kids + Brad Pitt look alike = does not equal Angelina-like setting. Okay?
And even though Matt was a HOT Navy Seal, that still wasn't enough to keep me going. Not with Jack always "Hi Matt." Just no. Add on the constant descriptions of Abby taking care of these kids (feeding, cleaning, pacifying them ect...) And it really feels like you are reading a chore.
I'm sorry, but that's as blunt as I can put it. And it kills me because I had high hopes for this one. I can say the author knows how to write very well. I'm not sure if this was something her publisher wanted her to write, or an idea that she came up with her on own, but it didn't work.
I just don't know what else to say. It felt like a chore and there were too many kids running around. I knew the kids better than I knew the lead characters. And I didn't sign up for no Children's book, understand?
October 6, 2014
:::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::: 4.5 STARS ::::
If you're looking for a book that'll make you SWOON, this is it!!! What a gorgeous, heartfelt story!!
The hero, Matt, is an injured Navy SEAL vacationing at a beach where he meets a single mom there with her four little kids. Something about her draws him to her, and in the space of a week, Abby and the kids become such a part of his heart that he can't imagine being without them. However, they live completely opposite lives. With his job, he spends most of his time overseas on missions, while she's tied to her home and her children. But what they have is worth fighting to keep and this is their story.
Let me tell you, there's something about a big, tough, protective Alpha man who accepts kids who are not his own into his life with such complete openness and love that is absolutely heart-melting!!!!
Just take a minute and picture this gorgeous, badass Navy SEAL guy sitting on a beach helping a tiny little girl who is crawling all over him with her Barbie doll and loving every minute of it. How sweet is that??
Every moment between him and those kids was just gorgeous. I loved the way he was with them and I loved the way he treated Abby. There's a bit of a twist to her situation too and I loved that he wanted every part of her. He fell in love with not only her, but with everything and everyone she came with. He accepted them all in his heart as they accepted him into their family.
This book was such a joy to read! I loved the way their relationship developed so naturally. He just spent time with them because he couldn't stand not to until it got to a point where it didn't feel right from him to ever be away. It was a really gorgeous progression to watch.
It wasn't all easy for them though. Despite how much they loved each other, they had struggles to deal with because she was a woman who'd been left or abandoned by everyone she trusted and he was a man whose job quite literally called him away constantly and put him in dangerous situations so they had a lot of trust to build and priorities to discover. But I loved the experience of reading through their journey.
I laughed out loud, swooned over and over again, and even teared up in a few of the more emotional scenes. This book genuinely made me care so deeply about these characters -- for each of them separately, and for all of them together. Their entire family worked their way into my heart.
The pacing of this story was perfect. It payed close attention to the important details while always moving forward. There was a strong focus on family and each of the children got their own time to shine while still allowing for plenty of focus on Matt and Abby's romantic relationship. The balance between everything kept me constantly connected to the story and I completely loved it from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this for all fans of romance! It's a gorgeous story full of beautiful emotions and all kinds of love. Matt McKinney is guaranteed to melt your heart!!
Rating: 4.5+ stars. Standalone (first of a series of standalones).
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
If you're looking for a book that'll make you SWOON, this is it!!! What a gorgeous, heartfelt story!!
The hero, Matt, is an injured Navy SEAL vacationing at a beach where he meets a single mom there with her four little kids. Something about her draws him to her, and in the space of a week, Abby and the kids become such a part of his heart that he can't imagine being without them. However, they live completely opposite lives. With his job, he spends most of his time overseas on missions, while she's tied to her home and her children. But what they have is worth fighting to keep and this is their story.
Let me tell you, there's something about a big, tough, protective Alpha man who accepts kids who are not his own into his life with such complete openness and love that is absolutely heart-melting!!!!
Just take a minute and picture this gorgeous, badass Navy SEAL guy sitting on a beach helping a tiny little girl who is crawling all over him with her Barbie doll and loving every minute of it. How sweet is that??
"It was impossible not to notice his broad shoulders, the way the muscles in his back and arms flexed when he threw Jack across the pool. At least three women tripped walking past him from the bar. Wrapped up in kid games, Matt gave no hint he noticed."
Every moment between him and those kids was just gorgeous. I loved the way he was with them and I loved the way he treated Abby. There's a bit of a twist to her situation too and I loved that he wanted every part of her. He fell in love with not only her, but with everything and everyone she came with. He accepted them all in his heart as they accepted him into their family.
"Just tell me you feel it too."
"I feel it."
This book was such a joy to read! I loved the way their relationship developed so naturally. He just spent time with them because he couldn't stand not to until it got to a point where it didn't feel right from him to ever be away. It was a really gorgeous progression to watch.
"I'm here because I couldn't stay away."
It wasn't all easy for them though. Despite how much they loved each other, they had struggles to deal with because she was a woman who'd been left or abandoned by everyone she trusted and he was a man whose job quite literally called him away constantly and put him in dangerous situations so they had a lot of trust to build and priorities to discover. But I loved the experience of reading through their journey.
"I can't breathe when you look at me like that."
"Like what?" He traced her cheek with his thumb. "Like I love you? Because I do. More than I ever thought possible."
I laughed out loud, swooned over and over again, and even teared up in a few of the more emotional scenes. This book genuinely made me care so deeply about these characters -- for each of them separately, and for all of them together. Their entire family worked their way into my heart.
He took the front steps two at a time and then he had her. In his arms, in his life… "Never again," he whispered into her hair, her neck. "Never again will I be away from you like that."
The pacing of this story was perfect. It payed close attention to the important details while always moving forward. There was a strong focus on family and each of the children got their own time to shine while still allowing for plenty of focus on Matt and Abby's romantic relationship. The balance between everything kept me constantly connected to the story and I completely loved it from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this for all fans of romance! It's a gorgeous story full of beautiful emotions and all kinds of love. Matt McKinney is guaranteed to melt your heart!!
Rating: 4.5+ stars. Standalone (first of a series of standalones).
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
March 2, 2025
Worth the Fall has been one of my absolute favorite books ever since I first read it years ago. I honestly can’t get enough of it—this book has everything I love.
It’s hands down one of the MOST romantic books I’ve ever read. And yes, you read that right—R O M A N T I C!
From the very first page, this story took hold of my heart. It made me smile, swoon, and sigh with every single turn of the page. I’ve never read anything as swoony, tender, and genuinely loving as Worth the Fall. The author really set the bar high—and to me, no book has come close to topping it!
Matt, a Navy SEAL—buff, strong, commanding, and used to action, adrenaline, and danger—is on medical leave when he meets Abby, a pregnant woman with four kids at the beach. Matt, who’s never been much for settling down, finds himself drawn to her kids. He spends more and more time with Abby and her family, and before long, they’re sharing the rest of their vacation together.
The stolen glances, the accidental brushes of hands, the tender looks, and the sweet, loving embraces—these moments are what make this story feel like magic. The way the author describes their time on the beach will always be my absolute favorite part of the entire novel. It’s dreamy, swoony, and just plain beautiful.
Of course, the week on the beach comes to an end, and Matt and Abby have to say goodbye. The longing between them after they part ways is so real and heartachingly beautiful. But it doesn’t take long for them to realize that what they had wasn’t just a vacation fling—it was something special. Over the weeks and months that follow, they slowly begin to bring their lives together, and their love story truly starts to take shape.
Worth the Fall is a story that made me feel GOOD. It was the perfect mix of heart and soul.
The kids really stole the show—there’s never a dull moment with four kids (and a fifth on the way)! The way Matt interacted with them was just perfect. Honestly, Matt was what made this book so incredible. He was such a strong presence, but he was also patient, determined, and deeply in love with Abby. He knew exactly what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. He’s the kind of guy who makes you believe in love. Perfectly imperfect.
I can’t praise this book enough. If you love a REAL romance—one with depth, heart, and soul—then this is the book for you.
Worth the Fall is one of my all-time favorite reads. I have only a handful of books that I revisit again and again, and this is one of them. Whenever I’m feeling down, in a funk, or just want to read something that’ll make me swoon, this is my go-to. Everyone should read it at least once—you won’t regret it!
It’s hands down one of the MOST romantic books I’ve ever read. And yes, you read that right—R O M A N T I C!
From the very first page, this story took hold of my heart. It made me smile, swoon, and sigh with every single turn of the page. I’ve never read anything as swoony, tender, and genuinely loving as Worth the Fall. The author really set the bar high—and to me, no book has come close to topping it!
Matt, a Navy SEAL—buff, strong, commanding, and used to action, adrenaline, and danger—is on medical leave when he meets Abby, a pregnant woman with four kids at the beach. Matt, who’s never been much for settling down, finds himself drawn to her kids. He spends more and more time with Abby and her family, and before long, they’re sharing the rest of their vacation together.
The stolen glances, the accidental brushes of hands, the tender looks, and the sweet, loving embraces—these moments are what make this story feel like magic. The way the author describes their time on the beach will always be my absolute favorite part of the entire novel. It’s dreamy, swoony, and just plain beautiful.
Of course, the week on the beach comes to an end, and Matt and Abby have to say goodbye. The longing between them after they part ways is so real and heartachingly beautiful. But it doesn’t take long for them to realize that what they had wasn’t just a vacation fling—it was something special. Over the weeks and months that follow, they slowly begin to bring their lives together, and their love story truly starts to take shape.
Worth the Fall is a story that made me feel GOOD. It was the perfect mix of heart and soul.
The kids really stole the show—there’s never a dull moment with four kids (and a fifth on the way)! The way Matt interacted with them was just perfect. Honestly, Matt was what made this book so incredible. He was such a strong presence, but he was also patient, determined, and deeply in love with Abby. He knew exactly what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. He’s the kind of guy who makes you believe in love. Perfectly imperfect.
I can’t praise this book enough. If you love a REAL romance—one with depth, heart, and soul—then this is the book for you.
Worth the Fall is one of my all-time favorite reads. I have only a handful of books that I revisit again and again, and this is one of them. Whenever I’m feeling down, in a funk, or just want to read something that’ll make me swoon, this is my go-to. Everyone should read it at least once—you won’t regret it!
March 7, 2015
5 'take a chance on loving me' stars!
I love it when my GR friends start raving about a book or an author, and their raving breaks through my hesitation at trying something or someone new. That's what happened with Worth the Fall, and this might just be the best 'new to me' author's story I've read to date! Romantic, sexy, funny, poignant, heartbreaking, and inspiring... I shed more than a few tears, sighed more than a few sighs... Start to finish I loved this story and Abby and Matt's romance!
Thanks ladies, in the Kristen Ashley group! You ROCK the recommendations!
March 10, 2016
***4,5 “I’m coming back” stars***
It took only a meeting to the beach, a week left to spent together and everything changed for Matt and Abby...
“He knew without a doubt, he was holding his heart and soul in his arms. And he never wanted to let her go.”
Matt was in Navy SEAL and together with his cousin and two girls went for a trip to the beach...
He had lot of things in his mind... The loss of his best friend was still hurtful after two years...
He wasn't enjoying his company very much... and it only took a ball in the head from a toddler and his life twisted up...
"How long had it been since she’d been sheltered instead of being the shelterer?
No one wanted to be strong all the time."
Abby had lost her husband six months ago and she took this trip for her children's sake...
She was mother of four little children and she had another one on its way...
Her son made a strange and unique friend who captivated her even though she didn't want to...
"He was a Navy SEAL after all. Trained to remember all things. Be all things. And if she wasn’t careful, he could very easily be all things to her."
A week left... A week that Matt came closer to Abby and the children... A week that they spent it together as a kind of "family", and then their ways had to separated...
Abby had to return in her old life, without a Matt by her side and Matt had to return to his duties, fullfilling a promise...
But can they stay away from each other when they took a glimpse of how the things could be if they aloud to themselves the luxury of each other's presence???
Can they become a family when there are so many things that stand between them???
"What the hell did he say to a woman who’d been left all her life? So, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, long and deep, and said the only thing he could. The only thing he was sure of. “I’m coming back.”
God, i loved this book and i loved it mostly because of Matt and all the childrens...
If you would tell me that i would adore so much so many kids in a book, i wouldn't believe you!!!
But i did!!! All of them were so adorable...
Annie, the "princess" that was so alike her mother and who was holding back...
Jack who had so much faith in him...
Gracie, the "lady bug" who was so sassy and clever...
Charlie, who was so cute the way he was clinging to Matt...
I even loved the unborn child!!!
Those kids had so much love from their mother but it was so obvious that they needed a man in their lives!!! And they were claiming that right!!!
“I wish you were my daddy. What do you fink?”
“I think any man who had you for his little girl would be the luckiest man in the world.”
“Do you feel wucky?”
Matt McKinney was such a perfect man... At least, for me...
He was 34 years old and as i told you before was a SEAL. The loss of his best friend had cost him a lot and his promise to him kept him in line... He never wanted more in his life than already had, but Abby's presence changed everything...
And not only her, but the kids also...
“Her name is Abby. She's sweet and smart and funny. Jack is five and can't catch a football to save his life, but we're working on it. Gracie's three. She's got curls and dimples and can talk me into just about anything. Charlie is two and stings to me like a tick. Annie's almost seven and most of the time I'm not sure she likes me.”
Matt connected with all of them so much from the very first moment and i loved him for that...
To be true, it's very difficult a man to be with a pregnant woman who already had four children by another man, but it was so easy for him...
From the very first moment, he got in the father's role so easily... He knew what he wanted and he went after it!!! No matter what...
The only obstacle for him??? That promise to Teddy!!!
“Abby, look at me. I’m coming back. Do you think I could walk away from this? That I won’t be running back to you as fast as I can?”
Abby had a difficult past in foster system... When she was 19, she met her husband and cling to him... She wanted somewhere to fit, even though that he was absent all the time...
She was raising her kids with so much love and i admired her for that... but she was so afraid to invest to someone else... and especially to Matt.
Her past made her afraid to trust another person and she was pressing herself to stay away from Matt and to not get attached... But his strong presence didn't let her do so, but she still fought it!!!
"His words replayed again and again. I’m coming back. They made her nervous and excited and anxious and scared. Just like the man. And they put her exactly where she’d sworn she’d never be again: waiting for and wanting someone."
The things that bothered me in this book were all connected with Abby...
First of all, i couldn't wrap my head around why she was giving birth to so many children when her relationship with her husband wasn't the ideal...
Don't get me wrong!!! As i told you before, i adored every single one of the children... I just don't understand her way of thinking and i still have some questions about her relationship with her dead husband...
Secondly, i didn't like all those insecurities by getting attached to someone...
Yep, i get them, but they got me tired in some point...
"Being alone could be a good thing. No more waiting for a man to walk through the door. No more being left behind. No more wondering if she’d ever be enough to make someone stay."
And finally, i got so angry with her near to the end... I understand that she was afraid but it wasn't a cool thing to do to Matt... She seemed a little bit selfish to me.
He didn't do anything to hurt her in purpose, he just wanted to do something good and then, she made him feel guilty for his good action... I really didn't like it!!!
“I don’t want to hurt you, baby, I swear, but please don’t ask me to let you go. Give us a chance. Give me a chance.”
Except, from all of the above characters, we had all the McKinney clan... and they were all of them so lovely people... I fuckin' loved them and i can't wait to learn everything about them and of course more from the rest of McKinney brothers...
I want to be reffered personally to Tony... He was such a good brother and i'm so sorry that he is already settled down and that we don't get his own story...
That's all from me...
The only thing that i will add is that this was a wonderful story that everybody have to read...
It took only a meeting to the beach, a week left to spent together and everything changed for Matt and Abby...
“He knew without a doubt, he was holding his heart and soul in his arms. And he never wanted to let her go.”
Matt was in Navy SEAL and together with his cousin and two girls went for a trip to the beach...
He had lot of things in his mind... The loss of his best friend was still hurtful after two years...
He wasn't enjoying his company very much... and it only took a ball in the head from a toddler and his life twisted up...
"How long had it been since she’d been sheltered instead of being the shelterer?
No one wanted to be strong all the time."
Abby had lost her husband six months ago and she took this trip for her children's sake...
She was mother of four little children and she had another one on its way...
Her son made a strange and unique friend who captivated her even though she didn't want to...
"He was a Navy SEAL after all. Trained to remember all things. Be all things. And if she wasn’t careful, he could very easily be all things to her."
A week left... A week that Matt came closer to Abby and the children... A week that they spent it together as a kind of "family", and then their ways had to separated...
Abby had to return in her old life, without a Matt by her side and Matt had to return to his duties, fullfilling a promise...
But can they stay away from each other when they took a glimpse of how the things could be if they aloud to themselves the luxury of each other's presence???
Can they become a family when there are so many things that stand between them???
"What the hell did he say to a woman who’d been left all her life? So, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, long and deep, and said the only thing he could. The only thing he was sure of. “I’m coming back.”
God, i loved this book and i loved it mostly because of Matt and all the childrens...
If you would tell me that i would adore so much so many kids in a book, i wouldn't believe you!!!
But i did!!! All of them were so adorable...
Annie, the "princess" that was so alike her mother and who was holding back...
Jack who had so much faith in him...
Gracie, the "lady bug" who was so sassy and clever...
Charlie, who was so cute the way he was clinging to Matt...
I even loved the unborn child!!!
Those kids had so much love from their mother but it was so obvious that they needed a man in their lives!!! And they were claiming that right!!!
“I wish you were my daddy. What do you fink?”
“I think any man who had you for his little girl would be the luckiest man in the world.”
“Do you feel wucky?”
Matt McKinney was such a perfect man... At least, for me...
He was 34 years old and as i told you before was a SEAL. The loss of his best friend had cost him a lot and his promise to him kept him in line... He never wanted more in his life than already had, but Abby's presence changed everything...
And not only her, but the kids also...
“Her name is Abby. She's sweet and smart and funny. Jack is five and can't catch a football to save his life, but we're working on it. Gracie's three. She's got curls and dimples and can talk me into just about anything. Charlie is two and stings to me like a tick. Annie's almost seven and most of the time I'm not sure she likes me.”
Matt connected with all of them so much from the very first moment and i loved him for that...
To be true, it's very difficult a man to be with a pregnant woman who already had four children by another man, but it was so easy for him...
From the very first moment, he got in the father's role so easily... He knew what he wanted and he went after it!!! No matter what...
The only obstacle for him??? That promise to Teddy!!!
“Abby, look at me. I’m coming back. Do you think I could walk away from this? That I won’t be running back to you as fast as I can?”
Abby had a difficult past in foster system... When she was 19, she met her husband and cling to him... She wanted somewhere to fit, even though that he was absent all the time...
She was raising her kids with so much love and i admired her for that... but she was so afraid to invest to someone else... and especially to Matt.
Her past made her afraid to trust another person and she was pressing herself to stay away from Matt and to not get attached... But his strong presence didn't let her do so, but she still fought it!!!
"His words replayed again and again. I’m coming back. They made her nervous and excited and anxious and scared. Just like the man. And they put her exactly where she’d sworn she’d never be again: waiting for and wanting someone."
The things that bothered me in this book were all connected with Abby...
First of all, i couldn't wrap my head around why she was giving birth to so many children when her relationship with her husband wasn't the ideal...
Don't get me wrong!!! As i told you before, i adored every single one of the children... I just don't understand her way of thinking and i still have some questions about her relationship with her dead husband...
Secondly, i didn't like all those insecurities by getting attached to someone...
Yep, i get them, but they got me tired in some point...
"Being alone could be a good thing. No more waiting for a man to walk through the door. No more being left behind. No more wondering if she’d ever be enough to make someone stay."
And finally, i got so angry with her near to the end... I understand that she was afraid but it wasn't a cool thing to do to Matt... She seemed a little bit selfish to me.
He didn't do anything to hurt her in purpose, he just wanted to do something good and then, she made him feel guilty for his good action... I really didn't like it!!!
“I don’t want to hurt you, baby, I swear, but please don’t ask me to let you go. Give us a chance. Give me a chance.”
Except, from all of the above characters, we had all the McKinney clan... and they were all of them so lovely people... I fuckin' loved them and i can't wait to learn everything about them and of course more from the rest of McKinney brothers...
I want to be reffered personally to Tony... He was such a good brother and i'm so sorry that he is already settled down and that we don't get his own story...
That's all from me...
The only thing that i will add is that this was a wonderful story that everybody have to read...
October 3, 2014
3.5 Stars
”One kiss would never be enough. Neither would one night, or one week.”
This was a very sweet story about a pregnant mom of four finding love on vacation with a hot Navy Seal. All the scenes with the children were adorable and the two main characters and their alternating povs were likable but it was boring and drawn out.
The writing was definitely 4 stars worthy but I found myself a bit bored with the lack of drama or excitement and then the author added drama in the last percentage and it just felt odd.
Abby and Matt were wonderful together and had a believable love and the sex scenes were also well done. I enjoyed Matt’s family but my favorite character is Abby’s BFF with her calls from the closet.
Matt was indeed wonderful and I had fun with all the parental aspects. Abby struggles with letting Matt in while Matt struggles with his feelings and his career and loss of his best friend.
”How did you put into words the moment you found your heart? Like he’d always know her and at the same time been waiting for her his entire life.”
Sadly from the middle on, the story fell flat for me even though this author did a fine job in writing it. I would definitely pick up the next book in the series since this was her debut and would love to see her craft progress.
”She was everything he’d always wanted and never thought he would have. She loved him. And she owned him, body and soul.”
November 19, 2021
I have read this book sixteen times over the last four years and I have loved every second I have spent on this feast for heart!
This is one of the best books I have ever read with a hero that is to die for. He is the most loving, amazing man I have ever had the pleasure to read about but with his alpha side, as well, being a Navy SEAL. The man just has it all!!
This is the story of Matt McKinney, gorgeous, loving Navy SEAL, and Abby Davis, a pregnant widow and soon-to-be mother of her fifth child. She decided to take her brood to the ocean for some fun since their father died six months ago. Matt is off on medical leave after a mission went sideways and his cousin, Rob, talked him into going to the beach. It is there that he is taking a walk down the beach and a child's football hits him in the back. He turns and sees a cute little boy who obviously can't catch or throw and decides to take a little time and teach him.
One look at this little boy's pregnant mother and her four children and he is besotted. The young children are well-behaved and follow where ever their mother leads like little ducks in a row. They all get together every day for the rest of their vacation which was six or seven days. The kids fall in love with him immediately and he falls in love with them, too. He and Abby...oh wow. What can I say about the way they feel about each other. She is slower to express what she feels but Matt is pretty much right out there with it.
When they each return to their normal lives they are on each others minds all the time and he arranges a visit.
Abby has had a dark life. She lost her father when she was very little and her mother a few years later. At the age of five she was orphaned. She spent the rest of her youth in foster care and had one bad experience after another. She was continually unwanted since she was an older child and she learned one very important lesson. If you love someone, they will leave you. Her husband was only home long enough to get her pregnant five times and so uncaring that with the first four births she had to take a taxi to bring her babies home because as soon as the first child was born he left town again on business. We're not told but I don't think he was a player or out and about doing things he shouldn't have, just a man who knew nothing about being a loving, husband and father. Abby was very inexperienced in the intimacy department. Matt is set to change all of that.
To sum it up. If you don't read this book you will be missing out on one of the best I have ever read. I read approximately 300 books per year and this is in my top six along with 'Archer's Voice,' 'When it Rains,' 'How We Deal With Gravity' and 'Days of Joy and Sorrow.' I will say that I do occasional rereads but there has never been a book I have read this many times.
Thank you Claudia for a fantastic book. To me it is beyond description.
After two rounds of pool and an unknown number of drinks, even his dick was buzzing. No, wait. That was his phone. Quote by Matt McKinney
This is one of the best books I have ever read with a hero that is to die for. He is the most loving, amazing man I have ever had the pleasure to read about but with his alpha side, as well, being a Navy SEAL. The man just has it all!!
This is the story of Matt McKinney, gorgeous, loving Navy SEAL, and Abby Davis, a pregnant widow and soon-to-be mother of her fifth child. She decided to take her brood to the ocean for some fun since their father died six months ago. Matt is off on medical leave after a mission went sideways and his cousin, Rob, talked him into going to the beach. It is there that he is taking a walk down the beach and a child's football hits him in the back. He turns and sees a cute little boy who obviously can't catch or throw and decides to take a little time and teach him.
One look at this little boy's pregnant mother and her four children and he is besotted. The young children are well-behaved and follow where ever their mother leads like little ducks in a row. They all get together every day for the rest of their vacation which was six or seven days. The kids fall in love with him immediately and he falls in love with them, too. He and Abby...oh wow. What can I say about the way they feel about each other. She is slower to express what she feels but Matt is pretty much right out there with it.
When they each return to their normal lives they are on each others minds all the time and he arranges a visit.
Abby has had a dark life. She lost her father when she was very little and her mother a few years later. At the age of five she was orphaned. She spent the rest of her youth in foster care and had one bad experience after another. She was continually unwanted since she was an older child and she learned one very important lesson. If you love someone, they will leave you. Her husband was only home long enough to get her pregnant five times and so uncaring that with the first four births she had to take a taxi to bring her babies home because as soon as the first child was born he left town again on business. We're not told but I don't think he was a player or out and about doing things he shouldn't have, just a man who knew nothing about being a loving, husband and father. Abby was very inexperienced in the intimacy department. Matt is set to change all of that.
To sum it up. If you don't read this book you will be missing out on one of the best I have ever read. I read approximately 300 books per year and this is in my top six along with 'Archer's Voice,' 'When it Rains,' 'How We Deal With Gravity' and 'Days of Joy and Sorrow.' I will say that I do occasional rereads but there has never been a book I have read this many times.
Thank you Claudia for a fantastic book. To me it is beyond description.
After two rounds of pool and an unknown number of drinks, even his dick was buzzing. No, wait. That was his phone. Quote by Matt McKinney
January 26, 2015
DNF @ pg. 194.
Can't believe this book has book has so many rave reviews! I was forcing myself to continue reading this after I was only a third of the way through.
The heroine was extremely annoying. Her 'issues' were pissing me off and their 'romance' (if you can even call it that!..More like lust!) was just not believable.
Did no one else pick up on the fact that she had FOUR children (with a fifth on its way) with a man who supposedly has no time for her? She says she does not love him yet SHE HAS ANOTHER BABY ON THE WAY. WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT?!?!
Ok, so you didn't love this man, and the sex was boring yet you were happy to spread your legs for him at least 5 times? That makes complete sense *eye roll*
What made me finally give up on this book though was that misunderstanding. I wanted to knock their heads together!
No. Just no.
Can't believe this book has book has so many rave reviews! I was forcing myself to continue reading this after I was only a third of the way through.
The heroine was extremely annoying. Her 'issues' were pissing me off and their 'romance' (if you can even call it that!..More like lust!) was just not believable.
Did no one else pick up on the fact that she had FOUR children (with a fifth on its way) with a man who supposedly has no time for her? She says she does not love him yet SHE HAS ANOTHER BABY ON THE WAY. WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT?!?!
Ok, so you didn't love this man, and the sex was boring yet you were happy to spread your legs for him at least 5 times? That makes complete sense *eye roll*
What made me finally give up on this book though was that misunderstanding. I wanted to knock their heads together!
No. Just no.
November 3, 2014
3.5 Stars! Not perfect, but still worth the read!
I was so taken with the first half of this book, it was incredibly sweet, charming, hopeful and filled with possibilities. The children were priceless, as was their interactions and connection with Matt. It actually took my breath away!
However, I had to wonder why Abby would have 4 kids, and one on the way, with a man she claimed ignored his family, and supposedly her too. I honestly thought there would be a more plausible explanation for everything, why he wasn't around, but frankly, it was sort of lame. I didn't like that in death Josh was vilified by Matt when his only crime was being a workaholic. Is it right to neglect your family and put work first, no, but it's no reason to call him an "ass" and a "shitty husband". Abby, in many ways, used Josh too. She could have left him, but she had more children and used him to create a family, which she didn't have herself as a child. I felt sorry for her to a certain extent, but the author made her life seem so traumatic. She certainly wasn't a destitute widow with no resources to sustain her family, and she barely mourned her dead husband. This part of the story didn't really work for me. I just couldn't garner up that much sympathy for Abby.
Overall, I enjoyed Worth the Fall, definitely not your typical romantic couple, which was a nice for a change. Matt didn't just fall in love with Abby, he fell in love with her family, and that was something really special and in my opinion the highlight of the book! I liked the author's writing enough that I will continue with the series, I'm curious to see what she has in store for us next.
*A copy of the book was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review*
February 16, 2017
WANT MORE MATT AND ABBY?? <3 Did you know I'm writing short stories featuring Matt, Abby, and the kids?? And they're FREE in my newsletter each month! I'm so excited about these and I LOVE being with Matt and Abby again! So far I've written Worth The Fall~The Lost Epilogue and Matt and Abby's First Valentine's Day! <3 You can sign up here... http://claudiaconnor.com/news/ #romance #worththefall #valentines #RomanceWeek #FREE BONUS Stories!
xoxo
Claudia
xoxo
Claudia
December 17, 2014
4.5 heart melting stars
Abby is the "Mom" who doesn't need anyone but her kids. Stubborn and completely in control, Abby is convinced she is as happy as she can be; widowed with four kids and one on the way. She has all that matters, her kids who can never leave her and will always love her no matter what. Stupid to think that is what one would expect from your spouse, but in Abby's case she was wrong and by the time she figured it out it was too late.
One week to give the kids a beach vacation that would start their new life together...
Matt is Mr. Take Charge, drowning in guilt wanting nothing more than to be reinstated for active duty to ease the guilt and fulfill the promise he made to his best friend, Teddy, who died being the hero he was and he wouldn't have it any other way.
One week to get through without having his demons drown him out...One more week than he can get back to duty...
They say that children heal your soul, and together with the kids, Abby & Matt find a comfortable peace just being around one another.
They only have a week...but a week is all it takes...
But what happens when it's time to say good-bye, can you really turn your back on the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Worth the Fall is a sweet-heart-melting read that had a good dose of steam. For me this book was exactly the book I was looking for, I wanted a love story that had kids who was as important to the story as the main characters. The four adorably cute-honest kiddies; Annie, Gracie, Jack & Charlie, they just made my heart full and sore at the same time.
While I was reading their story, you can see the healing effect that the kids had on Matt, and at the same time see the same healing effect that Matt had on all of them. You can feel their reluctance and fear of getting too attached, but when something makes you feel good and takes all the pain away you just want to surround yourself with that happiness.
I'd like to say that there was more happiness than sadness, but guilt, shame, fear and resolve all played an equal part. There were times I didn't agree with their actions or their reactions, but it is what it is and I just had to accept it. Did I think his guilt was over the top, yes, but it all played out the way it was supposed to and in the end made sense. Some readers might have an issue with the heroine, being six months pregnant, a widow with four kids to chase after, but I totally fell for their story, it totally fulfilled the romantic in me. Although a week is considered "insta", I really didn't get that feeling, possibly because the author did spend a lot of time detailing out that one week, taking up almost half the book. Give it a go if you're in the mood for a kiddie-lovey read!
Abby is the "Mom" who doesn't need anyone but her kids. Stubborn and completely in control, Abby is convinced she is as happy as she can be; widowed with four kids and one on the way. She has all that matters, her kids who can never leave her and will always love her no matter what. Stupid to think that is what one would expect from your spouse, but in Abby's case she was wrong and by the time she figured it out it was too late.
One week to give the kids a beach vacation that would start their new life together...
Matt is Mr. Take Charge, drowning in guilt wanting nothing more than to be reinstated for active duty to ease the guilt and fulfill the promise he made to his best friend, Teddy, who died being the hero he was and he wouldn't have it any other way.
One week to get through without having his demons drown him out...One more week than he can get back to duty...
They say that children heal your soul, and together with the kids, Abby & Matt find a comfortable peace just being around one another.
They only have a week...but a week is all it takes...
But what happens when it's time to say good-bye, can you really turn your back on the best thing that has ever happened to you?
"You can't give up hope."
Yes, you can she thought. And sometimes, in order to survive, you have to.
Worth the Fall is a sweet-heart-melting read that had a good dose of steam. For me this book was exactly the book I was looking for, I wanted a love story that had kids who was as important to the story as the main characters. The four adorably cute-honest kiddies; Annie, Gracie, Jack & Charlie, they just made my heart full and sore at the same time.
While I was reading their story, you can see the healing effect that the kids had on Matt, and at the same time see the same healing effect that Matt had on all of them. You can feel their reluctance and fear of getting too attached, but when something makes you feel good and takes all the pain away you just want to surround yourself with that happiness.
I'd like to say that there was more happiness than sadness, but guilt, shame, fear and resolve all played an equal part. There were times I didn't agree with their actions or their reactions, but it is what it is and I just had to accept it. Did I think his guilt was over the top, yes, but it all played out the way it was supposed to and in the end made sense. Some readers might have an issue with the heroine, being six months pregnant, a widow with four kids to chase after, but I totally fell for their story, it totally fulfilled the romantic in me. Although a week is considered "insta", I really didn't get that feeling, possibly because the author did spend a lot of time detailing out that one week, taking up almost half the book. Give it a go if you're in the mood for a kiddie-lovey read!
September 10, 2014
4.5 Stars
When I read that Worth the Fall was a romance between a Navy SEAL and a pregnant mother of four, I was like…What?!! How can that possibly work or be believable? Well it more than worked because this story MELTED my heart! Just sooo lovely!
Matt McKinney is spending some time at the beach while on leave when Abby, captures his attention. She’s beautiful, pregnant and alone with four small kids, and the way she cares for her children draws Matt in like a beacon. He wonders what kind of idiot of a man would allow his wife go on vacation alone and miss out on all the love they obviously provide. Soon he’s caught up with the kids, drawn into games of catch, making sandcastles, and coming to the rescue in the inevitable crisis a brood of young, energetic children encounter *queue swoony sigh here*. As the week goes on it becomes more and more apparent that Matt won’t be able to just walk away and say goodbye. Every minute he spends with Abby makes him fall a little more, and by the end of the week he’s a complete goner. But Matt has his career and a promise to a fallen friend to consider, and he doesn’t want to hurt Abby and her kids.
Abby is alone on vacation with her children, but she’s used to being alone, even before she lost her husband. Having everyone who promised their love eventually leave her has left emotional scars making it hard to let anyone close. Matt is gorgeous with a heart of gold to match, so Abby can’t imagine why he would spend his time with her instead of finding someone with less baggage. But she can’t stop herself from allowing him in bit by bit, especially when he seems to care so much for her kids. Plus, he sends her hormones into overdrive every time he gets near. The chemistry they have is palpable! However, Abby doesn’t want to fool herself into thinking this will go on any further after their time is up at the beach. Placing hope in others has led to nothing but grief and disappointment in the past, so she carefully guards her heart, and who could blame her?
Matt and Abby’s romance was a slow burn and a pure pleasure to experience. Realizing quickly the abandonment issues Abby had, Matt was so careful with her heart. My heart squeezed and clenched at all the sadness she had to endure growing up. To let her guard down and let Matt in is a gradual process, but thankfully Matt is patient and determined.
As if that wasn’t enough, Matt’s interactions with the kids were so adorable, and I found it impossible not to fall hard for him! The kids were amazing, and so very cute, each and every one of them! From Jack, eager to learn how to catch football, to three year-old Gracie, Matt’s “ladybug” with all her curls and dimples, to two year-old Charlie glued to Matt like a tick. I laughed and smiled as they progressed closer and closer to becoming a solid family unit.
Matt had some struggles with what he saw as his duty, and how to make things work with Abby while staying true to those obligations. There were some bumps in the road because of that. My one issue that kept Worth the Fall from being a perfect read was the last minute drama. It didn’t go on for very long at all, BUT it was a punch to the gut. If it would’ve happened a little earlier I wouldn’t have minded so much, because it would’ve been over and taken care of instead of marring my pleasure over Matt and Abby’s happiness. But like I said, it didn’t last very long and my heart was once again soaring in bliss for them by the end.
I was thoroughly impressed with Claudia Connor’s moving debut! It was heart-wrenching and beautiful! I can’t wait to read the next McKinney brother’s story (Worth the Risk), and I hope I get glimpses of Matt, Abby and the kids in the next one, because I don’t want to say goodbye!
A copy was provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
When I read that Worth the Fall was a romance between a Navy SEAL and a pregnant mother of four, I was like…What?!! How can that possibly work or be believable? Well it more than worked because this story MELTED my heart! Just sooo lovely!
Matt McKinney is spending some time at the beach while on leave when Abby, captures his attention. She’s beautiful, pregnant and alone with four small kids, and the way she cares for her children draws Matt in like a beacon. He wonders what kind of idiot of a man would allow his wife go on vacation alone and miss out on all the love they obviously provide. Soon he’s caught up with the kids, drawn into games of catch, making sandcastles, and coming to the rescue in the inevitable crisis a brood of young, energetic children encounter *queue swoony sigh here*. As the week goes on it becomes more and more apparent that Matt won’t be able to just walk away and say goodbye. Every minute he spends with Abby makes him fall a little more, and by the end of the week he’s a complete goner. But Matt has his career and a promise to a fallen friend to consider, and he doesn’t want to hurt Abby and her kids.
Abby is alone on vacation with her children, but she’s used to being alone, even before she lost her husband. Having everyone who promised their love eventually leave her has left emotional scars making it hard to let anyone close. Matt is gorgeous with a heart of gold to match, so Abby can’t imagine why he would spend his time with her instead of finding someone with less baggage. But she can’t stop herself from allowing him in bit by bit, especially when he seems to care so much for her kids. Plus, he sends her hormones into overdrive every time he gets near. The chemistry they have is palpable! However, Abby doesn’t want to fool herself into thinking this will go on any further after their time is up at the beach. Placing hope in others has led to nothing but grief and disappointment in the past, so she carefully guards her heart, and who could blame her?
Matt and Abby’s romance was a slow burn and a pure pleasure to experience. Realizing quickly the abandonment issues Abby had, Matt was so careful with her heart. My heart squeezed and clenched at all the sadness she had to endure growing up. To let her guard down and let Matt in is a gradual process, but thankfully Matt is patient and determined.
As if that wasn’t enough, Matt’s interactions with the kids were so adorable, and I found it impossible not to fall hard for him! The kids were amazing, and so very cute, each and every one of them! From Jack, eager to learn how to catch football, to three year-old Gracie, Matt’s “ladybug” with all her curls and dimples, to two year-old Charlie glued to Matt like a tick. I laughed and smiled as they progressed closer and closer to becoming a solid family unit.
Matt had some struggles with what he saw as his duty, and how to make things work with Abby while staying true to those obligations. There were some bumps in the road because of that. My one issue that kept Worth the Fall from being a perfect read was the last minute drama. It didn’t go on for very long at all, BUT it was a punch to the gut. If it would’ve happened a little earlier I wouldn’t have minded so much, because it would’ve been over and taken care of instead of marring my pleasure over Matt and Abby’s happiness. But like I said, it didn’t last very long and my heart was once again soaring in bliss for them by the end.
I was thoroughly impressed with Claudia Connor’s moving debut! It was heart-wrenching and beautiful! I can’t wait to read the next McKinney brother’s story (Worth the Risk), and I hope I get glimpses of Matt, Abby and the kids in the next one, because I don’t want to say goodbye!
A copy was provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 28, 2016
Military. Heroes. Are. My. Weakness.
Oh, the sweet romance of this story nearly gave me goosebumps! Matt is this larger than life, incredible hunk of a man, who completely falls in love with a woman who does not know what to make of him or his devotion to her.
Unfortunately for their budding relationship, his sworn duties lie with serving his country which take him to parts unknown, for lengths of time unknown, and into extremely dangerous situations which test their commitment to each other.
"She was amazing. And she was his. And he knew, without a doubt, he was about to make love for the very first time."
Navy SEAL, Matt McKinney, finds himself on a few weeks of unwelcome medical leave and continues to relive the horrors of watching his best friend die in his arms while the battle of war spewed around them. While decompressing at the beach, he meets up with a five year old, named Jack, flailing around a nerf football near the shoreline. He sweetly asks Matt to play with him because his daddy died. Matt cannot resist the sadness on the boys face, so he plays ball with him and then briefly meets his knock out of a mother. She has four kids under the age of six, and is pregnant with her fifth. Matt has no idea what her story is, but she entices him to utter distraction, and he aches to get to know her better.
Abby, mother extraordinare, is trying her best to hold everything together for herself and her children. Her husband, Josh, died in a plane crash six months earlier, but he was far from being a doting father or attentive husband. Billion dollar clients were his first priority and she and their kids came in a distant second. The last thing she wants is to get involved with another man, but when she meets "Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome" on the beach, her thoughts betray her! She doesn't want to want him, because those she gets close to always leave her.
Abby lost her parents when she was only five years old. She grew up in foster care and as soon as she felt part of a family, she was passed along to another family. She never felt like she came first in anyone's life. She certainly didn't in her marriage and now he is gone. She is terrified to get that close to another man again, knowing he will eventually leave. Abby has always felt unwanted, unlovable and unworthy. Matt sets out to prove to her, in every way possible, how much he wants and needs her, how completely worthy she is, and she will always be first in his life.
The world needs more men like Matt who are heroes on and off the battlefield!
Matt is all about family and is one of seven siblings. I look forward to reading the next book of the series "Worth The Risk", where we meet Matt's brother, Stephen, an extremely wealthy bachelor, who women trip over themselves to be seen on his arm.
Oh, the sweet romance of this story nearly gave me goosebumps! Matt is this larger than life, incredible hunk of a man, who completely falls in love with a woman who does not know what to make of him or his devotion to her.
Unfortunately for their budding relationship, his sworn duties lie with serving his country which take him to parts unknown, for lengths of time unknown, and into extremely dangerous situations which test their commitment to each other.
"She was amazing. And she was his. And he knew, without a doubt, he was about to make love for the very first time."
Navy SEAL, Matt McKinney, finds himself on a few weeks of unwelcome medical leave and continues to relive the horrors of watching his best friend die in his arms while the battle of war spewed around them. While decompressing at the beach, he meets up with a five year old, named Jack, flailing around a nerf football near the shoreline. He sweetly asks Matt to play with him because his daddy died. Matt cannot resist the sadness on the boys face, so he plays ball with him and then briefly meets his knock out of a mother. She has four kids under the age of six, and is pregnant with her fifth. Matt has no idea what her story is, but she entices him to utter distraction, and he aches to get to know her better.
Abby, mother extraordinare, is trying her best to hold everything together for herself and her children. Her husband, Josh, died in a plane crash six months earlier, but he was far from being a doting father or attentive husband. Billion dollar clients were his first priority and she and their kids came in a distant second. The last thing she wants is to get involved with another man, but when she meets "Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome" on the beach, her thoughts betray her! She doesn't want to want him, because those she gets close to always leave her.
Abby lost her parents when she was only five years old. She grew up in foster care and as soon as she felt part of a family, she was passed along to another family. She never felt like she came first in anyone's life. She certainly didn't in her marriage and now he is gone. She is terrified to get that close to another man again, knowing he will eventually leave. Abby has always felt unwanted, unlovable and unworthy. Matt sets out to prove to her, in every way possible, how much he wants and needs her, how completely worthy she is, and she will always be first in his life.
The world needs more men like Matt who are heroes on and off the battlefield!
Matt is all about family and is one of seven siblings. I look forward to reading the next book of the series "Worth The Risk", where we meet Matt's brother, Stephen, an extremely wealthy bachelor, who women trip over themselves to be seen on his arm.
September 24, 2014
★★★★½ I loved every delicious word. If life had permitted, I would have read it straight though. As it was, I couldn’t wait to get back to it, pushing other books on my list aside. I admit, I picked it up to just see if the author could pull it off. She did, with flying colors.
If you don’t like children in Romance, then this isn’t the book for you. However, the hero’s interactions with the kids are perfection. Matt McKinney is drool-worthy from the very first moment he appears on the page.
This book is a slow build, which makes the circumstances all that more believable. And Matt and Abby’s love story keeps building in intensity, long after they consummate their love. I laughed, I signed, I giggled, I cried …and I felt for these two people. I can’t wait for the next book, just to see if they are mentioned.
June 16, 2016
This book made me feel ALL THE THINGS.
A lady with four kids from a loveless marriage, a dead husband and another baby on the way that said husband never even knew about? Plus a Navy SEAL who has always wanted a family of his own but promised his fallen comrade he would never quit the team to settle down and have a life? Sign me up to that shit.
This was excellent. I loved every heartbreaking, butterfly giving, gut wrenching, drama filled part of it. Please note - I think my drama-llama allergy is on holiday because I am positively eating the drama up these days.
The best part of this was the slow burn. And I'm talking, slow! The sexual tension between Abby and Matt is OFF THE CHAIN!
I loved Matt. He was a very loyal and giving man, who had trouble reconciling the two most important parts of his life. His struggle in deciding what to do with his life was a little over the top and he made plenty of stupid decisions, but he came around in the end. The way he took care of Abby's kids and treated them as his own was positively swoon worthy.
Abby. Goodness me did she have a super badawful past. Every single time we heard about her past my heart broke a little more. The way she never felt worthy of love, was always expecting to be left behind, was horrible. And if her husband wasn't already dead I would have stabbed him myself.
The kids were awesome in this story. I thought they were realistically displayed, tantrums, tears, hope, distrust and all.
I do think the drama with the principle was unnecessary, and I felt that the drama of Matt deciding what to do with his life dragged on a little too long in my opinion, but I still ate it right up.
This love story certainly won't be for everyone. The way that Abby has grown up makes her slow to trust and Matt's job gets in the way of their blossoming relationship an awful lot, but on the whole, not a lot happens. It's a lot of the kids did this, Matt did this on a mission, there is drama with Matt's family, Abby has second thoughts, that kind of thing. But it worked incredibly well for me, and my heart nearly burst at some points it was just so bloody cute!
I cried on the train at one point in this story, I wanted to tear my heart out I was so invested. Cudos to Ms. Connor for playing my heart like a fucking piano.
I will most definitely be continuing this series, bring on Matt's brothers!
4.5 i've-found-my-heart-and-his-name-is-matt Stars
A lady with four kids from a loveless marriage, a dead husband and another baby on the way that said husband never even knew about? Plus a Navy SEAL who has always wanted a family of his own but promised his fallen comrade he would never quit the team to settle down and have a life? Sign me up to that shit.
This was excellent. I loved every heartbreaking, butterfly giving, gut wrenching, drama filled part of it. Please note - I think my drama-llama allergy is on holiday because I am positively eating the drama up these days.
The best part of this was the slow burn. And I'm talking, slow! The sexual tension between Abby and Matt is OFF THE CHAIN!
I loved Matt. He was a very loyal and giving man, who had trouble reconciling the two most important parts of his life. His struggle in deciding what to do with his life was a little over the top and he made plenty of stupid decisions, but he came around in the end. The way he took care of Abby's kids and treated them as his own was positively swoon worthy.
Abby. Goodness me did she have a super badawful past. Every single time we heard about her past my heart broke a little more. The way she never felt worthy of love, was always expecting to be left behind, was horrible. And if her husband wasn't already dead I would have stabbed him myself.
The kids were awesome in this story. I thought they were realistically displayed, tantrums, tears, hope, distrust and all.
I do think the drama with the principle was unnecessary, and I felt that the drama of Matt deciding what to do with his life dragged on a little too long in my opinion, but I still ate it right up.
This love story certainly won't be for everyone. The way that Abby has grown up makes her slow to trust and Matt's job gets in the way of their blossoming relationship an awful lot, but on the whole, not a lot happens. It's a lot of the kids did this, Matt did this on a mission, there is drama with Matt's family, Abby has second thoughts, that kind of thing. But it worked incredibly well for me, and my heart nearly burst at some points it was just so bloody cute!
I cried on the train at one point in this story, I wanted to tear my heart out I was so invested. Cudos to Ms. Connor for playing my heart like a fucking piano.
I will most definitely be continuing this series, bring on Matt's brothers!
4.5 i've-found-my-heart-and-his-name-is-matt Stars
October 5, 2014
4 Worthy Stars.
Abby and Matt met in the beach while vacationing. Matt is stuck in a trip that he isn’t appreciating at all. Abby is vacationing for the first time since her husband died with her 4 kinds. (Five, if you count the one she’s pregnant with.)
They immediately connect and know that feelings are starting to grow between them, but Abby is scared. She is used to people leaving her.
Matt is also on a dilemma. These new woman who make him feel things he never felt before or his job as a SEAL that puts out of the country in dangerous missions most of the time.
They have one week together and in that week they’ll have to decide one thing: If for the first time they have something worth falling for.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: Okay, this was a really heartwarming romance with some steamy moments but there was some itches. I know that she was a widow and had moved on, but… 4 kids and pregnant? Really?? But, whatever… I guess in fiction anything can work. And, in my opinion, the story dragged a little bin in the middle. I heard some people say that for them this was one of the best books of the year. I didn’t feel the same, but is in fact, a very good book with a sweet and heartwarming story.
Writing Style: Third person. Dual POV. Sweet and engaging.
Character Development: Abby was sweet although a little annoying insecure… but we can look past that because we know why she acts that way. Matt was almost perfect. He was sexy, sweet, loyal and I really liked him. I loved the idea of a big family. I come from a very big and tight family and have more uncles and cousins that I can count, so I loved reading this family concept in a book.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
Abby and Matt met in the beach while vacationing. Matt is stuck in a trip that he isn’t appreciating at all. Abby is vacationing for the first time since her husband died with her 4 kinds. (Five, if you count the one she’s pregnant with.)
They immediately connect and know that feelings are starting to grow between them, but Abby is scared. She is used to people leaving her.
Matt is also on a dilemma. These new woman who make him feel things he never felt before or his job as a SEAL that puts out of the country in dangerous missions most of the time.
They have one week together and in that week they’ll have to decide one thing: If for the first time they have something worth falling for.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: Okay, this was a really heartwarming romance with some steamy moments but there was some itches. I know that she was a widow and had moved on, but… 4 kids and pregnant? Really?? But, whatever… I guess in fiction anything can work. And, in my opinion, the story dragged a little bin in the middle. I heard some people say that for them this was one of the best books of the year. I didn’t feel the same, but is in fact, a very good book with a sweet and heartwarming story.
Writing Style: Third person. Dual POV. Sweet and engaging.
Character Development: Abby was sweet although a little annoying insecure… but we can look past that because we know why she acts that way. Matt was almost perfect. He was sexy, sweet, loyal and I really liked him. I loved the idea of a big family. I come from a very big and tight family and have more uncles and cousins that I can count, so I loved reading this family concept in a book.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
October 3, 2014
4 Super Sweet Stars
Abby has four children and one on the way, widowed six months ago when her spouse was killed in a plane crash. Matt is a Navy Seal on leave for a week.
This is a very unlikely pairing, but there was just something about it I loved.
Abby has issues with trust and abandonment. She was orphaned at the age of 5, and spent her childhood going from one foster home to the next. Despite her husband dying only six months ago, he actually left her physically and emotionally years before, pursing money and success. Abby has never had someone she could rely on.
Matt is a hero, no really a real hero, he is apart of the rescue missions, going into dangerous places, doing the job no one wants. He has never had a real relationship, going from one one-night stand to the next. He feels a sense of loyalty to his guys, and he feels he needs to fulfill his promise to his dead best friend/comrade.
Matt is instantly attracted to Abby, but she is pregnant, a mother, and wearing a wedding ring. Convinced it is a the life he is attracted to he befriends her.
"He liked watching her when she didn’t know. There were no games. No trying to impress him. Just beautiful and real.”
Abby is busy and doesn’t have time for distractions. She has been attracted to a man in years, she is too busy for distractions. When she sees Matt she can't help but be attacted to him.
“He must catch a million unsuspecting girls with that movie-star handsome face.”
Like I said this pairing is unlikely, but something about it works. They decide to spend the remaining week together. The bond Matt forms with Abby is great, but the bond he forms with the children is downright heartbreaking. I loved how Matt fell for her children and the children broke my heart, so hungry for father like figure's attention.
"I wish you were my daddy. What do you fink?”
"I think any man who had you for his little girl would be the luckiest man in the world.”
“Do you feel wucky?”
This story is super sweet, there isn’t a lot steam - despite this being one helluva cover. There is also minimal drama or angst, but it works because I got so wrapped up in the attachment the kids have with Matt. That alone added enough drama for me. Not knowing if Matt would flake out, if he would commit to a woman with so much baggage. Then there is Abby, she can’t think like a single woman, she owes it to these children to protect them from more heartache. Nothing comes easy with these two, that alone was enough drama for me.
So why not 5 stars?
This story didn’t blow me away. It was a little slow in middle, then the ending felt rushed. The story had a niche and it working nicely, then something happens in the last 15%-20% and IMO it was unnecessary and it made me lose faith in a character. I still enjoyed the story, but feel I could have loved it for what it was an adorable, quick read.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Abby has four children and one on the way, widowed six months ago when her spouse was killed in a plane crash. Matt is a Navy Seal on leave for a week.
This is a very unlikely pairing, but there was just something about it I loved.
Abby has issues with trust and abandonment. She was orphaned at the age of 5, and spent her childhood going from one foster home to the next. Despite her husband dying only six months ago, he actually left her physically and emotionally years before, pursing money and success. Abby has never had someone she could rely on.
Matt is a hero, no really a real hero, he is apart of the rescue missions, going into dangerous places, doing the job no one wants. He has never had a real relationship, going from one one-night stand to the next. He feels a sense of loyalty to his guys, and he feels he needs to fulfill his promise to his dead best friend/comrade.
Matt is instantly attracted to Abby, but she is pregnant, a mother, and wearing a wedding ring. Convinced it is a the life he is attracted to he befriends her.
"He liked watching her when she didn’t know. There were no games. No trying to impress him. Just beautiful and real.”
Abby is busy and doesn’t have time for distractions. She has been attracted to a man in years, she is too busy for distractions. When she sees Matt she can't help but be attacted to him.
“He must catch a million unsuspecting girls with that movie-star handsome face.”
Like I said this pairing is unlikely, but something about it works. They decide to spend the remaining week together. The bond Matt forms with Abby is great, but the bond he forms with the children is downright heartbreaking. I loved how Matt fell for her children and the children broke my heart, so hungry for father like figure's attention.
"I wish you were my daddy. What do you fink?”
"I think any man who had you for his little girl would be the luckiest man in the world.”
“Do you feel wucky?”
This story is super sweet, there isn’t a lot steam - despite this being one helluva cover. There is also minimal drama or angst, but it works because I got so wrapped up in the attachment the kids have with Matt. That alone added enough drama for me. Not knowing if Matt would flake out, if he would commit to a woman with so much baggage. Then there is Abby, she can’t think like a single woman, she owes it to these children to protect them from more heartache. Nothing comes easy with these two, that alone was enough drama for me.
So why not 5 stars?
This story didn’t blow me away. It was a little slow in middle, then the ending felt rushed. The story had a niche and it working nicely, then something happens in the last 15%-20% and IMO it was unnecessary and it made me lose faith in a character. I still enjoyed the story, but feel I could have loved it for what it was an adorable, quick read.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2014
Matt is a Navy SEAL (Love them!), just chilling on the beach with his cousin and some of his cousins hoochies when he stumbles across a little boy called Jack. Bored of his present company he plays ball with the confident 5 year old and thus gets to meet his mum, Abby.
Abby is pregnant with her fifth child, she is a widow and wants to give her kids a holiday they will remember. When she meets gorgeous sexy Matt, she can't quite work out why he wants to spend time with her or her brood, she's never really relied on anyone before and doesn't expect anything good to ever happen, she just gets on with life hoping that she can give her children a happy life.
The kids were a great addition to the book and I loved seeing Matt interact with them and fall in love with the whole family. Abby was a fab character too, never coming across as depressing, even though she'd had a raw deal. My only problem was the sex, there just wasn't enough which shocked me because the chemistry was strong and I was expecting great things to happen between the sheets.
Overall, I loved it :)
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley
October 5, 2014
4.5 Hero worship stars!
Claudia Connor grabbed my attention with an utterly sexy, drool-worthy hero that matched perfectly with this delicious book cover.
Navy Seal extraordinaire, Matt McKinney finds himself falling in love with a pregnant widow along with her charming four children. However, the lovely Abby Davis has a painful past, leaving her broken and dealing with major trust issues. Their journey is a beautiful, poignant love story filled with sensual chemistry, heartfelt emotion, along with a cast of endearing characters. I became immersed from the very beginning and didn't want to put this one down until finished.
I highly recommend to all lovers of romance and happily-ever-afters and also to those who love a delicious, sexy, I-want-one-of-those kind of heroes:))!
Claudia Connor grabbed my attention with an utterly sexy, drool-worthy hero that matched perfectly with this delicious book cover.
Navy Seal extraordinaire, Matt McKinney finds himself falling in love with a pregnant widow along with her charming four children. However, the lovely Abby Davis has a painful past, leaving her broken and dealing with major trust issues. Their journey is a beautiful, poignant love story filled with sensual chemistry, heartfelt emotion, along with a cast of endearing characters. I became immersed from the very beginning and didn't want to put this one down until finished.
I highly recommend to all lovers of romance and happily-ever-afters and also to those who love a delicious, sexy, I-want-one-of-those kind of heroes:))!
September 21, 2014
4.5 stars for the book, 5 stars for Mr. Take Charge,
I have to admit, I was really swooning over this one...
Matthew was hanging out on the beach when he gets hit in the back with a football by a little boy and ends up playing catch with him. He only briefly meets his mom Abby, and sees that she is pregnant and has three other kids. His protective instincts take over because he knows she is alone, and he can't help but keep an eye out for them. Matthew comes from a big family with tons of nieces and nephews and is kind of a natural with kids. He is so drawn to Abby that he extends his time at the beach to hang out with them longer. It was so cute to see him get attached to the kids as he fell for their mom. I wasn't sure about this story line when I read the blurb because it didn't seem very plausible, but somehow Ms. Connor pulled it off. I was such a sucker for this story, I absolutely loved it.
Some of my friends were a little disappointed with the amount of steam in the book, so it doesn't hurt to point out that there are sex scenes, but they aren't detailed like many books like this or like you might expect from the cover. I didn't personally have any problem with it though. For one thing, I feel that the way those scenes were written fit the characters and the story. Also, as long as I feel the emotion, I don't really care. I would rather have less smut than read a bunch of cheesy dialogue. I'll just give the author ten extra points for not writing, " You are so wet and tight" and leave it at that:)
Overall, I would recommend the book to friends who are in the mood for a low angst romance with a sweet hero. I really enjoyed her writing style and will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
May 30, 2014
....I'm at a loss for words. Only that this was a wonderful romance, honest and real, beautifully, beautifully written. So different and refreshing, just phenomenal, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 2, 2015
If you're looking for a feel good story, this is it!
Quick summary
Navy SEAL Matt McKinney is on medical leave and ends up at a North Carolina beach with his cousin. He encounters 5-year old Jack trying to throw a ball, which leads him to his 6-month pregnant mother, Abby Davis, and three other siblings. The oldest is six-years old, the youngest is two. At first, it's a fun diversion but it doesn't take long before Matt is seriously drawn to Abby.
A bit of background
Abby's a widow, her husband having died six months ago. She entered the foster care system at age five. Matt comes from a large, close family and he's one of seven children, the second oldest. It makes a huge difference in his outlook about pursuing a woman with four young children and one on the way.
What I enjoyed
Matt's attraction to Abby's children was truly genuine and spoke loudly about his character. He recognized their craving for a male influence almost immediately, before much interaction with Abby. The kids are adorable and brought out his protective nature. Despite her pregnancy, Matt found Abby highly attractive (both intellectually and physically), sexy and sensual. She's a great mother, putting her children first. Their relationship revolved initially around the children but gradually developed into one based on their strong feelings for each other.
The bottom line
It's a heartwarming story though not without serious conflicts and issues. Both Matt and Abby work through their personal traumas while trying to manage a long distance relationship. Family is a strong theme, the best and worst of it, and the children certainly make this a lovely story.
Quick summary
Navy SEAL Matt McKinney is on medical leave and ends up at a North Carolina beach with his cousin. He encounters 5-year old Jack trying to throw a ball, which leads him to his 6-month pregnant mother, Abby Davis, and three other siblings. The oldest is six-years old, the youngest is two. At first, it's a fun diversion but it doesn't take long before Matt is seriously drawn to Abby.
A bit of background
Abby's a widow, her husband having died six months ago. She entered the foster care system at age five. Matt comes from a large, close family and he's one of seven children, the second oldest. It makes a huge difference in his outlook about pursuing a woman with four young children and one on the way.
What I enjoyed
Matt's attraction to Abby's children was truly genuine and spoke loudly about his character. He recognized their craving for a male influence almost immediately, before much interaction with Abby. The kids are adorable and brought out his protective nature. Despite her pregnancy, Matt found Abby highly attractive (both intellectually and physically), sexy and sensual. She's a great mother, putting her children first. Their relationship revolved initially around the children but gradually developed into one based on their strong feelings for each other.
The bottom line
It's a heartwarming story though not without serious conflicts and issues. Both Matt and Abby work through their personal traumas while trying to manage a long distance relationship. Family is a strong theme, the best and worst of it, and the children certainly make this a lovely story.
not-appealing
December 18, 2018Note to self: The heroine is a 6-month-pregnant widow and she already has four children. Soon, she is going to be a mother of five children...
February 9, 2015
5 BE STILL MY HEART STARS .. WORTH THE READ!
Abby and Matt .. and Annie, Jack, Gracie, Charlie .. ♥
SERIOUSLY? WHY OH WHY did I not read this sooner?!BEYOND ME. Absolutely ADORABLE. I would not change a thing .. incredible if you ask me! First time reading a book by Claudia Connor and I'm impressed. The story itself was swoon worthy and then put in the MATT .. BOOK HUSBAND (NO QUESTIONS ASKED). I can see why Matt falls in love with Abby and those wonderful children (WHO COULDN'T)! I know I'll be re-reading this one soon .. definitely re-read worthy. It was so heart warming that it brought many tears of joy to my eyes. After reading this one, I knew I needed to read the second one!
Worth the Fall Claudia Connor
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter
Abby and Matt .. and Annie, Jack, Gracie, Charlie .. ♥
"..Her name is Abby.
She's sweet and smart and funny.
Jack is five and can't catch a football to save his life,
but we're working on it.
Gracie's three. She's got curls and dimples
and can talk me into just about anything.
Charlie is two and stings to me like a tick.
Annie's almost seven and most of the time I'm not sure she likes me.
SERIOUSLY? WHY OH WHY did I not read this sooner?!
He knew without a doubt,
he was holding his heart and soul in his arms.
And he never wanted to let her go.."
Worth the Fall Claudia Connor
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter
July 29, 2021
**1.5** I’m flabbergasted at the glowing reviews on this story!! It’s a sticky sweet, completely unrealistic story about a very lonely woman who has four children, one on the way (she’s 6 months pregnant, but isn’t really showing) and is a widow. She takes her brood to the coast for a vacation (I was exhausted just thinking about trying to do this alone). In walks Matt, sex on a stick, muscles for days, and only has eyes for Abby. She’s adorable, tiny, perfect body, no stretch marks or sagging boobs for our leading lady. As precious as this story was, I would have enjoyed a more realistic story. I’m all for pregnant sex, and being attracted to someone with kids, but Abby had the personality of a plastic doll.
It was strange that there was zero talk about STI’s or condom use. I understand she’s pregnant, but he’s a sexy Navy SEAL and he’s been around the block a time or two. Also, I would have expected some conversation around the fact that he’s about to have sex with someone who is pregnant with another man’s baby. Just nothing? Really?
It read like a super tame romance until they had sex after only knowing each other a week. Also, what is up with all the kids in his family? Cousins are popping up everywhere, does anyone care about overpopulation? Birth control?
I had a hard time with the fact that Abby allows her children to get so close to Matt before they’ve made plans to date seriously. He’s attending the kids games, spending the night, making breakfast, it just feels wrong. Then to top it all off, Matt leaves on a mission (without telling Abby) RIGHT AFTER THE BABY IS BORN, just her like husband left her after the other kids were born. Nothing says I love you like making you take a cab home with a newborn. Plus Matt’s mom is awful to Abby in the fact that she wants Matt to have “a family of his own.” Arugh, this book made me so mad.
If you are looking for a well written, other-man-pregnancy romance, try Be My Hero by Linda Kage.
As a narrator, Johanna Parker does a great job with all the kids voices and the overall story.
It was strange that there was zero talk about STI’s or condom use. I understand she’s pregnant, but he’s a sexy Navy SEAL and he’s been around the block a time or two. Also, I would have expected some conversation around the fact that he’s about to have sex with someone who is pregnant with another man’s baby. Just nothing? Really?
It read like a super tame romance until they had sex after only knowing each other a week. Also, what is up with all the kids in his family? Cousins are popping up everywhere, does anyone care about overpopulation? Birth control?
I had a hard time with the fact that Abby allows her children to get so close to Matt before they’ve made plans to date seriously. He’s attending the kids games, spending the night, making breakfast, it just feels wrong. Then to top it all off, Matt leaves on a mission (without telling Abby) RIGHT AFTER THE BABY IS BORN, just her like husband left her after the other kids were born. Nothing says I love you like making you take a cab home with a newborn. Plus Matt’s mom is awful to Abby in the fact that she wants Matt to have “a family of his own.” Arugh, this book made me so mad.
If you are looking for a well written, other-man-pregnancy romance, try Be My Hero by Linda Kage.
As a narrator, Johanna Parker does a great job with all the kids voices and the overall story.
December 14, 2023
Reread for 2023 favorites
I guess men who become fathers by choice is my weakness.
***********
I just can't get over this one. It was SO stinking beautiful. I am broken and happy and weeping all at once.
Can Matt adopt me too? I think he is my new favorite fictional stepdad ever.
This story had me in a chokehold. And it was everything.
6 stars
2 on the spice scale
CW: death of a spouse, death of a parent, death of a parent by suicide.
I guess men who become fathers by choice is my weakness.
***********
I just can't get over this one. It was SO stinking beautiful. I am broken and happy and weeping all at once.
Can Matt adopt me too? I think he is my new favorite fictional stepdad ever.
This story had me in a chokehold. And it was everything.
6 stars
2 on the spice scale
CW: death of a spouse, death of a parent, death of a parent by suicide.
March 31, 2016
”The importance of a lost romantic vision should not be underestimated. In such a vision is power as well as joy. In it is meaning. Life is flat, barren, zestless, if one can find one's lost vision nowhere.” – Sarah Patton Boyle –
It’s amazing what you do for your family even if that means going on holiday with your cousin as his wingman because he thinks he met the one woman. Bummer is that you have to put up with the tag along friend who doesn’t like the word no. Matt McKinney is in exactly that position. On leave from being a Navy SEAL not by his choice, standing at the crossroads trying to make a choice isn’t an easy task. Matt has had enough of hot, easy and a pain in the arse. Matt wants something that has more depth to it. A family, a big family with laughter, tears and the good with the bad.
Fate or Karma or what you want to call it has a way of intercepting even if it is a football. Matt sees something he wants.
Abby has four kids and one on the way. Her husband died 6 months ago not that he was actually around a lot to begin with. Annie is seven, Jack is five, Gracie is three, Charlie is two and Abby has left all her life so her initial reaction is to push everyone away. She was supposed to be on holiday with her only friend Angie and her family. I loved Angie she is a riot. If there is one word/sentence Abby used until I couldn’t heat any more than it is fine.
“You have no choice but to go through life and take whatever comes. Good or bad. You’ve had so much bad, honey. I don’t want to see you run away from something that could be good.”
Angie has some words of wisdom well at the best of times anyway. Like the Bro Code I think she should get her own book.
”That’s kinda deep Ang.” “Don’t make fun of me I’m having a smart moment. Most of my brain cells were fried during childbirth.”
Matt was so patient and they just clicked together it was as if they had been together for a long time. Matt took to the children and the children to him like ducks to water. Imagine sandcastles on the beach, a human jungle gym, swimming in the ocean, bedtime tuck-ins, playing catch and never wanting to miss those moments in life. Matt was so patient that I wanted to name him St. Matthew instead and a SEAL. Sometime I felt that he begged but if you know what you want then you go after it.
“I don’t want to hurt you, baby, I swear, but please don’t ask me to let you go. Give us a chance. Give me a chance.”
There were a lot of emotions in this book and it was like a rollercoaster ride for me but in a good sense. But I also found Abby really frustrating. I’ll get to that in a moment. I get the whole you know I’ve been left and in the system. It was also pretty tough when Matt had to make a choice and everybody in Abby’s life had left her. As Matt was doing as well. At one point though they both pushed too far.
“Abby, look at me. I’m coming back. Do you think I could walk away from this? That I won’t be running back to you as fast as I can?”
Matt had survivor’s guilt in dealing with the death of his best friend Teddy. As well as making a life or death choice that there is no correct answer to. I would probably made the same choice. I laughed and secretly cried all the characters were so in depth and Ms. Connor built an amazing family although Matt’s Mum got on my shit list but Abby was strong. I will continue the series but I would have liked to have met Stephan to get a feel for him.
This book was given to me by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
It’s amazing what you do for your family even if that means going on holiday with your cousin as his wingman because he thinks he met the one woman. Bummer is that you have to put up with the tag along friend who doesn’t like the word no. Matt McKinney is in exactly that position. On leave from being a Navy SEAL not by his choice, standing at the crossroads trying to make a choice isn’t an easy task. Matt has had enough of hot, easy and a pain in the arse. Matt wants something that has more depth to it. A family, a big family with laughter, tears and the good with the bad.
Fate or Karma or what you want to call it has a way of intercepting even if it is a football. Matt sees something he wants.
Abby has four kids and one on the way. Her husband died 6 months ago not that he was actually around a lot to begin with. Annie is seven, Jack is five, Gracie is three, Charlie is two and Abby has left all her life so her initial reaction is to push everyone away. She was supposed to be on holiday with her only friend Angie and her family. I loved Angie she is a riot. If there is one word/sentence Abby used until I couldn’t heat any more than it is fine.
“You have no choice but to go through life and take whatever comes. Good or bad. You’ve had so much bad, honey. I don’t want to see you run away from something that could be good.”
Angie has some words of wisdom well at the best of times anyway. Like the Bro Code I think she should get her own book.
”That’s kinda deep Ang.” “Don’t make fun of me I’m having a smart moment. Most of my brain cells were fried during childbirth.”
Matt was so patient and they just clicked together it was as if they had been together for a long time. Matt took to the children and the children to him like ducks to water. Imagine sandcastles on the beach, a human jungle gym, swimming in the ocean, bedtime tuck-ins, playing catch and never wanting to miss those moments in life. Matt was so patient that I wanted to name him St. Matthew instead and a SEAL. Sometime I felt that he begged but if you know what you want then you go after it.
“I don’t want to hurt you, baby, I swear, but please don’t ask me to let you go. Give us a chance. Give me a chance.”
There were a lot of emotions in this book and it was like a rollercoaster ride for me but in a good sense. But I also found Abby really frustrating. I’ll get to that in a moment. I get the whole you know I’ve been left and in the system. It was also pretty tough when Matt had to make a choice and everybody in Abby’s life had left her. As Matt was doing as well. At one point though they both pushed too far.
“Abby, look at me. I’m coming back. Do you think I could walk away from this? That I won’t be running back to you as fast as I can?”
Matt had survivor’s guilt in dealing with the death of his best friend Teddy. As well as making a life or death choice that there is no correct answer to. I would probably made the same choice. I laughed and secretly cried all the characters were so in depth and Ms. Connor built an amazing family although Matt’s Mum got on my shit list but Abby was strong. I will continue the series but I would have liked to have met Stephan to get a feel for him.
This book was given to me by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
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