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Waves Break My Fall
Kage is a Marine, struggling to adjust to life after combat. He tries to decompress with a quiet trip to Puerto Vallarta. Zach just graduated from college. He’s facing the realities of adulthood, and a new career.
They meet in Mexico, and their erotic vacation fling leaves them both wanting – and hoping for – more, once they’re home. Zach enters the police academy, Kage reports to Camp Pendleton, and they settle into daily lives as a new couple.
When Kage’s post-combat issues nearly destroy everything he and Zach have built, can they find the right help? Can they hold on, even if they do?
They meet in Mexico, and their erotic vacation fling leaves them both wanting – and hoping for – more, once they’re home. Zach enters the police academy, Kage reports to Camp Pendleton, and they settle into daily lives as a new couple.
When Kage’s post-combat issues nearly destroy everything he and Zach have built, can they find the right help? Can they hold on, even if they do?
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2012
4 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Kendall McKenna
23 books679 followers Kendall McKenna
love & dog tags
Kendall McKenna is an author of M/M erotic romance novels featuring well-developed characters, complex stories, and realistic action sequences.
Kendall McKenna is the MLR Press 2013 Author of the Year. Her first work of fiction was written at the worldly age of nine, and was a transformative work that expanded on the story told in a popular song of the time.
She tried her hand at vampire and cowboy fiction, winning high school poetry and short story contests along the way. It wasn’t until she discovered the world of m/m erotic fiction and found her stride with cops, Marines and muscle cars, that she felt inspired to share her stories with readers who enjoy the same things.
Putting herself through college by working in a newly-created HIV testing clinic in her local Department of Health, introduced Kendall to the gay and lesbian community. Understanding and empathy has made her a lifetime advocate of GLBT issues.
A brief bout of unemployment gave Kendall the time and focus she needed to finally produce a novel worth submitting for publication. Her first novel, Brothers In Arms , introduced the world to her authentic military stories and characters. Kendall’s second novel, Strength of the Pack, was nominated for a 2013 Bookie Award, by Author’s After Dark.
Kendall was born and raised in Southern California, where she still lives and works. A non-conventional relationship has kept her happy for the last decade. Her four dogs enjoy it when she writes, as she sits still long enough for them to curl up around her.
Website/Blog:
www.kendallmckenna.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/kendallmckenna
love & dog tags
Kendall McKenna is an author of M/M erotic romance novels featuring well-developed characters, complex stories, and realistic action sequences.
Kendall McKenna is the MLR Press 2013 Author of the Year. Her first work of fiction was written at the worldly age of nine, and was a transformative work that expanded on the story told in a popular song of the time.
She tried her hand at vampire and cowboy fiction, winning high school poetry and short story contests along the way. It wasn’t until she discovered the world of m/m erotic fiction and found her stride with cops, Marines and muscle cars, that she felt inspired to share her stories with readers who enjoy the same things.
Putting herself through college by working in a newly-created HIV testing clinic in her local Department of Health, introduced Kendall to the gay and lesbian community. Understanding and empathy has made her a lifetime advocate of GLBT issues.
A brief bout of unemployment gave Kendall the time and focus she needed to finally produce a novel worth submitting for publication. Her first novel, Brothers In Arms , introduced the world to her authentic military stories and characters. Kendall’s second novel, Strength of the Pack, was nominated for a 2013 Bookie Award, by Author’s After Dark.
Kendall was born and raised in Southern California, where she still lives and works. A non-conventional relationship has kept her happy for the last decade. Her four dogs enjoy it when she writes, as she sits still long enough for them to curl up around her.
Website/Blog:
www.kendallmckenna.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/kendallmckenna
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 9, 2017
REVIEW OF SECOND EDITION:
The second edition of Waves Break My Fall reads completely different from the first edition and was far superior. It was almost twice as long and contained a fair amount of angst and drama that amped the story up several levels.
The first edition ended with Kage and Zach at the airport in CA, about to meet Kage's mother. In this edition, they actually meet Kage's mother and the story continues for several years from there. We get to see the boys start a relationship and weather a few storms. It certainly isn't smooth sailing!
I absolutely loved this book and really, really want to put it on my fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf, but there is one thing holding me back. (I've said it before and I'll say it again: the fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf is for perfection only.) But, with this second edition, I have raised my rating up from 4 stars to 5 and am adding this to my absolute favorites and dirty talk shelves. *fans self* I am recommending to anyone who has already read and enjoyed the first edition to read the second edition for a extended and much enhanced Kendal McKenna M/M military romance experience.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I read this one on Alya's recommendation. She is a big fan of Kendall McKenna and I was contemplating the high price of her newest book The Strength of the Pack and she said it was incredible, but all her work was wonderful, so I thought I'd try one of her earlier books that was already in my library. She was right! I loved this book!
Big, strapping alpha male Gunnery Sergeant Marine, Kage, on leave from active duty in Afghanistan meets beautiful collage student, Zach, from California and about to enter the San Diago Police Academy, in Mexico for a whirlwind romance in a tropical paradise. Their 7 days of lust and passion can't possibly last, right? Soon they'll be on opposite ends of the world again. *sigh*
But I don't read stories like that if I can help it. These two lovely boys get their HEA. Fuck yeah!
Recommended if you like military men, pretty collage boys, sex on the beach (and I don't mean the cocktail) and men that can connect on more levels that just sex.
The second edition of Waves Break My Fall reads completely different from the first edition and was far superior. It was almost twice as long and contained a fair amount of angst and drama that amped the story up several levels.
The first edition ended with Kage and Zach at the airport in CA, about to meet Kage's mother. In this edition, they actually meet Kage's mother and the story continues for several years from there. We get to see the boys start a relationship and weather a few storms. It certainly isn't smooth sailing!
I absolutely loved this book and really, really want to put it on my fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf, but there is one thing holding me back. (I've said it before and I'll say it again: the fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf is for perfection only.) But, with this second edition, I have raised my rating up from 4 stars to 5 and am adding this to my absolute favorites and dirty talk shelves. *fans self* I am recommending to anyone who has already read and enjoyed the first edition to read the second edition for a extended and much enhanced Kendal McKenna M/M military romance experience.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I read this one on Alya's recommendation. She is a big fan of Kendall McKenna and I was contemplating the high price of her newest book The Strength of the Pack and she said it was incredible, but all her work was wonderful, so I thought I'd try one of her earlier books that was already in my library. She was right! I loved this book!
Big, strapping alpha male Gunnery Sergeant Marine, Kage, on leave from active duty in Afghanistan meets beautiful collage student, Zach, from California and about to enter the San Diago Police Academy, in Mexico for a whirlwind romance in a tropical paradise. Their 7 days of lust and passion can't possibly last, right? Soon they'll be on opposite ends of the world again. *sigh*
But I don't read stories like that if I can help it. These two lovely boys get their HEA. Fuck yeah!
Recommended if you like military men, pretty collage boys, sex on the beach (and I don't mean the cocktail) and men that can connect on more levels that just sex.
November 11, 2015
**Review of second edition.**
Was the story good? Yes.
Were the sexy times great? Yes.
Was the dirty talk smokin' hot? Holy hell, yes!
Did the author and/or editor bother to edit the Spanish used in this book? No.
Did this annoy the shit out of me? Yes. Especially since it was just one word used over and over and misspelled every single time and this was a second edition, which means that this was the second time they could've taken 10 seconds to google it and fix that shit.
3.5 stars but I'm rounding up because apparently hot, dirty talking smexing trumps grammar annoyance.
Was the story good? Yes.
Were the sexy times great? Yes.
Was the dirty talk smokin' hot? Holy hell, yes!
Did the author and/or editor bother to edit the Spanish used in this book? No.
Did this annoy the shit out of me? Yes. Especially since it was just one word used over and over and misspelled every single time and this was a second edition, which means that this was the second time they could've taken 10 seconds to google it and fix that shit.
3.5 stars but I'm rounding up because apparently hot, dirty talking smexing trumps grammar annoyance.
December 22, 2014
Amazing! I loved the first edition of this but the second edition is even better. I loved getting more of Kage and Zach after they went home and seeing how their relationship went. It was emotional and very tough with everything Kage was going through, but they got there in the end and I was really happy things worked out for them.
Another amazing story from Kendall McKenna. I can't wait until her next release is out because I'm craving more of her guys.
Another amazing story from Kendall McKenna. I can't wait until her next release is out because I'm craving more of her guys.
June 10, 2017
One can safely assume that when reading a book by McKenna, it's going to be about the military and it's going to have some scorching smex.
This did not disappoint.
Simply put, this was a perfect hurt comfort, with just the right amount of angsty insecurity, doubt and longing, with a lot of much appreciated hot, sexy times. Unf.
This did not disappoint.
Simply put, this was a perfect hurt comfort, with just the right amount of angsty insecurity, doubt and longing, with a lot of much appreciated hot, sexy times. Unf.
July 16, 2013
I am really, really happy I found Kendall McKenna's books. Since that day I have fallen in love with all her stories. Now, since reading this one, I have none left. But because I know this author will be releasing books soon, I am happy. I really love this author and her books never fail to entertain me.
This was hot and short. A marine meets a civilian and they make a connection while both are on holiday. It was nice seeing Kage adjust to returning from Afghanistan. Zach was so good for him in that sense. There was no pressure from him. It was just a gradual thing. An instant attraction that became an instant connection.
This plot is not just sex and it's not just military. It has a great middle ground that this author always does so well. I love the fact she has manly men that have issues. It is refreshing to see our hero's with some confidence issues. It's also nice when they are not moaning about that type of thing constantly.
I was happy with the length. It is shorter, but still a very good novella. But I can see where there would be room for another novella to follow on. But it works as a standalone.
This was hot and short. A marine meets a civilian and they make a connection while both are on holiday. It was nice seeing Kage adjust to returning from Afghanistan. Zach was so good for him in that sense. There was no pressure from him. It was just a gradual thing. An instant attraction that became an instant connection.
This plot is not just sex and it's not just military. It has a great middle ground that this author always does so well. I love the fact she has manly men that have issues. It is refreshing to see our hero's with some confidence issues. It's also nice when they are not moaning about that type of thing constantly.
I was happy with the length. It is shorter, but still a very good novella. But I can see where there would be room for another novella to follow on. But it works as a standalone.
January 10, 2017
This book had way too many erratic time jumps....the kind that don't allow you to see what's happening. The guys meet, jump into a relationship, meet the parents and then it skips 6 months and they're living together and dealing heavily with Kage's PTSD. There's no progression...we're right in the middle of it and told things are bad. There's no I love you between the guys. We're just supposed to believe they met, fell in love and whatever they had is worth Zach staying with Kage and basically being emotionally and mentally abused while supporting Kage through his flashbacks, regression, cutting, impotence, no touching, abusing alcohol. It just didn't seem believable. It time jumps again after a big blow up and then all of a sudden Kage is almost healed and they're back on track, they finally have sex after months and then BAM it ends. I would've loved to seen the progression of them working together but there's nothing to show them as a working couple. There's no I love you's at all so we even miss that part of the story. It had a lot of potential but it was rushed, had far too many gaps, and didn't feel real.
March 20, 2016
Gods, I love Kendall McKenna's writing. And no, it's not everyone's cup of tea. Her books are more immersive than I find in a lot of contemporary romance, and there are sometimes descriptions and technicalities that lose a reader here and there, but for me personally, military romance doesn't get much better than Kendall McKenna.
This one is so sweet and honest with its yearning when it starts out. I love how the relationship forms between the MC's, and then later, when they have to fight for each other, their angst isn't over the top.
Just solid, wonderful writing.
This one is so sweet and honest with its yearning when it starts out. I love how the relationship forms between the MC's, and then later, when they have to fight for each other, their angst isn't over the top.
Just solid, wonderful writing.
October 6, 2012
This is a nice, quick, yet engaging read; and while one of the characters is a Marine, as in Brothers in Arms, that's where the similarities end. Brothers In Arms was grittier, this was lighter, more romantic and whoa mama sexy!
Kage is a Marine, literally weeks back after a tour of Afghanistan. He's jumpy, settling into civilian life and doesn't much feel like being home with his family whilst adjusting. He's gay, unsure of himself, feeling the burden of having been in a warzone, and searching for something 'normal' in Peurto Vallarta.
Zach has just finished college, is in Peurto Vallarta with a group of friends to relax and have fun. He's the sexy type with a banging body, tight jeans and locks eyes across a crowded room with Kage. Zach likes what he sees, the feeling's mutal from Kage, and the next thing you know they're out of the bar and onto the beach. Mmm, mmm.
There's a lot of sex in this book, and I am not complaining, it is well written and Kage and Zach make a lot of sense. Yes, there is insta-attraction, I do not mind that in the slightest when its well written, and it's well written here. Also, the emotional connection between Kage and Zach is developed beyond just lust - Zach is going into law enforcement, a compatible career, he gets some of what Kage has been through, and offers him support and great sex. Kage likes Zach's understanding, masucline body and they share a love of outdoors life.
Kendall McKenna's second book is just as well written and edited as her first and, once again, it is a pleasure to read such engaging characters, along with strong technical writing. While Brothers in Arms had a real ensemble feel, Waves Break My Fall's primary spotlight is on the two MC's, and I liked that just fine.
I would hope with the way the book ended that there's going to be a follow up; as whilst it's happy, it's abrupt. I felt semi-satisfied but with an emphasis on - "I'm anticpating more." I hope Kendall McKenna is going to give me more of Kage and Zach. This could have been a full book and in all honesty that would have been better. There's a lot more to know about these guys and I, for one, want to know what they're doing and how they're doing it. Good read.
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
Kage is a Marine, literally weeks back after a tour of Afghanistan. He's jumpy, settling into civilian life and doesn't much feel like being home with his family whilst adjusting. He's gay, unsure of himself, feeling the burden of having been in a warzone, and searching for something 'normal' in Peurto Vallarta.
Zach has just finished college, is in Peurto Vallarta with a group of friends to relax and have fun. He's the sexy type with a banging body, tight jeans and locks eyes across a crowded room with Kage. Zach likes what he sees, the feeling's mutal from Kage, and the next thing you know they're out of the bar and onto the beach. Mmm, mmm.
There's a lot of sex in this book, and I am not complaining, it is well written and Kage and Zach make a lot of sense. Yes, there is insta-attraction, I do not mind that in the slightest when its well written, and it's well written here. Also, the emotional connection between Kage and Zach is developed beyond just lust - Zach is going into law enforcement, a compatible career, he gets some of what Kage has been through, and offers him support and great sex. Kage likes Zach's understanding, masucline body and they share a love of outdoors life.
Kendall McKenna's second book is just as well written and edited as her first and, once again, it is a pleasure to read such engaging characters, along with strong technical writing. While Brothers in Arms had a real ensemble feel, Waves Break My Fall's primary spotlight is on the two MC's, and I liked that just fine.
I would hope with the way the book ended that there's going to be a follow up; as whilst it's happy, it's abrupt. I felt semi-satisfied but with an emphasis on - "I'm anticpating more." I hope Kendall McKenna is going to give me more of Kage and Zach. This could have been a full book and in all honesty that would have been better. There's a lot more to know about these guys and I, for one, want to know what they're doing and how they're doing it. Good read.
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
October 6, 2016
Full Review, after sleep:
I'm scared to even post this review, because almost all of my GR buds seem to have LOVED this story, but it just felt lacking for me.
This was originally a short, depicting how Kage and Zach meet, while on vacation in Mexico. Kage is a Marine on leave, and Zach is a recent college graduate, getting ready to start the police academy. The guys feel an instant connection. We know this, because they can't stay away from each other, and through the copious amounts of sex. They are sweet together, but I wish we'd gotten to see more of them actually getting to know each other outside of the bedroom. (or off the beach, rather, lol!)
In the initial short, the story ends with Kage and Zach getting back to the states, because, surprisingly, they both live close together in Cali. They have decided to keep seeing each other, and it's all very sweet.
But then we get into the part that was added to the story, and we learn that Kage's seemingly minor PTSD, that we saw in the first half of the story as an inability to be in crowds, nightmares, and a bit of a problem with loud noises, has seemingly grown into a full blown problem. I say seemingly, because the action picks up several months later, with Zach through the academy and working in a prison, and Kage very volatile, only leaving the house for work, drinking a lot, having flashbacks, not having sex or wanting to be touched.
I know this sort of thing is VERY common among soldiers who have seen active duty during wartime, but I think the story lost a lot with the time skip. We initially see Kage having small problems with crowds and noise, then pick up when things are already so much worse. I felt that I missed out, on seeing the guys really get to know each other and form a relationship, Zach doing his academy training, them moving in together, and Kage's descent into PTSD related paranoia and feelings of worthlessness. We see he has a problem, that it's bad, are shown a few bad episodes, before Kage finally goes into therapy, and then we get ANOTHER time jump, and Kage is doing better, and they have superhot sex, the end.
I know I read the extended version, but I think I prefer the shorter, first half. If you're going to add to a story, I wish the author had really gone for it, but it all felt rushed, from the instant connection (lots of hot sex), to the extreme case of PTSD, to the starting to get better part. It just felt like an abbreviated view to me, even in this "Extended" story.
I'm scared to even post this review, because almost all of my GR buds seem to have LOVED this story, but it just felt lacking for me.
This was originally a short, depicting how Kage and Zach meet, while on vacation in Mexico. Kage is a Marine on leave, and Zach is a recent college graduate, getting ready to start the police academy. The guys feel an instant connection. We know this, because they can't stay away from each other, and through the copious amounts of sex. They are sweet together, but I wish we'd gotten to see more of them actually getting to know each other outside of the bedroom. (or off the beach, rather, lol!)
In the initial short, the story ends with Kage and Zach getting back to the states, because, surprisingly, they both live close together in Cali. They have decided to keep seeing each other, and it's all very sweet.
But then we get into the part that was added to the story, and we learn that Kage's seemingly minor PTSD, that we saw in the first half of the story as an inability to be in crowds, nightmares, and a bit of a problem with loud noises, has seemingly grown into a full blown problem. I say seemingly, because the action picks up several months later, with Zach through the academy and working in a prison, and Kage very volatile, only leaving the house for work, drinking a lot, having flashbacks, not having sex or wanting to be touched.
I know this sort of thing is VERY common among soldiers who have seen active duty during wartime, but I think the story lost a lot with the time skip. We initially see Kage having small problems with crowds and noise, then pick up when things are already so much worse. I felt that I missed out, on seeing the guys really get to know each other and form a relationship, Zach doing his academy training, them moving in together, and Kage's descent into PTSD related paranoia and feelings of worthlessness. We see he has a problem, that it's bad, are shown a few bad episodes, before Kage finally goes into therapy, and then we get ANOTHER time jump, and Kage is doing better, and they have superhot sex, the end.
I know I read the extended version, but I think I prefer the shorter, first half. If you're going to add to a story, I wish the author had really gone for it, but it all felt rushed, from the instant connection (lots of hot sex), to the extreme case of PTSD, to the starting to get better part. It just felt like an abbreviated view to me, even in this "Extended" story.
August 5, 2012
A light, hot, entertaining read about two guys who meet while on vacation. There was insta-lust, but it worked. I wouldn't mind reading more about these characters.
December 28, 2014
second edition (thanks Secret Santa)
3.5*
First Edition
2.5*
Gah! Abrupt endings are not my fave.
3.5*
First Edition
2.5*
Gah! Abrupt endings are not my fave.
December 15, 2014
Why is it that all the most amazing books are short reads? Boy, this one was perfect and sweet and sexy and sooooo erotic beyond words! I absolutely adored it!
July 27, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Kage has decided to have a trip by himself to Puerto Vallarta, just some time away to try to chill and relax. Zach is on holiday with a group of friends, relaxing before he has to enter the police academy and starts to be a responsible adult. But, Kage and Zach meet one night in a crowded bar and they both discover over the course of the rest of the holiday that the other understands what they want and need perfectly. But, is it enough when their holiday ends?
This is a really well written novella that delves slightly into PTSD, as a Marine on leave gets used to civilian life again. Kage is jumpy and cautious, it’s not easy to go from a war zone to a holiday resort, but he is giving it a go. When he visits a bar one night, a beautiful young man catches his eye. But, he is doubtful that such a catch would be interested in him. So, he is surprised when he is approached by the man. Zach is happy that he approached Kage, he is different from other men that he has met and not just because he is a serving Marine. But, as the holiday draws to a close can they really make a go of it?
Kage and Zach are two men that are perfectly balanced. Zach seems to understand that Kage has some limits to what he can handle at the moment and Kage just expects Zach to be himself and doesn’t have any expectations as to what he can do. With Kage, we can understand his actions and his caution, but I think there is a story behind Zach’s words and his determination to stand on his own two feet, but it adds greatly to the story of these two men, as they both have a lot to give to each other.
Their relationship moves fast, and there are a couple of hot and steamy rendezvous’ on the beach which will make you fan yourselves, but the time they spend together isn’t all about sex, they talk and get to know each other and they understand the other’s needs. *sigh* When they do make love it is something special (and really hot) and even afterwards Zach is trying to be considerate to what Kage might need. Oh so sweet.
So with this one I am going to recommend it to those who love Marine’s, hot sexy men, summer love, hot sex, and a happy for now ending.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Kage has decided to have a trip by himself to Puerto Vallarta, just some time away to try to chill and relax. Zach is on holiday with a group of friends, relaxing before he has to enter the police academy and starts to be a responsible adult. But, Kage and Zach meet one night in a crowded bar and they both discover over the course of the rest of the holiday that the other understands what they want and need perfectly. But, is it enough when their holiday ends?
This is a really well written novella that delves slightly into PTSD, as a Marine on leave gets used to civilian life again. Kage is jumpy and cautious, it’s not easy to go from a war zone to a holiday resort, but he is giving it a go. When he visits a bar one night, a beautiful young man catches his eye. But, he is doubtful that such a catch would be interested in him. So, he is surprised when he is approached by the man. Zach is happy that he approached Kage, he is different from other men that he has met and not just because he is a serving Marine. But, as the holiday draws to a close can they really make a go of it?
Kage and Zach are two men that are perfectly balanced. Zach seems to understand that Kage has some limits to what he can handle at the moment and Kage just expects Zach to be himself and doesn’t have any expectations as to what he can do. With Kage, we can understand his actions and his caution, but I think there is a story behind Zach’s words and his determination to stand on his own two feet, but it adds greatly to the story of these two men, as they both have a lot to give to each other.
Their relationship moves fast, and there are a couple of hot and steamy rendezvous’ on the beach which will make you fan yourselves, but the time they spend together isn’t all about sex, they talk and get to know each other and they understand the other’s needs. *sigh* When they do make love it is something special (and really hot) and even afterwards Zach is trying to be considerate to what Kage might need. Oh so sweet.
So with this one I am going to recommend it to those who love Marine’s, hot sexy men, summer love, hot sex, and a happy for now ending.
December 19, 2014
I really did love this book, sweet and sexy for sure. The only reason it get 4 instead if 5 is that all is well and happy for the most part (Kage has issues - but he is coping) then bam the book jumps ahead and Kage agoraphobic, is having serious flashback and hasn't been with Zach for months. It would have been nice to have a little kore of the happy times and experienced the slide. Great chemistry between the main characters and Zach is just a saint. Overall a very good book just wish downfall and recovery were fleshed out a bit more.
August 13, 2012
I really liked this story. But I have to admit, the end was to abrupt, I wanted simply to read on and on, but it was to short. Both MC's (Zach and Kage) were pulling individuals. They had a true chemistry and it was amazing to fallow it. I hope we will get another story from this couple, they are a worthy.
July 30, 2012
3.5 stars
A quick and easy light read, a pretty hot sexy romance. Lust and love in an instant while on holidays. Nice, although I would have liked more about Kage and Zach.
A quick and easy light read, a pretty hot sexy romance. Lust and love in an instant while on holidays. Nice, although I would have liked more about Kage and Zach.
January 11, 2015
I enjoyed this story, however it wasn't my fav or this author. I have enjoyed her other books much more than this one.
August 9, 2012
4.5 stars.
Sometimes a book surprises you; you expect one thing and get another. That is the case with Waves Break My Fall. I was expecting a light tryst between two guys on vacation and what I got was a whole lot more.
Kage is a Marine on leave for thirty days from his post in Afghanistan. Instead of going home to see his family, he heads to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to pull his head together and try to adjust to life outside a war zone. His first night he runs into Zach, a recent college graduate and the two hook up for a sexy romp on the beach. Kage figures that would be it. However, when the two men realize they are staying at the same resort, they continue to hook up until the end of their respective vacations.
To me that sounds like a fun PWP, but Ms. McKenna takes it to another level. Kage is damaged from the war. He has PTSD and has had a hard time connecting with other people. His struggles figure in heavily into the plot and that’s why this goes from a light short read to a well-written novella. Kage is that military person everyone knows or has in their family: a strong guy trying not to show his vulnerability. He’s a deeply complex character for sixty-eight pages. I also loved Zach. He’s got depth too. He understands Kage — he’s joining the sheriff’s department after his holiday, another hero in the making. He’s not pushover and meets Kage on his level as an equal. Something hard to do in my opinion unless you’ve been in the military also.
The only reason I did not give this 5 stars? The ending. It was a little too pat and abrupt for me. Some other readers may disagree. Otherwise, Waves Break My Fall was a great read and from now on Ms. McKenna goes on my auto-buy list. I hope she writes a sequel as I would easily buy another book detailing the lives of Kage and Zach.
Recommended.
Reviews by Jessewave
Sometimes a book surprises you; you expect one thing and get another. That is the case with Waves Break My Fall. I was expecting a light tryst between two guys on vacation and what I got was a whole lot more.
Kage is a Marine on leave for thirty days from his post in Afghanistan. Instead of going home to see his family, he heads to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to pull his head together and try to adjust to life outside a war zone. His first night he runs into Zach, a recent college graduate and the two hook up for a sexy romp on the beach. Kage figures that would be it. However, when the two men realize they are staying at the same resort, they continue to hook up until the end of their respective vacations.
To me that sounds like a fun PWP, but Ms. McKenna takes it to another level. Kage is damaged from the war. He has PTSD and has had a hard time connecting with other people. His struggles figure in heavily into the plot and that’s why this goes from a light short read to a well-written novella. Kage is that military person everyone knows or has in their family: a strong guy trying not to show his vulnerability. He’s a deeply complex character for sixty-eight pages. I also loved Zach. He’s got depth too. He understands Kage — he’s joining the sheriff’s department after his holiday, another hero in the making. He’s not pushover and meets Kage on his level as an equal. Something hard to do in my opinion unless you’ve been in the military also.
The only reason I did not give this 5 stars? The ending. It was a little too pat and abrupt for me. Some other readers may disagree. Otherwise, Waves Break My Fall was a great read and from now on Ms. McKenna goes on my auto-buy list. I hope she writes a sequel as I would easily buy another book detailing the lives of Kage and Zach.
Recommended.
Reviews by Jessewave
September 29, 2016
Read 2nd edition.
I did like the story a lot but I think I would have liked the first edition more, only because the second half was so sorrowful to read. I can't imagine the pain of those who go through this sort of PTSD or the anguish of those who love them. Then it makes me start thinking of all the veterans of older wars and the help they never had available and it kinds of sends me on a downer spiral.
But besides that, I would have liked to know whether Kage was still active duty or what he was doing for work. If he was still stationed on base, it seems like someone would have seen what was happening to him sooner. So it felt rather incomplete and a bit too rushed, with the time jumps. I did like Mexico! Hot stuff. I do admire Kendall McKenna for her insight and expertise on military matters and the after affects. She paints a vivid picture of it. The Final Line will still be my favorite though.
I did like the story a lot but I think I would have liked the first edition more, only because the second half was so sorrowful to read. I can't imagine the pain of those who go through this sort of PTSD or the anguish of those who love them. Then it makes me start thinking of all the veterans of older wars and the help they never had available and it kinds of sends me on a downer spiral.
But besides that, I would have liked to know whether Kage was still active duty or what he was doing for work. If he was still stationed on base, it seems like someone would have seen what was happening to him sooner. So it felt rather incomplete and a bit too rushed, with the time jumps. I did like Mexico! Hot stuff. I do admire Kendall McKenna for her insight and expertise on military matters and the after affects. She paints a vivid picture of it. The Final Line will still be my favorite though.
August 8, 2012
I really liked this story! Kage is a Marine just back from Afghanistan on leave in Puerta Vallarta and Zach is on vacation at the same resort with his friends after graduating college. They eye each other in a bar and Zach approaches Kage. What ensues is a sweet dance of these two men negotiating their way with each other as they begin to develop feelings beyond lust for each other. Kage is dealing with issues of fitting into civilian life and crowds and Zach is extremely perceptive in realizing that Kage is not comfortable with a lot of things and doesn't push for too much too fast. They are tender and hot together without be sugary. It would be really nice to see what happens with them in the future (hint, hint).
March 19, 2017
This story was more of a short story than anything else. I liked the chemistry between the two MCs, but the story itself only takes place in a period of a week. For people who don't like insta love or love at first sight, don't try to read this book. I liked the conversations they would have with each other, but they were so few. Most of the time they were together they would be lying in the sand getting it on. That's pretty cool, but I think I would've liked it better if we got to see what happened when they got back, how their relationship developed when they're around family and school/work. So overall I think this book was just a read for time to pass by fast.
February 18, 2013
Really enjoy this author. This story is a bit different than the others I've read by her in that Kage is a Marine fresh back from tour and trying to adjust to civilian life and deal with his war experiences.
Unable to face the attention and questions he is unable to answer from his family, he goes right on a vacation to Mexico. This is where he meets Zach, a sweet, unbelievably understandable guy who falls for Kage and just seems to get what Kage needs when things get a bit much.
I really liked these guys together and really wish we had seen more after their return home.
Unable to face the attention and questions he is unable to answer from his family, he goes right on a vacation to Mexico. This is where he meets Zach, a sweet, unbelievably understandable guy who falls for Kage and just seems to get what Kage needs when things get a bit much.
I really liked these guys together and really wish we had seen more after their return home.
September 11, 2012
Gah! I loved Kage and Zach. The way they clicked. The slow build. And finally when they get their "quality" time together...wow...sensual and passionate without an alpha complex. I am so glad Kage took the initiative with the rest of his leave. The perfect uplifting read for an afternoon.
I loved Zach's best friend Matt. "I know you're supposed to be some killer Marine and all," Matt said without preamble. "But if you hurt Zach, I will find a way to f*ck you up." Make me laugh out loud. Great best friend.
I loved Zach's best friend Matt. "I know you're supposed to be some killer Marine and all," Matt said without preamble. "But if you hurt Zach, I will find a way to f*ck you up." Make me laugh out loud. Great best friend.
November 21, 2015
First half is sweet and leaves me hopeful for these two guys.
The second half deals with after the two have moved in together and was less effective. Kage is suffering from PTSD and it has taken its toll on the relationship. The author handles it well but I felt like it was too short and more time should have been spent on this part of the relationship.
The second half deals with after the two have moved in together and was less effective. Kage is suffering from PTSD and it has taken its toll on the relationship. The author handles it well but I felt like it was too short and more time should have been spent on this part of the relationship.
August 26, 2012
Totally surprised me by how much I loved this story. Great characters...I loved Kage and how well his trauma from the military was described. I would love to read more about these guys and what comes next in their lives.
September 25, 2012
This was a good story. I liked the passion between Kage and Zach. I kind of wish there was a little more to the drama factor of Kage's PTSD from his time in the Marines, but what was written of it was still good.
July 31, 2012
3.5 stars Couldn't give it 4 cuz the ending was a little too abrupt for me.
May 1, 2020
Only complaint is that I wish there was more!
August 23, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. Kage and Zach are an interesting couple. I would like to see how the future played out for them. I felt like it left me hanging, but I'd read this book again.
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