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War almost destroyed them, but they survived thanks to their brother in arms Declan.

Coming home wasn't as sweet as they'd hoped, lives had moved on without them. For one it was all too much.

United by grief and angered by injustice the Wounded Heroes vow to always be there for each other.

Little do they know that's going to come sooner rather than later.

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First published March 26, 2015

48 people are currently reading
419 people want to read

About the author

Ava Manello

27 books287 followers
Ava is a passionate reader, blogger, publisher, and author who loves nothing more than helping other Indie authors publish their books be that reviewing, beta reading, formatting or proofreading. She will always be a reader first and foremost.

She loves erotic suspense that's well written and engages the reader, and loves promoting the heck out of it for her favourite authors.

As Ava says: “I took a chance and followed a dream when I wrote my first book. It was scary, challenging and hard work, but above all it was worth it.”

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5 stars
69 (39%)
4 stars
57 (32%)
3 stars
29 (16%)
2 stars
12 (6%)
1 star
9 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,104 reviews54 followers
March 28, 2015
*ARC received in exchange for honest review *

After being in the army for so long, Declan finally returns to civilian life, though adjusting is difficult and army life is hard to forget, will he find a way to help with his nightmares?

And Ava has done it again. another fantastic book! though this book is the star of a new series, it does include the characters from the Severed MC series. Declan's story will break your heart, but feel you will hope.

Can't wait for more from Ava Manello.

This book is aimed at audiences of 18+ with sex and violence some people may find offensive
Profile Image for Emma.
296 reviews21 followers
March 27, 2015
Declan, book 1 in the Wounded Heroes series by Ava Manello, follows ex Australian Special Air Regiment Corporal Declan Delaney. You may recall this character from Carnal Persuasion the 4th book by Ava and K T Fisher and I for one was ecstatic to get this book about this illusive, mysterious character. He is a damaged man, his time served for his country may have ended but his mind is still battling the demons left within as he struggles with life out of the service along with his fellow comrades.

He and his men faced horrendous ordeals whilst in service and each find their own way of coping. But, when events unfold beyond his control, as their Corporal he takes it as a failing and Declan realises he needs to take a road trip to decide what to do next with his life. He ends up in Severed and this is where the time frames overlap with Carnal Persuasion but are told from Declan's pov where he is trying to get a fresh start by running his own bar and renovating it. In Declan's life though danger and chaos follow him at every turn. When Severed MC problems land at his door he decides to help, his need to protect is inbuilt and engrained, so with his 'contacts' and background knowledge from the military he's the perfect man to help. The question is will it cost him more than he thought as he has the beginnings of something forming with Holly; The Prez's niece from Severed MC who knows full well about loss and the dangers of getting embroiled in MC issues.

Can Declan get the fresh start he needs to bring him back to himself after months of fighting his inner torment or will helping the Severed and Carnal MC with his brothers in arms be a step too close into familiar territory and cost them all dearly again??

This book handles the topic of PTSD brilliantly, it was clearly researched and illustrates how it's not just the servicemen who are effected but their family's too. I always enjoy reading the Severed series with hot bikers and their exploits in Australia and now Ava has brought in Army men to add to the mix via Declan and his backstory which had me hooked from the truly gripping first page and I hope we get plenty more from Declan and his Wounded Heroes.

*** I was lucky enough to beta read this book for Ava Manello ***
Profile Image for Rebecca Bilcliff.
45 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2015
ARC received in exchange for honest review. Total book addicts

I read and loved the severed series that Ava cowrote with K.T Fisher. Getting a glimpse of Declan in their fourth book, made me want more of that mysterious man. And damn Ava didn't disappoint! I was drawn in from the beginning, in fact from the dedication, think it's the best I've ever read and great starting point for an amazing story. Declan and Holly are meant to be, they save each other. Only trouble now is....... I desperately want Cam. Congrats on another amazing book x
Profile Image for suzy.
834 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2020
Started this book thinking it’s military then a little way through it changes to MC ?? didn’t work for me, and romance between Holly and Declan wash to rushed.
Profile Image for Klaire.
472 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2015
*Gifted for an honest review* 4 Stars

I’m ashamed to admit that this is my first read of Ava’s….and honestly I really am kicking myself because what I read just told me what I’d been missing. I understand Declan is a story that comes before the Severed MC books although it was written after. I’m probably at a disadvantage as I haven’t yet read them but it didn’t really spoil my enjoyment, and I didn’t really feel I missed any of the story. There were definitely references but they made sense for me.
For me this felt like a book of two halves and I think there was a potential to go a lot deeper into Declan’s story in the first but I’m so glad Ava didn’t as it was heavy enough for my liking. I try to stay away from these kinds of stories that involve PTSD as I am a family member affected by them but I have to say the few books I have read have been very compassionately written, and this is no exception. Oh yes, there are hard truths in here and some difficult reading but it was very readable.
So as I said the book feels like two halves and as Declan reaches Severed this is where it takes a shift. It seems a definite before and after as Declan decides that this is where he feels peaceful. I’m not re-hashing but he finds purpose, has his eye on a girl and then quite literally the s**t hits the fan. I didn’t really see why it was his business and how he got so heavily involved in the beginning but I think a mixture of things ended up giving Declan that need to be a part of what was going on. The only other thing I had complaint about was the swiftness of his relationship with Holly. There didn’t feel like there was too much interaction between the two, but in saying that the key points of their relationship were clear.
I enjoyed Ava’s writing style, it was neither too complex nor too simple and I think it suited this story. It’s partly dual POV which I always like as I hate second guessing things. For me personally I would have liked the story to have been longer, although it didn’t feel rushed I did feel that there could have been more. Or maybe I just wanted it to be longer so I could keep reading? Yes, I’d recommend without hesitation and thank you Ava for the opportunity to read this….now onto the MC series!
Profile Image for Anny hernandez.
1,181 reviews13 followers
March 31, 2015
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.

WOW cant I just say that I love the way how Ava writes her story, I have read all the Severed MC books and the Strip teaser and strip back and I love them. But this book I love it even more, I am so glad that this is Declan and Holly story, this book made me cried in some part, and made me go AWW in other parts, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.

If you had read the Severed series than you already met Holly, she is the Pres nice also Justice sister, also if you read Cowboy and Lucy story than you met Declan who is Lucy boss and the owner of the bar. I love it cause when I read of him in the Severed books I wanted to know what his story is, and let me tell you I am so happy that we get to get in his head and know whats going on.

The story begging with Declan when his having one of his nightmares, and now his back home but he is feeling lost, and don't know what to do or how to feel, he think that he has fail his team and the guilt for don't let him move on, after one of his friend die, his best friend Cam find him and tell him to go on a trip with him to Severed to see an old friend of his, Declan agree to with him, but what he was not expecting was for him to feel right at home, and decide to buy the bar, that's when he get to see how things are, and that's when he get to meet Holly and have feeling for her, that's when he decide to give it a chance.

I love the way Declan is Love it how he is always their for his friends, and love how hi is with Holly, I really love and enjoy reading this book, Author Ava Manello THANK YOU for introducing me again to some awesome characters and this wonderful book love it and cant wait to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Fiona Wilson.
Author 2 books57 followers
December 31, 2015
This is the first book by the author I have read. Although it features characters previously written about in the Severed MC series I honestly didn't feel I was missing anything having not read that series. The author adds in enough back story that I could follow it quite easily.

Declan is a very proud serviceman. He has helped protect his country to the best of his abilities, leading his men into dangerous situations. Unfortunately one particular incident leaves one of his best friends injured, and Declan suffering nightmares.

Following another tragedy Declan decides he needs a break. Another friend suggests a road trip to Severed. They head off, unaware of what lies ahead. What Declan finds in this small town will change his life more than he first realises, in more ways than one.

Is Severed the place for Declan to settle down, or could the underlying troubles be the end of him, and his friends?

One of the overwhelming themes in this story is friendship. Declan has friends he can count on to help him as soon as he asks, and I would hope everyone experiences that kind of friendship at least once in their lives.

Declan comes over as a very loyal person, but someone who has problems which need solving before he can move on. Will he find that, or are his problems too deep rooted?

As soon as I finished this story I bought the Severed MC series. I look forward to reading them, and can't wait for the next book in this new series.
Profile Image for Purpinkrose.
297 reviews19 followers
March 29, 2015
I hadn't read the blurb to this before i started reading so i was reading blind, but from the first chapter I was hooked. And it had a few nice surprises in it with the appearance of a few familiar characters. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.

So you know I don't do spoilers and this is no different, but I will give you a little background information. If you didn't already know Ava co-wrote a series with KT Fisher - The Servered Series. If you have read this you no how absolutely fantastic this series is, this is a series you will want to download all the books at once and read them cover to cover. So, Declan is first seen in the Servered Series, he literary turns up from no where.

This is Declans books, The first one in the Wounded Series. And what a book to start the series with. While this is a completely new series and the first book in the series, you can read without reading the Servered Series, but if your a geek like me and need to know whose who, then download the Servered series first, as there is a crossover in this book.

I loved this book, Hot, Sexy men, action and plenty more. This book is everything you can expect from a Ava Manello book. It is stunning and flawless, extremely well written. I can't wait for the next book.

Add this one to your "TBR" list.

I give this 5/5 stars and 3/5 for movie moments.
Profile Image for JG.
1,075 reviews68 followers
October 30, 2020
3 stars

Well, after my review of “Carnal Persuasion” when I asked “who the hell is Declan?”, I now have some, if not all, of the answers!

We pick up Declan’s story by finding out about his military background and what his life was like before he stepped down from active service. Now wondering what to do next with his life, and after facing his own demons, he tries to find happiness and in doing so ends up in Severed.

We already know some of the details of what happened after his arrival in Severed from Carnal Persuasion and that’s where the story dropped off for me. It simply felt like a recap of events from Carnal Persuasion from Declan’s POV. His dialogue was stilted and came across as an account of the facts rather than an in depth analysis of the story from his perspective. The book sadly lacked a fluidity and wasn't anywhere near as absorbing as the Severed MC book series, sadly. Both Holly and Declan lacked emotion and I didn’t connect with their characters at all.

So, returning to my first statement, we are in some ways still no clearer as to who Declan really is but at least we know where he came from.

Amazon Purchase, not an ARC

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Profile Image for Lisa.
2,353 reviews13 followers
March 28, 2015
Declan's story is one most of us can't even begin to comprehend. Coming home from a war with deep psychological scars and not knowing how to deal with life in the real world would have a profound effect anyone. It is a story of recovery and the path to healing. There is no quick fix but it takes the events of this story to put him on the right path. It is difficult to know what Declan is thinking or feeling most of the time because he plays his cards very closely to his chest.

With Declan ending up in Severed, we get to see some old favourites and how, despite all it's problems, Severed is a great place with a closeness and a healing nature about it.

The guys have escaped the horrors of battle but not unscathed. Ava Manello has given us a whole new set of heroes to get to know, to understand and to fall in love with. I salute Ava Manello for bringing us these wounded heroes with their unique complexities.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,288 reviews73 followers
April 7, 2015
Declan by Ava Manello is the first book in her Wounded heroes series. It is a series that ties in with the Severed MC series.

A dramatic and deep story about Declan and his experiences in Afghanistan and how they affect him once back in Perth, Australia. Well-written and well-paced, Declan's story ties into the Severed MC series seamlessly and looks to be just as amazing (and almost as dark and twisty). Packed with angst, some romantic and steamy interludes with a certain niece of the Severed MC President, this book ties up Declan's story but leaves a gaping hole ready for Cam's which I hope is next.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,079 reviews57 followers
March 29, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.

As I had already read the Severed MC Series that Ava had written with fellow author KT Fisher I had a bit of insight into Declan before I started reading but it was fab been able to see what had brought Declan to Severed in the first place and the things he had gone through in his past some of which were still haunting him now. Holly had her own problems to deal with but had a connection to Declan from the beginning maybe they were always supposed to meet to pull each other out of the darkness. As always another fab read from Ava Manello and can't wait to see what she gives us next.
Profile Image for P. Marie.
Author 4 books186 followers
March 29, 2015
This book hit home with me because I have seen the loss of a hero and how his friends suffered with PTSD who also turned to drugs when they buried their friend. Declan caught my heart in Severed MC series and I am happy to say Ava did him justice in this book. Holly suffered a devastating loss (from the SEVERED MC SERIES) and found Declan who was broken, but the light of life was still in His eyes and Holly would do anything to keep that light shinning. Can't wait for Cam's story and more of Declan and Holly...and of course the Severed MC Crew...
Thank you Ava!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Samantha.
Author 11 books123 followers
April 4, 2015
We first meet Declan in book 4 of the Severed MC series we could sense the there was more than meets the eye with him

This book is the insight we needed into Declan his story is a emotional one. His team of guys are well let's just say I hope they all get there books

Ava did a beautiful job of writing about war and PTSD it's not an easy thing to write about but with every page you can see the time effort research and love flow though the pages

A must read bring on Cam
Profile Image for Lisa Callen.
101 reviews
March 29, 2015
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

I loved this book. It fills in the gaps from the last severed book (giving no spoiler).

The book shows how strong friendships are especially during times of struggle and the importance of family and that family can not only blood.

This is a must read.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,904 reviews42 followers
August 17, 2018
This is an amazing read and is a mix of military, ex military and a bit of mc thrown in for some extra excitement. Well written with a great flow throughout, it has some suspense and deals with a few other issues as well. It is a story with parts that are quite easy to believe could be real issues for those coming home and having to adjust to a normal life or even finding what it is they want to do with the rest of their lives. I love books like this, I can lose myself in my reading but at the same time if life interrupts you can put it down and then pick it up and get lost all over again. Easy reading and but with complex issues and a few twists to stop it getting to comfortable. Thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to the release of the second book soon.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,851 reviews20 followers
May 9, 2019
This was my first read by Ava Manello and I can say I was hooked instantly wanting more!
So I believe I may I have read them out of order but I started with Declan as I liked the sound of it... this book has a huge mix between Military/MC which is right up my street.
So we start of with Declan and his time in teb military which you can imagine isn't plain sailing and full of fun.. he comes home hounded by his demons and struggles to get over them.. hoping with his teams help he will overcome these terrors.
Then along comes Holly who kind of crashes into his life refusing to leave and not let go.
This book leaves us desperately wanting more so I'm ready to jump into book 2 which is Cameron's book right now!
Profile Image for Shelly Celli.
2,248 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2016
Wow

Great read! Adventurous, sexy and heart breaking all in one. Declan needs help to get over what happened in Afghanistan, especially after Max's death. Finding a new location and something to keep him busy and happy is a start, but Holly makes it better. His nightmares have eased up and he's smiling again. Only problem is the drug ring that's moved to his town. With the help of his crew, he helps the local MC take care of things. Now to get the help he needs to feel better about keeping Holly. I cannot wait for the next one to see what's going on with Cam. Thank you for a great read.
81 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2024
This is the first novel I have read by Ava Manello and I could not put this book down until the last page. I was so vested in all the characters and the special group of guys that Declan had the privilege of managing as commanding officer. The union formed with this group of guys was added an incredible layer to the story. Declan sure had his work cut out for him upon his arrival in Severed, yet he was the perfect person to have resolved the upheaval that occurred in this town. Declan and Cam's friendship did not go unnoticed and Holly entering his life was just what the doctor ordered for both of them to lean on each other and heal together. A beautiful story!
Profile Image for Laid-Back Book Bitches.
360 reviews99 followers
August 17, 2018
I am sad to say this is my first book by Ava, but I intend to go back and read more. This is a amazing story! I loved this book so dang much. The PTSD aspect of this book hits home for me, my father in law struggles with is every day. I can't imagine PTSD is easy to write about cause it was so hard to read about. This book drew me in and would not let me go. I was drawn to Declan right away. There was times I just wanted to cuddle him and never let him go. I had this book read in sitting! This is a must read. I recommend to anyone and everyone.
437 reviews6 followers
September 8, 2018
Is it wrong that I love a broken man. A man who is broody and shut off. I find them so panty melting and it always makes me want to read more.

I have read a few books by Ava Manello and this has to be the best series yet.

After a road side bomb goes off and changes the life of Declan and all those around him, Declan decides to start his life again. Settling in a small town it doesn't take long until Declan needs his team mates again.

Along the way Declan falls for a local girl but she has wounds of her own.

I need more from the guys in this series.
Profile Image for Frances O'Sullivan.
402 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
This is only 200 pages and had waaaaay too much going on.

It’s seems to be centralised around a town, but the MMC doesn’t even get to that down until about 80 pages in. From there he;

-buys and renovates a bar (keep in mind, he had never even heard of this place before)
-gets involved with the local MC
-meets and falls for a girl
-deals with PTSD
-investigates a drug ring in the town
- takes down a drug cartel (pretty easily) with the help of his military friends

It’s too much to allow any type of connection to the story.
Profile Image for Debra Lamey.
419 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2016
Amazing tale of veteran survival after coming home.

This story was an amazing tale. The reactions of these men as they tried to return to society was very intriguing. It made me really think about the troubles these men face. The way Ms. Manello wove this story was fantastic. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Profile Image for Suzie.
564 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2017
5 stars

What a great book!! I loved Declan right from the start and enjoyed the relationship between all the guys, they were more than friends - they were family. Declan struggles in the beginning but soon finds peace in a town called Severed. Only one complaint...how could you leave it like that?? I need more x
Profile Image for Lisa J Anderson.
115 reviews15 followers
September 5, 2018
I really liked the story in this book and I loved Declan but I felt like everything rushed through. From when Declan moved to Severed to meeting his woman etc. The story was good and I can't wait to read the next book in the series but I did just want a bit more. I hope that makes sense. I will definately try other books from this author.
Profile Image for Heather Woodman.
38 reviews
Read
December 7, 2019
I love everything about this book. The love, lust and of course the danger make it the perfect recipe for an addictive read. I love how Ava doesn't shy away from real issues and the impact things like military action can have on normal people. Completely in awe of how she handles the difficulties of these lads and yet also paints the dedication they have to one another. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Helen Simpson.
1,222 reviews41 followers
October 29, 2018
HAUNTED MEMORIES, CAUSING NIGHTMARES BOTH HOLLY AND DECLAN HAVE A PAST THEY WOULD RATHER FORGET. BOTH HAVE BEEN THROUGH SOME HORRIFIC TRAGEDIES IN THEIR LIFE THAT THEY BLAME THEMSELVES FOR. A BRILLIANT START WHAT I BELIEVE WILL BE A GREAT SERIES.
Profile Image for Andrea Gillan.
2,852 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2019
Good reading

We met Declan previously in another series. He didn't talk about his past but we knew he had some form of training. This is Declan's story and in is some book. It is the beginning of another great series.
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