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Striking Back #1
Everly
The first time I met Mason Reed, we were standing naked in a bank, surrounded by guns.
That should have been a warning.
An MMA champion, trainer, and philanthropist, but not a man who gives up easily, Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle.
Growing up in foster care, I'm well aware that relationships are temporary, and I do my best to avoid them. After a sheet clenching one night stand, I'm happy to move on, but Mason pursues me relentlessly. Sweet, caring, protective, and at times, a bossy control freak, this persistent man has climbed inside my heart, and I can’t seem to shake him.
After saving me from a life threatening situation, he’s also won something much harder to obtain. My trust. But does he deserve it? Is his true face the one he shows the world? Or is his charitable, loving manner only a thin veneer?
This book contains sexual situations and is intended for ages 18 and older.
That should have been a warning.
An MMA champion, trainer, and philanthropist, but not a man who gives up easily, Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle.
Growing up in foster care, I'm well aware that relationships are temporary, and I do my best to avoid them. After a sheet clenching one night stand, I'm happy to move on, but Mason pursues me relentlessly. Sweet, caring, protective, and at times, a bossy control freak, this persistent man has climbed inside my heart, and I can’t seem to shake him.
After saving me from a life threatening situation, he’s also won something much harder to obtain. My trust. But does he deserve it? Is his true face the one he shows the world? Or is his charitable, loving manner only a thin veneer?
This book contains sexual situations and is intended for ages 18 and older.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2015
535 people are currently reading
1822 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Shade
42 books1,666 followersS.M. Shade writes spicy romantic comedies and steamy contemporary romances with relatable characters. Whether it's a good laugh or a good cry, she likes to grab you by your emotions and make you feel.
An unashamed Croc enthusiast and poetry nerd, she can usually be found listening to Indie Rock on repeat and watching birds.
An unashamed Croc enthusiast and poetry nerd, she can usually be found listening to Indie Rock on repeat and watching birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
Want to read
December 8, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (12/7/2016)
Book 1 of 2. Duet within series.
BLURB:
The first time I met Mason Reed, we were standing naked in a bank, surrounded by guns.
That should have been a warning.
An MMA champion, trainer, and philanthropist, but not a man who gives up easily, Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle.
Growing up in foster care, I'm well aware that relationships are temporary, and I do my best to avoid them. After a sheet clenching one night stand, I'm happy to move on, but Mason pursues me relentlessly. Sweet, caring, protective, and at times, a bossy control freak, this persistent man has climbed inside my heart, and I can’t seem to shake him.
After saving me from a life threatening situation, he’s also won something much harder to obtain. My trust. But does he deserve it? Is his true face the one he shows the world? Or is his charitable, loving manner only a thin veneer?
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Everly-Strikin...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
dnf
July 20, 2015DNF @ 83%
This is a rare occurrence for me to put on my DNF shelf so late in the book, but I just wasn't feeling it. I felt no connection to the main characters and I felt like their relationship was kinda cheesy and predictable. I found myself skimming and then gave up. I didn't find either of them really all that interesting and I knew how the book was going to end about halfway through (I confirmed by going to the end and reading the last few paragraphs). It's an easy and sometimes steamy read, but otherwise there's not much to it. Sorry Ms. Shade.
This is a rare occurrence for me to put on my DNF shelf so late in the book, but I just wasn't feeling it. I felt no connection to the main characters and I felt like their relationship was kinda cheesy and predictable. I found myself skimming and then gave up. I didn't find either of them really all that interesting and I knew how the book was going to end about halfway through (I confirmed by going to the end and reading the last few paragraphs). It's an easy and sometimes steamy read, but otherwise there's not much to it. Sorry Ms. Shade.
May 26, 2015
Had potential
The story started out good but there seemed to be too many misunderstanding between the main characters. The heroine was so weak, that instead of letting the hero explain, she would run and ignore his calls. At times, I wondered what the hero even saw in the heroine. Towards the end the story got better but even so, I am not sure if I will be reading the second book.
The story started out good but there seemed to be too many misunderstanding between the main characters. The heroine was so weak, that instead of letting the hero explain, she would run and ignore his calls. At times, I wondered what the hero even saw in the heroine. Towards the end the story got better but even so, I am not sure if I will be reading the second book.
December 19, 2019
I love this author!
I need to reread this. I felt that it was slow-paced but I've been going through a book slump! And if you've ever had one of those they suck🤪
It's hard trying to get interested in a book!
I need to reread this. I felt that it was slow-paced but I've been going through a book slump! And if you've ever had one of those they suck🤪
It's hard trying to get interested in a book!
April 7, 2015
4.50 stars
This book tells the story of Everly, a former foster child, who is reluctant to form any romantic relationships....and Mason, a former MMA champ, philanthropist who desperately wants to form a relationship with her. Mason's pursuit of Everly was stalkerish, but sweet. He wasn't overly aggressive, or creepy.
This was a relatively quick, but highly entertaining read. The story flowed pretty smoothly and I was able to get through it in one sitting.
What I liked:
-I laughed out loud several times.
- though it was a bit of "insta-love", the Everly and Mason weren't overly annoying about it
- there was a quite a bit of angst/drama which made the story interesting
-the secondary characters added a lot of dimension to the story. They weren't flat or boring, but they also did not take over the story.
-
What I didn't like
-
Questions I would like to be answered in the next book
-
Favorite lines:
- "Sorry, I was....daydreaming." "You mean dayfucking."
- "Men are dicks. Maybe I should just be a lesbian." "Bitches are crazy too," I point out.
- "And Marie's not wrong," I add. "A little change of dick never hurt anybody."
- Amy calling him Jason to piss him off.
Here we go:
- Story/plot: 4.5
- Steam: 4
- Characters: 5
- Favorite secondary character: I can't pick just one. Either of his brothers, Ian, Amy, James gets an honorable mention. lol.
Least favorite character:
HEA:
Recommended for: Fans of romance
Bottom line: This is a great start to a promising series. I look forward to reading the next one. I definitely think you should read it.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
This book tells the story of Everly, a former foster child, who is reluctant to form any romantic relationships....and Mason, a former MMA champ, philanthropist who desperately wants to form a relationship with her. Mason's pursuit of Everly was stalkerish, but sweet. He wasn't overly aggressive, or creepy.
This was a relatively quick, but highly entertaining read. The story flowed pretty smoothly and I was able to get through it in one sitting.
What I liked:
-I laughed out loud several times.
- though it was a bit of "insta-love", the Everly and Mason weren't overly annoying about it
- there was a quite a bit of angst/drama which made the story interesting
-the secondary characters added a lot of dimension to the story. They weren't flat or boring, but they also did not take over the story.
-
What I didn't like
-
Questions I would like to be answered in the next book
-
Favorite lines:
- "Sorry, I was....daydreaming." "You mean dayfucking."
- "Men are dicks. Maybe I should just be a lesbian." "Bitches are crazy too," I point out.
- "And Marie's not wrong," I add. "A little change of dick never hurt anybody."
- Amy calling him Jason to piss him off.
Here we go:
- Story/plot: 4.5
- Steam: 4
- Characters: 5
- Favorite secondary character: I can't pick just one. Either of his brothers, Ian, Amy, James gets an honorable mention. lol.
Least favorite character:
HEA:
Recommended for: Fans of romance
Bottom line: This is a great start to a promising series. I look forward to reading the next one. I definitely think you should read it.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
Want to read
June 19, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (6/19/2018)!💝
Blurb:
The first time I met Mason Reed, we were standing naked in a bank, surrounded by guns.
That should have been a warning.
An MMA champion, trainer, and philanthropist, but not a man who gives up easily, Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle.
Growing up in foster care, I'm well aware that relationships are temporary, and I do my best to avoid them. After a sheet clenching one night stand, I'm happy to move on, but Mason pursues me relentlessly. Sweet, caring, protective, and at times, a bossy control freak, this persistent man has climbed inside my heart, and I can’t seem to shake him.
After saving me from a life threatening situation, he’s also won something much harder to obtain. My trust. But does he deserve it? Is his true face the one he shows the world? Or is his charitable, loving manner only a thin veneer?
Blurb:
The first time I met Mason Reed, we were standing naked in a bank, surrounded by guns.
That should have been a warning.
An MMA champion, trainer, and philanthropist, but not a man who gives up easily, Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle.
Growing up in foster care, I'm well aware that relationships are temporary, and I do my best to avoid them. After a sheet clenching one night stand, I'm happy to move on, but Mason pursues me relentlessly. Sweet, caring, protective, and at times, a bossy control freak, this persistent man has climbed inside my heart, and I can’t seem to shake him.
After saving me from a life threatening situation, he’s also won something much harder to obtain. My trust. But does he deserve it? Is his true face the one he shows the world? Or is his charitable, loving manner only a thin veneer?
August 9, 2015
4.5 stars...
At the beginning and through the middle I honestly thought this would end up on my 'favorites' bookshelf, but I have to admit that the ending left me unsatisfied. Obviously I still enjoyed it, but the ending seemed a little too repetitive of the mix up in the middle of the story. I would bet anything that the ending ends up being a misunderstanding and yet Everly did the same thing she did all the other times she found Mason in a compromising position. She ran. And while I understand her initial knee-jerk reaction...I don't know I just didn't love it. I enjoyed the pace (which was pretty quick) when it was a bunch of fun adventures filled with great sex and awesome humor, such as...
My vibrator is going to think its name is Mason
...yeah I was laughing quite a bit in this book. Once we got to the end it all happened too quickly for me. Anything "serious" was glossed over and I didn't love that as much. As far as characters go, I like Everly and Mason A LOT and I can't wait to read more!
At the beginning and through the middle I honestly thought this would end up on my 'favorites' bookshelf, but I have to admit that the ending left me unsatisfied. Obviously I still enjoyed it, but the ending seemed a little too repetitive of the mix up in the middle of the story. I would bet anything that the ending ends up being a misunderstanding and yet Everly did the same thing she did all the other times she found Mason in a compromising position. She ran. And while I understand her initial knee-jerk reaction...I don't know I just didn't love it. I enjoyed the pace (which was pretty quick) when it was a bunch of fun adventures filled with great sex and awesome humor, such as...
My vibrator is going to think its name is Mason
...yeah I was laughing quite a bit in this book. Once we got to the end it all happened too quickly for me. Anything "serious" was glossed over and I didn't love that as much. As far as characters go, I like Everly and Mason A LOT and I can't wait to read more!
March 8, 2016
Everly sort of felt like several stories all smushed awkwardly in to one. The ass-sucking thing is, it was almost a good book. The banter between characters was damn witty. I laughed, I snorted, I even creepy smiled, but somehow I was always left slightly annoyed. There is so much that happens during this book. I started yelling bullshit every few minutes less than half way through. I mean... it starts with both Everly and Mason removing their clothes during a bank heist, then (or at some point) Mason is a world champion MMA fighter, then Everly is stalked, then Everly's dad turns out to be a mob boss, also Mason is Everly's boss, it is undetermined whether or not Mason is a human trafficker, and I'm not even sure what else. It really needed to be slowed down. I wish that the book had started out a little less uncomfortably, ended with a lot less "the fuck??!", and maybe involved Everly having real, live girl thoughts. After reading this book I tossed my kindle away in disgust (then grudgingly crawled back over to it and cooed my apologies). The more I think about this book, the more bitchy I become, so I am stopping with that now and just warning... If you read this, God forbid, cliffhangers are apparently bitchier than me today...
December 4, 2016
I wanted to like this book, I really, really did. But alas, no.
It had shades of greatness, but they were highly tempered by way too many OW/misinterpretations, it was too short, too cliff-hanger-y. When I read the end, I was like, What?!
Funny story, I was trying to type "shades of greatness", because who wouldn't, right?
Autocorrect brilliantly supplied "shades apocalypse".
Perhaps that would have been a better review...
It had shades of greatness, but they were highly tempered by way too many OW/misinterpretations, it was too short, too cliff-hanger-y. When I read the end, I was like, What?!
Funny story, I was trying to type "shades of greatness", because who wouldn't, right?
Autocorrect brilliantly supplied "shades apocalypse".
Perhaps that would have been a better review...
July 19, 2016
You know, I was really liking this book two chapters in. It was sort of quirky and funny, a good mix of action and light romance. I was really excited. Then it turned into a insta-love romance. We never get an explanation of why Mason chases Everly so much and why he's so into her. There isn't enough plot or character development for me to care.
May 18, 2018
Nothing at all that catch my interest ... maybe the last chapter leaves you with some questions and curiosity , but the sequel is not available in Italy store than these questions will remain unanswered
August 7, 2015
I'm so confused!!! For the majority of this story I felt it through and through, but the last page has me totally bumfuddled. No.. I don't know if that is an actual word, but I bet most of you totally understand what it means. Everly and Mason are an explosive couple, and their sorted past makes them great companions due to their abilities to genuinely understand one another. Everly is quick to accuse which is a very girly tendency, and for a very non girly reader proved to be a bit frustrating. Mason on that other hand is not helpful in his secretive personality. I felt myself predicting where this story will flow, but at this point they can only be considered assumptions. As I said above I am now confused, because the last page has me question everything I was building in my mind. Unfortunately, this story is written in a manner that I don't know if this was the intention, or a failure to develop the situation in the story. Everly in general is a shorter story that will carry you through rather quickly. It has definitely left me curious, and a bit anxious to see what will follow.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
November 13, 2017
Romance, mystery, stalkers, good characters. This book is a romantic mystery and mystery is the key word here, it is not one. I knew who the stalker was immediately.
What also was a mystery is all the confusion with these characters. Is Mason a good guy or bad, is he a cheater and a liar? We go back and fourth throughout this book on him. Can Evie trust him or not but she keeps sleeping with him anyway. These characters made my head hurt!! They just felt one dimensional and shallow.
Huge cliffhanger and its good enough to pull you into reading the next book. I hope the character building is better in the second book.
What also was a mystery is all the confusion with these characters. Is Mason a good guy or bad, is he a cheater and a liar? We go back and fourth throughout this book on him. Can Evie trust him or not but she keeps sleeping with him anyway. These characters made my head hurt!! They just felt one dimensional and shallow.
Huge cliffhanger and its good enough to pull you into reading the next book. I hope the character building is better in the second book.
December 21, 2016
Mason, Mason, Mason... you sweet, romantic, slightly creepy, persistent, kinda sketchy guy. Not sure if I love him or not, but I could be friends.
Everly is good for him, but again, the jury is out on how I feel about her.
I'm just glad I could read the next in the series right away because if I had to end on that cliffy, I'd have been so mad.
Everly is good for him, but again, the jury is out on how I feel about her.
I'm just glad I could read the next in the series right away because if I had to end on that cliffy, I'd have been so mad.
September 8, 2022
A great read!
Arrgh!
So conflicted right now! This is an emotional and engaging story.
With Everly's background, it is tough for her to make good connections. She is easily distracted from her blooming feelings for him by an outside, sinister threat. That was frustrating. The chemistry and steamy scenes between these two characters is definitely fun to read.
Mason seems to be a genuinely good guy, but things keep happening that shouldn't, so you never know!
When Mason breaks down her walls, I was hoping for their HEA. But ... nooooo! Denied! 😪
Not sure I love the direction this is going, but I absolutely need to find out!!
This author has definitely written a compelling, roller coaster of a read that has been quite a page turner. This is why I enjoy reading her works. They are consistently well crafted and entertaining! On to the next one in this series!
Arrgh!
So conflicted right now! This is an emotional and engaging story.
With Everly's background, it is tough for her to make good connections. She is easily distracted from her blooming feelings for him by an outside, sinister threat. That was frustrating. The chemistry and steamy scenes between these two characters is definitely fun to read.
Mason seems to be a genuinely good guy, but things keep happening that shouldn't, so you never know!
When Mason breaks down her walls, I was hoping for their HEA. But ... nooooo! Denied! 😪
Not sure I love the direction this is going, but I absolutely need to find out!!
This author has definitely written a compelling, roller coaster of a read that has been quite a page turner. This is why I enjoy reading her works. They are consistently well crafted and entertaining! On to the next one in this series!
September 10, 2019
Slow Plot, Sweet Romance
I give this 2.5 stars at most. This book really disappointed me. I suppose it is because I got it knowing it started off with a bank robbery on the first page, and I expected to get more plot along those alongs instead of it being 95% a perfect romance story with no drama between characters. There is a little conflict, a couple unexpecteds, but expect to be 60% into the book before they even come up then only have them take 5% of the last part of the book to be revealed. I skimmed a great amount of this book because it was just cookie cutter love scenes without depth to the characters or plot. It is in no way a bad book if you are looking for a very easy read, but do not expect the kind of action you see in the first chapter to continue in the plot development.
I give this 2.5 stars at most. This book really disappointed me. I suppose it is because I got it knowing it started off with a bank robbery on the first page, and I expected to get more plot along those alongs instead of it being 95% a perfect romance story with no drama between characters. There is a little conflict, a couple unexpecteds, but expect to be 60% into the book before they even come up then only have them take 5% of the last part of the book to be revealed. I skimmed a great amount of this book because it was just cookie cutter love scenes without depth to the characters or plot. It is in no way a bad book if you are looking for a very easy read, but do not expect the kind of action you see in the first chapter to continue in the plot development.
December 25, 2019
Intense
I like Mason he is very sexy character. Everly is a very complicated character and I can’t believe they make a great couple.
I like Mason he is very sexy character. Everly is a very complicated character and I can’t believe they make a great couple.
June 5, 2015
You had me at
"Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle."
And then...
"That's good."
"It is?"
"Yes, that attitude will keep the other men away while I wear you down."
I love finding new authors and loving their books! So this is about Mason Reed and Everly Hall. First of all, the day they meet is a pretty strange one and is the start to their hectic journey. Both characters are a little broken, not in an obvious way at all but we learn more about them as the story goes on, even if they're only snippets that we get, we still learn a little more about them.
Everly is such a cool chick, I really liked her. I'm the furthest from the outdoorsy type but I loved living it through her. She is really enthusiastic about life in general and this shines through her and it's an even more lovable characteristic in her when we learn more about her past. We learn a lot about her through her interactions with her friends. Her character is really likable, she has been handed a rough hand in life, that doesn't change her, even how she volunteers and gives her heart to these causes.
"There are times when I get frustrated seeing how little the average person seems to care about the plight of their fellow humans. It's all about getting the next new phone or the latest tablet. Then I run into someone like the donut guy and I'm reminded the world is full of people who still care, who do what they can to help."
Oh. Mason Reed. He has his own troubles from his past that we get the tiniest of glimpses at. He is everything! He is does and says the sweetest things that will have you melting to a puddle of goo! He killed me. That first time, and every other time he said 'Love'. I was a goner! Every. Single. Time. He has an alpha and it builds up to it which I really liked and hope we get more in the next book! He is the founder of one of the organizations that Everly volunteers at, he is also a retired MMA champion. Could he be more perfect? A lot is unclear about Mason Reed. One thing that is certain is he wants Everly. He doesn't give up easily. Actually he doesn't give up at all. ever.
"I don't give up, love. In fact, I'll bet you I can get at least a lunch date with you by Friday."
This story really, easily flows together and you get sucked in almost immediately. The only thing I had a problem with was the bank scene, I cringed just a little but their banter was funny! We don't get Mason's POV - Not even a snippet which now I'm sure was deliberate and just hope we get his POV in the conclusion to this story. There's a lot questioning and misunderstandings that keep you on the edge, keep you enthralled. Having the varied interactions with Mason's brothers and Everly's friends was great in this story and added so many personalities and flavor to the story! While reading this you get so sucked into the story, eating up every word that it isn't until the end that you mull it over and start picking at the clues along the way and try put it together, try to figure it out yourself. There is just the perfect amount packed into this to satisfy you and leave you aching for more. I need the conclusion, right now!
~Jade x
"Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle."
And then...
"That's good."
"It is?"
"Yes, that attitude will keep the other men away while I wear you down."
I love finding new authors and loving their books! So this is about Mason Reed and Everly Hall. First of all, the day they meet is a pretty strange one and is the start to their hectic journey. Both characters are a little broken, not in an obvious way at all but we learn more about them as the story goes on, even if they're only snippets that we get, we still learn a little more about them.
Everly is such a cool chick, I really liked her. I'm the furthest from the outdoorsy type but I loved living it through her. She is really enthusiastic about life in general and this shines through her and it's an even more lovable characteristic in her when we learn more about her past. We learn a lot about her through her interactions with her friends. Her character is really likable, she has been handed a rough hand in life, that doesn't change her, even how she volunteers and gives her heart to these causes.
"There are times when I get frustrated seeing how little the average person seems to care about the plight of their fellow humans. It's all about getting the next new phone or the latest tablet. Then I run into someone like the donut guy and I'm reminded the world is full of people who still care, who do what they can to help."
Oh. Mason Reed. He has his own troubles from his past that we get the tiniest of glimpses at. He is everything! He is does and says the sweetest things that will have you melting to a puddle of goo! He killed me. That first time, and every other time he said 'Love'. I was a goner! Every. Single. Time. He has an alpha and it builds up to it which I really liked and hope we get more in the next book! He is the founder of one of the organizations that Everly volunteers at, he is also a retired MMA champion. Could he be more perfect? A lot is unclear about Mason Reed. One thing that is certain is he wants Everly. He doesn't give up easily. Actually he doesn't give up at all. ever.
"I don't give up, love. In fact, I'll bet you I can get at least a lunch date with you by Friday."
This story really, easily flows together and you get sucked in almost immediately. The only thing I had a problem with was the bank scene, I cringed just a little but their banter was funny! We don't get Mason's POV - Not even a snippet which now I'm sure was deliberate and just hope we get his POV in the conclusion to this story. There's a lot questioning and misunderstandings that keep you on the edge, keep you enthralled. Having the varied interactions with Mason's brothers and Everly's friends was great in this story and added so many personalities and flavor to the story! While reading this you get so sucked into the story, eating up every word that it isn't until the end that you mull it over and start picking at the clues along the way and try put it together, try to figure it out yourself. There is just the perfect amount packed into this to satisfy you and leave you aching for more. I need the conclusion, right now!
~Jade x
April 15, 2015
I received this from the author to read and review.
Things I liked/loved about this book:
- Typical sexy book, with some not so typical twists.
- Everly's story. I love her job, her thoughts, her background story, etc. Everything.
- The brothers, Alex and Parker.
- The way they met. I mean, naked in a bank while it's being held up. Can it get anymore crazy and unique than that?
- Panda's are adorable.
- Ian, the best friend.
- The cliffhanger. I'm pretty sure that's one of THE BEST cliffhangers I've read in a really long time. The book ended and I had to take about 10 minutes before I could function. A good 3-4 before I could say anything.
- The NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know what happens in the 2nd book. I mean, it's a need. A carnal need.
Things I did *NOT* like/love about this book:
- The length. I could've had more detail in some of the scenes OR something added to make it atleast 225 pages. I just want more Mason/Everly.
- The lack of details about the bank robbers. While I do appreciate that the author wrapped that up, quickly...I dunno...a good little sidestory about catching them would've been awesome.
- The "I love you" came WAY too dang fast for me. I usually like more of build up for that.
- This one is small - the lack of backstory on her dad situation. I'm really really really really hoping that more of that will come out. I don't really want her dad being alive to have anything to do with Mason though. :( It proably will. I'll deal. I just won't love it! haha
- The fact that this one hasn't even come out publicly yet and I'll be waiting 90 forevers for the 2nd book. I NEED to know. Have I said that already?
Things I liked/loved about this book:
- Typical sexy book, with some not so typical twists.
- Everly's story. I love her job, her thoughts, her background story, etc. Everything.
- The brothers, Alex and Parker.
- The way they met. I mean, naked in a bank while it's being held up. Can it get anymore crazy and unique than that?
- Panda's are adorable.
- Ian, the best friend.
- The cliffhanger. I'm pretty sure that's one of THE BEST cliffhangers I've read in a really long time. The book ended and I had to take about 10 minutes before I could function. A good 3-4 before I could say anything.
- The NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know what happens in the 2nd book. I mean, it's a need. A carnal need.
Things I did *NOT* like/love about this book:
- The length. I could've had more detail in some of the scenes OR something added to make it atleast 225 pages. I just want more Mason/Everly.
- The lack of details about the bank robbers. While I do appreciate that the author wrapped that up, quickly...I dunno...a good little sidestory about catching them would've been awesome.
- The "I love you" came WAY too dang fast for me. I usually like more of build up for that.
- This one is small - the lack of backstory on her dad situation. I'm really really really really hoping that more of that will come out. I don't really want her dad being alive to have anything to do with Mason though. :( It proably will. I'll deal. I just won't love it! haha
- The fact that this one hasn't even come out publicly yet and I'll be waiting 90 forevers for the 2nd book. I NEED to know. Have I said that already?
July 17, 2015
After her parents were killed in a car accident, Everly grew up in the foster care system, moving from home to home. Her one bright light: she found a best friend in the form of her foster brother, Ian. He becomes her person, the one permanent fixture in a life where anyone can be snatched away from you without warning.
Apart from Ian, relationships are a ‘no-go’ for Everly. She avoids them, seeing them as temporary.
Enter Mason. Everly and Mason meet under unusual circumstances… through a bank robbery. Held up by the infamous Naked Bandits, the captives are ordered to strip naked. This was such a different way for the two main leads to be introduced, I cringe-laughed and gave a double-thumbs up.
Although Mason was a gentleman, trying to cover a very naked and embarrassed Everly, she hopes this is the last she sees of him, but Mason has other ideas. He pursues her, prepared to overcome her reluctance of relationships, trust and abandonment issues, as well as the less than ordinary circumstances in which they met.
The author does an incredible job of unpacking this story. It was very difficult to put down when real life got in the way. I loved the friendship between Everly and Ian, especially his nickname for her: Pup. (She used to follow him around like a puppy).
Also, the author did a wonderful job dropping hints and information along the way. There are some twists and turns in this book, and I enjoy being unable to predict where a story will go.
Although this ends on a cliff-hanger, Book Two is now available.
Highly recommended and I was able to read this book for Kylie’s Fiction Addiction.
Apart from Ian, relationships are a ‘no-go’ for Everly. She avoids them, seeing them as temporary.
Enter Mason. Everly and Mason meet under unusual circumstances… through a bank robbery. Held up by the infamous Naked Bandits, the captives are ordered to strip naked. This was such a different way for the two main leads to be introduced, I cringe-laughed and gave a double-thumbs up.
Although Mason was a gentleman, trying to cover a very naked and embarrassed Everly, she hopes this is the last she sees of him, but Mason has other ideas. He pursues her, prepared to overcome her reluctance of relationships, trust and abandonment issues, as well as the less than ordinary circumstances in which they met.
The author does an incredible job of unpacking this story. It was very difficult to put down when real life got in the way. I loved the friendship between Everly and Ian, especially his nickname for her: Pup. (She used to follow him around like a puppy).
Also, the author did a wonderful job dropping hints and information along the way. There are some twists and turns in this book, and I enjoy being unable to predict where a story will go.
Although this ends on a cliff-hanger, Book Two is now available.
Highly recommended and I was able to read this book for Kylie’s Fiction Addiction.
April 16, 2015
This was a new author for me and I'm glad I was able to read an advanced copy of Everly. I loved it.
This was a love story that was wrapped in love, humor, kindness, tragedy and mystery.
Mason and Everly both had tragedy in their young lives. Mason and his brothers grew up with his Aunt and Uncle after the death of his mother. Everly lost her parents at an early age and grew up in foster care. They both have taken their passion to help others into their adult life. Mason owns and runs a few charities and Everly volunteers in a couple of charities, one being Masons. These two meet at a bank while it's being robbed and with much persistence from Mason, they become inseparable but not with out trying times.
The secondary characters all rocked as well. His brothers and her two best friends. I enjoyed this!
This one ends on a major cliffhanger and I'm dying to know what happens. I'm anxiously awaiting book 2.
This was a love story that was wrapped in love, humor, kindness, tragedy and mystery.
Mason and Everly both had tragedy in their young lives. Mason and his brothers grew up with his Aunt and Uncle after the death of his mother. Everly lost her parents at an early age and grew up in foster care. They both have taken their passion to help others into their adult life. Mason owns and runs a few charities and Everly volunteers in a couple of charities, one being Masons. These two meet at a bank while it's being robbed and with much persistence from Mason, they become inseparable but not with out trying times.
The secondary characters all rocked as well. His brothers and her two best friends. I enjoyed this!
This one ends on a major cliffhanger and I'm dying to know what happens. I'm anxiously awaiting book 2.
April 20, 2015
Loved the way the book started. Naked in a bank with the hot guy she saw at breakfast. What are the chances. It gets even better. Hot naked man stand in front of you to protect everyone from seeing you naked. What a way to be introduced to someone. I loved Mason and Everly's story. The fact that she just wouldn't give in to the fact they were meant to be made it funny. No matter what she just couldn't allow herself to accept it. Everyone else was well aware and Everly just held strong. I'm not one for insta-love, but in this case it didn't bother me because she was so reluctant. Best first date I have read ever! The chemistry between the characters was absolutely awesome. Mason's brothers were another favorite part for me. Needless to say this book left me wanting more. Hope to get some answers in the next book for some questions I have swirling in my brain!
July 27, 2015
AMAZING
You might want to grab the next one if you don't like cliffhangers.
Everly grew up in foster care so she knew that actions speak louder then words. But when mason shows up in her life she starts to question everything. He starts to slowly break down her resolve.
Everly volunteers with most of her time from a battered woman's shelter to a orphanage. She helps them realize that you can make better even given a bad situation. Mason wanted her from the moment he laid eyes on her and was determined to get her. He messed up once by not calling but he wasn't about to mess up again until everly decided to go snooping (which I would have done) after he told her a secret about her father. And when she finds out what mason is really up to will she stay with him or forever hate him?
You might want to grab the next one if you don't like cliffhangers.
Everly grew up in foster care so she knew that actions speak louder then words. But when mason shows up in her life she starts to question everything. He starts to slowly break down her resolve.
Everly volunteers with most of her time from a battered woman's shelter to a orphanage. She helps them realize that you can make better even given a bad situation. Mason wanted her from the moment he laid eyes on her and was determined to get her. He messed up once by not calling but he wasn't about to mess up again until everly decided to go snooping (which I would have done) after he told her a secret about her father. And when she finds out what mason is really up to will she stay with him or forever hate him?
January 17, 2018
This one was so full of misunderstandings it was ridiculous. Everly knows the guy she is going out with owns a shelter for abused women, but when she sees him with a woman she immediately assumes he is sleeping with her. What?! He receives a phone call from a woman, she assumes he is sleeping with her. What?! Meanwhile her best friend is a guy. It is one thing if the reader does not know his secret and we are waiting to find out what is really going on, but we know he owns an abused women's shelter as well, so I knew it would be a misunderstanding. And how about she ask him about it instead of just running away! I couldn't be with someone who constantly thinks I'm cheating! I signed up to read and review the whole series and they are short books so I will continue but hopefully the misunderstandings stop.
June 21, 2018
The naked bank robbers thing was unique and could have been entertaining.
The interactions between Everly and Mason however seemed to have been written by someone that doesn't know how adults interact with each other.
The whole "you are saying no, but your eyes are saying you're interested" thing is creepy and stereotypical of guys that don't know how to take 'no' for an answer (not sexy, hot, or a compliment in any way). I had no interest in the characters as they were [under] developed and their interactions were superficial and seemed scripted to fit the whole 'super-sexy rich guy persistently pursues little unassuming plane-Jane me' script. I lost patience with this real quick.
The interactions between Everly and Mason however seemed to have been written by someone that doesn't know how adults interact with each other.
The whole "you are saying no, but your eyes are saying you're interested" thing is creepy and stereotypical of guys that don't know how to take 'no' for an answer (not sexy, hot, or a compliment in any way). I had no interest in the characters as they were [under] developed and their interactions were superficial and seemed scripted to fit the whole 'super-sexy rich guy persistently pursues little unassuming plane-Jane me' script. I lost patience with this real quick.
February 27, 2020
I don’t even know where to start. I was super excited to read this book because I love this author but I’m kind of disappointed.
The writing needs A LOT of work. It’s was jumpy and lacked depth and didn’t really flow. It could have been an awesome story if it was delivered better.
Then I get to the end and it’s open ended with zero answers! I want to know the conclusion but at the same time, don’t know if I make myself read it if it’s written the same way. Decisions decisions.
The writing needs A LOT of work. It’s was jumpy and lacked depth and didn’t really flow. It could have been an awesome story if it was delivered better.
Then I get to the end and it’s open ended with zero answers! I want to know the conclusion but at the same time, don’t know if I make myself read it if it’s written the same way. Decisions decisions.
September 21, 2015
WTF??!!
3.5
Review to come..
3.5
Review to come..
April 29, 2016
Everly is idiot and Mason was a jerk. I could not stand ether one.
June 17, 2016
A CLIFFHANGER?!? REALLY?!? Other than that, I really like these two. There were some genuine LOL moments, and the brothers are all three BAE, even Parker (the dog). Good series.
November 23, 2023
Review for book 1 and 2. If you like S.M. Shade's writing, you might like this. I've only read her Violent Circle series, which was hilarious, but this has a serious tone. To be honest, I found this a little boring, but if you read the second book as well, the story is a lot more interesting. Far warning this series deals with domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault. It's not a dark, heavy suspense romance, but it has a definite edge.
I liked the characters they were interesting and well developed. I just had trouble believing that a man would work so hard to get a woman back after knowing so little about each other. I didn't think there was enough of a foundation to overlook the lack of trust that resulted in a breakup. If this was a fated mate story, it would justify the chase after such a short time, but this is contemporary romance, and in real life, a lack of trust early in a relationship is a deal breaker. If they had known each each other longer, it would have felt natural, even without Mason knowing the unstandable reasons Everly has for her trust issues, it would have felt realistic to have him chase her.
A lot of things happen over the course of two books. I thought some of the excitement could have been saved for another novel. A little more time developing the romance in the timeline would have helped me to connect with the characters so that their romance didn't feel rushed. I liked this enough to read Parker's story as well.
I liked the characters they were interesting and well developed. I just had trouble believing that a man would work so hard to get a woman back after knowing so little about each other. I didn't think there was enough of a foundation to overlook the lack of trust that resulted in a breakup. If this was a fated mate story, it would justify the chase after such a short time, but this is contemporary romance, and in real life, a lack of trust early in a relationship is a deal breaker. If they had known each each other longer, it would have felt natural, even without Mason knowing the unstandable reasons Everly has for her trust issues, it would have felt realistic to have him chase her.
A lot of things happen over the course of two books. I thought some of the excitement could have been saved for another novel. A little more time developing the romance in the timeline would have helped me to connect with the characters so that their romance didn't feel rushed. I liked this enough to read Parker's story as well.
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