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Striking Back #2
Mason
From the moment I saw her, I wanted her in my bed.
I should've stopped there.
Everly Hall burst into my complicated life and changed it forever. I'm a fighter, but I had no defense against this beautiful, stubborn woman.
Now, I stand to lose everything I have, everything I am. My secrets are dangerous, and put more lives at stake than my own. I intended to tell her in time, but my time is up.
Everything rests on Everly.
I should've stopped there.
Everly Hall burst into my complicated life and changed it forever. I'm a fighter, but I had no defense against this beautiful, stubborn woman.
Now, I stand to lose everything I have, everything I am. My secrets are dangerous, and put more lives at stake than my own. I intended to tell her in time, but my time is up.
Everything rests on Everly.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2015
234 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Shade
42 books1,668 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 138 reviews
April 26, 2016
So for some reason I presumed that since book 1 was called Everly and was told only from her POV, that since Book 2 was called Mason, we'd only get his POV. It alternates between M and E and sadly I don't think the author handled M's POV all that well.
This is really a story about Everly and the man who seems to fall instantly in love with her despite her deep emotional issues.
I don't want to give too much away, but there's a breakup, a makeup, a child, a reunion between a child and a parent, a shooting, and a pregnancy.
I like my endings neatly wrapped up and there are some unresolved issues in Mason's family that I wished were handled.
SPOILER: Also -- and I'm being nit-picky here -- I so wanted M and E to ADOPT and build their family that way especially since E volunteers for a group home! Instead we have an unexpected 5 yr old and a miracle pregnancy...which have been done to death in this genre.
This is really a story about Everly and the man who seems to fall instantly in love with her despite her deep emotional issues.
I don't want to give too much away, but there's a breakup, a makeup, a child, a reunion between a child and a parent, a shooting, and a pregnancy.
I like my endings neatly wrapped up and there are some unresolved issues in Mason's family that I wished were handled.
SPOILER: Also -- and I'm being nit-picky here -- I so wanted M and E to ADOPT and build their family that way especially since E volunteers for a group home! Instead we have an unexpected 5 yr old and a miracle pregnancy...which have been done to death in this genre.
June 23, 2015
SM Shade you did not disappoint. I was an extremely lucky recipient of an advanced reader copy so I could post a honest review.
The end of book one we are left hanging off a cliff with molten lava underneath us and fire ants crawling on our hands. On the verge of obliteration because we needed to know "What happens next?".
OK, drama queen is done.
Everly is hopelessly in love with Mason and the feeling is mutual. She doesn't trust easily because of her past and he wants to protect everyone because of his past. Needless to say they clash. A lot...
If I tell you much about this book it will give away details that you really need to read to find out. You must read Book 1 as this is not a standalone. This is the continuation of the epic journey that is Mason and Everly.
This series tore me apart and oh so slowly put me back together again. This author is one that I intend to stalk. She has amazing talent and creates memorable characters. This is a must read series that I highly recommend to all my book friends.
The end of book one we are left hanging off a cliff with molten lava underneath us and fire ants crawling on our hands. On the verge of obliteration because we needed to know "What happens next?".
OK, drama queen is done.
Everly is hopelessly in love with Mason and the feeling is mutual. She doesn't trust easily because of her past and he wants to protect everyone because of his past. Needless to say they clash. A lot...
If I tell you much about this book it will give away details that you really need to read to find out. You must read Book 1 as this is not a standalone. This is the continuation of the epic journey that is Mason and Everly.
This series tore me apart and oh so slowly put me back together again. This author is one that I intend to stalk. She has amazing talent and creates memorable characters. This is a must read series that I highly recommend to all my book friends.
July 24, 2015
Mason is book two in the Striking Back series and is not a standalone. If you have not read book one, Everly, it is recommended you do so before proceeding with this one.
The author picks up where she leaves off in book one and the deliberate plot holes left in Everly begin to be filled.
Mason is an ambiguous character and his actions in Everly left a lot to be desired. Are there reasonable explanations? Or is he truly a villain? All these questions are answered in this book.
There are a lot of twists and turns that will keep you glued to your favorite reading spot, unable to put the book down.
The author did a wonderful job continuing the story and leaving us wanting more of Everly and Mason’s story.
I highly recommend this book. I was provided a copy of this book to read for Kylie’s Fiction Addiction.
The author picks up where she leaves off in book one and the deliberate plot holes left in Everly begin to be filled.
Mason is an ambiguous character and his actions in Everly left a lot to be desired. Are there reasonable explanations? Or is he truly a villain? All these questions are answered in this book.
There are a lot of twists and turns that will keep you glued to your favorite reading spot, unable to put the book down.
The author did a wonderful job continuing the story and leaving us wanting more of Everly and Mason’s story.
I highly recommend this book. I was provided a copy of this book to read for Kylie’s Fiction Addiction.
July 13, 2016
This is book two in the "Striking Back" Series.
This book is hands down fabulous! Everly and Mason have a great love that everyone wants to find. Everly has some trust issues that stem from something in her past. Dont worry you find out what it is. But she is a stronger person for it, just sometimes a little jaded.
Mason Reed along with his brothers Alex and Parker run Striking Back a safe haven for abused women and children. Everly volunteers at SB which is how they meet.
After a misunderstanding things get complicated and but they work it out.
FANTASTIC MUST READ!
S. M. Shade does not disappoint!!! Make sure to Read EVERLY First. Cant wait to see what comes out next, She's got my attention and added as a fave for Amazon to send me updates!!!!
This book is hands down fabulous! Everly and Mason have a great love that everyone wants to find. Everly has some trust issues that stem from something in her past. Dont worry you find out what it is. But she is a stronger person for it, just sometimes a little jaded.
Mason Reed along with his brothers Alex and Parker run Striking Back a safe haven for abused women and children. Everly volunteers at SB which is how they meet.
After a misunderstanding things get complicated and but they work it out.
FANTASTIC MUST READ!
S. M. Shade does not disappoint!!! Make sure to Read EVERLY First. Cant wait to see what comes out next, She's got my attention and added as a fave for Amazon to send me updates!!!!
July 19, 2016
This book continues the story, as well as all of the issues, of book 1. The plot and characters need more development. I feel like Mason being a MMA fighter was just thrown in there for fun. It added nothing to the plot. There was a lot more drama in this book and I just wasn't feeling it. The writing became sappier and sappier and I barely finished it. This book didn't even have the redeeming quality of humor or banter. It just wasn't good.
July 24, 2015
4.5 stars!!!
September 8, 2022
Unbelievable
This second book of this couple gave me all the feels!
I have enjoyed so many reads from this author, and I am telling you... this series is amazing.
It was impossible to stop reading once I began. Of course, because I desperately wanted these two characters to find their HEA (thankfully they did!), but I was not at all prepared for the drama, challenges and past heartbreaking trauma contained in these pages!!
This is ABSOLUTELY not for delicate readers. This drew so many emotions from me, and some parts were truly troubling for me.
The connection between these two is steamy, sweet, and written well.
This type of read is one of the things I love about this author. I can trust her to deliver a tough (but engaging) topic, and bring me out the other side of the read glad to have experienced it.
I recommend reading this and her other works. Glad I did.
This second book of this couple gave me all the feels!
I have enjoyed so many reads from this author, and I am telling you... this series is amazing.
It was impossible to stop reading once I began. Of course, because I desperately wanted these two characters to find their HEA (thankfully they did!), but I was not at all prepared for the drama, challenges and past heartbreaking trauma contained in these pages!!
This is ABSOLUTELY not for delicate readers. This drew so many emotions from me, and some parts were truly troubling for me.
The connection between these two is steamy, sweet, and written well.
This type of read is one of the things I love about this author. I can trust her to deliver a tough (but engaging) topic, and bring me out the other side of the read glad to have experienced it.
I recommend reading this and her other works. Glad I did.
December 31, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mason & Everly/Panda/Evie, two beautiful people inside and out, who both have horrendous pasts💔
This is the second half to a beautiful story of love and working together to move forward as adults, in a world that was not kind to them as children.
Definitely some rough triggers and some tears, but genuinely happy with how the book ended.
Mason & Everly/Panda/Evie, two beautiful people inside and out, who both have horrendous pasts💔
This is the second half to a beautiful story of love and working together to move forward as adults, in a world that was not kind to them as children.
Definitely some rough triggers and some tears, but genuinely happy with how the book ended.
December 25, 2019
Amazing
I like the characters and I can’t get enough. The subject matter is at times emotional. The content is at times romantic.
I like the characters and I can’t get enough. The subject matter is at times emotional. The content is at times romantic.
July 3, 2015
4.5 stars
This book is the second part of Everly and Mason's story. It starts immediately where the last one ends with Mason and Everly at odds over what later turns out to be a misunderstanding. After that, the couple is a lot stronger than in the previous book. Most of the characters in the previous book make an appearance in this one. I particularly like his brothers and I hope they get their own book. There were a couple of surprises along the way, and one WTF moment for me. We finally got Everly's full story from her past, and she was able to get a little closure. Overall, this was another quick, but entertaining read for me, and I would definitely want to read more from this author.
What I liked:
- Mason's brothers were as fun and funny as in the first book. I really enjoyed the secondary characters in both books.
-
- there were some unexpected moments that meant the story didn't drag.
- the tattoos
What I didn't like
- The epilogue was too short
Favorite lines:
- "My mouth tastes like the ass end of a coyote."
- "Forget it, Parker. You're barking up the wrong vagina."
- "Dude, if she had as many cocks sticking out of her as she's had in her, she'd look like a porcupine."
Here we go:
Story/plot: 4.5
Steam: 4
Characters: 5
Favorite secondary character: Cody
Least favorite character: Jamie
HEA: Yes
Recommended for: Fans of romance
Bottom line: This is a great conclusion to Mason and Everly's story. Hopefully we'll get some more from a couple of the other characters in other books (hint. hint.)
Happy Reading.
*ARC generously provided by the author for review
This book is the second part of Everly and Mason's story. It starts immediately where the last one ends with Mason and Everly at odds over what later turns out to be a misunderstanding. After that, the couple is a lot stronger than in the previous book. Most of the characters in the previous book make an appearance in this one. I particularly like his brothers and I hope they get their own book. There were a couple of surprises along the way, and one WTF moment for me. We finally got Everly's full story from her past, and she was able to get a little closure. Overall, this was another quick, but entertaining read for me, and I would definitely want to read more from this author.
What I liked:
- Mason's brothers were as fun and funny as in the first book. I really enjoyed the secondary characters in both books.
-
- there were some unexpected moments that meant the story didn't drag.
- the tattoos
What I didn't like
- The epilogue was too short
Favorite lines:
- "My mouth tastes like the ass end of a coyote."
- "Forget it, Parker. You're barking up the wrong vagina."
- "Dude, if she had as many cocks sticking out of her as she's had in her, she'd look like a porcupine."
Here we go:
Story/plot: 4.5
Steam: 4
Characters: 5
Favorite secondary character: Cody
Least favorite character: Jamie
HEA: Yes
Recommended for: Fans of romance
Bottom line: This is a great conclusion to Mason and Everly's story. Hopefully we'll get some more from a couple of the other characters in other books (hint. hint.)
Happy Reading.
*ARC generously provided by the author for review
June 22, 2015
I was honored when I was asked to read and review an ARC for Mason because I also was blessed to have done it for Everly. I loved Everly when I read it. I have it in my re-read collection and that will be where Mason goes also. I wasn't sure if I would like Mason as much as the first book but I absolutely LOVE where the author took us in this book! I loved the twists and the "Oh No" parts that you put in there. Alot came full circle in this book which I love! It was a perfect bow on the top of a amazing gift that took alot of hard work to wrap! People are gonna read this review and think, this lady is nuts. But if they read Everly and then Mason they will understand. I am not ruining it for others. When I read a book I do NOT want to know if it has an HEA or if it has a cliffhanger. I want to find out on my own! Thank you for another amazing book! I'm hoping we are going to be hearing about Parker, Alex and maybe Ian too. Keeping my fingers crossed!
August 29, 2016
Mason is the second book in the Striking Back series and book two follows on from where we were left hanging.
There is so much that goes on in this book. An abundance of drama, tears, fear and love carry you through this story.
Mason, who you no doubt fell for in book #1, is a great character. He's strong, loyal and protective but he has a few secrets too.
Evie has had a lot to deal with. Shutting herself off from her emotions has kept her "safe" but lonely. Just when she thinks she may be able to open up, she's thrown another curveball.
Will things work out for this couple, or will things continue to come between them?
I loved book #2 more than book #1 but both are great stories. They're quick and easy to read (I finished book #2) in just a few hours and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did.
The sub-characters are great too and I can't wait to read Parker and Alex's stories next.
There is so much that goes on in this book. An abundance of drama, tears, fear and love carry you through this story.
Mason, who you no doubt fell for in book #1, is a great character. He's strong, loyal and protective but he has a few secrets too.
Evie has had a lot to deal with. Shutting herself off from her emotions has kept her "safe" but lonely. Just when she thinks she may be able to open up, she's thrown another curveball.
Will things work out for this couple, or will things continue to come between them?
I loved book #2 more than book #1 but both are great stories. They're quick and easy to read (I finished book #2) in just a few hours and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did.
The sub-characters are great too and I can't wait to read Parker and Alex's stories next.
August 9, 2015
I really enjoyed the first half of Everly but at a certain point it seemed to go downhill for me and continue all the way through the end of this book. Not a huge decline, but definitely a noticeable one. It felt like wayyyy too much was going on and it wasn't really in proportion to what I would think was plausible. Since it was such a quick read and there were no more misunderstandings, therefore leading to more Mason and Everly time I still enjoyed it. There were just certain things that I'd definitely change, but if you liked the first novel I see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy this as well.
June 21, 2015
S.M. Shade doesn't disappoint with the sequel to Everly. She is a master at emotionally connecting the reader to the characters in the book. Mason and Everly perfectly compliment each other with their wit and humor. Never a dull moment during this quick read, but you may want to slow down and enjoy a few of the many erotic scenes that are tastefully done. Not only is this a great story, but it also brings up the issue of domestic violence and how difficult it is for women to truly find the help they need when they need it most. This would make a great book club read as there are plenty of topics visited that could turn into fantastic discussions. Read Everly first, and then read Mason; you won't regret it!
June 22, 2015
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have been desperate to read Mason after that spectacular cliffhanger Everly ended on. I wasn't disappointed at all.
I won't give any spoilers and ruin the oh my God moments I had while reading Mason.
Again S.M. Shade has found a way to balance light humorous (sometimes laugh out loud) moments with a big dose of serious and unpleasant back stories for both Everly and Mason.
I really loved that through all that they have suffered Everly has found a home and family with Mason and his brother's.
I really hope this isn't the last we see of them, I'm hoping for Parker's story.
I have been desperate to read Mason after that spectacular cliffhanger Everly ended on. I wasn't disappointed at all.
I won't give any spoilers and ruin the oh my God moments I had while reading Mason.
Again S.M. Shade has found a way to balance light humorous (sometimes laugh out loud) moments with a big dose of serious and unpleasant back stories for both Everly and Mason.
I really loved that through all that they have suffered Everly has found a home and family with Mason and his brother's.
I really hope this isn't the last we see of them, I'm hoping for Parker's story.
July 10, 2015
Well, I just had to read Mason. Everly ended in a cliffhanger and I got a request to review Mason and jumped on it! The dynamics and emotions Mason evokes are heart wrenching, and drew me into the story. Everly’s tale is heart breaking. She has survived and is afraid to live.
Mason has lived through his own type of Hell and emerged a better stronger man for it. He knows what he wants and it is Everly. Despite the hurt she unknowingly caused Mason, he can’t help but love her.
A well written and engrossing plot, along with well rounded characters make Mason a sequel not to be missed. Read Everly first, but you’ll immediately be reaching for Mason to find out the rest of the story.
Mason has lived through his own type of Hell and emerged a better stronger man for it. He knows what he wants and it is Everly. Despite the hurt she unknowingly caused Mason, he can’t help but love her.
A well written and engrossing plot, along with well rounded characters make Mason a sequel not to be missed. Read Everly first, but you’ll immediately be reaching for Mason to find out the rest of the story.
November 4, 2015
I loved Everly and Mason! I really liked the two of them together. They're like a power couple. Both in-charge and independent and I appreciate that in a story, I like when the characters can stand on their own and don't need the other person to complete them, though it can be sweet when they do. I had no idea what direction the books were going to take, which I also liked. It's unavoidable that romance novels are going to have some level of predictability, but I couldn't predict where these were going! Read Everly and Mason, they are so good!! I can't wait to read Parker's story.
January 4, 2020
I really wanted to love this book as I did book 1 (Everly) but the predictability and over done 'bam she's pregnant' storyline just let it down. I would have loved to see them adopt, especially with E's background and M's ownership of SB but no, she has a miraculous pregnancy instead.
I'm still going to read the twins books but really hoping it isn't the predictable 'playboy gets tamed' theme for Parker. Only one way to find out.......
I'm still going to read the twins books but really hoping it isn't the predictable 'playboy gets tamed' theme for Parker. Only one way to find out.......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2016
Well... although I liked the characters, the story... It just seemed like a string of happenings, both unfortunate events and unbelievably happy ones. In other words, the plot was not easily determined.
Beyond the lacking plot, the stories were sweet. I will read the other two books in the series.
Beyond the lacking plot, the stories were sweet. I will read the other two books in the series.
July 24, 2015
I just finished the arc of Mason and I loved it! I can't say much without giving anything away so this will be short.
This picks up right where book one left off so you must read book one first. It was a great conclusion to Mason and Everly's story.
This picks up right where book one left off so you must read book one first. It was a great conclusion to Mason and Everly's story.
September 23, 2015
3.5
Pronto reseña
Pronto reseña
February 25, 2018
I was happy that I could continue reading this series after the first book. It ended in a cliffhanger. Everly still isn't sure what to think of Mason, but everything becomes clear. In this book they face some struggles, but find each other as well. I still love Mason's brothers and am excited to read about them in the next two books. I think any of us would be lucky with brothers like that. We finally got to read from Mason's POV as well and this made me like him more. I still love what he does with Striking Back and what he wants to do for women who can't help themselves at the moment. My only problem with this book was that I think two much happened all at once. It was kind of like that author wanted as much to happen as possible and that made it not all realistic to me. I can't say too much without giving spoilers, but it was still an enjoyable read. Mason may seem like a tough guy, but he's really just a big teddybear.
February 16, 2018
I am honestly and voluntarily reviewing a copy of this book 📚
I had a binge read this weekend with the Striking Back Series by S.M. Shade, and sooooo glad I did. Mason and Everly resolve their conflict from book 1 rather quickly in this book...thank you Ms Shade, and move forward with their relationship. The chemistry is hot, still has challenges, but are handled better than book 1. They’re maturing in the relationship. Again, the set up with characters for the rest of the series flows well, book is well paced, and definitely a page turner. Well done
I had a binge read this weekend with the Striking Back Series by S.M. Shade, and sooooo glad I did. Mason and Everly resolve their conflict from book 1 rather quickly in this book...thank you Ms Shade, and move forward with their relationship. The chemistry is hot, still has challenges, but are handled better than book 1. They’re maturing in the relationship. Again, the set up with characters for the rest of the series flows well, book is well paced, and definitely a page turner. Well done
January 17, 2018
This book was so.. consuming. It had love and so much excitement. Drama and sex. It was build on. A solid foundation of characters. Thee secondary characters are more than impressive. The plot flows well, no lag. Well paced. I was very happy with this read! Can not wait for more of the secondary characters! The main characters are also amazing I should mention that.. please start with Everly and move to Mason! Great read!
January 19, 2018
This one was better than the first book. Luckily the misunderstanding cliffhanger in the first book gets settled at the beginning of this book. I like that Mason was mad at the beginning about Evie always accusing him of things without talking to him about it. We do find out why Everly does not trust men, which is good. This one had a lot going on but it actually kept me reading, which was also good. On to book three.
February 5, 2018
I liked this one. It was good to see them overcome their issue and learn more about each other. I was able to understand Everly a lot more in this one and that helped me look back on the first one with more open eyes.
I do feel that I didn’t have a ton of closure on somethings, but I know that there will be 2 more books in the striking back series and I can’t wait to read them. This group of characters is awesome and seeing their full story’s has been and will be a wild ride. 4 Stars #2OCCJD
I do feel that I didn’t have a ton of closure on somethings, but I know that there will be 2 more books in the striking back series and I can’t wait to read them. This group of characters is awesome and seeing their full story’s has been and will be a wild ride. 4 Stars #2OCCJD
October 16, 2017
Enjoyable continuation to the series
I enjoyed book 2 so much more than book one as Evie wasn’t nearly as annoying in this book. More surprises await in this book though it’s much more about their personal lives than the work Mason does. Again the secondary characters are well done and I’m looking forward to reading Parker’s story next.
I enjoyed book 2 so much more than book one as Evie wasn’t nearly as annoying in this book. More surprises await in this book though it’s much more about their personal lives than the work Mason does. Again the secondary characters are well done and I’m looking forward to reading Parker’s story next.
March 18, 2018
I expected this book to be from Masons POV seen as book 1 was called Everly & solely from her POV but this one was split & I prefer the split POV books.
Good to see mason & Everly got their HEA, there were a couple of things that were too predictable for me to give 5⭐️ but if you enjoyed the first book I can’t see why you won’t enjoy this one just as much.
Good to see mason & Everly got their HEA, there were a couple of things that were too predictable for me to give 5⭐️ but if you enjoyed the first book I can’t see why you won’t enjoy this one just as much.
October 17, 2018
Great read
I love a HEA, I was rooting for these two from the beginning.
The background of main characters has a special place in my heart, I love seeing bad/sad situations being turned into good especially helping others.
The only criticism I have is i feel this book was rushed, so much detail had been left out. I would have loved for Masons job to be central to the story.
I love a HEA, I was rooting for these two from the beginning.
The background of main characters has a special place in my heart, I love seeing bad/sad situations being turned into good especially helping others.
The only criticism I have is i feel this book was rushed, so much detail had been left out. I would have loved for Masons job to be central to the story.
February 14, 2017
Another great book
S.M. Shade had done it again with Mason. This is the continuation from brook 1 Everly, as it clears up all that was left in the cliffhanger from Everly. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
S.M. Shade had done it again with Mason. This is the continuation from brook 1 Everly, as it clears up all that was left in the cliffhanger from Everly. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews