Goddess Rising: A Prequel

Complicated Creatures #0.5

by Alexi Lawless

**2015 Kindle Scout Winner**
__________________________

She's a bad-ass.
He's a bad-boy.
One photograph changes everything...

Samantha's been living in the shadow of her father all her life. But now she's got plans of her own-- and they don't involve the university's hottest walking one-night stand, no matter how distracting and utterly relentless he may be.

Wesley's the undisputed king of easy-come, easy-go--until a beautiful, mysterious girl walks right past his camera, and his photograph of her becomes an obsession.

But Samantha's no easy lay, and she's definitely not a typical college girl. She's fierce, driven, and completely focused on winning one of the toughest military competitions ever created. This girl can shoot, she can fight and she's not bowled over by his looks or his charm. Wes now finds himself in unfamiliar territory--busting his ass to keep up with her and discovering the extent of his own talents in the process.

Goddess Rising is no typical boy-meets-girl story, and it will leave you wondering: how far would you go to win over the one you love?

Note to the Reader This is a *standalone novel* that can be read on its own or as part of an on-going series. Recommended for readers 18+ for mature language and sexual content...

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Fiction, New Adult

490 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

About the author

ALEXI LAWLESS.

Corporate Runaway. Novelist. Wanderer. Bourbon Drinker.

Reviews

[Vivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest here: when I got the ARC for Goddess Rising, I really didn't know what to think. I absolutely DEVOURED the Complicated Creatures series, and those are action-packed, super-sexy James-Bond-esque novels that are, well, very sophisticated, mature and... so NOT YA/New Adult. 

So when Lawless decided to publish a prequel for this series featuring Samantha Wyatt as a 19 year-old ROTC cadet from Texas, I was like... WHIPLASH WHAT?!? Where's Part Three already?? GIMME GIMME!!  

Well color me SURPRISED. Like... super-duper Surprised! I wasn't expecting to love it. I wasn't expecting to stay up all night finishing it. But she's done it again-- this woman has written a gripping, exciting and totally different story to the typical college romance and/or new adult you might have read before. Lawless calls this a "Coming of Age" story, and I have to say that's absolutely right.

We get incredible insight into Samantha's fascinating character from the get-go with a powerful prologue featuring moving flashback scenes with her father and brother, both of whom are already dead and gone by the time Complicated Creatures: Part One comes around. We then see Sam making waves being one of the top-performing cadets in her ROTC program and being one of the few women who've been invited to compete in the Army Ranger competition.

Enter Wes Elliott, a character I definitely didn't like in Part 1, but grew to understand and maybe even sympathize with in Part 2 (though I'm still rooting for Jack, I don't care if he fell off the wagon!). If you friggin' hate Wes, then yeah-- you probably don't want to read this. Because a big part of Sam's coming of age experience is falling in love for the first time, and it's with... you guessed it-- the pretty boy photographer who takes a picture of her that ends up winning him a competition that further catapults him into the journalism spotlight.

But he's actually a pretty fascinating character too, and you can see how later on down the line when Jack "Hot-Ass" Roman enters the picture, why Sam might be understandably skittish to fall hard for anyone ever again.

What have become hallmarks to Lawless's writing: Exceptional scene setting, phenomenally well-developed supporting characters and fast, snappy dialogue are present in spades. She didn't dumb anything down, and she absolutely doesn't shirk on delivering an excellent cast-- so much so, I kind of hope she brings a few of the back into the picture as she develops Rox de Soto's off-shoot character-- something she's hinted at in blog posts and inteviews. 

To Lawless's credit, this book is definitely not just a romance, just like her other books aren't just romances. She's a bit of a genre-bender, that's for sure. It's got the fight scenes of an action/adventure, the sweet love of a new adult romance and the painful, but essential, self-growth common in coming of age stories-- and all in a thoroughly developed, meaty, nearly 400-page long novel. 

By the time I shut down my Kindle, I was so amped, I started rereading the series. 

In a Nutshell? She Shoots! She Scores! 

 

 

 

[Talltree]

On hold for now...H/OW smex scene left a bad taste in my mouth....that too after H saw and was smitten by h:(

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same great writing as Parts 1 and 2 but I felt the characters didn't really fit the NA setting. They all more mature than 19/20 yo college kids, a little too perfect/good to be real.
I liked Samantha overall but was annoyed with some plot developments she is so amazing but doesn't realize it and every guy she meets falls for her. Sorry, I'm not buying it.

I liked that we learned more about what made Sam and Wes the people we meet in book 1 and 2. Now, I can't wait to see how things will be sorted between Sam, Wes and Jack in book 3 (I think it will the final one, though I'm not sure)

Here is the full review which is also published on my blog:

This is a prequel to the Complicated Creatures romantic suspense series. It tells the story of Samantha during her college years when she meets Wes and how she came to be the amazing and fearless lady we meet in Complicated Creatures.

This is a New Adult full length novel and I liked the overall idea of reading about Sam's journey towards adulthood. The writing was just as strong and as addictive as in the rest of the series but there was something missing for me.

It's told from dual POV - Sam and Wes, though other characters spoke up occasionally. The romance was the best element of the story, together with Sam's military training. I liked seeing a younger Sam, more vulnerable, inexperienced, yet strong and determined. We see a lot of Wes as well and though Jack is my favourite in the series, now I have better understanding of Wes and why he did the things he did.

That said, here is the main issue I had with this prequel. The characters really didn't read like college kids - 19/20 year-olds. I understand the unique and privileged position Sam comes from but Wes and she and all the other college kids acted far too mature/knowing for their age. In a way I felt we met the same Sam from Complicate Creatures with just some shyness and inexperience added.

As much as I like Sam's character as this amazing, determined girl growing up, literally fighting her way to be an awesome, strong, independent lady we meet in the later books, I strongly disliked how every man she met fell for her. I 'm not really a fan of the trope of a beautiful girl who is a bit of Tom-boy and who is not aware of her beauty and has every male who meets fall in love with her.

I was also expecting more of the ending. I felt an important part connecting the prequel with the next book was missing. I still want to finish these series, the intrigue just gest more and more complex and exciting. I hope the final book will clear all uncertainties and Sam will get her much deserved HEA.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an ARC for an honest review.

I loved Goddess Rising. It was nice to see Sam's relationship with Riley. I understand her so much better now. Her dad was interesting too. Wes..I can see her fascination with him but I get so tired of him hurting her. I like her so much better with Jack.

Even at 19 Sam was a bad-ass and that makes her even more awesome. She set a goal and was determined to see it through, even though she got derailed a couple times it was nice to see her cheering on her fellow teammates. Rita was just as crazy then as she is in the series but her cousin is a grade A asshole. I got to know Chris better, though he was mentioned in part 2 you really don't get a lot of information about him. The shocker was getting a glimpse into little Rox and the path she was heading.

In Goddess Rising you get new people and old people, seeing Sam's life when she was younger explains so much. She is not only a strong and determined woman but she takes care of those she loves and has a big heart. Though if you break that hear tor ruin that trust you will have a hard time getting it back if ever. This is a book I highly recommend.

[Beverley Norcross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure going into this book wether I wanted to go back into Samantha's past as I had enjoyed the first two books in this series so much and I really didn't know what could be gained by reading what had happened before. However I was totally blown away, once I started I couldn't stop, I even snuck some reading in at work!
Alexi's writing style is so addictive, her characters so well drawn that you feel you could pick them out if you saw them on the street.
So many subplots all merge so seamlessly that even the background characters deserve mention.
I'm so torn now about who Sam should be with Wes or Jack, I want more, more, more!!!!!!
Alexi Lawless will always be an author I will one click-
She always leaves me with a book "hangover"!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I read both of the "Complicated Creatures" books first and was eager to read "Goddess Rising," even though it was a prequel, because I wanted to read more about some really intriguing characters. I was kind of surprised that some pre-publication publicity referred to it as "Young Adult" because even though the characters are in college, it doesn't read like the typical young adult novel. The main characters, Samantha and Wes, are both flawed in their own ways, but they're coping with their issues like adults with none of the "just talk to each other already" angst that so often plagues romance fiction.

I love strong female characters, and Sam is smart and savvy without being a caricature. She deals with her abandonment issues, her overbearing father, and beating her male ROTC counterparts with style and grace. Wes is trying to find his way but most of the time I was rooting for him to grow up rather than wanting to slap his face. The minor characters are exceptionally well drawn and it's easy to see how one or more of them could end up in a sequel. (I hope, I hope!)

Ms. Lawless has a phenomenal touch with settings and getting you right into the characters' heads. If I hadn't read the other two books first, I would be rushing out to get them. Can't wait to read more by this extremely talented author.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Complicated Creatures books! It's been several months since I read them (so good I gobbled them both up in just a few days!), so I had to search my memory banks for the details of the story. Surprisingly, I still had details from Sam & Wes' history stored in my memory bank, so Goddess Rising filled in the blank spaces. As with the Complicated Creatures books, I raced through Goddess Rising within just a few days. I love Alexi's writing style - terse, but lots of action. The reader gets the gist/guts of the relationships as they develop.
I especially like the way her relationship with her father develops. I'm curious about the details that aren't revealed yet (the gap between Goddess Rising and the Complicated Creatures part 1). I won't comment on specific details -- you just need to read these books! It's like being on a very fast ride - you never know what to expect next.
Now I'm rereading Complicated Creatures part 1 before I dig into the novella part 1.5.
As with the other books, when I get to the end, I'm sorry I read it so fast . It's like a sinful treat -- when you lick the last drop, you're already salivating for another serving!

[Susan Oesterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated Creatures is one of my all time favorite series - the books are extremely well written, with lots of snap, crackle and pop with plenty of sizzle mixed in. The effort that Alexi Lawless puts into her work - the research required to make the storylines work, her wonderful descriptions and beautiful way with words just pull the reader into the pages like a powerful suction.
I know I wasn't the only one disappointed that the next book was to be a prequel and not the anxiously awaited part 3, but that being said, I knew there was no way I wouldn't be reading it. And whatever my misgivings were to begin with they went out the window after page 1. I loved it. And now, having read Sam's coming of age story, I can't wait to settle in and reread parts 1 and 2.
I totally recommend this book - if you have already read parts 1 and 2 you won't be disappointed, and if you haven't read any of them yet - well, lucky you because you have a real treat in store!

[Mary C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this is true to its time in the characters lives, age, and self exploration. Having read this after Complicated Creatures 1, 1.5 and 2 it is definitely a different tone and genre but it should be. I was still so entranced and pulled into the story and lives of the characters (just like with the other three books) that it was unhealthy for my sleep for sure. This author is amazingly talented. She paints a sometimes beautiful and sometimes broken picture, which is so realistic in its emotion and portrayal of complicated humanity that it makes me FEEL with the characters (anger, sorrow, heartbreak, passion, love, indecision, etc.). I am torn myself in who I want Sam to end up with, though I do know I will be devastated if there isn't a happy ending or some sort to this saga (though I know that isn't the most realistic possibility but I don't care).

[Tina Tribolet-hiestand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC...Now I know how my kick ass heroine became who she is...as well as the complicated character of Wes's background...Loved it Alexi !! I read hundreds of books a year...vary rare is it for me to want to follow a series, especially romantic stuff. I started with Complicated Creatures and just had to read them all. I was pleasantly surprised with Goddess Rising, ...couldn't wait till my day was done to get back to it and now that I have finished it I feel compelled to go back and reread Complicated Creatures series, starting tonight! I can definitely see that this would be a great movie...and who would be cast for Sam's role? Big screen hasn't done a decent female heroine movie for many years.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this well-written, well-rounded story involving an amazing heroine, Sam. It's Sam's coming of age story but it's more of a mature new adult story. Alexi Lawless really fleshes out the backstory of Sam and Wes, both as individual characters and also their love story. While it's a prequel, it can easily be a stand alone story. I've read the other books in this series and I loved this book so much that it ranks at the top. The book is a real treat and a can't miss for anyone who likes Jason Bourne, Nikita, Sydney Bristow or Annie Walker with a very sweet, first love story component.

[Tia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic prequel! Didn't realize how much I had missed the characters, and even though Samantha's past was touched on in the other books, it was wonderful getting a more thorough 'view' of her upbringing. Makes me root for her even more!

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. This really filled in a lot of gaps. I reread the whole series and now cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommend!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear lord now I know why the reading order of these books is what it is. Haven't even made it to the end yet, but so many things make sense now. And I'm glad I didn't read this as a prequel. It works better to read in this order:

Complicated Creatures book 1
Novella 1.5 from Rush (not necessary but helpful)
He'll or High Water book 2
Goddess Rising book .5
Fearless book 3

I highly recommend this order for the best experience of all characters.

This is not as much a coming of age for Samantha as it is a coming of age/ being a real man for Wesley. Yes, Samantha learns a great deal about herself and how to make her own choices but ultimately this is the growth of a man child.

That being said? You will never truly know Samantha until you read this book.

[diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, the cover is gorgeous.
Now, what really matters:
This book is amazing. Eveyone go now and read it, you won't regret it.
I loved it how this is not only a contemporary book, but an action one.
It's obvious how much effort Alexi had to do to write Goddess Rising. Military, pyschology, and Mexican slang are just some of the things the author had to research to write this amazingly written book. The Mexican slang was sometimes badly translated, but it was understandable. It's still amazing. I won't get tired of saying how amazing this book is.
The characters are also amazing. Sam kicks ass, Rita also does, Wes is...well, Wes. There are some characters I couldn't help but hate, Sam's father and Alejandro. Whenever I was starting to slighlty like Alejandro, he did something and messed that up. Even though I highly dislike these two, they have a reason for being that way. They contribute so much to the plot by being how they are.
What this book does have, is the hated frase I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. But the plot and everything else made it bearable.
This book got me laughing, crying, swooning, and cheering. It was a hell of a roller coaster.
When I first received Goddess Rising, I didn't know what to expect. This was my first Alexi book, actually. I for sure didn't expect to be up late reading it, to be that hooked with this story. Her writing style is really good. The book is fast-paced, but at the same time it isn't. There are some parts that you just can't stop reading and others that get you hooked but not that much. I will be definitely picking up the Complicated Creatures series soon!
I already recommended it to two friends, and I recommend it to everyone reading this. Go buy it and read it!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goddess Rising is the prequel novel to the Complicated Creatures series. Samantha Wyatt is a strong willed, determined, and hard-headed Sophomore at Texas A&M, and she is determined to be the best in her ROTC class. Wesley Elliott is a playboy photographer who happens across Samantha while he is taking photographs for one of his courses, and now that he has her in his sights he can't let her go. Goddess Rising is full of first love, thrills, and heart-break. The book provides background information on the relationship between Wes and Sam not provided in the full series, and how sometimes love is not enough. I really enjoyed being able to read the back story and see how Sam became the woman she is in the Complicated Creatures series: resilient, hardworking, and complicated. The characters created in this series are unique and the prequel provides new details not only about Sam and Wesley, but also Carey, Roxanne, Chris, ect. Sam is an amazing heroine to follow and her relationship with Wesley is full of passion and emotions. I would recommend this book and series to fans of romance, action, and strong characters.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this advanced review copy by the author for an honest review.let me start by pointing out that this is a prequel to Complicated Creatures part 1 and Hell or High Water part 2. If I'm completely honest, even with the title 'Goddess Rising', I was a little disappointed (when I began)to find out I'd be reading a new adult/coming of age book. Where was the suspense, intrigue and hot love? Where was the strong, sassy, independent, feisty, beautiful heroine from the first two books? Although younger and innocently niave sexually...she was right there on the very first page and everything else along with her. This book is an in depth look of how destiny, consequences, tragedy, circumstances,wealth, family, love and fate, moulded and manufactured, and spurred are heroine on. It was a truly, well written, emotional rollercoaster of a ride of pure fictional magic, with fantastic characters that come to life. It probably left us asking more questions than we got answers to but that's worth the anticipation of future books and watching the goddess rise.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern day Romeo and Juliet

Texas A&M students Wes and Samantha couldn’t be more different. He’s a poor kid from nowhere working two jobs to stay in school and study photography. She’s a rich kid with Daddy issues determined to prove herself by besting all the guys in ROTC.

The chemistry between Wes and Samantha is immediate and more than a little terrifying. Wes is a player and can have any woman he wants. Sam’s grown up around ranch hands and roughnecks and doesn’t make a habit of dating.

With their past, present, and future stacked against them, this modern-day Romeo and Juliet must risk everything for love—or lose it all.

This compelling romance with vulnerable characters is a prequel to Kindle Scout winner Alexi Lawless’ Complicated Creatures Series.

Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews

[Shraddha Sahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

One dark, rainy night, the blankets beckoned and I told myself I'd just read a few pages and sleep. Three hours later, I was still staring at the Kindle. Goddess Rising, Alexi's latest book is a fabulous story that leaves you wanting to know more. the surprising thing is that it's not just the heroine that's fascinating. You want to know every character's backstory - Wes, Chris, Rita - they're all beautifully etched out. And Sam, well, she's just an inspiration. I loved her go get it attitude and her self worth. Her impulsiveness, her passion, her grit - just wonderful! I loved this book and want another Samantha Wyatt novel real soon!

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been my season for reading feminist manifestos

And this book fits perfectly. From "Ashley's War" to "Pope Joan" to "The Nightingale".. young women who are determined to fight cultural norms and show their capabilities ..who prove beyond any doubts that women are not and do not have to be "the weaker sex". Strong in spirit, mind and body these women fight for their rights, their beliefs and their loves. And, too often, against the will of their families.

You, the reader, are pulled in to fight with and for them gladly.

[Sandra Swindell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goddess Rising

I love this book I mean you had me from page 1 the end of the book I was just thrilled. I would truly recommend this book to anybody they want to ask me something I would actually tell my granddaughter to read it is in college right now. As you can tell I am an older woman and it didn't matter I usually like mystery or who done it. This book might be about love and it sure would make me want to start reading love stories again.Ssandisassy2002@yahoo.com

[Gina Moray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as part of my participation on a launch team. Goddess Rising is an awesome prequel to Complicated Creatures!!! It's great to see where Samantha came from and her history with Wesley. You absolutely have to pick up this book when it comes out! I consider it required reading if you are planning to read Complicated Creatures or even if you have already read them.

[Skokie521 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!! Bravo Alexi Lawless!!!! Another novel that just pulled and pulled on my heartstrings!! A magnificent read, I couldn't put it down!!!! I can not WAIT for Part 3!!!

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I nominated this book on Kindle Scout because of the hook promising this to be a great story.
I was not disappointed. This story pulled me in and held me captive. Samantha was real and passionate, not afraid to work hard for what she wanted. Wesley was the playboy that most wholesome girls knew they needed to avoid, but were somehow drawn to him anyway. I liked how Lawless weaved their story from alternating POVs. There were strong supporting characters that helped round out the book's realness. I enjoyed the friendships and cringed through the scenes with adversaries. I found myself having some respect for unlikely characters. The writing was smooth and the story held me captive. There were several times I wanted to scream at the characters, because I just knew what was coming, but was pleasantly surprised. I think I liked that the most, though there were predictable parts, there were some things that did surprise me. This book deserves more than 5 stars, but there were minor errors that would have annoyed me had I not been completely engaged in the story. I immediately bought the entire series! I can't wait to read it.
Material appropriate for the 18+ crowd.
4.5 stars

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is longer than most romances. Even though it's instant attraction between Samantha and Wesley, love between them is something that slowly unfolds, with all the heartaches love found and lost can bring. It could have been shorter and had the same impact, but I enjoyed reading all about Sam's life and how it made her the woman she became.

[J.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The main female character is a true badass. Samantha is no weak gal - she is not the normal rich kid who takes life for granted. She truly was grabbing it by the tail. The story we well presented and enticing.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I have ever written a book review before but I had to write one for this series - Goddess Rising (prequel) Complicated Creatures (Part 1), Hell or High Water (Part 2).

The whole series gave me book hangover – in a good way! I usually pick up my next book the minute I finish one but I haven’t been able to yet. I am still swirling this story around in my head and I am not ready to move on – I actually need more! I need Part 3 ASAP!

Goddess Rising – This is the prequel written after Complicated Creatures (Part 1), Hell or High Water (Part 2) but going back to when the lovely leading lady, Sam, was coming into her own, finding and defining herself. She is an amazing main character – the author does a wonderful job of making her REAL. She is strong willed, but insecure, and a good person but not perfect. (And she is not a whiny damsel in distress doing something stupid around every corner which usually annoy me in books.) She is afraid to open up until she meets Wes and they learn to love together.

Then there’s Wes. What do I say about Wes? I love him and I hate him. He is a self-centered scared jerk for a big part of the book, but he is also a very believable and likable character. He’s hot, smart (but doesn’t apply himself until motivated to be better for Sam) and just cocky enough to make him the bad boy everyone wants. I love him and Sam together because he really does love her and want what is best for her, even when he makes decisions about their relationship though those are her decisions to make not his. I think they help each other be the best versions of themselves and I love that.

Goddess Rising is a complete book – amazing, dimensional main characters and supporting characters; well-developed story line with amazing description; a totally SWOON WORTHY love story that I could not put down!

And I was happy I read it BEFORE Part 1 and Part 2 – gave great insight into Sam and the way she lives her life. Knowing the back story made me more eager to know how it all ends….

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I somehow managed to get an ARC of this, and I may have danced around for a bit when it came in.

This is the story of college age Sam and her story with Wes. I loved seeing her develop into the badass that we meet in Complicated Creatures. I'm actually debating rereading them because I have a little book hangover.

Goddess Rising is a NA book without a lot of high drama. It's the story of a girl getting to know herself and stepping into a different level of maturity. This is what other New Adult books strive for, before they get lost in a sea of drunken hookups and cheating boyfriends.

The Alejo plot line felt a little incomplete. I would've liked to see some resolution there.

In CC, we learn so much about what happens later, that it was hard to end the story when it did. I kept waiting for more. I don't actually want to post any spoilers, so sorry if that doesn't make sense.

As far as the technical aspects of the book, there were some grammatical issues that will
probably be cleaned up before the release. I did think it was a bit drawn out in parts, and could probably be edited to be a bit shorter, but it wasn't a big hang up for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know this Sam. I wish I had been friends with her in college.

[Susan Bertke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Being an old-ish lady who went to college as an adult, for the first third of the book I had a bit of trouble relating to the college kids and their on-campus lifestyle. (That's totally my problem!) In fact, I really didn't think much of the obvious love interest and was rooting for the heroine to ignore her hormones and tell the jerk to, um, go away. However, I persevered, and by mid-book the various characters got their heads screwed on straight and I was hooked. Now I have to read _Complicated Creatures_ and find out what happened to them all after college!

So, I'm knocking off a star because I didn't personally enjoy the beginning very much, and because of a number of annoying typos that were probably missed by SpellChecker...do instead of to, he instead of her, etc. But by the end of the book I loved the characters, and that's what keeps me going back to an author's work -- the characters.

[BookLoverUpAllNight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent, excellent. I loved it. I participated in the Kindle Scout program and nominated the book for publication. It was selected for publication and I received a free copy. Whew, Samantha Wyatt a badass chick who doesn't know she has it going on, kicking ass in ROTC and groomed to run her father's empire. She's a down to earth rich girl making it on her own and not her family name, fighting her father all the way. Wesley Elliott, playboy on campus coasting along the way. She's fighting her legacy and wants to be an Army Ranger to spite her Navy dad. Wes a happy go lucky bartender and photographer cross paths when he takes her photo and wins an award. I have to say, I loved every character in this book. The book is a pre-quel to the 2 part series previously published. I look forward to reading the other two books by this author that involves Sam and Wes.