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Hit it and quit it.
One and done.
Hump and dump.

That has been my philosophy on relationships for the last seven years. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad guy. I'm always upfront and truthful with the women I date. I don't promise them anything but a good time.
I could've gone on happily sleeping my way through the major metropolitan area if it wasn't for her. The dark haired beauty who haunts my days and keeps me awake at night. Strong and sweet, she makes me reconsider everything I believe about love.

Too bad she's completely off limits.

I've never been good at following the rules.

Contains sexual scenes and violence. Intended for ages 18 and up.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2015

368 people are currently reading
504 people want to read

About the author

S.M. Shade

42 books1,668 followers
S.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.

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5 stars
456 (45%)
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365 (36%)
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145 (14%)
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33 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for  Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers).
1,148 reviews92 followers
Read
July 18, 2016
DNF at 30%
The H and h were about to have sex when they were interrupted by his brother the H goes to a club the next day and bet with his brother's friend that he can get a woman faster than the om can so he leaves the club with a woman where he proceeds to try to have sex with her but he keeps thinking of the h he gets a blow job but can't enjoy it and can't get hard because he's thinking of the h and then he makes the ow comes with his finger after that he goes to another bar and gets drunks and he goes to see the h and that's where i stop. I would call this H a cheater IMO he might not be for some readers but to me he is since he was going to have sex with the h if it wasn't for the brother he would've slept with the h and then he would've proceeded to fuck the ow too since he's trying to push to h away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,281 reviews373 followers
November 23, 2015
“That’s my chair until you’re discharged, honey. I’ll be right there guarding this room until you go home. If I so much as take a piss break, your door will be locked. Get used to this pretty face because you’ll be staring at it until this is over.”

I think it might be full on impossible to not fall in love with the men of Striking Back. I mean really sexy alpha fighters who also run shelters for abused women. I mean really! SWOON!

‘This woman is just as bad for me as I am for her.’

The first two books in the series followed Everly and Mason and while Everly had a tough past it was not super fresh but that is not the case here. From the start of Parker, Macy is just out of an abusive relationship and while playboy Parker clearly is pulled towards her it would be wrong to act on it. Hence the trouble with their “relationship” in order to be the kind of man he wants to be and help her and other women in these situations he has to stay at arms length, even if it kills him. Macy is a heroine you can love. Strong and confident she takes no crap from anyone (leaving the first time she was hit only proves that more.) But with her life a mess is this really the right time to act of the feelings she has for Parker.

“We’re going to happen, doll. Not here and not like this, but I won’t fight it anymore. Life’s too short not to be with the people you care about.”

First off can we talk about the nicknames, Honey . . . Doll! GAH, I love them! Anyway moving on the actual review!

S.M. Shade crafts a dynamic tale with women you hope your daughters will emulate and the type of men you hope they find. I love that her females are strong willed, determined and fight back with all they have. But don’t let this review fool you, her men are all 100% hot alpha males who will protect what is theirs till they take their last breath and I for one absolutely ADORE them. S.M. Shade is not afraid to delve into topics that are not for everyone (domestic abuse, a side story with a m/m romance) but if you open your mind and your heart I promise this is a series that you will fall in love with. Fantastic writing and a suspenseful plot this fast paced novella will entrance you and have you eager to read more by her.

‘Every step away from Macy feels like a step in the wrong direction.’

**Parker can be read as a standalone but I personally highly recommend you read Everly and Mason (come on more HOT sexy alpha fighters)

4.5 Smooches
~miranda
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
February 20, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/20/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Hit it and quit it.
One and done.
Hump and dump.

That has been my philosophy on relationships for the last seven years. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad guy. I'm always upfront and truthful with the women I date. I don't promise them anything but a good time.
I could've gone on happily sleeping my way through the major metropolitan area if it wasn't for her. The dark haired beauty who haunts my days and keeps me awake at night. Strong and sweet, she makes me reconsider everything I believe about love.

Too bad she's completely off limits.

I've never been good at following the rules.
233 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2018
These are getting more and more cliche romance, but who ever said that was a bad thing? I love these characters and the strength they all have in their own way. Family means something in these books, and I love it.
Profile Image for Danna Iuliana.
1,110 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2015
I freaking loved this book. I thought I was in love with Mason but boy am I a book whore bc God damn it, it sure didn t take me long to switch to Parker. I'm the type of reader that always cares more ab the hero so I rarely find a heroine I like. One of the reasons this is a 5 stars read for me is bc of the awesome, kick ass heroine. Considering the situation she finds herself in you'd maybe expect Macy to be a scared, weak woman. She is none of that. She is smart, funny, talented and wicked in bed. She is no shy virgin and I like it when women make the first move. The book just ticks all my wants and needs when it comes to romance books. The dialogue is freaking hilarious, they are both so funny. Park"s brothers remain awesome and there is nothing better for me than having the hero be surrounded by a strong family support system. There was no unnecessary drama or stupid over dramatic reactions. Maybe, just Parker's decision after Al is taken care off. I didn t really understand why he did what he did but I was lmao when he went after Macy and "rescued" her from her date. His nicknames for Macy's date were hilarious as was the way he neanderthaled her:))). When they were out celebrating the boys victory I just knew how Alex and Cooper's story was going to turn out and I was already grieving for Cooper. Although I came to care ab Cooper I love Ian and I'm sure no matter what he says, he won t resist Alex now that they live together. I'm sorry but if there was ever a man you'd turn gay for, Alex is that man :))
I'm an avid MM reader and there is nothing better that loving a series that just also happens to have an MM book. It s like all my wishes rapped in an awesome packed alpha male series!
Profile Image for Jennifer Lessard.
475 reviews23 followers
October 25, 2015
*I was giving this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Oh My Effing God!!! I fell in love with the characters in this story when I read Everly. Then when I read Mason I thought, WOW! How in the hell did she make this story even better than Everly's story? So I was overjoyed when I received this to read. I have been patiently waiting for it. As with my reviews of Everly and Mason, I could say most of the same thing about how well written the story line is and about the development of the characters being superior but it's even more than that. It is almost like she is no longer writing about characters in a book. She is writing about family! With this being book 3 of the series, as I'm reading it, I don't feel like I am reading a book about some characters. It feels so much more personnel. It feels like I am reading about people that I actually know and care about. It is that well written! It's not just the flow throughout the book, each one of these books just flow right into the next. I am looking forward to reading Alex's story, especially with how Parker's book ended. So now I can sit back and try to patiently await the arrival of Alex's story. I have nothing negative to say about this book other than it ended to soon. Amazing job!
Profile Image for Tara Santiago.
497 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2015


4.5 Stars

WARNING!!!

You WILL fall in love with Parker

This entire series is amazing!!! While Everly and Mason were both really freakin fantastic, Parker really stood out for me in this series. I loved Parker and Macy together.

“You’re all I need, doll. Just you. Just us.”

The storyline and twists and turns were great and devoured the book in no time at all.

“You always make my day better”

I really love how Everly and Mason make their mark too, so we never have to let them go.


Technically this book can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the series as a whole.

**A gifted copy was received by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**


Be sure to check out more of my reviews at: http://lustfulliterature.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/lustfulliter...

Profile Image for *Natalie*.
147 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2015
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well S.M. Shade has done it again. I absolutely love this series, the plot is always interesting and the Reed brothers are always yummy.
Parker has spent years avoiding any kind of emotional attachment. After the trauma of his childhood and the betrayal of his high school sweetheart, the only people he really lets in are his brother's.
Macy has been on her own for a long time, no family or close friends and now she is in hiding at the woman's shelter run by the Reed brothers. Her abusive ex boyfriend Al is hunting her and it's Parker's job to protect her.

I already knew going in that I loved Parker, after meeting him in Everly & Mason there was no way I wasn't going to love Parker's own story. It was also good to see the progression of Mason & Everly's relationship as well.

I'm still stunned by that ending! I can't wait for the next book in the series, it has to be Alex's story.
Profile Image for April.
523 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2015
*****received an ARC for a honest review*****

Oh my, more of the Reed brothers. This time we get Parker and Macy's story. Parker is instantly drawn into Macy. Macy ends up at Striking Back, as her ex is stalking her. They start a great friendship and Parker doesn't want to cross that line.
Things get intense between the two. Macy isn't a weak woman, she can care for herself.
I wanted to hate Parker but he redeemed himself in the end.
You get all of the Reed brothers and Everly.
This story flowed well and kept me interested the entire way through. I was ready to hurt Parker when he walked away. Macy needed him the most at that point.
If you want to get the full story with Mason, you would need to read the first two books, but this can be read as a standalone.
That ending, Alex and Cooper, my heart breaks.
I can't wait to see what story S.M. Shade comes up with next.
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
August 29, 2016
Rules are made to be broken, or at least that's what they say - but for Parker, breaking this particular rule will get him in hot water with his brother, Mason.

Macy cannot believe what life has handed her. Forced to flee her home and go into hiding, the silver lining comes in the form of Parker.

Parker is a great character. Much like his brother (Mason, who we met in books #1 and #2) he's loyal and protective but he's a man-whore.

As Parker gets to know Macy, a connection is formed but there are lines that cannot be crossed.

What I've loved most about this series so far, is the camaraderie, the family bond. The way that this little group of people look out for each other. The further you delve into the series, the more invested you become. Of course this means that you share in their sorrows, as much as their joy.

Alex's story is next and I have a feeling I may need some tissues.
Profile Image for Analia Almonte.
488 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review. The author is one of my favorites so I was thrilled, the story is super well written and she don’t disappoint at all. Those Reeds brother are everything a girl need, they will protect you and other women that need help and they will love you with everything they have. Mason is my man and let me tell you Parker have one piece of my heart too. The characters are fell like family, they are well development. I fell in love with this story from the beginning to end. The most important part of those books are that the story is based and helping victims of domestic abuse and that is super amazing. Like I said before the author is just one of my favorite and the story just flow. Hand downs again lady.
668 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2015
After crushing on Parker, 1/3 of the Reed brothers, at Everly and Mason's story, I'm so excited to read his story, and it does not disappoint!

The sassy banters, sexy scenes and  swoon-worthy dialogues are just the tip of the iceberg for Parker. What cemented my love for this other Reed brother is his attentiveness to Macy and the support he gave for his family. I commend the author that the heroine, Macy, did not come off as weak, despite the fact that she's been abused and that she's not a weeping mess all through the story.

The story will tug at your heart strings, will make you laugh, will make you fall in love, and will leave you wanting for your own Reed brother. I know, I did!
Profile Image for Tracey.
61 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2015
I was gifted this ARC for a honest review.

Parker is a player, with a capital P.L.A.Y.E.R! But as with all players in fiction, there's that one woman who can tie them up in knots, not literally unfortunately! Parker is no exception. When he falls and admits it, it's a beautiful thing. I loved Parker, he gave me some lol moments and his hea was a good fit for him. The story moves along at a good pace and I was never bored. Love the family feel to this series and looking forward to Alex's story! Bravo Ms Shade!
Profile Image for Kim Ginsberg.
Author 3 books29 followers
October 27, 2015
Macy, one of Everly's friends has sought the help of Striking Back to get away from her abusive boyfriend. Parker is playing security for the shelter when she comes to stay. What happens when her ex tracks her down? Can Parker protect her? Will her ex get his hands on her? What happens when Mason is hurt and Everly needs help with Mason's son who he just found out her had? What happens when Parker can't keep his feelings to himself anymore? Does Macy return his feelings, or is she too damaged to know what she's feeling? Find out in this awesome read!!!
Profile Image for Denise Anderson.
319 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2018
I absolutely loved Parker!! S.M. did it again with Parker, no she did better. I loved Parker more, sorry (NOT). We have Macy who was in a very abusive relationship and came to Striking Back to get away from it all, yet she is still a very strong independent woman. Then we have Parker who is mister bad ass Reed brother with no feeling for anyone but himself. Can things change for Parker and Macy? Can Macy have a happily ever after? Can Parker feel for someone? those are the answers we get in this book. you will absolutely love this book and series.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,551 reviews9 followers
March 2, 2016
Good story

As much as I like Mason & Everly, this book was better than the first two. Probably because there was no cliffhanger ending. Still another roller coaster relationship but to get more about these brothers, I read it. I'm sure many lovers of M/F will love this series. I'm really looking forward to Alex's story, the reason I read the first three!
Profile Image for Clarie Giselle Speights .
538 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2019
Several stories in one book

Started off interesting then fell flat this book was suppose to be about Macy and Parker but instead we get a little bit of every character. From Alex’s boyfriend dying to Janet dating Jake Jensen. The author strayed a lot from the main characters and couldn’t decide if the characters were two people getting to know each other in spite of heroines terrible circumstances to deciding that Ev’s father dies the same day her boyfriend Mason is shot. Then Ev finds out the same day she’s pregnant and Mason proposes. This book may have been listed as Parker but it felt more like Parker,Mason, Ev, Alex, Ian, Cooper, etc. Do you see what I mean this author strays for no rhyme or reason. She throws a string of events that are not conducive to the story being told. Not to mention how she depicts a battered woman is unrealistic. And needs editing.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,199 reviews19 followers
January 19, 2018
I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first two books. I was confused at the beginning though because Parker and Macy introduce themselves, but they met in book 2. Book 3 starts where book 2 started and I think that should have been told to the reader. I assumed book 3 started where book 2 ended. Once I had that straightened out I really liked Parker and Macy. Parker is with a new woman every night but there is something about Macy that gets his attention. The problem is that she is a woman at the shelter and is off limits. If Parker lets his guard down for even a moment bad things could happen, which of course they do. On to book four.
69 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2018
I'm in love with these characters. Parker is everything you could want in a damaged man. Fuck. And the leading lady. My goodness the fight in her is ducking outstanding. There's so much in this book. Never a dull moment but never a FUCK will it end with the drama already moment either. I one point I was ready to drive across countries to kick SM in the ass. I'm pretty sure there's something's I will never forgive her for and this book houses one of them. Seriously you need to let Parker into your heart. I'll be recommending this book to everyone that will listen.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,062 reviews41 followers
September 10, 2022
Such a tough one

So, this is a page turner! (But such a tough topic).

Unfortunately, the premise of this story happens more often than it should!
And is written well. Pretty scary for Macy!

Parker denies the depth of his connection to her, which aggravated the situation.
Parker and Macy have great chemistry between them, and their connection was fun to read. I was relieved and happy at their HEA!

I enjoyed this one, and recommend reading this collection together, in the correct reading order to get the most from the storyline and characters.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,913 reviews26 followers
October 16, 2017
They keep getting better

This is the third book in the series and there is improvement with each volume. After book one I wasn’t sure I would continue and now I’ll be starting book four as soon as I finish writing this review. The characters are more fully developed and not nearly as stupid or annoying. The plot devices are much better and not nearly as obvious. The emotion in the characters comes through much better. This series is definitely worth your time.
Profile Image for Carla Aristondo.
372 reviews
October 1, 2018
Desde que nos introducieron a Macy y a Parker me llamaron la atención y con los que nos contaron en el libro anterior sabía que necesitaba leer más de ellos. Macy es una luchadora, a pesar de todo lo que ha pasado, simpre ha sabido salir adelante y esta vez no es distinto.
Parker, me encantas. Tu personalidad me encantó desde un primer momento y tu instinto protector es frustrante a veces pero eso solo muestra el gran coazon que tienes.
Como me está gustando la saga.
Profile Image for Lea Clark.
17 reviews
January 11, 2023
The pace was way to quick in parts the ending was so rushed things (no spoilers) just happen right at the end so suddenly there’s no closure.
Not enough time to really develop the characters which is a shame because I like Parker and Macy but I wish it could have delved into them more. Smut was good of course.
Interesting premise just needed more time as lots of events happen in this book but sometimes so quick I’ve lost track as it all happens at once.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,191 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2018

I am honestly and voluntarily reviewing a copy of this book 📚
Parker is the playful Reed brother in the Striking Back Series......but did he finally fall!! He and Macy are well written, interesting characters with faults, and some baggage. Keeping up with the other characters was seamless and really well integrated into the storyline.
Profile Image for Koren.
159 reviews
March 12, 2019
Park

Parker is the tall, sexy, tough protective bodyguard that every woman wants to meet. Macy is running and hiding from an abusive ex. Three brother run a shelter that saves her life, gives her friends and eventually a family. This is hot, suspenseful, heartbreaking, sexy and fun.
1,571 reviews27 followers
October 28, 2019
Parker....

S.M. Shade you have a new fangirl! I'm seriously loving your work!!!

Parker...what can I say - we all gotta love the hot muscly playboy with a heart of gold!
Macy, we've already met her in previous books - a strong yet sweet woman who picked the wrong kind of man...!! But she's picking herself up.
Can't really say much else 🙄!

An excellent story,, loved it!!
Profile Image for A little birdie told me....
627 reviews31 followers
December 22, 2016
I liked this one better than the two previous books. It's funny since I really only read this one to get to Alex's story.

I loved Macy, like a whole lot. I think that's the saving grace of this book. Parker just seemed a bit too flaky to love him.

Alex, here I come.
Profile Image for Anneliese .
109 reviews17 followers
March 4, 2018
I knew from the second Parker hit the page in Everly and Mason's books I couldn't wait to get my hands on him. Fun, flirty, womanizer Parker is my favorite. And the fact that I was still jonesing for a damsel in distress book 3 was the perfect fit. I'm not gonna lie I like a little jealousy and over protective alphaness in my book boyfriends and Parker was not lacking. Although I was wanting a damsel in distress I don't like the whiny ones and Macy was no where near the woe is me gal. She had spunk and spirit no matter what was happening and didn't let anything or anyone get her down. Really enjoyed this addition to the Striking Back series.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,223 reviews
March 6, 2018
Parker is sleeping his way through the great state of Indiana and no one would ever think he’d settle down. Macy is hiding from he abusive ex and Parker is there every step of the way. The Reed brothers never start relationships with the women they’re helping....until now.
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