Luke realizes, through tragedy, that life is too short to stay away from the woman he has loved for years. Aurora has been hurt, she's been abandoned by everyone she has ever loved. How can she give in to her need for Luke now? Can she risk her heart and the friendship they've shared for so long? Is their love strong enough to pull them through the pain of loss and see them through to the other side?
This had been on my TBR list for a while and I was really excited when I saw it was on sale. I think I just was expecting more than the end result here.
The writing style took me a bit to get used too, the dialogue was kind of choppy and dull for me. I didn't really get any of the normal chemistry you feel between the H and h. And in the end I couldn't really stand the h. She was so . . . lame is the word I'm looking for. I didn't understand her laid back seemingly unaffected reaction to what happened to Nolan The author tells you that she cries and feels pain but in the next breath she's okay with not feeling guilty or completely crushed that this man that was her rock and a really great person is now gone. She's totally okay with just moving on?
If you're going to use that situation as a plot device I expected more emotional struggle. I was told that she suffers but I never really felt it. Luke showed more feeling for his bff than the sister in this scenario and it just felt wrong.
I liked Luke as the H, he was okay but way too beta for my tastes. idk what it is but lately the Hs in the books I've read have been paired up with immature and down right bratty hs. I feel bad for them :(
Ages: H is in his mid-30s, h is 27. Neither are virgins. No Cheating Part of a series - based on the way this one was written, I'd say the books are intertwined and should be read in order.
I enjoyed this book, it was sad but I felt a little detached as well. I can’t really put my finger on why. I really liked all the characters in this book; they don’t get jumbled together at all. Meaning I didn’t have to make notes of who was who. Ha ha
I kind of found it endearing that they both Luke and Aurora had a crush on each other but because of timing and circumstance they never did anything about it until now. And with it being how they did it’s kind of fitting. Death either brings people together or tares them apart.
Over all I really enjoyed this book, I am looking forward to Jake and Hope maybe being able to heal each other because they both need something that’s for sure.
Listening to audio can be wonderful or it can be so so. This was both. I enjoyed the heck out of Travis Ryan Lee performance. Now don’t get me wrong Christina Lee has a very pleasant voice. She narrates it well enough; she wasn’t breathy and doesn’t do anything weird. But I kind of didn’t feel any emotion in her words. And given the content of this book I kind of wanted to feel that.
Aurora receives a visit from her brothers best friend, Luke and normally she would be ecstatic to seem him, but he's dressed in his cop uniform, with another cop from another county. She knows this is bad really bad, but never does she expect the news that Luke delivers. Her brother Nolan is dead, by a self inflicted wound.
As she goes through the grieving process with Luke, who is also fighting the demons every night that haunt his dreams, her and Luke become close. Very close. Aurora is conflicted by her feelings for Luke and wonders if he's only consoling her because of her brothers death, or if he is feeling the same thing she is. Love.
This was a very heartbreaking read, watching all the characters deal with the aftermath of someone close to them taking their life. Suicide not only takes a life of a dear one, it permanently scars the ones who loved them
When I started this book, I had no idea what to expect. Then when it got you hard with a tough situation, suicide, it really took off. During this book, we follow how suicide can affect those around us. Those affected have different ways in which they react to the loss. In this book it is Aurora's brother, who is Luke's friend, who commits suicide.
Following these two on their journey of loss and love was exciting. Just when you think things are going to work out, feelings get in the way. Well this along with some misunderstandings.
If you are sensitive to suicide, this book may not be for you.
Aurora receives a visit from her brothers best friend, Luke and normally she would be ecstatic to seem him, but he's dressed in his cop uniform, with another cop from another county. She knows this is bad really bad, but never does she expect the news that Luke delivers. Her brother Nolan is dead, by a self inflicted wound.
As she goes through the grieving process with Luke, who is also fighting the demons every night that haunt his dreams, her and Luke become close. Very close. Aurora is conflicted by her feelings for Luke and wonders if he's only consoling her because of her brothers death, or if he is feeling the same thing she is. Love.
This was a very heartbreaking read, watching all the characters deal with the aftermath of someone close to them taking their life. Suicide not only takes a life of a dear one, it permanently scars the ones who loved them.
This story has a lot of emotions. Like and Aurora have known each other for a long time but it's not until tragedy hits that they lean on each other and start to open up about their real feelings. I love the way the author pulls them together. It felt very realistic and definitely was something that I feel would happen in everyday life. Will they be able to make something out of their feelings or will their grief be too much? You will want to read this book and find out because it's a story that drawls you in. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
So I'm a little conflicted. I'm intrigued by the story of these emotionally wounded vets but the mcs acted really immature at times. A lot of waffling and repetitive inner dialogue and unneeded misunderstandings. So I give the story a 4 and the characters a 2. I'm going to try the next one to see if it improves.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was the first book that I read by Anna Scott and I loved every minute of it. Luke and Aurora were endearing, so freakin' hot, and fun. I fell in love with all of Luke's friends and cannot wait to read their stories as well. They took hold of my heart right from the start with the tragic circumstances that they had to endure and how utterly sweet and devoted Luke was to Aurora during their time of sorrow. Luke is a heartfelt, steamy story with a touch of humor to relieve sadness interwoven throughout the book.
Aurora is an independent woman and owner of her own boutique. She has had a crush on her brother Nolan's best friend Luke for most of her life. When Luke comes to deliver some tragic news, her whole world comes crashing down around her. Luke who is also struck hard by this tragedy, helps to put her pieces back together again and that is when everything changes. Aurora is strong, caring, and beautiful and it shines throughout the story in the way that she treats everyone in her life. From her love and all consuming passion for Luke, her friendship with Reed and even the way she worries about one of her brother's closest friends Hope. She is always there for them but in turn tries to not be a burden to anyone which often results in arguments between her and those that love her. I admired Aurora's strength while at the same time was frustrated at her stubbornness.
My absolute favorite character is Luke, I couldn't resist him with all that hard body clothed in a cops uniform, the way he loves both Aurora (Rory), her brother Nolan and their band of ex military friends. Oh and let's not forget that he knows just how to use a pair of handcuffs for more than just arresting criminals. His camaraderie with the guys was both sweet and funny and his relationship with Aurora was so steamy they could cause heart palpitations.
Anna Scott's story about Luke and Aurora is a perfect mixture of sadness, humor, and spice to keep you engrossed until the end. I fell head over heels for all of the characters and cannot wait to get my hands on Jake and Hope's story. What is not to love about these sexy, testosterone pumped, muscular guys with their heart of gold and broody ways. It is enough to make any woman drool and want to come back for seconds. I highly recommend for an emotionally filled story, with amazingly real characters, and enough steam to keep you hot and bothered for hours.
So I accidentally deleted a bunch of reviews off my phone...all dnf's so I'm not rereading but I'll try to recreate the best I can (two weeks later) I remember the characters of this not really acting in a manner consistent with the situation. The heroine kept talking about her brother's suicide like it happened years ago instead of days. There was something else about her that bugged me I think but I don't recall. The hero was skeezy. Apparently always liked her but refused to make a move on her...til her brother and his best friend dies and suddenly he's all over her. The final dnf straw read him masturbating to the smell of her hair...so creepy
I really enjoyed reading this book. The emotions just came through so clearly, that I was in tears by the time I got not even half way through the book. I loved the fact that Luke was not an "over alpha" type guy and that Rory was not a "hapless damsel in distress" type girl. I loved the fact that the characters are strong and that they deal with their grief realistically. Can't wait to read more in this series
If you take this for what it is and don’t expect an award winning novel - then my only complaint is the dialogue. It’s choppy, wordy, I shouldn’t be learning the exact details of her outfit from her dialogue- but then you add in the plot holes and the cringe worthy scenes and it probably shouldn’t even be a novel.
Amazing from start to finish. I literally could not put this book down once I started it. It pulls you in right from the beginning. I am anxious about reading book two. This story has it all. I definitely recommend reading this book.
It was a very heart felted book. Made you feel what the characters in the book felt. Would recommend and can’t wait to read the next books in the series.
DNF. The narrator was horrible. I don’t think I got through the first chapter. There was no distinction between the male character and the female character even from one sentence to the next.
2.5* ..... found it hard to get into the book as the writing style was choppy for me. found it hard to connect with either of the two love interest in this book
“…I always want to be the one to help you. And, you remember this; there is never a moment when I’m spending time with you that I want to be with anyone else. I’m exactly where i want to be.”
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review of Luke A Redemption Romance and I couldn’t be happier that I did. The story starts with an introduction of Luke and Aurora/Rory and an immediate shared tragedy. Luke has known Rory for years and so he easily steps into the role she needs to help her through this tough time. While dealing with their shared sorrow Luke and Rory are trying to put their affection for each other on hold due to the circumstances.
“You are so strong Rory, so fucking strong. I’m so proud of you”
I really like how organic their relationship was and how natural their friends to lovers situation grew. Obviously things are never as smooth as you would like them to be and misunderstandings are many in their relationship but deep down you can see how much they care for each other. During their ups and downs I really enjoyed how truly strong Rory was, she certainly was not some meek woman who would be a push over to a man or allow him to mistreat her.
Also in this book you get to meet the rest of the guys who served with Luke in the Marines. They all are very protective and loving of Rory and are will to be there if she needs them. Reed is one of my favorite characters and he is one of Aurora’s best friends. He adds just the right amount of humor when it’s needed and also the voice of reason when things get out of control. I love that the guys have a good level of brotherly love towards each other, which is evident in the way joke around and are there for each other. I can’t wait to read the other 4 books coming out in this series.
‘Reed leaned down once my crying had lessened and asked “what can I do Red?” Reed’s stupid nickname for me brought just a little lightness to my heart. “Can you get me out of here? I can’t do this Reed; I can’t be around all of these people right now.”
One thing I know to be true of Anna Scott is she can write a very hot love scene and although this book is one of her romance novels the passion shared between Luke and Rory does not lack. So if you are looking for a book that has romance, humor and still a healthy dose of hotness this book will hit the mark.
“My god baby, I love you so much, so fucking much.” His entire body was vibrating
Great Story!! Disapointing audio/narrators performance. I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. I absolutely loved this story and only wish the male and female narrators would have done a better job. They seemed to be very armature in their performance as well and the recording quality. The performers sounded as if they were in a tunnel and didn't know when to pause or fluctuate their voice. The male narrator was very choppy and both narrators seemed to speed up too much and paused in-between thoughts. It was very distracting. If I had paid for this audiobook, I would have actually returned it. If anymore are released by these narrators, I will stick to the ebooks and let my imagination perform in my head. I was very dissapointed by the audio quality and lacking performance by the narrators because the story was so well written and interested me so much that I plan to continue the series in ebook. I am an avid audiobook listener who listens to an audiobook everyday, almost all day and night. I have heard so really great quality and performances, and this one is not one of them unfortunately. I hope the author and/or publisher selects different narrators and recording settings if they continue the series in audiobook.
This is the first book I've read by Anna Scott, so I didn't know what to expect. It features Aurora Williams and her big brother Nolan's best friend, Luke Jackson. Aurora "Rory" owns a boutique and Luke is a former Marine who is on the SWAT team of the Dallas Police Department. They have been attracted to each other for years, but never let their feelings show and never acted on them. Then a tragedy brings them together and a tentative relationship begins and sputters, then restarts, only to sputter again. But neither have been in a serious relationship before, emotions are running high and both protect themselves by withdrawing and putting up walls. The only way they will be able to move forward is to let go of their past fears, but old habits die hard. Nolan and Luke's teammates from the Marines take on supporting roles, along with Rory's friends, as they deal with the issues surrounding PTSD and it's all too often occurring tragic aftermath. This book gets 3.5 stars.
Aurora, a.k.a. Rory, has loved Luke for as long as she can remember, but he only thinks of her like a sister, or so she thought. Luke has loved Rory for a long time, but being her brother Nolan's best friend marks her as off limits. When a tragic event shatters their worlds, Luke is there to help her pick up the pieces and claim her as his in the process. Aurora (Rory) is such a strong, independent and caring woman that has seen her share of tragedy and with the help of her friends, she will get through it. Throughout the book we also get to know the band of brothers that served with Luke and Nolan in the Marines and the love they have for Rory. The chemistry between Luke and Rory was off the charts HOT and the sexy times were so steamy I needed a cold shower! There were times I cried, times I laughed and times I wanted to scream and through it all I couldn't wait to see what was next. Although Reed is my favorite, I absolutely can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series! This was an excellent read and I would highly recommend it.
*ARC kindly provided by the Author for an honest review*
OMG... What an opening! so didn't expect that which was an added bonus.
We meet Luke Jackson a former marine turned cop, and Aurora Williams better know as Rory to him seeing he's known her like forever as he's best friends with Aurora's brother Nolan.
Wont say too much, but I just loved the way their story took me on an emotional rollercoaster, The group of friends that we will meet are Jake, Gavin, Trent and Reed all were joined in the marines. So looking forward to hear their story :)
Amber & Hope is Aurora's friends, I just love the way they all come together in hour of need.
I just absolutely LOVED reading this story, can't wait for the next one I believe its Jake's
Luke was an amazingly heartfelt story of friends coming together to lean on each other during a difficult time. When Aurora received the news that her brother, Nolan, had passed away she was devastated. She didn't have any living parents, so receiving the news from her brother's best friend, Luke, and her long-time crush, helped to soften the blow and offer the best support she had left. Little did Aurora know, that Luke also had had feelings for her for a long time as well. Things begin to evolve and take shape slowly and carefully as they grieved together over their loss of Nolan.
Luke and Aurora have been attracted to each other for years without acting on it. Tragedy brings them together but miscommunication and their individual issues get in the way. Their chemistry is off the charts, so both are motivated to try to work things out. Anna Scott does a great job here of writing about the aftermath of loss when practical matters have to get dealt with, without sacrificing the romantic and sexual aspects of the story. This is the first book of the Redemption Romance Series but is a stand alone.
This story was okay. I did enjoy it but it had so much more promise and could have been better. The dialogue felt off and pieced together. The story line itself was good with the heroine and hero who have had feelings for each other but never admittedly acted on them because he is the best friend of her brother. After a tragic event things changes things and feelings come to be known and explored.
Rory made things so much more unnecessary. She's horrible at communication and always thinks it's not her fault. She annoyed me for most of this book.
Felt like their story ended abruptly with a HEA. The epilogue didn't really progress enough without you having to read the second book to know more about them.
Honestly an awful story tbh, don’t recommend and there were lots of grammar errors all over the place. I haven’t rolled my eyes this much in a very long time.