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First Responders #2
Never Hold Back
Loss.
We all have to live through it.
We all have to figure out how to move past it and continue to live.
Rachel – Spoiled, little blonde rich girl with no grip on the real world. No grip until an accident puts her in a public hospital with ‘real world’ people. When the officer that shows up to take her statement turns out to be the hottest man she’s ever laid eyes on, Rachel is pulled into his life and her world is put on its head.
Zander moved to California four years ago to get past the greatest loss in his life. Love was not something he thought he would ever feel again… or that he wanted to feel again. Little did he know that his world would be turned upside down by a pretty little blonde in a hospital bed.
But what happens when loss threatens to take everything you hold dear from you for a second time?
You fight. You fight with every ounce of your being to save that which matters most to you.
Will Zander and Rachel get their happily ever after?
We all have to live through it.
We all have to figure out how to move past it and continue to live.
Rachel – Spoiled, little blonde rich girl with no grip on the real world. No grip until an accident puts her in a public hospital with ‘real world’ people. When the officer that shows up to take her statement turns out to be the hottest man she’s ever laid eyes on, Rachel is pulled into his life and her world is put on its head.
Zander moved to California four years ago to get past the greatest loss in his life. Love was not something he thought he would ever feel again… or that he wanted to feel again. Little did he know that his world would be turned upside down by a pretty little blonde in a hospital bed.
But what happens when loss threatens to take everything you hold dear from you for a second time?
You fight. You fight with every ounce of your being to save that which matters most to you.
Will Zander and Rachel get their happily ever after?
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Published November 16, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 14, 2016
Never Hold Back starts out as a sweet romance, girl meets boy...hot chemistry, (and I mean HOT). Rachel is from a very affluent family, enjoying life when an accident lands her in the hospital. Zander is a hard working beat cop, trying to get ahead in his job and is sent to the hospital for her statement. There is immediate attraction and intense chemistry.
"Her eyes are bright blue and sparkling, even with the pain medications that are certainly circulating through her body right now. Long blonde hair is hanging over her right shoulder and her brilliant white smile could light up this city on its darkest night."
Zander's heart had been broken by his only previous long term girlfriend and is also a bit intimidated by Rachel's family's wealth. Rachel doesn't trust the strength of their feelings for each other. Both Zander and Rachel seem to keep each other and their relationship at arms length, both not willing to jump in with both feet.
"His strong hand pulls my body firmly against his as our tongues dance in my mouth. I’ve never been kissed like this in my life. The feeling of him needing me to reciprocate each movement of his, to dance in unison as one, is utterly mind blowing."
I loved how much this story completely took me by surprise. I started it one evening and couldn't put it down until I'd turned the last page. What started out sweet and hot, turned exciting and poignant. This was my first book by J.A. Essen and I can't wait to read more.
4.5 Stars
"Her eyes are bright blue and sparkling, even with the pain medications that are certainly circulating through her body right now. Long blonde hair is hanging over her right shoulder and her brilliant white smile could light up this city on its darkest night."
Zander's heart had been broken by his only previous long term girlfriend and is also a bit intimidated by Rachel's family's wealth. Rachel doesn't trust the strength of their feelings for each other. Both Zander and Rachel seem to keep each other and their relationship at arms length, both not willing to jump in with both feet.
"His strong hand pulls my body firmly against his as our tongues dance in my mouth. I’ve never been kissed like this in my life. The feeling of him needing me to reciprocate each movement of his, to dance in unison as one, is utterly mind blowing."
I loved how much this story completely took me by surprise. I started it one evening and couldn't put it down until I'd turned the last page. What started out sweet and hot, turned exciting and poignant. This was my first book by J.A. Essen and I can't wait to read more.
4.5 Stars
November 15, 2016
I cannot remain silent when it comes to this book that's for sure. Zander is a smokin HOT cop and when he meets Rachel in the hospital to complete routine paperwork they hit it off instantly. What forms between them grows and gets hotter and hotter and then out of nowhere BAM! Hit with a twist I totally wasn't expecting at all. I couldn't read fast enough I just needed to know what was going to happen next. Absolutely loved this story. Was a quick read but a GREAT read without a doubt. This is my voluntary unbiased review
November 14, 2016
Ohhh I loved this book even better than the 1st. I loved it more because of the suspense. I was on the edge of my seat for the last 30 percent of the book.
This book had me nearly crying wondering what was going to happen next.
I'd definitely read more about this couple or the couple in book 1.
Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for my honest opinion.
This book had me nearly crying wondering what was going to happen next.
I'd definitely read more about this couple or the couple in book 1.
Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for my honest opinion.
November 11, 2016
4.5 stars
Mr. Essen continue this series with a bang. I love how unfiltered Rachel is and from the first moment she meets Zander she is that way. And Zander thinks it's refreshing that he doesn't have to wonder where Rachel stands.
Rachel the typical California socialite her days are filled with shopping, working out and visiting with her friends. She doesn't have a job and no concept of what it means to work and have to support yourself. She is involved in an auto accident ruining her trip through Europe before she even leaves. That's where Zander makes his appearance.
Zander is a police officer with aspirations of making detective one day. He knows what it means to have to work for a living to support yourself and he knows what loss is like. Finding his heart broken Zander moves to California. That's when he first meets Rachel after her auto accident, he is the police officer that is assigned to her to get her statement.
After Zander has been cheated on he closes his heart to ever finding love. He is a serial dater only keeping women around for two or three weeks. But when he hooks up with Rachel sparks fly. After dating for several months Zander books a trip for him and Rachel and the unspeakable happens. Will Zander ever get to tell Rachel how he really feels?
Mr. Essen continue this series with a bang. I love how unfiltered Rachel is and from the first moment she meets Zander she is that way. And Zander thinks it's refreshing that he doesn't have to wonder where Rachel stands.
Rachel the typical California socialite her days are filled with shopping, working out and visiting with her friends. She doesn't have a job and no concept of what it means to work and have to support yourself. She is involved in an auto accident ruining her trip through Europe before she even leaves. That's where Zander makes his appearance.
Zander is a police officer with aspirations of making detective one day. He knows what it means to have to work for a living to support yourself and he knows what loss is like. Finding his heart broken Zander moves to California. That's when he first meets Rachel after her auto accident, he is the police officer that is assigned to her to get her statement.
After Zander has been cheated on he closes his heart to ever finding love. He is a serial dater only keeping women around for two or three weeks. But when he hooks up with Rachel sparks fly. After dating for several months Zander books a trip for him and Rachel and the unspeakable happens. Will Zander ever get to tell Rachel how he really feels?
November 12, 2016
Rachel finds herself in hospital after being in a car crash even though she's in pain due to her badly injured leg she's not immune to the charms of the hot sexy police officer who comes to the hospital to get her statement, before Zander (the officer) leaves the hospital her gives her a card with his number on it and more or less straight away they begin texting and flirting with each other but not long after they offically start dating there's trouble in paradise when their dream holiday goes does down the pan. Can Zander get his girl back? Will he open his heart to love again after being burned before? You'll have to read the book to find out trust me it doesn't disappoint especially if you've ever had a hot cop fantasy
November 17, 2016
4 Stars!
The story has laughs, steam, and heartbreak.
If you have not already read the below I would recommend reading those books first:
When Sparks Fly (First-Responders, #1)
This is Rachel and Zander's story. These two meet because of a tragic event. The chemistry is off the charts but they are from two completely different words. She’s a spoiled rich girl and he is a cop. Can they make something work or will the differences between them keep them apart? Can they both fight for each other or will one of them have to fight for the both of them to be together?
I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author in the future.
The story has laughs, steam, and heartbreak.
If you have not already read the below I would recommend reading those books first:
When Sparks Fly (First-Responders, #1)
This is Rachel and Zander's story. These two meet because of a tragic event. The chemistry is off the charts but they are from two completely different words. She’s a spoiled rich girl and he is a cop. Can they make something work or will the differences between them keep them apart? Can they both fight for each other or will one of them have to fight for the both of them to be together?
I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author in the future.
November 13, 2016
This is a first read of mine from JA Essen. I enjoyed the story as it was intriguing and fast paced. I enjoyed the real life doubts, thoughts, and situations. It's refreshing to read a story when the characters aren't perfect, but the love is real.
Zander is a cop with a broken heart backstory and Rachel the spoiled little rich girl cross paths when a yellow light accident happens. As with us all life throws a few twists and turns and Zander and Rachel have to find their way through it relying on trust and love. Is it enough?
PS this book has some smoking hot scenes ;)
Zander is a cop with a broken heart backstory and Rachel the spoiled little rich girl cross paths when a yellow light accident happens. As with us all life throws a few twists and turns and Zander and Rachel have to find their way through it relying on trust and love. Is it enough?
PS this book has some smoking hot scenes ;)
November 15, 2016
I have to say, this author keeps getting better and better. This book really shows his growth as a story teller. Having read his other work, I had an idea of the direction this book would go. I have to say though, that I was wrong. This book was nothing like I expected, and I loved it! It had great characters that were well developed, a thought out story, and of course some hot and steamy scenes that had me fanning myself with my kindle. I am so excited to see where the JA goes from here, I have no doubt it will be even better.
November 14, 2016
Rachel is spoiled and sex crazed. Zander is a hard working cop with a closed off heart. Rachel meets Zander after a car accident and instantly persues him. Zander is interested but isn't sure how he can be with a rich woman. He doesn't want to open up. What will make Zander open up? Is there more to Rachel than meets the eye?
Great quick and dirty read. 2 dirty talkers If you like that sort of thing. Some twists and turns that make for a fun read.
Great quick and dirty read. 2 dirty talkers If you like that sort of thing. Some twists and turns that make for a fun read.
November 12, 2016
This is my first JA Essen book, and I freakin love it!.
Zander is a man on a mission until he literally walks into her room.
This book takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster and it brought tears to my eyes on the prologue.
This is a must read, and I will be going back and getting the rest of Essen's books.
Zander is a man on a mission until he literally walks into her room.
This book takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster and it brought tears to my eyes on the prologue.
This is a must read, and I will be going back and getting the rest of Essen's books.
November 12, 2016
I'm really enjoying The First Responders series by JA Essen. This is story of Rachel and Zander and it's super hot. Mr. Essen manages to pack a lot into a relatively short story. The character development gives the perfect amount of back story while the plot keeps you intrigued. I highly recommend this one.
November 14, 2016
Welcome to the world of Zander and Rachel. This book starts with Rachel in an accident that leads her to her romance with Zander who's a cop. Add a whole lot a kinky sex and a really bad situation and you have a red hot book that can't be out down until you have read the whole story. Thank you for letting me read this as an ARC.
November 14, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. If you are looking for a quick hot read that will keep you guessing with a plot twist that is shocking then this is the book for you! I loved the characters and the chemistry between them. J A Essen is a go to author for me when I am in the mood for a quick hot read. I loved this book.
November 17, 2016
Never Hold Back is an riveting and kinky new novel. J.A. takes the second book of the First Responders series up a couple of notches. Zander and Rachel are both witty and outspoken. I absolutely love their personalities. Never Hold Back is a must read. Hopefully there will be more books in the First Responder series.
November 14, 2016
Wow! This book was exactly what I was waiting for!! I love this series!! If you are wanting a book with sex that is off the charts hot then you need to read about Zander and Rachel!!!
November 12, 2016
When zander and Rachel meet its all business but as the story evolves walls come down and they find its more than a physical attraction. Don't miss this book and hoping maybe ravens story is next.
November 15, 2016
Zander and Rachel (I love the name Zander, btw).
Rachel is used to having a pretty cozy life, rich parents, she tends to not have to work too hard.
Zander is a cop who is working extremely hard to rise in his career.
They meet, when he goes in to talk to her about the accident. (This ends where I'm giving any story plots, because spoilers ruin life... well close enough!)
It's no surprise that I'm a big J.A. Essen fan. But I can say without a doubt, this book is (in my opinion) one that will blow you away, just like it did me. It brings out emotions, it makes you think... and Mr. Essen didn't let us down, there's some F'ing HAWT sex scenes. Make sure you have a bottle of water handy, and maybe a towel to wipe up your... sweat! What did you think I was going to say? It's going to get you hot!
The ending... sigh... this book is honestly in my top 5 for the year. I'm recommending this to everyone (over the age of 18 of course).
Rachel is used to having a pretty cozy life, rich parents, she tends to not have to work too hard.
Zander is a cop who is working extremely hard to rise in his career.
They meet, when he goes in to talk to her about the accident. (This ends where I'm giving any story plots, because spoilers ruin life... well close enough!)
It's no surprise that I'm a big J.A. Essen fan. But I can say without a doubt, this book is (in my opinion) one that will blow you away, just like it did me. It brings out emotions, it makes you think... and Mr. Essen didn't let us down, there's some F'ing HAWT sex scenes. Make sure you have a bottle of water handy, and maybe a towel to wipe up your... sweat! What did you think I was going to say? It's going to get you hot!
The ending... sigh... this book is honestly in my top 5 for the year. I'm recommending this to everyone (over the age of 18 of course).
November 17, 2016
4 Stars!
J.A. Essen is back with his First Responders series with a sizzling new installment that will give opposite attracts a whole new meaning. I was introduced to this lovely author not to long ago with book one and man I was hooked.
Never Hold Back was a sweet, sexy, fun, intense, and passionate romance with a twist or two thrown into the mix. This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let me go until it was over. Sure this was a fast read but man did it pack a serious punch.
As for Zander and Rachel... sigh. I really, really liked these two... especially together even if they were a little different (and Zander was out of this world ah-mazing... swoon!). Their journey was perfectly paced, timed... never feeling rushed. And their chemistry was off the charts, undeniable and definitely sizzled at times.
I recommend this book.
Review Post >> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
J.A. Essen is back with his First Responders series with a sizzling new installment that will give opposite attracts a whole new meaning. I was introduced to this lovely author not to long ago with book one and man I was hooked.
Never Hold Back was a sweet, sexy, fun, intense, and passionate romance with a twist or two thrown into the mix. This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let me go until it was over. Sure this was a fast read but man did it pack a serious punch.
As for Zander and Rachel... sigh. I really, really liked these two... especially together even if they were a little different (and Zander was out of this world ah-mazing... swoon!). Their journey was perfectly paced, timed... never feeling rushed. And their chemistry was off the charts, undeniable and definitely sizzled at times.
I recommend this book.
Review Post >> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
November 12, 2016
Rachel is beautiful and maybe a little(a lot)spoiled. She has it all planned out until a yellow light changes everything!
Zander doesn't do relationships any more. However, he can't help but notice the gorgeous woman behind the pain.
Will they be able to overcome their preconceived notions and forgive themselves for the mistakes they feel that they have made?
I love how the story entertwined with When Sparks Fly but it still focuses on Rachel and Zander.
WHY, WHY ARE YOU TOYING WITH MY EMOTIONS RIGHT NOW?!?!?! There is so much more I'm dying to say but I don't do spoilers!
JA Essen can write a sex scene hot enough to make my kindle smoke! I shall dub him King of Kink!
P.S. Who doesn't love bacon?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Zander doesn't do relationships any more. However, he can't help but notice the gorgeous woman behind the pain.
Will they be able to overcome their preconceived notions and forgive themselves for the mistakes they feel that they have made?
I love how the story entertwined with When Sparks Fly but it still focuses on Rachel and Zander.
WHY, WHY ARE YOU TOYING WITH MY EMOTIONS RIGHT NOW?!?!?! There is so much more I'm dying to say but I don't do spoilers!
JA Essen can write a sex scene hot enough to make my kindle smoke! I shall dub him King of Kink!
P.S. Who doesn't love bacon?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
November 14, 2016
Rachel, a spoiled little princess, who had plans to go on summer trip to Europe..
Zandor, a police officer, who relocated because failed relationship...
Rachel meets Zandor after her car accident, trying to make through a yellow light...
Zandor loves Rachel forwardness ...this starts their interaction...
Rachel and Zandor are extremely hot, steamy together...
But is there more? Will they sizzle out?
Will love sneak on them?
Hot steamy scene, along with emotional ones.....
.....find out what happen with Zandor and Rachel...
ARC copy
November 15, 2016
I thought that I would give this book a try as whilst the first book wasn’t that good at grabbing my attention, as I like to give books a second try, but honestly I don’t know if this worked at all. I may not have been able to get into the story much with the first book but out of this one and the first I would have rather have read When Sparks Fly. When I was reading through this book there were editing mistakes and they were pretty noticeable, normally I’m not one to say anything in terms of editing because I like to focus on the story but with this book I couldn’t help but notice them. Personally I wouldn’t actually recommend this book to anyone but if you do decide to pick it up then go for it. I won’t stop you or judge you for it.
November 16, 2016
I really loved Rachel in When Sparks Fly, she's so witty and fun! And seeing what little banter we did with Zander I knew it would be hot! This book was so HOT HOT HOT!!!! From the beginning the chemistry that the two of them had was explosive! They were truly meant to be with each other. She helped him so much with his personal life, and he helped her break out of her "barbie" shell some! In addition to this being Hot AF, it really surprised me!!! There were a few plot twists, one MAJOR, and they were freaking fantastic!!!! I CANNOT wait to see what he writes next <3 <3
November 16, 2016
J A Essen has created another great book. This is the story of Rachel a car accident and Zander a Policeman sent to investigate the accident that broke both of Rachel's legs. Throughout her hospital Zander comes to visit and get to know Rachel. When she gets released things start to heat up. Then she get kidnapped and Zander saves her. You probably would really like more details of all of this but in order to get them you are just going to have to get the book and read it yourself. It is a very great read.
November 16, 2016
I voluntarity Review an Advance Readers Copy of this book for Hot Box Reviews.
OMG this book had me from page one until the last page I was right there with them and it was like well I didn't see that one coming and then it would take me back and I would be like oh my goodness that sounds great. I read the first book and now this one and I can't wait until the next book I will have to read it too I give this book 5 stars if you haven't read this book please don't miss out on it. Thank you so much for giving me this awesome opportunity to read and review your books J.A. Essen you are amazing.
OMG this book had me from page one until the last page I was right there with them and it was like well I didn't see that one coming and then it would take me back and I would be like oh my goodness that sounds great. I read the first book and now this one and I can't wait until the next book I will have to read it too I give this book 5 stars if you haven't read this book please don't miss out on it. Thank you so much for giving me this awesome opportunity to read and review your books J.A. Essen you are amazing.
November 16, 2016
J.A. Essen is a new author to me. Of course I didn't know what to expect and I have to say I was not disappointed. When Zander meets Rachel, it was instant lust for one another. Now, Rachel, I didn't know what to think of her at first but I absolutely love how she doesn't have a filter!! She had me cracking up. Bacon!!! lol Oh, and Zander...YUM!!! Who doesn't love a sexy, dirty mouth cop? The naughty scenes are of the charts. If you are looking for a HOT little read, look no further!!!
Read
November 16, 2016Looking for a quick and steamy read? This one will do just that! It's a quick story, but don't think that means that it is all sex and no story. That is SO not the case with Never Hold Back. The characters grab your attention and you will be begging for more story. I know, because I did beg for more! LOL Great story line that will keep your attention and you won't want to put it down!!
November 16, 2016
This book surprised me. For a good portion of the book it seemed to be purely steamy romance then suddenly, a totally unexpected plot twist occurred and really amped up the story. This book is a good read and I enjoyed it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 16, 2016
Hot cop alert!!!!
I have read all of JA Essen's books and I can say without a doubt this is the best one to date!!!! My only complaint is I wish it hadn't ended!! I could have read another 40 chapters about Rachel and Zander!!
I have read all of JA Essen's books and I can say without a doubt this is the best one to date!!!! My only complaint is I wish it hadn't ended!! I could have read another 40 chapters about Rachel and Zander!!
November 28, 2016
Fun & Sexy
Zander & Rachel's story is fun & sexy. Zander's heart has been broken & closed off. Rachel wants to be the one to open it back up. There is a twist that keeps you on edge. Great second book in the First Responders Series.
Zander & Rachel's story is fun & sexy. Zander's heart has been broken & closed off. Rachel wants to be the one to open it back up. There is a twist that keeps you on edge. Great second book in the First Responders Series.
November 20, 2016
Great book
JA Essen done a great job with this book. I loved reading about Zander and Rachel. I can't wait to read the next book he writes.
JA Essen done a great job with this book. I loved reading about Zander and Rachel. I can't wait to read the next book he writes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews