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Letting Go

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When it comes to love, no mission is impossible.

After learning her father has ALS, Hannah McGinnis returns home to Muskrat Falls, determined to oversee his care --- whether he likes it or not. Dealing with an imperfect health care system and her gruff, abrasive father is a challenge, but Hannah is every bit as stubborn as he is.

Colonel Angus McGinnis, US Army Rangers, Ret. knows he hasn’t been an ideal father but before he ships out, he’s made it his mission to see his daughter happy and settled with a man worthy of her, one who will love her and treat her like the amazing woman she is. It’s got to be a covert mission though, because if Hannah realizes what he’s up to, she’ll mount her own campaign … of resistance.

A year after an IED ended his military career, former US Army Ranger Medic Sergeant Ethan O’Malley is going to put his life back together, whether he thinks he’s ready to or not. The first step is accepting a position as a live-in caretaker to his father’s old Army buddy. The second will be getting the Colonel’s feisty daughter to accept him. The hostile yet intriguing Hannah isn’t going to make it easy for him, but Ethan is committed and he hasn’t failed a mission yet.

Three headstrong, determined people. Three challenging missions. Having a plan Bravo isn’t going to be enough; to succeed, they’re each going to need plans Charlie, Delta, and Foxtrot, too.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2017

134 people are currently reading
556 people want to read

About the author

Abbie Zanders

79 books2,047 followers
Abbie Zanders is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than 55 published romance novels to date. Her stories range from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She promises her readers two things: happily ever afters, always, and no cliffhangers, ever.

Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.

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5 stars
266 (57%)
4 stars
115 (24%)
3 stars
66 (14%)
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13 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
February 18, 2017
3.5 RATING- I like this author but the last few of hers I've read have just been okay. I'm happy to say this one worked better for me. Nothing amazing, just a quick readable romance about a washed up Veteran and a cynical woman with a lot of weight on her shoulders. Two scheming dads and a quick attraction made for an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,461 reviews86 followers
February 4, 2017
I have found anything of Abbie’s I read I fall in love with instantly! From page one with Hannah dealing with yet another healthcare worker and the dialogue going around in her head as she is speaking to her had me flat out laughing. Hannah is a strong woman with an absolute snarky attitude who you can relate to instantly. Having come home to look after her dad who had been diagnosed with ALS, she gave up her job and her home on the West Coast. But trying to find a nurse who can come and help look after him is not as easy as it looks. And having gone through virtually everyone in near vicinity of Muskrat falls it’s not going to be easy.

Angus McGinnis a retired Colonel, with the US Army Rangers Angus and is a no-nonsense man. Hannah still feels lost where he is concerned. Her grandparents had virtually brought her up after her father left her in their care when his beloved Maggie died. He did not know what to do with her. He had lost the love of his life to cancer. He had also lost his only son on his first tour overseas. So having Hannah back in the house to look after him his only thought is to get her settled down, married with a husband and babies. He loves her make no mistake about that, and he knows he let her down when his wife died but he was dealing with his grief and had no idea how to deal with hers also. So he’d left her with her grandparents to raise her.

Throw in a an old Army Ranger buddy and you have a recipe for some hilarious laugh out loud moments and a whole lot of match making.

Cal O’Malley is an old friend who is also in need of help. His son Ethan is spiralling out of control. Drinking and woman. Injured whiles serving overseas, his unit had been ambushed and a lot of good men lost their lives that day. Ethan was seriously hurt and it was touch and go as to whether he would walk again. Ethan’s fiancée then made the decision to end their engagement, she felt she could not deal with that possibility. When Ethan finally made it home he stayed with his dad but sunk into a existence of doing nothing. Cal knows his boy needs help and sending him to Angus is the perfect solution. The two men also have match-making in mind with Hannah and Ethan as their targets.

Hannah is not happy when Cal turns up with Ethan. She was unaware of what her father had planned. To say she is a tad put out is an understatement. But she also can’t help that all her senses are on fire with one look at Ethan. Ethan also is surprised with Hannah. He knows the old men are up to something but lets it go. But hearing Hannah’s voice for the first time he is intrigued. But when he gets a look at her he is instantly captivated by her.

Hannah is not going to give Ethan an easy time. And for a guy like Ethan? Where woman fall easily at his feet he finds he enjoys the snark and fire she directs at him. She is in his sites and a Ranger always get his way. Hannah though is wary having been hurt in the past. She thinks maybe there’s something wrong with her as she’s not like other people where they enjoy being around crowds and partying. She has love of reading romance books and spending time on her own. Can two people who are dealing with their pasts overcome it all and find love and happiness? Yes they can and you will you will fall in love with Hannah and Ethan. Add in their parents and its complete. Abbie did an amazing job with this book and I found myself eagerly turning each page could not put down.
Profile Image for Tina H.
300 reviews41 followers
February 22, 2017
3.5 stars. It was a cute read

I can always appreciate a hot alpha male and a strong and snarky women. Some parts just seemed a little too rushed for me but overall a good read.


1,254 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2020
I liked the heroine, what I saw of her. Her father was steeped in chauvinism though. And the hero made me feel icky even though I'm fresh out of the shower. Implying that women with tattoos lack self respect. I've also never understood the whole calling a girl a whore because she slept with you thing. His general disgusting behavior towards this random lady was irredeemable. Dnf
Profile Image for Angie.
47 reviews
February 2, 2017
Loved this book! It has a wonderful mix of humor, snark and feelings. Both Hannah and Ethan have to overcome hurt from the past to find happiness. Add in a couple of hilarious and conniving fathers and I was hooked from the start.
Profile Image for Miranda Tapal.
54 reviews
January 8, 2024
Must read!

I seriously think this is my new favorite book! Alpha male, Stong FMC, spicy, Cute as hell. It gives you so many feelings once this story sucks you in! I do wish it was a little longer but I loved this so much!
Profile Image for Penny.
610 reviews15 followers
March 6, 2017
3.5+ “Unlimited source of ideas” Stars

Letting Go is a sweet love story about acceptance and healing. Hannah has moved back home to take care of her sick father. With a less than easy childhood and some very unfortunate relationship experiences, she is happy to live her life behind the walls she’s built. She only needs herself and what relationship she can rebuild with her dad. Ethan is a mess. After an IED put an end to his military career he’s been home and completely lost.

Two stubborn meddling ex-military fathers are set on getting their kids together, as they’re sure the other is exactly what each needs. Now they have to be stealthy enough so neither gets an inkling of what’s going on before they’re hooked.

Ethan was exactly what I expect from one Ms. Zanders’ heroes. Alpha, sexy, possessive and all about getting his woman after one meeting.

“She was speaking to my father but looking directly at me again, all puffed up like a kitten anxious to sharpen her claws on me. Yeah, call me crazy, but I was man enough to be her scratching post.”

Hannah had enough reason to be careful with her trust, and while she was caring and funny and I really enjoyed her when she let her guard down, I wish she would have been a little more open to Ethan’s advances.

I think Abbie Zanders has mastered the art of the insta-love-slow-burn romance. This sounds like a contradiction but it’s not, Ethan and Hannah do recognize the other as “the one” in some capacity, but then it’s not until the very end that they actually become a couple. I usually lose my patience when this type of set up happens, but for some reason, I get so into these characters that I just enjoy the ride. That said, I always end up wishing for them to have had some more time together as a couple.

Letting Go is a lift-me-upper sweet read with some touches of heavier stuff and a few drops of steamy. I really enjoyed reading it.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Profile Image for Ashley.
7 reviews
February 4, 2017
"Letting Go" was a true Abbie Zanders Romance. She brings her characters to life and sucks you in until the very last page. She amazes me with every book she writes, they just get better. I always go into her books thinking, "well she can't out do the last book", and every time she wow's me. I don't know how she comes up with these stories and these characters that you just feel like you know them. I recommend all her books but if you're looking for a modern small town, military romance this is the book to read. It has it all: hard family dynamics, life struggles, small town gossip and drama, military upbrining and members, a hot summer romance... what more could you want? You won't regret it. I was given an advanced copy for an honest review of this book.
24 reviews
August 20, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge Abbie Zanders fan and this book did not disappoint. I am usually not a fan of books told from multiple view points but this one was easy to follow and it was interesting to see things from Hannah, Angus and Ethan's perspectives. Hannah and Ethan had amazing chemistry with plenty of snarks and feels mixed in. I found myself laughing out loud and smiling like a fool to their antics. You find out from the start that Angus has ALS but I wasn't ready for the quick back to reality in the epilogue. Like everything else I've read from Abbie this was a great book that I highly recommend and will definably be reading again.
Profile Image for Jaime Nicholson.
56 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2017
Hannah has moved home to care for her ailing father.
Ethan has moved home to wallow in his guilt.
Their fathers are best friends who see an opportunity to help their children by playing match maker and sign Ethan up to help in Hannah's father's care. Will it backfire?
Both Hannah and Ethan have been burned by love in the past and are a little prickly about it. This leads to both heartwarming and funny moments. Their attraction is obvious and has an appropriate build up. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Profile Image for Stacy Dow.
326 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2017
Looking for a book with matchmaking dads, funny moments well this is the book for you. Hannah and Ethan have great chemistry, there is plenty of funny moments between them as well to leave us readers laughing tears. I loved that not only is this book told from the point of view of both Hannah and Ethan, we also are given Hannah's dad Angus point of view at times. This was a good thing as it allows us the reader to understand why Angus who is terminally ill wants to make sure Hannah is going to be happy when he is gone.
82 reviews
January 31, 2017
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. That being said,OMG! I loved this book! I wanted to strangle Hannah a couple of times, I cried a couple more times and laughed a whole lot more! Do not miss this wonderful love story!
2,295 reviews18 followers
February 17, 2017
What a beautiful romance by Abbie Zanders which will pull at your heartstrings and leave a few tears as well. Hannah has left her job to come home and take care of her father, Angus. Ethan came home when he was relived of duty after being almost killed while on duty overseas. After 6 months of recovery and then another 6 months of drinking and women his father Cal has had enough. Angus and Cal come up with an idea to bring the two together, since Angus is suffering from ALS Hannah needs help since all the past nurses have left because they can't handle him, so they decide that Ethan needs to get his act together and what better way than help Hannah out with Angus. But the two dads have something more in mind as well and are trying to play matchmaker. What happens after Ethan the tough brooding sexy alpha male meets Hannah the stubborn headstrong woman.....a story that will pull at your heartstrings, that's full of emotion, sarcasm, battle of wills, humour and lust/love. Told from 3 POV's and an ending that will make your eyes well up with tears.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
July 13, 2017
Letting Go by Abbie Zanders is a beautiful, emotional book. This is the first book I've read by Abbie Zanders and it was a real pleasure. Ms. Zanders takes a weighty subject that many of us know well and can personally relate to; the severe illness of a parent and having to deal with all that entails. I thought she did an excellent job of representing this while adding in many other issues; such as Hannah's own personal insecurities, Ethan's physical recover from war and relationship drama and Angus' struggle with his illness and his desire to make sure things are settled before he leaves this earth. This is not a sad or depressing story. It is full of strength and humor. It features snappy and snarky comments; both internal and external. It also showcases the need to learn let go. Let go of pain, regret, anger, bad relationships and fear and the peace that comes after doing so. This was an amazing book that I highly recommend to anyone that just loves a great romance that will really touch your heart.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,389 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2017
A well-written book about a retired colonel with ALS who schemes with his best friend to put their children together. They do it by having BF's son move in to do the therapy portion of the colonel's care, and sticking the two together. It was pat, straightforward, and had no unforseen twists in the plot... which is part of the reason I didn't give it more stars. Nothing was unexpected.

But mostly I had a problem with the fact that the colonel and his bestie have been friends since childhood, worked together in the military, but the two kids have never met. Really? They stood in each other's weddings, moved close after retirement... but their children have never met. I couldn't suspend reality for that one. And of course the predictability of everything else. It was a good 'pass an hour' book, but nothing I'd write home about.
2 reviews
March 18, 2020
"Letting Go" is a perfect title. All of the characters (like all of us) must allow themselves to let go of emotions, perceptions, and sometimes others.

It took a bit to get used to Hannah's parenthetical expressions--but soon I was just laughing and enjoying the (albeit bumpy) ride.

Usually POV books only use the H and h's viewpoints--it was unique to have Angus's musings as well--especially in the epilogue, which had me in tears after so much laughter/angst.

All of the characters had their unique quirks (say that 5x fast!) which lifted this above the normal romance story. The anxieties and emotions and second-guessing is so real in many of our lives, allowing this story to touch many readers in different ways.

This is the first time in 797 books that I gave a 5-star rating, which means I will gladly re-read it because it was worth my time.
3,542 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2019
I swear, every book from this author I read, I like her writing more and more. Letting Go by Abbie Zanders is no exception. Ms. Zanders has once more had me glued to my Kindle from the first word till the last. This book is well-written and even the alternating point of view format doesn't bother me, when it usually sets me in a fit. The characters are awesome, unique, fun, lovable, take your pick, they're perfect for this story. Hannah left California and returned home to care for her father. Ethan is a wounded vet recovering from his wounds and his fiance dumping him. Hannah and Ethan's story is packed with drama, humor, smokin' hot sex and is a pleasure to read. I loved every page. Letting Go is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
3,544 reviews40 followers
February 17, 2022
Hannah McGinnis is back home in Muskrat Falls because her colonel dad has ALS and she’s determined to help him. What she doesn’t know is that her father has plans for her. He’s determined to find a good man that will make her happy before he dies.
Army Ranger Medic Sergeant Ethan O’Malley , a man whose life changed after an IED , ends up being that man .
Neither Ethan nor Hannah were aware of the Colonel’s mission , more like matchmaking.
Watching these three , very strong characters interact was great fun.
It was a story that touched this reader’s heart and left wishing she could walk into the pages and giving them all a hug.
Definitely a book worth your time.
Profile Image for Andria Potter.
Author 2 books94 followers
August 18, 2024
Hannah was a great character, but the men seemed hugely sexist, and the male mc was definitely not my speed. The writing was good, though I just didn't like most of the characters. Especially as the dad hired someone to SPY ON HIS DAUGHTER AS SHE'S HELPING HIM WITH ALS. And saying it's his fatherly duty looking after his daughter? 🤮 No. No, it is not. She is entitled to privacy, same as anyone else. There's so much in here that the men do that are just RED FLAGS and this book wasn't for me at all. 2.5 ⭐
Profile Image for Jill.
168 reviews
March 2, 2017
WOW! Loved Letting Go!!! Hannah is so tied up in her own little world and so high strung that she can't enjoy the little things in life. And the BIGGEST little thing has just walked thru her front door and moved in. Ethan! They both felt the chemistry from the beginning and both felt as if they had to hide it. Finally Ethan realized what Hannah really needed was for him to take charge! The strongest women need a strong man to give the reigns to sometimes.
Profile Image for Allena.
1,445 reviews
January 26, 2020
The opening chapter brought a rush of emotions as the heroine tried valiantly to find the care her father needed. In this first chapter we get a glimpse of Hannah’s determination to help her father and try to remain upbeat.

Ethan on the other hand seems just find with the status quo until a one night stand has his father giving him an ultimatum.

What follows is a delightful battle of wills and some sneaky Dad maneuvers that were pretty cute.




82 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2021
Wonderful

I loved this book. I loved the characters because of the army background. My husband retired as a master sergeant in the army. I have a daughter and a son serving in the army and my oldest daughter served in the marine corps. So the needless to say this story hit a certain area in my life. I loved the banter, sexy and snarkiness. The reality of ALS and traumatic injury faced during deployment also adds to the layer of this wonderful story. Would recommend it.
838 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2022
Awesome book!

I absolutely loved this book! Abbie Zanders knows how to write a love story that you won’t be able to put down after you start reading it. It’s 2:00 a.m. and I’m going to be exhausted at work tomorrow. I don’t know how I will be able to function with only four hours of sleep. I just couldn’t go to bed until I finished the book. I can’t wait to read Abbie Zanders next book!
Profile Image for Emma.
41 reviews
May 27, 2023
I haven't come across one book of Abbie's that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed! And this is no exception. Hannah and Ethan are two strong characters, both have stubborn tendencies lol, I loved the way Ethan knew what he wanted and wasn't going to give up until he got the girl - there are a lot of funny moments in this book but also some serious touches that make you feel for the characters and their lives, Great book!
Profile Image for Sandra.
448 reviews
January 6, 2024
Rewarding read

Odd review title, but it was for me. Really appreciate the insight to ALS and the feels were off the charts. That's why I read for the feels. So I can experience emotions outside of my current situation and let things go. Each story helps me to heal and this one helped very much. I hope you read and enjoy it. I have never read a Zanders book that was not spectacular.
Profile Image for Cynthia Whisler.
482 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2017
Such an Amazing Story

This was one of the best stories of love and romanticism I have read. Ethan was a true Alpha with tender traits. Hannah had her inner demons that were eating her alive. Her father Angus was dying and wanted to see her secure before he died. The storyline was well-written and realistic as were the characters portrayed in the story. Must Read!!
2,888 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2017
Good story

Loved the way this was written. Two people who while taking care of others found each other. A romance without abuse, murder and mayhem. It was a heartwarming romance that will make you feel good for the young couple who are thrown together by two crafty ole Army Rangers, one of whom has ALS.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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