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Man Enough #2
Along Came Us
He’s Mr. Wrong, she’s Miss Independent. When the two come together, sparks fly! Don’t miss Along Came Us, a sexy and heartwarming romance from Nicole McLaughlin.
National Guardsman Tyler Cavallo knows all too well what it feels like to be a volatile teenager. There was a time when it seemed like everyone—be it his father, a rival gang member, or his opponent in the MMA cage—was out to get him. These days he focuses that fight into his gym where he mentors at-risk youths. But one particular teen has Tyler more concerned than usual, and if he’s learned one thing in life, it’s to trust his instincts, and right now those instincts are telling him that this boy isn’t safe.
Lia Hanson is a woman on a mission. With bills to pay, and a younger brother to raise, and two full time jobs, she’s working her ass off and doing the best she can. But in a few months she will finally graduate from college and be able to put most of that behind her for good. Or so she thinks, until a certain overbearing and stupidly good looking gym owner acts like he knows what’s best for her brother. A man is the last thing she wants, and this man is certainly not who she pictured as a stable role model. Lia thought she had a plan, but Tyler’s support, strength and passion have her realizing that sometimes the best things in life come when they’re least expected.
National Guardsman Tyler Cavallo knows all too well what it feels like to be a volatile teenager. There was a time when it seemed like everyone—be it his father, a rival gang member, or his opponent in the MMA cage—was out to get him. These days he focuses that fight into his gym where he mentors at-risk youths. But one particular teen has Tyler more concerned than usual, and if he’s learned one thing in life, it’s to trust his instincts, and right now those instincts are telling him that this boy isn’t safe.
Lia Hanson is a woman on a mission. With bills to pay, and a younger brother to raise, and two full time jobs, she’s working her ass off and doing the best she can. But in a few months she will finally graduate from college and be able to put most of that behind her for good. Or so she thinks, until a certain overbearing and stupidly good looking gym owner acts like he knows what’s best for her brother. A man is the last thing she wants, and this man is certainly not who she pictured as a stable role model. Lia thought she had a plan, but Tyler’s support, strength and passion have her realizing that sometimes the best things in life come when they’re least expected.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 27, 2017
4 - "Trust goes both ways..." Stars!
Its LIVE!
Amazon US – http://a.co/1DdY1cS
Amazon UK – http://amzn.eu/98Upz16
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alon...
The second book in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series; Along Came Us gives us Tyler Cavallo’s story.
Gym owner/bad boy, ex-military Tyler spent his youth growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, gang life and death was a definite possibility until the military life called. Now out of the forces he spends his time running his Gym, offering at risk boys a chance to train for free, and being a National Guardsmen with his buddies on the weekend.
Something about Lia cut through him and made him want to help her, her and her brother…
Tyler and Lia’s first meeting isn’t what you would call friendly. After discovering that her brother Caleb is taking self-defense classes at his Gym, Lia barrels down there all guns blazing to forbid his further attendance, especially after the call is facilitated due to the fact he has been in a fight, and is in pretty bad shape. Lia is not an advocate of violence in any shape or form so her brother actively being involved with it even in a self-defense capacity does not sit well with her.
Tyler didn’t strike her as the type of guy to take things slow. Whereas Lia had never taken things… anywhere. With anyone.
Neither of them can deny the attraction between them, and after a few friendlier meetings follow up, Lia agrees to a date, and things go full steam ahead from there. And I really enjoyed the building of their relationship, both of them are dealing with some pretty grim pasts as best as they can, and I think that was part of what drew them together as well.
But once again neither of them are being fully honest with the other, and this is the same issue I had with the first book, the relationship that then builds between Tyler and Lia, is essentially built on omissions of the truth and lies. This is something that can get on my nerves when played out too long, although I found myself understanding the characters reasonings initially, but as they got to know each other I began to then get a little frustrated as things moved along.
"Maybe I’m not used to having a man care about me… I do things on my own. I take care of myself. I don’t count on people…"
There is also a large case of double standards as well, because Lia flips her lid when she finds out that Tyler hasn’t been completely upfront with her about something, but then carries on lying about a large part of her life to him, until he literally catches her in the act.
That said, I still really enjoyed this book, the author keeps her readers engaged with her easy to immerse writing style, frustrations aside, I really liked Tyler and Lia, both were strong characters used to doing their own thing, and living life by their own rules, and the addition of Caleb and the teen perspective gave an added dimension to the story.
I hope to see more stories from this series in the future. The author has built a solid base that offers strong feisty heroines, (not-so)bad boys that you will fall in love with, around really easy to read love stories, and the possibilities are endless for future books.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Its LIVE!
Amazon US – http://a.co/1DdY1cS
Amazon UK – http://amzn.eu/98Upz16
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alon...
The second book in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series; Along Came Us gives us Tyler Cavallo’s story.
Gym owner/bad boy, ex-military Tyler spent his youth growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, gang life and death was a definite possibility until the military life called. Now out of the forces he spends his time running his Gym, offering at risk boys a chance to train for free, and being a National Guardsmen with his buddies on the weekend.
Something about Lia cut through him and made him want to help her, her and her brother…
Tyler and Lia’s first meeting isn’t what you would call friendly. After discovering that her brother Caleb is taking self-defense classes at his Gym, Lia barrels down there all guns blazing to forbid his further attendance, especially after the call is facilitated due to the fact he has been in a fight, and is in pretty bad shape. Lia is not an advocate of violence in any shape or form so her brother actively being involved with it even in a self-defense capacity does not sit well with her.
Tyler didn’t strike her as the type of guy to take things slow. Whereas Lia had never taken things… anywhere. With anyone.
Neither of them can deny the attraction between them, and after a few friendlier meetings follow up, Lia agrees to a date, and things go full steam ahead from there. And I really enjoyed the building of their relationship, both of them are dealing with some pretty grim pasts as best as they can, and I think that was part of what drew them together as well.
But once again neither of them are being fully honest with the other, and this is the same issue I had with the first book, the relationship that then builds between Tyler and Lia, is essentially built on omissions of the truth and lies. This is something that can get on my nerves when played out too long, although I found myself understanding the characters reasonings initially, but as they got to know each other I began to then get a little frustrated as things moved along.
"Maybe I’m not used to having a man care about me… I do things on my own. I take care of myself. I don’t count on people…"
There is also a large case of double standards as well, because Lia flips her lid when she finds out that Tyler hasn’t been completely upfront with her about something, but then carries on lying about a large part of her life to him, until he literally catches her in the act.
That said, I still really enjoyed this book, the author keeps her readers engaged with her easy to immerse writing style, frustrations aside, I really liked Tyler and Lia, both were strong characters used to doing their own thing, and living life by their own rules, and the addition of Caleb and the teen perspective gave an added dimension to the story.
I hope to see more stories from this series in the future. The author has built a solid base that offers strong feisty heroines, (not-so)bad boys that you will fall in love with, around really easy to read love stories, and the possibilities are endless for future books.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
June 26, 2017
I loved this one! Tyler is a former fighter/gym owner. He was in a gang in his teens and eventually joined the military and straightened himself out. Because of his past, he is eager to help other teens who are having a hard time by running a program at his gym helping kids stay out of trouble. Lia is a 27 year old woman who has her hands full - she is working two jobs and is finishing her college degree. She also is guardian to her teenage brother, Caleb. When Caleb gets into a bit of trouble, Lia meets Tyler and the attraction is instant. Lia has trust issues after everything she's been through in her life. She has problems opening up and trusting and she's worried about taking a chance on Tyler. Lucky for Lia, Tyler doesn't give up easily and he knows there's more to Lia. I loved that Lia and Tyler are really interesting characters. Both of them have things in their past that shaped who they are now. They have flaws and aren't perfect but they are perfect for each other. This book was nicely paced, had a good plot and the writing was really good. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book!
October 19, 2019
This is the second book in the Man Enough Series, featuring Tyler and Lia. Tyler is the owner of a local gym and a National Guardsman; Lia is a full-time college student with two jobs, working to support her teenage brother. Lia meets Tyler when she receives a call that she should come to Tyler's gym to pick up her brother because he's been involved in a fight. She learns that Tyler opens his gym to at-risk teen boys and offers them a place to work out for free in exchange for good attendance at school. Tyler wants to train Caleb to defend himself because it seems that he is a target for bullying. Lia refuses to consent to any fighting at all because she doesn't encourage fighting, ever.
Tyler has a past history of underground fighting and then professional fighting before his military service. He spent time overseas and is now in the National Guard with Reeve from All I Ask and several other close friends. He believes that equipping Caleb with the knowledge to defend himself will give him the confidence and ability if he finds himself in a fight situation again. He likes Caleb and it is clear that the teen looks up to Tyler in the absence of any other male role models in his life. Lia's background with her parents is a rough one. Specifically, her stepfather was rough and even abusive and took his anger out on her mother and even on her.
Once Tyler realizes that he is attracted to her, it takes Lia a while to warm up to his flirting and a little longer to reciprocate. Lia has issues with trust. Thankfully Tyler recognizes this and is very patient. As they spend more time together, first because of Caleb as a shared interest, then as they begin to date - it feels like it takes forever for Lia to be receptive to Tyler in any way. I love the way Tyler pursues her, though. He is careful not to come across as overbearing but he makes sure to be honest about his intentions and what he wants.
The best parts of the story were, of course, Tyler himself and his friends. I adore the other Guardsmen and have since they were all introduced in the first book.
My biggest issues with this story are:
1. Lia has a huge secret that she is keeping from both Tyler and Caleb. I really dislike secrets in romances because they always backfire. This one is just, wow. And when it is revealed, it is jaw-dropping. I felt awful for all parties involved.
2. This book is a mixture of several plot details and tropes mixed together that aren't my favorites. I hesitate to reveal them all because of spoiling the plot, but one example is that I don't always love children in romance stories. In this case, it worked out because Caleb is a teenager and helped to further the plot rather than provide comic relief for stressful situations. But it also felt like he made the book less like romance and more fiction-y.
Thankfully the resolution was a good one and everything worked out for everyone in the end.
I liked this one, but I don't think I liked it as much as the first book in this series. I feel like this is mainly because it lacks the light-hearted banter and humor that the first book had and the romance is slightly less compelling to me. The story itself is a good one, though, and it's certainly reread-worthy. I'm desperate for more information about the rest of this series. I would love to know when the rest of the National Guardsmen will have their stories published. There is one in particular that I'm dying for.
Tyler has a past history of underground fighting and then professional fighting before his military service. He spent time overseas and is now in the National Guard with Reeve from All I Ask and several other close friends. He believes that equipping Caleb with the knowledge to defend himself will give him the confidence and ability if he finds himself in a fight situation again. He likes Caleb and it is clear that the teen looks up to Tyler in the absence of any other male role models in his life. Lia's background with her parents is a rough one. Specifically, her stepfather was rough and even abusive and took his anger out on her mother and even on her.
Once Tyler realizes that he is attracted to her, it takes Lia a while to warm up to his flirting and a little longer to reciprocate. Lia has issues with trust. Thankfully Tyler recognizes this and is very patient. As they spend more time together, first because of Caleb as a shared interest, then as they begin to date - it feels like it takes forever for Lia to be receptive to Tyler in any way. I love the way Tyler pursues her, though. He is careful not to come across as overbearing but he makes sure to be honest about his intentions and what he wants.
The best parts of the story were, of course, Tyler himself and his friends. I adore the other Guardsmen and have since they were all introduced in the first book.
My biggest issues with this story are:
1. Lia has a huge secret that she is keeping from both Tyler and Caleb. I really dislike secrets in romances because they always backfire. This one is just, wow. And when it is revealed, it is jaw-dropping. I felt awful for all parties involved.
2. This book is a mixture of several plot details and tropes mixed together that aren't my favorites. I hesitate to reveal them all because of spoiling the plot, but one example is that I don't always love children in romance stories. In this case, it worked out because Caleb is a teenager and helped to further the plot rather than provide comic relief for stressful situations. But it also felt like he made the book less like romance and more fiction-y.
Thankfully the resolution was a good one and everything worked out for everyone in the end.
I liked this one, but I don't think I liked it as much as the first book in this series. I feel like this is mainly because it lacks the light-hearted banter and humor that the first book had and the romance is slightly less compelling to me. The story itself is a good one, though, and it's certainly reread-worthy. I'm desperate for more information about the rest of this series. I would love to know when the rest of the National Guardsmen will have their stories published. There is one in particular that I'm dying for.
August 31, 2017
This is second book in series and we get reunited with Tyler, who is also in the national guard, and now owns a gym to help young kids keep out of trouble. He ends up meeting Lia, whose little brother Caleb is going to his gym without her knowledge. Lia has a difficult life, her mother is in a home, and Lia is working as a waitress in a strip bar to help pay the bills, and still assist her mother even though, her mother neglected taking care of them. There are problem with Caleb, and he does not want to tell her, Lia is an angry girl, and does have a chip on her shoulder, sometimes you want to knock her out, but as you continue to read, you feel for her. Tyler is instantly attracted to Lia, and he tries to get close to her, but when he finds out her job, he flips, and then the issues arise. I loved Tyler, and loved reading about Reeve and Emily.
August 3, 2017
Along Came Us is the 2nd book in the Man Enough series but it can be read as a stand-alone. This was a sweet, sexy and fun read. Lia and Tyler had great chemistry. You couldn't help but love them, especially Tyler.
I really enjoy this series so far and can't wait for more.
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for supplying a copy of Nicole McLaughlin's "Along Came Us" in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy this series so far and can't wait for more.
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for supplying a copy of Nicole McLaughlin's "Along Came Us" in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2017
Fantastic book! Tyler and Lia are both strong passionate characters and they work perfectly together. He's a good guy that had a rough start in life but turned himself around. Now he just wants to give back and help other kids out of tough situations. That's how he meets Lia's brother Caleb. Lia is working 2 jobs, finishing school, and raising her brother. She thinks she has everything under control until Caleb starts getting into trouble and the rough and rugged gym owner thinks he knows whats best for Caleb. These two clash, argue and love hard.
The characters in this one are very well developed and I enjoyed them all. The story itself is fresh with a nice pace to the story. Definitely a book I recommend.
The characters in this one are very well developed and I enjoyed them all. The story itself is fresh with a nice pace to the story. Definitely a book I recommend.
February 1, 2018
The second installment in the Man Enough series is about Tyler Cavallo, a former fighter and now a gym owner and Lia Hanson, a sister working two jobs to make ends meet and give her younger brother a good life. From the first book we see that Lia's brother Caleb is being bullied and has joined Tyler's program for troubled teens, unbeknown to Lia. From the minute Tyler and Lia meet they misjudge each other. Trust is a big issue between them and a recurring theme throughout the book. The pace was slightly slow and the inner monologues repetitive. This was an okay book - nothing wow or fantastic.
July 6, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley and SMP Swerve for ARC in exchange for honest review.
Lia had too much on her plate. She had a mother to take care of, brother to raise, bills to pay and finish her business degree. There is not enough hours in a day for two jobs. She is barely making enough for both but when she gets a call about his brother and finds her brother all bruised and she feels she is not failing as a guardian. Plus finding him in a gym doesn’t make her happy. She has hard time dealing with violence and that’s how she saw Tyler, who owns the gym where Caleb has been going.
Tyler, ex-marine and troubled kid himself, saw himself in Caleb. He was trying to help Caleb out and try to talk to him about what had happen to him but he hasn’t opened up to him yet. Now he sees his sister, he is more interested in Lia. But he had to convince her that Caleb is in good hands before he can start anything with her.
Both had different childhood but similar in a way both had to endure. Lia was trying her best to keep both living a normal life as possible. When she forbids Caleb to go to gym because she doesn’t believe in violence. She can’t face another violence in her busy and hectic life.
When Lia is starting to open up to see different side of Tyler and they decided to give it a try. She opens up to him but there are couple of things looming over her and he can feel it. She didn’t want to reveal about her other job but her job working at a strip club is going to cause more problem. She is used to being independent and not use to taking help from other people. When Tyler senses there is something in Lia, but he wasn’t ready to push and waiting for her to open up to him.
While he was on training his friends decided to celebrate his birthday at a strip club and his friend Reeve finds very similar looking Lia in the hall way. He was suspicious and finds his Lia on stage ready to strip.... He couldn’t believe his eyes and he couldn’t believe she never have told him about it. He was waiting and this is what he gets....
Everything turns upside down.. Lia went through so much but now she feels she lost everything. What will they do... Caleb was excited to see Tyler finally taking care of Lia but things turns for the worst for her. She thought he could be the one but she lost it.. What will she do and what will he do???
I enjoyed the first one about Tyler’s friend Reeve and this one was great too... it was great for my summer reading.
Lia had too much on her plate. She had a mother to take care of, brother to raise, bills to pay and finish her business degree. There is not enough hours in a day for two jobs. She is barely making enough for both but when she gets a call about his brother and finds her brother all bruised and she feels she is not failing as a guardian. Plus finding him in a gym doesn’t make her happy. She has hard time dealing with violence and that’s how she saw Tyler, who owns the gym where Caleb has been going.
Tyler, ex-marine and troubled kid himself, saw himself in Caleb. He was trying to help Caleb out and try to talk to him about what had happen to him but he hasn’t opened up to him yet. Now he sees his sister, he is more interested in Lia. But he had to convince her that Caleb is in good hands before he can start anything with her.
Both had different childhood but similar in a way both had to endure. Lia was trying her best to keep both living a normal life as possible. When she forbids Caleb to go to gym because she doesn’t believe in violence. She can’t face another violence in her busy and hectic life.
When Lia is starting to open up to see different side of Tyler and they decided to give it a try. She opens up to him but there are couple of things looming over her and he can feel it. She didn’t want to reveal about her other job but her job working at a strip club is going to cause more problem. She is used to being independent and not use to taking help from other people. When Tyler senses there is something in Lia, but he wasn’t ready to push and waiting for her to open up to him.
While he was on training his friends decided to celebrate his birthday at a strip club and his friend Reeve finds very similar looking Lia in the hall way. He was suspicious and finds his Lia on stage ready to strip.... He couldn’t believe his eyes and he couldn’t believe she never have told him about it. He was waiting and this is what he gets....
Everything turns upside down.. Lia went through so much but now she feels she lost everything. What will they do... Caleb was excited to see Tyler finally taking care of Lia but things turns for the worst for her. She thought he could be the one but she lost it.. What will she do and what will he do???
I enjoyed the first one about Tyler’s friend Reeve and this one was great too... it was great for my summer reading.
June 28, 2017
lia hanson has a plan. finish up her studies. quit her terrible job. get a good job she can be proud of. one good enough that will allow her to quit her second decent job. all while supporting her infirm mother and her teenage brother. along came us opens when her brother gets involved in a series of fights she realizes that maybe she doesn't have things as in control as she thought.
first she discovers that he's been taking lessons on how to defend himself at a local mma gym. she's definitely not pleased when she meets tyler cavallo and learns of past involvement with gangs in la and the military. but he has a connection with her brother she can't deny. and she is attracted to him in a way she can't deny either.
tyler is so interested in lia. and the fact that she wants nothing to do with him kills him. and with her brother putting him in the middle of things his loyalty and ability to keep promises are in question. because he hates lying to lia. she barely trusts him as it is, and all he wants is her trust.
there's a push and pull between them throughout the book that works because they are so good at talking about their problems. they still fight and get their wires crossed. but nothing ever feels insurmountable, you have faith that they'll figure it out. that what they feel for each other is love. and that love is strong enough to withstand all the hurt and pain they cause one another without meaning to. because their biggest problem is trust. lia has been hurt so badly before. her father, her stepfather, previous boyfriends, not one of them have stepped up and treated her the way a woman should be treated. and so with tyler everything feels too good to be true. and when he doesn't act or react the way she wants him to, it's painful. but the truth is, he's human. he's entitled to feel conflicted and angry. he's hurt by her lack of confidence in him more than anything else.
but once they really decide to go for it. to trust each other. to trust in their love. what they get is something wonderful. something that might not have been planned for, but is exactly what lia needs in order to achieve happiness.
**along came us will publish on june 27, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (swerve) in exchange for my honest review.
first she discovers that he's been taking lessons on how to defend himself at a local mma gym. she's definitely not pleased when she meets tyler cavallo and learns of past involvement with gangs in la and the military. but he has a connection with her brother she can't deny. and she is attracted to him in a way she can't deny either.
tyler is so interested in lia. and the fact that she wants nothing to do with him kills him. and with her brother putting him in the middle of things his loyalty and ability to keep promises are in question. because he hates lying to lia. she barely trusts him as it is, and all he wants is her trust.
there's a push and pull between them throughout the book that works because they are so good at talking about their problems. they still fight and get their wires crossed. but nothing ever feels insurmountable, you have faith that they'll figure it out. that what they feel for each other is love. and that love is strong enough to withstand all the hurt and pain they cause one another without meaning to. because their biggest problem is trust. lia has been hurt so badly before. her father, her stepfather, previous boyfriends, not one of them have stepped up and treated her the way a woman should be treated. and so with tyler everything feels too good to be true. and when he doesn't act or react the way she wants him to, it's painful. but the truth is, he's human. he's entitled to feel conflicted and angry. he's hurt by her lack of confidence in him more than anything else.
but once they really decide to go for it. to trust each other. to trust in their love. what they get is something wonderful. something that might not have been planned for, but is exactly what lia needs in order to achieve happiness.
**along came us will publish on june 27, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (swerve) in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2017
Lia takes care of her brother Caleb, who is a teen. Their parents weren't the ideal parents and unfortunately, the job has fallen on Lia. She works two jobs to support them. One job she owns up to having the other she does not. She gets a call that Caleb has been in a fight, but when pushed for the reason why Caleb clams up. He also has been learning to fight at a gym, which she in no way agrees with. Violence never solves anything.
Tyler owns a gym and is in the National Guard. In his youth he was in a gang and to save himself he enlisted. Now years later he mentors youth and he has a particular interest in a 17 year named Caleb. There's a story there, but so far Caleb isn't sharing. His sister comes in the gym and blast Tyler about fighting in a short, short skirt. Tyler's first impression of Lia aren't good, but as he gets to know her he sees her in a whole new light.
Lia and Tyler develop an interest in each other. But, what happens when she's not completely honest with him and withholds what her second job is? Secrets are never a good thing!
I loved Tyler and Lia together!! All characters were great and the story, for me, kept my interest! Tyler and his friends are very entertaining together! It was also a treat that past characters were in this book! I look forward to reading the next story in this series.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
Tyler owns a gym and is in the National Guard. In his youth he was in a gang and to save himself he enlisted. Now years later he mentors youth and he has a particular interest in a 17 year named Caleb. There's a story there, but so far Caleb isn't sharing. His sister comes in the gym and blast Tyler about fighting in a short, short skirt. Tyler's first impression of Lia aren't good, but as he gets to know her he sees her in a whole new light.
Lia and Tyler develop an interest in each other. But, what happens when she's not completely honest with him and withholds what her second job is? Secrets are never a good thing!
I loved Tyler and Lia together!! All characters were great and the story, for me, kept my interest! Tyler and his friends are very entertaining together! It was also a treat that past characters were in this book! I look forward to reading the next story in this series.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
June 27, 2017
This is the second book in the series and it was actually different enough from the first to be very refreshing. I've read probably thousands of romance books, but don't think I've ever read one with this same plot. I read several of Ms. McLaughlin's books under her pen name of Nicole Michaels and also thought the plot for those were very new and exciting. Her characters are very well developed and their behavior is consistent with their backgrounds.
In Along Came Us, both main characters have had rough upbringings. It's nice to see the characters overcome their past and work for their futures. Although Lia ends up making a rough decision when she finds her back against the wall in trying to find a way to pay for the nursing home her mother is in, she still puts a lot of thought and soul searching into it. It's a decision that Tyler has a hard time accepting and it could possibly end their relationship. Can he understand that she is doing what she has to, or will it truly be the end of their chance for a happy ending?
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In Along Came Us, both main characters have had rough upbringings. It's nice to see the characters overcome their past and work for their futures. Although Lia ends up making a rough decision when she finds her back against the wall in trying to find a way to pay for the nursing home her mother is in, she still puts a lot of thought and soul searching into it. It's a decision that Tyler has a hard time accepting and it could possibly end their relationship. Can he understand that she is doing what she has to, or will it truly be the end of their chance for a happy ending?
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
Cute story that really pull the reader in. It deals with some sensitive situations. How men view women who work in the sex industry... are the woman sluts or can it be that is it just a means to make a fair living. Why is it that men are not looked at as being dirty for going to a strip club but a woman is dirty if she works there? Lia has been raising her little brother and trying to make ends meet by working two jobs and trying to get her BA in school. Tyler and Lia meet when she learns that her brother (aged 17) has been beaten up by his peers. Tyler informs Lia that he has been coaching her brother on self-defense for free three times a week after school. Lia was taken aback.. due to she was never informed that her brother was learning to fight. She and her brother had a very bad upbringing with their mom and dad. Their mom attempted to commit suicide after her husband left... she was always drunk or strung out on drugs her children were growing up Tyler just wants to help the two with any and all problems he can. I will not give away the rest of the story... but it does have a few surprises.
March 2, 2019
Ms. McLaughlin has written a sweet romance with likeable characters and an interesting plot. I really liked the characters of Lia and Tyler and believed they were made for each other. The storyline unfolds in just the right way, with certain elements being kept back for intrigue--and intriguing it is. Personally, I think I would have felt a little more connection with the characters if the story had been told from dual first person; with that being said, the author does a good job with third person, so I definitely think this aspect is a personal-preference thing. Because so many books use the dual first-person POV, I think I've just gotten used to it. Although readers are able to know what these characters are thinking with the author's chosen POV, we don't actually "hear" their voices, like we would in first-person POV. Nonetheless, this is a quick, satisfying read and one that I recommend.
June 27, 2017
I really enjoyed Tyler and Lia’s story. There’s a great cast of characters and I just get so emotionally attached to these characters. Lia is trying so hard to keep her head above water and her brother out of trouble and on the right path. She’s had a rough life but she’s determined to make things better for her brother. Along comes Tyler and his MMA gym, the exact opposite of everything Lia thinks she and her brother need and the sparks start flying. These two are really great together but watching them get there was occasionally heartbreaking. It was another excellent story and I’m really enjoying this series, I also loved getting to see Reeve and Emily again, even if it was pretty brief. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2017
Along Came Us by Nicole McLaughlin
Man Enough #2
Lia Hanson and Tyler Cavallo meet in his gym when she goes to pick up her injured brother. They do not hit it off at first sight with Lia jumping to conclusions and Tyler realizing his preconceptions were totally incorrect. The two have some trust issues to deal with before they get their HEA. This was a well written story with great characters and real issues to be dealt with. I liked the H/h dynamics and the interaction of Caleb, the brother, with both of them. I enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to finding out who will have his story told next.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Swerve for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Man Enough #2
Lia Hanson and Tyler Cavallo meet in his gym when she goes to pick up her injured brother. They do not hit it off at first sight with Lia jumping to conclusions and Tyler realizing his preconceptions were totally incorrect. The two have some trust issues to deal with before they get their HEA. This was a well written story with great characters and real issues to be dealt with. I liked the H/h dynamics and the interaction of Caleb, the brother, with both of them. I enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to finding out who will have his story told next.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Swerve for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
July 27, 2017
Along Came Us is the second book in the Man Enough series and yet again Nicole McLaughlin proves she can deliver hot and sweet with a great storyline. I loved that there was more to this story then just Lia and Tyler's love story. The depth of the full story sucked me in so much I couldn't bring myself to put it down! I loved the feel good feeling I got while reading, the conflict flowed without distracting from the overall feel while reading. I was so excited to get Tyler's story! And, what a great story it was! I was hoping in the first book we'd get more of him! He is a great great man! I am in love with this series! I can't wait for more!!
*Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
*Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
June 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. This is such a fun series from McLaughlin. This book continues the military/national guard theme from All I Ask but has some additional, different themes throughout which are really interesting.
Lia is a fun character who is flawed and constantly growing and you can't help but root for her and Tyler may be my favorite character from this series so far. He's got a great backstory and a great current story and, while he does have some flaws too, you just instantly root for him.
I received a copy of this from Netgalley/SMPSwerve but all opinions are my own.
Lia is a fun character who is flawed and constantly growing and you can't help but root for her and Tyler may be my favorite character from this series so far. He's got a great backstory and a great current story and, while he does have some flaws too, you just instantly root for him.
I received a copy of this from Netgalley/SMPSwerve but all opinions are my own.
June 13, 2017
Tyler is one caring man, “I don’t care what you have here. You call me before you walk out that door. Promise me.” Tyler sometimes just has a craving for his girl, "...his expression turned salacious. “You look delicious. Sure you don’t have time—” I really liked this book, and how protective and caring Tyler was.
July 2, 2017
I loved this book! Tyler was very complex as well as interesting His background was a rough road of LA gangs, trouble with school ans fighting All leads him to commit to serve his country. The other side of the coin was Lia, who has an interesting story.
The author really has a great eye for detail. Very good character stories, dialogue and plots!
The author really has a great eye for detail. Very good character stories, dialogue and plots!
July 4, 2017
Oh goodness. Tyler and Lia were incredible. She is a strong and proud woman, raising her brother and trying to care for her invalid mother. Tyler was a perfect match for her, both strong and powerful, while being patient and understanding. I enjoyed watching the two of them dance around each other and finally fall in love, overcoming many obstacles in their way.
June 18, 2017
netgalley
Loved this book.
Loved this book.
June 22, 2017
I enjoyed reading Along Came Us. This is a sweet romance with strong dynamic characters that captured my heart. I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying this series and would definitely recommend it!
June 29, 2017
I received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
A well written book with a good plot. Loved the characters and enjoyed the writing style of the author.
A well written book with a good plot. Loved the characters and enjoyed the writing style of the author.
July 23, 2017
I'm rating this the same as the first book, because I enjoyed it. but I did prefer book 1.
August 21, 2017
This story is the second in the series. Great story and reading a book by this author is always enjoyable. Can't wait for the next one.
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June 27, 2017Hey peeps! I have a new book out tomorrow (or today for some of you) under Nicole McLaughlin and I want to make sure you don't miss it! Tyler and Lia were so much fun to write, and I appreciate those of you who left advanced reviews. It means the world! xoxo
-Nicole
P.S. I'd love you to come follow me under Nicole McLaughlin. :)
-Nicole
P.S. I'd love you to come follow me under Nicole McLaughlin. :)
July 12, 2017
Along Came Us is a heartwarming, sexy romance. Lia is an independent 27 year old working multiple jobs just trying to graduate from college all while taking care of her younger brother, Caleb. When she gets a call from Caleb one night while at work, little does she know that she'll end up meeting the man that will change her and Caleb's lives. Tyler runs and owns a gym where Caleb has been attending the free open-gym program for teens 3 times a week. Tyler's a former gang member and a National Guardsman whose mission is to try to keep kids from making the same mistakes he had made when he was younger. In Caleb he seems something that calls to him, and when he meets Lia, he knows she's special, too. He likes that she's feisty as hell, railing on him after informing him he will not be teaching Caleb how to fight, even to defend himself, and he's determined to not only get her to allow Caleb to learn how to defend himself, but he's determined to get Lia to open up to him, too.
I really like Along Came Us. It's well written, well paced and Tyler and Lia are both well rounded, layered characters who have chemistry to spare, and watching them fall in love, even with her fighting it, was sweet and sexy. Tyler is so sweet and has such a huge heart. Lia is awesome, she's independent and tough and a great mother figure to Caleb. I wish she had opened up to Tyler sooner, and allowed him to help her, but considering her background, her lack of trust toward people, especially men, was completely understandable.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
I really like Along Came Us. It's well written, well paced and Tyler and Lia are both well rounded, layered characters who have chemistry to spare, and watching them fall in love, even with her fighting it, was sweet and sexy. Tyler is so sweet and has such a huge heart. Lia is awesome, she's independent and tough and a great mother figure to Caleb. I wish she had opened up to Tyler sooner, and allowed him to help her, but considering her background, her lack of trust toward people, especially men, was completely understandable.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
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