Served

Breaking Free #3

by Maya Hughes

Roxanne "Rox" Weller has had it tough, but she’s found a place she belongs, whipping up delicious dishes in the kitchen of The Bramble, LA’s hottest new bar. Nothing is going to stand in the way of her living the life she’s always dreamed of. That is until her psychopathic ex finds her and her dream life comes crashing down. Her domineering new boss, Liam, seems determined to protect her, but can Rox allow him to put his life at risk for her?

Tired of the tech scene, Liam Lavery has been trying to juggle the craziness of running a popular bar, keeping his brother’s schemes to get him to come back to their company at bay, and trying to keep the beautiful chef in his new bar safe. Since he took over The Bramble, he’s been trying to figure out how to win Rox over, whilst also resisting her tempting food. He knows there’s danger out there for her. But she won’t let him in, and he’s determined to find out the truth behind her sad, dark eyes and protect her at any cost. Whether she likes it or not.

When the two have a passionate argument and Rox disappears, Liam will stop at nothing to save the woman he loves and have her back in his arms where she belongs.

Genres: Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2017

About the author

Maya Hughes is an Amazon Top 20 author of swoon worthy, laugh out loud, and emotional new adult and contemporary romances.

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Reviews

[KceeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

FULL REVIEW in a bit!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙍𝙤𝙭.” 𝙃𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. 𝙃𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨. “𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝙎𝙤, 𝙄 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢. 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.”

An emotional romance, where the characters go through all emotions.
Rox and Liam are great together, the only thing that is missing is epilogue.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxy and Liam are hotter than heck! That fine line between love and hate can be sexy and oh man These two rock the hotness meter! Not only that but getting to know each character more was awesome! Liam is devoted and loving! Roxy is strong and full of hope! In the face of danger these two came together and fought to the end! I loved the back and forth and overall a very beautiful story!

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this read by Maya Hughes about Liam who takes over the bar from Mark and the chef, Rox. They have had an almost hate relationship, she has heard him ripping and criticizing her food since she met him thus putting her off on him even though she gets tingles whenever he is near. Liam has his reasons for looking like he doesn't like her food and when they hash it out one night while locked in a freezer their real feelings come out and they make the most of the time together. Unfortunately Rox has a troubled past and her ex is one that doesn't give up since he found her. His abuse physically and emotionally has made her guarded and doesn't trust anyone as well as Liam's past relationships but they try to work it out until he betrays her and all her past feelings of being controlled and abused surface, forcing her to leave him. Is her ex waiting for her? Will Liam get to her in time?
A great read that deals with abuse, betrayal and insecurities leaving emotions heavy at times but through it all they work together trying to learn to trust one another and letting the past not dictate their future. I enjoyed both Liam and Rox, Liam even with all his insecurities from his past was the knight in shining armour that all women dream of and Rox with all that happened in her past was a survivor and a strong dedicated woman because of it. Along with the steamy scenes and a love that grows into more makes it an amazing read that I loved. The only thing missing for me was an epilogue as I love them in books and I would have loved to see these two in the future.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing you must know about this book is it touches on domestic violence and they way that living through it can effect our lives even after it has stopped. This topic is portrayed in a very realistic manner.
I like this series and you will be able to read this book even if you don't read the first 2 books in the series. The characters from those two books are seen in this book and you are given some background on them but the focus is on Liam and Rox.
Rox is the chef for the Bramble, which id s owned by her friend Mark (book1). Rox had a very rough childhood and she does not trust many people. She has disliked Liam for years becuase he does not like her food and Rox pours herself into her food.
Liam is tired of working in his company. It is au longer fun and he is looking for something else to do. He decides to invest in Mark and his bar and gives him money to start a Brambles New York. Liam is taking over the running of the LA bar while Mark is in New York.
When Liam and Rox get accidentally stuck in a broken freezer they begin to talk and realize that what the other believes they feel for them is incorrect and Liam and Rox begin to form a friendship/relationship.
Rox's ex has found her and has already once tried to harm her and Liam came to her defense.
This is a story about two people who are trying to start a relationship but each has baggage from their past that shades their view on the opposite sex.
It also shows how domestic violence not only effects the person caught up in it but also those who care about them.
Another wonderful book from Maya.
I received this book and am giving an honest and voluntary review.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a rough childhood and a troubling start into adult life, Rox finally found her true passion and a place she could call home. The kitchen at the Bramble is her escape from her past and gives her hope for her future. She still carries the scars, insecurities, and embarrassment of her past, but her tough exterior keeps her worries hidden from others. Despite Liam's wealth and success he hasn't always had it easy. He to continues to battle with events of his past and his trust for people doesn't come easy. He has a big heart and cares for everyone he comes in contact with. The two began working together when Liam took over as boss of the Bramble. For years Liam thought Rox hated him and had no idea why, but he was determined to find out. The pair found themselves in a predicament one night after close. They made the best of their situation and talked, clearing up any misunderstandings. From there their attraction for each other grew stronger and their chemistry was explosive! Their pasts and insecurities always came back to haunt them though and came between their growing relationship. Their actions and words were twisted by the other and their trust for each other was thinning. Neither were able to truly break free from their past, but when it came to Rox's safety and wellbeing Liam put his old fears aside to save her and prove he was the one who could make her happy. Served is full of hot, steamy scenes with a little suspense!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Served is a heart pounding suspense filled book by the super talented Maya Hughes, and I couldn't get enough! Roxanne "Rox" Weller's life has been a hard journey, but she feels like she finally found a place where she belongs. She's the head chef in LA's hottest new bar, and has friends that she can count on. Life is finally going well when her insane ex hunts her down once again, and this time, he may very well kill her. Now she has a alpha male boss, Liam, intent on protecting her, but she doesn't want to put him in the crossfire, so she refuses to tell him anything. Liam Lavery has taken some time away from the successful company that he and his twin built, by working at a bar. He has his hands full with trying to run this bar, and getting Rox to let him in, as he knows that she's in danger, but she won't open up. Will he be able to keep her safe, or will Rox have to run once again?! From the moment I started this book, I didn't move until I devoured it cover to cover, as it was full of intense suspense. Rox and Liam are great together, although they both carry some serious past baggage, so good communication wasn't always on the menu, which made for some angsty misunderstandings. The insane twists kept my heart racing, and the f-bombs dropping like crazy. Although I absolutely love every book that I've read by this amazing author, Served has moved into the #1 slot, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone read this super exciting read ASAP!

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Served grabbed me from the beginning with its suspense, twists and drama.
Rox has had a rough past but now things have turned around for this strong willed new chef at Bramble. Her dream come true. Will her past come back to haunt her?
Bored, Liam decides to leave Doppel, the company he and his twin brother, Lucas started and venture into the restaurant business with Mark. Mark heads for NY looking for a spot for a new restaurant, leaving the Bramble in the hands of Liam.
It's eating at Liam as to why Rox seems to hate him. Will she confess what he does to make her hate him so?
Rox's secret past is coming back to haunt her and her world starts spiraling downwards putting her in more danger than ever. Will this affect her relationship with Liam as well?
Rox and Liam both have trust issues due to their past relationships. One a physco abuser and the other a gold digger. Which one comes back with vengeance?
Two lost souls finding each other as their love, trust and loyalty is tested. All the characters were amazing although Lucas was somewhat a douche to his twin brother. I would recommend this book.
I'm volunteering an honest review for an advance reader's copy.

Breaking Free Series
Blinded Book 1
Mixed Book 2
Served Book 3

[Kerry Melton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maya Hughes grabbed my interest with Mixed, so I couldn't wait to dive in to Served! We getf a glimpse of Rox and Liam's characters. This is their story and what a story it is!


Rox hasn't had a great upbringing. And she hasn't had the greatest past relationships. She is finally finding her place at Bramble as head chef, but secrets of her past might be coming back to haunt her future. Liam has been bored at the Doppel. He wants to start a new adventure, so when his best friend Mark has a preposition for him he jumps at it!


Maya has written strong- willed characters that have you falling for Liam! He wears his heart on his sleeve, but is still guarded. Rox is bull-head and is always taking care of herself. She plays a good front with everyone, but she's emotional mess. This is a second chance romance. The connection between these characters is hot between the sheets and the kitchen. I enjoyed reading these characters. It's full of suspense. The banter was great between them and it lightened up the book.

[TDCbookreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rox has been hiding from her abusive ex for a while now, and she's finally established herself as head chef at the hot bar The Bramble. Cooking has always been her escape and she spends most of her time in the bar's kitchen. Liam needs a change, he's tired of being a savvy technician and wants to try his hand at running The Bramble. Rox and Liam have crossed paths many times, although they each seem to have a mutual dislike of each other. One night changes everything, and Liam soon finds himself ready to do anything to keep Rox safe.

"Served" is the third book in Maya Hughes' "Breaking Free" series. I read it as a stand alone book, and from what I understand all the books can be read that way. I found this story to be pretty predictable, but it was still a good read. Rox and Liam were convincing characters that I was rooting for. Ms. Hughes has written a book with a HEA that I was very satisfied with. I rated this book 3 out of 5 stars.

[Amanda Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Maya Hughes and I have to say she hooked me with the first two chapters!! It says number 3 in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone!
This book is about Rox a chef for The Bramble and Liam her new boss. Liam invested in his friend Mark's business and took it over for a few months, so Mark can scout a second location. Rox has always both hated Liam, (never insult a chef's food), and lusted after him. She's able to ignore the second because of the first. Liam has no idea why Rox hates him, but he wants to find out since he wants to date her. Will they get together or will both their pasts come back to destroy them?!
You'll have to read it yourself to find out!! Trust me you'll definitely want to read this book!!
I voluntarily received an ARC for an honest review.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! This book is a stand alone read but I had gotten a little tease about Liam and Rox in the last book. They both have a past that affects there relationship. Liam and Rox had a misunderstanding that has caused them to be "enemies". It gets cleared up after Liam takes over running the Bramble and they get stuck in the broken walk in freezer. I loved their interactions and how they built their relationship. They both have a lot they need to deal with and issues occur that bring up old insecurities and guilt. I liked how they worked through things for the most part and how it made them stronger. The sex is explicit and fits the characters and story. I thought it had a great pace and flowed well. I was engaged with the story beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After an abusive past, Rox is used to picking up and moving at a moments notice. Liam Lavery always viewed himself as the lesser twin and after a bad breakup decides its time for a career change. Only problem is the past doesn't always stay in the past. Will they find Rox's ex before it's to late? Will Liam be able to prove not all men are the same?

Loved getting a story for Rox and I thought Liam was perfect for her. There were times when I wanted to ring both of their necks with their responses to things going on around them. I was happy when despite the things said and done, that Liam didn't give up on her. Rox proved to be a tough cookie with never giving up. Great book and cannot wait for more from this author!

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written exciting story. We meet the main characters Rox and Liam. Rox has not had a easy life and upbringing. Her previous relationships has not been the best and therefor she is a bit closed to beginning something new. Her past comes back to her and she has to deal with it. Liam is bored and what to start fresh. He takes a chance.
The characters in this book are so well developed that you just have to love them. Most of all Liam. The connection between Rox and Liam is steaming hot but they have issues they have to solve before they truly can let them selves go. There is a great banter that gave an edge to this story and made me laugh. Like the twists and turns of the plot but it is rather predictable.
Great read and recommendable.

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

From frosty to fiery, Rox and Liam run the gamut

I was given an ARC of this book, and have elected to leave a review. Served is a sexy and suspenseful romance, the story of Liam the burned-out tech entrepreneur who takes over management of a friend's boutique bar. Among the inherited employees is Rox, a talented chef and a fugitive from an abusive ex-husband.The sparks fly - first they're hostile, but that morphs into white-hot lust, and off they go. The abusive ex shows up to run things, their respective pasts intrude to mix things up, and it's a really rough road to HEA. Action, anger, and angst, plus some steamy sex, are the hallmarks of this novel. It's well-written, well-edited, and somewhat predictable and a satisfying read.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a first for me by this author and although I enjoyed it, some of the slight discrepancies did detract from the story but not enough to
make me not want to read the others in this series.

The concept of Rox and Liam's story is quite a novel one and one that had me intrigued. A chef with a scary ex, a man who had weight troubles trying not to fall for back into bad habits = two people who on the surface who don't like each other. But this soon changes when both scratch beneath the surface of each other's fears and leads to an interesting tale!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reading copy of this book

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This book contains domestic violence triggers. It contains graphic descriptions. Please be aware.

This is a gut-wrenching read...but I recommend everyone get a copy for their library. Maya Hughes took this storyline to the max. It deserves more than 5 stars! Yes, the storyline will make some readers uncomfortable. Yes, some of the characters in the story will make you cringe--and feel emotions that you might not expect. This book doesn't pull any punches...but it's a darn good read that should be in all our libraries. Well done, Maya Hughes! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was blown away at the presentation. It's an excellent read!) ❤️

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the Breaking Free series:
Can you really outrun your past? Roxanne has had a truly hard life and is on the run from an abusive ex-boyfriend. She finds a job at a bar in L.A. When her boss has to leave town his partner Liam takes charge. Liam and Roxanne do not get along nor do they like each other at all. Can people get past first impressions when someone is in trouble and needs help? Liam wants to help Roxanne, will she let him? This is a good story which was hard to put down. A few flaws in the writing/editing but if you look past that, the story is a good one. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read any of this author’s work, and my word, it will definitely not be the last. Rox is on the run from an ex who is dangerous, and is rescued by Liam. No spoilers this is a must read, you will not be disappointed!
This story is well written and gripping, and I was on tenterhooks throughout, and this is also an emotional, storyline, which is filled with drama and suspense. Amazing work from this author, and I will certainly be adding her to my favourites and 1-click lists! Congrats Maya!

[ScarletFix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say I loved this. To me it was an easy to read book, very satisfying in that it has a happy ending as well as the way things are resolved, the only problem was that a few conflicts seemed solved a bit too quickly. The chemistry between Rox and Liam was amazing and I liked that they both were very dynamic characters. A lot of romance books often have characters that are very flat, but Liam and Rox were not anything like that.

Great story, recommended to anyone that loves a well written story.

[Linda Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rox and Liam start off on the wrong foot but find themselves growing closer as they open up about their issues. They growing danger makes him want to keep her safe.

I liked the characters and the storyline was interesting. It was good to see an author take on food issues and make it the man who had the weight problem in the past. It is usually the female character. I liked that the author developed a real relationship and did not rush it. The author needs to do little more editing to fix the inconsistences but it is a good read.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Rox and Liam. Both have had bad relationships in the past. Due to a misunderstanding they are not friends, but enemies. When Liam takes over running Brambles he is able to clear up the issue and when they get stuck in a walk-in freezer their relationship changes. There is good character development and a good story line. There is also some really steamy sex scenes. I enjoyed the story and hope you do as well. Kept me reading from the beginning to the end.

I voluntarily wrote this review from an advanced copy of the book.

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice one.
Captivating storyline.
The MCs had known each other for more than three years but disliked each other until the day he became her boss and they got stuck in a room together.
Heroine is running from her ex, hero has to come to terms with a betrayal.
Didn't like that she was the damsel in distress who had to be saved by her knight...

Loved the MCs. Thought the hero should have understood the heroine's concerns and told her the truth about watching over her. She forgave him way too easily for betraying her trust.

Can recommend. Good read.

[Kelly Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had some serious yumminess. Liam and Roxy have been at each other’s throats for years and it all changed quickly. All it takes is being locked in a freezer to have the truth coming out. Sparks ignite and they quickly come together. It’s hot! What isn’t is the fact that her deranged ex is still out there stalking her and determined to get her back. As these two slowly come together, those o it side forces work to tear them apart.
This was so good! It had the heartache and pain, the happiness, the heat, the fear and it wraps up nicely. Looking forward to the next one!

[Vera Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn't put this book down. I was so gripped by the story. And on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen knowing it was coming lol my heart was in my throat for poor Rox and what she had been though. Then Liam well swoon he's my hero and I loved watching the characters develop throughout the book both overcoming so much from there past to move on with there futures. Such a good emotional book well worth the 5 stars and definitely recommend.

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and wow it was great,full of action,suspence with a great storyline and chemistry between Roxanne and Liam.Roxanne is such a strong independent woman and Liam wants nothing but to help her and protect her from the past that haunts her and still does.This is edge of your seat just waiting for something to happen that you know is coming its just when.I voluntarily read a readers copy of this book

[Natalie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book by this author and im so happy i read it. Well written and well developed characters made for a fantastic read.

Rox and Liam make a lovely couple even though it took a long time for them to figure it out. Rox is running from an abusive past and has finally found a place she feels safe and a job she is good at. Liam is running The Bramble for a friend. He knows Rox has a past and he wants to help protect her but he is finding it hard to break through her barriers.

Would definitely read another from Maya and im looking forward to it.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Breaking Free Series but is a standalone. What a fast paced story with lots of danger, twists and surprises. Throw in a dangerous ex, a beautiful chef, misunderstandings, a gorgeous alpha, tons and chemistry and you have the makings for a page turning story. Well written with enchanting characters and a strong storyline. I received an arc copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Kristen Zimmerman (Book 'Em Krafty) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Breaking Free Series, Juliette/Roxanne and Liam's story. Not only did I love this book but I didn't want to put it down either. The story was well thought out, and automatically pulls you in. It had just the right amount of suspense. I may have shed a few tears during the last chapter.. I not only recommend this book but also the rest of the series.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book*

[For the love Of romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by the author and I truly enjoyed it.
The storyline is not a new one, but the author managed to mix romance, angst and suspense very well. This book kept me engaged from the beginning until the end.
Rox was such a strong character and Liam was sweet as he wanted to protect her. I loved the buildup towards their HEA and I wasn't disappointed.
I highly recommend the book!
I received an arc and volunteered a review.