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The Road Back
It has been a year since Karina Hawkins learned her husband had been killed in the line of duty. Now as she does her best to raise their young twin daughters alone, Karina decides to return to work in another attempt to rebuild her broken life. But when she arrives at a tech company to begin her new role as general counsel, she has no idea what awaits her inside.
Sawyer Banks has never forgotten Karina. Although he is a man with few regrets, losing the love of his life is one of them. Now that Karina is available and he is her new boss, he has every intention of getting her back—and he is not stopping until she is his again. Although their chemistry is undeniably delicious, Karina is uncertain if they can overcome the hurt and secrets between them. But when a threat from her past returns and places her family in danger, Sawyer must prove if he is strong enough to stand by her and not abandon her once again.
In this erotic romance, a widow passionately reconnects with her soul mate just as her past comes back to haunt her, leaving them both to wonder if their relationship will survive.
Sawyer Banks has never forgotten Karina. Although he is a man with few regrets, losing the love of his life is one of them. Now that Karina is available and he is her new boss, he has every intention of getting her back—and he is not stopping until she is his again. Although their chemistry is undeniably delicious, Karina is uncertain if they can overcome the hurt and secrets between them. But when a threat from her past returns and places her family in danger, Sawyer must prove if he is strong enough to stand by her and not abandon her once again.
In this erotic romance, a widow passionately reconnects with her soul mate just as her past comes back to haunt her, leaving them both to wonder if their relationship will survive.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2017
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Marla Machado
3 books8 followersI was born in New York City in the fall of 1977, the Yankees were in the World Series and Charlie's Angels was on TV. I read my first romance novel at 14 and never looked back.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 15, 2018
What a good story!! Surprised a bit, actually.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the very first things that struck me within the first chapter while reading this book was the fact this cover in no way represents what the book is about. The cover would be fine on a fiction novel, not for a contemporary romance.
Another issue that must be resolved is the number of punctuation and grammatical errors. Punctuation is mainly the problem but this is something that a good editor could clear up quickly. These two issues changed could mean a world of difference for this book.
On a good note, I thoroughly enjoyed the read! This author did a wonderful job telling a unique and compelling story. It was full of sexy, hot, steaming romance and the author was able to articulate situations that were very true to life and felt very real. Despair, guilt, hope, surprise, passion, and finally happiness were all a big portion of this story. Throw in a few twists and you have a wonderful read!
I loved the character development and especially fell for Mr. hot and steamy, Sawyer. I think the two made a wonderful connection and the fact they were able to rekindle something special made a sad start a fabulous, smoking read.
This author has a wonderful storytelling talent begging to come out. The Road Back offers a surprising read that pulls you in and wraps you up, throughout the book. High interest, plenty of sexy scenes, and a beautifully matched couple makes this a reader’s delight.
I’d be very interested to see this book again with the corrections made and I know that would help improve the interest and sale-ability for this author and this particular book. I think the author has a lot of good things to come and I will definitely watch for more from her in the coming years.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/road-back-mar...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the very first things that struck me within the first chapter while reading this book was the fact this cover in no way represents what the book is about. The cover would be fine on a fiction novel, not for a contemporary romance.
Another issue that must be resolved is the number of punctuation and grammatical errors. Punctuation is mainly the problem but this is something that a good editor could clear up quickly. These two issues changed could mean a world of difference for this book.
On a good note, I thoroughly enjoyed the read! This author did a wonderful job telling a unique and compelling story. It was full of sexy, hot, steaming romance and the author was able to articulate situations that were very true to life and felt very real. Despair, guilt, hope, surprise, passion, and finally happiness were all a big portion of this story. Throw in a few twists and you have a wonderful read!
I loved the character development and especially fell for Mr. hot and steamy, Sawyer. I think the two made a wonderful connection and the fact they were able to rekindle something special made a sad start a fabulous, smoking read.
This author has a wonderful storytelling talent begging to come out. The Road Back offers a surprising read that pulls you in and wraps you up, throughout the book. High interest, plenty of sexy scenes, and a beautifully matched couple makes this a reader’s delight.
I’d be very interested to see this book again with the corrections made and I know that would help improve the interest and sale-ability for this author and this particular book. I think the author has a lot of good things to come and I will definitely watch for more from her in the coming years.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/road-back-mar...
April 4, 2019
I enjoyed this book so much! It was happy, sad, super sad, hot, steamy, interesting and sexy! Pretty much everything I love in a book! I could read this book and imagine it happening, maybe someday it could be a movie! I highly recommend reading this book! I didn't want to put the book down. I need and wanted to know what was going to happen next. It kept me interested and excited to see how it ended. I needed and wanted a good happy ending. There are some major twist in the book that I did not see coming and that was also part of the fun of reading.
December 9, 2018
Twists, turns, and HEAT!
Second chance romances are my favorite trope, and The Road Back did not disappoint! It started a little slow for me, and I also found myself frustrated with Karina and Sawyer only because they were real, unperfect people! Fear not, it picked up quickly, and they won me over! Prepare for the unexpected, to fall in love with Karina and Sawyer during this heartwarming story! Ms. Machado tells a riveting story that is simply fabulous! Have a tissue handy.
I rated the book five stars despite the technical errors (punctuation and grammatical) because the story itself was very good.
**For my sensitive reader friends: lots of sex & language.
Second chance romances are my favorite trope, and The Road Back did not disappoint! It started a little slow for me, and I also found myself frustrated with Karina and Sawyer only because they were real, unperfect people! Fear not, it picked up quickly, and they won me over! Prepare for the unexpected, to fall in love with Karina and Sawyer during this heartwarming story! Ms. Machado tells a riveting story that is simply fabulous! Have a tissue handy.
I rated the book five stars despite the technical errors (punctuation and grammatical) because the story itself was very good.
**For my sensitive reader friends: lots of sex & language.
April 27, 2019
This is a lovely second chance romance by a new-to-me author. The story is told mostly from our heroine, Karina's POV, but we do get some snippets from Sawyer as well. Karina and Sawyer were madly in love in college but, as often happens in the best romance novels, circumstances tore them apart. Fast-forward to years later. Karina is a thirty-five year old widow with two twins trying to start over. Sawyer seizes the opportunity to make her his once again and is determined to win her over. The steamy scenes are oh-so-good and the story moves at a fast pace. If you love second chance romances, add this one to your TBR!
July 22, 2018
"Seriously my money's on Karina"
Oh, my heart.
I truly love a story about rekindled love so I knew I would be getting that from this book. What I hadn’t expected was to be strung up and dragged through emotion after emotion, Marla Machado delivered me a truly compelling love story of second chances, more than one type of loss, drama and oh so sweet sexual chemistry, so hot I found myself wanting to congratulate Karina on her umpteenth orgasm and high-five Sawyer for his relentless possession and stamina!
This book, for me, had all the seeds of true, addictive desire and love, family complications, doubts, fear but most of all truly touching moments that had me smiling like a fool. Marla Machado placed well timed surprises in this book towards the end that had my heart racing and pages turning and that’s what I loved, the build-up and anticipation.
Honestly there were times where it felt like poor Karina couldn’t catch a break and I wanted to scream on her behalf, my emotions were fully attuned to hers and I backed her all the way. Both Karina and Sawyer are very fiery, passionate characters who can more than hold their own in testing situations but together they are one formidable team…in the bedroom and out of it!
I guess all that needs to be said is, well done Marla! You have well and truly acquired yourself a fan in me and I am absolutely thrilled and beyond excited to see what’s in store for Ian!
Oh, my heart.
I truly love a story about rekindled love so I knew I would be getting that from this book. What I hadn’t expected was to be strung up and dragged through emotion after emotion, Marla Machado delivered me a truly compelling love story of second chances, more than one type of loss, drama and oh so sweet sexual chemistry, so hot I found myself wanting to congratulate Karina on her umpteenth orgasm and high-five Sawyer for his relentless possession and stamina!
This book, for me, had all the seeds of true, addictive desire and love, family complications, doubts, fear but most of all truly touching moments that had me smiling like a fool. Marla Machado placed well timed surprises in this book towards the end that had my heart racing and pages turning and that’s what I loved, the build-up and anticipation.
Honestly there were times where it felt like poor Karina couldn’t catch a break and I wanted to scream on her behalf, my emotions were fully attuned to hers and I backed her all the way. Both Karina and Sawyer are very fiery, passionate characters who can more than hold their own in testing situations but together they are one formidable team…in the bedroom and out of it!
I guess all that needs to be said is, well done Marla! You have well and truly acquired yourself a fan in me and I am absolutely thrilled and beyond excited to see what’s in store for Ian!
August 5, 2018
Sawyer, oh Sawyer, be still my beating heart. He is the complete package. I mean who wouldn't love an alpha, sexy as sin, protective, man with a huge heart? Yeah, that's what I thought. EVERYONE!!! Karina, well what can you say about her other than she is a badass who has been dealt a hard hand. I adore how this story was written. I was hooked from the very first page until the very end and in my opinion the author could not have ended this any better than she did. This author is going to be on my watch list for sure. Really, really enjoyed it and will read it again in the future!
Review by Tabitha
Review by Tabitha
September 9, 2017
Loved The Road Back
The book was very engaging! I loved the dynamics between Karina & Sawyer and the sense of family they had! 💗
The book was very engaging! I loved the dynamics between Karina & Sawyer and the sense of family they had! 💗
July 28, 2018
Great story
I consider this rate ,because I believe in second chances,the theme is the reality of our lives,well ,with some fictional situations::: Highly Recommended.
I consider this rate ,because I believe in second chances,the theme is the reality of our lives,well ,with some fictional situations::: Highly Recommended.
May 8, 2019
The Road Back by Marla Machado pushes the boundaries of romance so hard that in a vacuum it's hard to distinguish from erotica. Not that it should matter of course, fans of both styles will feel right at home reading this book. Our protagonist, Karina is the all-american mom, wife, and Assistant District Attorney whose life is suddenly crashing down around her. Her husband, a police officer, was tragically shot in the line of duty, leaving Karina as a widow with two children to care for. Thankfully, there is no monetary concern as family needs are taken care of due to the late husband's careful planning, as well as some help from his old partner on the force. However, Karina still needs to find a way to return to normal. Starting a new job as general counsel for a fancy tech company, Karina has just one more desire that needs fixing. Some may not think it's right, but in a very realistic exchange, Karina graphically gets "back in the game" after a night in the club. Boy, that anonymous fling sure felt familiar, and soon she realizes the tech company is owned by an old flame (her first love actually) which Karina knew before her husband. Oh geez, will her life ever feel normal again?
There's a personal feel to the writing style from the author that gives The Road Back a special touch. The word choice and tone has a homegrown vibe, not employing the usual prose and tricks of a more polished modern novel. This concept is emphasized by the first person diary-esque narrative as Karina speaks directly to us through most of the proceedings. I found this charming, but those little imperfections could be something to deal with if you're particular as a reader. Karina is pouring her soul into this story as a narrator, so the flaws of her expression work as a benefit in this writing style. Speaking from Karina's point of view also makes for some interesting experiences when the clothing comes off too! Speaking of which...
Sawyer, the leader of the tech company (and Karina's old flame) takes every opportunity to win Karina's heart with fancy trips and expensive favors...along with the ever present steamy doses of ol’ vitamin D. It'd be hard to say no, but the novel's conflict is best examined as Karina gravitates towards the alpha male. She seems all too eager to be wrapped around Sawyer’s finger, despite the notion that even she knows this is all happening too fast. Some people in her life are supportive, others are pretty much shit, and Karina struggles to regain the control her life had when her husband was still around. The intensity of her problems escalates appropriately, keeping the reader engaged as Karina’s past and present are simultaneously challenging her friendships, her career, and her heart. The topics get a little deep towards the end, including a kick ass Law & Order style sub-story, but by the final whistle we get closure where we need it... be sure to have the tissues on stand-by.
Verdict: The Road Back by Marla Machado is a wonderful debut novel by an author that has all the tools to make a name for herself in the erotic lit world. The “Alpha Male” style of story can be a rough one to polish...to truly feel real. In this story’s context however, it’s nice to see a circumstance where you can conceive why we’re falling for the rich guy in an expensive suit (and not just for the quality bedroom visits). I’m excited to stay on The Road’s long journey, it’s well worth the trip.
Special thanks to Marla Machado for providing a copy of The Road Back to TehBen.com for review. All thoughts and opinions contained within this review are my own.
There's a personal feel to the writing style from the author that gives The Road Back a special touch. The word choice and tone has a homegrown vibe, not employing the usual prose and tricks of a more polished modern novel. This concept is emphasized by the first person diary-esque narrative as Karina speaks directly to us through most of the proceedings. I found this charming, but those little imperfections could be something to deal with if you're particular as a reader. Karina is pouring her soul into this story as a narrator, so the flaws of her expression work as a benefit in this writing style. Speaking from Karina's point of view also makes for some interesting experiences when the clothing comes off too! Speaking of which...
Sawyer, the leader of the tech company (and Karina's old flame) takes every opportunity to win Karina's heart with fancy trips and expensive favors...along with the ever present steamy doses of ol’ vitamin D. It'd be hard to say no, but the novel's conflict is best examined as Karina gravitates towards the alpha male. She seems all too eager to be wrapped around Sawyer’s finger, despite the notion that even she knows this is all happening too fast. Some people in her life are supportive, others are pretty much shit, and Karina struggles to regain the control her life had when her husband was still around. The intensity of her problems escalates appropriately, keeping the reader engaged as Karina’s past and present are simultaneously challenging her friendships, her career, and her heart. The topics get a little deep towards the end, including a kick ass Law & Order style sub-story, but by the final whistle we get closure where we need it... be sure to have the tissues on stand-by.
Verdict: The Road Back by Marla Machado is a wonderful debut novel by an author that has all the tools to make a name for herself in the erotic lit world. The “Alpha Male” style of story can be a rough one to polish...to truly feel real. In this story’s context however, it’s nice to see a circumstance where you can conceive why we’re falling for the rich guy in an expensive suit (and not just for the quality bedroom visits). I’m excited to stay on The Road’s long journey, it’s well worth the trip.
Special thanks to Marla Machado for providing a copy of The Road Back to TehBen.com for review. All thoughts and opinions contained within this review are my own.
November 9, 2023
What a wild, Steamy ride!
I really enjoyed this book & definitely recommend it to anyone who loves second chances. It oozed steam and sex appeal. Right from the get go, you're thrown in at the deep end & the ride doesn't stop until the last page. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this book & definitely recommend it to anyone who loves second chances. It oozed steam and sex appeal. Right from the get go, you're thrown in at the deep end & the ride doesn't stop until the last page. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews