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Covendale #3
Seizing Mack
Carpe the romance...
The Marines gave Heather “Mack” McKenzie a lot of things. Self-discipline. An arsenal of swear words. And the carpe diem attitude to make her fitness center, Seize, a success.
The hot new vice cop in town makes her breath catch. But with her model-thin stepsister swanning around Seize, what’s the point? Covendale men want to date delicate beauties, not women with the muscle to knock them flat.
After ten years running from a tragic past, Detective Nick Benning is determined to put the past behind him and replant his roots in Covendale. When he walks into Seize to sign up, his gaze is instantly drawn to Mack’s satiny skin, glossy chestnut hair, and taught, powerful body. He quickly figures out that inside her tough, snarky exterior beats a big, tender heart.
When Nick asks her out, Mack hesitantly accepts, cautiously hopeful this could be the real deal. But between Nick’s dangerous job, Mack’s insecurities, and her stepsister’s jealous schemes, is their spark of connection lightning in a bottle…or doomed to fizzle?
The Marines gave Heather “Mack” McKenzie a lot of things. Self-discipline. An arsenal of swear words. And the carpe diem attitude to make her fitness center, Seize, a success.
The hot new vice cop in town makes her breath catch. But with her model-thin stepsister swanning around Seize, what’s the point? Covendale men want to date delicate beauties, not women with the muscle to knock them flat.
After ten years running from a tragic past, Detective Nick Benning is determined to put the past behind him and replant his roots in Covendale. When he walks into Seize to sign up, his gaze is instantly drawn to Mack’s satiny skin, glossy chestnut hair, and taught, powerful body. He quickly figures out that inside her tough, snarky exterior beats a big, tender heart.
When Nick asks her out, Mack hesitantly accepts, cautiously hopeful this could be the real deal. But between Nick’s dangerous job, Mack’s insecurities, and her stepsister’s jealous schemes, is their spark of connection lightning in a bottle…or doomed to fizzle?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2018
223 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Abbie Zanders
79 books2,051 followersAbbie 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 27, 2021
I loved this one.
Nick was amazing and Mack was just an all around badass.
I loved reading as they fell in love with each other.
Nick was amazing and Mack was just an all around badass.
I loved reading as they fell in love with each other.
October 12, 2018
Another Zanders book that once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down and be sad that it’s over. Mack is such a perfect example of a strong woman that still has some vulnerability and your heart breaks for her when those vulnerabilities are taken advantage of. Coming back to his home town after a tragic history there, I loved that Nick was instantly drawn to Mack. Although this book could be read as a stand alone, I’m glad I chose to re-read the other prior books. I think that they give a better perspective and understanding of Nick’s history. Only thing I wish had happened was more of a confrontation between Mack and Dee when D was such a B!!! But that’s just me being vengeful :). Loved it!! 5 stars
October 30, 2018
This fantastic story really sheds light on all of us insecure girls. It kinda brought me back to my high school days where there’s always a mean girl.
Nick is a hot, sexy, detective who just moved back to his home town to start a new job at the police department. He meets Mack at the local gym she owns and is immediately drawn to her.
Mack is a marine. She’s smart, beautiful and very insecure. The gym has become her life. She doesn’t make time for anything else. She meets Nick and she definitely likes what she sees.
Nick and Mack are a match made in heaven. Their chemistry is just WOW!
I loved the characters in this story. Well except for the mean girl Dee.
Nick is truly one of a kind with the biggest heart. Mack was so strong on the outside she just needed a little push to follow her heart from her flamboyant best friend Jay.
The ending was one of the best parts!
I’m dying laughing right now! Ear boner? I just learned something new! Who knew it was a thing!
Nick is a hot, sexy, detective who just moved back to his home town to start a new job at the police department. He meets Mack at the local gym she owns and is immediately drawn to her.
Mack is a marine. She’s smart, beautiful and very insecure. The gym has become her life. She doesn’t make time for anything else. She meets Nick and she definitely likes what she sees.
Nick and Mack are a match made in heaven. Their chemistry is just WOW!
I loved the characters in this story. Well except for the mean girl Dee.
Nick is truly one of a kind with the biggest heart. Mack was so strong on the outside she just needed a little push to follow her heart from her flamboyant best friend Jay.
The ending was one of the best parts!
I’m dying laughing right now! Ear boner? I just learned something new! Who knew it was a thing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
Heather 'Mack' McKenzie, never thought she'd be the belle of the ball, not when her step sister was tall, blonde and graceful!! after running away from the spitefulness of her Step Mother and Sister, she joined the Marines and never looked back.
10 years down the line and she owns her own successful gym and is content with her life Until.....1 her Dad rings and asks her to babysit her Step Sister and 2 the New Detective started coming into her gym at all times!! but when he lets her down a few times she accepts a date from one of Cevendales Finest!! her GBF's play fairy godmother and turn her to the Belle of the Ball but her Date is NO Prince charming, she runs away and takes off to lick her wounds in private!!
Nick Benning has let his past get in the way of his life for too long, taking a job back in his hometown of Covendale he finds Mack and falls hard but is too slow and when work makes him let her down and he hears shes accepted a date from someone else, hes gutted!! after finding out his Colleague used Mack to win a bet he sees Red and punches him and Vows to Win back Macks favour!!
Another Fantastic Book from Abbie <3
10 years down the line and she owns her own successful gym and is content with her life Until.....1 her Dad rings and asks her to babysit her Step Sister and 2 the New Detective started coming into her gym at all times!! but when he lets her down a few times she accepts a date from one of Cevendales Finest!! her GBF's play fairy godmother and turn her to the Belle of the Ball but her Date is NO Prince charming, she runs away and takes off to lick her wounds in private!!
Nick Benning has let his past get in the way of his life for too long, taking a job back in his hometown of Covendale he finds Mack and falls hard but is too slow and when work makes him let her down and he hears shes accepted a date from someone else, hes gutted!! after finding out his Colleague used Mack to win a bet he sees Red and punches him and Vows to Win back Macks favour!!
Another Fantastic Book from Abbie <3
October 13, 2018
I was excited to read Nick’s story since we heard about him in his sister Liz’s book and find out where he has been for the last 1en years. In the beginning I was frustrated at first that had just left his entire family behind but as his story developed it all made sense, I just had to trust Ms. Zanders to weave her magic. Mack is an owner of an amazing gym called Seize and in her first encounter with Nick you know the two of them had sparks flying. She has it all together but doesn’t realize what a fantastic person she is and he has finally started to really live his life and enjoy it instead of letting his grief be his only emotion. Very enjoyable book about two individuals who both could use love and complain ship in their lives.
October 13, 2018
Seizing Mack is the third installment in the delightful Covendale series. With all the small town intrigue you could want and a slow burn that is well worth the wait.
Mack is the perfect mix of strong and sexy, a former marine that has it all together. Well except for her love life that is.
Sam left home over ten years ago after tragedy left him devastated and lost. A new job in his old hometown feels right and he is happy to be back.
And of course we have the evil, beautiful and spoiled step sister Dee. Talk about toxic.
Well worth reading loved it.
Mack is the perfect mix of strong and sexy, a former marine that has it all together. Well except for her love life that is.
Sam left home over ten years ago after tragedy left him devastated and lost. A new job in his old hometown feels right and he is happy to be back.
And of course we have the evil, beautiful and spoiled step sister Dee. Talk about toxic.
Well worth reading loved it.
October 12, 2018
Abbie delivers another amazing read that holds your attention from the first page till the last. Mack and Nick were both great, really love how Nick was able to get through to Mac despite her self doubting.
October 14, 2018
Heather “Mack” McKenzie, a former Marine, owns and operates a successful fitness center called “Seize” in Covendale. Detective Nick Benning, a former resident, has recently returned to his home town to join Covendale’s PD when he drops in to check out the new fitness center. When Mack and Nick meet the attraction is immediate, but Mack is reluctant to put her faith in Nick’s interest being sincere. He’s going to have to work for it if he wants something lasting; harder than any of Mack’s fitness work outs, but he knows it will be worth it.
This is a truly delightful love story. Mack is someone with whom you can immediately identify. Even though she’s smart and confident in her business dealings, she does not have the same confidence in her personal life. She’s been hurt in the past and is afraid to open her heart to what she knows could be a more devastating heart break. After years of going through the motions of living following a devastating loss, Mack is finally ready to move on, and he knows Mack’s the one for him. He just has to be willing to give the time and effort to convince her that he is sincere, and they are perfect for each other.
You will fall in love with both Mack and Nick. Their story will draw you in from the beginning, and as you follow them through the in and outs of their relationship you will be kept thoroughly engaged and entertained until the very end. I strongly recommend this very enjoyable and appealing romance!
This is a truly delightful love story. Mack is someone with whom you can immediately identify. Even though she’s smart and confident in her business dealings, she does not have the same confidence in her personal life. She’s been hurt in the past and is afraid to open her heart to what she knows could be a more devastating heart break. After years of going through the motions of living following a devastating loss, Mack is finally ready to move on, and he knows Mack’s the one for him. He just has to be willing to give the time and effort to convince her that he is sincere, and they are perfect for each other.
You will fall in love with both Mack and Nick. Their story will draw you in from the beginning, and as you follow them through the in and outs of their relationship you will be kept thoroughly engaged and entertained until the very end. I strongly recommend this very enjoyable and appealing romance!
October 18, 2018
I have to admit that I am a big Abbie Zanders fan - I have read most of her books and own many of them since they fall in my re-read group. I received this as an ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this book in large part because both male female leads are strong, independent and decent people. I also love a good sarcastic character as long as the sarcasm is not mean-spirited and Mack really delivers. The male lead is an alpha male who is strong enough and confident enough to want and need strong woman. While both characters are capable and successful, they also have areas where they are vulnerable and hesitate when their hearts are on the line. I struggled a little initially with Mack's level of insecurity about her looks, but it made me think about how many of us women fight our own battles with body image issues and it made the character more relatable. The fact that the female lead was a former Marine was a big bonus for me, it is great to see characters representing current or former women service members who benefited from and enjoyed their service. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a romance that is sweet, but has plenty of heat.
October 15, 2018
Absolutely loved Seizing Mack!! Nick Benning's moving back to his home town where his sister still lives to face a tragic past, has a job as a detective with the PD. Heather "Mack" Mackenzie owns gym, Seize, and has some issues from her past also - mostly her evil stepmother and one wicked stepsister, Dee. And instead of Mack having a 2nd wicked stepsisters, Nick has a wicked co-worker. As the story moves on you find out why Nick left and more about Mack, and I adore her best friend! But even with the hurt in their backgrounds, they are strong and independent people. Nick is immediately taken with Mack, and she actually is with him also, but fights it. She's afraid to believe he's sincere in his feelings for her; and she makes him work for it. And he does because he knows she's worth it. Abbie Zanders has written yet another amazing book that I hated to see end....
October 18, 2018
This is the perfect Home Run. This book has it all. Love, struggle, family issues, self esteem, hot guys..hot sexy times... I mean you simply can't go wrong! Truly the depth of the characters is amazing and the issues that they face are relatable and the options and choices that they make are real. Just because it is fiction does not mean that it has to be fantasy. Mack is one of my favorite characters ever. She is confident and vulnerable at the same time. Simply amazing book with everything I could have hoped for and more. Every time Abbie writes a book, she really puts all the feels into it.
October 17, 2018
Heather "Mack" Mackenzie is a former marine and the owner of a popular gym called Seize. Mack is all about her work, even when her atrocious step sister is dumped in her lap. She has a strict rule - no relationships with clients.
Nick Benning is back in town after a 10 year absence after a tragedy struck him personally. He is fascinated by Mack the first time he sees her - and those feelings just deepen the more he gets to know her. Can he get through her barriers and seize her heart? Read and find out!
This book is part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone.
Nick Benning is back in town after a 10 year absence after a tragedy struck him personally. He is fascinated by Mack the first time he sees her - and those feelings just deepen the more he gets to know her. Can he get through her barriers and seize her heart? Read and find out!
This book is part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone.
October 13, 2018
This is an amazing addition to the covendale series! It was worth the wait! Make sure you don't have to do anything for a while, because you won't want to put it down until the end. Abbie Zanders draws you in from the first page. She gets you so invested in her characters, and you can feel the emotions along with them. This book is Mack and Nick's story. Nick is Liz's long lost brother, who we already read about. I LOVED Mack, she is by far my favorite female character. I loved how strong she was, and she was so different from other female characters. I highly recommend this book, and the other books in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 15, 2018
I've always enjoyed reading Ms. Zanders books and this one I can add to list. She writes about strong women and men that are capable of walking the relationship road with them. I thoroughly enjoyed Heather's and Nick’s interaction and her letting down her barriers and letting him in. Loved that we finally get the prodigal brother to come home and reunite with his family bringing his sister peace. Great book looking forward to more.
October 16, 2018
If you are looking for an awesome contemporary romance novel, check out Seizing Mack. Abbie Zanders writes charming, intriguing characters in page turning stories! You will love Nick and Mack. They are sarcastic and funny, and you will root for their happy ending.
October 18, 2018
Beautiful love story of Nick & "Mack". Waiting for Nick's return & Abbie wrote a fast paced sexy romance.
October 17, 2018
As always a great read! Loved going back to Covendale. Loved the new characters. I simply love Abbie Zanders books She always delivers a great story.
October 15, 2018
Another great book. I love Nick and Mack’s story. It was heart warming and exciting all at the same time. It is a must read.
October 14, 2018
I love everything Abbie does and seizing Mack is no different. Mack is the strong kick butt heroine that we all love and Nick is the sweet alpha male that makes you swoon. I just loved this book.
October 14, 2018
Abbie Zanders has a way of making your emotions run the gamut with her stories and this book is no different. A wonderful read!
October 13, 2018
Nice...nice reading! Loved both characters! I read this in one sit!
Hooked since page 1!
Another good one from Abbie Zanders! Totally recommend this!
Hooked since page 1!
Another good one from Abbie Zanders! Totally recommend this!
October 13, 2018
Fantastic read!!!! Cant go wrong with this book!!!
October 13, 2018
Great book. Fun to read and makes you feel good. Well worth the time.
October 15, 2018
LOVE this book! Love how the female is strong and confident!
October 12, 2018
Amazing story of a girl who is self conscious of herself. And a guy coming back from a terrible heart ache.
October 11, 2018
This was fantastic. Funny, sexy and romantic.
September 13, 2019
Another great book from Abbie Zanders. This is the 3rd book in the Covendale series although I feel that you can read as a standalone. This follows the the story of Nick Benning and Heather 'Mack' McKenzie.
Nick is the younger brother of Liz the main character in All Night Woman. It follows his story after he returns to Covendale after being away for 10 years. He meets Mack when he goes to her gym 'Seize' to sign up for a membership. Unfortunately he also meets her stepsister who it seems is hellbent on causing problems for Mack.
Nick is the younger brother of Liz the main character in All Night Woman. It follows his story after he returns to Covendale after being away for 10 years. He meets Mack when he goes to her gym 'Seize' to sign up for a membership. Unfortunately he also meets her stepsister who it seems is hellbent on causing problems for Mack.
August 20, 2019
I absolutely loved the characters in this book! They are not perfect and each has their flaws and is very realistic. Each has their own insecurities and in the end, love breaks down the highest walls around the heart. There are ups and downs and excitement that keep you glued to the pages to see what craziness will happen next.
August 26, 2022
Nick Benning is finally home. Covendale was the same sleepy small town it had always been.
He was different, though.
When he’d left he’d been young, not just in body but in mind and spirit. Barely out of college, he’d believed the best part of his life was already over. After ten long years, he was finally ready to move forward. To do that, he had to face his past.
Losing his fiancée Annie had gutted him. Going away was the only way he’d been able to go on at the time.
Mack is an ex-marine, sporting a six pack and can bench press three times most men’s weight. Her stepsister, Deidre (Dee), personifies mean. She’s an instigating, selfish, vindictive pain, not one evident redeeming quality.
Next to Dee, she’s made to feel insignificant except to Nick. Mack tends to allow her to goad her. Her father chose to marry Dee’s mother, Catherine, thus, Dee is their problem.
Afraid to believe that the “whole lot more” extended beyond their marathon post coital bliss. Doing so would be leaving herself vulnerable. But only if she allowed it. The intensity of her feelings for him terrified her but Nick is a master at destroying those metaphorical walls she erects.
Thanksgiving dinner was a celebration of joining the families, instead, Dee rang her mother feigning a crisis to keep Catherine from having Thanksgiving dinner with Mack and the others. No loss, resulting in a sweet proposal.
He was different, though.
When he’d left he’d been young, not just in body but in mind and spirit. Barely out of college, he’d believed the best part of his life was already over. After ten long years, he was finally ready to move forward. To do that, he had to face his past.
Losing his fiancée Annie had gutted him. Going away was the only way he’d been able to go on at the time.
Mack is an ex-marine, sporting a six pack and can bench press three times most men’s weight. Her stepsister, Deidre (Dee), personifies mean. She’s an instigating, selfish, vindictive pain, not one evident redeeming quality.
Next to Dee, she’s made to feel insignificant except to Nick. Mack tends to allow her to goad her. Her father chose to marry Dee’s mother, Catherine, thus, Dee is their problem.
Afraid to believe that the “whole lot more” extended beyond their marathon post coital bliss. Doing so would be leaving herself vulnerable. But only if she allowed it. The intensity of her feelings for him terrified her but Nick is a master at destroying those metaphorical walls she erects.
Thanksgiving dinner was a celebration of joining the families, instead, Dee rang her mother feigning a crisis to keep Catherine from having Thanksgiving dinner with Mack and the others. No loss, resulting in a sweet proposal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2018
With a kick-ass former Marine and the alpha police detective who finally melts her butter, Seizing Mack was a slow burn, sexy read I had a great time with.
Mack runs and owns a fitness and wellness center in the small town of Covendale. Fierce, tough and focused, she’s spent every hour of her life since the service making “Seize” into the success it is. While, caring and all around nice, her past molded Mack into a driven, often sarcastic, prone to liberal amounts of swearing woman. Growing up with a harpy for a stepsister who is the epitome of shallow femininity, despite her focus on strengthening oneself body-and-soul approach to life, it left her with a great number of walls as well as some insecurities regarding her general appearance.
Nick finally returns home after a decade of staying away. A compounded tragedy in his past forced him to leave town and practically severed all ties with the place, including his family. Now a police detective, he is finally ready to confront his past and move forward. He just never expected to find the woman of his dreams, one he had given up on ever finding again, practically the day he arrived. Besides being incredibly hunky and six-packy, he was devoted to keeping everyone safe, especially kids. He was also 100% dedicated to making amends with his family which showed just how caring he really was.
Obviously, with both Nick and Mack having so many issues, they periodically butted heads. With great banter and scorching chemistry, watching them becoming a couple was a treat.
While I felt Mack’s stepsister didn’t really get what she deserved, and I wished some other characters were punched harder in the face, I really enjoyed this quirky, up-bit romance. The hilarious supporting characters as well as Mack’s house-mate were just a cherry on top of a great read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Mack runs and owns a fitness and wellness center in the small town of Covendale. Fierce, tough and focused, she’s spent every hour of her life since the service making “Seize” into the success it is. While, caring and all around nice, her past molded Mack into a driven, often sarcastic, prone to liberal amounts of swearing woman. Growing up with a harpy for a stepsister who is the epitome of shallow femininity, despite her focus on strengthening oneself body-and-soul approach to life, it left her with a great number of walls as well as some insecurities regarding her general appearance.
Nick finally returns home after a decade of staying away. A compounded tragedy in his past forced him to leave town and practically severed all ties with the place, including his family. Now a police detective, he is finally ready to confront his past and move forward. He just never expected to find the woman of his dreams, one he had given up on ever finding again, practically the day he arrived. Besides being incredibly hunky and six-packy, he was devoted to keeping everyone safe, especially kids. He was also 100% dedicated to making amends with his family which showed just how caring he really was.
Obviously, with both Nick and Mack having so many issues, they periodically butted heads. With great banter and scorching chemistry, watching them becoming a couple was a treat.
While I felt Mack’s stepsister didn’t really get what she deserved, and I wished some other characters were punched harder in the face, I really enjoyed this quirky, up-bit romance. The hilarious supporting characters as well as Mack’s house-mate were just a cherry on top of a great read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews