Per sempre insieme a me

Morgan Brothers #1

by Lauren Rowe

La prima volta che ho posato gli occhi su Lydia Decker, non sono riuscito a parlare. Nemmeno a respirare, però, o a mettere insieme due pensieri coerenti. Non mi riferisco allo stereotipodel ragazzo folgorato dalla bellezza di una donna. Lydia è bellissima, certo, ma non è questo il punto. Ero immobilizzato, strafatto di antidolorifici e avevo l’umore sbriciolato quasi quanto le ossa. Avevo toccato davvero il fondo. Lydia era la mia terapista, e si occupava della mia riabilitazione. È stata il raggio di sole nel momento più buio. L’unica speranza per la mia anima andata in frantumi. E si è dedicata a me con devozione e cura, dopo aver deciso che la sua missione fosse quella di rimettermi in piedi. Era convinta di essere destinata a salvarmi e io ci ho creduto. Mi sono lasciato guarire da lei nel fisico, nello spirito… e nel cuore. E mi sono innamorato perdutamente. Quello che non sapevo e non potevo nemmeno immaginare è che Lydia Decker aveva molto più bisogno di qualcuno che la salvasse di quanto ne avessi io.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Firefighters, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Adult

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2018

About the author

USA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, walks her dogs, and spends time with her family and friends.
Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, and to check out loads of bonus material, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com.
Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Instagram @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe Author.”

Reviews

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a first-time reader of Lauren Rowe's. When I saw the blurb for Hero I really couldn't wait to get this book on my Kindle and while it wasn't the winner I expected (my bad) there was still a lot to love.

Our hero is Colby, a firefighter who just survived every firefighter's nightmare. He's all banged up but alive when this angel enters his hospital room. Lydia is his PT and while it will take months for him to heal he's looking forward to spending that time with her.

Three years ago Lydia received the visit no cop's wife wants to get, ever. Pregnant with two kids she survived but existing isn't living. Until she meets Colby. A romantic relationship at her workplace isn't going to happen, it could cost her her licence.

Colby is the material dreams are made of. He's funny, sweet and when he is committed he really is all in.
Lydia is an admirable woman who went through a lot. I have to admit though that while she was sweet enough she was still a little bland for my taste.

The thing that didn't work for me were the at times clumsy dialogues and narratives. "Your nipples look amazing" isn't something I expect a man to say to a woman unless they are in bed. But they weren't - he'd just kissed her for the first time...

“God, Lydia, I feel high right now. That kiss felt supernatural. Ripping Ramona a new asshole felt incredible. Your nipples look amazing. Your skin. Oh my God, Lydia, I need to kiss you again as soon as humanly possible.”

And:

“Are you trying to torture me, wearing that?”
“Yes.”
“God, your nipples look amazing. I’d commit murder to get to suck those things tonight.”

There is a masturbation scene I found a little weird and don't get me started on the one face-time sex scene.

“So hot. Oh, God. I’m gonna come so hard. Now put the phone right up against your clit. Rub the camera right on your clit so the lens gets kind of smudged.”

There is also this analogy and I admit that it cracked me up:

I spread my legs as wide as they’ll go, arch my back like I’m birthing a baby, and give in to pure ecstasy.

Sexy....(forgive me my sarcasm).

Unfortunately the writing really took me out of the story repeatedly. There is also a little bit of a pacing issue. This storyline seems to run parallel to the ones of Colby's siblings and there were references that came out of the blue about what had happened off the pages with his brothers. It was worded like I'd know what the author was talking about. When there was a time lapse the author didn't say so at the beginning of the chapter, I always had to read a while to realize that we were weeks, months later in the story. It left me a little confused and also interrupted the story.

There is also too sweet and sappy stuff being said and that I thought was just a little OTT for my taste. The repetitive I love you declarations started to lose appeal fast. It was just a leeeettle too much.

“But, oh my God, baby, I can’t take my own advice. I love you, Lydia. I’ve loved you from the minute I laid eyes on you. I’ll love you ’til the end of time.” He sighs happily. “Lydia Decker, I love you and I’m one hundred percent sure I’m going to love you ’til the day I die.”

On the plus side there is the Morgan clan, Colby's brothers and sister who were a riot. I adored their interaction and how they loved each other. They totally made the book worth reading it and actually make me want to read the other books  in this series. There also lovely moments between the hero and the heroine that weren't too overly sweet. I actually liked the story quite a bit so it's a bit sad that I just couldn't get past the a little strange writing. There is also a conflict with Lydia's mother in law that got never resolved.

If you don't mind insta-love and love a dirty talking hero who is all kinds of sweet make sure you read other reviews. While this wasn't a complete win for me it still had a lot of enjoyable moments.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars



After reading Hero by Lauren Rowe, I’ve definitely bumped up rest of the Morgan Brothers series! I had so much fun with this family. This particular book had a single mom, a firefighter, and instalove! Along with just a touch of forbidden love (Lydia can’t date Colby at first because she’s his PT).

When Colby Morgan meets Lydia Decker it is love at first site. Sure, he’s in a hospital room recovering from a severe injury he sustained as a firefighter, but he knows she’s the one. Lydia can’t take her eyes off this handsome man, but she’s not sure if she can go there. She is a single mother of three and a widow of a first responder. Dating someone else is something she hasn’t yet done, and dating someone else who constantly puts his life on the line is scary for her.

I adored both Colby and Lydia and I loved them together. Colby with Lydia’s children was so dang precious. I also really loved the Morgan family. All the siblings, the parents, I can’t get enough of them. Those brothers especially love each other fiercely. The family dynamic in this book was excellent!

I’m pretty sure I will never ‘read’ another Lauren Rowe book. This is my second one and her books are meant to be listened to. The audiobook of Hero was so fantastic. I’m still in shock that this author narrates so many of her own books. She does an incredible job. The male narrator is John Lane and this was my first book narrated by him. I thought he did a great job and I’m looking forward to listening to more.

I had so much fun with this book. I laughed so many times, it was touching and sweet, but also had just enough steam. I’m so excited to read Captain next!

"You're the silver lining to the worst storm cloud of my life, Lydia. A beautiful angel”

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best stories I’ve ever read!! I don’t say this lightly. I’m still stunned by how much I completely loved everything about this book. I hope each and every one of you reading my words right now go out and get it today because it is right up there with the best of all time!!

After reading the first few chapters, I bawled my eyes out. I don’t cry. I’m recognized by everyone who knows me as being tough as nails. I’ve survived a lot of crap. I work in one of the ugliest fields of law and witness atrocities almost every day. I’ve created a very thick shield of armor. I’m usually calm and collected in high pressure situations. I’m the go-to during hard times because I’m the cool-headed and oftentimes coldhearted one. But the first few chapters had me crying like a baby. Like someone stole my last chocolate-covered almond. Like someone desecrated my favorite book. I wept like someone hurt my very soul. It took me a good twenty minutes to get myself under control.

And I loved every single minute of it!!

Because if the author hadn’t torn my heart out, stomped on it, put it through the meat grinder, then took a piss and spit on it, I wouldn’t have been able to truly feel and appreciate the many beautiful, poetic and profound ways that she painstakingly cleaned it up, knit the pieces back together again, and tenderly handed it back to me.

The author took me on a journey through pain and grief in order to take me on an adventure of new beginnings, fresh chances, and the overwhelmingly welcome possibility of love. The love that virtually leaked from these pages was immeasurable. I could not get enough of Colby and Lydia. These two were the epitome of everything that is good and hopeful and astounding and awe-inspiring about love. And while I discovered all of the amazing feats that Colby accomplished to be considered a hero, I found that Lydia was a hero in her own right as well. She conquered a fear that could have been debilitating and opened her heart up to the risk. Because as Colby loves to say ‘Here today, gone tomorrow.’ And seriously, that statement rang out so true and it was evident in every part of this story.

Don’t even get me started on the kids. While Colby and Lydia made this story, those kids… man, each and every single one of them made my heart sing. They were just too precious. Who doesn’t love a story with precocious and adorable kids??? And then Colby’s family was the icing on the cake. These people were the kind of people one could only hope to meet in real life. People with beautiful personalities and beautiful souls. It’s no wonder that Colby and Lydia recognized the purity of soul each carried. Every thought and feeling came from a warm and helpful place. These families were a cohesive unit and I’m not too proud to say that I had more than a touch of envy while I smiled over every encounter with them.

You know those books that you want to find quotes for because HOLY JEEVES the quotes are so incredible you have to share them? Well, this book had way too many of them. I highlighted more than half the book by the time I figured out picking my favorites would be an endless game. My entire review would have to be quotes because really, who the heck is going to read all of that? I can’t express enough how utterly incredible this story was. I recommend it to anyone who loves love and romance. If you’re looking for a story about love and loss and hope and surrender and peace and family, then look no further. Have I got the book for you!

Release: 03.12.2018 | Genre: Contemporary Romance | POV: Dual - 1st person | Heat: 4 | Standalone - Morgan Brothers series

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[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GAH!! I knew it’d be good but, OH MY WORD it was EXCEPTIONAL! I laughed. I cried. I fell in love! Colby and Lydia’s story is phenomenal.

What I loved:
Here's the thing. When you're only 4% in and you already feel like you might book therapy, its gonna be good. After the very first chapter I knew....



What sealed the deal were the amazing characters. Colby and Lydia's story is emotional and heartbreaking at times and I COULD NOT get enough of them.
The plot is ASTOUNDING! Seriously freaking amazing, folks! There's such much to love--the chemistry between the MCs, the blending families, the emotional nature of the story, the diversity of the characters. It all adds up to a major WIN!!
Umm....plus it's smoking HOT!
All in all a perfect mix of everything I love.



I waffled a little on the rating. Admittedly, sometimes the number of secondary characters and nicknames were a bit much to keep up with, but at the end of the day I went with my gut. I fracking loved it, therefore....full 5 Star Rating!

This is a TOP FAVE and is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED🖤






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[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 30%

all the right ingredients were present in this novel to depict it as enticing enough for me to read: a biracial couple, with her as a single mom of three and widowed, and him as a firefighter while she’s his physical therapist. he’s an iota younger than her, and it’s love at first sight (not usually a fan of this trope, but I was convinced the single mom aspect would redeem it). so imagine my surprise when, by 30% into this 460-page book, her children were barely mentioned, and her role as a mother only made a vague appearance in her subconscious. she didn’t even mention them to the male lead. of course, the protagonists were already madly in love by then (but couldn’t act on it yet, because her job prohibited it). one of the major reasons I couldn’t finish the book, though, was the male lead and his brothers’ casual use of pejorative and sexist terms to describe women, like ’bunny boiler’. I was genuinely uncomfortable with how easily one of them said:
”that chick definitely has a crazy gleam in her eye like she’s figuring out where to hide the body. that’s why I fucked her from behind, actually. that crazy look in her eye kind of freaked me out.”


many thanks to Hambright PR for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[NMmomof4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Overall Opinion: This just simply wasn't my thing. Others enjoy instalove and cute, hot stories like this -- so I know it's a "it's me, not you" thing. I didn't hate it per se, but I also definitely didn't love it.

It was way too instalove for me! At 29% they were already making comments about being in love! They had hardly any on page interactions (except scenes that proved that they were attracted to one another), so I found this hard to believe/get into. Even later in the story when they were "in love" I never understood it. It also had a lot of sex scenes where I think it would've been more beneficial to have scenes where they are connecting emotionally rather than physically. It seemed like anything meaningful between them was off page, and I feel like I needed to experience those meaningful exchanges to feel their connection.

While I enjoyed the H's family and their antics, I thought it took over too much of the story. Maybe that is because I didn't feel the connection between the mcs and felt like the time could've been better spent.

On a few good notes -- the kids were awesome! I love books with kids, and H's interactions with them was definitely my cuppa! AND I finally got a worthy epilogue ~ so there is that!

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lydia and Colby's story. Colby is a firefighter and he gets badly hurt on the job, and Lydia is assigned to be his physical therapist. It is love at first sight for both of them and the are instantly drawn to one another, but the fact that Colby is Lydia's patient puts a damper on things. They have a few moments of weakness, but end up waiting until he is no longer her patient. There is also the fact that Lydia has 3 children that Colby has to win over in the meantime. There are some cute moments, some hot sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HEA ending.

POV: This alternated between Lydia and Colby's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Not the best. I definitely had times where I was wondering why certain scenes were even relevant because it was slow, and there were even times where I skimmed.

Instalove: Yes! Major instalove IMO. I didn't understand the huge jump into love feelings at all.

H rating: 4 stars. Colby. I liked him. I appreciated his commitment to the h and her kids.

h rating: 3.5 stars. Lydia. I liked her and I understood where she was coming from a lot of the time, but I also didn't like some of her choices.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Yes The h pushes away a good bit, and I'd say that the H is the main pursuer of the relationship.

Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes. I did feel like it crossed the line into being too many scenes for me though tbh.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW/OM drama: Yes The h carries a lot of guilt about moving on from her dead husband, and this causes some drama for the couple.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: No

Possible Triggers: Yes Loss of a spouse/father of children (on page) and domestic violence/child abuse/assault (side character on page)

Closure: This had an amazing epilogue with good closure! Probably the best thing about the book tbh.

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the h pushing the H away
- Does Not have a separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does have a HEA ending

[Alex ♈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Very touching and sweet love story.
Amazing heroine. Adorable kids. Decent hero.
I didn't quite like how he pushed her; jealousy of a deceased person is a tricky trope.

All in all it was a very enjoyable read.

But due to the family dynamic and some family members/other brothers, it will probably remain my only book in this series.

[Malene]

DNF @25%

I just can’t connect. Not with story, the characters or the writing. Sigh.

[Nadine Wilmschen · Rating 2 out of 5]

*unpopular opinion alert*

It seems that everyone loves this story and I can see why but the story didn't work for me.

Let's make this short and only a list:

- insta anything (love, lust whatever you want to call it)
- the dialogues (do people really talk this way?)
- "healing" through sex (way too much sex)

Could have been great. Unfortunately, it is not.

[maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I think Lauren Rowe is going to be a new favorite author. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as I loved Misadventures of a College Girl, but I still loved this one. Lauren Rowe has a talent for writing realistic dialogue between characters which is something I absolutely love in books. She somehow is able to make me love insta-love and spending a decent about of this book with the characters together, which is a difficult feat. The one thing that I was not a fan of was that their romantic involvement started while he was still her patient. This definitely adds a taboo aspect to this book, which some people will definitely enjoy, but it wasn't for me. Can't wait to continue on with the rest of the series!!!

[Ali · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to ask what's with insta-love? What's wrong with a couple developing a strong bound over time. It's better when they earn it! I didn't finish this book, barely even started. I stoped when the H was in a hospital bed with tons of broken bones and a machine was breathing for him. He mets the h at this time and non-stop flirts with her. COME ON! He's barely coming of his death bed and he's winking and flirting?!

Maybe I ask to much from my books but I like substance and this book didn't have any!

[Lauren Rowe]

HERO IS LIVE! OMG!!!!!

I am hyperventilating!!! Colby is here!!! I can't wait for you to read this emotional, EPIC love story!!!

READ for FREE in kindleunlimited -->

US: http://amzn.to/2Fw3xzz
UK: http://amzn.to/2tCvkwZ
AUS: http://amzn.to/2p1KzuB
TBR: http://bit.ly/2HeroTBR

[Lucía · Rating 3 out of 5]

The insta-love was too much, they made eye contact and they were already in love 🤧
Nonetheless, still a cute read with adorable kids.

[Bree Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero was a love at first sight romance that I absolutely didn’t mind.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to read Colby’s book. Of all the delicious Morgan brothers, he is the one that has intrigued me the most. In a family full of outgoing, huge personalities, he was the much more mellow, chill Morgan brother. The brief mentions of him in the other books painted him clearly as a thoughtful, caring person.

Also… he’s a firefighter. Swoon.

From what I’d heard from Lauren Rowe herself — as well as all the other reviews I’d only peeked at (because I didn’t want any spoilers) — I anticipated this book to be heart-wrenching and swoony and amazing.

And it was.

But.

And here is the reason for the 4 stars instead of 5… I so wished that Colby was more different than his brothers (and even Josh and Jonas) than he turned out to be. He kept doing “out of character” things (I put that in quotes because it was mentioned in the book that it was out of character for him) and I really wish he would’ve … I don’t know … stayed in character.

I wanted more depth and maybe a little brood, but instead he wasn’t too different than most of Lauren Rowe’s other male characters.

Not that I have any issues with those characters — particularly with Keane, I feel like the over-the-top, crazy self-confidence was perfect for that character… but I wanted something much different from Colby.

I really liked Lydia’s character and I loved that she is biracial (Holla! Me too!). Typically, I tend to shy away from the single mom trope… but the kids all had such vibrant personalities and their interactions with Colby were so on point and pulled at the heartstrings.

As usual, LR fully had me believing that these two were meant to be… and that love at first sight was actually possible for them.

(Side note: The bitchy side character, Ramona, was way too one-dimensional)

All-in-all I loved this novel. It didn’t fully live up to my crazy high expectations, but it was well worth the read.

♥ Read the full review on my blog: In Love & Words ♥

[atomickitten · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 rounded up to generous 2 stars

DNFed at 70%.

I know that's an unpopular opinion but this book was a snoozefest.



It started really well, though. The scene where Lydia's husband dies was truly heartbreaking. And I was really hopeful about this book, especially after the synopsis that promised me an incredible story. However, what we get here is something slightly different from what I’d expected.
Don't get me wrong, there was nothing majorly wrong with this book, I think it was a few elements that, combined together, made me DNF it.



First off, before anything actually happens in this book, the fire included, we are introduced to Colby, our male hero together with a bunch of people from his family. Why? Hell if I knew. What I absolutely hated was the fact that every person in this book has at least 5 different nicknames, and all their nicknames are not only explained in details but also used all the time so after a while you have no fucking idea who is who and why we meet them so early in the story.



Another thing was maybe not this instalove that we have here (which I hate with passion) but the cringe-worthy flirting when Colby is in hospital and they meet for the first time. I know it's fiction, but what kind of person in his state (he was intubated) flirts with a stranger and proclaims their undying love for them when they first open their eyes after such a horrific accident? Lydia's behaviour didn't help here either. Come on now people! How realistic is that?



Another thing are filler chapters with this constant chatter of the side characters that I didn't really care about that much. They actually don't bring anything to the story except for the backgroung for new books in this series. I really didn't like the fact that there's actually very little interaction between our main characters. This instalove robs the reader of the opportunity to observe how they fall for each other and how their relationship grows.

Their first sex scene wasn't my cup of tea, either. Maybe it was the fact that they did it in his parents house that repulsed me that much? Or maybe it was a simple fact that being this distracted by the constant tattle of side characters, I didn't feel the chemistry between them. Dunno.



All in all, the book had a potential and I might get back to finish it one day. The thing is, a book this length usually takes me 2 evenings to finish, this one took me 3 weeks and I just lost interest in the story.

Hence the rating.

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the plot, the world, the pacing…the author knows how to tell a good story, but no matter how hard I tried, it felt shallow…meaning that at least something lacked development. The conversations felt real but what gave me underdeveloped vibes were the staccato scene changes. Many scenes changed abruptly and didn’t seem to have a natural flow.

In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 2/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 2/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 2/5

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am shook!

I had The pleasure of being able to go into this story totally blind, and I’m so glad that I did! I’m head over feet in love with Colby Morgan! He, Lydia, the kids, his brothers and sister, ALL OF THEM! I want to be a Morgan after reading this amazing story that had such real, heart jerking moments. The realness that was displayed through both Lydia and Colby just sliced my heart open in the best way. I felt like I could feel her angst, passion, and heartache over Colby. All that aside, the sex was out of this world! I love how Lauren created this amazing story. I can’t wait to reread it very soon. I feel I don’t have adequate words to describe all the emotions and feels that I have. This is a 5 star, must read book indeed. My heart is full and I love the Morgan brothers.

[kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ He’s a firefighter she’s widowed mom of three and she also happens to be his physical therapist 🤫
After he ran into a burning building to attempt to rescue a baby he gets severely injured and when the heroin heroin first meet straight off the bat there’s an instant connection. This was so cute seeing them fall in love especially after knowing all the things that this woman has been through you get to see her have a happy ending 😭 but the interactions that he has with her kids I was just the most precious thing ever then being able to have this father figure when they haven’t had that in a long time ahhhhhhhh love it!!!!

Highlighted Quotes🥲

“Yes, any minute now, I’ll wake up next to Darren and snuggle close and he’ll do what he always does in the middle of the night: pull me closer to him in his sleep, instinctively keeping me safe and warm and protected at all times. And then I’ll drift back to sleep in my husband’s strong arms, grateful and relieved this was all just a very, very, very bad dream.”

“I felt like I’d been struck by a thunderbolt,” I whisper, smiling through my tears. “It was love at first sight.” And it was. Husband. Father. Third time father-to-be.”

He’s gone. I’m alone.

“I don’t want to live in a world where you’re not around to call me dumbshit, Colby. I love you.”

“Lydia, I think about you twenty-four-seven. I won’t forget.”

“Like she’s falling in love with him.”

Don’t let them get too attached unless you’re sure you’re in it for the long haul.”

“If I didn’t already love you, Lydia Decker, I swear to God I would have fallen head over heels in love with you just now.”

She’s the air I breathe. My port in the storm. She’s the beat of my heart.

“I met this incredible woman right after experiencing the worst, most horrific catastrophe of my life. To be honest with you, when I met Lydia, I felt a darkness inside me the likes of which I’d never felt before. I felt hopeless. And then she walked into the room and she
was hope for the hopeless. Her very presence was a torch of light that chased away the darkness.”

“And I also remember, quite distinctly, that the minute I saw you, I knew in my heart and soul and bones that I loved you.”

[Nadine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ ‘The Story of Colby and Lydia’ Stars!

Where does one even begin to describe this gem of a book?!
I believe this is at the tippty top of the author’s works!
Lauren has tapped into her inner writing goddess to bring us this captivating, sexy, emotional and poignant story.

Colby Morgan is hands down the most swoon-y, most dreamy hero I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
Colby’s a firefighter. When he gets severely injured on the job, his need for intensive physical therapy brings the lovely Lydia Decker into his life.
Wanna talk about sparks flying and sizzling chemistry? These two were combustible! (Not pun intended)
Their connection came naturally and it was such a joy to read.

Lydia has been to hell and back. Dealing with grief and other concerns is something she’s has to go through for a while. But you’d never know that from her sunny and openly warm nature.
Once she’s assigned the case of bringing this true HERO back to health, she makes it her mission. How is she to keep things professional and ignore her undeniable attraction to her charming patient?

Colby’s nature is to protect and save those in need; it’s just who he is. This shows most when he realizes Lydia is just as emotionally damaged as he is. I loved how genuine and honest their journey was; they had to battle their inner demons and had to fight some issues together which only made their story that much more meaningful and emotionally rewarding to experience.

I gotta say, Lydia and Colby are a new favorite, these two are one of the nearest and dearest couples to my heart. Not just by this author, but in all my reading experiences. They had such a genuine emotional and physical chemistry, you can't help turning the pages. It's addictive! 

Hero is a complete standalone with no prior reading required. That said, I promise you, once you read one, you’ll want to read them all.
This is a story about loss, hope, family, true love and all the bumps along the way. Truly remarkable and absolutely recommended!

** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own**

[♡Tonya♡]

Dead spouse AND another woman at the beginning? ugh

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lay yourself bare to me.”

So, I have no idea why I’m so surprised that Lauren Rowe made me bawl my eyes out after reading the very first chapter of this book! I have absolutely MISSED her writing but I do remember that she writes with her entire heart and soul, with emotion brimming from every single word, every single paragraph, every single chapter. I don’t know why I thought this would be any different. No light-hearted read for me this go-round. This was so incredibly emotional, so raw, so intense and passionate that I found myself needing to take breathing breaks after every other chapter. This book just GOT to me. Colby and Lydia GOT to me in every single way. I was immediately immersed in their lives, rooting for them from the rooftops, wishing, hoping, praying for a happily every after that would rival all others. And that’s EXACTLY what I got. My heart ached. My eyes filled with tears. My soul was full of hope. I knew that Colby and Lydia were meant to be, but that didn’t mean getting to that happily ever after was going to be an easy journey…not even a little bit. Thank you, Ms. Rowe, for reminding me of your immense and wonderful talent. Thank you for reminding me why I love this genre!

[Precious ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 stars

This one just fell through for me. I couldn’t really get into it but there were some good points sprinkled throughout that had me stick around til the end. Initially, the premise was very promising and the prologue had me, but the dialogue murdered me. 🪦

”We’ll have our final PT session the next day at eleven and then it’s Bonin’ Time!” “Bonin’ Time!” she shouts. “Woohoo!”

like... seriously?



I am all for joking around and showing that on page but this was a continuous thing throughout the book. the further you got into the book the more “bro locker talk” there was to be found. It even infiltrated Lydia’s voice. Speaking of—You could still tell it was her by the context but outside of that it was more of the same. Did not feel like two distinct voices.

Speaking of Lydia... I normally shelve books with leads/reps that are POC or lgbtq+ in my diversity/inclusion shelf but this barely cut it. Besides her being compared to Beyoncé half the time that’s about the only time or way her ethnicity comes up after the prologue. Maybe because I’ve now read more books by authors who do such a great job with this, this was very disappointing to say the least. 🤷🏻‍♀️



I could probably go on and on, so I won’t.
I think I’ll leave this author on the “I have no other options” or someone recommends something particular to me.

[BleuBelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF Chapter 16. Spoilers ahead

There's no mention anywhere that this is an interracial-romance. I would loved a heads up, because I'm very choosy when it comes to interracial romance stories. This one wasn't so good.

The chapters were really choppy and very short. The reading experience suffered from it.

I found it really unprofessional the way the heroine acted at the hospital. She's a physical therapist and there she goes and flirts with her patient. She stalked him in his hospital room even if she's not supposed to be there. She thinks about REQUESTING him, as her patient. This is just not done. You don't fight for patients, do you? I have no idea, I don't work in the hospital, but I would think that such behavior isn't' appropriate.
Then she goes and fawns all over his family, how everyone is so beautiful and sexy and the have such good genes. Come on!! If a hero would tell such things about the heroines sisters and her female friends then he would be seen as an ass. So stop drooling about family members.

Then the heroine gets her special patient but not because she requested it, but because the head honcho decided it would be so good for both of them. They could both heal together. Hmm, all right. Reading this, I felt so ridiculous.

On and on it goes, with insta-love and flirting and so on. I just couldn't take this story seriously. The events and the dialogue felt wrong. No normal person is talking that way.

The only good thing I can say about the book is the cover. Holy moly, he's sexy.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HERO is a profound, intense and sincere contemporary romance.

I believe Lauren has penned a masterpiece and delivered her best writing to date. Everything in HERO is fluent, poetic, earnest and heartfelt. The emotions in this book are overwhelming, overpowering and all consuming.

It's the most emotive book Lauren has ever written.
It's the sweetest romance Lauren has ever written.
It's the most pure romance Lauren has ever written.
It's the most beautiful romance Lauren has ever written.

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Morgan brother are HOT.



I'm luving these Morgan brothers so much. Every time I read there books I fall for them so hard. They are so caring protective and strong men. I luv how family means so much to them. I just luv them. This book is Colby's book and I 've been looking forward to this book. Colby is the oldest of the family so he is super protective of them all. They all go to him for advice him being the mighty Master Yoda. I luv that they call him that it's so funny. Colby is a fire fighter and luvd his job. It's what he has alway wanted to be he is a very dedicated member of his team he puts he heart and soul into his job. He never sees himself getting married and doin the whole white picket fence. But he has never found a woman that would make him want to until he see the most gorgeous hazel eyes he has ever seen. Once he see the rest of the gorgeous woman he knew Lydia Decker was goin to be the one that he had to have everything with but things never go that easy.



Lydia is a great woman she has had to deal with so much heart break. Her husband while was a cop was in a horrible accident and dead living her with 3 beautiful kids who she luvd more than anything they are her world. Darren her husband was her everything they had been together since they were in high school he was her first luv her first everything. After trying to get her life back of track 3 year later she is back doin Physical therapist in a hospital the kids are doin well as can be and she even feels like she can put herself out there to the world. She is still young and needs a bit of compassion. She just didn't think that she would end up finding it with one of her clients. And that client just happens to be Colby Morgan the Hero.



This story is so so good. I really enjoyed it once I started it I couldn't the book down. It's alway get to get more of these fun luving brothers. They all just luv so hard you can't help but luv them. This story is heart breaking in parts the things that both Lydia and Colby go through is so tough. It is great to see how there relationship grows. Things don't go so easy for them but they make it work. Once thing that these two have from the start is sexual tension. Omg they are so hot together even when they aren't together they are smoking. I really luv the connection that these to have its so strong. I would highly recommend this book. If you haven't met the Morgan brothers yet you really need to to. They are all so different about all amazing I luv everyone. I m dying to more of them. I m goin to be so sad when there series is over. But last we still have Dax's book which I m dying for bring it on.

[HMS · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this review, so I've waited and here it is.
While there were aspects of the book that I really liked and though the writing was well done, I just felt the storyline could have been so much better. It had such potential but the author just wouldn't take it "there" What really ruined it though was the scene in the pool when the heroine is about to tell H her big secret and she is struggling with nervousness and anxiety about revealing it. What does he do, gets naked and throws sexual innuendo after sexual innuendo at her. What does she do, falls like a house of cards. Yuck, just yuck. I almost gave up there, but I can not NOT finish a book, even if that means skimming a great majority of it.

[Sarah Dorothea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars! ⭐ So…. here is what you need to know to begin with if you have or haven’t read the other Morgan brothers books, Ball Peen Hammer and Captain Morgan. They all run on the same timeline. So you have read one scene twice already, but this time you will be reading it from someone else’s point of view. I get a little confused at times because I had moments of dejavu which will happen since we have read some parts previously.



So here is what the novel is about: The first time I laid eyes on Lydia Decker, I couldn’t speak. Or breathe. Or string two coherent thoughts together. And I don’t mean any of that figuratively.
I’m not talking about a guy being floored by the sight of a gorgeous woman—although, of course, Lydia is gorgeous beyond words. No, when I first laid eyes on Lydia Decker—my physical therapist—I was lying flat on my back in the ICU, high as a kite on painkillers, breathing on a ventilator, my bones as broken and splintered as my spirit. When I first laid eyes on Lydia Decker, she was a ray of light in the dark. Hope for the hopeless. A salve for my singed and battered soul. She said she’d been assigned to fix me. That she was there to bring me back to life. She said helping me was her calling. And then she touched me. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. She healed me. And I fell in love.But what I didn’t know . . . what I couldn’t possibly know . . . was that Lydia Decker needed fixing far more than I ever did.



Colby Morgan, the oldest son and fireman, is a freaking stud! He’s high on painkillers and still one of the most romantic heroes I have ever read. In fact, all of the men in this series are so freaking swoon. In fact, what really makes them amazing is their strong family bond. I even went as far to ask my friend if it was acceptable to want to be adopted by a fictional family, her response… if it’s the Morgan’s then yes totally fine! Lydia has had a rough go of things and a lot to overcome, I love watching her overcome what’s holding her back and what was at first a combustible relationship slowed down into a tortuous slow burn romance. These two had some crazy long foreplay that would kill most couples and they would want to cave and give in, but it was so worth the wait for both of them. Their relationship was stronger for it.

But, oh my God, baby, I can’t take my own advice. I love you, Lydia. I’ve loved you from the minute I laid eyes on you. I’ll love you ’til the end of time.” He sighs happily. “Lydia Decker, I love you and I’m one hundred percent sure I’m going to love you ’til the day I die.” - Lauren Rowe, 'Hot Hero' (Morgan Brothers #3)

[Feyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ihr müsst nicht in ein brennendes Haus rennen, um ein Held zu sein."

3,25 🌟
Ich hätte nach den ersten beiden Bänden nicht gedacht, dass ich einen Band dieser Reihe mal so hoch bewerten würde. Was soll ich sagen: Colby ist bisher einfach mein Favorit. Er und Lydia sind einfach so am Boden geblieben und so real. Man sieht sie einfach so vor sich und ihre Probleme sind so nachvollziehbar und wirkt nicht so an den Haaren herbeigezogen wie bei Ryan oder Keane. Außer der Instalove und der doch wieder sehr kurzen Zeit, fand ich es doch gut. Wie die Kinder mit der Situation umgehen, war auch absolut sinnig. Die Schwiegermutter ist einfach nur fürchterlich. Ja, jeder trauert anders und ich will mir ihre Situation gar nicht vorstellen, aber wie sie mit Lydia umgeht, geht gar nicht.
Was mich allerdings verwirrt hat: Das Buch beginnt zeitlich vor Ryans und Tessas Geschichte und endet irgendwo zwischen Ryan und Keane, wenn man vom Epilog absieht...

[Melanie Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Lauren Rowe and her books. This isn’t a secret.
The books that contain the Morgan family, though, hold a special place in my heart.
And this book seals that space. Cemented over completely.
Hero, Colby and Lydia’s story, grabbed me by the throat, and never really let go until the end.
Lauren’s humour makes your brain laugh. Her angst makes your heart weep. Her love makes your soul fly.
This book boils down to love. With the Morgan family, it’s what they do best.
Colby is strong, determined, and when injured on the job, finds more than he expected with his physio therapist.
Lydia is healing from the past, but ready to help her patient. But is she ready for what else he really needs?
Her love?
With the help of his crazy family, he is going to prove to her how right they are.
And it will be done in perfect Morgan style.
Epically and utterly k-e-w-l.