Hunter ist achtzehn, als er erkennen muss, dass Liebe manchmal nicht erwidert wird, egal wie groß sie ist. Trotzdem muss das Leben weitergehen und er beginnt seine Karrierepläne zu verfolgen, die ihn an den Rand der Erschöpfung bringen. Aber wer müde ist, kann nicht nachdenken. Nicht nachdenken über etwas, das nie sein wird. Mackenzie ist sechsundzwanzig, als sie erkennen muss, dass sie manchmal Menschen wehtun wird, auch wenn sie eigentlich alles Übel von ihnen fernhalten will. Trotzdem muss das Leben weitergehen und sie stürzt sich voller Feuereifer in ihre Karriere. Aber wer beschäftigt ist, kann nicht nachdenken. Nicht nachdenken, ob es die richtige Entscheidung war.
WARNUNG: Es gibt einen Cliffhanger!
Dies ist der zweite Teil einer dreiteiligen Serie. Teil 1 Free at last - verfallen ist bereits erschienen. Teil 3 Free at last - vereint ist bereits erschienen.
I'm a contemporary romance writer, who likes her men tattooed, her women independent and her coffee strong.
My stories are all about love, but some are of the romantic kind, some of the sad kind and others of the very steamy kind. So if you can stand drama, foul language and some sex, you came to the right place.
4.5 Stars. While I normally wouldn't go for this type of story, I am finding myself utterly hooked. The second installment picks up with a confused Mac, a distant Carter, a loyal Carey, and a determined Hunter.
It crosses my comfort zone, and just about dances on my beliefs but I'll be damned if I'm not cheering for Mac to figure herself out. It's a weird place to be in because were this not fiction, I wouldn't feel the same way. Kudos to the author for how she presented the situation. It's one of those stories where the context is everything and delivery is critical.
I don't want to give spoilers but let me tell you that while the loving isn't the most eloquent I've read, it's still pretty darn sexy and the awkward moments just add value. I'm not a huge fan of the push and pull but find it effectively used. The secondary characters are fantastic. The development of the main characters seems to be occurring naturally even though there's still more to go. The timelines tend to do big skips which I don't like, but the details don't get lost, so props for that.
The story can't be read as standalone and it ends in a cliffy but I can't wait to read the conclusion!
Safety: Not a safe read. Any way you slice it. There is cheating. No rape but a history of it. If interested in details, PM me.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
OMG war das ein Buch!es hat mich fertig gemacht und ich hätte Hunter gerne wach gerüttelt! habe Teil 1 bereits 5 Sterne gegeben fand dieses aber noch besser und ergreifender. Ich sollte aufhören Reihen zu lesen, denn dieses warten auf den nächsten Teil nervt mich allmählich!
If I don't get book 3 in my hands asap I may scream! Holy cliffhanger!!!! Mac, Hunter, Carey and Carters story continued. Hunter joins the Marines and Carter hates it. Mac and Carter have big relationship issues that continue from book 1. Carey continues his growth into an amazing man. But the ending? Uggggg!!!!! Killing me!
This is the second book in the series and A Fighting Chance needs to be read first.
Mackenzie Hall is stuck in the middle of a very bad situation. As her relationship with Carter Tilman continues to deteriorate her feelings for his son, Hunter are on the rise. But Hunter as left her and his brother Carey to join the Marine Corp leaving her unsure of what her feelings really are.
Hunter Tilman has left home to join the Marine Corps and his relationship with his dad is over with his choice of careers. He is completely in love with Mackenzie and knows he can't be around her while she is still with his father. Yet he continues to support her, especially when he discovers her traumatic past.
When Hunter and Mackenzie give in to their feelings everything explodes around them and they both lose everything. Will Hunter give Mackenzie a chance to tell him the truth or will he continue to love her at a distance and ruining any chance for a happy ever after?
I both loved and hated this book at the same time!!
This book took me through a series of emotions and there are so many characters that I just want to smack to wake them up and make them realize that communication is the key to success!!
I love Mackenzie and the strength she has from everything that she went through as a child until now. I can't believe how much she is doing and still not truly giving up on Hunter even though she hasn't talked to him in years. I absolutely love her relationship with Carey and I am so glad that she has him to help her through everything.
I loved Hunter at the beginning of the book but he frustrated the living hell out of me by being a complete ass. I know something big is coming by the way this book ended and it frustrates me to no end as he doesn't have to be where he is if he listened to someone or for that matter anyone.
I was so happy when it looked like things were finally going to happen but then Hunter left so quick I was mad. He never gave Mackenzie even ten minutes before jumping to the worst conclusion. So mad!!
So I was also super mad at Shane and even Carey for not saying anything to Hunter while they had a chance. I know Shane didn't want to get involved yet especially with Hazel you'd think that saying something to Hunter really would have been the best thing for everyone involved.
So while I was super mad at a lot of the events in this book I loved the book at the same time for making me feel so much emotion and frustration as I was completely sucked into the book and I hate that I have to wait for the next book!!
Well, this book starts from the moment where the first book ended. Hunter enrolling in the Marines, leaving his family behind. I really liked the first book and I was looking forward to reading this one. Mac and Hunter's story started to develop nicely in the first book, he grew so much as a character since their first met and Mac as well. She starts to question some aspects of her life and her relationship with Carter, who grows more distant and does not seem the same man anymore. She is torn between the love what she feels for Carter and the feelings that she starts to have for Hunter. This book was so full of angst and drama that even I say that is too much and I love drama. With every chapter, I was on the edge and waiting for the moment when they finally get together. I got what I was waiting for but it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, I don't want to give too many spoilers here, so let's just say that we get our hot moment. In this book, the story takes place within four years, we see how the character's lives change, especially Hunter and Mac's. This book ends as well in a cliffhanger, just to keep us curious for the last book.
Finished the second installment of "Free at Last" Trilogy and the beginning was very good and I enjoyed reading a lot. But starting from the last middle it got a little ridiculous and unrealistic as Hunter behaved so silly. Also the storyline, well one part, got a little too constructed. For me also the big amounts of time passing was a bit confusing. I really hope that in the next installment Hunter will get it together and behave like a man, not like a silly baby.
Anyway, overall I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to diving into the last installment of the trilogy. I am torn between 3,5 to 4 stars for this read.
I have received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Annie Stone has officially made it into my Cliffhanger Queens list! I though the cliffhanger in the first book was bad, but this one was down right heartbreaking. I must have the third book in this series immediately! This is a series that MUST be read in order, but trust me when I tell you that it is worth it.
A Losing Battle picks up with Hunter having entered the Marine Crops. He continues to try to fight his love for Mackenzie to no avail. He grows up a lot while going through boot camp and becomes a man, but one visit from Mac and his brother at his graduation puts him right back to square one with his feelings for her. Mac is the love of Hunter's life and he knows it, but Mac is not so sure about her feelings for him. Mac loves Carter, or at least she thought she did. The longer Hunter is away the worse things get between her and Carter, and the more she wishes Hunter was there for her. After a Hunter's graduation visit, Mac finally gives into her love for him but their happiness is ruined when Carter catches them together. One wrong decision throws all of their lives into turmoil, dashing all their dreams for the future.
Stone has an amazing way of making you love and hate her characters at the same time! We are able to watch Hunter become a man as he goes through his training but we also come to hate him for being such a bull-headed male as well. Mac is an amazing survivor of an unspeakable past. We come to respect her courage and ability to over come those obstacles, but we hate her for caring so much about everyone else's feelings and not just what is best for her and Hunter. Ever single character grows during this book and it is amazing to read, but we become frustrated with their ability to stand in each others way. Stone tells this story how it would happen in reality, where there is no clear right or wrong answer. The entire love story between Mac and Hunter has some serious up and downs just like it would in real life so it was unrealistic for us to expect them to get their happily ever after so quickly, but I know we all still wished for it to happen anyway.
The end of this book leaves us all on pins and needles, holding our breath that what we believe has happened has not. It is that hope that will bring all of us back for the next installment Just like the first book in the series, A Losing Battle has me running the entire emotional gambit while reading it, but mostly I cried so make sure you have some tissues handy. I love Stone's writing style and her characters to the point that I am impatiently waiting for the next installment. This is an amazing series that will touch not only your heart but your soul.
I reviewed the first book earlier this month and I told you I was hesitant to keep reading it because it had a weird premise- Mackenzie (Mac) was dating Carter, but Carter's 17 year old son Hunter was falling in love with her. He turns 18, shares his feelings, she's torn, and he's joined the military and left her there. It's kind of odd and just felt a little wrong, but still, I was intrigued enough to keep going so I promptly ordered book two and three.
Book two of the Free at Last series finds Hunter excelling during his time in the Marines, going through all of the training he can in the hopes of becoming one of the elite members, like top tier Marine. His motivation to get through the grueling BUD/S "hell week" was Mac- he thinks about her constantly and wants her to be proud of him and his achievements. It honestly feels like a really warped mommy issue thing since his mom is not great and out of the picture. But eventually Hunter gets a much needed break and comes back. It's hard because he cut off communication to and from Mac but also his brother Casey, so he has no idea that Mac and Carter's relationship is falling apart quickly, and he has no idea how lonely and sad Mac is without him around. His quick visit includes them having sex for the first time, it's everything amazing and more, and then Mac makes the DUMBEST CHOICE EVER, and when Carter finds the two of them? Let's just say it doesn't go well, Hunter leaves angry, and Mac is devastated.
The book ends with Mac having a baby, Hunter's baby, but she has no idea if he knows about her because she's written letters and emails but with no response. She knows he has gone to Afghanistan to fight so she worries endlessly and places all of the guilt of a potential injury or his death on herself. She feels like she drove him to go and in a way, she did.
I am SO GLAD I had already purchased book three because I had to rip right into it as soon as I finished this! I'm giving this one a 4.5/5 stars. I'm dropping it down a notch because Mac is kind of annoying in this one and I feel like she should have and could have tried harder to get through to Hunter but what do I know?
…VERZEHREND, WIE EINE JUNGE PERSÖNLICHKEIT AN STÄRKE GEWINNT… Hunter hat sich für die Armee entschieden, er ist gewillt zu einer Spezialeinheit gehören, das bedeutet viel Kraft, Ausdauer und Mut, doch einst treibt ihn an den Gedanken an Mac. Sie hat ihm sein junges Herz gebrochen, doch seine Liebe, die eine große Liebe kann er nicht überwinden.
Wird er am Ende sie hinter sich lassen oder zieht etwas größeres sie wieder zu einander? Lest selbst, verliert euch in den verwirrenden Dilemma, den kräftezehrenden aber auch zerstörenden Momenten, die einen das Herz aufgehen lassen.
Herausstechend auch Mac, die nach und nach wieder zu sich selbst findet, wieder beeindruckt als auch mit ihrem Gefühlschaos involviert.
Besonders ist es Carey, der unerwartet zur größten Stütze wird, ihr Rückhalt und endlich auch eine Familie bietet. Eine Konstellation, die man so nicht alle Tage sieht und doch eine Familie widerspiegelt und unglaubliches bewirkt.
Es beginnt eine Geschichte, die einen von den Strapazen der Armee, den Weg der Ausbildung als auch die gefährlichen Missionen präsentiert sowie die Angst um Hunter steigert. Auf der anderen Seite das Leben ohne ihn bei Mac und Carey präsentieren, wo er ein ein Loch ins Herz gebrannt hat.
Ich war wieder voll und ganz in dem Werk verloren, habe mich um Hunter gesorgt, war beeindruckt von seinen Mut als auch von Mac, sie soviel in seiner Abwesenheit schafft, die einen zu Staunen bringen. Besonders die Mischung aus erster Liebe, dem Willen darüber hinauszuwachsen und doch von diese Zerrissenheit involviert.
Ich kann euch das Werk nur an Herz legen, es beflügelt, entzückt und kostet einige Nerven, beeindruckt von der Stärke aber auch von der Verletzlichkeit der Protagonisten, gewürzt wird dies von der Stärke der Liebe.
Was natürlich auch am Schreibstil der Autorin liegt; der nicht nur gefühlvoll und mitreißend ist, sondern auch locker und leicht zugleich.
Leider endet dieser wieder mit einem schockierenden Cliffhanger, so dass man sofort zum nächsten Band greifen möchte, damit man erfährt wie die Geschichte sich weiter entwickelt.
First of all, A Losing Battle is the second book in this series, so A Fighting Chance MUST BE READ FIRST! Now that I got my bossiness out of the way, I'll get on with it. I'm going to basically break it down, in order for me to not give anything away accidentally. Mackenzie Hall has a load of chaos going in her life, because while she's trying to save her relationship with Carter Tillman, she finds herself with growing feelings for his son, Hunter. However, things get murky when Hunter takes off and joins the Marine Corp, which makes it easier for her to pretend there aren't feelings. Carter is completely head over heals for her, but can't be around her, although he's always there to support her. Finally, they give in to their feelings, which sets off a series of events that has them both losing everything, but will Carter stop long enough to let Mackenzie tell him the truth, or ruin a change at something great?! Okay, every dramatic girly girl emotions is out and about after finishing this emotional read. I'm truly sad for the situation, as there were big mistakes on both parts, but make no mistake, I'm behind Mackenzie 100%. Annie Stone, with her insane talented writing style, seemed to have put her hand in my chest to tear my heart out, and it hurt so good! I'm fully invested in this series, and the thing that really had me wanting to give more than 5 Stars, was the fact that these characters are realistic, and their journey is messy like real life. Now that I got that off of my chest, I NEED to talk about that ending..........CONGRATS Annie Stone! You are the newest member on my list of authors trying to kill me, and are forevermore hash tagged #EVILWHORE in how you left me hanging, after giving me a new addiction. The next book cannot come out quickly enough for me, since it's not already on my kindle, so I'll just end with this, (before I start dropping f-bombs and threats), I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this story to ALL!
A losing battle by Annie Stone is the second book in the Free At Last Series. This is not a standalone, you must read book one, a fighting chance, first. In a losing battle the story picks up where a fighting chance ends. Hunter has left his home and enlisted in the military, his father is furious and his brother and Mac are sad , so sad. Hunter goes through boot camp and other specialist training programs. He grows up a lot, finds new friends, but can´t forget Mac. After they spent one night together all hell breaks lose. " Why can´t I fall out of love with her ? " - Because she is the love of his life, his one. But they are like star-crossed lovers, they can´t be together. There is so much drama and heart break, this story had me at the edge of my seat. I couldn´t put the book down.
Just like a fighting chance, a losing battle made me laugh, it made me cry and I suffered with the characters (mostly ít made me cry). My heart hurt for Hunter and Mackenzie. But I love the story so much, I love the writing, I love the characters and I really, really can´t wait ´ll book three releases. I highly recommend A losing battle and give 5 stars. Thank you Annie Stone!
This is the continuation of Hunter and Mac story which also ends in a cliffhanger. And just like Book 1, A Fighting Chance, the end leaves in a state of 😱 and wtf. Annie Stone really knows how to pull you in and make you look forward to the conclusion which by the way I need like yesterday!!!!
Hunter and Mac, 😍😭 so many emotions and misunderstandings between these two you just want to shake them and ahhhhhh!!!! And Carey omg what a fine young man he's turned into, ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Carter is still a prick and selfish.
This book was more emotional because it dealt with real life issues that are going on a daily basis. I liked that this was fast forwarded about two years with Hunter in boot camp and Carey and Mac being there for each other. Their relationship is just wow, ❤️. The issues discussed and situations that occurred were just heartbreaking and sad.
I can't wait for the conclusion of these two!!!! I seriously want to see how everything is going to be resolved and concluded.
I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy of this book.
I need the next book now! I need to know if Mac and Hunter get their happily ever after. I need to know how Hunter will react when he finds out about Hazel. This book is the second book in Hunter and Mac’s story. The story continues and the love and bonds grow stronger. I enjoyed this book and devoured it in one sitting. I was shouting at my kindle throughout this book. I was shouting at Mac to open her eyes and leave Carter. I was also shouting at her to open her eyes and accept her love for Hunter. I liked how determined Hunter was. He realised what he wanted to do and he did it. He was strong willed and survived hell week and made new friends. For the brief amount of time Hunter and Mac had scenes together, I liked the chemistry between them. I liked Carey in the first book but in this book, I ADORE him. The love he had for Mac was clear to see. Not an ‘in’ love, a sibling kind of love. The way he stepped up when and stayed by Mac’s side and loved Hazel was heart warming. The storyline for this book is easy to follow. I recommend reading this book as part of a series.
This book is definitely a 5 star book for me! I'm not much of a reader...at all. But these books are the best books I have ever read! I finished the first book in one sitting I just couldn't put it down!! I never thought I would feel this way about a book, but these books definitely keep me on my toes. I'm currently reading "A Losing Battle" and I am not ready to finish them. They're just those books where you don't want them to end and for them to just keep going! I 1000%/recommend these books for everyone! Hunters love for Mac (even though he knows he can't have her) keeps me in the feels. If you want a book that keeps you on your toes, makes you cry, and makes you want to continue reading on and on and on, these are definitely the books you want to read!! Annie Stone definitely did a great job connecting the book to the reader and make you feel like you're in the book! If you're thinking about reading these books I 1000% recommend it. I garuntee that you will fall in love with these books just as much as I have. (Even though I'm not finished) Good luck!!!
I enjoyed Book 1 of this series, a redemptive tale of Hunter growing past the crudeness and arrogance of youth to be a more caring man. Hunter and Mac were both well formed characters with story arcs of healing through family they've chosen.
Book 2, however... It doesn't feel the same. It's an extended litany of misunderstandings, poor communication, and anger interspersed with preachy moments about sex abuse and PTSD. While I appreciate complex characters triumphing over hardships, even explaining how they healed, I don't need them reciting psych statistics at me; I read psychology books for that information.
It feels like this book is a suspension bridge between Book 1 and 3, when pair of books explaining the events would have worked as well without being as overlong and repetitive.
A loosing battle is an emotional 4 star read. I devoured this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. It is part two in the free at last series. I'm absolutely loving this series and I'm praying that I don't have to wait long for the follow up as omg what a cliffhanger. Hunter and Mackenzie aren't having the best of luck in this book but as in real life with pleasure also comes pain and you have to take the rough with the smooth. I'm routing for them to get together as if love Hunter to get his HEA. Go one click this as soon as you can as it's a very well written book that will have you turning those kindle pages up until the last page. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
While the is an interesting story here, it is buried under the author's lecture on rape and repeated information on ready-to-eat meals. I was dismayed at some awkward phrasing about not being able to "stand" the lose of one character's legs. Surely there are better ways to get the idea across . The typo or proof error of using the word grown instead of groan isn't the best introduction to an intimate scene. At only 99¢ I still feel short changed! No desire whatsoever to pay for the chance to suffer through to book three and the end of the saga.
This is book two in this series and with the story the tension builds and builds. This book is a tragic tale and I cried so so much through this book. The story I can honestly say is one that will stay with me for quite some time. I hard to really explain alot of what happens without ruining what is a great and powerful story. Although the way this book ends had me screaming and shouting. Roll on the next instalment.
This is book two in this series and with the story, the tension builds and builds. This book is a tragic tale and I cried so so much through this book. The story I can honestly say is one that will stay with me for quite some time. I hard to really explain a lot of what happens without ruining what is a great and powerful story. Although the way this book ends had me screaming and shouting. Roll on the next instalment.
MacKenzie can't make up her mind, and meanwhile, Hunter has joined the Marines. There is so much emotional angst in this second book. I was on edge the entire way, and mentally trying to push MacKenzie to make a choice. Hunter knows she's the one, but things take so many twists and turns here. The ending had me screaming, and I am desperately waiting for a book 3! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
This book is just as good as the first.There is a lot going on and a lot of it makes me sad,but my heart is still beating I don't know how long that will be if Hunter doesn't open his eyes.Every situation is different but this one has me down right heart broken.Come on Annie give me something to smile about in the next book,because right now I am truly dieting.Getting ready to read book #3 I hope we get HEA.
I could not put this book down! It was so powerful and not at all what I was expecting. I am dying to know how this series is going to end. For anyone hestitate over the taboo nature, don't be. It's totally worth getting this book.
Note, I did receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Someone please tell me where I can purchase book #2 and #3 of this series?!!! I have looked everywhere, and the only one I could find is a German copy. I just finished book #1, and I NEED the next two like now. 🤞🔥
Ich möchte jemanden erwürgen, am besten Hunter. Wie immer...superspannendes Buch, ich habs mir heute gekauft und dann in vier, viereinhalb Stunden nach der Arbeit durchgelesen, weil man es ja unmöglich weglegen kann. Es ist krass viel Zeit vergangen..was ich ja von den Reviews wusste, aber trotzdem heftig. Und ich bin ein ganz großer Carey-Fan geworden. Hunter möchte ich im Übrigen erwürgen, weil er sich verhält wie ein Telenovela-Charakter. Die nehmen auch immer Dinge an und verschwinden dann sonstwohin und reden niemals über irgendwas. Und Mac möchte ich schütteln, weil sie hundert Jahre gebraucht hat, um das Offensichtliche festszustellen. Und Carey möchte ich zumindest ein klein wenig piesacken, weil er sich missverständlich ausdrückt. Es ist eine mitreißende Geschichte und ein ganz tolles Buch und yay dazu Carey beim Erwachsenwerden zusehen zu dürfen, aber...meine Leidensfähigkeit wurde schon sehr stark geprüft. In der Mitte des Buches denkt man sich noch "Aber jetzt..." und dann wird alles nur noch viel unerträglicher. Mit hat ein wenig tatsächlich Interaktion zwischen Hunter und Mac gefehlt...ich hoffe darauf dann im nächsten Band.
I received this ARC from the author for my honest review.
Mac and Hunter's story continues, this time with Hunter in boot camp and Mac taking care of Casey basically alone.
This book is the perfect example of why you shouldn't cut people out of your life before giving them a chance to explain. Hunter and Mac may have a fighting chance but disaster strikes in the form of miscommunication and he volunteers to go to war to get away.
This story has Hunter's view point while in Afghanistan, it has a very real feel to it, tragedy strikes and you will cry. Mac also opens up about her past and it's a very emotional tale, complete with abuse and rape. Rape does not happen in this book but it is talked about, if you have triggers, be read this book with caution.