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Wrecked #1
Sanctuary
What's the first rule of running a gym for combat vets?
Enjoy the scorching hot scenery, but get your kicks somewhere else.
Never mind that my cousin-slash-business partner ignores that rule every chance he gets. I don't ignore it. Ever. And frankly, between Grindr and living in one of the gayest cities in America, it's not exactly a hardship.
Hell, it's so easy, I can do it on one leg.
That is, until a pair of blue eyes swimming with vulnerability shows up at my door, looking for a job. He's too skinny, too mouthy, and way too young for the likes of me, but he pings that protector instinct in me, hard.
I want to fix whatever put that lost look in his eyes, but to manage that, I'd have to do the one thing I said I'd never do.
Break my own rules.
Sanctuary is an MM military romance featuring hurt-comfort, found family, and a gym full of ripped men wearing tight shorts lifting heavy objects.
Enjoy the scorching hot scenery, but get your kicks somewhere else.
Never mind that my cousin-slash-business partner ignores that rule every chance he gets. I don't ignore it. Ever. And frankly, between Grindr and living in one of the gayest cities in America, it's not exactly a hardship.
Hell, it's so easy, I can do it on one leg.
That is, until a pair of blue eyes swimming with vulnerability shows up at my door, looking for a job. He's too skinny, too mouthy, and way too young for the likes of me, but he pings that protector instinct in me, hard.
I want to fix whatever put that lost look in his eyes, but to manage that, I'd have to do the one thing I said I'd never do.
Break my own rules.
Sanctuary is an MM military romance featuring hurt-comfort, found family, and a gym full of ripped men wearing tight shorts lifting heavy objects.
233 pages, ebook
First published January 31, 2020
546 people are currently reading
1005 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
June 5, 2023
4**** stars
I finally did it, went back and started at the very beginning of Kelly Fox’s journey of writing MM romances —and I’m glad I did. Also... I fucking looove the new cover!!
The idea of this book and series is a great one. Nick and his cousin Roly (book #3) just opened Wrecked, a gym for combat vets , and work with a lot of amputees with prosthetics amongst them.
In his last deployment, former Navy SEAL Nick got badly injured on an op and lost his leg above the knee. On top of it he’s guilt ridden by what Roly had to endure when he saved his life that day and got kidnapped in the process.
(Roly’s story gets build up in this series and I hope that I love it even more when I revisit his book and the end of this series again. Can’t wait.)
After a family tragedy, back from the army, Elijah ends up homeless. He’s desperate. But with a friend’s help he lands the job at Wrecked and he’s quickly gaining footing there —even if his boss is an asshole. A super hot asshole, but an asshole nonetheless.
And Nick’s the asshole who’s currently extra grumpy because he has the hots for his new employee. ♡
As always I had such a great time. All the banter, the loveliest of found families, all the love and heat and all the serious topics woven in I didn’t know I wanted to learn about.
most entertaining side character: Old Man Morris. Loved his grumpy, snarky old ass and his banter with Elijah. And I looooved the short story (#2.6) about him and his Maggie (Magnus). A super age-gap of 30 years love story that started 30 years ago in the midst of the Aids crisis. (yes, the dude is really old)
side note: it’s a little funny how Anders and Odd are only referred to as Bash brothers or Viking twins in this series when esp Anders becomes the star of the spin-off series as well as many more books by KF.
**********
Wrecked Series
Book 1 - Sanctuary - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Surrender - tbr
Book 3 - Shameless - 4.0 stars
Novellas:
Book 2.5 - Crash
Book 2.6 - Covert - read
Book 3.5 - Candy
⇢ spin-off series: Wrecked: Guardians
I finally did it, went back and started at the very beginning of Kelly Fox’s journey of writing MM romances —and I’m glad I did. Also... I fucking looove the new cover!!
The idea of this book and series is a great one. Nick and his cousin Roly (book #3) just opened Wrecked, a gym for combat vets , and work with a lot of amputees with prosthetics amongst them.
In his last deployment, former Navy SEAL Nick got badly injured on an op and lost his leg above the knee. On top of it he’s guilt ridden by what Roly had to endure when he saved his life that day and got kidnapped in the process.
(Roly’s story gets build up in this series and I hope that I love it even more when I revisit his book and the end of this series again. Can’t wait.)
After a family tragedy, back from the army, Elijah ends up homeless. He’s desperate. But with a friend’s help he lands the job at Wrecked and he’s quickly gaining footing there —even if his boss is an asshole. A super hot asshole, but an asshole nonetheless.
And Nick’s the asshole who’s currently extra grumpy because he has the hots for his new employee. ♡
I read through the flyer, […] he’s standing, ripped and deliciously stern with powerlifting chains draped around his neck, wearing clingy gym shorts that reveal his prosthetic. Well, his prosthetic and an outline of, dare I say, serpentine proportions.
Straightening out the flyers on the counter, I continue our whispered conversation. “I mean, if he’s going to be an angry asshole, he can’t go around in those shorts. It’s too confusing. Like, do you want three feet of personal space in every direction, or do you want everyone with a gay pulse to maul you?”
“He interested in you?”
I smile. “Pretty sure he is.”
“And you wear those shorts around him?”
“Every chance I get,”
As always I had such a great time. All the banter, the loveliest of found families, all the love and heat and all the serious topics woven in I didn’t know I wanted to learn about.
most entertaining side character: Old Man Morris. Loved his grumpy, snarky old ass and his banter with Elijah. And I looooved the short story (#2.6) about him and his Maggie (Magnus). A super age-gap of 30 years love story that started 30 years ago in the midst of the Aids crisis. (yes, the dude is really old)
side note: it’s a little funny how Anders and Odd are only referred to as Bash brothers or Viking twins in this series when esp Anders becomes the star of the spin-off series as well as many more books by KF.
**********
Wrecked Series
Book 1 - Sanctuary - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Surrender - tbr
Book 3 - Shameless - 4.0 stars
Novellas:
Book 2.5 - Crash
Book 2.6 - Covert - read
Book 3.5 - Candy
⇢ spin-off series: Wrecked: Guardians
March 1, 2020
Ugh I hate this book. The dialogue isn’t believable. It’s choppy and amateurish. I’m at 68% and I have a damn headache from this nonsense. So many problems. So. Damn. Many. If you have an MC with an amputation please take care and be respectful with ALL the details. He can’t sit back on his heels if he only has one and his prostheses has been taken off. He can’t sit up on his knees if the leg ends above the knee. Besides these problems the story doesn’t flow. I can’t keep track of all the characters and I’m just out.
Do not recommend
Do not recommend
August 22, 2023
This story started out okay, but by the halfway mark I pretty much lost interest in it. Since I was listening to the audiobook I did manage to finish it (barely), but it never got any better. Elijah was such a great character and it pains me that I couldn't like this more. This is the third(?) story that I've tried by this author and I think it's safe to say that this author just isn't for me. 2 stars
January 9, 2025
I'm doing a Kelly Fox reading marathon and this was a really nice starting point! I really liked how all of the characters were introduced and the friendships that were extablished and being built.
Nick was a prickly character but I did eventually warm up to him, whereas Elijah was so vulnerable and secretive and made me want to give him a hug.
I liked that there was representation of a lot of sexualities, genders and races and the storyline about homeless military veterans was really interesting. I usually don't read books with military or ex-military characters, so this was a bit out of my usual comfort zone, but I'm intrigued and definitely want to know more about the core group of characters that were introduced.
I do think there were a few too many random side characters and subplots, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the storylines progress.
Nick was a prickly character but I did eventually warm up to him, whereas Elijah was so vulnerable and secretive and made me want to give him a hug.
I liked that there was representation of a lot of sexualities, genders and races and the storyline about homeless military veterans was really interesting. I usually don't read books with military or ex-military characters, so this was a bit out of my usual comfort zone, but I'm intrigued and definitely want to know more about the core group of characters that were introduced.
I do think there were a few too many random side characters and subplots, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the storylines progress.
April 15, 2020
I dunno, maybe it’s my mood, maybe i’m Still drunk on a diff author who sets my expectations WAAAAYYYY high, but...
This isn’t more than 3.5 for me, rounded down to 3. There r some nice lines, but it’s just not that memorable, and doesn’t make me want to read more.
This isn’t more than 3.5 for me, rounded down to 3. There r some nice lines, but it’s just not that memorable, and doesn’t make me want to read more.
June 6, 2022
2.5-3 stars
Ehh the first half was good but once they decided to get it on (😏) that is where it went down hill….
Idk I feel like I am hit or miss with Kelly Fox… this was a miss for me.
Ehh the first half was good but once they decided to get it on (😏) that is where it went down hill….
Idk I feel like I am hit or miss with Kelly Fox… this was a miss for me.
September 11, 2025
This had all the right ingredients
I always worry when a book is recommended by everyone. Like if I don’t like it something is wrong with me.
My probably too honest review.... These 2 main characters were super awkward with each other. I was cringing often. It’s a slow burn but it fizzled for me. I just didn’t feel like they really got each other. Their chemistry was a bit meh.
Elijah’s mysterious living conditions were dragged out pretty far into the book too and the constant $5 bets got tiresome. I know the bets were supposed to be endearing but it just felt overdone.
They were apart more than they were together which also doesn’t work for me...let them an HEA be a bit longer. You do get one though.
Even after all of that, I still want to give book 2 a chance. Maybe I’ll connect more with those characters.
I always worry when a book is recommended by everyone. Like if I don’t like it something is wrong with me.
My probably too honest review.... These 2 main characters were super awkward with each other. I was cringing often. It’s a slow burn but it fizzled for me. I just didn’t feel like they really got each other. Their chemistry was a bit meh.
Elijah’s mysterious living conditions were dragged out pretty far into the book too and the constant $5 bets got tiresome. I know the bets were supposed to be endearing but it just felt overdone.
They were apart more than they were together which also doesn’t work for me...let them an HEA be a bit longer. You do get one though.
Even after all of that, I still want to give book 2 a chance. Maybe I’ll connect more with those characters.
January 31, 2020
The Gods Must Be Crazy
Reviewed on January 31, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
2.5 stars rating
I remember watching The Gods Must Be Crazy , circa 81' 82' , at the tender age of 11 or 12 years old. Till this day 38/39 years later, what I remember the most about that movie was Xi (MC) getting hit , on the head, by the bottle of Coca Cola , looking at it and unable to connect or figure out what he was seeing.
And that is, where I am with Sanctuary. Story is disjointed , dialogue choppy and I am unable to connect with the characters. It has taken me close to two weeks to read this book, when I usually read /listen one and two books a day.
It might be it's me , not the story , situation going here . You'll be the judge of that when/if you read it.
#KU #KindleFire #LesCourt #Ebook #BooksRead2020 #Sanctuary #KellyFox
Reviewed on January 31, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
2.5 stars rating
I remember watching The Gods Must Be Crazy , circa 81' 82' , at the tender age of 11 or 12 years old. Till this day 38/39 years later, what I remember the most about that movie was Xi (MC) getting hit , on the head, by the bottle of Coca Cola , looking at it and unable to connect or figure out what he was seeing.
And that is, where I am with Sanctuary. Story is disjointed , dialogue choppy and I am unable to connect with the characters. It has taken me close to two weeks to read this book, when I usually read /listen one and two books a day.
It might be it's me , not the story , situation going here . You'll be the judge of that when/if you read it.
#KU #KindleFire #LesCourt #Ebook #BooksRead2020 #Sanctuary #KellyFox
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January 7, 2022MM Romance
Veterans Hurt/Comfort
DNF @ 70%
I usually love the hurt/comfort trope but I just can’t get into this book. It’s choppy and besides Elijah, there isn’t anyone I really like which is a problem. It’s also 70% in and I don’t see the chemistry between the main characters. Elijah breaks my heart though. He’s so touch starved that he’d rather be held by Nick than do anything sexually. I usually love shit like this but Nick bugs me. The writing bugs me too.
My goal for 2022 is to DNF the books I’m bored with instead of being a masochist. I’m not rating this because this may be a case of me not the book. Since I read Him/Us, I’ve been in a total book funk.
Veterans Hurt/Comfort
DNF @ 70%
I usually love the hurt/comfort trope but I just can’t get into this book. It’s choppy and besides Elijah, there isn’t anyone I really like which is a problem. It’s also 70% in and I don’t see the chemistry between the main characters. Elijah breaks my heart though. He’s so touch starved that he’d rather be held by Nick than do anything sexually. I usually love shit like this but Nick bugs me. The writing bugs me too.
My goal for 2022 is to DNF the books I’m bored with instead of being a masochist. I’m not rating this because this may be a case of me not the book. Since I read Him/Us, I’ve been in a total book funk.
December 17, 2020
I loved the first 50% of this book.
It contained some great slow burn with amazing sexual tension and I was totally here for it. However when the Mc's finally got together the actual storyline took the backseat for the sexy times and while I enjoyed it in the beginning it got a bit tired quite quickly.
There's some problematic things going on in this book. I'm not sure it's the author not doing proper research or the author putting it in there to add a "realness" to the story.
I cared so much for Elijah and Nick though that I can't rate this any less than four stars.
It contained some great slow burn with amazing sexual tension and I was totally here for it. However when the Mc's finally got together the actual storyline took the backseat for the sexy times and while I enjoyed it in the beginning it got a bit tired quite quickly.
There's some problematic things going on in this book. I'm not sure it's the author not doing proper research or the author putting it in there to add a "realness" to the story.
I cared so much for Elijah and Nick though that I can't rate this any less than four stars.
November 16, 2021
First off, a mini-rant/pet-peeve of mine (and probably others as well). For the first 30% of this book, I felt like I was missing something. I double-checked that yes this is the first book of the series and apparently Kelly Fox's first book. As more characters are introduced, and their backstory info-dumped I took a deeper look, clicked around Goodreads, and apparently a number of the characters appeared in another book written under a different name (Scout and the Lavender Girl) and Sanctuary is a sequel/spin-off. Why can't the authors who do this mention that at the start of the book? "Some characters in the story have previously appeared in "x" book" would suffice. I hate feeling like I'm missing things, and I generally would go and read "x" book first. It's happened before with other books and it never ceases to annoy me. At the very end of the story the other book is mentioned, but I didn't go to the last page of the story while previously looking. *end rant*
Anyway, I had a tough time connecting with the romance in this one. I felt like I didn't really get to know them as a romantic couple. I adored Elijah, while Nick was a bit of a hardass at the start, but I wanted a little more depth in their backstories. There are a lot of secondary characters introduced, setting up future stories, and I had to keep going back to remember who was who, and how they are related.
There were also a couple of odd situations - minor things that made me wonder why it was part of the story, and the plot dragged a bit in the middle. I think maybe the writing style just wasn't for me. I might give the next book a shot as the characters were likable overall. I just didn't love that I didn't feel like I knew the two MC's all that well by the end.
Anyway, I had a tough time connecting with the romance in this one. I felt like I didn't really get to know them as a romantic couple. I adored Elijah, while Nick was a bit of a hardass at the start, but I wanted a little more depth in their backstories. There are a lot of secondary characters introduced, setting up future stories, and I had to keep going back to remember who was who, and how they are related.
There were also a couple of odd situations - minor things that made me wonder why it was part of the story, and the plot dragged a bit in the middle. I think maybe the writing style just wasn't for me. I might give the next book a shot as the characters were likable overall. I just didn't love that I didn't feel like I knew the two MC's all that well by the end.
February 16, 2023
Audiobook Review
Not gonna lie, when I first read this one in ebook form, I may have sniffled at times and I sniffled even more when listening to this audio.
So in here, Nic runs a garage for vets. It's mostly filled with really jacked men. One day, after firing yet another guy, Elijah shows up for an interview and gets the job
What nobody knows is that Elijah is homeless. He is also a vet but his homophobic mother freaked him over when he got out of the service. His aunt, who had raised him after being kicked out, died and Elijah was left to spiral.
Things happen and eventually Nic and Elijah get together but the 80% break up in this one was harsh. Cause Elijah ended up in a bad situation.
They make up and we get the setup for the next book.
John did a tremendous job on this one. I laughed so hard while I was driving and listening to this and I also cried a bit when the sad things happened.
_______________________________
Sniffle...
I literally teared up at the end of this story and it was wonderful. I only wish I would've read this series first but better late than never.
Not gonna lie, when I first read this one in ebook form, I may have sniffled at times and I sniffled even more when listening to this audio.
So in here, Nic runs a garage for vets. It's mostly filled with really jacked men. One day, after firing yet another guy, Elijah shows up for an interview and gets the job
What nobody knows is that Elijah is homeless. He is also a vet but his homophobic mother freaked him over when he got out of the service. His aunt, who had raised him after being kicked out, died and Elijah was left to spiral.
Things happen and eventually Nic and Elijah get together but the 80% break up in this one was harsh. Cause Elijah ended up in a bad situation.
They make up and we get the setup for the next book.
John did a tremendous job on this one. I laughed so hard while I was driving and listening to this and I also cried a bit when the sad things happened.
_______________________________
Sniffle...
I literally teared up at the end of this story and it was wonderful. I only wish I would've read this series first but better late than never.
February 9, 2020
Readable but problematic
Seemed too long and first person, present tense is not a favorite. Tried a little too hard to be diverse and came across a bit preachy at times with word choices I would question. Dialogue didn’t always feel authentic. I skipped most of the later sex scenes as most didn’t appeal to me either. Could not sense any UST from what seemed to be meant as a period of slow burn. Not entirely uninteresting but I skimmed a lot. Just didn’t work for me.
Seemed too long and first person, present tense is not a favorite. Tried a little too hard to be diverse and came across a bit preachy at times with word choices I would question. Dialogue didn’t always feel authentic. I skipped most of the later sex scenes as most didn’t appeal to me either. Could not sense any UST from what seemed to be meant as a period of slow burn. Not entirely uninteresting but I skimmed a lot. Just didn’t work for me.
November 6, 2021
3.75/5 ⭐️
January 28, 2020
I liked the idea of Wrecked, a gym specifically designed for veterans, with machines, classes and trainers tailored for their needs. And I appreciated the author's choice of doing a realistic description of their problems, without unnecessary gloom or angst.
Nick, a Navy Seal vet, was the one who wanted to open Wrecked,having lived himself the difficulties a veteran with prosthetics or PTSD can encounter while going to a 'normal' gym. He has managed to create a 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 for a colorful variety of people, a safe place to show weakness and build their strengths.
For Elijah, Wrecked is hope, a way to get off the streets and to begin a new, better life. I love Elijah. He's full of snark, funny, smart, and so adorable in his crush on Nick. And I totally understand why he was often tongue tied around the hulky gym owner. I mean,yes, he's often gruff and scowling, but he exudes genuine care for others and he's always ready to offer help to whoever asks.
Nick and Elijah were the cutest, circling each other, finding excuses to keep away. Until none worked anymore. That doesn't mean a relationship between them was easy, not with their trust issues and insecurities. They have a lot of chemistry and they're perfect for one another, but it's not enough, not until they talk and try to overcome together whatever doubts might keep them apart.
What I found in this book was family. Messy and with a lot of problems, interfering and never minding their own business, but always having each other's backs. I liked that the men were never ashamed to shed tears and that the women were also tough, that everyone was supported to be whoever they wanted, without fear of being rejected... just like in a 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆.
Nick, a Navy Seal vet, was the one who wanted to open Wrecked,having lived himself the difficulties a veteran with prosthetics or PTSD can encounter while going to a 'normal' gym. He has managed to create a 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 for a colorful variety of people, a safe place to show weakness and build their strengths.
For Elijah, Wrecked is hope, a way to get off the streets and to begin a new, better life. I love Elijah. He's full of snark, funny, smart, and so adorable in his crush on Nick. And I totally understand why he was often tongue tied around the hulky gym owner. I mean,yes, he's often gruff and scowling, but he exudes genuine care for others and he's always ready to offer help to whoever asks.
Nick and Elijah were the cutest, circling each other, finding excuses to keep away. Until none worked anymore. That doesn't mean a relationship between them was easy, not with their trust issues and insecurities. They have a lot of chemistry and they're perfect for one another, but it's not enough, not until they talk and try to overcome together whatever doubts might keep them apart.
What I found in this book was family. Messy and with a lot of problems, interfering and never minding their own business, but always having each other's backs. I liked that the men were never ashamed to shed tears and that the women were also tough, that everyone was supported to be whoever they wanted, without fear of being rejected... just like in a 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆.
February 27, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Sometimes I like a light, easy read, but other times I appreciate a book like Sanctuary that has some heavier elements. In this case, the logistics of poverty are highlighted and show how for individuals like Elijah, it’s particularly hard to get a job and thus get out of one’s difficult circumstances. However, Sanctuary contains a couple of issues that point to sloppiness regarding research and sensitivity that I must point out. First, several times the author uses “peg leg” in reference to lower limb amputees; this slang is usually considered offensive and insulting and it bothered me. Also, there are several references to Nick being a sergeant in the Navy, where there is no such rank. To me it feels disrespectful to our country’s service members to get that detail incorrect. Errors such as these make me concerned about the veracity of other information in the book.
Aside from that, Kelly Fox’s debut MM novel is enjoyable. The plot is appealing and contains a twist near the end. The end itself is satisfying. The pace drops off, though, in the middle of the book where it becomes somewhat monotonous with parts that don’t propel the plot.
Read Valerie’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Sometimes I like a light, easy read, but other times I appreciate a book like Sanctuary that has some heavier elements. In this case, the logistics of poverty are highlighted and show how for individuals like Elijah, it’s particularly hard to get a job and thus get out of one’s difficult circumstances. However, Sanctuary contains a couple of issues that point to sloppiness regarding research and sensitivity that I must point out. First, several times the author uses “peg leg” in reference to lower limb amputees; this slang is usually considered offensive and insulting and it bothered me. Also, there are several references to Nick being a sergeant in the Navy, where there is no such rank. To me it feels disrespectful to our country’s service members to get that detail incorrect. Errors such as these make me concerned about the veracity of other information in the book.
Aside from that, Kelly Fox’s debut MM novel is enjoyable. The plot is appealing and contains a twist near the end. The end itself is satisfying. The pace drops off, though, in the middle of the book where it becomes somewhat monotonous with parts that don’t propel the plot.
Read Valerie’s review in its entirety here.
March 12, 2023
I'm giving this book a solid 4⭐.
This story is about a group of veterans, specifically a family of Martinez cousains and their sisters and brothers, who have a gym called Wrecked.
The gym services to veterans with prosthetics mostly, and one of the owners, Nick, who's 38 and a former SEAL, lost his leg in Iraq and runs a tight ship with having no luck finding a solid, reliable hired help.
Elijah is 28 and homeless since he left the army. He has no place to go, has no money, can't find a decent job and finally, through some connections, lands a job at Wrecked.
This was my Elijah, and Nick is on the cover.
Elijah and Nick don't exactly get along, but Elijah really proves himself and the gym starts to really blossom under his care and ideas.
Nick really likes Elijah, who's beautiful, but has a somewhat low self-esteem and Nick is a held-back vet with some PTSD , but even so, they somehow get together and are fooling around a lot, mostly in the shower and it's very, very good.
"He looks like a bionic fuck machine who's specifically travelled from the future to pound me in the ass."
Both MCs were likeable and interesting and their chemistry was really good, top that off with a 10 year age gap, a significant size difference and a hot, grumpy older MC and I thought I found myself a perfect book for this weekend.
The plot twist comes at around 80% of the book where Nick realises Elijah is homeless and tells him that he doesn't have to have sex with him to sleep in a bed at night.
See, now I was confused . Because even though Elijah was homeless, he had an amazing work ethic and never asked anyone for help with anything outside of work. He had no money, no car, no shower, but he made it work.
That's why I was baffled when Nick said that, not only I had no idea where did that come from, because they usually weren't using his apartment, but Elijah never asked for anything, again. And it was surprising to me that came from another vet.
Homelessness is pretty common with veterans, it's a very sensitive subject, because they have to deal with a lot of mental issues on top of living on the street, not all of them, but a lot, so to hear that from another vet was just terrible. Not just another vet, but Elijah's love interest.
Just terrible.
Nick did redeem himself though, he made it work and I think he grovelled quite enough. Turns out, Nick is a total emotional plushie when it comes to Elijah and I really loved that. I also loved the fact that they both became vers, with Nick never doing it before and I was really happy that was put into the story, I very much appreciated that little titbit.
It would be great to know how they managed to move in together or how is life like as a couple in the epilogue, but even so, the epilogue was satisfying.
I'm going to continue the series, that's basically interconnected with Wrecked : Guardians, Rebel Sky and Wild Heart Ranch, most of which I've already read.
This story is about a group of veterans, specifically a family of Martinez cousains and their sisters and brothers, who have a gym called Wrecked.
The gym services to veterans with prosthetics mostly, and one of the owners, Nick, who's 38 and a former SEAL, lost his leg in Iraq and runs a tight ship with having no luck finding a solid, reliable hired help.
Elijah is 28 and homeless since he left the army. He has no place to go, has no money, can't find a decent job and finally, through some connections, lands a job at Wrecked.
This was my Elijah, and Nick is on the cover.
Elijah and Nick don't exactly get along, but Elijah really proves himself and the gym starts to really blossom under his care and ideas.
Nick really likes Elijah, who's beautiful, but has a somewhat low self-esteem and Nick is a held-back vet with some PTSD , but even so, they somehow get together and are fooling around a lot, mostly in the shower and it's very, very good.
"He looks like a bionic fuck machine who's specifically travelled from the future to pound me in the ass."
Both MCs were likeable and interesting and their chemistry was really good, top that off with a 10 year age gap, a significant size difference and a hot, grumpy older MC and I thought I found myself a perfect book for this weekend.
The plot twist comes at around 80% of the book where Nick realises Elijah is homeless and tells him that he doesn't have to have sex with him to sleep in a bed at night.
See, now I was confused . Because even though Elijah was homeless, he had an amazing work ethic and never asked anyone for help with anything outside of work. He had no money, no car, no shower, but he made it work.
That's why I was baffled when Nick said that, not only I had no idea where did that come from, because they usually weren't using his apartment, but Elijah never asked for anything, again. And it was surprising to me that came from another vet.
Homelessness is pretty common with veterans, it's a very sensitive subject, because they have to deal with a lot of mental issues on top of living on the street, not all of them, but a lot, so to hear that from another vet was just terrible. Not just another vet, but Elijah's love interest.
Just terrible.
Nick did redeem himself though, he made it work and I think he grovelled quite enough. Turns out, Nick is a total emotional plushie when it comes to Elijah and I really loved that. I also loved the fact that they both became vers, with Nick never doing it before and I was really happy that was put into the story, I very much appreciated that little titbit.
It would be great to know how they managed to move in together or how is life like as a couple in the epilogue, but even so, the epilogue was satisfying.
I'm going to continue the series, that's basically interconnected with Wrecked : Guardians, Rebel Sky and Wild Heart Ranch, most of which I've already read.
April 28, 2022
I've been sitting on this book for longer than I should've. The premise behind the book was good, but I feel like this needed a lot more research. I'm always skeptical of military books. I've been a military spouse for almost 27 years now and I tend to nitpick military books apart. This one was no different.
Right off the bat, Chapter 2 page 10, talks about Elijah having put PT on his resume because "you led PT for your unit". I read this to my husband and we both laughed because this would never go on anyone's resume. Then at other points, I started to wonder if she meant physical therapy and was abbreviating it weird and just didn't know. But honestly, either way, it just set the tone off for me.
The dynamic of the characters was good. They are all a close nit family/friends. But it started to feel really disjointed at times.
I don't know, I'm so confused about how to write what I really felt once I finished the book, that I'm going to end up messing it up. So let's just go with it wasn't awful, but it wasn't great. More research I think needed to be done from the military aspect.
Right off the bat, Chapter 2 page 10, talks about Elijah having put PT on his resume because "you led PT for your unit". I read this to my husband and we both laughed because this would never go on anyone's resume. Then at other points, I started to wonder if she meant physical therapy and was abbreviating it weird and just didn't know. But honestly, either way, it just set the tone off for me.
The dynamic of the characters was good. They are all a close nit family/friends. But it started to feel really disjointed at times.
I don't know, I'm so confused about how to write what I really felt once I finished the book, that I'm going to end up messing it up. So let's just go with it wasn't awful, but it wasn't great. More research I think needed to be done from the military aspect.
March 4, 2022
I was not completely invested but it was an enjoyable read
March 21, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Very good read.
MM romance set in Austin in a Gym, but these guys are different, all are ex forces, all all of them have the softest hearts and the best personalities.
💋💋
Very good read.
MM romance set in Austin in a Gym, but these guys are different, all are ex forces, all all of them have the softest hearts and the best personalities.
January 30, 2020
It took me a while to finish this book. Not that I didn't like the characters, but I was struggled with the writing.
The story was nice and adorable even.
This was my first book of this author. Unfortunately this wasn't really for me.
A little too mediocre and a bit boring in the middle.
The story was nice and adorable even.
This was my first book of this author. Unfortunately this wasn't really for me.
A little too mediocre and a bit boring in the middle.
April 15, 2020
I'm at 90%, but cannot finish this nonsense. I have so many problems with this! First, you cannot fuck someone like a piston, on your knees, several times, when you have only one knee!!! It's not possible! This is supposed to be about inclusion, but it's disrespectful of its subjects. Truly. Also, everybody and their cousin is gay. It's a great thing - the family you make, but a bit unrealistic. Then, we have pacing problems, and dialogue problems.. Who in their right mind says “I hope you know I would never just go to town on your ass without considering your comfort. I want to make this as enjoyable for you as possible."??? Who is this pretentious asshole with "me man, me top" complex and penchant for stating the obvious?! Who talks like that? Go to town on your ass?! Fuck you into the mattress?! Do people in the US really say that to their partners?! It's in every single MM book and many MF I have read.
Oh, and the relationship for the second book is set up before the one for the actual book we are reading!
It's purple prose at its worst and then we get book two, people, and there things really go bad.
Oh, and the relationship for the second book is set up before the one for the actual book we are reading!
It's purple prose at its worst and then we get book two, people, and there things really go bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2020
I wish we would've learned more about Nick & Elijah more. I wanted more of a backstory.
May 19, 2020
I really liked this book and the characters. Read it straight through from start to finish and was exited to see a book two already out and a book three on the way soon. Can't wait to read more of all these guys. Intriguing group of Guys.
August 6, 2025
Rounded up
Very cute but also deep
Personally, I was not expecting the twist
Loved the epilogue and all the $5 bets
Roly and Nick acting like there voice overs of the people in the animal channel with Jake and Jean was funny as shit.
Very cute but also deep
Personally, I was not expecting the twist
Loved the epilogue and all the $5 bets
Roly and Nick acting like there voice overs of the people in the animal channel with Jake and Jean was funny as shit.
May 21, 2024
Sanctuary is a mostly good read and handles disabilities with great sensitivity although at times errors are made however in parts the book it does get boring as well I didn’t like the constant use of the words ‘dude’ or ‘bro’ between Nick and Elijah .
August 18, 2024
4.5⭐
Me gustó la historia. Tuvo una parte sentimental en los últimos capitulos pero fue linda esa parte
Me gustó la historia. Tuvo una parte sentimental en los últimos capitulos pero fue linda esa parte
Read
August 27, 2024girl what was that ENDING. ngl tho i kinda had a silly goofy fun time with this.......
February 2, 2020
I was a tad nervous about the "testosterone-y" first chapter when I started this book, but the book caught my interest quickly and kept me entertained and engaged the whole way through. And once Elijah started bringing the snark, it was a real treat!
(Seriously - in chapter two, there's a scene where Elijah meets a challenging gym member, and it's pure gold.)
Sanctuary is well-written, bringing conflict at the right times, keeping the action moving at a good pace, and with excellent chemistry between the leads, Nick and Elijah. You genuinely care about their relationship, and they have an interesting dynamic. Both are men who have demons in their pasts and who still face challenges. But they are still able to work together to overcome the obstacles in their paths, and have a truly moving story. The secondary characters are also interesting and engaging, including the ones who will obviously star in their own books later in the series.
One thing this book does that I truly appreciated was shine a light on the difficulties faced by veterans returning from combat. Whether they be physical, emotional or societal challenges, Kelly Fox shows the grim reality that many returning servicemen and women face after the military. These are men and women who deserve the utmost respect and support, and it's good that Fox is willing to shine a light on them.
This is really an excellent book, and I highly recommend it. I only knocked off one star because the first chapter is a bit overwhelming, simply because of the light-speed nature with which multiple characters are presented. It was a bit off-putting, but over the course of the book the relevant characters are given more time, and become more fleshed out. I find myself eagerly awaiting the rest of the series to see what comes next!
(Seriously - in chapter two, there's a scene where Elijah meets a challenging gym member, and it's pure gold.)
Sanctuary is well-written, bringing conflict at the right times, keeping the action moving at a good pace, and with excellent chemistry between the leads, Nick and Elijah. You genuinely care about their relationship, and they have an interesting dynamic. Both are men who have demons in their pasts and who still face challenges. But they are still able to work together to overcome the obstacles in their paths, and have a truly moving story. The secondary characters are also interesting and engaging, including the ones who will obviously star in their own books later in the series.
One thing this book does that I truly appreciated was shine a light on the difficulties faced by veterans returning from combat. Whether they be physical, emotional or societal challenges, Kelly Fox shows the grim reality that many returning servicemen and women face after the military. These are men and women who deserve the utmost respect and support, and it's good that Fox is willing to shine a light on them.
This is really an excellent book, and I highly recommend it. I only knocked off one star because the first chapter is a bit overwhelming, simply because of the light-speed nature with which multiple characters are presented. It was a bit off-putting, but over the course of the book the relevant characters are given more time, and become more fleshed out. I find myself eagerly awaiting the rest of the series to see what comes next!
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