Beautiful Soldier

The Heights Crew #3

by E.M. Moore

In the Heights, everyone fears the Heights Crew. I wish I had the luxury.

I can’t afford to run away from them, I have to run to them. Why? Because now they’re my only chance at survival.

Johnny, Brawler, Oscar, Magnum—I hope we can all come together to get out of this. It’s going to take a lot more than luck to free me from the wrongs I’ve been accused of. Like relying on the one person I’d rather put a bullet in than place my life at his feet.

It’s done now, though. Now I’m more a part of them than I’ve ever wanted to be.

I’m not just their prizefighter. I’m their Beautiful Soldier.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark, High School, Dark Romance, Why Choose, New Adult

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2020

About the author

E. M. Moore is a USA Today Bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal Romance. She's drawn to write within the teen and college-aged years where her characters get knocked on their asses, torn inside out, and put back together again by their first loves. Whether it's in a fantastical setting where human guards protect the creatures of the night or a realistic high school backdrop where social cliques rule the halls, the emotions are the same. Dark. Twisty. Angsty. Raw.

When Erin's not writing, you can find her dreaming up vacations for her family, watching murder mystery shows, or dancing in her kitchen while she pretends to cook.

To keep up with her and her books, you can like E. M. Moore on Facebook! (Just copy and paste the following link into your browser.) https://www.facebook.com/EMMooreBooks/

Reviews

[Sanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

OMG. All those cliffhangers are killing me! When does the next book come because god damn. Kayla only gets stronger and stronger. Brawler is so madly in love with her he will do anything. For Oscar it's only Kayla, she is the only person who loves him and really believes in him. Even when he doesn't believe in himself. When she finally comes clean to Johnny he took it better then i thought he would. But when seeing Kayla and the boys he starts to see how happy she is. And shit hits the fan and he has to see the sharing, he's not so against it then he thought. But then the fight comes, i think Kayla should never fight again because its seems like that's always when the bad things start. When a enemy gang tries to take Johnny the other boys to everything to try and save him. Even when he was such a asshole and always so rude. Also, why is Big Daddy K still alive?!! God dammit im soo hating that motherfucker to death right now! How could he?! And that for everything he did! How?! Why?! Just die you asshole! I really can't wait to see him die. I hope its slow and very very painful. Also, Jacob?! Never thought his feelings for Kayla would be this strong. i hope there will be more of them in the next book. I also hope there will be more sharing scenes. 

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and again I really enjoyed myself, after the dramatic events in the previous book Kyla needs some serious assistance from outside forces to dig her out of the dirt and Johnny, fortunately, does come through for her here.

So there was actually loads going on here though Kyla is no further forward in her agenda to rid the world of her parent's murderer.
Her main focus has kinda shifted gears and now she wants to make sure she rescues her boys including Johnny before she completes this task she just needs to get him on the same page as the others which won't be easy.

Here Johnny finally learns the truth well about multiple Kyla's affections, not her hidden agenda and he took it much better than I ever could have imagined probably helped along by all the outside forces bombarding them all meaning they will need to band together as a group if they all want to come out the other end intact.
Also, Daddy K is really gunning for Kyla and Johnny here he rightly believes that his son's loyalties have shifted gear and attempts to punish them both accordingly further proving what a complete monster he actually is.

The finish here was dramatic and explosive and I was on the edge of my seat, that cliffhanger was such a good one I'm so glad the final book is already available and I'm not left waiting on pins for it, Im diving straight in now of course.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[TrulyDeeplyBookishly_708456 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all..... this book is everything

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one where Johnny Rocket finds out about the whole harem thing. And a bunch of other crime stuff happens. Look, the other guys are cool and all that, but I'm in it for Johnny. And hating Big Daddy K.

[nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Johnny. Safe to say that if he keeps up with this behavior, he'll be finding himself in my good graces soon and well on his way to redemption. Althought that ending was brutal ngl💀 As always, Brawler, Jacob and Oscar were fanfuckingtastic. Love them sm!!!😍🥰

[CeCe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was the best book in the series so far. Usually when you read a series that has four books, one of them feels like a filler, but that is not the case here.

I am so disappointed the book 4 does not come out until August.

Would the author consider writing extras with the heroes POVs?

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pages: 460
My rating: 3
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Kayla, Johnny, Magnum, Oscar, Brawler

I don’t like Johnny, even if Kayla thinks he can be redeemed he still treats people badly and does not trust anyone really deep down, not even Kayla. He shows loyalty to people after using him for their gain.

I like Magnum. He is protective in some ways sweet.

The relationship between Oscar and Brawler is strange. Both committed to their relationship to Kayla but they still have something hate/love related going on between them.

And all together I thought this book was the weakest of the series. I wished E. M. would have ended it with three books, because it would have ended the series at a good point, but there will be a fourth book and who knows how many….

[jenn *mother of dragon & snake* · Rating 5 out of 5]

bruh -

again with the damn cliff hangers. IT'S NOT NATURAL.

[Kasumatata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing rollercoaster ride!



As expected, E.M. Moore proves us once more how skilled she is at weaving a tale. Beautiful Soldier brings more of Kyla and her involvement with the Heights Crew. Kyla is in deep and needs K and Johnny's help to get out of the charges made against her. The author does what she does best, by developing the characters in such a way that I just can't help but falling for them, despite some of their actions. Big Daddy K feels threatened by Kyla's growing influence on Johnny and shows us just how cruel he can be. Kyla is adamant to save her boys/men from the Crew and give them the future and family they deserve. The question remains if she will succeed.

This book reads like a dream, it never drags, the pace is set to perfection. There is action, romance, character development, drama, villains trying to take the Crew down as well as the threats within the Crew. The author grabbed my attention with her Ballers and has conquered a permanent spot in my favourite author - list after reading more of her books.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of really good things happened in this book, but...I felt like the story kind of started to drag. And maybe that's just me because I'm usually a three-book-series-max type of gal and I also have the patience of a needy toddler. I started skimming through about halfway until I got the end, of course, and then I was like OH HELLLL NO!
I'm so happy the last book is out because I would be going CRAZZYYY right now!!

[Kate McDougall Sackler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, this series is non-stop action and twists. Such a fun, bloody, violent, hot ride. I am so glad I don’t have to wait for the last 📖book!
Here’s To Fears reading challenge-fear rears its ugly head (adjective in the title)
Wheels10

[R.E. Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not see any of this coming. Any of it. Im starting book 4 right now because I cant wait to find out what's going on. I cant help but love these guys, and I'm dying to see how this ends!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was truly terrified when Kyla was telling Johnny who was in her harem and had to include Magnum! TERRIFIED 😨

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy 💩 on a stick! This book. This book. EM Moore has just took my heart out, put it in a blender, and pressed purée. She has done something we didn’t think was possible. Kyla and her group of men are going through a lot. Just when you think it won’t get worse for them it does. It is hard to have a favorite, but Brawler is still my number one but I loved seeing a different side of Magnum. K is still as vicious and cruel as ever. Johnny will make you bleed and Oscar...he makes you want to take care of him. I’m so ready for book 4.

[Marce IH · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 2.5 surprised stars *

I have to say I have been left feeling a bit confused after reading this book. I usually love EM Moore's books, I would have even said I would read anything by her without even bothering with a blurb so I don't really understand what happened with this one.

To me it felt like the story was no longer flowing naturally but more like the story line was forced into leading to sexual encounters. There was not much story or character development in the book, but there were plenty of sex scenes. I also thought the FMC had sex on the brain a lot, every time she would look at one of the guys she would start thinking of how hot they were and what she wanted to do with them.

Also, I have read quite a bit of RH books, and I guess one of the things I like about them is how authors find different ways to set the story up so when the times come for the FMC to have her RH it makes sense how the circumstances and choices lead to it and how the MC came to accept sharing the FMC. I thought in the first 2 books the author accomplished this, we understood how Kyla, Brawler, Oscar and Magnum came to accept the idea. So I was a bit puzzled by the fact that in several of Kyla's inner dialogue the author felt the need to keep justifying it, I was already sold on it, but the reasons Kyla used in this book put me off a bit. I cannot explain it, but somehow the phrasing made her come across as selfish? ...All this being said, I felt like the way Johnny reacted to the news was not true to the character we met in the last 2 books, there has been no turning point or enough character development for it to have gone that way, it felt to me like again the character's response was forced to allow more sex scenes.

I will probably still read the last book in the series but I don't think I'll be rushing to it or put whatever I'm reading aside the moment it comes out

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful I stumbled upon the magic of this series- every book in this series gets better and better. After the cataclysmic cliffhanger of our last book, I was anxious to dive back in and figure out how Kyla was going to get out of hot water and continue her quest to bring down Daddy K. And, of course, I wanted to know what was next in the complicated relationships she has with our guys.

As the series progresses,the characters get richer and richer- as individuals and within the interconnected relationships. I’m loving how the dynamics keep shifting, how carefully EM is constructing the emotional ties between them, slowly unfurling what makes them tick. This series is a tour de force of character development- quite a feat in a reverse harem story, in particular, where due to the many main characters, the harem members are often only loosely defined. Not here- not even close. EM is a masterful characterizer.These characters are all complex, nuanced- fully dimensional, authentic, and INTERESTING. Perfectly imperfect- uniquely flawed. And, even better, these characters have momentum- never static, always evolving, which keeps the story dynamic, and keeps us as readers on our toes as our feelings are always shifting about this unique crew. Each character gets his or her journey, their own chance to be explored- each gets unique care. I love when I can feel an author’s love for her characters- through the careful words, the attention to detail- and I can tell EM loves these characters.

In this third installment, Johnny is the revelation- and wow, what a testament to EM’s story telling that she can so compelling open up the heart and mind of a character so loathed and distrusted that readers are all of a sudden Team Rocket. His arc here is nothing but transformational, tenderly crafted and artfully unfolded. I didn’t think she could make me love him, but she did. The other boys don’t get short changed, don’t worry. And Kyla- I just love her more and more- she’s fierce, she’s tough- but I love how she’s so unflinchingly loyal, so devoted to protecting and honoring those she loves. She’s so resilient- unflinchingly determined.

E.M has beautifully centered this group around Kyla in a way that feels authentic- she’s the tether, there’s a gravitational pull between her and the boys. The tug is magnetic, inexplicable but inevitable, and EM has done a fantastic job of steadily weaving them together, but not making it easy or clear cut. That is more authentic to a real RH journey, and certainly more authentic to these characters. She’s truly a master at complex and compelling character dynamics. EM is really creating stories that are the pinnacle of what is possible in reverse harem relational story telling- this is a case study in how character exploration can and should drive a story. That is what sucks her readers in, and that is what keeps me turning the pages with glee- these fantastic characters.

EM’s world building is mesmerizing- this story continues to be raw, gritty, vivid...and most importantly, original and fresh. You get lost in these characters, lost in their journey- so much so that there are times I can’t turn the page fast enough to keep up with my racing heart and frantic mind. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Heights Crew story if we weren’t catapulted off a cliff, lying on some jagged rocks at the end of this book. That cliffhanger- I need the next book yesterday!

Like with all the books thus far, Beautiful Soldier is well paced, jam packed with twists, turns, danger, tension and angst, so much suspense, and tons of danger. I want to swim around in this dark and gritty world EM has created forever- Beautiful Soldier is the best yet! I’m quite an addict, and I”m going to need my next fix ASAP.

[Rambling Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, in book one, I was keeping a close eye on Johnny, in book two, I was digging Johnny, but in book three, I may love Johnny.

I've gotta be honest, I've always been a sucker for the bad boys who need to be saved. Give me a little bit of that villainous twist while keeping that hope alive that although he'll never be perfect, he'll be redeemed, and I'm hooked.

As far as storytelling goes, I definitely enjoy and admire what Moore has done here. She's taken a character that many readers disliked and were skeptical of, and she's transformed him in such an overall way that I think so many people are going to be excited, squealing, and declaring themselves to be Rocket fans.

Johnny isn't the only one who gets to shine. Magnum has the chance to come out of his shell and take a greater portion of the spotlight than he has in the last two books, and I'm really liking what I see in him as an individual but also as another connection to help us understand the Crew life and Johnny's background. As far as making the whole harem aspect a workable possibility (with minimal bloodshed), he's actually a major factor, and I think the group dynamic only benefits from him smoothly fitting in there.

Now, the plot in Beautiful Soldier is similar to the others in the sense that Moore is exercising her wicked writer persona- we're getting great pacing in both the romance and major plot arcs, but, like our characters, we don't come out unscathed. Like the other books, there's a cliffhanger because Moore takes joy in playing with our hearts and holding us anxiously on that line where we have so much to cheer for at the end....but also so much to scream about. Overall, there is some big progress in this third book, and all the pieces are falling more and more into place where Kyla's goal, which seemed unachievable in book one, might actually be possible.

Very nicely done.

[Cheryl Sedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book blew me apart. While I sit here picking up the pieces of my exploded head and heart. I can tell you that this book has it all again in spades.
From the beginning when we see Kyla still in custody after being accused of murder and having to wait in a holding facility to await her fate.
Once back in the heights everything gets crazy from bombs, fights and dead bodies showing up, to also unexpected attacks on Kyla and her group of guys. On the day of a fight between Kyla and a guy shes forced to face by big Daddy K. Neither of them want to hurt the other but in the end we see the house come down in an explosive way. With Kyla promised treat you feel right down into your toes you know her threat of revenge is well and truly ment. That makes you know the next book it going to go down with an even bigger and more badass epic explosive action.
Also with plenty of hot action we see her guys all open up more to great moments within the book. Brawler, Johnny, Oscar and Jacob(mag) each hold a special place in my heart as throughout this book each character expresses the way they feel for Kyla in their own way and fight to protect her in anyway they can.
A million percent recommend this book

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin?

I am so obsessed with this series that with each review I feel like I’m not doing it justice, because no matter how much I want to express my love of the series, I feel like it’s not fully coming across lol

I absolutely, truly and sincerely loved this book.

While reading I literally jumped, squealed, clapped my hands and did all those embarrassing things—that WE ALL DO, don’t try to deny it 🤣—because of how much it made me feel!

The character growth is PHENOMENAL.

It had me trembling and teary, breathing hard and fanning myself and holy crap biting my nails with anticipation!

Beautiful Soldier is a gut-wrenching, heart pounding, lip biting ... going-to-have-you-desperately-weeping-for-more book!

EM Moore absolutely killed me in the best way with the third installment of this series.

Her writing blows me away every time I read her words!

Her characters are beautiful and complex yet tragic and real. I’m always excited when picking up a book by her. Always.

I am trembling (yeah, seriously I am lol) with excitement over the next book, Knockout Queen!

[Bookiechick Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark high school, enemies to lovers reverse harem series. And it’s one you don’t want to miss!
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I love this series so much! Kyla is such a badass and can hold her own even with all the shit thrown her way. She sticks up for herself and the people she cares about as well as sticks true to her main goal.
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To kill the man who killed her parents.
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So much character development in this book and I’m here for it. Johnny!! I’ve always known and liked Johnny even when he was being an ass in the beginning simply because I knew there was more to him and it showed in this book. He definitely pulls at the heart strings. The vulnerability was so touching and had me all up in my feels. There’s so much depth still hidden within him it will be interesting to see where he goes in the next books.
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Mag, brawler and Oscar definitely had their growth moments in this also but Johnny is definitely the stand out for me. You definitely see the qualities and ways they all fit with Kyla and even to an extent each other, which makes their relationship and dynamic interesting in the way that they are similar to each other yet vastly different. There’s no dull moments that’s for sure!
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From the moment you read the first word in this series you are transported to this world and it’s so imaginative and visually vivid in your mind it’s easy to get lost in it. It definitely gives the story its own authentic and original feel as well as it’s own life. Your taken on a journey of gang wars, shootouts, deception, mystery, suspense, and so much tension!!! You will need moments to just breathe it’s that intense!
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Such an amazing plot with no shortage of action, love, steam, angst, twists and turns and much more! Come join The Heights Crew and immerse yourself into this dark and dangerous world! You won’t regret it!!
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[abbey willcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My mind tells me you're breaking me. But my heart tells me you're fixing me." 🖤


Hot damn. That ending is not ok!! 😧😧 even when I mentally prepare myself for cliffhangers I still can't deal with them 😅😂 I'm definitely going to have too download the next book and read at least the first couple of chapters to get some answers before bed!!

This book actually took me a little while to get into it, but once the ball got rolling. Christ, it was a right whirlwind!! Annnnd I still love Brawler but I have to say, Oscar has made himself a place in my heart AND Johnny is redeeming himself alot actually. I have a soft spot for him and I understand why he is how he is alot. I'm loving how he is slowlyy coming to terms with certain situations. He almost comes across as sweet at times 😅 one word I didn't think I would ever use for him 😅 .. magnum is also lovely but I still need a little more from him 🙌🏼 I'm loving seeing their relationships develop. Kyla is still a badass and is whipping them all into shape 😂... I'm off to read the next book!!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review it basically the same as it is for the first two books - super entertaining and highly readable, downfall is in relationship development, especially in the first two books since in this third book it is written like all that has already happened even though it didn't, not enough to justify the emotions they are professing anyway. I also hope last book has some group bedroom activity, even if really there isn't much sex in the series overall so not sure that will happen, and I think more sex in addition to the good story would elevate this series in general - the plot really set up some dirty and fun opportunities but I think it is trying to be more proper/PC than that, unfortunately.
3.75 ⭐️

[Alissa Buhoveckey [morrigans_books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars
•••
I CANNOT DEAL RIGHT NOW. THAT ENDING HAS ME FREAKING OUT AND I FINISHED THIS AT WORK. I AN NOT OKAY. WHAT THE HECK😭😭
•••
I honestly love this series soo fucking much it’s crazy. It’s so good and keeps you turning the page. Not to mention how sexy and hot it is🥵 jus- I. I don’t know how to describe how I feel right now because I’m honestly in shock and now August seems years away and I don’t think I can wait that long😭😭
•••
READ THIS SERIES! IM ABOUT TO BINGE HER OTHER SERIES TONIGHT AND FALL IN LOVE WITH EVEN MORE FICTIONAL MEN BC APPARENTLY I LIKE TO TORTURE MYSELF AND SET ASTRONOMICAL STANDARDS FOR MEN😭

[Hannah Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

E M Moore has seriously done it again! God I love this crew... book three has been my favourite it’s the series so far!!!

I’m with Kyla - we need all 4 of them.

I have to say though in this book it was all about Magnum...damn I think I'm in love with this guy!! The chemistry between him and Kayla was smoking hot and they didn't really do anything sexual (can't imagine what it will be like when they do finally get in on properly)!!!

What can I say? Big daddy K is a Very bad man.

I still don’t trust that Jiko either!

Can’t believe I’m on the last book already
another great series I’m not ready for it to end…..

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

So if you’re reading this you’ve been following along with Kayla, Johnny, Magnum, Brawler and Oscar.

This book was amazing. I was sitting on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. Kayla for me is such a strong and determined character her love and hope for better for her new family is so amazing but also heartbreaking.

The ending of this book another cliffhanger broke my soul.

Cannot wait for the next book.


Read this amazing 5⭐️ book today.

[Lorrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so to be honest, I'm liking this series less and less. Kyla's nether regions are still lined with gold and I can't stand ANY of the guys at this point. Johnny is still basically a jerk at heart and sees Kyla as his prize, Oscar still creeps me out, Brawler is still boring, and now Magnum is boring and too accommodating. Seriously, just give me ONE good guy that I can fall in love with and connect with! I will still have to finish this series out because I can't abandon after that cliffhanger, but I'm just not invested in the characters at this point :(

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow my mind is yet again blown by the amazingness that is EM Moores Heights crew series. I seriously am in love with these books. Kyla is a complete badass female warrior and she has such a huge heart for those she loves. Oscar is my most favourite character and I loved every moment of him in this book. The guys are seriously so awesome and I can't wait to find out what happens next after that crazy wild ending.

[Chanalope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

The pacing of Beautiful soldier was phenomenal!! Action packed and romance filled each page to the brim. I could not put it down! As always the cliffs leaves me salivating for more! The development of each character was amazing but Johnny stole the show in this one! It takes a special author to redeem a character the way she did with Johnny and I am all for it! Read this series you won’t regret it!!!!

[Siri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars ish
I have started to like this more than i did in the beginning, even tho i wanted to see Kyla kick some fucking ass, hopefully she will do that in the next book. Ya´ll know what i mean, i aint saying she hiding but like kill someone and do some serious damage on someone ;)
That fucking chliffhangern at the end... :( I can´say i get the hype around this series, it´s still okay/good i guess , but i don´t get the wow feeling

[Robyn Mather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking!

Another heart stuttering, non-stop, thrill ride from the Heights Crew series! Beautiful Soldier did not disappoint. Full of nerve wracking suspense and tension, underhanded plots and sadistic manipulations, explosive action, passionate romance with saunas of steam, this book really puts your heart in the ring. With yet another killer cliffhanger, Knockout Queen can't come soon enough.