A Marine's Conflict

A Marine's Heart #3

by Jax Meyer, Elle Armstrong

Mags Newsome has already given over a decade of her life to the Marine Corps. She's learned to compartmentalize to survive the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that keeps servicemembers from serving openly. But that's also kept her from any meaningful relationships.

Elaine 'Lane' Chapman moved to the US from England with her girlfriend who soon left her. Remaining in sunny southern California, Elaine built a life for herself as a college math professor, content to experience love through romance novels rather than risk her heart again.

A chance encounter in a bookstore cafe brings the two women together where they discover an off the charts attraction. As they battle their feelings to maintain their 'friends with benefits' agreement, another war looms in the Middle East, threating everything they've built.

A Marine's Conflict is a standalone lesbian romance in the Marine's Heart series which overlaps with A Marine Discovery.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Military Fiction, LGBT, Lesbian Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2020

Reviews

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mags meets Lane.

Mags and Lane’s story turned out to be very engaging. Lane is wonderful and I already knew that from her appearances in the previous book. She’s friendly, easy to get to know and I enjoyed her bond with Cam as fellow Marine wives. Mags is a harder nut to crack. She has a tough exterior as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps and is also very rigid about toeing the line under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. So for a while, it felt like her relationship with Lane stalled. But I like that she had layers that needed peeling back and I relish the moments when she is thrown into disequilibrium when it comes to Lane. 

Lane is the perfect partner for her. I like how Lane doesn’t hold back calling Mags out whenever Mags shuts down or stops communicating. I like how she's clear with both herself and Mags even when they were in an undefined relationship that she does not cheat nor share. And I absolutely love how as a college math professor, she knows absolutely nothing about the Marine Corps and yet doesn't hesitate making endearingly bad Marine jokes like calling Mags "Major" the entire time. They have great chemistry and a really solid relationship by the end.
 
This story overlaps with A Marine Discovery (Book 3) and some notable scenes cross, this time written in the POVs of Mags and Lane. For example, Lane’s friendship with Cam that developed when their respective partners were deployed is rehashed. And an epic camping scene between the four characters is retold, this time with such humour, it made me laugh out loud. But what really stood out though is Mags and Sharon's friendship that blossomed in Iraq. It is a really fun platonic relationship that I enjoyed because Sharon really is fun.

We have Elle Armstrong to thank besides Meyer for this book. It is a co-write and a good piece of collaboration. Rachel, the next protagonist, made a brief apearance here and I'm already excited about book 5.

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I had a chip on my shoulder. Why? Because it starred different characters than the mains featured in books 2 & 3 (Cam and Sharon). It happens, you fall in love with the principals at the start of a series and then the author plays musical chairs. Next thing you know, new people are infiltrating. That’s where I found myself.

Then Gunnery Sergeant Mags Newsome storms into the picture, strong and in charge so much so that when she meets Dr. Lane Chapman at a bookstore, the British Professor is flustered and drops the Rad paperback that is discreetly tucked into her textbook. Lane is flat out gorgeous in that “pencil skirt and glasses” librarian way that many of us love and the Marine is a goner.

Mags and Lane scorch the pages and we’re better for it. But it’s not just their heat that captivates, it’s how fiercely drawn these two are, as a couple and as individuals.

The Marine Corps means everything to Gunny Newsome. This is the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell so a committed relationship is out of the question. But as Mags spends more time with Lane, priorities flip and life without her becomes impossible to imagine. For Lane, it’s a matter of living the life of a military spouse without being able to publicly show her love and concern when Mags is deployed or away at training. It’s brutally suffocating trying to hold in so many potent emotions. But this book is not about the tragic. It’s about discovering a chance at happiness and taking that leap of faith. Romance fans rejoice because this is a gushingly old fashioned courtship.

And suddenly, I’m emotionally invested in Mags and Lane, hoping and wishing for more of their stories because that’s what good writing does, leaves you wanting more. Last note, A Marine’s Conflict can be read as a stand-alone.

Arc provided by author to lezreviewbooks.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Conny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series which means I didn’t know any of the characters or what happened from another perspective in the other books. Both authors described everything in such a perfect way that I never felt like that I don’t have all the background info. So this book definitely can be read as a standalone.

It’s standalone story I thoroughly enjoyed and that is fantastically written. One that feels totally different like many of the books I usually read these days. By different I mean different in the best way. The way the story is built up, how the characters meet and then things slowly start to fall into place is just fantastic. For me the timeline was perfect. Just like Mags and Lane are perfect together. Their chemistry is intense (right from the start), which leads to some very hot scenes. But it’s not just their sexual chemistry, the way both authors were able to lead the story from a one night stand to friends with benefits to a serious relationship is really impressive. It definitely impressed me very much, because I somehow suspect that this isn’t as easy as it looks on the pages. To create as perfect transitions as these two authors did isn’t something I see in every book I read. It just felt so natural. When the book turned more serious at some point, I started to turn the pages faster because I wanted to know what happens and to know that they are ok. So yes they definitely kept me on my toes. ☺️

I also loved their banter and just the general humour in the story. Lane‘s Britishness was definitely the perfect addition. I had to laugh out loud many times. This humour felt like the perfect addition to the story. It felt like the one spice in a menu that gives it the extra touch.

I loved the side characters Cam and Sharon and to read a bit about them. Totally knowing that they are the MC‘s of other books in the series. A series that I am definitely going to check out. And you know I am usually not as much into marines or military stories, but the way this story is written and I’m sure the others are written as well, I’m sure I will love the rest two.

But first I wanna mention once more how much I loved this story and highly recommend. The authors wrote the perfect story and for me they were perfectly in sync. Both give the characters unique voices and added them together to a perfectly flowing story.

[Char Dafoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably not the best way to start a review, but I must say, that every time I dive back into this series with a new book, I always find myself choking up near the ends of them. I won't divulge why so as not to ruin it for anyone who hasn't read the previous books, including Dal Segno. That's all I'll say about that.

A Marine's Conflict was such an easy read. It held my attention all the way through and not once did I check to see how much reading time was left. Both authors seamlessly blended the two protags' POVs beautifully. I enjoy books that switch back and forth. I will admit in the beginning the differences between how Mags spoke and how Lane spoke was jarring, but only briefly. Lane was British and said things like, "acuppa", "loo", "ring someone up"... and just for a moment, I was like what? But I laughed at myself and realized what was happening. This story stretched out over a two year period which gave us an in-depth feel as to how their relationship formed and blossomed. I would consider this an insta-lust-slow-burn, if that makes any sense. The sex was fast and furious... and steamy, but the love was what took time, or I should say, it was a particular Marine who took time to open up to love. And that wasn't her fault. Not once did I grow frustrated with the characters regarding their relationship because, and I'm assuming, Meyer's, did an excellent job at showing what it was like in the Marine Corps under DADT while falling in love and fearing for your job/livelihood at the same time. It had to have been frustrating as hell for the people who had to keep their lives hidden. I felt for Mags. Obviously not in a way where I understood her fear/frustration, but in a way where I was angry for her. My heart broke the way hers wanted to whenever she was reminded that she couldn't treat her relationship the same way the heterosexuals treated theirs. So, I guess, in a way, I was frustrated all throughout the story, but nothing to do with the writing.

Mags and Lane's relationship was maturity at its best paired with loving, playful, silliness between the women. We got to see them grow, mature, overcome obstacles; career wise and personal wise, and ultimately see them fall head over heels in love with each other. I'd also like to mention how giddy I was when we were reunited with Cam and Sharon from the previous books. I have had a thing for Cam since the beginning and I can never get enough of her.

An excellent story written by two talented writers.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this one - read in the wrong order (hey! They were published in the wrong order!) but excellent, though a little stodgy / repetitious in the middle. Especially loved the relationships between the four main characters. Highly recommended.

[Richard Ice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two women from different worlds, who find each other in a most difficult environment. One, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Margaret “Mags” Newsome, is 13 years into her military career. As a lesbian serving during the onerous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy governing the service of homosexual military members, Gunny Newsome must remain firmly in the closet. This leads to an internal conflict, and she effectively lives two lives. One life, that of a master drill instructor and team leader in an aviation group at Miramar, is fully immersed in military discipline as Gunny Newsome. She dedicates herself to molding young Marines and giving them the tools to remain safe in dangerous jobs. She is the perfect example of a scary Marine, physically fit, confident, and dominating, but secretly harboring a sensitive soul. Her other life, as Mags, is one of seeking relief from her loneliness through brief encounters with women she meets in locations far from the base, following a strict set of rules that protect her from situations that could out her and end her career. She keeps those two worlds widely separated. Until she doesn’t.

Enter university math Professor Elaine Chapman, who Mags spots one day while on a run. A sweaty Mags is completely taken by the sexy librarian type she sees coming out of a local bookstore/coffee shop. The encounter lasts all of five seconds, but Mags is hooked. Mags is fascinated by the beautiful blonde with the tight bun, pencil skirt, and glasses as she sees Elaine walking and reading, immersed in her book. Mags cannot believe her instant attraction. Unable to get the encounter out of her mind, she proceeds to stalk the bookstore and is rewarded a few weeks later when she meets the woman she comes to know as “Lane”. They begin a relationship as “friends with benefits” living under strict rules regulating their activities in order to protect Mags from DADT consequences. This artfully told story follows Mags and Lane as they navigate their pathway, progressing from mere friends to lovers.

This is an important book in an important series. It is the fourth installment in Author Jax Meyer’s “A Marines Heart” series. Meyer dedicates this series to the issues facing LGBTQ members of the US military serving under DADT, the official policy from 1994 until 2011 that allowed them to serve as long as they remained closeted. The series exposes the difficulties these patriots lived under as they served their country. Meyer is uniquely qualified to tell this story as she served in the Marine Corps but had to leave under the policy.

For this fourth book, Meyer teams with Elle Alexander. The authors take an interesting approach to telling the story from the views of the two main characters. They present alternating chapters featuring Mags and Lane. Lane is from the UK and is a classic Brit. The authors use British terms and spelling in Lane’s chapters. The reader can almost hear her accent as she speaks. One endearing aspect of the book is Lane’s education in the special aspects of Marine life. The authors decorate the book with fun things like Lane’s nickname of “Major” for Gunny Sergeant Mags. There are interesting discussions of war and the military as Mags educates Lane and Lane expands Mags’ worldview.

Other important characters include Corporals Cam Warren and Sharon Rodriguez. Cam is really the central character in the series and the previous two books are about Cam and Sharon’s relationship as young Marines, living under the same DADT rules. Cam is the central character of the wonderful “Dal Segno”, which was Meyer’s first book, but is chronologically in the future. This leads to an interesting challenge for readers who have not begun the series. In Dal Segno, we learn the outcomes of some of the series characters. Thus, the reader’s experience will be different depending on whether they take up Dal Segno first or last. I will leave it at that. Regardless of the order, I highly recommend the entire series.

During a deployment to Iraq, Mags and Sharon support each other while back home in San Diego, Lane and Cam help each other survive the separation and associated fears. This is an interesting part of the story and is an expansion of parts of book three in the series.

This book, and all the others in the series, held my attention even when I was not actually reading it. That is a measure of a genuinely great book. I found myself thinking about the book even when I was not actively reading it. Not only is it a wonderful romance, full of emotion and visual imagery, but it also compels the reader to consider an important issue of our time, that of our society’s treatment of individuals that have been in traditionally marginalized groups. It is a reminder that while we have come quite far in the evolution of human rights, we have some way to go. But it is no dreary morality play either. It is a fun, heartwarming, and beautiful tale of love found under difficult circumstances. The characters are real, endearing, and memorable. The authors have enriched the lives of their readers and I highly recommend this book, and the entire series.

[Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this was the best installment in the series yet. This is the story of Mags and Lena who you might have met if you've read A Marine's Discovery. The first two thirds of the book is how they met and fell in love and the obstacle that came with that due Mags' job and the last third I won't say what it is as it is brilliant and any hint might spoil the book.

Number one and really biggest pro for me was the pacing. It was one of the best I've seen in romances. The "I love you's" were said at the right and didn't feel rushed or said too soon. The timing was also great because the authors put the date of the going ons on at the beginning of the chapter (super helpful) Number two was the sex the scenes. Let's get out the way what everyone wants to know. They were sexy and hot and steamy. Now the important parts. Aside from sexy and hot and steamy they also intertwined with the emotional journey of the characters so that was a big bonus to the rating. And last but not least the dialogue. This wasn't the best dialogue I've seen in romance but I've read enough to qualify this as great. One big tick was that Lane was British and she actually used British terms when talking. I've seen many authors in whatever genre you choose where they proclaim the character as (insert nationality) and proceed to speak as if they have lived in (insert country) their whole life.

So in conclusion 5 stars for A Marine's Conflict.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Heat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt a little long is some places and then finished up quickly, but still a solid book.

[Louise Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had stumbled across A Marine’s Conflict as a recommended read on social media and the story premise was interesting since it revolves around the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy time period. Although I tend not to jump into a middle of a series without reading the earlier books first, I noticed that this book could be read as a stand alone. I’m so glad that I picked it up because I was immediately immersed into the story.

The main characters, Mags, a Marine Gunnery Sergeant, is career military while Lane is a math professor at the local university. One is closeted due to her military career while the other is out and lives openly. Their chemistry sizzles from the moment they meet and what is supposed to be a one night stand becomes so much more. The lines of separation blur as Mags and Lane find their connection to be much deeper than either expected. Following along with their journey of finding love unexpectedly while navigating the tricky waters of DADT is filled with conflict, humor, romance and is absolutely heart warming.

After reading this wonderfully written story, I will definitely be picking up the earlier books in this series and following Jax Meyer & Elle Armstrong’s works going forward. If you haven’t read A Marine’s Conflict as of yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won’t regret it.

[T.J. Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely wonderful. It’s the first of the Marine Heart series that I’ve read, and I’m immediately moving on to the rest. Amazing characters with fantastic chemistry, hot sex scenes, and a love that knows no bounds. I’m a civilian myself, and hearing about Gunny Newsome and her deployment was great. She’s sexy, authoritative, and I definitely had a crush on her, lol. I didn’t realise just how strict the DADT policies were, and they added a quiet yet haunting and emotional feel to the book. I couldn’t put it down! Great pace, wonderful dialogue, and very well-written. Highly, highly recommend. Brilliant!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

This story is about Mags and Lane! The obstacles they face because Mags is a Marine! I love Mags she is a hot, badass but Lane stole my heart! They are so good together and their chemistry is undeniable!

[Aris Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is center in Mags and Lane, we first saw them in A Marine's Discovery. Lane was Cam's math professor at Uni and Mags is Sharon's commander officer.

This books gives us more of a depth on the DADT military policy since Mags has been active service for 13 years. We see the change in Mags when Lane gets in the picture and they start spending more time together.

I loved Mags character development all the way until the end, the way she started opening to Lane and how she went from "friends with benefits" to "move in together.

One of the best parts was to be able to see Cam and Sharon again, those two will always held a special place in my heart.

A great continuation on this amazing series of books. This book was co-writen and both authors did an amazing job with the story.

The book can be read as a stand alone, but I truly suggest you read the other books as well, you won't be dissapointed .

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story touched so much for me. I spent 12 years as a soldier 1972-1984. Things were a lot different for women back then. A lot of the single females were pulled in every year or so and questioned about their supposed homosexual friends or accused of being deviant. I had friends who were processed out because their girlfriends wanted out and gave them up. I remember one time being told that I was going to be kicked out on charges of sodomy. I was 18 and didn't know what that was.

Anyway, I loved your book. I am still working through feelings/events that happened during my time in the service and your book has given me some more ways to work through these.

[Vicki Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book last night and can’t say enough good things about “A Marine’s Conflict” and the whole Marine’s Heart series. Disclaimer: I am partial to military romances because I am a veteran, but don’t let that stop you from reading if you are not. A Marine’s Conflict takes place during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell which was a perilous and stressful time for the LGBTQ folks serving. The authors do a great job of explaining military life under DADT without getting bogged down in military jargon.

A Marine’s Conflict revolves around the budding relationship between Mags, a Gunnery Sergeant Marine and Elaine “Lane” who is originally from England and teaches college math in California. Due to DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell), Mags has had to keep her sexuality a secret from the Marines in order to protect her military career. In order to stay on her chosen career path, she has enacted many personal rules to protect herself which meant relationships could only be quick roll in the hay far away from base. That is until she meets Lane. Before Mags realizes it, she is breaking all her precious rules.

As a civilian and a foreigner, Lane must learn the ropes of dating someone in the U.S. military and under DADT. Mags’ strict rules of engagement are not something she has ever had to deal with and presents a learning curve and a stressor on their new relationship. Add in Mags’ tour to a war zone and no real way to reach out to her new lover should something happen, the situation becomes harder.

The interaction between the two main characters was enjoyable and entertaining. The banter was very funny at times, especially Lane trying to navigate a relationship with the self-disciplined Marine Gunnery Sergeant, Mags. The difference between Queen’s English and American English is also delightful and a cause for some fun confusion. When the story is told from Lane’s perspective, the Queen’s English vocabulary and colloquialisms are authentic down to the way some words were spelled differently which gave a depth of flavor to reading the text.

Since this is a crossover book in the Marine’s Heart world, Cam and Sharon make an appearance and do have roles in the story. Sharon deploys with Mags to Iraq and Cam is in one of Lane’s math classes. Both Cam and Sharon support Mags and Lane during the deployment, Cam back in California and Sharon in Iraq with Mags. I enjoyed seeing Cam and Sharon from the perspectives of Lane and Mags.

I am not going to tell you how the book ends. If you have read the series up to this point, you should have a good idea, but there are things not touched upon in prior books. This story wasn’t about how the book ends, but what it took for the two women to get there and the ride was worth the read. In fact, I will be putting this book back on my re-read list. Give it a try. If you haven’t read the others, this can be read as a stand alone. If you like military romances, you will want to read the rest.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Marine's Heart series

This book tells the story of Mags, a career Marine, and Lane, an academic, navigating a slow journey from one time hook up, through friends with benefits, and finally to committed relationship, all under the shadow of the US military’s DADT policy.

The first co-written book of the series throws a first time British author into the mix, and together they create a story which runs parallel to A Marine Discovery. Cam and Sharon from the previous books make appearances, much to my delight, and we see the deployment in AMD from a different perspective. I felt I got to know Sharon a little better through the part that deals with the deployment, and despite rank, the interactions between Mags and Sharon are genuine and supportive.

The strengths of the previous books are evident, likeable and interesting MC's, strong character development, great chemistry, and sizzling sex scenes. As with A Marine Awakening the fear of DADT policy permeates both the novel and Mags' personal reactions and responses to certain situations. The progression of the relationship feels nicely paced within the parameters set by Mags. A holiday together changes everything, a near fall on a hike when Mags fears losing Lane, illustrating a shift in their relationship.

It is wonderful to see the careful Mags who has chosen her career at the cost of a personal life, begin to wonder ‘what if’? Lane is loving and patient and slowly chips away at the walls Mags has built to protect her career. I’m amazed that Lane was able to hold back as long as she did before declaring her love. And finally Mags admits what we have known for a while, she loves Lane right back.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

Although this story overlaps with Cam and Sharon from A Marine Discovery, it very well can be read as a standalone novel. Not only told from dual POVs, it is co-written by Jax and Elle Armstrong, from Great Britain. This story is about Mags, a Gunny Sgt. in the Marine Corps and Lane, a math professor from England teaching at the local college in San Diego. They stumble upon each other at a nearby bookstore/coffee shop and begin chatting. These two women could not be from more different worlds but authors Jax and Elle made their relationship feel so real that I felt myself right there with them. I really did enjoy the telling of this story from two authors. I think it made it realistic and richer, and added that lovely British spice and humor.

Bringing back Sharon and Cam is nice for the readers of the series and they play such a supportive role in the story. Mags and Sharon are deployed together and Cam happens to be one of Lane's math students. They certainly help each other navigate the emotional ups and downs while being separated from their loved ones, during this time of DADT, and build an everlasting friendship - something Mags has never had before.

Jax has always been able to write with passion. Add in Elle and some of these pages were smoking hot! I needed a cold drink just to read them! But the scenes felt real and I could truly believe their love. The writing was exquisite and the characters are truly memorable. What more could you want in a book??? Brava, what a great collaboration!

[Margaret Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Jax Meyer books, and I love Lane's character, so can't wait to read more of Elle Armstrong's books as well.

I love reading Jax Meyer books. She writes great dialog between characters and great internal monologues so I know exactly what the characters are thinking.

I am thrilled to hear the Elle Armsteong wrote Lane. I also love her character and the British jargon.

Mags and Lane are adult women, well into their career’s, drawn to each other at first sight. The makings of a whirlwind romance except for Don't Ask, Don't Tell. (DADT) This novel explores some of the ways that DADT hypocritially impacted the lives of so many serving our country. Rather than pursuing loving relationships, Mags traveled out of town to enjoy an occasional hookup. Once she found the woman for her, her rules erected to protect her career, cheapened and threatened that relationship.

This novel presents two complex women developing a relationship within the confines of DADT. I loved the characters and their situation felt real to me. The pacing was just right. Fast burn with plenty of sex and just the right amount of description of the events.

I enjoyed the happy ending and enjoyed seeing events unfold from the eyes of Mags and Lane instead of Cam and Sharon. Less angst for knowing the outcome of deployment.

As soon as you can, get out and get a copy of this book, available within a few weeks.

I was thrilled to get my hands on an advance reader copy in exchange for a review.

[Doreen HOWARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARC reader of this new addition to Jax Meyers catalogue of books I would firstly like to thank Jax for the privilege of being one of the few to read it. I have read all of the previous works in this series and I think this is the best by far. The main characters are so well rounded I feel I could ask them to dinner as old friends. This a romance so therefore the ending is evident. However the story itself covers many interesting problem in dealing with emotions. Never having been in the military anywhere in the world let alone US it is difficult to grasp what DADT can do to a person’s well being. This topic has been covered by other authors but non better than Meyer who I believe had first hand experience. The cruelty’s of this policy was and is, are unbelievable.
I really enjoyed the return of Cam and Sharon in this story, the filling in of gaps between Marines Discovery and this new book were well received by me.
If you have not read any of Meyer’s work you should. This author is developing in leaps and bounds. I would just like to add that this book has one of the best and longest sex scenes I have ever read, it lasts 2 chapters and every word in it is worthwhile. I look forward to future works with anticipation.

[AdrenaLYNN · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this is the first book I have read of this series and I didn‘t know much about the author/s either. So this book can be read as a stand alone as well.
I liked the way the story was written. The writing style is very smooth and easy to keep track on what is happening even though there are two protagonists and two point of views.
I also am a fan of the topic. The military and the problems people that identify as LGBTQ+ have to face. („Don‘t ask, don‘t tell“ policy)
The main characters are also very likeable and the way their relationship developes slowly is so wonderfully build up to the point of their love declaration which is placed just right.
Here and there the story seemed a little bit too much stretched out for my liking that‘s why I give it ‚only‘ four stars but all in all it is a decent read for all those romance-lovers out there. Good job authors!

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book- Awesome Series!

I have now read all of the „A Marine's Heart“ Series and am amazed that every book gets better and better!
Sometimes a series can be a little too much, but not this one!
The well-developed characters in all of the books are so real and adorable.
I can't decide who my favorite is so I have to accept that;)
But I really loved the story of Gunny Mags and Lane !!!
It's so great that Cam and Sharon are back of course, and the change of perspective is nice!
Mags and Lane are a great couple with so intense and great chemistry right from the Start!
That’s what I wasn’t expecting. That their connection would be the focus on this book but boy they are so hot together.
I love it!!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun to return to this series, and a bit different to not have the book entirely centered around Cam! But we still have Marines. And we still have Cam and Sharon making appearances here and there. What most impressed me about this book were the parts where some of the story was retold (from earlier in the series). In many series, I find myself mentally checking out, because I’ve already read what happens and the authors of those series don’t give me any reason to pay attention. In this book, Meyer & Armstrong did an excellent job of retelling the events but fully capturing the perspective and emotions of different characters from the first time around, so that I was still interested and learning more about the characters

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Marine’s Conflict” Is “A Marine Discovery” from the perspective of Mags and Lane
What a perspective it is, Mags careful of her career with the Marine’s.
She learns to let go and let Lane take over.

Lane is mixed with the emotions of her former relationship.
She learns that dating a Marine like Mags is something else.

They both have to deal with the struggle, DADT still active and Mags Deployment.
They're both great characters, a well written 4th book in this series.
I hope we’ll get the chance to learn more if there story continues

[Rae Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book Jax has written. Somehow she has made characters and situations that I really shouldn't be able to relate to, relatable. Navigating life in the Military is as foreign to me as scuba diving a cave system. But Jax has consistently made me feel settled in that world without enormous information dumps.

This book, cowritten with Elle Armstrong, is no different. As a standalone story in this series, I enjoyed getting to know new characters and their stories. Even though written in partnership, it all fit and flowed.

I read this as an ARC.

[Mayra Luria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love story continues

Jax has done an incredible job of writing about several difficult issues that plague women in uniform as well as individuals with diverse and divergent minds. I can review this series as a Veteran and say it’s outstanding and hope that there is more. Thankfully there are happy endings to help get through the tough parts. For anyone that has friends or lovers that have been in uniform or are on the spectrum, I think you will really enjoy this series.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the MCs Mags and Lane. I loved their romance, their journey, and I loved the happy ending. This book can be read as a stand alone, but don’t, read all these books in this series ! All the characters are well fleshed out and relatable, and I’ve never served, nor am I a teacher. I laughed and cried with this book. I enjoy both authors, Jax Meyer and Elle Armstrong’s, writing style. Do yourself a favor and read/buy this book !

[Shannon Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I didn’t think I was going to like characters more than Cam and Sharon, but when I first started reading this I was so invested with Lane and Mags. The way they were with each was was fun and sexy. After reading A Marine’s Discovery than jumping into this book and seeing the letters and emails between the characters was heartbreaking. I can’t wait to read the new one in the series when it gets released.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Gunny comes to life

“I can go a few months without sex without any issue. I can’t go a few months without you and remain unaffected.””
+ • + • + • +

Another good book in an awesome series. It was enjoyable with nice flow & effortless progression to its engaging narrative & its ever-expanding roster of likeable & personable core characters make it a very very very enjoyable to read.

[Ree Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!

I would give this story 10 stars if I could! Even though I loved Cam and Sharon in the other 3 books, Mags and Lane consumed my thoughts even while I wasn't actually reading. This was a collaboration of Jax Meyer and Elle Alexander and they did a fantastic job of crafting this smoldering love affair. I don't like to give away too much in a review so I'll just say get this book, you'll love it too.

[Kate M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to know...

I enjoyed getting to know Gunny/Mags and the effects of DADT. Frustrating is an understatement at how DADT was so bad. Lane is an absolute hoot and the love story between the Marine and University professor was very believable. Most enjoyable having characters from the previous books included!

[L E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I though in this one, I would read the sad truth about Sharon and Cam, it was a nice read and good opportunity to meet other characters more in depth and was happy that Gunny-Mags was the main protagonist in this one.

I understand there is one more and will focus on another character to tie this all together, looking forward to that book.