Irresistible

by R.C. Stephens

Avery is trudging through life, working as a physical therapist in a VA hospital.

After losing her husband at war in Afghanistan and raising her teenage daughter on her own, she has no interest in dating, let alone falling in love.
Until she meets her new patient and he awakens things inside her she didn’t know existed.
Bennet is a wounded Navy SEAL who has just survived an IED explosion in Africa that may leave him with a career-ending injury.
The Navy was all he had.
Love is the last thing on his mind.

Who could love someone as broken as him anyway?

Until one day Avery walks into his hospital room. Bennet feels a spark he hasn’t felt in what seems like a lifetime.

She’s there to administer his physical therapy.
It’s wrong to want her, but he does.
He shouldn’t kiss her, but he can’t help himself.
He’s jeopardizing her job, and for what? He has nothing to offer.

A broken body. An uncertain future. Why would she risk everything for him?

Problem is, Avery Montgomery is completely irresistible.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2020

About the author

R.C. Stephens writes the kind of stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in love all over again.

A Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, she crafts emotional, heartfelt romances full of humor, heat, and happily ever afters.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling her three kids, sneaking in a coffee date with her husband, or walking her lovable goldendoodle, who’s always by her side during late-night writing sessions.

A proud Toronto native, she loves cozy winters—but it’s the colors of fall and the first bloom of spring that truly inspire her.

Keep up with R.C. by signing up to her newsletter-http://rcstephens.com/newsletter/

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rc.stephens.8/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens...

Reviews

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven•]

An Emotional Heartfelt Story With Moving Forward, True love, new beginnings, Fun+Sexy times, Twist of fate AND a worth-it HEA.
I loved Bennett & Avery! We see lots of Quinn (as Q's a Friend+was in Ben's team), Jackson And Cameo from all the others❤ *Fun!*. Loved the extra characters too😍.
DEVOURED this within 7hrs.

#My 1st by R.C. We see Avery's bestie-Halo's family. I'm curious about Halo+Thomas' story, so gonna check it out!
[TIMELINE: Same as Quinn+Ashton's story (The Indefinite Duet) by Corinne Michaels.]

Avery works in a Veteran Hospital & has a heart of Gold. She's 33 with a teen daughter-Jessy (She's smart!). Her husband, A SEAL, died 14yrs ago in an IED Explosion & since then, no man caught her eye.
Bennett's in hospital after sustaining Injuries by IED Explosion during his SEAL Deployment. He's a great guy: loyal, Caring, honorable. But right now, he's *very* bitter & lonely.
AND Avery's his Physical Therapist!
(FYI, 50% of the book, Ben's in The hospital)

Sparks Fly from the moment their gazes collide❤. Its Forbidden..But feels so Right.
Avery becomes a ray of sunshine in his Dark life. Talking, getting to know eachother, stolen touches, hot looks, A kiss.. Before Avery, even the thought of commitment made him run..But now..He wants it all.

But Then 'cause of the Hospital rules & a catty Nurse, She can't visit him anymore. Thank God for Phones.
They can be together only AFTER he's discharged.. Gladly that doesn't stop the romance! (Fun Thanksgiving! *Grin*)

When the time to go comes, He's Ready. But How will he be her good partner without a Job? Here comes Jackson! (It's his quirk, no? Giving Ex-SEALS a job.)
But Avery's life in Jersey while His job's in Virginia.
He has a month AND makes the mistake of not telling her immediately.

Days go by.. Him Meeting Jessy, The ‘Freeing’ Dinner, Making Home, the 3's Bond grows, Ben+Ave's Sexy time..
Then She finds He may be going away..She's hurt, Why didn't he tell her?
He knows he screwed up by not telling her. She's his forever, He'll always be with her, even if it means leaving his job (Gladly, he didn't have to! He'll work remotely.)

She lets him in again *yay!*, & as weeks go by, Days are Fun+Happy! The two's Feelings Growing..
Then the Hospital gives trouble & She leaves it. She loved the job but this feel's Freeing.
Bennett gives her strength. With him, Together they'll always find a way *Swoon*.

Christmas Celebration in Virginia Beach was a fun getaway (It was Awesome to see all of the Salvation Series' Gang here!)
Fun times, Ave+Ben's love Confession *So sweet!*, Sexy times❤.

While Jessy & Avery go to a Disneyland trip... In Virginia, Bennett finds a Truth about his childhood that Upheavals his life *OMG, I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT!*. Will Avery accept him now?
Back in Jersey, when he tells Avery..She didn't know what to feel. Her hubby's letter & Jessy helped here!
Ave+Ben's love is beautiful, Worth the fight. The Lovebirds talk *Aww, Swoony!* And then.. Acceptance *yay!*. Cue HEA❤.
“We are home, baby,” he says. “I know.”
The Epilogue was beautiful!

*ARC Received for a Honest Review.*
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[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

Can a mentally/emotionally/physically wounded SEAL and his PT make a relationship work? Will their demons make short work of what could be a beautiful love?



Wow. Bennet and Avery are an emotional powerhouse of a couple. I loved everything about this heartbreaking, beautiful love story with two fantastic characters whose chemistry absolutely fires up the pages.



ARC via Candi Kane PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Lilith *EUPHORIA_READS_* · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK IRRESISTABLE BY R.C. STEPHENS.




Avery works in a Veteran Hospital, where Bennett an Ex-Seal has been admitted after sustaining Injuries by IED Explosion during his SEAL Deployment. Both of them have the injuries gifted by their pasts...Although he is normally a caring, good guy buy now he is a really bitter man until life presents him Avery, as his Physical Therapist...Their love is forbidden but will they be able to resist the inevitable...

this book is about new beginnings, moving on from the past, forgiving and forgetting, and welcoming a pleasant future. Sparks fly from the moment Bennett and Avery met but it took them some time to accept each other...
A realistic and lovely story.
Their love was beautiful, worth every pain they have to go through to reach there...

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.

Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Forbidden Romance
- Widowed Physical Therapy Single Mom
- Injured Navy SEAL
- Crappy Family Life
- Salvation Series connection is Mark, Quinn, and Jackson

Video review available in Week 40: Sep 27 – Oct 3 weekly book reviews and the Kindle Clear Out Readathon Vlog.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Christina Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but goodness did they take me on a crazy emotional roller coaster that I was not ready for in the least bit! I really enjoyed this book. I was sucked into the story as soon as I started reading and through out found my self cheering on each character.

[Live, Laugh, Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.C. Stephen's is a new to me author and this book is just beautifully written. It filled my heart. Such an emotional ride.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! Irresistible by R.C. Stephens is CHOCK FULL of feels and my heart got such a work out! This emotional, angsty, sometimes gut-wrenching love story utterly CAPTIVATED me and I simply couldn't put it down!

Bennet Sheridan, a wounded Navy SEAL, is in hospital after surviving an IED explosion...and he's totally messed up. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The dark place he's in has no place for love and warmth....then, along comes his assigned PT Avery Malone, bringing with her such sweetness and light (and her own heart-breaking story!)

I was absolutely enthralled by this love story! The push/pull of emotions between Avery and Bennet, along with the INTENSE mutual attraction, the connection felt by them from the beginning leaped off the page and wrapped around my heart and soul! My heart broke and sung in equal measure, until the absolutely SHOCKING revelation that I DID NOT see coming! That was when my heart truly broke for these two!

Ms. Stephens NAILED the mingling of Corinne Michaels' Salvation Series characters and her own characters from her book, Halo (which is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ as well, btw!!!) It was AWESOME to meet up with Halo (Avery's best friend) and Thomas, along with Quinn and Jackson and the gang! All in all, this book hit me in the feels and left my heart sighing in satisfaction after the AMAZING epilogue! 5 bright, shining stars for this one!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotions are running sky high in this book that will keep you reading and cheering for this couple and happiness. A wonderful meshing of characters from the Salvation Series and Halo. You don't want to miss this one.

Avery is a hard working single mother who will do anything for her daughters future. Even if it means living with her dead husbands family. She loves her job at the VA clinic doing physical therapy. She spends what she can of her spare time at the clinic just spending time with the wounded hero's. Trying to spread her love just a little further. She never expected the instant attraction she feels with Bennett.

Bennett finds himself in a very bad place after loosing part of his team and ending up injured. To say he starts off a little miserable is an understatement. As he slowly comes to terms with the looks of the navy and the need to find something new to do with himself. He struggles with his strong feeling for the beautiful therapist who shares her smiles with the others.

Knowing the lines are not to be crossed. Avery tries very hard to keep things professional. Bennett has other plans. Will they be able to see if there is more there than attraction? Or will fate have other plans for them? Will they survive the shocking surprise?

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery is a single mother to her daughter after she lost her husband at the war in Afghanistan, so she's not interested in dating whatsoever.  She's a physical therapist in a VA Hospital when she is tasked to help a former Navy SEAL who was injured in a IED explosion in Africa.  Bennet's lost as he has no clue as to what he's going to do in the future with his broken body, and it makes him bitter to be honest. However, the last thing he expected was the reaction to Avery, his new physical therapist, and it's the start of a new journey but not an easy one. See, if they explore their attraction, Avery could very well lose her job. Irresistible was a story with all the feels, and my eyes leaked more than once, and I just wanted to hug them both to be honest.  This author penned a story which came off realistically, which is gold to me since life isn't always nice to us. In order to learn more, you'll have to hit those one click buttons for more answers while I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!  

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, heartfelt story. Irresistible by R.C. Stephens is a stand-alone in C.M.'s Salvation Society and I was so in for a treat. I loved meeting characters from the Salvation Series, including Liam and Nat, the kids, Mark, Cole and all the others.
Avery is a 33 year old single mom. She's working as a physical therapist at a vteran hospital and there she meets Bennet.
Bennet is an ex-Navy SEAL, medically discharged, his career ending made him a tad bit bitter. He's lonely. And when they meet they have this through the roof hig attraction to each other. But karma has a way to laugh at them and throws them some pretty big wrenches.
This book is my favorite book in this series so far. The writing is excellent, the connection to the Salavation Series made my heart sing, and I connected so easily with the characters. I started reading and after one chapter I simply couldn't put it down anymore. I read the whole book, cover to cover, in one sitting. I recommend the book.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Avery’s husband died while serving overseas a part of her died as well and doesn’t want to feel that pain again. She has spent the years since being the best mother she can be and ensuring the wellbeing of her patients but her newest patient is about to turn her world upside down.

Bennett is a Navy SEAL whose career has just come to a premature end due to an injury. He is struggling as he tries to heal and faces an uncertain future including the feelings he is developing for Avery, his physiotherapist.

Their journey wasn’t without its obstacles, but they prove that anything worth having is worth fighting for.

[Vidhi Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from R.C. Stephens. I was surprised and amazed how Stephens was able her characters in Corinne Michaels Salvation characters together. I was captivated by this book from page one and couldn't put it down and then I needed a day and a half because I had a hangover from it.

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irresistible was like a Salvation Series family reunion wrapped around a new budding romance between Bennett & Avery! Bennett & Avery complete each other until a grenade is dropped into their life. Irresistible is so good & they truly deserve their HEA:)

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passionate, emotional and absolutely awesome story of love and new beginnings.
Realistic and relatable characters offer a new look at that thing called love when the odds are stacked against you.

[BJBichon · Rating 3 out of 5]

SEALed with a kiss~

He's a grumpy SEAL who was badly injured by an IED. He's in a lot of pain and has sent his nurses fleeing from his room regularly. She is assigned to him for PT, but her boss thinks she can meet him early to try to calm him down. He tries to run her off, as well, until she actually helps him with the pain. Her voice calms him and he thinks she's beautiful.
She lost her SEAL husband 14 years ago and has never felt anything for another man until her new patient. She's also a single mom.
They have some hurdles and a plot twist to conquer for their HEA.
The story has merit, but the author lacks word skills. Some phrasing is awkwardly worded, and typos are abundant. I'm sorry to say the story was boring.

[Linda Morey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avery and Bennett . He had been in and out of foster homes , signed up at 18 for the Navy and became a seal -Was hurt in explosion and Avery a widow whose husband died in the war became his physical therapist and they developed a relationship which wasn’t allowed within the hospital. I wanted to argue against not allowing patient , hospital employees getting together ! Anyway reader follows the ups and downs of them trying for a HEA.

[Karie Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart felt

This book sucked me in from the very first page. Avery was a strong, brave and beautiful woman in the inside and out. She was a light to all her patients. Bennett felt like his life was over. The first time he met Avery everything changed. I never saw some of the twists in this book coming. I love the Salvation series and I am so excited to continue to get more of them.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome romantic Military read ...

... and RC Stephens’ contribution to CM’s Salvation Society world is one that I had absolutely looked forward to reading. Hell, I always look forward to reading anything from Ms Stephens, and if you’ve found Irresistible through the Salvation Society, then I suggested you also check out her best selling military romance Halo, featuring Halo and her ex-SEAL husband Thomas. If you’re not hooked on her writing by then, I’ll be horrified!

Bennett is my hero! Good lord but the man stood for his woman and refused to be moved! I loved it, Avery’s daughter Jessy loved it, poor Avery was like a stunned mullet wondering what the hell had happened, and Bennett thinks “Shit! What have I done?” Yep, he definitely was the man sent to love and cherish her. Bitter, broken and in unimaginable pain when they first meet for his physiotherapy appointment, she draws him out with the help of another amazing young secondary character definitely worth mentioning. Also ex-military, Sutton was permanently confined to a wheelchair through an injury sustained during a training exercise, yet his cocky positivity was infectious.

I admired Avery, even as she frustrated me immensely. However, she was a shining light for her patients and her daughter always came first, and that for me was important. Since her husband had died, she’d never bought another man into her family relationship, and while it sounds rather pure of her, her reasoning was honourable. Besides, she’d never felt that spark of attraction, or the chemistry behind the heated looks and forbidden touches.

We all know that the path of true love never runs smoothly, and it’s the author who will decide whether to trip her lovers and her readers up or toss them over a cliff. A twist of fate and a shock/horror moment, and things change in an instant. RC Stephens has done both, so I was never sure what to expect from her. Either way, I love her writing style and will always recommend her books as one of my must reads. What an addicting 5 star read this was 💞🖤

[Ashlee Shades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and emotional story filled with heartbreak and healing, and love.

Coming from someone who not only was in the military, but has family who served and is currently serving, I have to admit I have a difficult time finding romance novels that can nail down the story in an accurate way. That is why, when I read military romance stories, I often set aside my knowledge of it and stick to the love story of the book. But, that was not something I had to do with this story. R.C. managed to tell this story in a realistic way, engaging the emotions that come with love, loss, healing all in the “line of duty” for service men and women. The characters were raw. They suffered. They felt guilt. They lived with the pain that comes with the sacrifice that is too often paid.

But, the characters find healing. They learn a new way of living and moving forward with life, keeping the memories with them all the way.

From the first meeting to the ending, this story and characters will capture your attention, make you feel, make you smile, make you cry, make you root for them each step of the journey. It is not always an easy road to HEA, but these two find it.

I haven’t read any of the stories in this series/storyline world, but I am glad I read this one. I would recommend this in a heartbeat, to anyone who is a fan of love, emotional stories, and military romance.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irresistible is a beautiful, emotional story. From the moment I started reading I was completely sucked into the story.

I loved Avery and my heart broke for everything she has gone through, but I was also cheering her on for working hard for her and her daughter. She loves her job and it shows when she is with her patients and all the extra time she spends with them and the bonds she forms. Bennett is a broken man and its understandable given everything he has gone through. You can’t help but love him.

Avery and Bennett had an instant connection. There was something that just drew them both together from the start and they couldn’t stay away. I loved the chemistry between them so much and their relationship has a whole. It wasn’t easy, they both had struggles they had to overcome.
There was a twist I wasn’t expecting, which also presented another little road bump when it came to Avery and Bennett’s relationship. I loved the relationship Bennett formed with Avery’s daughter, the relationship between Avery and all Bennett’s friends and of course, Bennett and Sutton.

Irresistible is an emotional story, but truly beautiful and a MUST READ!

[Sarah Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its been a while since I read a book by this author and tbh after reading this one I'm wondering why! she had been enraptured and invested from beginning to end. It was a beautifully written story filled with heart and intense chemistry.

Avery is a physical therapist at a VA hospital. She is a single mum raising her teenage daughter after her husband is killed in action when their daughter is 2. Her focus is primarily raising Jessy so relationship's aren't on her horizon....that is until she meets her latest patient Bennett.

Bennett is a bitter and broken soldier after receiving career ending injuries from an IED that kills one of his friends. He doesn't know what to do anymore and is raging at the world or whoever he comes into contact with until he meets Avery. She seems to calm him.

The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. It is beautiful to watch their friendship develop into so much more. They come alive when they are together.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Candi Kane PR

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion.

Avery is working hard just to keep it all together. After losing her husband while serving in the military, raising her teenage daughter and juggling her job have thrown her in to a routine that ok, but needs a little something to spice it up...without feeling guilty for it. Rough one, right?

Bennett is a Navy SEAL who has just suffered a potential career ending injury. Not only is his body "broken", but so is his soul. With the possibility of losing everything that matters to him, is physical therapy even worth it?

Do you know why I liked this? Because these are two broken individuals who decided to NOT give up. The way they build their relationship is very sweet and I found myself smitten just reading a few of the scenes. You know what else was great? Seeing the Cole guys again. Yum!!! I even started feeling for a particular patient as well.

All in all, this story pulls you in from the beginning, keeping you engaged until the very end.

[Summerlynn83_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodness, this story sucked me in and owned my heart. Bennet was that broken hero that I always fall hard for because I just know deep down they have a heart of gold and so much love to give, they just have to allow themselves to heal before they can give that love.
Avery was honestly not the type of girl that I usually like. She was a people pleaser and kind of a doormat which broke my heart. It didn’t take long for me to let that go because I realized she had been through so much herself and she was just surviving the best way she knew how.
The slow burn romance between Bennet and Avery was swoon worthy and had just enough steam to keep things interesting. The two of them even had me tear up a time of two. I wasn’t sure their past would allow them to move on but I was most definitely rooting for them from their first meeting and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to see if they were going to have their happily ever after.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second set of releases for The Salvation Series are here! Talk about feels! Irresistible by R.C. Stephens was an emotional story with a touch of a forbidden romance. Bennet was hurt while serving and now he has to leave the only place he wanted to be. He is bitter and unhappy. Then he meets Avery and everything changes. But she is a therapist at the hospital where he is being treated and untouchable. And yet the chemistry they share is undeniable.

Avery has been raising her teenage daughter on her own since she last her husband while he was serving his country years ago. She has had no interests in dating, until she meets Bennet. Something pulls them together but can they have a future together with so many obstacles? Such a touching story about second chances.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennet is a war veteran who was hit with an IED now recovering in the hospital with the chip the side of Mount Saint Helen on his shoulder he wants nothing more than to just be left alone. His friends come to see him but he makes them leave because he's nothing. When Physical Therapist Avery comes into his room to help him he's short with her, but she works her magic fingers on his back and knee. They have an easy conversation and they are both attracted to each other, but no that it is off limits. When he is released he will do whatever he can to make Avery his. These two will have ups and downs and when their past comes back in a big way they will have to decide if their love is enough for each other. I loved this story so much and would read it again.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery is a physical therapist at a VA hospital, and she is a single mom bringing up her daughter alone after her husband was killed in action in Afghanistan. Bennett is a lonely, bitter, and broken ex-Navy Seal after surviving career ending injuries from an IRD explosion. Avery has no intentions of having relationships in her future, but fate brings these two together and the chemistry between them is intense and undeniable. This is a beautifully written story which is an emotional roller coaster and a heartfelt romance story, which had me totally captivated throughout this little gem of a story. I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery and Bennett have an irresistible connection and attraction that I couldn't help think that fate had a hand in because of the similarities with her ex. I couldn't put this down because it's not just the romance but the themes it touches on and how real they feel. It's heartfelt and sexy and funny and sweet.

Merged review:

Avery and Bennett have an irresistible connection and attraction that I couldn't help think that fate had a hand in because of the similarities with her ex. I couldn't put this down because it's not just the romance but the themes it touches on and how real they feel. It's heartfelt and sexy and funny and sweet.

[London · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I really enjoyed this. It gripped me from page 1 and didn't let go. There was so much tension and angst that fed my soul and I couldn't get enough. Bennett and Avery had the sweetest of slow burns, even if the attraction was instant. I was rooting for them the whole way. This was exactly what I needed at just the right time. Thank you to Candi Kane PR and the author for the advance copy. All opinions are my own and I volunteered to leave an unbiased review.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for this story was intriguing and the book did not disappoint.

I haven't read R.C. Stephens before, and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the book. Avery and Bennet's story is emotional and it drew me in from the beginning. I wanted to keep reading and see how they worked through their pain and the road blocks keeping them apart to get an HEA.

This book is a great addition to the Salvation Society series.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made the silly mistake of opening this just before bedtime. As you can imagine I stayed up until the wee hours to read it all as it was so good.

Bennet and Avery have been through so much pain and heartache. Bennets career in the navy is over after getting injured while on duty. He believes he’s broken and no one will want him. She’s going through life without living it. Can these two find peace and happiness?

Absolutely loved this story. Can’t wait to read more from this author.