I’m the klutzy, happy-go-lucky girl everyone loves.
Except, I’m not. I’m not anywhere close to being happy. Oh sure, I force a big smile on my face and act all goofy. But it’s just that. An act.
And then Grayson walks into my life. Suddenly, those smiles start to feel real. Only Grayson has demons of his own. He’s a soldier returning from war and he’s got the scars to prove it.
Maybe not all men are the scum of the earth. Grayson certainly isn’t. Maybe I can give him a chance. Maybe I can erase his scars.
And maybe, as my best girl always says, Love will OUT.
Assuming I don’t screw it all up first.
A Soldier for Suzie is book 3 of the Love will OUT series but can be read as a standalone.
This military romantic comedy features a heroine who is hiding a boatload of hurt, a hunky soldier she wants to save, a pair of friends who are excited it’s finally their turn to play matchmaker, and a makeshift family of former Army buddies who think telling dirty jokes is a sign of love.
D.E. Haggerty is actually just plain old Dena, but she thinks using initials makes her sound like one of the cool kids. She was born and raised in the U.S. but has spent the majority of her adult life abroad living in cool-sounding places like Istanbul, Heidelberg, and The Hague. She has job hopped from military policewoman to lawyer to B&B owner. She finally jumped off the job hopping bandwagon a few years ago when she decided to turn her addiction to romance novels into a career. If anyone has ideas on how to turn a love of wine into a job, she's all ears.
Suzie is not your average 'nothing gets me down' snarky best gal pal. She's thrilled to bits to tell jokes and play matchmaker to her friends but there's deep hurt behind her smile and happy personality. She's sworn off men so why is she suddenly getting all these feelings for her friend, Grayson, a soldier who's got more scars than Suzie has jokes? She's scared to dip her toe in the love pool but maybe Grayson won't hurt her like all the other men in her past. Maybe her best friend is right and there's really a happy ending for her, after all. Is Grayson a soldier for Suzie or will she be too afraid to risk their friendship?
A Soldier for Suzie is a romantic comedy after my own heart. Every woman deserves to find her love, scars and all, and this point is made quite clear in A Soldier for Suzie. D.E. Haggerty is the queen of rom coms and her romantic writing genius is on display in A Soldier for Suzie. My heart went out to both Suzie and Grayson time and again. Lovable characters, snarky heroine, quick wit dialogue, slow-burning romance, along with a tortured war hero make A Soldier for Suzie a must-read. The plot moves at a nice quick pace with plenty of 'will they or won't they' moments. A Soldier for Suzie gave me heartfelt, squishy feelings and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. If you love romance with two jaded characters, you'll want to read A Soldier for Suzie. If you're looking for a new twist on the 'friends to lovers' romance trope, pick up A Soldier for Suzie. Highly recommend!
Suzie finally gets her story. It is obvious to everyone that she and her pal Grayson are sparking off each other in a more than just friend’s kinda way. She refuses to see it even as she slowly lets him into the most secret parts of her life. She has reached a crossroads, it is time for her to move on and start living the life she wants, but she doesn’t think she is ready. Meanwhile, Grayson is dealing with some life-altering issues of his own, and he isn’t sharing. Red flag. Bull. Suzie isn’t going to leave it alone, and it could jeopardize their friendship.
To be perfectly clear, I have been waiting for Suzie’s story since the series started. I was even a little bit jealous of Phoebe because she got to go next, while I was, apparently not-so-patiently, waiting for Suzie. She is the heart of the group, everyone’s loveable, but annoying baby sister. Her klutzy antics are the perfect foil for tension and her straight to the point questions and observations may be occasionally off-putting and crass, but she does have a knack for doing an end-round, breaking through tough exteriors into the soft gooey centers of her friends. Even before this book, it was obvious that she was being ridiculously stubborn about her no man policy and I am so glad to see her adopted family ganging up on her to move past her ex and his legacy. Grayson is just perfect for Suzie, even she can see it in those moments when she totally honest with herself
Speaking of adopted family… I am unashamedly fascinated by the constant pranking of the irascible uncles. I am so glad that Suzie feels the same way so I don’t have to beg to get an uncle’s only story. Then again, imagine, a day in the life at McGraw’s Pub… Seriously, imagine it, pretty please? Of course, the real question is who gets to walk Phoebe down the aisle. I am pretty sure I know who, but it will fun to watch it play out. The one-upmanship is awesome.
Another great romantic comedy read by D.E. Haggerty. This book can easily be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed as part of the series. I can’t wait for Faith’s story, next up for this series.
This, by far, is my favorite of the "Love will OUT" series! From the first book, I absolutely LOVE Suzie and all her antics. I found myself giggling throughout the story, but this one is a bit more intense than the rest of the series...Ms. Haggerty does something a bit different this time around and it works for her 100%
Loved visiting the old characters and the wild messes they end up getting in to!!
This story was incredible! I was really excited for this story because I loved Suzie in the past two books. I got to say, this one might be my favourite in this series. The story flowed perfectly as seen in the first two books in this series. The writing style was so good. The story was intriguing, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of love. I loved every second. Nothing felt like it was over. I loved the little beer jokes at the top of each chapter. I also loved that the story was dedicated to Ed Sheeran. The characters were hilarious. Besides the uncles, there was Phoebe, Ryker, Aiden, and Hailey. I absolutely fell in love with Grayson throughout the story. He went through so much but came out alive. I’m super excited for Pops story! I hope it doesn’t end there though.
This story follows Suzie and Grayson. They are friends, really good ones at that. Suzie doesn’t do relationships, romantic ones. She was burnt by her ex and now is a man-hater. Which is exactly what she tells Grayson the first time they meet. Grayson’s okay with not having a relationship. He’s got something holding him back. Even though the whole big family pushes them towards each other, the two of them don’t accept the chemistry.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for a review copy.
"...the best way to protect your heart is to give it to me. I will guard and protect it with my life.”
Suzie and Grayson's book is definitely the best one in the series. I loved Little Susan and Adult Suzie. Getting to know Suzie in the first two books just made this one that much better. I really enjoyed this one.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
A Soldier for Suzie is book 3 of the Love Will Out series. This a friends to lovers, rom com. The story focuses on Suzie and Grayson.
Suzie is clutsy, caring, intelligent, has a big heart, and is full of insecurities. She's been lonely and envious of her friends relationships. She's stubborn as all get out and is determined to stay single forever in order to protect her heart. She uses her clumsiness and trying to fix other people's issues as a defense mechanism.
Grayson is dealing with his own personal battle of guilt and depression. Being a soldier can leave scars and his runs deep. He's very private and closed off. But he's really caring, strong, driven, hard working, and totally into Suzie. He knows what he wants, but in order yi move forward he has to face his demons and his past..
Their journey starts off as a casual friendship with lots of banter, a bachlorette party, meddling friends, lots of beer, crazy uncles and so much more. You have to let go of the past to embrace your future. Grayson has found his future and is not willing to give up no matter what. The question is; can Suzie let go of the past? This story was unpredictable, loaded with silly humor, and a sprinkle of heartbreak. It will keep you entertained and questioning these characters sanity per usual. You'll be happy to know Pops is up next for his HEA!
I just love Grayson. He has his issues, sure, but with good reason! He stays true to himself and when he decides what's what, he goes all in! I want a Grayson too... Suzie, as we all knew is a big hypocrite. Wants to be in everyone's business, but doesn't want anyone in hers. Other than that, she deserved her HEA and it was about time both came to terms with their issues and grow past them... Great story. Can't wait for Pops' story and to finally see who will walk Phoebe down the aisle. I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
The third book in the series, Suzie takes us back to the humor in the first story. There is a lot of insight into Suzie’s character that makes her a more sympathetic person. Grayson seems like such a good guy, almost too good. :)
This book is easy and fun to read. Of course they have a happily ever after but a lot of snark along the way.
Definitely a recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through BookSirens and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I must admit I wasn't as excited about this book, as I found the character of Suzie over the top annoying in the first two books. But she quickly grew on me. I'm glad the klutziness was toned down a little. And Grayson....! I swear he's my favorite hero of the series! He has the patience of a saint to love her personality and hang around until she finally decides they're more than friends.
Now to wait for one of my favorite characters' story...Pops! He's been awesome throughout the whole series! I sure hope there will be a book about Wally too (hint, hint, lol)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have loved this "Love will out" series and am now delighted to hear that there will be another book.
Klutzy, sassy Suzie runs a PI company "You cheat, we eat" with her all time friend Hailey and recent addition Phoebe, they specialise in uncovering cheating husbands and wives. Both Hailey and Phoebe are all loved up and engaged to Aiden and Ryker respectively, they are determined that Suzie will also find love but Suzie is determined to stay single, she has been badly burned once and isn't going to loose her heart again.
Their usual hangout is McGraws pub owned by Hailey's father, pops, also hanging out there are Hailey's adopted uncles, Lenny, Barney, Sid and Walley, all are pops ex army buddies and all have taken Hailey, Suzie and Phoebe under their wings.
Suzie has a soldier friend, Grayson, she is determined to keep him as a friend and no more, but the gang have different ideas.
Grayson has a secret that makes him sad, Suzie is determined to find out what it is and as usual jumps in with both feet and starts digging, she attempts to solve his problem with disastrous consequences.
I love the camaraderie between the friends, I love the banter and the practical jokes at the pub, I love Suzie's obsession with brewing craft beers and I love the author's beer related quotes at the start of each chapter.
Will Grayson ever forgive meddling Suzie ? Will Suzie ever learn to trust her heart, a lovely funny, feelgood story.
I received a free copy of this book and I leave my review voluntarily
This book wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t for me. It had some decent elements—I liked that we got a little bit of Grayson’s POV (short though it may have been), Grayson was pretty romantic once they actually got together, and there were some funny moments. Overall though, I found the book kind of boring. I wasn’t interested at all until I was about 60% through the book.
Grayson (besides the later romantic moments I mentioned) didn’t impress me. He was too slow to go after Suzie, didn’t have much drive or anything going on in his life, and I didn’t like the way he treated Suzie when he got mad with her. He wasn’t a hero I would’ve wanted. And Suzie was fine—I liked the brewing angle—but her inner dialogue took the story from slightly funny to more of a childish humor that didn’t appeal to me. The mention of “Little Susan” and “Adult Suzie” was cute at first but quickly turned annoying.
The ending was solid, and there was a nice amount of conflict in the story without it being overly dramatic. However, as a whole, I can’t highly recommend the book. I liked the author’s previous stories in this series but disliked this one enough that I won’t continue to read her novels.
*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.*
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have to say, Suzie is my least favorite girl so far from the Love Will OUT series. I didn’t really enjoy this book, A Soldier for Suzie. I thought Suzie was extremely obnoxious, nosy, and a pathological liar. She was not likeable for me at all. I also didn’t feel like there was much depth to her and Grayson’s story. I did appreciate the dual POV in this book, small as it was. I like having that extra insight into the other lead. And I totally cracked up whenever Adult Suzie or Little Susan spoke up. I’m debating whether I will continue with the series, but I am really interested in Pops and the uncles.
A Soldier for Suzie is one of this year’s must-read romance novels. It is a sweet love story that brings together two exceedingly likable characters who must each struggle with their pasts before they can embrace a new future.
The Opening
The opening is a perfect introduction to the protagonist and her love interest in this contemporary comedy romance. It shows rather than tells her situation in all its klutzy glory.
The Characters
Suzie is a funny and clumsy lady with a heart of gold and a sad backstory. Her knowledge of and dedication to brewing is excellent. Her interaction with her two best female friends easily passes the Bechdel-Wallace Test as she plays pranks on them and speaks of subjects other than the men in their lives.
To be honest, I wish Haggerty had brought in some elements of Suzie’s personality earlier in the story to help strengthen Suzie’s role as a sympathetic character. I’m speaking here about her philanthropic activities that are not revealed until we near the climax of this novel.
In my honest opinion, Grayson’s demons are much more significant than Suzie’s. They are well-established and easily generate sympathy. On some levels, I like him better than Suzie. He’s a dream man. Any girl would be lucky to have him. Haggerty does a great job writing him this way.
Just like in the previous books in the Love Will Out series, Suzie’s “uncles” are a laugh a minute. They don’t feature in this novel as much as they do in the previous one, but they still appear and help to make this already comic love story even funnier.
The Plot
The plot follows a typical trauma survivor trope. However, it is interesting that instead of one character rescuing the other as is common, both characters have suffered in the past, so the protagonists need to rescue one another to resolve the conflict in this romance book.
I love how Suzie demolishes the obstacles in Grayson’s life. Excellent plot development there. After that, this story turns into a steamy romance on occasion, though this is not overdone.
After Suzie’s midpoint shift, the latter part of her story dragged for me. Those bricks in Suzie’s wall came out a little too slowly. However, the resolution was excellent. Very apt for Suzie. And the set up for the next book was nicely done.
The Setting
The setting is well developed. The office where Suzie works is adequately sketched. It doesn’t feature much in this novel and was firmly introduced in the previous novels in the series.
Suzie’s brewing shack is better introduced. While I felt more sensory information might have been nice there — chemical smells from all the cleaning she does and yeasty smells and beer smells, etc. — it was easy to visualize the place and feel Suzie’s love for brewing.
I would have preferred to have seen more of Suzie’s house in the first few chapters. It sounds delightful, and I wish we had a more concrete idea of such matters as its architectural style, its age, and what the rooms look like. Much like with Suzie’s philanthropy, the chaise lounge in the dressing room is introduced far too late.
The Prose
Generally, Heggarty’s narrative is excellent. The cheesy one-liners and humorous thoughts at the beginning of each chapter are entertaining. Unlike in the previous book in the series, they do not give away too much so the story is not spoiled. They are all highly relevant to Suzie, and you can practically hear her saying each one in your head.
Suzie has a fantastic voice. It’s original, engaging, and super fun. She has an angel and a devil sitting on her shoulders similar to the Inner Goddess and Prude imaginary elements of Anastasia’s consciousness in Fifty Shades of Grey but more coherent. Her conscious self-denial and stream of lies are hilarious.
The editing in this novel isn’t quite up to the same high standards I saw in Haggerty’s previous romance novel, A Protector for Phoebe. A few tiny errors crept into the text.
For example, in Chapter 4 we read: “Someone’s grumpy,” I grunt. I was momentarily thrown out of the story and my suspension of disbelief was disrupted because it quickly becomes clear she didn’t say this, Grayson did.
Much later at Hailey’s wedding, we read: “I study the seating cheat and grunt when I notice who’s sitting next to me.” Presumably “cheat” should be “chart”. Neither of these errors is huge, but they did detract from my enjoyment of the story.
My Opinion
I really enjoyed A Soldier for Suzie. It is one of my favorite books so far this year. The ending is superb. It fits Suzie’s character very well and successfully resolves all the subplots.
However, the book wasn’t perfect for me due to the minor errors in the text, some missing details on Suzie’s house, and the slow build-up to the resolution. I’m going to award this book 9 out of 10 in my personal rating system, but 5 out of 5 on Amazon and Goodreads because it’s a superior read to most romance novels out there right now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you looking for a book that will have you laughing the whole way through, then look no further. Actually, you can not go wrong with any books by this author. I love her sense of humor and how it flows through to the characters. This one features Suzie and she can be something of a klutz. The situations she finds herself in especially when she isn't expecting things to happen are insane.
The cast of characters adds depth and more humor to the story. I still love the "uncles" and the pranks they pull on each other. Hailey and Phoebe and their men still figure prominently in the story, but the focus is on Suzie. I am intrigued by her brew shed and the whole process of brewing beer. I may not like to drink it, but find the process intriguing.
This is Suzie and Grayson's story and they both have some baggage they bring to the relationship...once they admit they have a relationship that is. They love each other but are afraid to admit it to one another but everyone else knows the truth.
Pick up this book (heck, this series) for a good laugh and some steamy love scenes.
HEARTBREAK CAN BE OVERCOME WITH THE PERSON YOU LOVE
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Suzie has been hurt by her ex. He told her things that she wanted to hear and betrayed her trust. Grayson is an ex-soldier who has issues from his time serving in the war.
The interaction between these two on solving their problems is a great work of art. The ending was a little quick but the story didn’t need to be dragged on. The writing of this story touched on two topics that help the reader understand what it means to be the one who survived and the one who was betrayed.
A wonderful story Although I haven’t yet read the first two books in this series, this is an absolutely delightful read. Suzie is a klutz with a delightful personality. Her relationship history was "sad" at best especially her last one. When she and Grayson met it was “iffy” at best, as they both had their own "demons". I’m looking forward to reading the first two books as well as the next one. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Another winner in the series! The gang is back together and this time "Klutzy" Suzie has met her match! She and Greyson are both hurt and damaged from their pasts but perfect to heal each other - and a riot while doing it! The dialog is quick and witty and of course the "Uncles" are back with their shenanigans as are the rest of the gang. You don't have to read the rest of the series but you will want to!
I have been waiting for Suzie's story from the first time I met her. Her story does not disappoint, in fact it out does itself. I loved the way Grayson works his way into her heart. This book is full of feels.
I have been waiting for Suzie’s story! I have loved her quirky personality and her klutzy ways throughout the series. Soldier For Suzie was the third book in Dena’s Love Will Out series. It was sweet and sexy, and had me laughing out loud.
Suzie was pretty klutzy or was it just an act? She may have exaggerated some of her klutz for the sake of her sanity. Her last relationship had messed with her head and her trust in men. So when Grayson came into her life, was he different or just like the others?
Grayson had his own demons that he wanted to keep locked away. Suzie was just the person to help keep them buried, until she wasn’t. Would it be the end of them?
All the love and feels with these two! Relationships can be hard work by themselves. Add in a bad relationship and a whole bunch of guilt...almost impossible. I am so happy there will be another one in this series, I’m not ready to say goodbye yet!
This book is the third in a series about 3 women who run a PI firm, but it can be read as a standalone. Suzie is the self-deprecating managing partner who answers the phone as: “You cheat, we eat “.
She has a private gig as an independent craft beer brewer. As far as independent, she is convinced she will never have a serious relationship with a man (because of a situation with her ex) but Army veteran Grayson has other plans. Suzie is a klutz and Grayson is a “keeper” with a secret. Their love story is sweet.
I received an advance copy of this book for free from Booksirens and DE Haggerty, but all opinions are my own.
I liked this story very much. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite themes. Loved how Grayson wore Suzie down and finally made her realize that she had loved him for years.
Oh how I warmed to Suzie in this story. I found her a bit irritating before but when you find out her back story you can see why. Let down badly by a previous fiancé, she is sworn off men , even her friend Grayson. He is such a lovely, hot and patient man but eventually manages to persuade her to give them a chance. Great to reconnect with her friends, Hailey and Phoebe plus the funny ex army uncles in the local bar. Another great read. Read an ARC for an honest review.
If you have been reading this series, then you won’t be surprised that this is Suzie’s story. I really didn’t care for her in the first 2 books but found her slightly less annoying in this one. She has some major issues after being completely screwed over by what she thought was the love of her life. It’s obvious to everyone except Suzie that Toby was a horrible waste of time, but she is so damaged that she feels relationships are not for her. She has no problem pushing others into relationships and digging into their secrets/backgrounds/etc but hates it when the tables are turned on her. Thankfully Greyson has the strength and patience to deal with her even after he feels that she completely betrayed him. One of the things that i didn’t like in this story is the references to “Adult Suzie” and “Little Suzie” when Suzie was having her own little inner monologue. All in all I did enjoy the story, but of the 1st three in the series, this is my least favourite since Suzie is just too much for me.
I've been waiting for this one. I loved Suzie's klutzy ways from the first book in the series. I knew going in I was going to be laughing while I read this one. Indeed I did. That was one of my favorite things about this book the humor, but it also delivered on the feels. Grayson is going to make you swoon. He is some prime book boyfriend material. His back story is going pull at the heartstrings and it makes it all the more special that he meets Suzie. The gang of old army buddies is going strong in this one. They are up to their pranking ways and shenanigans that are always up for a good laugh. There are some big moments for our favorite characters from the previous books which made my heart happy. Another thing that I truly enjoyed about this book was watching Suzie come into her own. There is so much more to her than her klutzy reputation. This book did her justice. I'm so happy to see this isn't the last book in the series and I don't have to say goodbye just yet.
Wildly witty romantic comedy A Soldier For Suzie (Love will OUT Book 3) by D. E. Haggerty is an absolutely charming and hilarious romantic comedy. I adored all the characters in this book and as this one is the first I have read by this author, I will certainly be reading more! Suzie is sweet yet jaded and so freaking scared, but her inner dialogue is laugh out loud funny. She’s truly a well rounded character. Grayson, with his own demons isn’t looking for love until Suzie’s pushing shows him they are perfect for each other. This hero hottie melted my heart as well as my kindle! Alternate sweating and sighing beginning to end. The plot is truly intriguing as Suzie continually battles her own heart, mind and libido. Grayson’s part is persistence, understanding that actions mean way more than words. And Suzie’s friends and family round out a perfect cast in the plot of tearing down Suzie’s walls. Overall, a fantastically funny romantic comedy with lovable characters. Suzie’s and Grayson’s long emotional journeys, handled with heart and humor, end with a very promising beginning. HEA guaranteed! I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Clumsy suzie turn! Such a wonderful, hilarious story! Absolutely loved this story and all the characters! I was kinda sad to see it end but loved the ending all the same! Definitely a must read!
I recieved an arc and voluntarily leave a honest review