Mick Breeden is a lost soul. Serving in the army has always been the place he’s called home, but after sustaining an injury that he can’t quite move past, he’s heading back to his Texas hometown, wounded and battered. And fairly certain there is no way on God’s green earth he can ever be redeemed for what he did.
Hayely Samms has never left the Texas small town she grew up in. Even though she looks sweet and kind, deep down, she’s driven to succeed and ready to make a name for herself by running the diner her beloved aunt left her with all the focus she can muster.
She has no time for anything else.
Until Mick Breedan comes walking back into her life.
He’s just as broken and dangerous as he was back in high school. Except this time, there’s a storm in his eyes that draws her in and makes her wonder what’s happening under the surface.
USA Today Bestselling author April Murdock loves romance, especially sweet stories that make you sigh out loud. She loves to write stories inspired by people in her life - past and present. She doesn't live on a ranch, but some of her favorite memories are visiting her cousins at their horse farm. And they've been helpful sharing information that sometimes shows up in her stories.
April has lived her whole life in the Southern US. Traveling is a great love, but coming home to Georgia where her heart is makes her happy.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I have since become a fan. A story that will touch your hearts from beginning to end. Mick Breeden was once the troublemaker in town and where he almost ended up in jail. He’s back, a decorated Army Ranger, at the only place that he could call home, but also where is past is likely to mark him forever. Add that the survivor’s guilt he feels for the one man that believed him, and you know this man has been broken more than once. Hayley Simms, the town’s golden girl and one he knew from afar in HS, now owns the local cafe. She sees him arriving in town and immediately attempts not only to make him feel welcomed, but also helps him get a job and befriends him. She believes in him, but when an unexpected surprise crosses Mick’s path, the future he hoped for is likely to be only a dream. This was a touching story about redemption, new beginnings, hope, overcoming obstacles and finding love. It’s also a reminder of the struggles the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to keep us safe, deal with on a daily basis. We as individuals, and as a society need to support them. I am looking forward to more stories in this series by this very talented author. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Mick had been raised in foster homes all around Prairie Vista, Texas. Just before his eighteenth birthday he got into some trouble with law that resulted in him being given the choice of jail or the military. He chose the army. After being in the army for twelve years, he has now been discharged and back home in Prairie Vista. He was having a hard time finding a job until he ran into Hayley Samm's a girl he went to school with, and she got him an interview with her father at his construction company. Mr. Samm was willing to give him a chance and so was Hayley. Mick was always watching over his shoulder afraid that his new life would end. Everything hung on him keeping his job. He wanted to be with Hayley so badly, but he was afraid he would offend Mr. or Mrs. Samm's. They went through many ups and downs in their relationship before Mick was totally honest with Hayley and her parents told him he had to do it. This was a wonderful story of coming home and starting over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mic comes home, not knowing what he was going to do next. His Honda motorcycle spurts and sputters before it died. He broke down in front of a restaurant. Hayley Samms, the owner of the restaurant, comes out and recognizes Mic. She knew that he had just left the service as a Ranger. She called a wrecker to help him out to get his motorcycle fixed. She asked him to come in and get a bite to eat. She found out he was looking for a job. She offered for him to see her Dad. He owned a construction company. Joe met up with Mic and hired him temporarily to see if he would work out. Plus, her Dad knew that Mic received the Valor medal while he was in the service. Mic and Hayley took their time learning about each other. He came to her restaurant Plumb Full every chance he had. He also kept in touch with Jenny, his commanding officer, Steve's wife. Steve didn't make it home to his wife and three children. Mic felt like he was responsible for Steve death. It wasn't his fault because of bad Intel. So, every chance he had, he went to see Jenny and the kids. Always going with groceries and little presents for the kids. He knew it had to be hard being a single mom with the kids. Mic was falling in love with Hayley, but he had his secrets that he wasn't sure if he would share with her. She kept doing little things for him, and he wanted to do the same. He was finally able to surprise her. He planned an elaborate surprise for her birthday. He set up a tent into one of her favorite movies, Casablanca. After eating, her phone rang. It was her Dad. Her mother had fallen and hit her head. He had brought her to the hospital and wanted Hayley to be there. Mic brought her to the hospital. Once the mother was out of the woods. He brought her home. He went back to gather the tent and everything from the surprise birthday. Once he got home, he had another surprise waiting for him. Someone left a basket on his front steps. There was a note with an infant baby girl. He didn't know of anyone who would have left their baby in his care. But he could call the authorities because he didn't want the baby in foster care like he was. He couldn't do that. He didn't know what to do, so he Google it. How to take care of her. His friends Skeet and Jenny helped him take care of her. Hayley found out through the grapevine that he was taking care of an infant, and that was why he hadn't called her. They also told her there was a redhead coming in. She thought he was cheating on her. She didn't give him a chance to explain. Mic was falling in love with this little girl and wasn't going to leave her like his parents did. He would protect her from being taken away. Hayley's parents intervened and showed them the note that came with the baby. He had named her, Vanessa, because he had to take her to the hospital because she had gotten sick and he had to give her a name on the hospital paperwork. She was now his little girl. He told her parents he loved Hayley, but he wasn't going to give up Vanessa. So they decided to help Mic out. Great story of a broken Ranger that finds out he has a place in his heart to love both of them. A little girl that will be loved and a woman that he will cherish. I loved reading about a man who opened his heart to his friends wife and children and for the woman he started as a friend to his forever love and the baby that opened his heart. Great story by April Murdock.
I struggled with this. The writing is cliched - the usual 'damaged hero (foster families etc) trying to look after his (dead) army buddy's family, the small town who despise him because of his past (really? Come on, this has been done to death!) and the hard-working woman who sees the 'real man' inside.
To be honest, it's boring. And I was about to give up when (and I am afraid I actually laughed at this point) Mick receives an unexpected gift. I'm not going to give the game away, but it was about as realistic as the President of the United States arriving by snow-mobile while dressed in a clown outfit. It made no sense whatsoever, and I lost any remaining interest and ended up skimming through the rest of the story which simply descended into what I call a farce.
The heroine's mother was unbelievably rude, judgemental, interfering and obnoxious and, had I been either Mick or Hayley, I'd have told her to go and take a long walk off a short pier. A lot of characters were like her - the sort of stereotypical clones we see over and over and over again in these 'wounded soldier' stories. It strikes me as slap-dash and lazy.
The story ended without any real conclusion to the incident involving the 'gift' and I won't read any more of the series.
Ms. Murdock has done it again. What a wonderful, heartwarming new series! This book absolutely touched my heart and had me captivated till the very end. Mick was a troublesome teenager and now after all these years he is back in town and cannot seem to shake that reputation. He has a hard time finding employment as people do not believe he has changed. But Hayley is willing to give him a chance and offers him an opportunity at employment. As Mick works hard to prove himself, he and Hayley grow closer and there is a chance for things to become more serious but then a challenge comes their way. Hayley and Mick's story is one you definitely want to read. Don't miss out on this engaging and entertaining start to a wonderful new series. I look forward to reading the next installment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After his army years, Mick tries to find a job in his hometown. Unfortunately, his teenage years still cling to him, and he only gets a chance from Hayley’s father to get a job. He is so thankful that he avoids a relationship with Hayley in order to not jeopardize it. So Hayley has to become creative to finally get to know Mick better… I enjoyed the emphasis of how small towns work. Though some people hold grudges for a long time, they also seem to come through for one of their own once he has shown his character. In the end, relationships, being friendships or family, are the most important interaction we all need in life. Enjoy reading about Mick’s adventures as he returns home.
I received a free copy through booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
Mick has had a hard life and made a lot of bad choices, until he went into the Rangers for twelve years. Now he is back in a small Texas town where his last foster home was, and where the one girl, Hayley, he cared for still lives. The characters are terrific and have backstories to no end. Suspense and miscommunication hold up their romance when he suddenly stops talking to her and she hears rumors. He is so wrapped up in someone that he has not had time to think, let alone contact Hayley with the truth. Her parents intervene and once the truth is known, all parties know the direction they must take. The romance is back on in full force, plus so much more. The ending is perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First, the main reason for the 3.75 rating, I didn't like the twist at 70%. Not only did I not see it coming, I hadn't even thought of such a possibility. It was completely unexpected and seemed ill-fitting. There were a few typos, a wrong word used here and there. Otherwise, the story was good enough to keep me reading to the end. I loved the hero, but he seemed almost too simple. The heroine was sweet, and I should've been able to relate to her in several ways. That didn't happen. If you enjoy a super-sweet romance which is also a clean read, you might enjoy this book.
Mick grew up in foster care mostly raising himself since no one really cared which made him act out in bad ways until he was forced to join the Army or face jail time. Years later he returns hoping to start over and maybe make amends for his past behavior when he runs into Hayley who he went to school with but she was always out of his league. They hit it off even though her mother is not happy about it and when a misunderstanding arises they go their separate ways. Can Mick and Hayley work through their problem so they can get their relationship back on track?
The first book in the Texas Redemption series, what a story! It is well written with a very good storyline, and kept me turning pages. Mick Breeden and Hayley Samms' story of a man that started out getting into trouble then joined the Army. He has now come back to the small town that he grew up in, but the past will not let him be. He now has a new problem a beautiful little girl that will lead to a misunderstanding between him and the woman he loves. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Samantha spends more time in the library and terms herself a nerd. Samantha enters an auction as a fundraiser. Jamie buys her and they have a wonderful time and that is the start of a friendship and romance. Jamie is smart and is a senators son. Their friendship grows and I found this to be a great story and I loved how Samantha and Jamie evolved and how neither were the stereotypical they were fresh. This is a short story but it was very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mick was a young man who had done a lot of things in his young life and when given the option of joining the army or go to jail, he took the army. Twelve years later he returns to town but has a hard time finding a job until he stops out side the local restaurant and meets Haley Sammy who went to school where he had gone. This was a very interesting story and one well worth everyone reading. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is a new author to me and one who not only writes a good story, but has realistic caring characters. Mick has returned to his hometown to fulfill a promise to an Army buddy. The promise to help his buddies widow and children. His return is hard due to his past. Then he meets Haley Samms, and everything changes for Mick. The big question is can Mick overcome his past, and the surprise package dropped on his porch, to find happiness with Haley.
Boy he sure did have a very long road home both mentally and small town gossip wise. He endured a lot and didn’t take things for granted once he got a break from a very unexpected person. Oh and the to be bombarded with another very very unexpected situation that threatens to overwhelm and take over him. Emotional and unfortunately could be a very true story. I loved the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written story that pulls you in and holds your attention from start to finish. The characters are strong and well developed and realistic. The story deals with real life issues that keeps you turning the pages. The romance between the characters is heartwarming, endearing and exactly what a small town romance can be. An enjoyable read for a weekend sitting on the couch with a good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mick Breeden was a messed up teen, but twelve years in the army turned him into a thoughtful hardworking guy who falls for former cheerleader and current restaurant owner Hayley Samms. I loved Mick's recreation of Casablanca for Hayley's birthday. She enjoys feeding him in return. Her mother is not happy she's dating the former troublemaker. They have their share of ups and downs and misunderstandings, a big one that may cost them their relationship in this sweet romance.
This was a heart warming story for the broken guy. He had returned home free 12 years of service in the military. He had been in trouble prior to going in to the service and he didn’t feel like he would be welcomed home. Hayley owned to restaurant in town and she called her dad to offer him a job. She told him to go and check with her dad and see if he had anything. Just the beginning of a sweet sTory.
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed reading this story. I really enjoyed reading this story about Mick and Hayley. Seeing how he felt about his past and how others were able to help him see the good person he really is and that he really did deserve the bronze star that he earned in the army. Also I enjoyed seeing love blossom between him and Hayley. This really was a good story.
I really enjoyed this sweet clean romantic happily ever after. A man who thought to never marry, a restaurant owner with no time to look for love or have much of a life outside of work, add a automotive breakdown and you've yourself a sweet story starting to brew. This one was hard to put down. It has a beautiful setting, great characters, a small town, is really well written and had several good laugh out loud moments, too.
Mick Breeden Is a soldier who is a lost soul and Hayley Sammsis the diner owner in a small town in Texas. These characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages and the storyline is entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April Murdock writes this book with so many twists and turns and stumbles that one doesn't know where one is headed. Another refreshing book from this writer keeps us on the edge of our chairs. Keep posted for the next book in the series.
So much can happen to a soldier and returning home is usually not going to be very easy. Hailey thinks she has it all together until his motorcycle breaks down right in front of her restaurant. I really enjoyed reading this story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great small town story is charming, she owns her own restaurant but is looking for something more in her life, he is home but his past is more accepted than his present, throw in an abandoned baby and all hell breaks loose! It gets resolved in unexpected ways. Romantic, bittersweet, and sometimes totall unexpected. Oh yeah, there's a set of parents too.
Great reading about Mick returning to his hometown even though he didn't leave on good terms. He meets Hayley at her restrauant. She helps him get a job with her Dad. He doesn't feel worthy and feels guilty about the deathof his buddy in service. They both have to learn to trust.
This story will hit you right in the heart. Mick had it rough growing up, but joining the Army, even though it wasn't his choice per se, it was the lesser of two evils. But the losses were too much for him and then he meets Haley when he gets home. I have much respect for the military since I'm an Army Vet myself. HEA.
Great book about loss, pain and overcoming your past. Mick has been away for 12 years and now he is back in his hometown. Can the people there overlook his past troubles so he can find happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April Murdock has fast become one of my favourite authors and this latest release of hers ticks all my check boxes for an entertaining read. I am looking forward to the next release in this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet read of redemption and love, confirming bad boys can change and good girls can love them! This is an enjoyable story that will pull you in, keep you reading, and make you wish for more after the last word is absorbed. Highly Recommend
Sometimes going back in the past can correct mistakes for the better.
Easy story to follow, not too mushy, a little predictable but still keeps you wondering about the outcome. Trying to correct the past doesn't always work out for the better.
This was a clean lite read, for people that like a bad boy gone good. Returning from the military to a town turned against him seemed like an almost impossible task. This was a story of one such person who found himself, and love.