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Men of the Military #1
Ranger
Nothing is guaranteed.
Nothing is a given.
We can only plan for things that we know and understand.
Fate takes care of the rest.
After years of being an Army Ranger, military life was all I knew and understood.
I planned on being a Ranger for as long as I could be, climbing the ranks and being a hero to my country.
Nothing else mattered.
Then fate came along and I fell in love. She became the one thing that mattered more to me than army life, which meant the plans were no longer mine to make.
They were ours.
Unfortunately, we waited too long to make those plans and tragedy struck. My guaranteed happily ever after was gone.
Leaving me broken.
Unpredictable.
A liability to my team.
I was grasping on to memories in a never-ending loop of pain.
Now, my command was forcing me to make a decision on my career— alone. And just like before, I was having a hard time letting go of army life.
Only this time, my decisions weren't based on love.
They were based on revenge.
So while fate was trying, once again, to pierce me with her love arrows, I was busy planning the only thing I knew was a given in my life.
War.
Nothing is a given.
We can only plan for things that we know and understand.
Fate takes care of the rest.
After years of being an Army Ranger, military life was all I knew and understood.
I planned on being a Ranger for as long as I could be, climbing the ranks and being a hero to my country.
Nothing else mattered.
Then fate came along and I fell in love. She became the one thing that mattered more to me than army life, which meant the plans were no longer mine to make.
They were ours.
Unfortunately, we waited too long to make those plans and tragedy struck. My guaranteed happily ever after was gone.
Leaving me broken.
Unpredictable.
A liability to my team.
I was grasping on to memories in a never-ending loop of pain.
Now, my command was forcing me to make a decision on my career— alone. And just like before, I was having a hard time letting go of army life.
Only this time, my decisions weren't based on love.
They were based on revenge.
So while fate was trying, once again, to pierce me with her love arrows, I was busy planning the only thing I knew was a given in my life.
War.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
62 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 25, 2022
4.5 I-didn’t-expect-that stars
But I ended up loving it. Gah. This book got me emotional, gave me all the feels, made me smile, but it also got me upset. One thing’s clear- I love me some Andrew 🥰.
Andrew’s (29) on a mission to rid the world of some of the scum that play into doing horrible things to humans, more specifically, women. He gets left in the woods, in the middle of nowhere, and he has to find his way back- an exercise he’s done MANY times before, except this time, he encounters a woman curled up on herself in the middle of it all.
Olivia’s (27) running away from her abuser. She’s been scarred inside and out and needs to escape that life. So she runs… and then gets lost… until Ranger (Andrew) finds her. Their connection was instant 👀
What I loved:
—the connection❤️. Olivia knows there’s more to Ranger than meets the eye, and she’s understanding. Ranger becomes protective the instant he meets Olivia. This small, curled up dirty woman steals his heart and he’ll do anything for her 🥹
—the steam 🔥 jeeeezus Christ 🔥 I see you Drew 👀. He does not go half a$$ when it comes to the smexxy times 🥵. Did I think about the fact that they’re out in the woods? Sure. But… in this book, they’re clean enough 😅. Drew is IN.SA.TIA.BLE 🤤 and Olivia keeps up with him 😉.
—the angst. Sigh. I mean. They’re both going through a lot. A. LOT. We don’t even know the extent of their struggles until later in the book, and when it’s revealed…
—🤯. I gasped!!! The twist was 😱. So much made more sense 🤷🏻♀️. And … I actually really loved it- just because I was waffling at a lower rating, but had to bump it up after
—Drew’s dedication to making sure Olivia’s safe. Even when he’s away, he keeps an eye on her 👀
—the dirty mouth on Andrew 🥵. We don’t get to experienced his filthiness until the end, but it was soooo soooo worth it 🥵🔥💦👀😉🤤🤤🤤🤤.
—his jp ness. No one better touch his woman 💅. The soldier that lightly put his hand on her back to get her to keep walking saw the end of a gun for doing that 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️. Keep ya hands to ya self boys
—Andrew’s mission. Thank you Andrew. We need more men like you ❤️
—the layout of the revelations. They were strategically placed and I appreciated it. Made the impact stronger
What I wanted more of:
—I wanted an actual epilogue 😏like, many years in the future
—I also wanted more insight on the healing they both have to do. The context of their struggles is traumatizing enough, but I wanted more closure (having an epilogue many years into the future would’ve helped me)
Overall. I loved it 🥹❤️🥰
⚠️safety squad ⚠️SPOILERS
-no cheating between MCs/sharing/owd/omd
-cheating? Ish (the H’s “married”, “cheats” on his wife with the h; the h “seems” as if she’s “married” but has been abused)
-the H mentions that his wife was abducted years before by men and abused in every way. Some details are said. Another woman with his wife was also abducted but she was eventually k!lled 😞
-when the H is away, OM tries to corner the h, but luckily the H has someone watching her and the OM gets his hand broken 🤷🏻♀️
-abduction/smexual abuse (referenced as the past)
-no c0nd0ms
-no virgins
But I ended up loving it. Gah. This book got me emotional, gave me all the feels, made me smile, but it also got me upset. One thing’s clear- I love me some Andrew 🥰.
Andrew’s (29) on a mission to rid the world of some of the scum that play into doing horrible things to humans, more specifically, women. He gets left in the woods, in the middle of nowhere, and he has to find his way back- an exercise he’s done MANY times before, except this time, he encounters a woman curled up on herself in the middle of it all.
Olivia’s (27) running away from her abuser. She’s been scarred inside and out and needs to escape that life. So she runs… and then gets lost… until Ranger (Andrew) finds her. Their connection was instant 👀
What I loved:
—the connection❤️. Olivia knows there’s more to Ranger than meets the eye, and she’s understanding. Ranger becomes protective the instant he meets Olivia. This small, curled up dirty woman steals his heart and he’ll do anything for her 🥹
—the steam 🔥 jeeeezus Christ 🔥 I see you Drew 👀. He does not go half a$$ when it comes to the smexxy times 🥵. Did I think about the fact that they’re out in the woods? Sure. But… in this book, they’re clean enough 😅. Drew is IN.SA.TIA.BLE 🤤 and Olivia keeps up with him 😉.
—the angst. Sigh. I mean. They’re both going through a lot. A. LOT. We don’t even know the extent of their struggles until later in the book, and when it’s revealed…
—🤯. I gasped!!! The twist was 😱. So much made more sense 🤷🏻♀️. And … I actually really loved it- just because I was waffling at a lower rating, but had to bump it up after
—Drew’s dedication to making sure Olivia’s safe. Even when he’s away, he keeps an eye on her 👀
—the dirty mouth on Andrew 🥵. We don’t get to experienced his filthiness until the end, but it was soooo soooo worth it 🥵🔥💦👀😉🤤🤤🤤🤤.
—his jp ness. No one better touch his woman 💅. The soldier that lightly put his hand on her back to get her to keep walking saw the end of a gun for doing that 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️. Keep ya hands to ya self boys
—Andrew’s mission. Thank you Andrew. We need more men like you ❤️
—the layout of the revelations. They were strategically placed and I appreciated it. Made the impact stronger
What I wanted more of:
—I wanted an actual epilogue 😏like, many years in the future
—I also wanted more insight on the healing they both have to do. The context of their struggles is traumatizing enough, but I wanted more closure (having an epilogue many years into the future would’ve helped me)
Overall. I loved it 🥹❤️🥰
⚠️safety squad ⚠️SPOILERS
-no cheating between MCs/sharing/owd/omd
-cheating? Ish (the H’s “married”, “cheats” on his wife with the h; the h “seems” as if she’s “married” but has been abused)
-the H mentions that his wife was abducted years before by men and abused in every way. Some details are said. Another woman with his wife was also abducted but she was eventually k!lled 😞
-when the H is away, OM tries to corner the h, but luckily the H has someone watching her and the OM gets his hand broken 🤷🏻♀️
-abduction/smexual abuse (referenced as the past)
-no c0nd0ms
-no virgins
November 21, 2022
3.75 stars. There’s not much I can say or I’ll spoil the whole damn thing, so I’m just going to keep most of my thoughts to myself. I went into this blind, I’d suggest the same. If you liked Corrupt by Penelope Douglas, you’d probably like this. It was slow for me, I didn’t know wtf was going on. I don’t like books like that, so it’s a personal problem. I’m too impatient to be confused and have ALL the damn questions. By the time it went “BOOM” it felt more like a “bang”, if that makes sense. I had my suspicions. Again, totally a me thing.
I will say that I listened to When the Party’s Over by Billie Eilish while I was reading this. It kinda fits.
I will say that I listened to When the Party’s Over by Billie Eilish while I was reading this. It kinda fits.
Read
June 27, 2023Writing Ranger was an honor. Not only because it is a military romance, but because of the dimensions of love that Drew shows throughout this book. Things are not all happy and easy…. there are moments of shock, awe, and heartbreak. But I promise I bring everything full circle, while Drew and Olivia shows us what love looks like in their world. Add to TBR!!!
February 23, 2022
*** When you get to the spot in this story that makes you think no, I can't do that story line and you go to DNF DON'T DO IT YOU WILL REGRET IT******
Military Romance ✅
Small Town ✅
True Love ✅
Emotional Read ✅
Second Chance ✅
Plot 5/5 ✨
Andrew is an Army Ranger who has a big decision to make. Does he stay in and get his revenge, or does he return to civilian life, where it is messy at best? He is dropped off at an undisclosed training spot in hopes that when he is done his mind is made up.
Olivia is trapped and just wants to be free from the pain and hurt she is feeling. She feels like she is getting stronger. She doesn't understand why but she finds herself running away from her house. She runs until she can't anymore. She is lost in the woods with no way out, but does she want to get out? She comes to terms with the fact that she is going to die there.
When Ranger comes across the blonde, cold, hungry, beautiful and scared woman in the woods he knows he needs to get her out of there. When she finally comes to, she refuses to let him get her help, she is not ready to leave yet. He knows it is selfish and he is going to get into so much trouble, but he doesn't want to let her go just yet.
Their attraction is instant and their feeling very strong while they are there. What happens when their time in the woods come to an end? They are back to the real world, the world where not everything is what you see and is determined to keep them apart? Can Andrew and Olivia find their way back to each other even with everything against them?
Katie Rae is a masterpiece at writing a story that will keep you on your toes guessing at what is going on. You will believe you have it all figured out just for her to throw another twist in the mess and you are second guessing everything. There is a part in this story that most readers will get to and instantly want to stop reading but head this warning DO NOT STOP YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!! As I said not everything is as what it seems.
This is a very emotional read that will pull at your heartstrings, but it is worth the tears you will shed. This is a story of just how far someone is willing to go for the love of their life. It also shows how far family and friends will go to protect someone. Katie Rae wrote how our brain is a mysterious object and just how it works in mysterious ways. She got a fan for life in me now!
Military Romance ✅
Small Town ✅
True Love ✅
Emotional Read ✅
Second Chance ✅
Plot 5/5 ✨
Andrew is an Army Ranger who has a big decision to make. Does he stay in and get his revenge, or does he return to civilian life, where it is messy at best? He is dropped off at an undisclosed training spot in hopes that when he is done his mind is made up.
Olivia is trapped and just wants to be free from the pain and hurt she is feeling. She feels like she is getting stronger. She doesn't understand why but she finds herself running away from her house. She runs until she can't anymore. She is lost in the woods with no way out, but does she want to get out? She comes to terms with the fact that she is going to die there.
When Ranger comes across the blonde, cold, hungry, beautiful and scared woman in the woods he knows he needs to get her out of there. When she finally comes to, she refuses to let him get her help, she is not ready to leave yet. He knows it is selfish and he is going to get into so much trouble, but he doesn't want to let her go just yet.
Their attraction is instant and their feeling very strong while they are there. What happens when their time in the woods come to an end? They are back to the real world, the world where not everything is what you see and is determined to keep them apart? Can Andrew and Olivia find their way back to each other even with everything against them?
Katie Rae is a masterpiece at writing a story that will keep you on your toes guessing at what is going on. You will believe you have it all figured out just for her to throw another twist in the mess and you are second guessing everything. There is a part in this story that most readers will get to and instantly want to stop reading but head this warning DO NOT STOP YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!! As I said not everything is as what it seems.
This is a very emotional read that will pull at your heartstrings, but it is worth the tears you will shed. This is a story of just how far someone is willing to go for the love of their life. It also shows how far family and friends will go to protect someone. Katie Rae wrote how our brain is a mysterious object and just how it works in mysterious ways. She got a fan for life in me now!
April 3, 2021
Katie Rae wow you surprised me and had me speechless. Usually as a avid reader I can tell at times where the storyline is going. You had me shocked about who was his spouse.
Ranger has had a few rough years. We learn more as the book goes on why is he so distraught. He is one hell of a man, Ranger and husband.
Olivia poor thing she knows she needed to escape her home. She was afraid for her life. Ranger finds her thank God and we see their love story begin or do we thats the question.
Ranger has had a few rough years. We learn more as the book goes on why is he so distraught. He is one hell of a man, Ranger and husband.
Olivia poor thing she knows she needed to escape her home. She was afraid for her life. Ranger finds her thank God and we see their love story begin or do we thats the question.
February 17, 2021
Olly and Drew break your heart and put it back together in a way only a true love story can. Settle in and be ready to read this one all at once...with plenty of wine and tissues. More often than not, I know how things are going to play out and I'm bored, but Katie takes you for a ride with this one. Read it. You won't be sorry.
March 9, 2021
Oh Ranger
Great read. I was a bit frustrated with the angst and hurt of the hero and lack of backstory for the heroine until the twist occurred with about an hour left in the read.
Great read. I was a bit frustrated with the angst and hurt of the hero and lack of backstory for the heroine until the twist occurred with about an hour left in the read.
Want to read
December 31, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/31/2022)! 🎁
April 5, 2021
YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
At the time I read Ranger, I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for several Indi Authors, including Katie Rae.
I won't lie - the first few chapters gave me pause, I wondered at the inconsistencies at the male lead's character versus his actions, I can't say any more without giving away too much, but STICK WITH IT!
As an author, it's hard to find a book in where you don't see the twists and turns coming. I don't know if it was because I'd been reading several of the same genre books for weeks which had lulled me into a sense of acceptance of a typical sequence of events for this kind of book. Perhaps that was what made the unfolding events that much more surprising to me, of if Katie Rae herself is just the damn talented at writing.
Whatever it was - I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns of this book!
Be ready for your heart and your mind to go to war over what is right and what is happening. It will make you angry and indignant and confused and frustrated right before it makes you fall head over heels in love with it and damn near break your heart.
Katie Rae has done an exceptional job and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of her books!
Five stars all the way!
At the time I read Ranger, I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for several Indi Authors, including Katie Rae.
I won't lie - the first few chapters gave me pause, I wondered at the inconsistencies at the male lead's character versus his actions, I can't say any more without giving away too much, but STICK WITH IT!
As an author, it's hard to find a book in where you don't see the twists and turns coming. I don't know if it was because I'd been reading several of the same genre books for weeks which had lulled me into a sense of acceptance of a typical sequence of events for this kind of book. Perhaps that was what made the unfolding events that much more surprising to me, of if Katie Rae herself is just the damn talented at writing.
Whatever it was - I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns of this book!
Be ready for your heart and your mind to go to war over what is right and what is happening. It will make you angry and indignant and confused and frustrated right before it makes you fall head over heels in love with it and damn near break your heart.
Katie Rae has done an exceptional job and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of her books!
Five stars all the way!
February 23, 2021
Many of us are lucky enough to find love. But there are a special few find their other half, their soul mate or their “one”. That’s what this story is about, love that is worth sacrificing and fighting for because you can’t live without each other.
As soon as Andrew “Ranger” finds Olivia in the woods while on a “training” mission, you know that these two have a connection that transcends everything. But their story isn’t beautiful. It’s heartbreaking and there are so many obstacles in the way of their HEA. You will fall in love, you will feel betrayed and then you will ache for this beautiful couple.
I’m know I’m being vague, but I don’t want to spoil anything for you. This is one of those rare books that I tell you that you NEED to read. Even 24 hours after finishing it, these characters and their story has stuck with me. I don’t want to let them go.
“Ranger” is definitely my top read of February and really my top read of 2021. Thank you Katie Rae for creating this story and giving me Drew and Olivia.
As soon as Andrew “Ranger” finds Olivia in the woods while on a “training” mission, you know that these two have a connection that transcends everything. But their story isn’t beautiful. It’s heartbreaking and there are so many obstacles in the way of their HEA. You will fall in love, you will feel betrayed and then you will ache for this beautiful couple.
I’m know I’m being vague, but I don’t want to spoil anything for you. This is one of those rare books that I tell you that you NEED to read. Even 24 hours after finishing it, these characters and their story has stuck with me. I don’t want to let them go.
“Ranger” is definitely my top read of February and really my top read of 2021. Thank you Katie Rae for creating this story and giving me Drew and Olivia.
February 3, 2021
We’ve all experienced a little pain and shame in our lives, these character’s unconditional love for each other just washes the hurt away. Ranger is simultaneously deadly strong and audaciously vulnerable. While Olivia appears weak and self conscious she’s truly braver than average. Her capacity to overcome her experiences and follow her heart and gut feelings lead her to an unexpected love. Frankly this story is about faith and soulmates.
Katie Rae continues to evolve and her writing style is growing more complex with each book. She captures the warm fuzzy we all want and throws in enough hot & sexy to have you yearn for your own life to be more exciting. Katie is mastering the enigma of story telling and I couldn’t be more eager to see what her next book has in store. ( wink wink lots of pressure)
Katie Rae continues to evolve and her writing style is growing more complex with each book. She captures the warm fuzzy we all want and throws in enough hot & sexy to have you yearn for your own life to be more exciting. Katie is mastering the enigma of story telling and I couldn’t be more eager to see what her next book has in store. ( wink wink lots of pressure)
February 22, 2021
Ok. This review is going to be complicated, but just bear with me. LOL
I am a huge fan of Katie Rae’s books and when I was invited to read her newest release it was a no-brainer for me, even if it was a genre I didn’t really have much experience in reading.
Ranger started off really slow for me, to the point where I was wondering if I’d made a mistake in offering to give it an ARC read. Let me tell you though, at one point in this book I was just absolutely blown away - like jaw dropping, what the f*ck, blown away! It was at that moment that I realized how special this book actually was.
Katie Rae has created a fantastic work of art here with this book. It ended up being so breathtakingly beautiful that it brought me to tears. Finding the appropriate words for how this book made me feel is nearly impossible.
Definitely give this one a chance! 4.5 ⭐️ from me.
I am a huge fan of Katie Rae’s books and when I was invited to read her newest release it was a no-brainer for me, even if it was a genre I didn’t really have much experience in reading.
Ranger started off really slow for me, to the point where I was wondering if I’d made a mistake in offering to give it an ARC read. Let me tell you though, at one point in this book I was just absolutely blown away - like jaw dropping, what the f*ck, blown away! It was at that moment that I realized how special this book actually was.
Katie Rae has created a fantastic work of art here with this book. It ended up being so breathtakingly beautiful that it brought me to tears. Finding the appropriate words for how this book made me feel is nearly impossible.
Definitely give this one a chance! 4.5 ⭐️ from me.
February 23, 2021
This. Damn. Book. Do not go into this book thinking it’s a “normal” military romance. This book is so much more than that. This isn’t a boy meets girl story... it’s a story of finding love and fighting like hell for it. It’s about doing everything you can to help the person you love. The kind of love that you can never lose...
Olivia and Ranger’s story... I want to say so much about it but I REFUSE to give details on this amazing book. This story will remind you what true love is... the all-consuming kind. I would love to have been in Katie’s mind when she created these two. I absolutely loved Ranger and my heart was invested in Olivia and his relationship. I loved that we got a better look at what life is like for a man at war with both his heart and mind... to stay or go from the life he’s always known.
Thank you Katie for giving us this couple!
Olivia and Ranger’s story... I want to say so much about it but I REFUSE to give details on this amazing book. This story will remind you what true love is... the all-consuming kind. I would love to have been in Katie’s mind when she created these two. I absolutely loved Ranger and my heart was invested in Olivia and his relationship. I loved that we got a better look at what life is like for a man at war with both his heart and mind... to stay or go from the life he’s always known.
Thank you Katie for giving us this couple!
January 22, 2022
Typically, I'm not a fan of first-person narrative in romance, but I found the author's voice compelling in this read. (I still prefer third person, but I can see how the mysteries in this one made first-person necessary.)
This story was recommended to me by several readers and I'm glad I gave it a try. I almost wish they hadn't told me there was a unique twist to the story before I started because that got me to thinking and I pretty well guessed what the twist was going to be early on. However, there was one minor scene late in the story that did surprise me.
It needed a little more editing. But the character arcs were intensely emotional and satisfying. The steam factor was just right for me. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
This story was recommended to me by several readers and I'm glad I gave it a try. I almost wish they hadn't told me there was a unique twist to the story before I started because that got me to thinking and I pretty well guessed what the twist was going to be early on. However, there was one minor scene late in the story that did surprise me.
It needed a little more editing. But the character arcs were intensely emotional and satisfying. The steam factor was just right for me. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
February 22, 2021
Wow! I have not read this author before and I will definitely be reading all her books. In fact is is basically my first military romance. Throughout this book I had so many questions.....Keep Reading. If something does not make sense...Keep reading. This book was very unique and very well written. It had heartbreaking moments but also laugh out loud moments. These two characters Ollie and Drew are not perfect. They both have baggage but love conquers all, right!!! This is a standalone and you need to pick it up and read it right away.
February 1, 2023
Was not expecting this!! 4.5⭐️
I’m not even bothering with writing a blurb because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything!
I will admit, I was so confused in the beginning and even the middle. Almost DNF’d but I’m so glad I pushed through because wow! What a rollercoaster. Knowing the past and even what led the story to now.. my God. This was beautiful.
Highly recommend!
I’m not even bothering with writing a blurb because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything!
I will admit, I was so confused in the beginning and even the middle. Almost DNF’d but I’m so glad I pushed through because wow! What a rollercoaster. Knowing the past and even what led the story to now.. my God. This was beautiful.
Highly recommend!
February 23, 2021
Holy moly this book was a roller coaster of amazing. My mind likes to try and map out a book within the first two chapters and boy was it wrong in the best way. If you want something to hold you captive I definitely recommend this book!
February 21, 2021
What an emotional ride we are taken on. Olivia and Drew were amazing and their love story is truly something you can’t miss out on reading. Their love for each other is something we all wish we had, strong, vulnerable, all the warm fuzzy feelings with a little heartache thrown in. A definite page turner you won’t be disappointed.
August 29, 2021
I'm not going to give too much away with regards to the storyline, as it's one you should read yourself. There is so much emotion with Ranger and Olivia. It's a bit of a rollercoaster and has you on edge waiting...knowing that all will be okay... but you're left wondering how ... so you frantically read faster to find it. This was a one-stop read for me, and I couldn't put it down. A 5⭐ read for sure!!
April 23, 2022
This book was everything I never knew I needed. The angst, the mystery, and the way the author presented every little bit were perfect! This was such a unique read and I am still blown away about it days later. I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to say goodbye to these two. This will definitely be a re-read for me. It's my first by Katie Rae but certainly not my last. I highly recommend this one if you are in a slump and need something "different" to get you out of it.
May 19, 2021
This. Book!!!!
I am so impressed with this book. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be recommending it to everyone I know.
I am so impressed with this book. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be recommending it to everyone I know.
February 21, 2021
Katie Rae continues to bring me out of my reader box time and time again. First with her sports romances and again with her military romance. Each author grows with each book and this one is no different. I’m glad that she moved out of her comfort zone to write Olivia and Andrews story.
I haven’t read many military romances in my lifetime because I’ve never related to them very well, but Katie has a way of making you feel like you’re there. It’s the way her stories flow, the way she writes her characters, and the love and steam that she folds in. It’s realistic and amazing.
Ranger is a novel filled with hot, steamy moments, warm feelings, plot twists, and sad moments that will require tissues, but will also leave you with a feeling of love. This is a book of finding forever and remembering that even if your forever looks different than everyone else’s, it’s still amazing.
I haven’t read many military romances in my lifetime because I’ve never related to them very well, but Katie has a way of making you feel like you’re there. It’s the way her stories flow, the way she writes her characters, and the love and steam that she folds in. It’s realistic and amazing.
Ranger is a novel filled with hot, steamy moments, warm feelings, plot twists, and sad moments that will require tissues, but will also leave you with a feeling of love. This is a book of finding forever and remembering that even if your forever looks different than everyone else’s, it’s still amazing.
February 24, 2022
I was looking for something to fit my "wounded warrior" challenge category (not gonna lie: I really tried to squeeze books in here that weren’t the intended trope) and I came across the book Recon by Katie Rae. It sounded good, but when I clicked on it, it didn’t come out until tomorrow. I didn’t want to wait because I’m an impatient booger. Ranger was below it on the list, so I read the description for that.
It sounded meh.
Those reviews though.
Ok, so if you haven’t read the other reviews for it: DON’T!
Ah, I’m so torn about this. Ok, so I would not have finished this book if I hadn’t read the reviews. However, reading the reviews put me at an unfair advantage while reading. That’s not the point of this book.
My point is: if you think you want to read this book based on the blurb, do it. And when you get the desire to quit, don’t. It’s not even 300 pages, it won’t take you that long. Power through. You're going to think it hits some triggers that I'm not listing, but KEEP READING. (But actual TW: off-page abuse)
In the most broad terms: I’m thrilled that I read this book.
Did it fit my category? Not the way I had planned.
A lot of people complained about the language in the book because the author didn’t use a lot of contractions, but since I knew that was coming, I was easily able to adjust them in my head. It didn’t slow me down in the least.
PS. If you want the spoilers, go to https://kcole916.wixsite.com/thenaked...
I wanted spoilers and no one would spoil it for me. Lol.
It sounded meh.
Those reviews though.
Ok, so if you haven’t read the other reviews for it: DON’T!
Ah, I’m so torn about this. Ok, so I would not have finished this book if I hadn’t read the reviews. However, reading the reviews put me at an unfair advantage while reading. That’s not the point of this book.
My point is: if you think you want to read this book based on the blurb, do it. And when you get the desire to quit, don’t. It’s not even 300 pages, it won’t take you that long. Power through. You're going to think it hits some triggers that I'm not listing, but KEEP READING. (But actual TW: off-page abuse)
In the most broad terms: I’m thrilled that I read this book.
Did it fit my category? Not the way I had planned.
A lot of people complained about the language in the book because the author didn’t use a lot of contractions, but since I knew that was coming, I was easily able to adjust them in my head. It didn’t slow me down in the least.
PS. If you want the spoilers, go to https://kcole916.wixsite.com/thenaked...
I wanted spoilers and no one would spoil it for me. Lol.
April 19, 2022
Now this was a complete bonus find, I was reading my way through Stand for Ukraine and there it was, in it's partial, short glory... Hot, sweaty, sexy, horny, glory. Did I happen to mention the part published in SFU was one hell of a sex scene. See this is what's great about an anthology - you never know what or who you might stumble across.
Now Katie Rae is an author I've never read, and I'm so thankful I found Ranger and was so taken with the little I read that I immediately one clicked the entire book. This is one hell of a great story. It's hot - naturally. Hell if a short excerpt was hot then the whole book is bound to be. But it's not just that. The story behind is a great one.
Ranger and Olivia are both damaged souls who are battling their own inner demons and the external demons that keep coming at them. The are fighting each others demons. Fighting for each other, for their lives, loves and hearts.
This is the kind of story that makes you wish you were an abused damaged heroine just so that a sexy damaged Army Ranger can stumble across you and rescue your body and heart. Because after all, who doesn't want a Ranger? And the ending... OMG Mind Blown!
Now Katie Rae is an author I've never read, and I'm so thankful I found Ranger and was so taken with the little I read that I immediately one clicked the entire book. This is one hell of a great story. It's hot - naturally. Hell if a short excerpt was hot then the whole book is bound to be. But it's not just that. The story behind is a great one.
Ranger and Olivia are both damaged souls who are battling their own inner demons and the external demons that keep coming at them. The are fighting each others demons. Fighting for each other, for their lives, loves and hearts.
This is the kind of story that makes you wish you were an abused damaged heroine just so that a sexy damaged Army Ranger can stumble across you and rescue your body and heart. Because after all, who doesn't want a Ranger? And the ending... OMG Mind Blown!
Want to read
May 5, 2023DNFed at 25 percent. This book was like a fever dream. The MMC was war obsessed and openly talked about his delight in killing people. The FMC was the weirdest I’ve read in a long time. I DNFed while they were playing on a makeshift swing. Like imagine being a badass Army Ranger on your training mission - or imagine being a woman who just escaped from years of abuse - and putting up a swing and pushing each other like lunatics. The entire plot to 25% makes no sense, especially why they both decide to hike 25+ miles instead of just calling for help.
September 12, 2023
Men Of The Military Yes Please!
"If you enjoy a book with an "I didn't see that coming" moment, that will have you flipping back to see if you missed a clue that was coming and finding none
If you devour books that keep you on your toes, and spice with a great plot then Ranger is a must read.
Ranger is on top of my romantic suspense of 2023.
"If you enjoy a book with an "I didn't see that coming" moment, that will have you flipping back to see if you missed a clue that was coming and finding none
If you devour books that keep you on your toes, and spice with a great plot then Ranger is a must read.
Ranger is on top of my romantic suspense of 2023.
May 8, 2024
beware spoilers 🚨🚨🚨
This is just was not my cup of tea. While I enjoy a good mystery, the innuendos galore were just became annoying. That said from here on out nothing but spoilers
If there was an ahh ha moment for the reader or if MMC had internally been straight forward in first 40%, it would have salvaged this story for me.
But having both Olivia & Ranger/ Drew appear to be borderline unlikable was a big miss for me.
Drew appears to be obsessed over a mission gone wrong, but for 70% the reader has no clue why- so it hard to emphasize or connect. he also has long ongoing issues with work life balance but again to save the big OMG shocker - it’s pg 91, before he is forced to acknowledge he’s married and with zero explanation given to the reader, and next thing you know he’s declaring undying love and saying goodbye at the same time. Drew continues to have tunnel vision for the mission but in spite of his intentions can’t stay away from Olivia.
Olivia is “escaping an abusive relationship” but has blocked out her trauma, when Ranger finds her she’s wanting to die, but while on the run and upon returning home, she’s not alert or skiddish about being found- like a mental & physical abuser wouldn’t look for you or check your parents home.
They are both incredibly drawn to each other and falling in love in a day. even though both have spouses, I can get behind the dismissal of Olivia’s spouse because of the assumption of abuse BUT Ranger even if there’s smoke and mirrors pointing to dysfunctional home life and this magnetic attraction to Olivia - he still comes off as playing a shell game with emotions. And Olivia even if you’ve been horribly mistreated, he’s married and she says it over and over.
By the time the subterfuge is done, I was just about to frustrated to enjoy the real bones of the HEA. Even in my rant I tried not to spell out to much.
This is just was not my cup of tea. While I enjoy a good mystery, the innuendos galore were just became annoying. That said from here on out nothing but spoilers
If there was an ahh ha moment for the reader or if MMC had internally been straight forward in first 40%, it would have salvaged this story for me.
But having both Olivia & Ranger/ Drew appear to be borderline unlikable was a big miss for me.
Drew appears to be obsessed over a mission gone wrong, but for 70% the reader has no clue why- so it hard to emphasize or connect. he also has long ongoing issues with work life balance but again to save the big OMG shocker - it’s pg 91, before he is forced to acknowledge he’s married and with zero explanation given to the reader, and next thing you know he’s declaring undying love and saying goodbye at the same time. Drew continues to have tunnel vision for the mission but in spite of his intentions can’t stay away from Olivia.
Olivia is “escaping an abusive relationship” but has blocked out her trauma, when Ranger finds her she’s wanting to die, but while on the run and upon returning home, she’s not alert or skiddish about being found- like a mental & physical abuser wouldn’t look for you or check your parents home.
They are both incredibly drawn to each other and falling in love in a day. even though both have spouses, I can get behind the dismissal of Olivia’s spouse because of the assumption of abuse BUT Ranger even if there’s smoke and mirrors pointing to dysfunctional home life and this magnetic attraction to Olivia - he still comes off as playing a shell game with emotions. And Olivia even if you’ve been horribly mistreated, he’s married and she says it over and over.
By the time the subterfuge is done, I was just about to frustrated to enjoy the real bones of the HEA. Even in my rant I tried not to spell out to much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
MIND BLOWING TWIST YOU WILL NEVER SEE COMING!!
I'm starting off with HOLY CANNOLI, what an incredibly, phenomenal book! Katie has outdone herself with Ranger. For stepping outside of her normal sports trope, Katie blew my mind with this slow burn story.
Olivia and Drew were a couple made to be together forever and this book grabbed that concept and held it so tight. When I first started reading it I had so many questions about Olivia and her situation that it kept me enthralled to keep reading because I had to know who this evil person was in her life. The abuse I imagined she went through kept my mind wondering if Drew would finally find out who this person was and give them the beating of their life. But little did I know this story was going to take twists and turns to a completely different level!!!
My heart so bad for both Drew and Olivia in their current marital status' and I was afraid they wouldn't be able to be together. If this book had arms and hands it would have reached out and held my face to each and every page until the very last word was read because just as I was thinking to myself, "Come on, I need answers!", then the story pours out all the answers you need and a lot more you didn't even realized you wanted!
This is a book I will be rereading several more times because even though I know the direction it's heading in, the suspense and unknown questions and answers are just too darn good to not read it again and again!
5 star book doesn't even begin to tell you how much I adored and loved this book!!
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I'm starting off with HOLY CANNOLI, what an incredibly, phenomenal book! Katie has outdone herself with Ranger. For stepping outside of her normal sports trope, Katie blew my mind with this slow burn story.
Olivia and Drew were a couple made to be together forever and this book grabbed that concept and held it so tight. When I first started reading it I had so many questions about Olivia and her situation that it kept me enthralled to keep reading because I had to know who this evil person was in her life. The abuse I imagined she went through kept my mind wondering if Drew would finally find out who this person was and give them the beating of their life. But little did I know this story was going to take twists and turns to a completely different level!!!
My heart so bad for both Drew and Olivia in their current marital status' and I was afraid they wouldn't be able to be together. If this book had arms and hands it would have reached out and held my face to each and every page until the very last word was read because just as I was thinking to myself, "Come on, I need answers!", then the story pours out all the answers you need and a lot more you didn't even realized you wanted!
This is a book I will be rereading several more times because even though I know the direction it's heading in, the suspense and unknown questions and answers are just too darn good to not read it again and again!
5 star book doesn't even begin to tell you how much I adored and loved this book!!
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
December 5, 2021
Ranger Finally Gets His Lady in this Emotional Romance.
Sometimes the way a story is told can be just as important as the story itself. That's the case with Katie Rae's standalone military romance, Ranger: Men of the
Military.
Andrew is a US Army ranger out on a solo, command- ordered training exercise when he comes upon a disheveled blonde young woman who has been lost for three days. Learning her name is Ollie, (Olivia) he keeps her safe as the stay lost together and fall in love Because she does not want to return to her home, where she reports that she is being traumatized and abused. "Ranger" is a stranger but Oliie feels safe with him. Why, when she has so much trauma in her life? How does he know just what she needs? What is it about him that makes her feel so safe?
Told in alternate first person pov, you get the events filtered through Andrew & Ollie's eyes. Katie weaves an at times confusing story together until the past is fully revealed and you understand the choices each have made to get their HEA. Let me tell you, the jaw-dropping & gut-wrenching twist makes the confusion all worth it.
Now, I want to go back and reread this to understand the events of the story, now that I get what it's all about. I know this is kind of a vague review but this is a really difficult story to talk about without spoiling it. And you don't want to be spoiled!
It's not a totally perfect read. There are couple of misspelled words. It did not detract from the story, for me. Kudos to Kate Rae for a creatively told romance.
Sometimes the way a story is told can be just as important as the story itself. That's the case with Katie Rae's standalone military romance, Ranger: Men of the
Military.
Andrew is a US Army ranger out on a solo, command- ordered training exercise when he comes upon a disheveled blonde young woman who has been lost for three days. Learning her name is Ollie, (Olivia) he keeps her safe as the stay lost together and fall in love Because she does not want to return to her home, where she reports that she is being traumatized and abused. "Ranger" is a stranger but Oliie feels safe with him. Why, when she has so much trauma in her life? How does he know just what she needs? What is it about him that makes her feel so safe?
Told in alternate first person pov, you get the events filtered through Andrew & Ollie's eyes. Katie weaves an at times confusing story together until the past is fully revealed and you understand the choices each have made to get their HEA. Let me tell you, the jaw-dropping & gut-wrenching twist makes the confusion all worth it.
Now, I want to go back and reread this to understand the events of the story, now that I get what it's all about. I know this is kind of a vague review but this is a really difficult story to talk about without spoiling it. And you don't want to be spoiled!
It's not a totally perfect read. There are couple of misspelled words. It did not detract from the story, for me. Kudos to Kate Rae for a creatively told romance.
February 24, 2021
All the emotions. All of them.
Can I be honest? I’ve been in a major dark romance mood lately. The darker, the better. So when this landed on my Kindle, I didn’t want to read it.
Do I love Katie Rae? Of course I do.
Do I love her characters and the worlds she creates? Obviously.
But for some reason, I just couldn’t start the book. And then I did. And I couldn’t stop.
•
“She only knew what she knew. Only believed what she saw. So I couldn't be mad at her.”
— Ranger by Katie Rae
•
This book was everything. It made me feel everything.
I was mad, confused, sad, happy, confused again, devastated, elated, broken, and put back together.
Katie Rae broke me and then put me back together in a way that is rare for such a new author, in my opinion.
I can’t recommend the book enough for a true love story, a story of broken people who are lost and find each other, over and over again.
I don’t know what Katie Rae has planned next, but I’ll be there, first in line.
Can I be honest? I’ve been in a major dark romance mood lately. The darker, the better. So when this landed on my Kindle, I didn’t want to read it.
Do I love Katie Rae? Of course I do.
Do I love her characters and the worlds she creates? Obviously.
But for some reason, I just couldn’t start the book. And then I did. And I couldn’t stop.
•
“She only knew what she knew. Only believed what she saw. So I couldn't be mad at her.”
— Ranger by Katie Rae
•
This book was everything. It made me feel everything.
I was mad, confused, sad, happy, confused again, devastated, elated, broken, and put back together.
Katie Rae broke me and then put me back together in a way that is rare for such a new author, in my opinion.
I can’t recommend the book enough for a true love story, a story of broken people who are lost and find each other, over and over again.
I don’t know what Katie Rae has planned next, but I’ll be there, first in line.
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