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Broken Warriors #1

The Lieutenant

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Close quarters, hot sand, and forbidden love in this sexy new military stepbrother romance.

To me Star Cove means love and heartbreak indissolubly tied together. When my father was assigned as base commander in Star Cove, I couldn’t say no to his offer to move in with him. I couldn’t wait for the beach and the sand and my first real job out of college.

Only dad doesn’t tell me about his new wife and her deliciously sexy military sons and the house we all now call home. The house is big, but the base is small, and everyone talks.

If I give in to our attraction, I could ruin my new stepbrothers’ careers and my dad’s. If I don’t, I might lose the only chance at a love that could heal my broken heart for good.

Warning: this book is part of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. This is a why choose, military stepbrother story where the heroine won’t have to choose between her different love interests. It has sexual scenes, dub-con, swearing, danger and mild violence. Suitable only for readers aged 18+

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Published July 1, 2021

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384 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Adams

68 books814 followers
Melissa Adams is from the UK but was born in Italy and grew up between the two countries. She’s now UK based and her day job is connected her other huge passion after writing and reading: flying. She lived in the US and got herself a super hot Yankee husband who followed her back to Europe.
Her obsessions: Yorkshire terriers and Norse gods!
She’s often heard saying that she never trusts people who don’t love animals.
Her passions have been reading and writing from an early age and her first adventure in writing was in journalism.
Melissa’s stories focus on the romance, on character development and on the sensual aspect of love. Summer romance is her absolute first love but every story she writes has a mystery twist because life is nothing but a mystery.
Here’s a link to her website for all the latest news about her and her writing: https://melissaadamsr.wixsite.com/web...
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHwit...
IG: @melissa.adamsr
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melis...
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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5 stars
182 (40%)
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140 (30%)
3 stars
90 (19%)
2 stars
32 (7%)
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9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
July 20, 2021
it was some time since i read something from Melissa. This book did pull me in so much that i need the next book, especially since that daaaamn cliffhanger at the end of the book just left me hanging in the dark.. wth who took the poor girl??? , sadly it comes out next year... :(
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
May 12, 2023
Great introduction

Look, I was a bit scared of diving in this one, because I know nothing about the army and the military life in general. Ranks? Hell, I can't even play Stratego because I can't keep up with them. Fortunately the author included a glossary for people like me to actually know what certain things are, but I'm a bit of a nutcase and apart from reading it in the beginning, I never looked back and kinda went by guessing from memory. So yeah... I might not be the ideal reader for this. But while doing it my way and not understanding all the terms, I was still able to fully grasp the plot development going on, which is what I was going for, because I feel that as a reader, this should be something that is addressed in a review so I know when I go in, I need the added background knowledge. I'm sure knowing everything will add to the enjoyment of the book, but I found myself enjoying it regardless.

While I wasn't the biggest fan of the FMC Isla the entire time, I could see how her actions were influenced by her past.
And there's the entire military ranking system that definitely solidified the fact that this life would not be for me. I won't go in depth here, because that's a very personal opinion.

There's definitely some interesting developments going on as the story progresses and the ending introduces a murder mystery, which is my favourite since I was still a kid and devouring Agatha Christie books back to back. My inner Miss Marple has been unlocked! On to the next book.

1,016 reviews
March 8, 2022
I love Oren and Leith. Could you as for better stepbrothers? Isla has returned to Star Cove after being away for 6 years and having her heart broken. I really liked her character too. She just wants to get over her heart break from all those years ago, but stepping back into Star Cove isn't as easy as she was hoping. There is drama right from the get go and poor Isla doesn't realize what she has started. The ending is a big cliff hanger and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Eszter Hudák.
3 reviews
December 9, 2024
It was a horrible disgusting book.
The plot is really interesting, and the reunion of the lovers. But the main character is a horny awful bitch who doesn’t have any deepness and all she wants to do is have sex. She sleeps around those mans who ARE BROTHERS and look similar with their perfect body.
I hated this book.
I don’t know why I read it in the first place.
I’m totally disgusted and the ending was hideous.
Don’t read it, please🙏🏽
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
534 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2021
Whew! I had to hold on to something when I started this book...it had two...well three things going for it before I even picked it up...1.) Melissa Adams wrote it.
2.) MILITARY MEN!!🤪🔥🔥🔥🔥💜
3.) 🙈 Stepbrother romance....😱 🤫 don't tell anyone....I think I kinda am digging that 🤔 🙈.

Isla had her heart broken at the age of 16. She was deeply in love and trusted him with all of her firsts.. It was the summer she spent with her Grandparents in Star Cove. It just also happened to be the same time her mother just up and left her and her father.
Thurston was also having his firsts with Isla..his first time being in love...it was kinda freaking him out but his father dies and he gets Ll confused with his feelings and abruptly ends things with Isla.... Neither of them get over it....6 years later Isla comes back to Star Cove to live with her father after college and work on the military base in the library. She meets two hunky guys Oren ( my fave💜🔥), and Leith. And another guy Joe. Turns out that the 2 hunky guys are her SUPRISE stepbrothers! And there is a third she hasn't met. The guy Joe turns into a huge D-bag. Nd Owen, and Leith are awesome.

As usual the writing is excellent and world building is on point! Melissa Adams just has the best writing skills that I love. She has great characters and stories to go with ALL the feels...it is a truly great read. I can't wait to get the next book...lol because yes...there was a cliffhanger....and not one you expected. 😱🤪😘💜
Profile Image for Trish.
64 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2023
The Lieutenant is Book 1 in the Broken Warriors Trilogy.  The Sergeant is book 2,  and The Captain (Book 3) completes the series. 

This is my 1st Melissa Adams book, and truth be told quite it was quite different for me.  I'm nowhere near new to the reverse harem troupe, but I wasn't completely sure about the stepbrother element.  But in this instance,  it really worked.  I quickly found myself immersed in the Star Cove world and loving the characters.

This book,  the plot and characters are SO well written. It was tough to play favorites, and just as tough to hate some of them.  The plot was immaculate,  and I stayed on the edge of my seat,  with bated breath,  waiting to find out what happened. The ending is no exception,  if the shocked gasp and racing mind to try to come up with an explanation all the while hoping against hope it's not what I'm thinking. 

The armed services element was just icing on the cake.  The entire thing just clicked, and worked so well.  I'm in awe of how the author handled the situations and topics that came up.  And I can't wait to start the 2nd book, and find out just what happened. 
Profile Image for Kyla .
320 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2021
This is the first military RH that I've read and I've gotta say I loved it! It was sweet, steamy and messy at the same time. I could feel the emotions pouring off the pages; it was written so well. I loved that it started from some of the guys perspectives, that's different than most books I've read lately and it's a nice change. The men are a combination of all the things we love in book boyfriends :) hot, drool worthy, military, oh and they happen to be her new step-brothers. They are sweet, and caring but each carries their own baggage. Isla the FMC is great, she makes some mistakes and she's struggling with her own baggage, but as their relationships grow she finds herself falling deeper for them, yet afraid to get her heart broken again. But as with all great books there are twists and turns. Tests of loyalty, steamy scenes, challenges, heart break and maybe a little bit of danger. The cliffhanger shocked me, it came out of nowhere, and I can honestly say I didn't see that coming. It tore at my heart! I need more!! I can't wait to find out what happens next!!
Profile Image for Merbabe Kara.
297 reviews43 followers
July 16, 2022

*Throws kindle at Melissa Adams* HOW FUCKING DARE YOU!? I had to immediately run to start The Sergeant because of that cliffhanger!!!! *SCREEEEEAMS*

Fucking hell that shit was not nice! *Grumbles* Anyways, let’s get down to business y’all. *Cracks knuckles* The Lieutenant isn’t something I’d typically pick up because I’m not generally a big fan of men in uniform romances. However… this was a Melissa Adams book so you know I wasn’t missing out on this series. And I can confidently say that I’m 100% glad I went with my gut and started Broken Warriors!

It was admittedly a slow start for me but I think that might be because of the six year flashback scenes. If I’m being honest I normally despise second chance romances. (I didn’t realize there was one in this book before starting.) That being said I was pleasantly surprised to find that I actually really like the guy who is second chance! He’s a possessive asshole and I love him bahaha!

Okiedokie, I’m leaving this review now because as I said I already started The Sergeant and y’all are taking me away from my hotties. So my last comment is that I’d definitely recommend this book but Oren is mine. See ya thirsty bishes!
640 reviews10 followers
July 18, 2021
Isla had her heart broken years ago, and it scarred her. She can’t get into relationships, she jumps into one night stands to prove that she can feel. However….they always have more fun than she does. She worries that he body is broken.

She’s coming back to the little town where she spent a summer to start a new job, get closer to her dad, but there’s a lot of memories that are haunting her. I loved this book, and the darkness that is behind the veil of the military that we get a peek at. I’m excited to see if Isla is able to forgive Thurston, and where her relationships with the people that she’s getting close to in town will lead to.

Melissa Adams does stepbrother books so well, and there’s an intricacy in the history that make you excited to turn the page.

I can’t wait for the next book.
2,598 reviews15 followers
July 15, 2021
Didn't know I needed this for the summer but yes this is fantastic! When you read this book you'll understand why Melissa is one of my favorite authors. The story pulls you in, the drama happening is so good yet it feels so real. Isla is moving with her Dad. He just didn't tell her about the stepbrothers or new wife. Quickly falling for her stepbrothers leads to all sorts of complications. I can tell you how awesome this book is and go on for ages but I don't want to hold you from this awesomeness. I don't wanna share teasers but there is a cliffhanger that'll leave you wanting book 2. This is book 1 of a trilogy and I personally am ready for the next! Also I love the insight Melissa gives in the military. Rules you didn't know existed and that is pretty awesome.
Profile Image for Leopardwolf.
592 reviews7 followers
July 27, 2021
Isla has her own Knights in Army Armour 💚💚. 💚
I loved this book by Melissa. Oren and Leith would make any lover happy but to have them as your knights in army armour is a dream come true!

The way that we see what Isla and Thurston feel and the way they still love each other is a nice twist. Love how we also see how much T has majorly effed up and how Isla is not letting him get away with anything.

And yes I want to slap Joe so hard he'd be wearing his hemorroids as his dog tags! Just let me at him Melissa!!
And while I have your attention, you gonna leave us there? In the sand? You cruel cruel, evil genius. I am excited to find out what happens next but I will happily wait until you're ready to put me out of my misery. A good story is worth the anticipation and the wait.
Profile Image for Melissa .
490 reviews29 followers
July 28, 2021
I absolutely loved this sweet and sexy military romance by Melissa Adams.

This book is categorized as a dark romance, but I wouldn’t call it that. There are some dark elements but they don’t hit you until the last few pages of the book. I assume the next in the series will be a bit darker but this book was actually pretty sweet. I loved the characters and found myself rooting for them. The writing was good and the pacing perfect- I only wish I didn’t have to wait so long for a certain two characters to finally meet! Gah! The tension was killing me!

Overall this was a light, fun read and I will definitely be preordering the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Libby Fowler .
602 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2021
Melissa is the queen of forbidden romance books!
I absolutely loved this book. Its definitely the start of a great series!
Isla moves into her fathers house who has just eloped. His wife has 3 sons Oren, Leith and Thurston... she meets Oren and Leith and they share feelings, by being her stepbrothers they have to keep things secret. Little does she know Thurston is the guy who broke her heart 6 years ago so when they meet it is a huge shock to them all.
That ending though! I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Haylee James.
396 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2021
Sweet steamy goodness this is an amazing book. The characters are amazing and unique in their own way. Isla finds it hard being back in Star Cove after her heart was broken in the past. She has a wild streak about her but I love her as a character especially when she stands her ground. The guys are hot steamy military men and brothers and her Nana is hilarious and sweet you instantly fall in love with her. There's some twists and surprises here and there and the ending has you at the edge of your seat. I can't wait to see where the next book goes. I absolutely recommend this book.
232 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2021
Military love

Simply amazing. Isla and Thurston met six years ago and had an amazing summer together til tragedy struck for one ending the break up of the relationship. Six years later their lives are thrust back together. They both have suffered from their past relationship and it has affected each in different ways. Isla now has step brothers who she has feelings for and a family friend who doesn't understand no. Twists and turns are all through the books and cam we talk about that ending ..... Gahhh can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Miss E.
595 reviews
July 17, 2021
Who can resist a man in a uniform? How about 3?
The books from this author just keep getting better and better (I can attest to that since I've read ALL the books from this one).
Here we are thrust into drama right there on the military base. And drama there is. I can't tell much here without giving away spoilers, so I'll leave you with this: This one leaves you on a serious cliff!
I highly recommend the book!
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,796 reviews18 followers
July 16, 2021
Another amazing book

This book just proves why Melissa is one of my favorite authors. She writes a story that will pull you in and not let you go. I mean yes, there are hot guys, but the storyline is so good that you need to know what is going on. I absolutely love the different pov and I seriously want to go and have tea with Nana because that woman is amazing.
I won't even yell to much about that ending because it just makes me so excited about what is going to happen in the next book.
So people go out and get reading.
Profile Image for Charlene Ackerley.
45 reviews
July 15, 2021
Loved it

Wow, I love this book! Melissa has done it again and there is loads I could say about this book… I don’t want to spoil anything though. So, I’m just going to say it was as amazing read from start to finish can’t wait for The Sergeant to find out even more of the story.
Would highly recommend this book to anyone how loves RH Stepbrother romance.
Profile Image for Samantha Shaffer.
576 reviews
October 25, 2021
The lieutenant Melissa Adams
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌊 Military
🌊 Stepbrothers
🌊 First love
🌊 Eggplant count of 3

Do you like sexy men in uniform that look drop-dead in and out of uniform how about 3. If your answer was yes to either one of these questions then this book is for you!! Who doesn't dream about getting a hot step-sibling in their twenties to have secret rendezvous is with I mean come on and not only do you get one you going to buy one get 2 free! Sadly that also involves your first love who freaking crushed your heart and some Super Sushi guy who can't take no for an answer trying to mess everything up for you and Court you like it's freakin Bridgerton! I don't know about you but I'm going to go keep reading!!

#SASBOOKREVIEWS
Profile Image for Kayleigh henderson.
1,128 reviews
July 10, 2021
Talk about a book that is going to draw you in and not realise you till it spits you out at the end. You will not notice the world going on as you are drawn into the world and fall on love with the characters in there. Highly recommend
Profile Image for jennifer morton.
317 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2021
Brilliant!!!!

Wow melissa you certainly know how to get someone hooked with a story right from the very beginning. The suspence was killing me and I kept wondering when Isla would finally run into her ex from six years ago and how she would react after so long. The forbidden attraction that seems to get hotter as the story unfolds but just as Isla thinks things are going ok bam you through something else into the mix that will blow your mind away which will leave you asking questions and set you up for the next installment in the story and having you wanting more.
Profile Image for Nicole Hale.
965 reviews28 followers
July 14, 2021
Let me tell you Melissa Adams is the queen of step brother romances, and this one did not disappoint. As soon as I picked this book up I knew she was going to take me on a whirlwind, I finished this book in one sitting. I loved it.
Profile Image for Melissa Hickman.
1,042 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2021
Fantastic!!!!

I loved this book!!!! Isla is a great character and each of the guys have a separate and unique personality ! Love the stepbrother twist and the military terminology and storyline was extremely interesting!!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
Profile Image for April Hampton.
382 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2021
Wow! The Lieutenant was great but man that ending killed me. Of course great story telling as always. I’ve read every book Melissa has released and they just keep getting better.
#cliffhanger

Can’t wait for book #2!
156 reviews
August 3, 2021
Melissa you've done it to me again!

Honestly who needs sleep anymore when this book hooks you in so hard you can't sleep until you finish it only to be left with the mother load of cliff hangers... read this book!! but expect a hangover guys.
Profile Image for Mandy Robitaille .
2,122 reviews20 followers
April 16, 2022
I always love Melissa's books, and this one definitely ticks all the boxes! Steamy, slightly taboo, and all the romance and angst. This was beautifully done and can't wait to read the rest of the series! That cliffy left me hanging!
313 reviews
May 27, 2022
omg I’m obsessed

This book was amazing! Great story line and these military men?! *Swoon* It’s spicy and perfect in every way. The ending was crazy and I definitely have a couple guesses/theories about what’s going on.. can’t wait to dive into the next book and see if I’m right. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Andrea Drake.
426 reviews29 followers
September 30, 2022
God, I seriously loved this book! Everything about it!! The flashbacks to her childhood first love & meeting him again later as her step brother & his brothers who are also interested in her. It has all my favorite tropes! Melissa Adams knows how to do step brother reverse harems!
Profile Image for Kristina.
707 reviews19 followers
July 17, 2021
Brilliant

I loved this book!! Fantastic characters and its such an enticing read that before you know it its the end. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Kellie Patnella.
610 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2022
Great read!

The Lieutenant was awesome and had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning. Interesting plot with wonderfully written characters and seriously steamy scenes had me unable to put it down till finished. Definitely recommend giving this book a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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