Firefighter Mason “Cutter” Carter is one of the lucky ones—he is still alive after his life nearly got claimed in a fire. So when he wakes up from a coma, Mason is ready to get back to the life he knows—or the one he thinks he knows where the idea of a wife and a marriage is non-existent, but where the heart-stoppingly gorgeous brunette still haunts his nights and torments his days.
Ensley Carter-Walker puts the fire and the fighter in the term firefighter. Always strong, forever the one people would count on, Ensley has the fire in her soul and the fight in every fiber of her being. Now, more than ever, these attributes are challenged as she begins the battle of her life—fighting for Mason’s love and their marriage, while experiencing his excruciating denial to succumb to his feelings for her.
Lies are told and truths are hidden. Secrets are harbored and emotions are triggered. Attraction skyrockets and tension builds. Denied temptation hangs on by a thread and blurred lines get crossed. Mason and Ensley gamble on a chance that could bring them a thriving forever or a tragic cessation.
The present’s stakes are high when Mason can’t outrun his deceitful and well-concealed past that catches up to him, creating an uncertain future. But the price to be paid gets even steeper when Ensley proves to be the only one standing between him and his looming legacy, and her life is in danger.
A fast-ticking clock sets off and every second that clicks by wagers against the love and happily ever after they once promised to each other—a vow remarkably close that’s within reach, but so dangerously far all the same.
Misha Blake is a contemporary romance author who loves to write about the struggles people go through and the odds they fight against for a stab at that happily ever after we all wish for. She is devoted to the kind of stories that are emotion-packed and suspense-charged, writing about the heroes who are as hot and protective as they are Alphas, and the stubborn, feisty and strong heroines who bring them to their knees.
Misha is based in the rainy United Kingdom where if you don’t find her sipping on coffee and plotting, you will find her on a hike, enjoying nature—bating her inspiration to strike.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required.
Trigger Warning: divorce (mentioned), foster care, broken family
Cutter talks about a man who got lost and then rescued by love, family, and friends. It talks about how far one is willing to go to protect their loved ones while, at the same time, finding the strength to hold on to one's soulmate.
The POV is from both MCs - Mason Carter and Ensley Walker, two firefighters trying their best to help their community.
I enjoyed the lessons in the book, like: How marriage is an ongoing project wherein couples must work with each other constantly to show their love and support. A family can come from many forms beyond giving birth. If all ends fail, be honest and let others in to help. It is realistic and raw. It shows that a HEA married couple can still fall and run into big problems. Ensley was fearless in doing what she did. It was risky, but I understand her position, no matter how frustrating. I believe that with proper communication (and fewer secrets) from the start, everyone involved would have minimized all the heartache. BUT this is the author's specialty...to bring in as much angst in a story. I cannot fault the author for this formula/direction. I would have better accepted the whole premise if the MCs had good communication from the start, then they brought in conflict, insecurity, and angst. I would be in a better headspace to accept the situation.
I find the pacing a bit slower and repetitive at times. There is the point of Mason forgetting what he is to Ensley that shows through flashbacks and recollection that seems to drag some bits of the story. There was much grief and anguish in both Ensley and Mason's situations and internal discussions that would distract me from focusing on the problem and piecing together the "missing pieces" of the story.
About three-fourths of the story, the pace gets faster and more exciting - when Mason finally becomes vulnerable, and his secret slowly emerges. Readers get to see why Mason did what he did and the past that comes catching up with him. I love the action-packed, suspenseful ending that will grip readers till the end.
Even with the above, I would still recommend Cutter. It is a good continuation of the series that will tie in many questions on what happened to Ensley. It continues from where it left off and provides an in-depth exploration of life after a wedding, basically how to make marriages last, which is to love and "fight" fiercely and honor their vows.
The story is romantic, steamy, dramatic and angsty with some suspense. This is a fire fighter, second chance romance novel. The amazing chemistry between the protagonists with the push and pull between, not to forget the steam will make it a perfect read for romance readers. The male protagonist has his own set of problems which the female protagonist helps him thru them. The female protagonist is reselient and will be well liked by its readers. It is a highly recommended book for readers who like this genre.
Personal Take: After much await, Misha Blake is finally ready with her new book. This book is really steamy with adorable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the push and pull between the protagonists. The hot and cold nature of Carter had me so frustrated but he made up for it later. It was dreamy and a perfect vacation
Cutter is the second book in the Badges Of The Capital by Misha Blake.
This is Manson “cutter” and Ensley story. I’ve been so looking for to reading Mason’s book. This second chance romance didn’t disappoint. It was very steamy, dramatic, angsty, with lots of heart. The chemistry between Ensley and Mason was insanely good 🔥 Mason’s off and on behaviour did start to irritate me a little but the more the story went on he was making up for it. Easley is the most lovely understanding character. I absolutely adored her.
I know Cutter was hurt and lost his memory, but he needs to grow up. Ainsley is hurting cause her husband doesn't remember her or that he's married, in my opinion she should have reminded him instead of watching him flirt with other women. But when she's put in danger due to his estranged mob family, he finally see's the light. HEA.