Adored by You

San Diego Marines #7

by Jess Mastorakos

Ten years later, can I finally get my second chance with the one that got away?

I was eighteen when Paige Walker marched out of my life and straight onto the set of what would become one of the country’s longest running medical dramas. She was made for the screen, and I had no hope of pinning her down.

Back then, I had plans of my own, and they didn’t include moving to LA while she chased her Hollywood dreams.

But now I’m a Marine stationed in California, and in some happy twist of fate, this mega celebrity needs something from me. And I’m happy to help, especially if it means having her on my arm again, even if only for one night.

And then something shifts, and I don’t want it to end when the favor does.

Being reunited after all these years ignites the old torch I’ve been carrying, and I won’t let her walk away from me a second time. Not without a fight.

Adored by You is a sweet romance told from alternating POVs, set in the world of The San Diego Marines. Each book can be read as a standalone but are fun to read in order.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Military Romance, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Fiction

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2020

About the author

Jess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.

Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!

www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you

Reviews

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to reading, one of my favorite sayings is: You can't read all day... unless you start in the morning! Guess what I've been doing most of the day?! That's right! Reading! What else was I supposed to do when my body decided I had had enough sleep at 3:26am?! Haha.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that loves when a book can sweep you off your feet and give you that much needed break from reality. That's exactly what happened while reading this book. The second chance romance trope is one of my favorites. There's just something about seeing two people who are meant to be together, reunite and finally get their HEA.

I thought I was going to have a hard time relating to Paige. But I really shouldn't have been worried. I absolutely adored her and Noah. Their reunion was 8 years in the making and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Their fun, easy going vibe made it easy to relate to them. They both were selfless and had the biggest hearts. Making others happy is what made them happy. They are truly perfect for each other. They are definitely one of my favorite couples in this series.

I loved seeing all our favorite Marines and their families in this book. Today, being Thanksgiving, was the perfect day to read it. It made the Thanksgiving weekend in the book extra special. It's a little bittersweet to see this series end, but this was the perfect ending to an amazing series. I'm so glad that Ms. Mastorakos isn't ready to say goodbye to our friends forever. I'm looking forward to their cameos in the next series. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us!

And of course I can't forget my casting. Y'all! I am in love! What do you think?!

[Megan Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah and Paige have reunited thanks to a film opportunity in San Diego. She'll need his help to secure the part, but Noah isn't willing to let their relationship be purely business. As old fires spark back to life, can they pick up where they left off despite the scars from their time apart. It’s a great book and a sweet romance story.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. I cannot with this book. And I mean that in a good way. I felt like I devoured this book. Once I started reading, I just couldn't stop. Honestly, if you haven't read this series, I really encourage that you start working on it ASAP. I'm so sad that this series is ending but I did detect some ways the San Diego Marines will be connected to the Kailua Marines in the next series so that was a nice tie in.

Noah and Paige grew up together and were the dream couple in high school. Both had hopes for making it big, acting for Paige and baseball for Noah. Well, plans changed for Noah after unfortunate circumstances with his parents and he joined the Marines instead. Paige, however, went on to be a famous star of an actress on a hit TV show. Now that she's trying to get different roles, Paige may need Noah's help even though they have not spoken for many years and she blatantly ignored his invitation to the Marine birthday ball the year before. What starts out as a way to impress a director for a possible movie role turns into something more. But can a relationship last when they now live in such different worlds and, to add to it, Paige's dad wants Noah to stay as far away from her as possible?

I adore all these characters and I'm so sad to say goodbye. It seems like we may still see some in the next series but I know it won't be the same. I literally laughed out loud at some parts while reading Adored by You and it was perfect. I always enjoy a sweet, clean book that can also make me laugh. Jess Mastorakos does a great job of creating the chemistry between her leading couples.

Also, just to add, after reading the "about the book blurb" for the first book in the new upcoming Kailua Marines series, I see we DID meet one of the new leading men and there is character crossover so I'm stoked!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet Second Chance

So sweet! I have enjoyed this series so much. This whole group of military friends who also function as family has taken up residence in my heart. I feel like I know them and I want to be friends with them in real life. This is a light, easy reading, sweet romance. Second chance at first love. I'm glad to see this author is taking the next series to Hawaii so I can drool over that as well. It will be fun!
Content: kissing

[K. Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect way to end the series! It was also great to catch up with all of the characters in this last book. This was a great series and I highly recommend it.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Angeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet book and I liked it a lot. I was worried that it would be annoying because of the trope, but it was actually a really great book! I shouldn’t have worried Ms. Mastorakos writes amazing books! A marine and a movie star could their love ever grow? Adored by You is the 7th book in Jess Mastorakos’ San Diego Marines series. Noah was such a fun guy in the previous books and I was super excited to read his story. I wanted to know more about him and his past.
Noah and Paige were old friends, but they had parted ways after high school. He joined the Marines and she became a movie star. Noah never stopped wishing that one day their paths might cross again. In a twist of fate, Naoh and Paife are reunited. Paige needs Noah’s help to secure a part but Noah isn’t willing to let their relationship be purely business. As they spend time together will old fires spark to life or will their scars from the past keep them apart.
I liked Noah, he was a nice guy. He cared for his friends, but he was also lonely. He had never recovered from his high school girlfriend who he broke up years ago. It was so sweet to read about him interacting with Paige. He really cared for her. I enjoy reading about the old couples together, it is super fun to see old characters.
I liked Paige and Noah’s relationship, they had known each other before and they were so cute together. I liked how their relationship grew and they learned to trust each other again. Noah and Paige had to figure out how to work through their past and how to have a relationship in the public eye.
Adored by You was a great book! I loved seeing the old characters and I am super excited for Ms. Mastorakos' next series! I would totally recommend this book and I am eagerly waiting for Treasured in Turtle Bay. Adored by You is a cute, clean book!

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, contemporary, clean; mild Christian faith elements; series, but stand alone read
Lovely, sweet Marine military romance. Last book in this series set at the San Diego Marine base. Paige, trying to make a change in her career as an actress reaches out to her boyfriend from High School, who reached out and invited her to a Marine birthday ball the previous year on social media. Due to her father/manager's machinations and manipulations, and the Hollywood fake drama, they have been kept apart in some ways. Paige, starting to take control of her dreams, and her aspirations as far as her career and her heart, wants to make this one move to help her career, but also her heart. This time she wants something wonderful, real, and lasting.
Noah is a great hero. He's conflicted with his family's past, and with his past relationship with Paige's father. He knows his heart still longs for Paige though, and wishes for the future they said they might have when they parted years ago. Strong characters and fun side characters, fun Hollywood/LA drama and setting, along with the trip to Hawaii. Perfect seeing the other friends in the back ground of this novel. Loved the fall between two honest hearts. Perfect way to end this series, and make a connection to the next!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first story I have ready by this author and it definitely won't be the last. I loved Noah and Paige's story and I look forward to reading the stories of the others in the series and I am really looking forward to Molly's story, as well.

Paige and Noah were high school sweethearts but when they turned 18, she wanted to leave Arizona to pursue her dreams of becoming a star in Hollywood and Noah decided to join the Marines for some stability in his life. Now, eight years later and their paths have crossed again. Paige has found stardom on a TV show that she has starred in for the past eight years and Noah has the stability that he craved but could they have a happy ending together?

I loved the sweetness of this story and the genuine love they had for each other all these years later. I also loved that even though Paige was very wealthy, her core values and desires hadn't really changed. She still wanted to be loved and cherished and Noah was the perfect man for that job.

This was a clean, wholesome romance with a lot of wonderful moments. I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review and I look forward to reading more.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I binge read this in one sitting! I was so excited - but in a bittersweet way - to see how the San Diego marines series would wrap up and pivot to the Kailua Marines series. I thought Noah's crush on Paige, revealed in an earlier book in the series, was adorable not realizing the long history they'd had as high school sweethearts years before.

Noah and Paige were the "IT" couple back in their day, both from families with parents obsessed with money. Paige's family was on the upper crust, but focused on making sure their daughter and any significant other were just as, if not more, successful. Noah was from a family with a never-ending stream of get rich quick schemes until they landed themselves in federal prision. That hit Noah hard enough to abandon his college scholarship and dreams of the major leagures shortly after graduation and enlist in the Marines - upsetting any dreams Paige's father had for him, and leading to a fork in the road that would take them on separate journeys.

But you never forget your first love! Paige, now a successful TV actress yearning for deeper, more challenging roles, accepts Noah's invite to the Marine Corp ball - albeit a year later and for dubious reasons. But sparks fly and a night of faking it quickly turns into the couple rekindling their romance for real - but can they work through her struggles with her domineering father, who controls both her professional and her private life? Can Noah work through the shock and awe that comes from dating a woman now worth millions, and handle the constant barage of press invading their dating relationship? Will the Marine Corp and a possible relocation with a duty change only tear this couple apart again? I just couldn't put it down until I knew for sure how things would end!

--Okay, I might have swooned when Finn proposed to Rachel. Yes, we knew it was coming but I felt like I was there, watching over Paige and Noah's shoulders!
--Love the clean, romance with the subtle faith element, as we saw in Home with You.
--I loved getting allllll the SD Marine's back together for Friendsgiving!
--Hands down, Rachel's empowerment through the advice and support of Sandra (director of the movie Paige is dying to get the lead for) was probably my favorite part of the whole 7 part series! It was most definitely time for Paige to break out of the shell her father built around her but what surprised me was how much Paige was missing in realizing the impact of her long-standing TV role. She started the book eager for the end of her contract, only to end the book eager and jazzed for the new directions it might take her. And of course, woohoo'ed when she got the movie lead!

I totally thought it would be Molly and Mac (we all knew Jason wasn't going to make the cut, she is much too awesome for someone so NOT interested in his lovely leading lady) but it's up to Roman to woo Molly and I can't wait for Treasured in Turtlebay to see what Hawaii has in store for our group of Marines and their fun and fiesty love interests!

NOTE: I am a volunteer ARC team member and received an early copy of the ebook to read.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored By You was a super sweet romance that beautifully tied up the San Diego Marines series while introducing Jess’s new series. I was actually very surprised to find that this ended up being one of my favorite books in the series (although they are all wonderful) because I normally shy away from celebrity romances. I shouldn’t have been hesitant about getting into this book though because, in true Jess Mastorakos style, the two main characters were appropriately mature for their age and they wasn’t any over-the-top drama. I also had to give this books bonus points because Paige and Noah were both from my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona and the author mentions one of my favorite landmarks there :)

The characters in Adored By You were amazing! I adored Noah and Paige together and their love for each other even after years of separation and drastic differences in lifestyles was beautiful, as they were each willing to acknowledge those differences as they rekindled their romance. I loved how Noah still called Paige her old nickname, “PW,” and how seamlessly they clicked together and were able to have fun and joke around while still acknowledging their growing feelings for each other.

The secondary characters were equally as wonderful. We got to catch up with the whole group of San Diego Marines couples and see what was going on in their lives. We were also introduced to Paige’s personal assistant, Molly, who will be a main character in the first book of Jess’s series, The Kailua Marines, and I seriously can’t wait to read her story!

I received a copy of this book from the author in turn for an honest review.

[Lisa Schoenly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect conclusion to the San Diego Marines series. Paige Walker, the star of Young, MD, is trying to break out of her typecasting and audition for a movie. She learns the director is the mother of a Marine, so she reaches out to Noah West, a Marine who had previously invited her to the annual Marine Birthday Ball. Noah and Paige are high school sweethearts who broke up as Paige signed on to her show and Noah enlisted in the Marines.

The date starts off as a way for Paige to get in the good graces of the director, but they both quickly realize that the feelings they shared in high school have not gone away. The story follows them as they learn to navigate their respective careers and relationships. I love the way the book ties in to the next series featuring Marines stationed in Hawaii. Jess writes wonderful stories that offer insight into the military life. I loved when she wrote about the Marines having Friendsgiving because the military is your family.

I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my review.

[Kali M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story and could not put it down. I didn't realize that Paige and Noah had a history together when the ball invite happened in the previous book in the series and learning that brought so much more depth to their storyline. You'll feel so sad for the time they've lost but be rooting for them every step towards the future. Paige and Noah seem like the most unlikely couple given what happened in Noah's past but their love for each other and determination to be together help them through the tough times. I absolutely love that all of the couples from the other books in this series make an appearance in this book, so we get a little update on them as the series comes to an end.
This book is a standalone but I feel you get so much more out of it if you read the entire series. And I cannot wait to start the next series with Molly! I received this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no way I could ever choose a favorite book in this series, but this was definitely the perfect story to end it. This story centers around Noah and Paige. They dated in high school and have not seen each other since they went their separate ways, Noah into the Marine Corps and Paige off to start her acting career. All these years later, Paige now a famous actress agrees to attend the Marine Corps Ball with Noah. It was magical!! Having had the privilege of attending a Marine Corps Ball myself, I just gushed as I read about their night. This author is so good at making you feel like you are experiencing life right along side the characters.

This can definitely be read as a standalone. However, those who have read the rest of the series will enjoy updates on the couples from the previous books in the series. Although I am sad to see this series end, I was so excited to meet some of the Marines in her new series set in Hawaii coming this spring. I can't wait!

I was given an advanced copy of this story from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige and Noah loved each other in high school, but his family's implosion changed things for them. Noah needs the security that the Marine Corps provides, and Paige needs to please her parents while pursuing stardom. But they promise that if they ever cross paths again, they will try a relationship one more time. And we get to witness it!
I liked Paige and Noah as a couple. It felt like the missing years mostly disappeared for them. I also liked that Paige was able to fit in with our Marines and their families. I did not enjoy the Hollywood related parts. That is not a favorite trope of mine, so I was glad that there wasn't too much of that. My favorite part was getting glimpses of past H and h's and watching them have fun together. A great way to cap off the series and lead into a new one!

[Kasey Robillard]

I’ll be quite honest, I’m very pleasantly surprised with Adored By You. As someone who is not into mainstream actors/actresses/singer or main stream anything, when I read book #6 and saw the next one was going to be about a movie star, I said to myself, “Bleh. I’m going to read it because I like everything else Jess has written, but I don’t know about this one.”

I shouldn’t have underestimated Jess because this book was awesome. It’s filled with some twists and turns, it gets the wheels turning in your head, at one point not knowing what’s going on and being confused just like Noah, and at the same time actually coming to love a super down-to-earth generous movie star who doesn’t turn out to be so selfish after all 😋

Again, I shouldn’t have been surprised but I loved this one as well. Great job

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series, you learn more of Marine life. This book is part of a series, but could easily stand alone. Paige and Noah appear to be total opposites with differing dreams. High school sweethearts, they end up on their own paths. Eight years later, they are attending the Marine Ball together. Noah is a Marine, through and through. Paige is a famous actress complete with the paparazzi chasing her. Does this second chance help them see they have more in common or that they will always be worlds apart? This book is realistic, fun, and a sweet romance. My advice to is not just read this one, but get the whole series! I was given a copy for my honest review, and I honestly hope this is not the last in the series- I have enjoyed each and every one of these books.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect "See you later"

Since I knew Noah for a couple of books before this one, I was (and still am) protective of him, and it took me a bit to warm up to Paige. But I did warm up to her, and not only did I warm up, I eventually learned to love her too, just like the rest of our Marine family. They had their ups and downs and trials of life thrown in with the extra difficulty of fame, but this story, like the rest, is about second chances, trust, forgiveness, friendship, and love. Both Paige and Noah, while not originals, are just as essential members of the family as the rest, and I can't imagine the family or the series without any of them. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something special about Jess Mastorakos’ writing. You can depend upon it to warm your soul. She shows what she does best: crafting stories with heroes and heroines that we can trust to get us to that happy ending with a little bit of strife, but a whole lot of loving. The story unfolds in a way that will keep you turning pages well into the night, playing the one more chapter game. What a PERFECT ending for the San Diego Marines series. I absolutely LOVED all 7 books. I can’t wait to read the Kailua series (a spin off of the San Diego series! I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

free ebook
this was my least favorite of the series so far. they dated in high school but broke up when he enlisted and she was going to become a star. years later , he asked her to come to the marine ball. she didnt respond. the next year she needed to go for publicity and he agreed. then she wanted him to pretend to be her boyfriend so she could get a role in a movie. he said it would have to be for real so she agreed. she paid a lot of money to have all 20 of his friends go to hawaii for thanksgiving. in the end she was going to move in with him but rent another apt just for her clothes, he was going to only stay in for 2 more years to be with her

[Susanh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I want more.

Paige and Noah have not seen each other for eight years. They went their separate ways after high school when their careers took them in different directions. Her to Hollywood and him to the Marines. Noah did invite Paige to the Marine ball last year when he was in San Diego, but she never responded.

Now Paige needs Noah for her career and wants to reconnect. But Noah wants more. Can they really meld their lives into one and make it work? And why is her father so against everything Paige is trying to do with her life?

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable book. A good end to the series. At one point we get everyone from all the other books together and that was wonderful!

Celebrity romances like this aren’t quite my jam but I did enjoy this one. My main quibble (which was probably just a me problem) was that I wanted more romance. I wanted more of Paige and Noah together being cute. I felt there was a lot of them figuring things out about their future or getting interrupted. I just wanted a bit more of their relationship.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige and Noah's story was a sweet read. In Mastorakos's previous books, Noah West hints at a relationship with actress, Paige Walker. This book reveals what went down between the two and their sweet romance back together. I absolutely ADORED this pair (see what I did there? 😉) and found the second chance romance trope to be well written and the character's pasts to be well developed. Another great read from Jess Mastorakos!

[Shebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does she do it? Another brilliant read by Jess Mastorakos.

I loved Noah and Paige's novel! Hints of their story had been sprinkled in earlier books, but Ms Mastorakis was still able to surprise me with the events which happened. Loved the story, loved the characters and LOVED the tie-in to the next series!

A worthy end to the San Diego Marines series, bringing back ALL the beloved characters from the prequel and all the previous books, PLUS the introduction of the Kailua Marines... and Molly. YAY!!

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The main characters have a long time history, but circumstances have taken them apart. This story tells how they get back together, which is quite a feat. And how they make it work. The characters are well developed and the storyline is really easy to follow. I really enjoyed it. The romance is just right, not too much. I did receive an advance copy, but this review is all my own.

[Lois Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

San Diego Marines series

The San Diego Marine series was a fun series to read. The lives of marines is described as only one married to a marine can understand. The adventure and the ups and downs of relationships of military life. The bonds between men, their wives and families, their time shared with each other and separations that give each one their purpose in life. Great series.

[Jessica Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars love the history that Noah and Paige has had in the past love how they come back together. Also love how the reunite years after their breakup. Hate the way her father treated Noah and acted like being in the military was beneath paige and Noah and their love for each other. Love conquers all. Highly recommend this series and this book. Awesome way to end the series.

[Anna Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series! This final book of the San Diego Marines is amazing. Noah and Paige gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, and yelled at characters until they got it right. Lol. Thankfully Jess Mastorakos is starting a new series from Hawaii so we can revisit these characters and meet so many more. 💛

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I started it and couldn’t stop. Noah and Paige were great characters and I loved seeing the characters from the previous books. Great story with a great romance. I have loved all the books I have read by Jess Mastorakos and look forward to reading more. I was a voluntary ARC reader for this book. I loved how the Marine and the TV star reignited their previous relationship

[Crissy Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic HEA from Jess Mastorakos! The end of this series but a great transition into the next series. Jump right in and you’ll quickly want to read the rest of the series to learn how all the couples fall in love. Jess has a way of drawing you in and rooting for the characters before their own story debuts. Bring on the Hawaii marines!!!