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Guardian Protection #2
Thrive
From USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez comes a new standalone second-chance romance.
When I was nineteen years old, I was faced with a choice that changed my life.
Keep the safety of what I already knew or risk losing everything with the young, hotheaded soldier who stole my heart.
I chose the wrong man, and for seventeen years, I paid in tears, blood, and shattered dreams for that decision.
Now, there’s a man in my house, holding a gun to my head on the order of my ex-husband—given from his prison cell.
That hotheaded soldier I was too afraid to choose? He’s now a six-foot-three wall of muscle who works at the country’s most premier bodyguard agency. I’ve always wanted him, but now, I’ve never needed him more.
It’s the call I’m terrified to make.
I’m sure he still hates me� Even though I’ve never stopped loving him.
When I was nineteen years old, I was faced with a choice that changed my life.
Keep the safety of what I already knew or risk losing everything with the young, hotheaded soldier who stole my heart.
I chose the wrong man, and for seventeen years, I paid in tears, blood, and shattered dreams for that decision.
Now, there’s a man in my house, holding a gun to my head on the order of my ex-husband—given from his prison cell.
That hotheaded soldier I was too afraid to choose? He’s now a six-foot-three wall of muscle who works at the country’s most premier bodyguard agency. I’ve always wanted him, but now, I’ve never needed him more.
It’s the call I’m terrified to make.
I’m sure he still hates me� Even though I’ve never stopped loving him.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2018
1,020 people are currently reading
1,965 people want to read
About the author
Aly Martinez
54books8,030followersOriginally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
January 23, 2018
4.25 stars!
Anytime a new Aly Martinez book releases, I get excited. She is one of my auto-buy authors and has written some of my favorite books. Thrive is book two in the Guardian Protection series focuses on Lark and his second chance love story�
Jeremy Lark fell in love with Mira York when they were young. The only problem? Mira was dating Lark’s best friend, Kurt. Now Kurt is a piece of work and doesn’t come close to deserving Mira, but still, it makes Mira off limits to him. Still, the two are close friends and that pull between them is there. As love as they have, when things break between them, it’s an ugly break.
Fast-forward seventeen years and Jeremy Lark has changed his life around. He has been working for Guardian and his life is pretty good. Mira, on the other hand, hasn’t had a good life. Kurt made sure of that by brining her down with all of his shenanigans and illegal activities. It actually gets so bad, that even though Kurt is imprisoned, his crap still reaches her. Mira turns to the only person she can trust. The man she didn’t choose all those years ago. Jeremy Lark.
Lark and Mira’s story made my heart hurt at times. Both of them came from unpleasant home lives, and they were there for each other when they needed it the most. I loved Jeremy. Even though he was angry for a long time over what Mira had done to him, he still had love in his heart for her and would do anything to protect her. I wish Mira would have made a better choice in the past for herself and Jeremy, but she was young and didn’t and she’s lived with the consequences of that choice for a long time so I couldn’t even be hard on her over that.
You could feel the connection between these two. Once they were back, they were back in a big way! One of the reasons I love second-chance romances so much, is that a lot of times they have that extra passion and angst, and this story definitely did! I loved feeling the passion between this couple.
If you’re looking for a book with a second-chance romance, tons of emotion, angst, heartache, healing, suspense, and one that will hook you from start to finish, pick up Thrive!
Anytime a new Aly Martinez book releases, I get excited. She is one of my auto-buy authors and has written some of my favorite books. Thrive is book two in the Guardian Protection series focuses on Lark and his second chance love story�
Jeremy Lark fell in love with Mira York when they were young. The only problem? Mira was dating Lark’s best friend, Kurt. Now Kurt is a piece of work and doesn’t come close to deserving Mira, but still, it makes Mira off limits to him. Still, the two are close friends and that pull between them is there. As love as they have, when things break between them, it’s an ugly break.
Fast-forward seventeen years and Jeremy Lark has changed his life around. He has been working for Guardian and his life is pretty good. Mira, on the other hand, hasn’t had a good life. Kurt made sure of that by brining her down with all of his shenanigans and illegal activities. It actually gets so bad, that even though Kurt is imprisoned, his crap still reaches her. Mira turns to the only person she can trust. The man she didn’t choose all those years ago. Jeremy Lark.
Lark and Mira’s story made my heart hurt at times. Both of them came from unpleasant home lives, and they were there for each other when they needed it the most. I loved Jeremy. Even though he was angry for a long time over what Mira had done to him, he still had love in his heart for her and would do anything to protect her. I wish Mira would have made a better choice in the past for herself and Jeremy, but she was young and didn’t and she’s lived with the consequences of that choice for a long time so I couldn’t even be hard on her over that.
“It’s not always going to be this easy, baby. No matter how much we say the past is in the past, there are going to be times when resentment claws its way through our flames. And it’s going to take both of us, together, working as a team to fight that back.�
You could feel the connection between these two. Once they were back, they were back in a big way! One of the reasons I love second-chance romances so much, is that a lot of times they have that extra passion and angst, and this story definitely did! I loved feeling the passion between this couple.
If you’re looking for a book with a second-chance romance, tons of emotion, angst, heartache, healing, suspense, and one that will hook you from start to finish, pick up Thrive!
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 25, 2018DNF @ 47%
My first DNF of 2018...Pretty good for me!
I can't believe I am doing this with an AM book, but I just can't seem to get invested in these characters. At ALL. They could literally both die and I would be like, meh.
So, being that I've told myself I won't continue books I'm not at least fair to middling enjoying anymore, I am calling it quits here. Maybe I will pick this up again later...but probably not.
My first DNF of 2018...Pretty good for me!
I can't believe I am doing this with an AM book, but I just can't seem to get invested in these characters. At ALL. They could literally both die and I would be like, meh.
So, being that I've told myself I won't continue books I'm not at least fair to middling enjoying anymore, I am calling it quits here. Maybe I will pick this up again later...but probably not.
January 15, 2018
FOUR STARS
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
When a man hits rock bottom, one of two things happens.
He withers.
Or he thrives.
”Tշ� is the sexy action-packed second installment of the ”Guardian Protection� series. Its trope is one of my top favorites--second chance romance. There is cheating involved but the fact that everyone involved is guilty of infidelity should make it easier for those who normally steer clear of this topic. I really enjoyed this one a bit more than the previous book.
Jeremy Lark and Mira York became the best of friends nearly twenty years ago while Jeremy was an Army Ranger and Mira was dating his best friend Kurt. Kurt was a spoiled rich kid that Jeremy has known since his early childhood years. He’s not the greatest guy and fidelity is a word that has never been a part of his vocabulary. During the many nights that Kurt was off cheating with different women, Jeremy and Mira would hang out as friends and talk about their hopes and dreams. Eventually, things turned intimate and they each had no clue that what was building between them was for more than just physical attraction. You’d think that after spending so much time together and throughout the many conversations they shared that they would have discussed their feelings, but that never happened. When they are ultimately confronted by Kurt and Mira is asked to choose between them, fear of not being loved by Jeremy has her picking the wrong man.
Jeremy hit rock bottom after Mira’s rejection. It wasn’t until he crossed paths with the co-founders of the Guardian Protection agency that his life took a turn for the better. But no matter how hard he tried, even marrying another woman…he couldn’t get over the one woman that took a piece of his soul. He feels as if his world his tipped off its axis when he gets a call out of the blue from Mira asking for his help.
The last seventeen years have not been easy or happy for Mira. She knew from the moment she chose to stay with Kurt, that it had been the biggest mistake of her life. Kurt got kicked out of the army and soon after turned to a life of crime which unbeknownst to Mira, he hadn’t kept her safe from his dirty dealings. After almost sixteen years of marriage, Mira finally divorces Kurt, but he’s not done infecting her life when one morning she wakes up with a gun to her head being held by one of her ex’s business associates. He kidnaps her little chihuahua and best friend and gives her three days to launder $750,000 or they wind up dead. Feeling overwhelmed, she can only think of one person to turn to. The man that she has never stopped loving--Jeremy.
Jeremy is anything but warm and comforting at first. He’s got almost twenty years of pent-up hurt and anger towards Mira. To survive his heartbreak, he had to turn to hate. His cold demeanor is like a knife through Mira's heart. As the story progresses we learn that Kurt pissed off some very powerful criminals and Mira is in far worse danger than they initially were led to believe.
As Jeremy and Mira are forced to spend an enormous amount of time together, the hurt and anger start to subside, will they be able to confess their true feelings for each other? Will the couple get their second chance when there are threats against Mira’s life lurking around every corner?
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Heroes: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 3
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 4
THRIVE releases on January 18th! If you enjoy steamy romances filled with nail-biting action and a swoon-worthy Alpha Male Hero, then this is a book to add to your TBRs.
Amazon Paperback:
Audio:
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
When a man hits rock bottom, one of two things happens.
He withers.
Or he thrives.
”Tշ� is the sexy action-packed second installment of the ”Guardian Protection� series. Its trope is one of my top favorites--second chance romance. There is cheating involved but the fact that everyone involved is guilty of infidelity should make it easier for those who normally steer clear of this topic. I really enjoyed this one a bit more than the previous book.
Jeremy Lark and Mira York became the best of friends nearly twenty years ago while Jeremy was an Army Ranger and Mira was dating his best friend Kurt. Kurt was a spoiled rich kid that Jeremy has known since his early childhood years. He’s not the greatest guy and fidelity is a word that has never been a part of his vocabulary. During the many nights that Kurt was off cheating with different women, Jeremy and Mira would hang out as friends and talk about their hopes and dreams. Eventually, things turned intimate and they each had no clue that what was building between them was for more than just physical attraction. You’d think that after spending so much time together and throughout the many conversations they shared that they would have discussed their feelings, but that never happened. When they are ultimately confronted by Kurt and Mira is asked to choose between them, fear of not being loved by Jeremy has her picking the wrong man.
Jeremy hit rock bottom after Mira’s rejection. It wasn’t until he crossed paths with the co-founders of the Guardian Protection agency that his life took a turn for the better. But no matter how hard he tried, even marrying another woman…he couldn’t get over the one woman that took a piece of his soul. He feels as if his world his tipped off its axis when he gets a call out of the blue from Mira asking for his help.
The last seventeen years have not been easy or happy for Mira. She knew from the moment she chose to stay with Kurt, that it had been the biggest mistake of her life. Kurt got kicked out of the army and soon after turned to a life of crime which unbeknownst to Mira, he hadn’t kept her safe from his dirty dealings. After almost sixteen years of marriage, Mira finally divorces Kurt, but he’s not done infecting her life when one morning she wakes up with a gun to her head being held by one of her ex’s business associates. He kidnaps her little chihuahua and best friend and gives her three days to launder $750,000 or they wind up dead. Feeling overwhelmed, she can only think of one person to turn to. The man that she has never stopped loving--Jeremy.
Jeremy is anything but warm and comforting at first. He’s got almost twenty years of pent-up hurt and anger towards Mira. To survive his heartbreak, he had to turn to hate. His cold demeanor is like a knife through Mira's heart. As the story progresses we learn that Kurt pissed off some very powerful criminals and Mira is in far worse danger than they initially were led to believe.
As Jeremy and Mira are forced to spend an enormous amount of time together, the hurt and anger start to subside, will they be able to confess their true feelings for each other? Will the couple get their second chance when there are threats against Mira’s life lurking around every corner?
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Heroes: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 3
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 4
THRIVE releases on January 18th! If you enjoy steamy romances filled with nail-biting action and a swoon-worthy Alpha Male Hero, then this is a book to add to your TBRs.
Amazon Paperback:
Audio:
January 17, 2018
What I love most about reading Aly Martinez is how emotionally invested I get by her books. Thrive is no different than the others.
This is a second chance read and let me say this, what a second chance it was. Literally a second chance that takes place 17 years later. Circumstances and timing were way off years ago, or maybe it was just simply stupidity of certain characters making the wrong decisions(just saying). This story is gripping and it grabs your heart from the start. But damn the bitter emotions it brought out of me as well. Majority of this story is told in the present with a few flashbacks towards the beginning which helps with telling the past story of Mira & Jeremy Lark.
Without giving any of the plot away, I will say, I throughly did enjoy this story and I can not wait to read the next one in this awesome series. This can be read as a stand alone too.
If you love a bit of suspense, some action, a few twists, a lot of hot alpha men, overloads of love, this one is for you. And if you really enjoy a stellar Epilogue, you’ll really like this one, its quite sweet. This book ended with me feeling all sappy and happy, and I'll be patiently waiting for the next book.
.
This is a second chance read and let me say this, what a second chance it was. Literally a second chance that takes place 17 years later. Circumstances and timing were way off years ago, or maybe it was just simply stupidity of certain characters making the wrong decisions(just saying). This story is gripping and it grabs your heart from the start. But damn the bitter emotions it brought out of me as well. Majority of this story is told in the present with a few flashbacks towards the beginning which helps with telling the past story of Mira & Jeremy Lark.
Without giving any of the plot away, I will say, I throughly did enjoy this story and I can not wait to read the next one in this awesome series. This can be read as a stand alone too.
If you love a bit of suspense, some action, a few twists, a lot of hot alpha men, overloads of love, this one is for you. And if you really enjoy a stellar Epilogue, you’ll really like this one, its quite sweet. This book ended with me feeling all sappy and happy, and I'll be patiently waiting for the next book.
.
January 19, 2018
***IT'S ALIVE***
Hurt so good�
I locked myself in my bedroom to read this one and finished it in a day. My son copped a gobful from me when he walked into my room (without knocking), and caught me out as I was blubbering like a baby. A slight over-reaction, but when I’m invested in a story like I was with Thrive, *ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK* (but bloody knock FIRST). Sometimes, love hurts.
I finished Thrive with a big goofy smile on my face. I’ve read the first in the series and I knew that Aly Martinez likes to make us suffer a little. This is not a field full of blooms where the couple holds hands skipping along, singing a song, kind of story. It’s gritty, a little messy and a whole lot of heartbreak…and I loved it.
Each section tests your perseverance, stamina and even at times, morals. I got to the end of Thrive and patted myself on the back for getting past my judgemental indignation when the characters did something wrong. I knew that there was a reason for the bad decisions made and I hoped that as time went on, the characters would learn and grow from their mistakes. They definitely learned from their mistakes but unfortunately, the punishment was long and at times unearned.
This is the kind of story where you watch people suffer for love and cross your fingers in hope that they will survive and make their way back to each other. Every hurt that Mira suffered, you can’t help but feel bad for her, while also thinking that she deserved/asked for it a little. With Lark, he didn’t fight hard enough for his love and he paid for it. But, 17 years is a long time to pay for a mistake and neither of them really deserved it.
Reading Thrive hurt so good. Every tear that leaked from my eyes made every smile that followed worth it. I loved that both Mira and Lark found strength in each other. Their quarrels were at times hilarious because you knew that they were just getting their frustrations out. This is a couple who know each other well, spend 17 years apart and just living, to come back together and just fit again. It was sad but beautiful too.
The connection between the characters jumped off the pages. It was funny because I could see it, the people around them could see it, except the bloody knuckleheads themselves couldn’t see it. I loved that when they reconnect, they don’t automatically jump into bed to “work out their troubles�. There were conversations that were hard and feelings of abandonment that needed to be overcome before things progressed. It showed the skill of the author and maturity of the characters which I adored.
I loved catching up with the gang from the Guardian Protection Agency. We meet some new characters that I really like and some old ones that it was great to see again. I really hope we get to experience a lot more of the Guardians love stories.
My first attempt at writing this review was scrapped. I struggled to put down in words my love of a story that made me cry, fume, snicker, snort, smile and shudder. The emotional highs and lows made the journey amazing to watch play out. The ending made all the suffering worthwhile. I can't get enough of Aly Martinez's mad skills and the Guardian Protection series.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Hurt so good�
I locked myself in my bedroom to read this one and finished it in a day. My son copped a gobful from me when he walked into my room (without knocking), and caught me out as I was blubbering like a baby. A slight over-reaction, but when I’m invested in a story like I was with Thrive, *ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK* (but bloody knock FIRST). Sometimes, love hurts.
I finished Thrive with a big goofy smile on my face. I’ve read the first in the series and I knew that Aly Martinez likes to make us suffer a little. This is not a field full of blooms where the couple holds hands skipping along, singing a song, kind of story. It’s gritty, a little messy and a whole lot of heartbreak…and I loved it.
Each section tests your perseverance, stamina and even at times, morals. I got to the end of Thrive and patted myself on the back for getting past my judgemental indignation when the characters did something wrong. I knew that there was a reason for the bad decisions made and I hoped that as time went on, the characters would learn and grow from their mistakes. They definitely learned from their mistakes but unfortunately, the punishment was long and at times unearned.
This is the kind of story where you watch people suffer for love and cross your fingers in hope that they will survive and make their way back to each other. Every hurt that Mira suffered, you can’t help but feel bad for her, while also thinking that she deserved/asked for it a little. With Lark, he didn’t fight hard enough for his love and he paid for it. But, 17 years is a long time to pay for a mistake and neither of them really deserved it.
Reading Thrive hurt so good. Every tear that leaked from my eyes made every smile that followed worth it. I loved that both Mira and Lark found strength in each other. Their quarrels were at times hilarious because you knew that they were just getting their frustrations out. This is a couple who know each other well, spend 17 years apart and just living, to come back together and just fit again. It was sad but beautiful too.
The connection between the characters jumped off the pages. It was funny because I could see it, the people around them could see it, except the bloody knuckleheads themselves couldn’t see it. I loved that when they reconnect, they don’t automatically jump into bed to “work out their troubles�. There were conversations that were hard and feelings of abandonment that needed to be overcome before things progressed. It showed the skill of the author and maturity of the characters which I adored.
I loved catching up with the gang from the Guardian Protection Agency. We meet some new characters that I really like and some old ones that it was great to see again. I really hope we get to experience a lot more of the Guardians love stories.
My first attempt at writing this review was scrapped. I struggled to put down in words my love of a story that made me cry, fume, snicker, snort, smile and shudder. The emotional highs and lows made the journey amazing to watch play out. The ending made all the suffering worthwhile. I can't get enough of Aly Martinez's mad skills and the Guardian Protection series.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
January 16, 2018
LIVE AMAZON
❤️4,5-5 STARS ❤️
Aly Martinez delivers an addictive,compelling and intense story!I was hooked from the beginning and I felt like I was a part of their story!There was the perfect amount of drama some twists and suspense to keep your interest!I adored all the characters even the secondary and I cant' wait to see more books in this series!Now I have for sure to read the first book!
Lark and Mira take you on an emotional roller coaster!Their romance is full of tension,passion,angst and love.These two kept me on the edge all the time.I have so many feelings for these two.
This is a must read, Aly Martinez impressed me for one more time!I can easily say that she starts becoming one of my favorite authors!!
❤️4,5-5 STARS ❤️
Aly Martinez delivers an addictive,compelling and intense story!I was hooked from the beginning and I felt like I was a part of their story!There was the perfect amount of drama some twists and suspense to keep your interest!I adored all the characters even the secondary and I cant' wait to see more books in this series!Now I have for sure to read the first book!
Lark and Mira take you on an emotional roller coaster!Their romance is full of tension,passion,angst and love.These two kept me on the edge all the time.I have so many feelings for these two.
This is a must read, Aly Martinez impressed me for one more time!I can easily say that she starts becoming one of my favorite authors!!
January 22, 2018
This story was so raw. The characters are flawed and make mistakes. Not the little or easy kind either. They go big. In fact, their beginning may be labeled as one of said mistakes to some. To others, it could be the wrong way to end up in the right place.
Jeremy and Mira met and fell in love and it should’ve been your typical HEA if it wasn’t for where they were in their life at the time. Mira had a choice to make and she made the wrong one. Can I just say that I absolutely LOVED that her choice wasn’t just explained away in a way that would make it easier to swallow? It just was and we just dealt with it.
I didn’t like some of the things Mira did, but the insight into her perspective was executed so well that I could be more understanding of her thought process. I liked her fits and her almost unwitting charm. She and Jeremy were so hot together. Their tender moments are melt-worthy ;)
Jeremy won my heart. Even when he was hurt and angry he was still thoughtful. He and Mira had a lot to work through and I’m glad they got to do that before resuming their physical relationship.
Overall, this was a great book. Very well written. Character development was on point. Pacing was timed well. I am very much looking forward to reading about some of the secondary characters featured in the book. There was an excellent set up made in this one.
Safety:
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
Jeremy and Mira met and fell in love and it should’ve been your typical HEA if it wasn’t for where they were in their life at the time. Mira had a choice to make and she made the wrong one. Can I just say that I absolutely LOVED that her choice wasn’t just explained away in a way that would make it easier to swallow? It just was and we just dealt with it.
I didn’t like some of the things Mira did, but the insight into her perspective was executed so well that I could be more understanding of her thought process. I liked her fits and her almost unwitting charm. She and Jeremy were so hot together. Their tender moments are melt-worthy ;)
Jeremy won my heart. Even when he was hurt and angry he was still thoughtful. He and Mira had a lot to work through and I’m glad they got to do that before resuming their physical relationship.
Overall, this was a great book. Very well written. Character development was on point. Pacing was timed well. I am very much looking forward to reading about some of the secondary characters featured in the book. There was an excellent set up made in this one.
Safety:
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
January 20, 2018
What if you fell for the one person who was off limits? That instant connection you have, that racing heart you get every time they're around you, or the suffocating sexual tension that’s so explosive, it's only a matter of time before you both give in, is irrelevant. What if falling for the right person was the best and worst thing that could possibly happen?
Mira York and Jeremy Lark know all about pain and hurting the people you love. Seventeen years ago they were young, in love, and were high off their future together. But there was just one little problem with their imaginary plans: Mira was already in a relationship with someone else and let’s just say that complicated, wasn’t even the half of it.
With two broken hearts and Seventeen years between them, Mira and Jeremy reunites in a shocking way. There was a lot of hurt and wreckage that they both caused back then and seeing each other after all those years, brought out a lot of unspoken anger and sorrow for what could’ve been. How can these two move forward in the present when their past keeps coming back to haunt them in a deadly way? Will Jeremy be able to protect the one woman who still holds his heart, or will he lose her all over again?
“Seventeen years…� Seventeen fucking years I could have been loving you. Holding you. Making a life with you.�
I really loved how the author managed to capture the rawness and vulnerability between Mira and Jeremy. Their relationship reminded me of an old wound that was never healed properly and having them come together now despite the years apart, felt like it was finally making the RIGHT way. I loved everything about Jeremy and he was just one of those guys that you knew you were going to fall for. Loving a man like him felt effortless but all consuming at the same time. His strength and protectiveness was one to be admired but when he gave you his Love? Now that was indescribable.
This was a sexy, crazy, emotional ride that left me exhausted at times but I loved It! Don’t get me wrong, I HATED the reason why Jeremy and Mira separated in the first place and quite frankly, I wasn’t a fan of Mira. I understood all of her reasonings and I did feel for her, but I just couldn’t get on bored without me smacking her at least once. Aside from that, I really did enjoy this one and I can’t wait for the next book!
If you’re an angst loved like me, then this one is most definitely for you.
*Teaser used are for the author’s page.
Shelved as 'wont-read'
January 17, 2018All three are cheaters.
Boyfriend cheats with OWs, so the good and nice skank of heroine cheats on him with the hero, hero loves his best friend so he sleeps with his best friend's girl. Skank (heroine) plays hero and chose her boyfriend instead of the hero. Hero says in love with the skank so he marries OW and have twins girls. While the loser was in an abusive marriage with no kids.
Just because the boyfriend cheats on her doesn't make alright that she cheats on him. It doesn't justify that she's a cheater just like him. And friends like the hero I rather have enemies. He sure showed his loyalties with sleeping with his best friend's girl.
This book is a mess..
Thank goodness for KU.
Boyfriend cheats with OWs, so the good and nice skank of heroine cheats on him with the hero, hero loves his best friend so he sleeps with his best friend's girl. Skank (heroine) plays hero and chose her boyfriend instead of the hero. Hero says in love with the skank so he marries OW and have twins girls. While the loser was in an abusive marriage with no kids.
Just because the boyfriend cheats on her doesn't make alright that she cheats on him. It doesn't justify that she's a cheater just like him. And friends like the hero I rather have enemies. He sure showed his loyalties with sleeping with his best friend's girl.
This book is a mess..
Thank goodness for KU.
February 12, 2018
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was actually better than I thought it'd be! I don't know why I was surprised, because is a great story teller that always seems to have me invested in her characters and rooting for their HEA. I felt their connection, and I was emotionally invested enough to be shedding tears here and there throughout the book on their behalf. I was a little disappointed in a few things though. The ending -- my greedy, greedy self wanted more! More of them as a couple. More of them navigating the new family they made. Just more happiness! Don't get me wrong -- it does have what I would label a HEA, but I just wanted more. I'm also sad that we don't experience the h with the H's daughters. I love books with kids in them, and I'm so sad we didn't get more of that too! 😜 Still an overall good read that will have me continue to look out for what Ms. Martinez comes out with.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Mira and Jeremy's story. Their story starts when they are in their early 20s and Mira is Jeremy's best-friend's new girl. When the boyfriend/best-friend starts mistreating Mira, they end up spending a lot of time together an end up falling in love. There is an event that has them separated, and about seventeen years later Mira gives Jeremy a call because she is in trouble and doesn't have anyone else to ask. The sparks fly when they are reunited, but there is a lot of baggage they have to get through to find their happiness. There are some big secrets revealed, some sexy times, and some suspenseful moments...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Mira and Jeremy's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the ending (see closure section below). I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise. It does contain flashback sections, but I felt like the author did well in including them and having it not mess up the flow at all.
Instalove:No, not in the typical way. Maybe one could say it was quick in both their reunion and when they were younger, but I felt like I understood their progression to deeper feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Jeremy. I liked him. I appreciated how he loved Mira. I wanted to shake him some times for the things he said without thinking when he lost his temper, but I also understood that he was emotional when it came to Mira.
h rating: 4 stars. Mira. I liked her. There were definitely times I wanted to shake her too, but I also understood her insecurities and how they made her do things.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I'm a sucker for unrequited love type feelings, so it made me tear up a few times...but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure with what I would call a HEA , but I still was greedy and wanted more! It did feel a little rushed at the very end, and I did feel a little disappointed with not getting all that "more" stuff.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was actually better than I thought it'd be! I don't know why I was surprised, because is a great story teller that always seems to have me invested in her characters and rooting for their HEA. I felt their connection, and I was emotionally invested enough to be shedding tears here and there throughout the book on their behalf. I was a little disappointed in a few things though. The ending -- my greedy, greedy self wanted more! More of them as a couple. More of them navigating the new family they made. Just more happiness! Don't get me wrong -- it does have what I would label a HEA, but I just wanted more. I'm also sad that we don't experience the h with the H's daughters. I love books with kids in them, and I'm so sad we didn't get more of that too! 😜 Still an overall good read that will have me continue to look out for what Ms. Martinez comes out with.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Mira and Jeremy's story. Their story starts when they are in their early 20s and Mira is Jeremy's best-friend's new girl. When the boyfriend/best-friend starts mistreating Mira, they end up spending a lot of time together an end up falling in love. There is an event that has them separated, and about seventeen years later Mira gives Jeremy a call because she is in trouble and doesn't have anyone else to ask. The sparks fly when they are reunited, but there is a lot of baggage they have to get through to find their happiness. There are some big secrets revealed, some sexy times, and some suspenseful moments...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Mira and Jeremy's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the ending (see closure section below). I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise. It does contain flashback sections, but I felt like the author did well in including them and having it not mess up the flow at all.
Instalove:No, not in the typical way. Maybe one could say it was quick in both their reunion and when they were younger, but I felt like I understood their progression to deeper feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Jeremy. I liked him. I appreciated how he loved Mira. I wanted to shake him some times for the things he said without thinking when he lost his temper, but I also understood that he was emotional when it came to Mira.
h rating: 4 stars. Mira. I liked her. There were definitely times I wanted to shake her too, but I also understood her insecurities and how they made her do things.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I'm a sucker for unrequited love type feelings, so it made me tear up a few times...but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure with what I would call a HEA , but I still was greedy and wanted more! It did feel a little rushed at the very end, and I did feel a little disappointed with not getting all that "more" stuff.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
December 31, 2017
An absolute must read!
What happens when you have a man that you love and a man that can help you out of the life you have? What happens when you make the wrong choice? What would you do with a second chance years later?
Thrive was a powerful, emotional, angsty and sensual page turner of love lost and second chances. Packed with plenty of action, suspense, sizzling romance and unforgettable characters, it's a must read for any Aly Martinez fan!
FULL REVIEW TO COME
Beta read
Find me on:
What happens when you have a man that you love and a man that can help you out of the life you have? What happens when you make the wrong choice? What would you do with a second chance years later?
Thrive was a powerful, emotional, angsty and sensual page turner of love lost and second chances. Packed with plenty of action, suspense, sizzling romance and unforgettable characters, it's a must read for any Aly Martinez fan!
FULL REVIEW TO COME
Beta read
Find me on:
January 24, 2018
“Seventeen years and the strings that had bound us together still held strong, no matter how hard I’d tried to break them.�
If Aly Martinez writes it, I guarantee you I will read it. The woman is one of my favorites and can basically write anything. Thrive was definitely an action packed, full of feels and quick read. These two characters have a lot of history between them and a lot to work out. They haven’t seen each other in years and when they reconnect their chemistry is undeniable.
“Baby, I withered for you. I burned at the stake day after day, knowing he didn’t love you. Knowing you’d chosen him. Knowing there was not one goddamn thing I could do to make you change your mind. Hating you was the only way I survived.�
Jeremy (Lark) was so freaking swoony! All broken and alpha, and so sweet at the same time. My heart bled for him. Mira is not my favorite Aly heroine, but she was likeable nonetheless, even if I don’t agree with some of her decisions.
“I kissed her long and hard. Deep and wet. Hungry and carnal. I kissed her freely, like we were kids again and the bruises didn’t exist inside either one of us. And, when I finally tore my mouth away, my heart racing, my breathing ragged, my head spinning, my limbs boneless, I realized that every kiss I’d ever given or received after her had been a fraud.�
I loved all the twists and turns and the mystery surrounding some parts of the story. That is definitely a forte in Aly’s writing. Overall, I liked this book, it’s not my favorite by Aly but it’s definitely a solid story that will keep you hooked the entire time. Absolutely recommend!
**An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
If Aly Martinez writes it, I guarantee you I will read it. The woman is one of my favorites and can basically write anything. Thrive was definitely an action packed, full of feels and quick read. These two characters have a lot of history between them and a lot to work out. They haven’t seen each other in years and when they reconnect their chemistry is undeniable.
“Baby, I withered for you. I burned at the stake day after day, knowing he didn’t love you. Knowing you’d chosen him. Knowing there was not one goddamn thing I could do to make you change your mind. Hating you was the only way I survived.�
Jeremy (Lark) was so freaking swoony! All broken and alpha, and so sweet at the same time. My heart bled for him. Mira is not my favorite Aly heroine, but she was likeable nonetheless, even if I don’t agree with some of her decisions.
“I kissed her long and hard. Deep and wet. Hungry and carnal. I kissed her freely, like we were kids again and the bruises didn’t exist inside either one of us. And, when I finally tore my mouth away, my heart racing, my breathing ragged, my head spinning, my limbs boneless, I realized that every kiss I’d ever given or received after her had been a fraud.�
I loved all the twists and turns and the mystery surrounding some parts of the story. That is definitely a forte in Aly’s writing. Overall, I liked this book, it’s not my favorite by Aly but it’s definitely a solid story that will keep you hooked the entire time. Absolutely recommend!
**An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
January 20, 2018
"The only problem was: She kept going back to him."
I have no time for weak-ass heroines who enjoy cheating and also have a cheating boyfriend who they keep going back to even after claiming that the hero is their soulmate
DNF'd at page 23
I have no time for weak-ass heroines who enjoy cheating and also have a cheating boyfriend who they keep going back to even after claiming that the hero is their soulmate
DNF'd at page 23
January 20, 2018
4 Stars
I’m a fan ofthis Guardian series Aly Martinez. She's one of the very few M/F authors where I'll read whatever she writes (bonus points because she can write a damn good M/M, too). We just click and this next book in the Guardian series isn’t any different.
This angsty, suspenseful, and sexy second chance romance is set up with a long separation period. A lot of life happens in the 17 years that the MCs were separated and unfortunately for Lark and Mira, it wasn’t filled with happiness.
Seventeen years ago, Lark and Mira were in love, with stars in their eyes, and plans of a future. There was just one teeny tiny problem... Mira’s actual boyfriend, Kurt. They were young, dumb, and dysfunctional. When it came time for Mira to pick, she chose Kurt.
It was completely evident that Kurt was a cheating (I know, pot/kettle) jackass and she STILL chose him. *Grrrr* Anyway, fast forward time and Lark is a successful badass/Mira hater working with a private security firm while Mira is living in the slums, divorced, and now scared for her life. Good thing Mira is a little Lark stalker because she knows just where to find him when her life and her friend’s life is in jeopardy.
What starts as a hesitant phone call for help sends Mira and Lark on rollercoaster of danger, action, clarity, crime, drug lords, shootings, and kidnappings. And sex. And arguing. Lark taking on Mira’s case brings them in close contact 24/7 while they piece together the reasons behind her new danger. They have a truck load of old hurts to wade through while forging a path for the future. They are hot together. Smoking. But, Mira also argued or had a “snit fit� A LOT. Luckily for her, Lark got off on all the attitude. Unfortunately for me, Mira drove me bat shit crazy when she went off. *shrug* I believed their connection and chemistry. I felt their hurt from 17 years ago and how they hadn’t *really* moved past it even as the years passed them by. I fully appreciated the road they took to get their HEA. They moved fast but they also didn’t hide the hurt, hate, frustration, confusion, and most importantly, love.
The secondary characters were awesome in this one as well as the first. The Guardians are a bunch of gossiping biddies who are quite efficient in their jobs because they have a bunch of time to interfere. At least their interference was comical and I can’t wait for the other guys to get their stories. Especially Johnson *dreamy sigh* because I just know it’s gonna be an epic M/M (or MMF). Another thing I absolutely love about Martinez’s writes is the ability to include past characters from previous books without being awkward or gratuitous. There’s a purpose as they are mentioned/connected and a new reader to her writes wouldn’t feel lost at their inclusion.
This book won’t leave you wanting as the epilogue is *very* thorough. I definitely recommend this and will wait not so patiently for the next man up.
Copy provided for honest review.
I’m a fan of
This angsty, suspenseful, and sexy second chance romance is set up with a long separation period. A lot of life happens in the 17 years that the MCs were separated and unfortunately for Lark and Mira, it wasn’t filled with happiness.
Seventeen years ago, Lark and Mira were in love, with stars in their eyes, and plans of a future. There was just one teeny tiny problem... Mira’s actual boyfriend, Kurt. They were young, dumb, and dysfunctional. When it came time for Mira to pick, she chose Kurt.
It was completely evident that Kurt was a cheating (I know, pot/kettle) jackass and she STILL chose him. *Grrrr* Anyway, fast forward time and Lark is a successful badass/Mira hater working with a private security firm while Mira is living in the slums, divorced, and now scared for her life. Good thing Mira is a little Lark stalker because she knows just where to find him when her life and her friend’s life is in jeopardy.
What starts as a hesitant phone call for help sends Mira and Lark on rollercoaster of danger, action, clarity, crime, drug lords, shootings, and kidnappings. And sex. And arguing. Lark taking on Mira’s case brings them in close contact 24/7 while they piece together the reasons behind her new danger. They have a truck load of old hurts to wade through while forging a path for the future. They are hot together. Smoking. But, Mira also argued or had a “snit fit� A LOT. Luckily for her, Lark got off on all the attitude. Unfortunately for me, Mira drove me bat shit crazy when she went off. *shrug* I believed their connection and chemistry. I felt their hurt from 17 years ago and how they hadn’t *really* moved past it even as the years passed them by. I fully appreciated the road they took to get their HEA. They moved fast but they also didn’t hide the hurt, hate, frustration, confusion, and most importantly, love.
The secondary characters were awesome in this one as well as the first. The Guardians are a bunch of gossiping biddies who are quite efficient in their jobs because they have a bunch of time to interfere. At least their interference was comical and I can’t wait for the other guys to get their stories. Especially Johnson *dreamy sigh* because I just know it’s gonna be an epic M/M (or MMF). Another thing I absolutely love about Martinez’s writes is the ability to include past characters from previous books without being awkward or gratuitous. There’s a purpose as they are mentioned/connected and a new reader to her writes wouldn’t feel lost at their inclusion.
This book won’t leave you wanting as the epilogue is *very* thorough. I definitely recommend this and will wait not so patiently for the next man up.
Copy provided for honest review.
January 20, 2018
4-spectacular action, second chance romance-heroine definitely made a HUGE mistake-they were soul mates-hero is a protective alpha- wish they could turn back time- but they got it in the end-stars
P/S: also felt this book had a hint of KA-ness- reminded me so much of rock chicks and their dramas!
P/S: also felt this book had a hint of KA-ness- reminded me so much of rock chicks and their dramas!
January 26, 2018
� � � 4.5 STARS � � �
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"Baby, I withered for you. I burned at the stake day after day, knowing he didn't love you. Knowing you'd chosen him. Knowing there was not one goddamn thing I could do to make you change your mind. Hating you was the only way I survived."
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
"Thrive" Is the second installment in the Guardian Protection Series. This book is about Jeremy Lark and his second chance romance story. When Jeremy was a young man, he fell in love and hard with his best friend's girl Mira York. Because Mira was dating Jeremy's best friend Kurt, he knew she was off limits, but that didn't mean they couldn't be friends. There is something about Jeremy that makes Mira feel safe and free to be herself that she becomes eager to hang out with him. They know they shouldn't but things slowly start to heat up between them. However, one night Jeremy's heart shatters when Mira doesn't end up choosing him.
Seventeen years after that painful night, Mira is regretting having stayed with Kurt. Mira is trying to move on with her life after her ex-husband Kurt pretty much ruined it. Moving on is proving to be challenging when even when Kurt is in prison his illegal activities are still affecting her. When some men come to her home and kidnap her best friend and chihuahua she doesn't know what to do. She only has one person to go to and she hasn't seen him since she hurt him.
Jeremy now works for Guardian Protection and has made a pretty good life for himself. He is divorced but loves his two little girls more than anything in the world. The last thing he ever expected was to receive a call from Mira asking for his help seventeen years later. After all these years, Jeremy still holds a grudge and he lets it known every opportunity that he can to her. It pains Mira to see Jeremy so cold towards her but she understands him. They are both forced into close quarters due to her dangerous situation and as a result past hurts come bubbling to the surface. Along with that pain, comes the love that they felt for one another that seems to have always been there.
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"I choose us. Now and forever. I swear to you I'll always, for the rest of my life, choose us."
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This book broke my heart for Jeremy. I was so mad at Mira in the beginning but I get that they were all stupid kids. I did enjoy the slow rekindling of their romance as adults. Jeremy was so freaking sweet and alpha that he just made me swoon. I loved the banter between them and even other secondary characters that just made me chuckle quite a bit. I really enjoyed the steam and loved that we were able to see how their relationship flourished when they were young. There were elements of suspense in this book that definitely kept things interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed this book a lot. If you're a fan of 'second chance at romance' stories then you should check this one out.
January 20, 2018
3 stars.
Aly Martinez is an amazing author. I typically LOVE LOVE LOVE her books. And Singe, the first standalone in this series, is one of my favorites. But I had a hard time with Thrive. While I LOVED the storyline, I struggled with the likability of the characters. Lark was an alpha-male who passed the point of jerk (I hate when a man calls a woman a bitch or tells her to shut up). I really couldn't connect to the volatile nature of his relationship with Mira. One minute they would be smiling and the next sentence they were seething in each others faces (this happened throughout the entire book). I think that, combined with the tense plotline, became over-the-top-too-much. That said, it was definitely an addictive story and we got to see our Guardian guys from the first book. So yay!! I really liked that.
Aly Martinez is an amazing author. I typically LOVE LOVE LOVE her books. And Singe, the first standalone in this series, is one of my favorites. But I had a hard time with Thrive. While I LOVED the storyline, I struggled with the likability of the characters. Lark was an alpha-male who passed the point of jerk (I hate when a man calls a woman a bitch or tells her to shut up). I really couldn't connect to the volatile nature of his relationship with Mira. One minute they would be smiling and the next sentence they were seething in each others faces (this happened throughout the entire book). I think that, combined with the tense plotline, became over-the-top-too-much. That said, it was definitely an addictive story and we got to see our Guardian guys from the first book. So yay!! I really liked that.
January 16, 2018
“You were always mine.�
4.5 stars!
Aly Martinez continues to prove that she can do no wrong with this book � an incredible second-chance-romance that is smart, fun, passionate and intense, and full of the feels that I have come to expect from this author. The second book in the Guardian Protection, this book brings us back to Leo James and his badass boys, but could easily be read as a standalone (though why would you want to miss anything this woman writes?), and I absolutely loved it!
Jeremy Lark and Mira York met when he was a hot-headed, troublemaking 23 year old, and she was a 19 year old girl with a bad home life. She was his best friend’s girl and completely off limits, but the relationship was toxic and Jeremy and Mira found themselves falling together into a secret affair. It was short but intense, but when Mira was faced with the ultimate decision, she didn’t choose Jeremy.
Jeremy’s life fell apart, and he completely lost his way. But, fuelled by his anger and hatred, he pulled himself out of his downward spiral and went on to become ‘Lark�, one of the Guardian Protection boys, and is now a divorced father of twin girls. His life is on track until one day, 17 years after he last saw her, Mira calls him for help.
Mira’s life has been a rollercoaster. Since she made her fateful decision all those years ago, she has paid the price over and over again. Now divorced, her life still bears the taint of the choice she made, and when danger literally comes to her door, Jeremy is the only one she can think of to turn to for help.
This is NOT a happy reunion! The emotions are intense, and it’s all anger, guilt, confusion, and epic pent-up frustration. There is so much hurt, but the chemistry is still there, and it makes for a combustible coming together as Lark and Mira are thrown back together.
It’s all kinds of complicated, and their pain is palpable, but as much as I ached for these two and all they were going through, the dynamic between them is just so damn entertaining! Yes, you have all of the powerful emotion which makes their situation all kinds of intense, but Lark is a protective alpha and Mira is stubborn and sassy, and they have this sense of playfulness about them. They bicker and argue, and Mira’s �snit fits� are hilarious, and I loved watching them together.
It’s a wonderful reflection of the way they used to be with each other, and it doesn’t take long for that familiarity to ease the way into sweet memories and rekindled attraction, and my heart pounded as I read, watching all of that passion and emotion just begging to be released and I felt every single moment of it!
The story of their past is revealed in flashbacks, and in their conversation with each other, and OMG it hurt! They made mistakes, they weren’t open with each other, and misunderstandings and the naivety of youth led to their hearts both being broken, and though they both went on with their lives, they never recovered from the loss of each other. And as painful as it is reading about their history, watching them deal with it in the present is even more so! There is so much between these two, and it’s impossible not to be drawn into everything that is happening between them.
But while they are figuring out what is happening between them, Mira is still in danger, and I loved the added intensity that it brought to the story. She goes through a lot, and it’s an emotional ride for her as her life is ripped out from under her again and again. But is there anything hotter than an alpha man claiming his girl, supporting her and being there for her, and then going all badass to protect her? I’m not sure there is, and Lark in badass protective mode is something to behold!
It’s especially amazing when it’s contrasted with his sweet, emotional side as he lays it all out there and fights for his girl’s heart in sensationally swoony style.
*dreamy sigh* Oh how I love a functional romance!!!!
But with Mira still in danger, it will take all the strength they have to get the happy ending they both want.
The rest of the Guardian Protection crew are a part of the story as they come together to take Lark’s back and protect Mira. I loved seeing all of the boys again, and with a spine-tingling intro into Braydon’s story, I can’t wait for his book up next!
It all ends really well with an absolutely gorgeous epilogue that left me grinning like a fool, and I loved it!
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars!
Aly Martinez continues to prove that she can do no wrong with this book � an incredible second-chance-romance that is smart, fun, passionate and intense, and full of the feels that I have come to expect from this author. The second book in the Guardian Protection, this book brings us back to Leo James and his badass boys, but could easily be read as a standalone (though why would you want to miss anything this woman writes?), and I absolutely loved it!
Jeremy Lark and Mira York met when he was a hot-headed, troublemaking 23 year old, and she was a 19 year old girl with a bad home life. She was his best friend’s girl and completely off limits, but the relationship was toxic and Jeremy and Mira found themselves falling together into a secret affair. It was short but intense, but when Mira was faced with the ultimate decision, she didn’t choose Jeremy.
Jeremy’s life fell apart, and he completely lost his way. But, fuelled by his anger and hatred, he pulled himself out of his downward spiral and went on to become ‘Lark�, one of the Guardian Protection boys, and is now a divorced father of twin girls. His life is on track until one day, 17 years after he last saw her, Mira calls him for help.
Mira’s life has been a rollercoaster. Since she made her fateful decision all those years ago, she has paid the price over and over again. Now divorced, her life still bears the taint of the choice she made, and when danger literally comes to her door, Jeremy is the only one she can think of to turn to for help.
This is NOT a happy reunion! The emotions are intense, and it’s all anger, guilt, confusion, and epic pent-up frustration. There is so much hurt, but the chemistry is still there, and it makes for a combustible coming together as Lark and Mira are thrown back together.
“I distinctly remember you being able to carry on a conversation with complete sentences and courtesy.�
Spoiler alert: It was the wrong thing to say.
His head swung my way so fast that I was shocked it didn’t fly off his neck. “I’m not the man you remember! Stop fucking assuming you know me.�
It’s all kinds of complicated, and their pain is palpable, but as much as I ached for these two and all they were going through, the dynamic between them is just so damn entertaining! Yes, you have all of the powerful emotion which makes their situation all kinds of intense, but Lark is a protective alpha and Mira is stubborn and sassy, and they have this sense of playfulness about them. They bicker and argue, and Mira’s �snit fits� are hilarious, and I loved watching them together.
“There is no way I’m going home with you! Have you lost your mind?�
His face lit in understanding. “Ahhhh…okay. So this is the part where you have the snit fit.� He shifted on the bed, making a show of getting more comfortable. “Sorry. It’s been a while. I wasn’t prepared.� He crossed his thick arms over his chest and made a shooing motion with four fingers while holding his bicep. “Carry on. I didn’t mean to interrupt.�
It’s a wonderful reflection of the way they used to be with each other, and it doesn’t take long for that familiarity to ease the way into sweet memories and rekindled attraction, and my heart pounded as I read, watching all of that passion and emotion just begging to be released and I felt every single moment of it!
She’d been back not two days and that was all it had taken to realize that, for the last seventeen years, I hadn’t been living.
And I fucking hated her for that.
Because I loved her so goddamn much that it had only been two fucking days and I was already scrambling trying to figure out how I was ever going to let her go.
The story of their past is revealed in flashbacks, and in their conversation with each other, and OMG it hurt! They made mistakes, they weren’t open with each other, and misunderstandings and the naivety of youth led to their hearts both being broken, and though they both went on with their lives, they never recovered from the loss of each other. And as painful as it is reading about their history, watching them deal with it in the present is even more so! There is so much between these two, and it’s impossible not to be drawn into everything that is happening between them.
A world of hurt was rolling in on me in waves. And, because it was her, my heart was all but volunteering for me to drown.
But while they are figuring out what is happening between them, Mira is still in danger, and I loved the added intensity that it brought to the story. She goes through a lot, and it’s an emotional ride for her as her life is ripped out from under her again and again. But is there anything hotter than an alpha man claiming his girl, supporting her and being there for her, and then going all badass to protect her? I’m not sure there is, and Lark in badass protective mode is something to behold!
“I’m not letting you go, Mira. We’ll take some time, get to know each other again. but, if you think for one second that I’m letting you go again, you are the one who has lost your fucking mind.�
It’s especially amazing when it’s contrasted with his sweet, emotional side as he lays it all out there and fights for his girl’s heart in sensationally swoony style.
“It’s not always going to be this easy, baby. No matter how much we say the past is in the past, there are going to be times when resentment claws its way through our flames. And it’s going to take both of us, together, working as a team to fight that back.� I tucked a stray hair behind her ear and allowed my gaze to roam her beautiful face. Fuck, this woman owned me. She always had. Always would. “I’m committing to do that with you Mira. I’m committing to fight harder than I’ve ever fought for anything in my life. Because we’re fucking worth it.�
*dreamy sigh* Oh how I love a functional romance!!!!
But with Mira still in danger, it will take all the strength they have to get the happy ending they both want.
The rest of the Guardian Protection crew are a part of the story as they come together to take Lark’s back and protect Mira. I loved seeing all of the boys again, and with a spine-tingling intro into Braydon’s story, I can’t wait for his book up next!
It all ends really well with an absolutely gorgeous epilogue that left me grinning like a fool, and I loved it!
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2018
3.5 Stars!
A mixture of immaturity and misunderstanding cause two soulmates to be separated for 17 years. Even though both married someone else, Mira and Lark only loved each other. The "what ifs" and the "missing time" are the hardest to take. Remembering how good together they used to be, brings only pain as they realize all the goodness they've missed out on.
17 years ago, Mira was in love with Lark but dating his best friend. When Mira doesn't choose Lark when it counted, he leaves and they go their separate ways. Her life was filled with hurt, anger, and disappointment, his life may not have been that of his dreams, but once he let go of Mira he freed himself to be with someone else. And from that relationship, he got his twin girls, the light of his life! When trouble finds Mira once more, she needs help. The question is, will the man she pushed away 17 years ago, push her away now?
I read my first Martinez book in May of 2014. Since that time, Aly Martinez has become one of my all-time favorite authors. Her stories are original, often filled with twists. She is crazy talented at making me laugh, gasp and swoon all in the same paragraph. And while Thrive had some of those things, it "read" differently to me and it didn't produce the same "feels" I'd become accustomed to. This is reflected in my rating, 3.5.
Not every book written is going to ring true with every reader. While Thrive was an okay read for me, many people loved it.
Aly will always be one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to read her next release!
'Thrive' is a second chance romance which proves true loves are worth fighting for.
**I was provided a review copy by the author. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.**
❝I fell in love with Mira York in the back of that truck, one stolen kiss at a time.�
A mixture of immaturity and misunderstanding cause two soulmates to be separated for 17 years. Even though both married someone else, Mira and Lark only loved each other. The "what ifs" and the "missing time" are the hardest to take. Remembering how good together they used to be, brings only pain as they realize all the goodness they've missed out on.
17 years ago, Mira was in love with Lark but dating his best friend. When Mira doesn't choose Lark when it counted, he leaves and they go their separate ways. Her life was filled with hurt, anger, and disappointment, his life may not have been that of his dreams, but once he let go of Mira he freed himself to be with someone else. And from that relationship, he got his twin girls, the light of his life! When trouble finds Mira once more, she needs help. The question is, will the man she pushed away 17 years ago, push her away now?
I read my first Martinez book in May of 2014. Since that time, Aly Martinez has become one of my all-time favorite authors. Her stories are original, often filled with twists. She is crazy talented at making me laugh, gasp and swoon all in the same paragraph. And while Thrive had some of those things, it "read" differently to me and it didn't produce the same "feels" I'd become accustomed to. This is reflected in my rating, 3.5.
Not every book written is going to ring true with every reader. While Thrive was an okay read for me, many people loved it.
Aly will always be one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to read her next release!
'Thrive' is a second chance romance which proves true loves are worth fighting for.
**I was provided a review copy by the author. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.**
Read
January 22, 2018DNF @37%
This one's completely on me. I just couldn't get myself into this book mostly because everything was so predictable. I'll probably read this one again later on.
This one's completely on me. I just couldn't get myself into this book mostly because everything was so predictable. I'll probably read this one again later on.
January 15, 2018
4.25 stars.
This is my 13th book by Aly Martinez. To say that I love her work would be the understatement of the century.
When I saw that Aly was releasing another book for the Guardian Protection series, I was like sign me up for that. I can't get enough of her addictive writing skills and the stories she tells. Thrive was an emotional, angsty, wonderful second chance love story between Mira York and Jeremy Lark.
I'm not going to summarize the book. I feel like this is one book you should just read and enjoy as you go along. Thrive was everything I was hoping for when I read a book by Aly and I couldn't have loved it more.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This is my 13th book by Aly Martinez. To say that I love her work would be the understatement of the century.
When I saw that Aly was releasing another book for the Guardian Protection series, I was like sign me up for that. I can't get enough of her addictive writing skills and the stories she tells. Thrive was an emotional, angsty, wonderful second chance love story between Mira York and Jeremy Lark.
I'm not going to summarize the book. I feel like this is one book you should just read and enjoy as you go along. Thrive was everything I was hoping for when I read a book by Aly and I couldn't have loved it more.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2018
Thrive was Aly Martinez’s second book in her Guardian Protection series. Although part of a series, it could be read as a standalone and still receive full enjoyment.
Jeremy Lark and Mira York had history and it was painful and heartbreaking. They hadn’t seen each other in seventeen years until one day Mira called Jeremy out of desperation. She didn’t want to but she had no one else to turn to and her best friends life was in danger.
Martinez knows how to create a suspenseful and explosive story. Thrive was no exception. It was well written, fast paced, suspenseful, captivating and totally entertaining. It was told with a dual POV and exerts from the past and present until they merged into one.
In the beginning I struggled with Mira. Martinez began with the scene from the past and I despised Mira. She was weak and an idiot. Fast forward to the present and I saw her strength and sass but it took me awhile to warm to her. I did eventually grow with her, but it was definitely a progression. As for Lark, he was sexy, uber alpha and I totally bought into him, especially in his adult years.
Additionally I loved the Guardian family. They were funny, diverse, loyal, sexy and a strong group of supporting cast of characters. Martinez still has several book worthy stories to write in the series but it looks like we’ll get Braydon and Whitney’s story next. We were gifted with a sneak peek and it looks to be another emotional and sexy addition and I can’t wait!
Jeremy Lark and Mira York had history and it was painful and heartbreaking. They hadn’t seen each other in seventeen years until one day Mira called Jeremy out of desperation. She didn’t want to but she had no one else to turn to and her best friends life was in danger.
Martinez knows how to create a suspenseful and explosive story. Thrive was no exception. It was well written, fast paced, suspenseful, captivating and totally entertaining. It was told with a dual POV and exerts from the past and present until they merged into one.
In the beginning I struggled with Mira. Martinez began with the scene from the past and I despised Mira. She was weak and an idiot. Fast forward to the present and I saw her strength and sass but it took me awhile to warm to her. I did eventually grow with her, but it was definitely a progression. As for Lark, he was sexy, uber alpha and I totally bought into him, especially in his adult years.
Additionally I loved the Guardian family. They were funny, diverse, loyal, sexy and a strong group of supporting cast of characters. Martinez still has several book worthy stories to write in the series but it looks like we’ll get Braydon and Whitney’s story next. We were gifted with a sneak peek and it looks to be another emotional and sexy addition and I can’t wait!
January 16, 2018
Oh Aly Martinez how I love you! This book was at the very top of my anticipated reads for 2018. I fell in love with all of the Guardian Protection men in Singe and didn’t even care which one this book was about because they are all fantastic! It’s been a long time since I’ve started and read a book in about 24hrs, life and all that. But for this author life temporarily gets put on hold. Aly’s storytelling and prose never fail to leave me speechless. There were parts of this second chance romance that I read over and over just to simply bask in the words and the feelings they evoked. The heartache, anger and remorse these two felt just flowed from the pages. So much that my heart broke for them on occasion. But there was also levity to this story. Lark and Mira together are funny! These two had me in stitches multiple times with Mira’s snit fits and Lark’s alpha male tendencies fueling the fire. I mentioned it in my review of Singe but it bears repeating that if you love a KA alpha male I’m certain you will love this series. Martinez is the first author I’ve read that even comes close to writing a group of alphas like KA without it feeling forced or intentional. Just jump right in and get comfortable with these guys because you won’t want to leave!
January 21, 2018
“All I ever wanted was to be enough for you.�
All hail Aly Martinez for giving us another EMOTIONAL BREAKTHROUGH of a contemporary romance! THRIVE is an emotionally driven, sexy as sin, heartbreakingly beautiful love story that will make your heart melt, as well as break over and over again. You will have NO CHOICE but to feel the character’s pain through the pages of this masterpiece. You will have NO CHOICE but to FALL IN LOVE right beside them. You will laugh, cry, cringe, scream, shout, and your mind will run in circles, but in the end, your heart will be content and your soul will be refreshed. There hasn’t been a year since I discovered Ms. Martinez, where she hasn’t had a romance on one of my TOP PICK LISTS, and I’m sure this year will be no different! I have a feeling THRIVE, book two in her incredibly sexy and suspenseful Guardian Protection Series, will be at the top of A LOT of readers TOP PICK LISTS!
Now, I know the author has updated the blurb to alleviate some of the unnecessary concern that readers had regarding a possible love triangle in this book. Let me be clear…you DO NOT need to worry about a love triangle in this book!
So with that out of the way, if you are ready to feel like your heart is being pulled in a million different directions, jump on this thrill ride and hold on for dear life, because Aly Martinez has created something truly special here, and I can’t wait for everyone else to experience the AWESOMENESS that this woman brings to the table.
All hail Aly Martinez for giving us another EMOTIONAL BREAKTHROUGH of a contemporary romance! THRIVE is an emotionally driven, sexy as sin, heartbreakingly beautiful love story that will make your heart melt, as well as break over and over again. You will have NO CHOICE but to feel the character’s pain through the pages of this masterpiece. You will have NO CHOICE but to FALL IN LOVE right beside them. You will laugh, cry, cringe, scream, shout, and your mind will run in circles, but in the end, your heart will be content and your soul will be refreshed. There hasn’t been a year since I discovered Ms. Martinez, where she hasn’t had a romance on one of my TOP PICK LISTS, and I’m sure this year will be no different! I have a feeling THRIVE, book two in her incredibly sexy and suspenseful Guardian Protection Series, will be at the top of A LOT of readers TOP PICK LISTS!
Now, I know the author has updated the blurb to alleviate some of the unnecessary concern that readers had regarding a possible love triangle in this book. Let me be clear…you DO NOT need to worry about a love triangle in this book!
So with that out of the way, if you are ready to feel like your heart is being pulled in a million different directions, jump on this thrill ride and hold on for dear life, because Aly Martinez has created something truly special here, and I can’t wait for everyone else to experience the AWESOMENESS that this woman brings to the table.
January 18, 2018
4.5 stars
Years prior, Jeremy Lark and Mira York were a thing. Mira with his best friend, Jeremy was always there when Kurt would go off cheating on Mira. Through this, the two really became close, on every level possible. But, notnknwinf really how each other felt, when Kurt found out and demanded Mira choose, thinking "for sure love" with Kurt over the unknown with Jeremy left Jeremy heartbroken.
Fastforward to the present. Mira and Kurt are married and Kurt has not turned out so stellar. Life turns to the dark side for Kurt and Mira wants no dealings with him or his shenanigans. Divorcing him, thinking she is done with him, Mira finds her beloved Chihuahua and best friend kidnapped and stolen and a $750,000 ransom being demanded for the safe return of both. With only one place she can think of to turn to, Jeremy reenters her life...although not really smoothly.
Watching the anger Jeremy harbors (understandably so) toward Mira had my very heart weeping. Obviously the two are meant for each other. With Mira in danger, he knows he has to protect her, but trying to protect his heart from being broken again is also high on his list.
I loved this read. It has second chance love, suspense, heartache and heat. Everything I love! The second in the Guardian Protection series and I can't wait for the next one!!
February 22, 2018
This is the second book in the "Guardian Protection" series, and if I'm being honest...it was definitely not my favorite. I am usually not a huge fan of second chance romances; but if they are done right, then I can end up enjoying them. In the case of Jeremy and Mira, I ended up not being able to become emotionally invested in their second chance relationship at all. The main reason for that was the fact that Jeremy was quite nasty to Mira when they came across each other again after 17 years of being apart. He was so angry at her for choosing his friend over him, that he hated Mira for a very long time after. I get that he was mad, and hurt; but when he took his anger out on her, I had a hard time getting over it. When they started to "love each other" again, for me the damage had been done. Jeremy did end up becoming possessive and loving towards Mira; but I just couldn't feel it as I kept remembering how he had called her a bitch, and told her to shut up....Just not my thing..
Even in saying all that though, I did enjoy a lot of the other characters!! The guys in the Guardian Protection company are all so hot and sexy!! I can't wait to read their stories, and I am hoping that they won't all be second chance romances. It would be nice to see Aly Martinez change it up a bit. There is so much potential for this series, and I love her work. Her writing is brilliant, and her sex scenes are always smoking hot too.
Given that this wasn't my favorite, you'd assume that I wouldn't bother with the series...but the fact is...I still have a ton of hope for it...and truthfully, I didn't hate this one. I just couldn't fully get into Jeremy and Mira's relationship.. I will look forward to seeing what more will come of this series!
Even in saying all that though, I did enjoy a lot of the other characters!! The guys in the Guardian Protection company are all so hot and sexy!! I can't wait to read their stories, and I am hoping that they won't all be second chance romances. It would be nice to see Aly Martinez change it up a bit. There is so much potential for this series, and I love her work. Her writing is brilliant, and her sex scenes are always smoking hot too.
Given that this wasn't my favorite, you'd assume that I wouldn't bother with the series...but the fact is...I still have a ton of hope for it...and truthfully, I didn't hate this one. I just couldn't fully get into Jeremy and Mira's relationship.. I will look forward to seeing what more will come of this series!
Read
January 18, 2018DNF
Couldn’t hold my interest. Book slump? Likely. I usually love Aly Martinez.
Couldn’t hold my interest. Book slump? Likely. I usually love Aly Martinez.
January 23, 2018
REVIEW: 5 STARS
"An inferno like that doesn't burn out in time."
All of these authors writing all of these words, making me go back on my own words. Sheesh! I don't read romantic suspense very often, and certainly not very willingly, yet here I am reading and loving one. Aly Fucking Martinez yet again forces me to rethink my avoidance of a certain genre, or at least coaxes me out of my shell with the trust I willingly give her. This book is the very definition of romantic suspense, in every sense of the word. I couldn't help but be swept away while getting caught up in the whirlwind of activity happening around two fatefully bound hearts, and I enjoyed every minute of it! All the glowing reviews -- they say it all, and rightfully so. I will just add my love right into that mix. I don't know how she does it, but she takes me on a ride with every story and I am in love within a few words. This one was no different.
"With Mira, gravity seemed lighter. Smiles came faster. Every breath was easier than the last."
I want to point out that this book was the epitome of second chance romance. I loved how hard these two stuck to their convictions, and watching them mentally fight the very thing they were physically desperate for just charged at me with a heavy set of emotions. I had to question if it was self preservation or self destruction with every decision they made, detrimental to themselves or their psyche. I loved that side of it. Such strength and tone in her story and characters. Aly has a heavy-handed way with her words, but they pack a punch in the proverbial gut. Her words carry me on a fantastical ride, but it never slows down! It's 100 mph until the end, and the story moves and it flows, and it's perfection the way she twists and turns it while taking us on a journey. Doing all this without ever losing focus on the love we are getting to witness, she never strays from the action and she never misses a beat. She's so good at it!
I love that of all the stories I have read of hers, never once have I felt there is a rehashing of something or a similarity between stories. I love that I get a fresh story every time. This one, with Lark and Mira going along a very similar road trying to 'find their way back to each other', never once did I roll my eyes at any of the actions and drama, or at the push and pull between these two. I know sometimes a trope can be repetitive, but I have never gotten that with Aly's stories. She is the real deal.
Her words render me useless. I whipped through this one, melting and swooning the entire damn time. I smiled. I gasped. I swooned and I fell in love. Having read SINGE first, I knew that I was on the precipice of an amazing series and she just proved that with this second book. This one is a complete standalone (interconnected characters, but each story focuses on one couple), so don't put this one off. This is most definitely a must read. I am still anxiously awaiting Johnson's book....just saying!!
"She didn't just fuck with my head. She fucked with my entire being."
~BEE
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AMAZON:
"An inferno like that doesn't burn out in time."
All of these authors writing all of these words, making me go back on my own words. Sheesh! I don't read romantic suspense very often, and certainly not very willingly, yet here I am reading and loving one. Aly Fucking Martinez yet again forces me to rethink my avoidance of a certain genre, or at least coaxes me out of my shell with the trust I willingly give her. This book is the very definition of romantic suspense, in every sense of the word. I couldn't help but be swept away while getting caught up in the whirlwind of activity happening around two fatefully bound hearts, and I enjoyed every minute of it! All the glowing reviews -- they say it all, and rightfully so. I will just add my love right into that mix. I don't know how she does it, but she takes me on a ride with every story and I am in love within a few words. This one was no different.
"With Mira, gravity seemed lighter. Smiles came faster. Every breath was easier than the last."
I want to point out that this book was the epitome of second chance romance. I loved how hard these two stuck to their convictions, and watching them mentally fight the very thing they were physically desperate for just charged at me with a heavy set of emotions. I had to question if it was self preservation or self destruction with every decision they made, detrimental to themselves or their psyche. I loved that side of it. Such strength and tone in her story and characters. Aly has a heavy-handed way with her words, but they pack a punch in the proverbial gut. Her words carry me on a fantastical ride, but it never slows down! It's 100 mph until the end, and the story moves and it flows, and it's perfection the way she twists and turns it while taking us on a journey. Doing all this without ever losing focus on the love we are getting to witness, she never strays from the action and she never misses a beat. She's so good at it!
I love that of all the stories I have read of hers, never once have I felt there is a rehashing of something or a similarity between stories. I love that I get a fresh story every time. This one, with Lark and Mira going along a very similar road trying to 'find their way back to each other', never once did I roll my eyes at any of the actions and drama, or at the push and pull between these two. I know sometimes a trope can be repetitive, but I have never gotten that with Aly's stories. She is the real deal.
Her words render me useless. I whipped through this one, melting and swooning the entire damn time. I smiled. I gasped. I swooned and I fell in love. Having read SINGE first, I knew that I was on the precipice of an amazing series and she just proved that with this second book. This one is a complete standalone (interconnected characters, but each story focuses on one couple), so don't put this one off. This is most definitely a must read. I am still anxiously awaiting Johnson's book....just saying!!
"She didn't just fuck with my head. She fucked with my entire being."
~BEE
ENTER ON MY BLOG FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON:
June 8, 2018
Book 2 in this series follows the romance between Jeremy an Mira who fell in love 17 years earlier, the only problem was that Mira belonged to his best friend. As Jeremy moves on to marry and have a family, Mira gets sucked in to a world full of lies and a loveless marriage until they meet again when Mira finds herself threatened by her ex husband from behind prison bars. The only man she feels that she can trust to help her is Jeremy Lark, now divorced Jeremy doesn't want to feel anything for Mira and what she did to break his heart all those years ago until he realizes that hes always had them. I really like this book, loved the characters although I did find that their relationship sparked up a little fast after their history. The story line was exciting, filled with drama, action and lots of hot sex. This is a great read and I can't wait for the next one.
January 8, 2018
Never know what Ms. Martinez has up her sleeve. Thrive was a shock to my system. I am a big cranky pants when it comes to the idea of cheating. So it made my insides squirmy to read that that might be where this book was going...Don't Stop Reading!!!!
I may not condone the behavior but this story needs to be read. As a big fan of the Guardian boys, it is imperative to know all, see all, and be apart of it all.
Thrive was just a piece of the puzzle that surrounds these awesome characters. And as expected, Ms. Martinez has left me on the hook waiting for the next book (even though Thrive isn't yet live...).
If you like piña coladas and big studly alpha males...
If you like tension, lust, and second chances...
If you like daring saves and getting caught in the...(What if I wanted to say drive by instead of rain...? You sang rain, I know you did.)
Thrive will keep you entertained and thirsty for more. Oh and keep your eyes open for old friends visiting. You never know who will come by.
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I may not condone the behavior but this story needs to be read. As a big fan of the Guardian boys, it is imperative to know all, see all, and be apart of it all.
Thrive was just a piece of the puzzle that surrounds these awesome characters. And as expected, Ms. Martinez has left me on the hook waiting for the next book (even though Thrive isn't yet live...).
If you like piña coladas and big studly alpha males...
If you like tension, lust, and second chances...
If you like daring saves and getting caught in the...(What if I wanted to say drive by instead of rain...? You sang rain, I know you did.)
Thrive will keep you entertained and thirsty for more. Oh and keep your eyes open for old friends visiting. You never know who will come by.
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
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