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Demanding Ransom

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(Alternate Cover Edition for B00CKIFTBK)

Sometimes life takes things away from you.

In nineteen-year-old Maggie Carson’s case, it’s taken more than its fair share.

Determined to move forward, Maggie embarks on her first year of college, hoping to finally put her past behind her, exactly where it belongs.

But that’s hard to do when the present is just as difficult. And even harder when someone like Ran, the gorgeous paramedic that keeps crossing Maggie’s path, challenges her to face things head on, rather than bury them like she always does.

Ran hasn’t had a perfect life either. But there’s something different about him, and something different about the way he makes Maggie feel. Maybe meeting Ran is life’s little gift for Maggie—a sort of consolation prize for enduring everything she's had to go through.

But things don’t come easy for Maggie. Why should love be the exception? And just when everything starts to settle, it’s all turned on its head once again.

If there is one thing Ran has taught Maggie, it’s that you can’t sit on the sidelines of your own existence. When life takes something that’s yours, you have every right to demand it back.

Only for Maggie, that is easier said than done.

(Ransom's Note, the sequel to Demanding Ransom, will release early 2014)

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2013

26 people are currently reading
1261 people want to read

About the author

Megan Squires

28 books540 followers

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5 stars
256 (40%)
4 stars
213 (33%)
3 stars
121 (19%)
2 stars
29 (4%)
1 star
17 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Lia.
926 reviews11 followers
July 9, 2013
I'll give this book 3.5 stars. After reading the reviews of this book, I had high hopes for it. But I was honestly a bit disappointed. Maggie's character frustrated the hell out of me. I understand that she's been through a lot, but her negative attitude and her constantly pushing Ran away is annoying. I just wanted to smack her in the face (thank goodness Cora did finally slap her). She doesn't think she deserves anything good in her life and she continually sabotages her own happiness.

The book started slow for me. And if it wasn't for Ran's character, I probably would have given up on the book. But I pushed through much like Ran never gave up on Maggie. There were parts of the book that were hard for me to follow. The transitions just weren't very smooth. I had to read certain sections multiple times to catch what was going on. (Maybe I'm just slow) The last five or so chapters really picked up. And really pulled at my emotions. And I'm really happy with the ending. Because the ending was so good, I will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
Profile Image for Kris Pittman.
Author 3 books27 followers
April 29, 2013
Demanding Ransom Review
5 stars from Kris at I Heart Books

I’ll start off by admitting that it had been awhile since a book had really gotten me excited about it’s characters, and drew me in to it. From the prologue Demanding Ransom had a grip on me.

An accident brings the handsome Ran into Maggie’s life, but will she allow him to stick around? Will he allow her to brush him off? This isn’t a quiz so I’ll move on…

This was very well written; the characters emotions were so well conveyed that my anxiety so often spiked I had to set the book down! I laughed out loud quite often, I felt sorrow when appropriate, but also felt frustration for (and at) Maggie a few times. Sometimes it is hard being the reader when all you want to do is grab the main character by the shoulders and shake them! Don’t get me wrong, Maggie’s back story was well fleshed out so I understood where she was coming from, but at the same time I wanted her to grow before she was ready. Ran was just so understanding and evolved, I wanted her to see it… like, now!

Yeah, I am totally talking about them like they’re is real, why not?

I was pretty much ready to write Megan hate-mail after she completely ripped my heart of my chest and held it in front of me! Luckily, for her and me, everything ends up working out as it should. Ran is my 2013 book boyfriend… I just wish there were some way to make him real. *sigh*
Profile Image for Ashley.
667 reviews784 followers
June 18, 2013
Nose Graze — Young Adult book reviews

I really enjoyed the first three quarters of Demanding Ransom . The characters had great personalities, and I really felt like we were starting off in a great place! Maggie was fun and a bit of a tom boy, Maggie's brother was a typical jock guy but clearly super nice, and Ran was witty, flirty, and pretty darn hot!

"Did you not get the memo that you're supposed to be a girl?"

I roll my eyes at him, deliberately slow so he can get the full effect of my annoyance. "I got the memo. There were just too many instructions so I decided not to follow too closely."


Up until this point, the one problem I had with the story was how Ran was so obsessed with 'healing' Maggie. Ran was really into Maggie and kept trying to get to know her, but Maggie was constantly pushing him away. Part of me wasn't quite sure what Ran saw in Maggie and why he was so insistent on getting to know her, when she clearly wanted no part in it. I think I just felt like he was awfully dedicated for someone who didn't even know her!

But despite that, I still enjoyed the book! Ran was a fabulous guy and I adored his personality! I like how Ran really challenged Maggie. He didn't make things easy for her, but in a good way. He really forced her to look at her life and stop feeling sorry for herself. I did feel like the author was taunting me a bit because whenever things got heated between Maggie and Ran I got so excited and wanted MORE MORE MORE but they kept pulling back! It was like I was an addict being cut off. I wanted my dose of hotness! LOL! But Ran and Maggie had awesome chemistry when they were together.

He traces the chapstick over his own lips and I've never felt jealous of an inanimate object in my life up to this point, but the envy I have over that stupid chapstick is unreal.


For me, the book did kind of fizzle out at the end though. It took a really unexpected turn that I didn't really like. There's a difference between something being an unexpected twist that's kind of exciting, and something being so unexpected that it just came out of left field and jolted the story a little. For me, it was the latter.

Even though I wasn't totally sold on the ending, I still enjoyed Demanding Ransom overall. I think the best thing it had going for it was the fun, fresh, and light dialogue. There were so many random passages that had me giggling, and that's really what made the book a fun experience!
Profile Image for Rose.
69 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2013
I LOVE RAN!!!!

Review to come!

**EDIT**
*I received a copy as part of the Demanding Ransom Blog Tour*

I absolutely loved this book! Its a little different than what I typically read, but I think that's what I liked most about it. This book was so heart wrenching, it had me in tears on more then one occasion.

Tragedy strikes in the beginning of the book when college student Maggie is on her way to the hospital after receiving news that her brother has been admitted.
============================================
I really enjoyed the scene in the back of the ambulance with Maggie and Ran. Here's a little bit of that scene:
"You need to sit still, Ma'am."
I grit my teeth and open my eyes wide. "Ma'am? Really?"
He laughs again. Now I can see him more clearly, which is weird because I'd always assumed you needed light to see. But before he was silhouetted against it, and now it diffuses softly across his face. He had a nice face. I like his face.
Oh man, my head feels really light. So does my whole body. Like a balloon filled with helium. I like balloons, too. Geez, what did they give me?
"You don't want me to call you Ma'am?" He drags a hand through his hair and the brown strands situate back into their tousled position.
"No, I don't. I like your face and I like balloons, but I don't like being called Ma'am."
============================================ That scene gets better but I didn't want to ruin the whole thing for you.
This book is definitely one to pick up if you are into New Adult.
This genre is starting to grow on me and I am really enjoying it!

There was a lot of emotions in this book. I laughed out loud and cried a lot too.
Its really great to read a book that pulls at your heart strings every now and then.
Ran is the ultimate book boyfriend for me. His job is to help save lives, he rides a motorcycle, has tattoos, and he's got a sweet, sensitive side to him that just makes him so loveable!

Overall, this was an incredible book, with fantastic characters, written by an amazing author.
Megan Squires really knows how to write a great book! I am really looking forward to finding out what happens with Maggie and Ran in book 2, Ransom's Note.
Profile Image for Shannon.
9 reviews
July 10, 2013
I was hooked after the prologue...this book made me laugh out loud in parts...I loved Ran' s character, he was a smart ass and cocky but in a good way. I loved his sense of humor. Maggie! There was times when I wanted to shake some sense into her. I was glad she finally let Ran into her heart. Now to the sad stuff. Mickey then Ran had me in tears in several parts. I won't spoil anything for you so all I will say is I finally got my smile back. Wonderful book...buy it...read it...you won't be disappointed =)
Profile Image for Janell.
155 reviews1 follower
Want to read
June 24, 2013
A PERFECT example of what a difference a cover makes! The first cover would have never gotten me to even read the synopsis. Now I'm DYING to read this book!
Profile Image for Natasha Awkar.
6 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2013
“When life takes something that is yours, you have every right to demand it back!”

Maggie is very family orientated despite her mother walking out on their family, and would do anything for her dad and brother, especially now that her brother has been diagnosed with cancer. She can’t imagine loosing Mikey and wants to be there for him!
Within this book Maggie deals with a variety of different emotions from having guilt to anger and love. But no matter what, Ran is always there to help her through the tough times and also help her forgive and move on.
“It’s scary Maggie. I told you I’m good at patching things up – I can help you with your mom. But I can’t completely fix you – that’s going to come from within. I can’t do that for you.”
This book was all about forgetting the past and looking at the future. Not letting your past define you and being able to choose how you want to spend your life and with who.

Throughout the book Maggie realizes that her mother abandoning her and Mikey had nothing to do with them, she just didn’t care to be a mother. Maggie sees firsthand that her mother isn’t there for her new family than she was for her and Mikey. Maggie can finally find some peace within herself in regards to her mother and can move on.

Maggie’s life finally seems to be going on track until another obstacle is thrown in her way and Maggie doesn’t feel like she can fight it anymore and decides maybe it’s better to have loved for a little while than face rejection. However this book shows that true love shines through.

“I have a right to love just as much as anyone else. I would have done anything to get that back”
This book was one of very few that made me laugh and cry and really connect with Maggie and Ran. I wanted their love to shine through and for them both to finally catch the break they both deserved. I can’t wait for Maggie and Ran’s story to continue in Ransom’s Note coming early 2014!
“I can’t fall in love with you again, Maggie… Because that would mean there was a time that I fell out of love with you… And that never happened … I fell fast, and I fell forever, too.”

xxx - Tash
Forever Me Romance

http://forevermeromance.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Paris.
Author 15 books66 followers
June 30, 2013
This book was so amazing, I couldn’t put it down. It was one of those Kindle samples that I read the first chapter and had to buy it immediately. Then I was so into it, I just kept reading even though I have a million other books that I’m supposed to read first. Maggie was a great main character. I totally understood where she was coming from and why she felt the way she did. And Ran…oh, if he isn’t the perfect book boyfriend. He’s hot, dependable, has an awesome job, has tattoos and a motorcycle and is far more understanding than Maggie often deserved. Sometimes I wanted to reach through the Kindle and shake her.

I’ve read some reviews where people didn’t like the ending, but I thought it was amazing. I was so wrapped up in everything; my heart was breaking for everyone involved even though I knew that odds were that everything would eventually work out. I was so damn worried that they wouldn’t. It takes a great writer for me to lose myself so much that I forget it’s a romance and that there will be a happily ever after or at least a happily for now…well or a sequel. lol

Ultimately I loved Maggie and her brother and how she interacted with everyone. I want more of these characters and their stories. This will definitely be a book I read over and over. In fact I wish I could right now. I definitely want more Ran and hopefully I’ll get what I want…pretty please Megan?!?
Profile Image for Theresa.
409 reviews
May 2, 2013
Megan has another hit on her hands!! I really enjoyed this book, as I do all of Megan's books and look forward to reading more to find out what happens between Ran and Maggie. The only thing I would change would be to add more romance to their relationship!

Ran is a HOT paramedic! If I ever; which I hope it never happens, get in an accident I hope it's Ran that comes to my rescue! That is how Maggie met him, and again when he came to her house to take her brother to the hospital.

He forces himself into her world and they share a lot of sarcastic bantering back and forth and he makes her see things differently, and she fights him all the way. She has been through so much in her life that she may be afraid to love or worse yet, not capable of love! You have to read it to see what happens
Profile Image for Ashly.
468 reviews33 followers
July 5, 2013
review to come....


Updated 7/5/13
I loved this book. Ransom was totally swoon worth and Maggie was a kick ass girl who yes had lets face it a ton of fricken baggage but the baggage was well earned. She had a lot of shit happen in her life and this book is a perfect showing of how life isnt perfect and in fact it tends to more often than not keep shoveling crap your way even when you are already down. But Ransom is there to show her that there is light at the end of her very long and dark tunnel and the best part about it is, he's not preaching at her. He has honestly had his own fair share of crap thrown on him and he came out the bigger person for it and is willing to help Maggie through hers. This book was a refreshing read with a nice twist that makes your heart just sigh in the end. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. And btw the name Ransom completely rocks and to ad tats and beautiful blue eyes...Ms. Squires I just gained a new book boyfriend!
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
July 23, 2013
This was a great book! There was a lot packed into this story. There were times I laughed so hard, and then there were times I wanted to cry. The banter between Ran, and Maggie was fun. I loved some of the things that happened to Maggie. Of Corse if those same things would have happened to me, I think I would have died of embarrassment. This story also had a lot of life lessons on Forgiveness. Most of the time forgiveness helps the person that is able to forgive more than it helps the person being forgiven.

I can’t say enough good things about this book! It was a real delight to read. The romance between Ran, and Maggie touched my heart.
Profile Image for Jerrica.
16 reviews
July 3, 2013
Wow...just wow...I LOVED this book! Ran has the best personality and the biggest heart. Megan Squires writing is wonderful, your not just reading a story with characters...your "living" the story. This was my first book from her but will def NOT be my last. I cried, laughed out loud and wanted to scream many times throughout this book. Please do yourself a favor and BUY DEMANDING RANSOM!!!! (It's sssooo worth it)
Profile Image for Margarette Danny.
163 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2013
I have absolutely fell in love with Maggie and Ran. They have a fun loving relationship. The way she continues to fight against the relationship and the way he fights for it, makes you want to read it so much more. It was a light hearted kind of love. One that you can only dream of. I cant wait for the next book to come out. Great job writing this book.
Profile Image for Razel.
54 reviews24 followers
October 13, 2013
More. More.More... i want more!! I want Ransom's note right now!!!!!! :C I love it.. I love this book!!! Thank you Megan Squires for creating such a heart wrenching, romantic, and wonderful characters! I love Ransom to the utmost of my heart!!!Seriously, i need the damn second book right now. I can't wait for 2014! It's too long!!!
Profile Image for Megan.
Author 28 books540 followers
April 23, 2013
I know as an author you're not supposed to have favorites (it's kind of like admitting to having a favorite child), but I honestly am so in love with Maggie and Ran's story. I hope all of you fall in love with them, too!
Profile Image for Kristin.
6 reviews
June 12, 2013
This is definitely my favorite book by Megan Squires to date! I love the depth of the characters and the story. There were some HOT moments of passion and some really heartfelt moments that made me tear up and scream in my mind! This was one I couldn't put down and I was sad when I finished it.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,046 reviews18 followers
June 24, 2017
Really good book involving fate, cancer, car wrecks, falling in love, forgiveness, and amnesia. Very sweet at times. Ran and Maggie were fun characters with some funny texting banter, and some sad goldfish.
Profile Image for *Butterflies in books*.
271 reviews
October 27, 2013
This one was a little bit different and I really appreciated it and LOVED it! There's no caveman, Ran is witty, funny, mature and amazing! Obviously, this goes to my favorites!

I can't wait to know MORE!
334 reviews
November 5, 2013
Loved this story! Hated that her brother was sick but liked that they were able to keep humor during the bad times then to get hit with Rans accident. Still liked the HEA though. Would like more to this story
Profile Image for Mary.
354 reviews16 followers
December 9, 2013
OMG! I love this book! I've had it on my kindle for quite a while. ...then One More Chapter started promoting it so I thought I should check it out....it is so good! Megan Squires is amazing and the book is 10 star worthy!
Profile Image for Joood Hooligan.
518 reviews35 followers
April 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and believable. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it. My only issue was the end seemed a bit rushed.
Profile Image for Tiffany Willett.
7 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2013
Oh Megan! I just loved demanding ransom! There are no words how to describe how much I loved it! I got lost in it and can easily say this is one book that will be read over and again! Much love!
147 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2013
This book was freaking amazing. If you are looking for something to read that will grab you and not let go, you have found it. WOW...glad I found this.
112 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2013
This book is one of my favs! I have read it a few times! Ran is the man! I will admit that some parts needed tissues but it was such an amazing book!!
Profile Image for Angie Hulsman.
209 reviews6 followers
February 3, 2014
This is my favorite Megan Squires book. I laughed out loud and I cried ugly tears. This book has it all! This is a book that stayed with me long after I finished. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Maryanne Litalien.
8 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2014
Love, Love, Love this story. Cannot wait for the next book. Thank you, Megan Squires! You wrote another beautiful clean love story plus MORE!!
Profile Image for Julie Chaddock.
42 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2018
Good book

I thought it was a sweet romance. Had life lessons not just romance which was great. I liked everything except the ending. I thought it was unnecessary and what happened to one of the characters just added an element that seemed forced. Overall really liked this book. I love Megan Squires.
1,158 reviews
September 3, 2020
Cute love story. R. A

It's a cute love story but at time's it felt like I was reading and not part of the story. It's still a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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