What do you think?
Rate this book
Those Marshall Boys #1
Once a Marine
Does she even need a hero?
Summer Lane is no damsel in distress. For the past two years, she's been battling her way back from her worst nightmare all by herself. So she doesn't need the fabulous former Marine Zach Marshall swooping in to save her.
But she needn't worry. Zach has hung up his shining armor. His instinct to rescue has only brought him heartache, and he's not about to risk it all again—even though everything about Summer makes him yearn to help. But she just might accept his challenge to step up and conquer her fears on her own. Even her deepest fears, like trust…and love.
Summer Lane is no damsel in distress. For the past two years, she's been battling her way back from her worst nightmare all by herself. So she doesn't need the fabulous former Marine Zach Marshall swooping in to save her.
But she needn't worry. Zach has hung up his shining armor. His instinct to rescue has only brought him heartache, and he's not about to risk it all again—even though everything about Summer makes him yearn to help. But she just might accept his challenge to step up and conquer her fears on her own. Even her deepest fears, like trust…and love.
- GenresHarlequin
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Loree Lough
133 books684 followersWith the upcoming release of the books in her new Kensington series, bestselling author Loree Lough will have 121 books on the shelves (8,000,000+ copies in circulation). Her writing style has been compared to Nicholas Sparks and Mary Jo Putney, and readers and reviewers often call her “a gifted writer whose stories touch hearts and change lives.”
With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.
Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.
With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.
Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 14, 2015
Good story of 2 people who are both overcoming difficulties. Deals with abuse and overcoming it. Clean read but felt a little disjointed in places. I will read the next book in this "series".
Content: Clean
Source: Netgalley
Content: Clean
Source: Netgalley
February 2, 2015
A troubling and misguided look at how, when and why women suffer from sexual assault and violent attacks.
A pity, because the premise was interesting, but the execution was extremely out-dated.
A pity, because the premise was interesting, but the execution was extremely out-dated.
January 20, 2015
I picture this town as very close knit. Everyone knows everyone. It is beautiful with mountains all over.........The town has all the necessities for everyday things and yet has all the conveniences of Denver, CO. which is not far away.
Zach is a former Marine and Tough Guy Wannabe. He is very distrustful of women because he has a tendancy to misjudge their intentions.Zach is very handsome and ladies are drawn to him but he is very cautious.
Summer is very pretty & quiet. She is very distrustful of men because of a past situation and reacts the exact opposite of Zach's sister who had a similar experience. Her parents are like nomads.....never in one place for long.
Libby-- Zach's sister--She is very pretty, outgoing and loud.....she has a huge heart and is hardworking. She and Zach grow up in a very loving home.
Alex & Rose-- Summer's Neighbors-- Alex is a typical teenager who has been through alot. He is drawn to Zach because he need a father figure in his life. Rose is Alex's mom........she loves Alex but doesn't always know what to do with him.
Sometimes we all have issues with our hearts.....When trust is lost, it's hard to get back. Sometimes you never get it back! If we would just remember that God is the Great Heart Mender, we would all be more content and happier. To find out if these people allow God to mend their heart, and to see what kind of similar situations Summer & Libby has...... you have to read the book! Happy Reading
Zach is a former Marine and Tough Guy Wannabe. He is very distrustful of women because he has a tendancy to misjudge their intentions.Zach is very handsome and ladies are drawn to him but he is very cautious.
Summer is very pretty & quiet. She is very distrustful of men because of a past situation and reacts the exact opposite of Zach's sister who had a similar experience. Her parents are like nomads.....never in one place for long.
Libby-- Zach's sister--She is very pretty, outgoing and loud.....she has a huge heart and is hardworking. She and Zach grow up in a very loving home.
Alex & Rose-- Summer's Neighbors-- Alex is a typical teenager who has been through alot. He is drawn to Zach because he need a father figure in his life. Rose is Alex's mom........she loves Alex but doesn't always know what to do with him.
Sometimes we all have issues with our hearts.....When trust is lost, it's hard to get back. Sometimes you never get it back! If we would just remember that God is the Great Heart Mender, we would all be more content and happier. To find out if these people allow God to mend their heart, and to see what kind of similar situations Summer & Libby has...... you have to read the book! Happy Reading
July 17, 2015
Summer Lane's life was turned upside down the day she was attacked and raped. Living the life of a hermit ever since the attack Summer has a young man named Alex, whom she pays to run all her errands, so she doesn't have to leave her house. Summer's friend Alex gives her a pamphlet for self-defense classes.
Zack Marshall's sister Libby is attacked and beaten and that's when Zach decides he will teach women to protect themselves. Even though his sister says that he suffers from KISAS syndrome Zach denies it but as Zach gets to know Summer he grows to admire her courage.
I really liked the courage Summer Lane displayed in this story! I can't wait for next book in the Marshall series.
Zack Marshall's sister Libby is attacked and beaten and that's when Zach decides he will teach women to protect themselves. Even though his sister says that he suffers from KISAS syndrome Zach denies it but as Zach gets to know Summer he grows to admire her courage.
I really liked the courage Summer Lane displayed in this story! I can't wait for next book in the Marshall series.
January 10, 2015
Once I started this book, I did not want to put it down. How do you overcome fear, doubt, and a violent attack? Different people react differently. Zach, a former Marine, is tormented by what happens when he can't control what's going on, like his sister's attack and men he lost in the war. But instead of hiding from his fear, he reaches out to help others.
Summer Lane has lived through her worst nightmare, a violent, near-death attack. She is a prisoner in her own home. Her neighbor's son, Alex Peterson, runs her errands for her so she doesn't have to go out. He tells her about Zach and his self-defense classes. Can she summon the courage to go out? Can she trust Zach enough to come out of her home?
Zach Marshall is a former Marine and teaches self-defense classes. Is he really interested in Summer, or does her situation make him want to protect her because of what she's been through? She can't be the woman for him since he wants a strong woman in his life to fulfill his dreams. But, once he meets Summer, is he falling for her, or just helping her to cope?
It was a joy to read this story and see how the main characters, Zach and Summer, change and grow. Fear, doubt, and lack of trust engulf Summer as she starts living her life again. Zach has a past too, from serving as a Marine. Can he let go and be the man Summer needs in her life? Can she become the woman Zach needs? Can they trust each other? Once a Marine is a sweet romance dealing with real life issues. He won't let Summer hide and Summer won't let him be her knight in shining armor. I can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this series!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summer Lane has lived through her worst nightmare, a violent, near-death attack. She is a prisoner in her own home. Her neighbor's son, Alex Peterson, runs her errands for her so she doesn't have to go out. He tells her about Zach and his self-defense classes. Can she summon the courage to go out? Can she trust Zach enough to come out of her home?
Zach Marshall is a former Marine and teaches self-defense classes. Is he really interested in Summer, or does her situation make him want to protect her because of what she's been through? She can't be the woman for him since he wants a strong woman in his life to fulfill his dreams. But, once he meets Summer, is he falling for her, or just helping her to cope?
It was a joy to read this story and see how the main characters, Zach and Summer, change and grow. Fear, doubt, and lack of trust engulf Summer as she starts living her life again. Zach has a past too, from serving as a Marine. Can he let go and be the man Summer needs in her life? Can she become the woman Zach needs? Can they trust each other? Once a Marine is a sweet romance dealing with real life issues. He won't let Summer hide and Summer won't let him be her knight in shining armor. I can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this series!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2015
Once a Marine
I loved the story of Zach and Summer. Zach wants to help others learn to defend themselves, Summer lives by Alex who works with Zach. Summer had been attacked and after that stayed at home and did not go out anywhere. Alex and Zach talk her into taking a class at the place he owns that teaches self defense. Which this helps her get out more. Love the characters of Rose, Alex and also Libby who is Zach sister. Libby also had been attacked but not as bad, she is the reason Zach started his business. Loved the dog being in the book also, nothing like the healing powers of a dog. Looking forward to the other books in the series. The story of Zach and Summer proves that love can really help heal, we don't have to be perfect to find love. This book can stir a lot of emotions which means the author, Loree Lough, did a great job of writing this book. I was given a copy of the book by the author to review it but would have brought it anyway.
I loved the story of Zach and Summer. Zach wants to help others learn to defend themselves, Summer lives by Alex who works with Zach. Summer had been attacked and after that stayed at home and did not go out anywhere. Alex and Zach talk her into taking a class at the place he owns that teaches self defense. Which this helps her get out more. Love the characters of Rose, Alex and also Libby who is Zach sister. Libby also had been attacked but not as bad, she is the reason Zach started his business. Loved the dog being in the book also, nothing like the healing powers of a dog. Looking forward to the other books in the series. The story of Zach and Summer proves that love can really help heal, we don't have to be perfect to find love. This book can stir a lot of emotions which means the author, Loree Lough, did a great job of writing this book. I was given a copy of the book by the author to review it but would have brought it anyway.
February 24, 2015
5 STARS for this wonderful story.
I was engaged from the beginning. Learning about Summer and Zach, their problems and how they handled them kept me from putting this story down. Double bind: Wanted to hurry to find out what was going to happen and not wanting the story to end. I felt as though I was part of the story but as a silent character to observe and quietly urge them toward complete healing.
Wow, what a tough subject to broach in a fiction book. In no way was I repulsed by what had happened as there are no details to the attacks. However, I felt such empathy for the trials of these characters and was rooting for them from the get go.
I was engaged from the beginning. Learning about Summer and Zach, their problems and how they handled them kept me from putting this story down. Double bind: Wanted to hurry to find out what was going to happen and not wanting the story to end. I felt as though I was part of the story but as a silent character to observe and quietly urge them toward complete healing.
Wow, what a tough subject to broach in a fiction book. In no way was I repulsed by what had happened as there are no details to the attacks. However, I felt such empathy for the trials of these characters and was rooting for them from the get go.
February 2, 2015
I loved this book. I was pulled into the lives of the characters from the first pages. The author does a wonderful job of writing about the tough subject of women surviving and overcoming a brutal attack and of a soldier home from Afghanistan with issues of his own. I read the book in one setting because I was so involved in the lives of Summer and Zach that I didn't want to put it down. It is a beautifully told story of survival and the healing that love can bring. I definitely am looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 26, 2016
I enjoyed the story of Zach, a former marine, who has a problem with being the "Knight In Shining Armor" and Summer, who did not want to be the damsel in distress. There was lots of humor and wit within the pages of their romance. I loved the strength that was within both of them and that Summer was able to begin healing from her past. Good story.
I received this book in a giveaway. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my own opinion.
I received this book in a giveaway. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my own opinion.
May 4, 2015
Loree Lough has done it again. She has brought great characters to a good premise. I hadn't seen anyone take this route before. I rooted for the characters to be more than they thought they could be. The book was not formulaic and predictable. It was a well thought out and enjoyable ride. I want to see more of "Those Marshall Boys".
January 9, 2020
A sweet read. The story is about a girl who after a brutal atack becomes a closed in person. Relying on others to do necessary things like shopping. The turning point in the story comes quickly with the help of her next door neighbor's son. He presents her with the oportunity to take some self defence classes where she meets the soon to be hero. Though not really a hero to her. He helps her to come into her own that has been burried under fear, doubt and weakness.
I dont want to give so much away in this review. I have read other books by this author and it did not disappoint.
I dont want to give so much away in this review. I have read other books by this author and it did not disappoint.
June 9, 2023
Good book
June 29, 2022
Great!
My regards to Loree, this book and the two remaining have been in my to be read list for awhile. Atlast
I have finally begun the series and I'm enjoying it tremendously! As always you are an awesome author. Great job!
My regards to Loree, this book and the two remaining have been in my to be read list for awhile. Atlast
I have finally begun the series and I'm enjoying it tremendously! As always you are an awesome author. Great job!
January 26, 2015
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had never read any books by Loree Lough, nor had I read a book from the Heartwarming series by Harlequin, so I did not know what to expect when I started this book. I was, however, looking forward to read it because the subject matter sounded very thought-provoking and on-the edge for a Heartwarming type books.
From the beginning of the book, I got sucked into the story, The reader is able to watch how Summer is able to heal after becoming agoraphobic from a sexual assault many years ago. For people who do not to read graphic details about such attacks, no need to worry. The attack itself is barely talked about. This story concentrates more on Summer's healing and the relationship between Summer and former Marine Zach Marshall than the actual attack.
Pros: The characters of Summer and Zach are three dimensional characters.
This book concentrates solely on all of the characters' relationship with each other as well as Summer's healing process.
Summer's actions when she accidentally meets her attacker are very realistic.
Cons: I personally would have liked to get more information about what happened to her during the attack. They talked around it, but never actually discussed it which made it hard for me to understand at times.
I felt the kissing booth part was very unrealistic
In spite of the "Cons", I still enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to read more about "Those Marshall Boys."
I had never read any books by Loree Lough, nor had I read a book from the Heartwarming series by Harlequin, so I did not know what to expect when I started this book. I was, however, looking forward to read it because the subject matter sounded very thought-provoking and on-the edge for a Heartwarming type books.
From the beginning of the book, I got sucked into the story, The reader is able to watch how Summer is able to heal after becoming agoraphobic from a sexual assault many years ago. For people who do not to read graphic details about such attacks, no need to worry. The attack itself is barely talked about. This story concentrates more on Summer's healing and the relationship between Summer and former Marine Zach Marshall than the actual attack.
Pros: The characters of Summer and Zach are three dimensional characters.
This book concentrates solely on all of the characters' relationship with each other as well as Summer's healing process.
Summer's actions when she accidentally meets her attacker are very realistic.
Cons: I personally would have liked to get more information about what happened to her during the attack. They talked around it, but never actually discussed it which made it hard for me to understand at times.
I felt the kissing booth part was very unrealistic
In spite of the "Cons", I still enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to read more about "Those Marshall Boys."
January 12, 2015
3 STARS
This is full of drama, emotional, romantic and full of characters that you want to see more of. It is a clean read.
Summer Lane is the main character. She went through a lot after being attacked two years ago. She has hardly left her apartment for the past two years. Her next door neighbor who brought her groceries for her tells her about his boss Zach who teaches self defense instructor.
Zach Marshall is a former marine. After he got home and his sister was attacked he decide to open a studio to teach self defense to keep people safe if attacked. Zach has a past of wanting to ride to the rescue of damsels in distress. Then getting heart broken.
I enjoyed the story. I feel that part of the story with the ski accident was edit out. I wanted more of that chapter. That is the only part of the book I can find fault with.
I would like to see more of the Marshall boys in the future. Especially like to see more of Zach's sister.
I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest opinion of Once A Marine.
February 1, 2015
Summer gone through a traumatic event that lead her to want to stay within the confines of her home. When a friend convinces her to to take up a self defense class she was a bit skeptical about going. Zach Marshall has a bit of a hero complex and wants to help the lovely Summer Lane to go to his self defense classes but will try to guard his heart a bit because of past mistakes.
I really enjoyed this book it truly is a heart warming story. I loved watching Summer get more confident as a the story went on. I thought it was interesting getting to know her back story and how everything tied together to make he how she want. I couldn't help but cheer her on nearing the ending of the story. There was a bit of a random moment that threw me off wondering where the heck it fit in but that's fine. I loved that there was so much going on to keep me wanting more. Overall this was a great book and I recommend you lovely readers to check it out.
I really enjoyed this book it truly is a heart warming story. I loved watching Summer get more confident as a the story went on. I thought it was interesting getting to know her back story and how everything tied together to make he how she want. I couldn't help but cheer her on nearing the ending of the story. There was a bit of a random moment that threw me off wondering where the heck it fit in but that's fine. I loved that there was so much going on to keep me wanting more. Overall this was a great book and I recommend you lovely readers to check it out.
September 9, 2015
This is one of those books by Loree Lough that makes you feel like someone has been looking over your shoulder into your life. The experiences of fear caused by the actions of a thoughtless thug that threw Summer Lane into her world of isolation can resonate with any of us who have had to battle a choking fear of something terrifying in our lives. Likewise, we can all identify with wanting to have our white knight aka, Zach Marshall, ride into our lives-leap, over our self imposed walls of protection and rescue us. Zach Marshall exhibited all the qualities that are honorable in a good Christian man.
When you get your hands on this book, find a quiet corner, cup of coffee and settle in for a good read. But hang out a DO NOT DISTURB sign as you are not going to want to be disturbed until you have read cover to cover!
When you get your hands on this book, find a quiet corner, cup of coffee and settle in for a good read. But hang out a DO NOT DISTURB sign as you are not going to want to be disturbed until you have read cover to cover!
September 29, 2015
Once a Marine was a good story. I liked both main characters and it was nice to see them grow and learn to trust again. I felt extremely bad for what both Summer and Libby had went through, but I was happy to see that they both were able to work through it and are now beginning to live a relatively normal life again. All in all I thought this was a nice read and would recommend it to fans of clean contemporary books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
October 12, 2015
This heartwarming romance was a light, easy read, but I would have liked for the plot to have a little more depth. The characters were likeable, but their actions and dialogue were not always believable.
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: Those Marshall Boys
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews