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North Star #1-3
North Star - The Complete Series Box Set
Three full bestselling novels, over 280,000 words, and 8 pages of extended, uncut scenes!
BRAWLER
Jenna Monroe never cared which side of the tracks I came from. She didn't care what my reputation was, what my face looked like, or what my body could do. She never asked for anything but me. The real me.
The boxer.
The orphan.
The animal.
I met her my senior year when she was just a thirteen year old kid with honest eyes and fire in her veins. She was the greatest friend I'd ever known and I loved her like blood. I fought for her, I protected her, and as she grew older I wanted her. Now my biggest worry isn't how to keep her safe from the world.
It's how the hell am I going to keep her safe from me?
KNOCKOUT
Kellen Coulter has a way with women. A boxer from the wrong side of town, he worked his way through the wealthy daughters at Weston High with a brilliant smile, sweet words and vacant eyes. No one gets close. No one gets through. No one knows the secrets hiding inside.
No one but me. I'm the only girl he's ever let in. The only one who has ever truly seen him. When we met I was just a kid, an old soul with an open ear and a full understanding of what it was to be misunderstood by everyone around you. But even I didn't know the demons sleeping inside him. Not until now.
Not until it might be too late.
RINGSIDE
Kellen and Jenna have been friends for years. A boxer with a shattered past and an artist with a wealthy family, they found each other against all odds. Ever in each other's corner, they grew up together, watched relationships rise and crumble, and the only one that's always left standing is their own.
Bound to each other by an unwavering friendship, undeniable love, and a growing desire, timing has never been on their side. Not until now.
Now they'll find that falling in love was the easy part. That happily ever after doesn't come softly, and the end of their story is only the beginning.
BRAWLER
Jenna Monroe never cared which side of the tracks I came from. She didn't care what my reputation was, what my face looked like, or what my body could do. She never asked for anything but me. The real me.
The boxer.
The orphan.
The animal.
I met her my senior year when she was just a thirteen year old kid with honest eyes and fire in her veins. She was the greatest friend I'd ever known and I loved her like blood. I fought for her, I protected her, and as she grew older I wanted her. Now my biggest worry isn't how to keep her safe from the world.
It's how the hell am I going to keep her safe from me?
KNOCKOUT
Kellen Coulter has a way with women. A boxer from the wrong side of town, he worked his way through the wealthy daughters at Weston High with a brilliant smile, sweet words and vacant eyes. No one gets close. No one gets through. No one knows the secrets hiding inside.
No one but me. I'm the only girl he's ever let in. The only one who has ever truly seen him. When we met I was just a kid, an old soul with an open ear and a full understanding of what it was to be misunderstood by everyone around you. But even I didn't know the demons sleeping inside him. Not until now.
Not until it might be too late.
RINGSIDE
Kellen and Jenna have been friends for years. A boxer with a shattered past and an artist with a wealthy family, they found each other against all odds. Ever in each other's corner, they grew up together, watched relationships rise and crumble, and the only one that's always left standing is their own.
Bound to each other by an unwavering friendship, undeniable love, and a growing desire, timing has never been on their side. Not until now.
Now they'll find that falling in love was the easy part. That happily ever after doesn't come softly, and the end of their story is only the beginning.
1025 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2015
93 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Ward
41 books962 followersI was born in Oregon and studied English Literature at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) My husband and my son are my world.
The best way to keep up on my newest releases, giveaways, and sales is to follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey...
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March 23, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2019)! 🎁
BRAWLER
Jenna Monroe never cared which side of the tracks I came from. She didn't care what my reputation was, what my face looked like, or what my body could do. She never asked for anything but me. The real me.
The boxer.
The orphan.
The animal.
I met her my senior year when she was just a thirteen year old kid with honest eyes and fire in her veins. She was the greatest friend I'd ever known and I loved her like blood. I fought for her, I protected her, and as she grew older I wanted her. Now my biggest worry isn't how to keep her safe from the world.
It's how the hell am I going to keep her safe from me?
KNOCKOUT
Kellen Coulter has a way with women. A boxer from the wrong side of town, he worked his way through the wealthy daughters at Weston High with a brilliant smile, sweet words and vacant eyes. No one gets close. No one gets through. No one knows the secrets hiding inside.
No one but me. I'm the only girl he's ever let in. The only one who has ever truly seen him. When we met I was just a kid, an old soul with an open ear and a full understanding of what it was to be misunderstood by everyone around you. But even I didn't know the demons sleeping inside him. Not until now.
Not until it might be too late.
RINGSIDE
Kellen and Jenna have been friends for years. A boxer with a shattered past and an artist with a wealthy family, they found each other against all odds. Ever in each other's corner, they grew up together, watched relationships rise and crumble, and the only one that's always left standing is their own.
Bound to each other by an unwavering friendship, undeniable love, and a growing desire, timing has never been on their side. Not until now.
Now they'll find that falling in love was the easy part. That happily ever after doesn't come softly, and the end of their story is only the beginning.
BRAWLER
Jenna Monroe never cared which side of the tracks I came from. She didn't care what my reputation was, what my face looked like, or what my body could do. She never asked for anything but me. The real me.
The boxer.
The orphan.
The animal.
I met her my senior year when she was just a thirteen year old kid with honest eyes and fire in her veins. She was the greatest friend I'd ever known and I loved her like blood. I fought for her, I protected her, and as she grew older I wanted her. Now my biggest worry isn't how to keep her safe from the world.
It's how the hell am I going to keep her safe from me?
KNOCKOUT
Kellen Coulter has a way with women. A boxer from the wrong side of town, he worked his way through the wealthy daughters at Weston High with a brilliant smile, sweet words and vacant eyes. No one gets close. No one gets through. No one knows the secrets hiding inside.
No one but me. I'm the only girl he's ever let in. The only one who has ever truly seen him. When we met I was just a kid, an old soul with an open ear and a full understanding of what it was to be misunderstood by everyone around you. But even I didn't know the demons sleeping inside him. Not until now.
Not until it might be too late.
RINGSIDE
Kellen and Jenna have been friends for years. A boxer with a shattered past and an artist with a wealthy family, they found each other against all odds. Ever in each other's corner, they grew up together, watched relationships rise and crumble, and the only one that's always left standing is their own.
Bound to each other by an unwavering friendship, undeniable love, and a growing desire, timing has never been on their side. Not until now.
Now they'll find that falling in love was the easy part. That happily ever after doesn't come softly, and the end of their story is only the beginning.
August 31, 2018
Overall this was a well written series following Kellen from his teen years to adulthood. Along the way, he finds hope, family, and friendship, makes mistakes, struggles with childhood trauma, survives an accident, and ultimately finds unconditional love.
Well edited. Most misses were missing letters (open vs. opener, answers vs. answer) and odd sentences.
The majority of the story begins when Kellen is 17, and follows him forward as he is befriended by the Monroe family. There are a few flashbacks to Kellen's childhood that reveal what happened to his mother and his trials and trauma in foster care. The abuse Kellen suffered in foster care effects how he views himself and the the people in his life. He doesn't trust easily, and he distances himself from people and situations emotionally. One of the ways in which he has learned to cope is through boxing. So, Kellen has boxing, the Monroe family, and the fact that he is super smart going for him.
Brawler (#1)
We meet Kellen at 17 when he stands up for a girl being bullied by two guys. This leads to a night in jail for Kellen, followed by a meeting with Dan Monroe. Dan is a lawyer, and takes on Kellen's case pro bono. From this meeting, Dan brings Kellen into his home, where Kellen meets Dan's wife and two daughters, Laney (15) and Jenna (13). Kellen and Jenna form a tight bond - similar to big brother and little sister. Meanwhile, Kellen's teenage self allows his hormones to direct his path, and he starts dating Laney. Their relationship is quite tumultuous. When Jenna is 15, a 19 year old Kellen suddenly sees her as more than a little girl. Freaked, he heads back to college and throws himself into school, girls, and continuing his on again/off again relationship with Laney. Eventually, he proposes to Laney and begins a miserable four years of postponing the wedding. On the eve of ending his relationship with Laney, they are involved in a serious car accident that lands Kellen in a coma. When he eventually awakens, he finds Jenna waiting for him. From then on, he begins to remake his life as his own, and finally realizes that he needs therapy. The therapist helps Kellen to find a new path - one that includes Jenna. By the end of this book, Kellen and Jenna are finally together and looking forward to finding a future together.
Knockout (#2)
This one is mostly a rehash of Brawler, but told from Jenna's POV. There are some helpful insights, but large chunks are exactly what was in the first book. (Which is not necessarily bad, as it is consistent.) We do learn how Jenna felt throughout the years - from her friendship, to her deeper feelings, to the hurt when Kellen was with Laney, to her deep love for Kellen. Towards the end, we also see how she struggles to let Kellen move at his own emotional pace - balancing when to push, when to pull back, and how to persevere as he heals.
Ringside (#3)
This one contains both Kellen and Jenna's POV. We back up a little and rehash some of the end of Brawler and Knockout. Then, we finally get to move forward as Kellen goes to Ireland to meet his relatives. Finding family and connecting is very rewarding to Kellen personally. He charts a new career path, and steps back into the boxing world. Boxing leads him back to Las Vegas, where he finally meets and talks to his father. This meeting reveals so many things, and yet it creates more questions. Kellen really struggles with the decisions his mother made - especially as they caused him to be placed in foster care where things turned so bad. By the end, Kellen and Jenna have found a way to move forward, and are embracing their future.
Overall, this is a lovely story of perseverance and love. Jenna never gave up on Kellen - loving him even when she had to let him go. Part of Kellen's path is spent trying to live up to the ideal of Dan - a man who truly looked out for Kellen's best interests. However, Kellen finally realizes that he has to follow his own way, and not try to be someone he is not. Ultimately, Kellen realized emulating Dan's character without replicating the details was the best way to honor Dan. And, it was ironic that Kellen thought Laney was the answer to replicating Dan's choice in life, when she was really more like his mother than he realized. Thankfully, Kellen was able to find people in his life that truly looked out for him and not what he could do for them. We all need people like that in our lives. Enjoy!
Well edited. Most misses were missing letters (open vs. opener, answers vs. answer) and odd sentences.
The majority of the story begins when Kellen is 17, and follows him forward as he is befriended by the Monroe family. There are a few flashbacks to Kellen's childhood that reveal what happened to his mother and his trials and trauma in foster care. The abuse Kellen suffered in foster care effects how he views himself and the the people in his life. He doesn't trust easily, and he distances himself from people and situations emotionally. One of the ways in which he has learned to cope is through boxing. So, Kellen has boxing, the Monroe family, and the fact that he is super smart going for him.
Brawler (#1)
We meet Kellen at 17 when he stands up for a girl being bullied by two guys. This leads to a night in jail for Kellen, followed by a meeting with Dan Monroe. Dan is a lawyer, and takes on Kellen's case pro bono. From this meeting, Dan brings Kellen into his home, where Kellen meets Dan's wife and two daughters, Laney (15) and Jenna (13). Kellen and Jenna form a tight bond - similar to big brother and little sister. Meanwhile, Kellen's teenage self allows his hormones to direct his path, and he starts dating Laney. Their relationship is quite tumultuous. When Jenna is 15, a 19 year old Kellen suddenly sees her as more than a little girl. Freaked, he heads back to college and throws himself into school, girls, and continuing his on again/off again relationship with Laney. Eventually, he proposes to Laney and begins a miserable four years of postponing the wedding. On the eve of ending his relationship with Laney, they are involved in a serious car accident that lands Kellen in a coma. When he eventually awakens, he finds Jenna waiting for him. From then on, he begins to remake his life as his own, and finally realizes that he needs therapy. The therapist helps Kellen to find a new path - one that includes Jenna. By the end of this book, Kellen and Jenna are finally together and looking forward to finding a future together.
Knockout (#2)
This one is mostly a rehash of Brawler, but told from Jenna's POV. There are some helpful insights, but large chunks are exactly what was in the first book. (Which is not necessarily bad, as it is consistent.) We do learn how Jenna felt throughout the years - from her friendship, to her deeper feelings, to the hurt when Kellen was with Laney, to her deep love for Kellen. Towards the end, we also see how she struggles to let Kellen move at his own emotional pace - balancing when to push, when to pull back, and how to persevere as he heals.
Ringside (#3)
This one contains both Kellen and Jenna's POV. We back up a little and rehash some of the end of Brawler and Knockout. Then, we finally get to move forward as Kellen goes to Ireland to meet his relatives. Finding family and connecting is very rewarding to Kellen personally. He charts a new career path, and steps back into the boxing world. Boxing leads him back to Las Vegas, where he finally meets and talks to his father. This meeting reveals so many things, and yet it creates more questions. Kellen really struggles with the decisions his mother made - especially as they caused him to be placed in foster care where things turned so bad. By the end, Kellen and Jenna have found a way to move forward, and are embracing their future.
Overall, this is a lovely story of perseverance and love. Jenna never gave up on Kellen - loving him even when she had to let him go. Part of Kellen's path is spent trying to live up to the ideal of Dan - a man who truly looked out for Kellen's best interests. However, Kellen finally realizes that he has to follow his own way, and not try to be someone he is not. Ultimately, Kellen realized emulating Dan's character without replicating the details was the best way to honor Dan. And, it was ironic that Kellen thought Laney was the answer to replicating Dan's choice in life, when she was really more like his mother than he realized. Thankfully, Kellen was able to find people in his life that truly looked out for him and not what he could do for them. We all need people like that in our lives. Enjoy!
September 29, 2022
The book is composed of a trilogy, featuring Kellen Coulter, handsome bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks who gets into a fight defending a girl, ends up in prison and is defended by a lawyer pro bono. Then the lawyer brings him to this house and lets him meet his daughters. He falls in lust with the older, falls into best friends with the younger. And a very angsty love triangle is born!
What I loved about this story is the complexity of Kellen’s mind. People think he’s a player but that’s not it, he goes out with girls, hoping to connect, but he actually disconnects during the sex act, and the girl accuses him of cheating, so he ends the relation. He never cheats, but ends up with a long string of ex-girlfriends with a grudge. He’s on the fast track in school, he’s a genius, a star in the football field, waiting to turn eighteen to be free of his abusive foster father.
He’s been boxing since he was eight years old, trying to exorcise his demons. When he fights, what he calls the animal comes out, and within the discipline of his sport, he turns deadly strong and invincible. Outside of the ring, he keeps an even temperament, to prevent the animal from taking over. I found him so wonderfully complex and interesting, a guy with an inside decent person, who only looks for acceptance and love. Which he finds in Dan Monroe’s family and treasures it.
In the first book we see when he loses his road, hates where his bad decisions have taken him, until something happens that brings clarity to his mind. The second book is Jenna’s point of view, some scenes are repeated, but this time from her standpoint. Interesting because many scenes in the Monroe house are presented that were not shown in the first book.
Then the third and the winner, when Kellen faces all of his demons in his fight to be with Jenna as a complete man. The whole trilogy spans about ten years, so by the end we’re friends with Kellen, Jenna, and their friends. We even love Laney, just feel pity for this high maintenance girl who goes after what she wants, even if it’s not good for her. And we root for Kellan so he can get to be the man he wants to be for Jenna.
I loved the whole story, the complexity of Kellen’s personality and loved the wholesomeness of Jenna’s. She was wise beyond her years, loving and generous. The dynamics in the Monroe family are also very interesting, a mother/daughter who are like peas in a pod, and a father/daughter relations that is just beautiful to see. In spite of their differences, this is a family that loves, that took in an orphan young man and loved him through all the tumultuous years and the heartbreak of their two daughters.
It was a super entertaining and riveting read, and since it was my first from this author, will definitely looks out for others by her.
What I loved about this story is the complexity of Kellen’s mind. People think he’s a player but that’s not it, he goes out with girls, hoping to connect, but he actually disconnects during the sex act, and the girl accuses him of cheating, so he ends the relation. He never cheats, but ends up with a long string of ex-girlfriends with a grudge. He’s on the fast track in school, he’s a genius, a star in the football field, waiting to turn eighteen to be free of his abusive foster father.
He’s been boxing since he was eight years old, trying to exorcise his demons. When he fights, what he calls the animal comes out, and within the discipline of his sport, he turns deadly strong and invincible. Outside of the ring, he keeps an even temperament, to prevent the animal from taking over. I found him so wonderfully complex and interesting, a guy with an inside decent person, who only looks for acceptance and love. Which he finds in Dan Monroe’s family and treasures it.
In the first book we see when he loses his road, hates where his bad decisions have taken him, until something happens that brings clarity to his mind. The second book is Jenna’s point of view, some scenes are repeated, but this time from her standpoint. Interesting because many scenes in the Monroe house are presented that were not shown in the first book.
Then the third and the winner, when Kellen faces all of his demons in his fight to be with Jenna as a complete man. The whole trilogy spans about ten years, so by the end we’re friends with Kellen, Jenna, and their friends. We even love Laney, just feel pity for this high maintenance girl who goes after what she wants, even if it’s not good for her. And we root for Kellan so he can get to be the man he wants to be for Jenna.
I loved the whole story, the complexity of Kellen’s personality and loved the wholesomeness of Jenna’s. She was wise beyond her years, loving and generous. The dynamics in the Monroe family are also very interesting, a mother/daughter who are like peas in a pod, and a father/daughter relations that is just beautiful to see. In spite of their differences, this is a family that loves, that took in an orphan young man and loved him through all the tumultuous years and the heartbreak of their two daughters.
It was a super entertaining and riveting read, and since it was my first from this author, will definitely looks out for others by her.
November 17, 2017
Knockout
Touching, emotional, heartache, friendship of hidden love and secrets only Jenna will ever learn of Kellen and parts of his past. From Jennaks p.o.v.
Brawler-
Mostly repeated from Knockout but this is from Kellen’s p.o.v. But is also with the toxic cheating Laney and him with the occasional time with Jenna. All his dark secrets, pasts and the ugliness of what he went through and still fights daily with.
I don’t and didn’t like Laney from neither book and this one makes her downright disdain in her actions and rubbing her and Kellen into Jenna’s shaky feelings. I’m glade she confessed her cheating on Kellen even still is, heck her parent knew she was and they didn’t say anything to Kellen, really? Dan should have told him anyways, his oldest daughter is trouble and he supposed to help Kel with the truth, why didn’t he?
I skimmed a lot I couldn’t read him with the wh0re Laney and also the repeated parts but the rest I did read and to read what happened in his childhood was dark and to see why he shuts down with the ladies and try his hardest to be fully there with Jenna is understandable. That’s why I gave it 4.
Ringside-
*** Starts a few months before the airport and surprise proposal at the end of book 1 & 2*****
Finally, we got to see Kellen have his breakthroughs, face his demons, visit people he has never knew about, speak with a man from his past and be the man he always wanted to be before the dark. Remember the coma well he will remember things when someone he never met will trigger his mind and getting the truth. Him and Jenna are still working through his 'shut downs' but when she wants to meet his animal what will he do, have them meet or run? Will Laney finally grow up and be an adult when it come to Kellen and Jenna? Kellen and Jenna will finally meet the other person how help create Kellen and the answers he will share will be both upsetting but understandable, showing Kellen a cycle he was destine to follow. Will Kellen stop resenting the man that wants to be his father? Laney will face a tragic event and she will need Jenna more then ever but what happens next when after Laney learns to live again, will her sister be shoved aside again and hates?..... BTW.... boxing is more written in this story then the others.
Touching, emotional, heartache, friendship of hidden love and secrets only Jenna will ever learn of Kellen and parts of his past. From Jennaks p.o.v.
Brawler-
Mostly repeated from Knockout but this is from Kellen’s p.o.v. But is also with the toxic cheating Laney and him with the occasional time with Jenna. All his dark secrets, pasts and the ugliness of what he went through and still fights daily with.
I don’t and didn’t like Laney from neither book and this one makes her downright disdain in her actions and rubbing her and Kellen into Jenna’s shaky feelings. I’m glade she confessed her cheating on Kellen even still is, heck her parent knew she was and they didn’t say anything to Kellen, really? Dan should have told him anyways, his oldest daughter is trouble and he supposed to help Kel with the truth, why didn’t he?
I skimmed a lot I couldn’t read him with the wh0re Laney and also the repeated parts but the rest I did read and to read what happened in his childhood was dark and to see why he shuts down with the ladies and try his hardest to be fully there with Jenna is understandable. That’s why I gave it 4.
Ringside-
*** Starts a few months before the airport and surprise proposal at the end of book 1 & 2*****
Finally, we got to see Kellen have his breakthroughs, face his demons, visit people he has never knew about, speak with a man from his past and be the man he always wanted to be before the dark. Remember the coma well he will remember things when someone he never met will trigger his mind and getting the truth. Him and Jenna are still working through his 'shut downs' but when she wants to meet his animal what will he do, have them meet or run? Will Laney finally grow up and be an adult when it come to Kellen and Jenna? Kellen and Jenna will finally meet the other person how help create Kellen and the answers he will share will be both upsetting but understandable, showing Kellen a cycle he was destine to follow. Will Kellen stop resenting the man that wants to be his father? Laney will face a tragic event and she will need Jenna more then ever but what happens next when after Laney learns to live again, will her sister be shoved aside again and hates?..... BTW.... boxing is more written in this story then the others.
January 10, 2023
The storyline was incredibly similar to Something In The Way by Jessica Hawkins. Too similar, in my opinion.
The hero in North Star, Kellen, was far more likable than the hero in Hawkins version, but I felt I had been there and done that with this box set.
The hero in North Star, Kellen, was far more likable than the hero in Hawkins version, but I felt I had been there and done that with this box set.
March 26, 2019
A must read.
This is an outstanding series. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end yet. I'll be looking for more books from this author.
This is an outstanding series. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end yet. I'll be looking for more books from this author.
July 5, 2019
3 great books in 1
First book is Kellen’s story, 2nd book is Jenna’s version and the 3rd is a combined continuation. I felt like crying and laughing at some points.
First book is Kellen’s story, 2nd book is Jenna’s version and the 3rd is a combined continuation. I felt like crying and laughing at some points.
December 26, 2015
Book 1 - Jenna meets Kellen when he comes to her house to see her father. She is 13, he is 17. He is in trouble and her lawyer father helps him, sees the troubled boy, the good in him and wants to keep him on the right path. He is a product of the foster system, having lost his mother at a young age. He doesn’t see himself as anything good and will not take charity. He and Jenna connect as he tutors her. He idolizes her father and sees his life as a path to take. He is attracted to Jenna’s sister Laney who is the exact replica of her mother. They date off and on for years with Jenna watching her best friend be miserable with her sister. They just don’t work together and they both know it. She is devastated when he proposes to Laney, knowing he is not happy, not living the life he should be. He has gone to college and is becoming a lawyer like her dad, what Laney wants him to be instead of who he truly is, a boxer at heart. In New York picking out wedding dresses they are in a terrible accident. Kellen is in a coma for weeks but once he is out of it he realizes he is living a lie and sets about changing that. Trying to make things right, to be with the one woman he truly loves, he breaks up with Laney. He takes his time, gives it months, trying to be a friend to Jenna, trying to allow her and her sister to be ok and trying therapy to heal his soul to become what he needs to be which isn’t a lawyer. This book spans about 10 years and is pretty slow to get to the true couple. It is intense, excellent writing and ends with a proposal.
Book 2 – Kellens POV. You see his side of everything. His love of boxing, his trying to make himself better but loosing himself in the process. His torturous relationship with Laney. When he starts to see Jenna as a woman and not a child. His love for her. His demons and anxiety attacks. Laneys betrayal of Kellen and his accident. He knows he is on a path he is not happy with but can’t seem to get himself out of. He finds out who is father really is and the fact he has been putting money into a bank account for him all his life. He also has to deal with the fact his mother knew about this money but still let him fall into the foster system after her death. This explains how he has things like an apartment with no apparent job in book one. Through hard work, therapy and his drive to become and EMT/Fireman everything starts to fall into place to have a true relationship with Jenna. The book ends with them heading to Ireland to find his family.
Book 3 - This backs up about 4 month from the 2nd book. Kellen is still fighting his demons from his childhood. The sexual abuse that doesn’t allow him to stay in the moment with any woman. This hurts Jenna, his “leaving” and he finally opens up to his therapist to work through the past. We find out more about his life in foster care. He buys Jenna an engagement ring and is waiting to get a full time job as a firefighter. In the airport he proposes right before they leave for Ireland. In Ireland he meets his mother’s family but it doesn’t give him the closure he needs. Meanwhile Laney has found herself pregnant and engaged to the same man she had the affair with while engaged to Kellen. She is still giving them a hard time about their being together even knowing she and Kellen never loved each other. Kellen goes to Vegas to box in a championship bout and finally meets his father. He finds out his father isn’t the bad guy he had made him out to be. He is devastated over it and his mother’s decisions. He has decided this is his last fight. He wins the fight however Jenna has to leave and go back home due to Laney collapsing and loosing the baby. This devastation seems to change her into a better person and helps everyone to move forward. Jenna’s shop starts to do better and Kellen get the job he has been waiting for. They buy a fixer upper house, take in a stray dog and finally marry on the beach. Kellen has come a long way and is finally truly happy in his life and moving forward from his past. This is a very good series!
Book 2 – Kellens POV. You see his side of everything. His love of boxing, his trying to make himself better but loosing himself in the process. His torturous relationship with Laney. When he starts to see Jenna as a woman and not a child. His love for her. His demons and anxiety attacks. Laneys betrayal of Kellen and his accident. He knows he is on a path he is not happy with but can’t seem to get himself out of. He finds out who is father really is and the fact he has been putting money into a bank account for him all his life. He also has to deal with the fact his mother knew about this money but still let him fall into the foster system after her death. This explains how he has things like an apartment with no apparent job in book one. Through hard work, therapy and his drive to become and EMT/Fireman everything starts to fall into place to have a true relationship with Jenna. The book ends with them heading to Ireland to find his family.
Book 3 - This backs up about 4 month from the 2nd book. Kellen is still fighting his demons from his childhood. The sexual abuse that doesn’t allow him to stay in the moment with any woman. This hurts Jenna, his “leaving” and he finally opens up to his therapist to work through the past. We find out more about his life in foster care. He buys Jenna an engagement ring and is waiting to get a full time job as a firefighter. In the airport he proposes right before they leave for Ireland. In Ireland he meets his mother’s family but it doesn’t give him the closure he needs. Meanwhile Laney has found herself pregnant and engaged to the same man she had the affair with while engaged to Kellen. She is still giving them a hard time about their being together even knowing she and Kellen never loved each other. Kellen goes to Vegas to box in a championship bout and finally meets his father. He finds out his father isn’t the bad guy he had made him out to be. He is devastated over it and his mother’s decisions. He has decided this is his last fight. He wins the fight however Jenna has to leave and go back home due to Laney collapsing and loosing the baby. This devastation seems to change her into a better person and helps everyone to move forward. Jenna’s shop starts to do better and Kellen get the job he has been waiting for. They buy a fixer upper house, take in a stray dog and finally marry on the beach. Kellen has come a long way and is finally truly happy in his life and moving forward from his past. This is a very good series!
January 27, 2018
This series is awesome! This is actually my second time to read it. I loved it that much!!
Kellen and Jenna's is difficult to read at times. Some may not agree with things that took place in this story. There are other women- the main one being Jenna's sister, Laney. Jenna too tries to unsuccessfully move past her feelings for Kellen with another guy. But the truth of the matter is their souls connected that day in the kitchen when he was 17 and she was 13. He knew it wasn't right. She was too young. From this they formed an unbreakable bound of friendship.
Both Jenna and Kellen unique characters. She was a strong female even at an early age. She knew she was different from her mom and Laney. She didn't need money to define her. She her dreams she went after even if her mom didn't approve of or understand. The feeling of not be understood or accepted- That's why she connected so well with Kellen. He had lived it his whole life.
Kellen made lots of mistakes. Laney being the biggest, but what Ben helped him (and me) understand is that Kellen was trying to get as far away from his old life he could, just like Dan did. With that combined with a shit load of issues, Kellens life starts to spirals out of control. But Kellen is not only a boxer, but a fighter.
" A fucking fighter to the blood and bone."
I loved Kellen, even with his fuck ups in life. I loved his devotion to Jenna even with he wasn't with her. Was it wrong? Yes. But I didn't care. He was doing the best he could- what he thought was best. He truly loved Jenna and giving himself completely to someone was not an easy thing for Kellen.
"If I get anything in this world right", he whispered, " I swear on my life it will be you."
Some stories stick with you. This is one for me. I was lucky enough to win a book from Tracey Ward and even though I had read it before, I wanted a copy all my own. I needed Kellen for myself!!
Kellen and Jenna's is difficult to read at times. Some may not agree with things that took place in this story. There are other women- the main one being Jenna's sister, Laney. Jenna too tries to unsuccessfully move past her feelings for Kellen with another guy. But the truth of the matter is their souls connected that day in the kitchen when he was 17 and she was 13. He knew it wasn't right. She was too young. From this they formed an unbreakable bound of friendship.
Both Jenna and Kellen unique characters. She was a strong female even at an early age. She knew she was different from her mom and Laney. She didn't need money to define her. She her dreams she went after even if her mom didn't approve of or understand. The feeling of not be understood or accepted- That's why she connected so well with Kellen. He had lived it his whole life.
Kellen made lots of mistakes. Laney being the biggest, but what Ben helped him (and me) understand is that Kellen was trying to get as far away from his old life he could, just like Dan did. With that combined with a shit load of issues, Kellens life starts to spirals out of control. But Kellen is not only a boxer, but a fighter.
" A fucking fighter to the blood and bone."
I loved Kellen, even with his fuck ups in life. I loved his devotion to Jenna even with he wasn't with her. Was it wrong? Yes. But I didn't care. He was doing the best he could- what he thought was best. He truly loved Jenna and giving himself completely to someone was not an easy thing for Kellen.
"If I get anything in this world right", he whispered, " I swear on my life it will be you."
Some stories stick with you. This is one for me. I was lucky enough to win a book from Tracey Ward and even though I had read it before, I wanted a copy all my own. I needed Kellen for myself!!
June 25, 2016
Beautiful Story.
Oh how I loved this story. Jenna, a beautiful soul, from wealthy family. Magellan, abused foster kid, genious, troubled soul. Will these two find there way to each other and have their hea? Read this book!
Ms. Ward, this was my favorite book of the year. The writing and depth of the characters was phenomenal.
Oh how I loved this story. Jenna, a beautiful soul, from wealthy family. Magellan, abused foster kid, genious, troubled soul. Will these two find there way to each other and have their hea? Read this book!
Ms. Ward, this was my favorite book of the year. The writing and depth of the characters was phenomenal.
September 9, 2016
I absolutely loved this series! I wasn't sure about it; having it old from both perspectives and then combining their go forward stories but it was done so well. It was at times a very heartbreaking read. It made me angry and made me cry and it made me laugh. I admired Jenna and how strong she was. And how she was so in tune with Kellen. It will be a series that I will re-read.
March 20, 2016
Love love love love love.
Fantastic, touching, heart wrenching, heartwarming, hilarious, amazing, well written... Loved. Haven't read something this good in quite sometime. Absolutely would recommend this story to anyone looking for a great book.
Fantastic, touching, heart wrenching, heartwarming, hilarious, amazing, well written... Loved. Haven't read something this good in quite sometime. Absolutely would recommend this story to anyone looking for a great book.
June 21, 2016
Great series
Loved following Kellen & Jenna's journey. So much heartache, loss, frustration, anger, and hurt. But also lots of happy moments and love. The author keeps you guessing throughout the series. Loved every minute of reading!!
Loved following Kellen & Jenna's journey. So much heartache, loss, frustration, anger, and hurt. But also lots of happy moments and love. The author keeps you guessing throughout the series. Loved every minute of reading!!
October 23, 2016
Ok
So, the writing is good. The story pulled me in, but I can't say it fascinated me. I read it all because the writing was well done and I did want to know all the twists and turns, but I did not need to devour it all in one sitting.
So, the writing is good. The story pulled me in, but I can't say it fascinated me. I read it all because the writing was well done and I did want to know all the twists and turns, but I did not need to devour it all in one sitting.
November 21, 2016
Perseverance
I enjoyed the story, it was different and the demons that one has inside is so concerning. This story was way too long!!! Way too much repetition. I almost stopped reading it more t that once as my I interest was fading, but I stuck with it.
I enjoyed the story, it was different and the demons that one has inside is so concerning. This story was way too long!!! Way too much repetition. I almost stopped reading it more t that once as my I interest was fading, but I stuck with it.
November 23, 2015
Great book
I enjoyed the characters and plot. Hoping there is a sequel for Sam. Recommended read as a complete set. Enjoy
I enjoyed the characters and plot. Hoping there is a sequel for Sam. Recommended read as a complete set. Enjoy
December 28, 2015
I only made it to the first book. DNF.
June 2, 2016
Great read!
This box set was well written. I stayed engaged the entire time never wanting to rush the pages... This is one you start and cannot put down!
This box set was well written. I stayed engaged the entire time never wanting to rush the pages... This is one you start and cannot put down!
January 7, 2017
Lots of ups and downs but a great story not diluted with heavy and frequent sex scenes.
August 30, 2017
North Star had such promise but didn't deliver. Kellans book was wasted time spent on Laney and him. I wanted Kellan to be more alpha than he was. This series could have been just one book great book not three ok books. It was unnecessary for the series to be so long. I was so fustrauted and annoyed at times I almost didn't finish the series.
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