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Ace Security #1
Claiming Grace
For Logan Anderson, moving on from a traumatic past means moving back to his hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado, to start a personal-security business with his brothers. But it’s not long before Logan runs into Grace Mason, his best friend from high school…and the woman who never answered his letters during his Army years.
Grace was pleasantly surprised to see Logan return to Castle Rock, despite their falling-out ten years ago. Everyone always assumed they would end up together, including Grace, who had eyes only for him. But as Logan eventually escaped their town, Grace got pulled further into her family’s controlling grasp—and farther away from the man she loved.
Now, united by scars both visible and not, the two must fight to free Grace from the suffocating hold of her family. But the Masons won’t let go easily—and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep the couple apart.
Grace was pleasantly surprised to see Logan return to Castle Rock, despite their falling-out ten years ago. Everyone always assumed they would end up together, including Grace, who had eyes only for him. But as Logan eventually escaped their town, Grace got pulled further into her family’s controlling grasp—and farther away from the man she loved.
Now, united by scars both visible and not, the two must fight to free Grace from the suffocating hold of her family. But the Masons won’t let go easily—and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep the couple apart.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2017
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About the author
Susan Stoker
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
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http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c
For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,062 reviews
April 19, 2019
Like, I'm gonna finish reading this disaster, but I have to stop reading for a moment and start bitching. This story is so fucking ridiculous, I can't understand how it's rated as high as it is. If you have any intention of reading this book, you absolutely need to keep reading this review because I'm about to save you from a rage fit. Buckle up, bitches! Also, trigger warning for parental abuse - it's not violent, but it's fucked up.
So the main character is Grace, who is about to tell her parents that she's totally fucking done living under their thumb. This is after they did this all this crazy shit:
- handcuffed her to the dining room chair and left her there overnight as punishment
- threatened to destroy the family of the boy she was tutoring in high school because she was spending too much time tutoring "poor white trash"
- had her involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital for a month when she tried to move out after college
- threatened to have her boyfriend kicked out of the army if she spent too much time with him
- belittled her, humiliated her, and emotionally tortured her at every turn over the last 28 years
- threatened to ruin the business of her best friend if she didn't end their friendship
- hired "spies" to keep track of her every moment of every day and night
- returned love letters from her army boyfriend, even wrote back "leave me alone" to a few of them (parents hiding letters is literally my least favorite trope)
- denied her food to starve her into a smaller dress size
- are currently attempting to arrange a marriage between her and an unwilling bachelor to strengthen their business ties and also to steal the inevitable offspring to raise as their own, as one does
And those are just the things that I can remember off the top of my head. I guarantee I missed several more. Point is, they are batshit insane parents. But Grace is also batshit insane because she's like "I just want them to love me! They need me! My mother said she had chest pains and she needs me to dust her chandelier because the three maids they have can't do it."
So tell me. Even knowing only half the things her parents have done, is it at all reasonable for Grace to attempt to sit her parents down and tell them that she's moving out, she's getting her own job, and that she's going to date the poor white trash army boy that they chased off years before? IS IT?! IS THERE ANY WAY FOR THIS SCENE TO END OTHER THAN GRACE SHACKLED TO HER BED UNTIL SHE CHANGES HER MIND?!
No. There is not. And that's basically how the scene ended. I have been throwing my hands in the air since the beginning when Logan decides to start a company to help people that have been abused but DIDN'T THINK THAT EMOTIONAL ABUSE WAS A THING. And when I say I've been throwing my hands in the air, I really do mean literally. Every few pages, it's just like "What the fuck, are you for serious right now?" But I kept skimming because I've had some experience with batshit insane and abusive parents. I wanted to know how the hell this was gonna go down. Because sometimes the worst villains have the best takedowns. And then insane characters usually get great takedowns, too. So insane villains should be a double dose of awesome, right? I guess we'll see, cuz I'm gonna keep reading now.
OH MYFUCKING GOD> THIS STUUPID WOMAn WHAT THE SHIT ARE YOU DoING
Logan shows up at her parent's house asking to see Grace and her parents let her out of the shackles to clean up and be presentable. They threaten her to behave and tell him everything's fine, that she just disappeared off the face of the Earth because she's a little under the weather. AND THIS BITCH DOES IT. No "Oh thank god you're here, they've kept me locked up and starving for days! Please god, you have to help me!" No no, that would be too fucking logical. No, she does exactly as Mommy Dearest says and then lets them put her back in shackles for a few more days. What is this? Is this book a joke?
Holy. Mackerel. You guys. She does it again. Her parents let her out so she can have a lovely formal dinner with the family they're trying to marry her into. Four fucking people in the house and she sits through dinner like she's not been shackled to a bed for a week and guaranteed to head right back there after dinner. Are you fucking kidding me? This is not possible. At this point, Grace deserves to stay shackled up with her parents ruling her life. She is clearly incapable of thinking for herself. This girl is literally the stupidest fucking character I've ever read. I'm actually putting this book on the 'wtf' shelf just for that. How could anyone write such a dumbass? At least the hero finally realized emotional abuse is real when he saw Mommy Dearest harshly grip Grace's chin, right? Makes sense to me!
Worry not, my friend, I kept reading. And thank god I did because next up is the rescue: hunky army boyfriend and his two brothers show up to get Grace out of there and... "holy shit, she's been chained to the bed this whole time?! That poor girl! Let's not call the police or anything!" Great. It's not just her and the idiot boyfriend, the brothers are stupid, too. Moving on...
Wow. The author literally made me say "No you didn't!" OUT LOUD. TWO IN THE MORNING. And I'm gasping and talking to my goddamn computer. I can't even believe this, but the author had the audacity - the motherfucking audacity - to have Logan say "Do you hear me, Grace? Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t be one of those too-stupid-to-live heroines in books and movies."
TOO.
FUCKING.
LATE.
ASSHOLE.
Heavens to Betsy, is everyone fuckin' mental? "We have video of her being knocked unconscious with chloroform and stuffed into her vehicle, which is then stolen... but the cops are like 'Eh, she's an adult and she's only been missing for an hour.' So we're gonna have to rescue her on our own!" Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me.
LAWDY MERCY! "It’s one thing to tie me up and try to force me to have a baby they can steal and raise to be an asshole. But it’s another thing altogether to bring other people into their fucked-up world.” As if the first part is acceptable, but now that they got an unwilling sperm donor they've crossed the line.
Jesus Christ. I just finished and it was all for nothing. I kept reading for the epic takedown of the evil psycho parents and though they do get taken down, it's literally 3 lines of Grace watching them being led away in handcuffs while all the rest happens off-page. That was such a fucking letdown, I'm not even sure how to form an opinion on it other than "Fuck all that shit."
Fuck this whole book. This is a terrible book written by a terrible author and everything is terrible. It's so unbelievably outlandish and stupid, I hate myself for reading it.
I obviously do not recommend this book. Fuck it.
So the main character is Grace, who is about to tell her parents that she's totally fucking done living under their thumb. This is after they did this all this crazy shit:
- handcuffed her to the dining room chair and left her there overnight as punishment
- threatened to destroy the family of the boy she was tutoring in high school because she was spending too much time tutoring "poor white trash"
- had her involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital for a month when she tried to move out after college
- threatened to have her boyfriend kicked out of the army if she spent too much time with him
- belittled her, humiliated her, and emotionally tortured her at every turn over the last 28 years
- threatened to ruin the business of her best friend if she didn't end their friendship
- hired "spies" to keep track of her every moment of every day and night
- returned love letters from her army boyfriend, even wrote back "leave me alone" to a few of them (parents hiding letters is literally my least favorite trope)
- denied her food to starve her into a smaller dress size
- are currently attempting to arrange a marriage between her and an unwilling bachelor to strengthen their business ties and also to steal the inevitable offspring to raise as their own, as one does
And those are just the things that I can remember off the top of my head. I guarantee I missed several more. Point is, they are batshit insane parents. But Grace is also batshit insane because she's like "I just want them to love me! They need me! My mother said she had chest pains and she needs me to dust her chandelier because the three maids they have can't do it."
So tell me. Even knowing only half the things her parents have done, is it at all reasonable for Grace to attempt to sit her parents down and tell them that she's moving out, she's getting her own job, and that she's going to date the poor white trash army boy that they chased off years before? IS IT?! IS THERE ANY WAY FOR THIS SCENE TO END OTHER THAN GRACE SHACKLED TO HER BED UNTIL SHE CHANGES HER MIND?!
No. There is not. And that's basically how the scene ended. I have been throwing my hands in the air since the beginning when Logan decides to start a company to help people that have been abused but DIDN'T THINK THAT EMOTIONAL ABUSE WAS A THING. And when I say I've been throwing my hands in the air, I really do mean literally. Every few pages, it's just like "What the fuck, are you for serious right now?" But I kept skimming because I've had some experience with batshit insane and abusive parents. I wanted to know how the hell this was gonna go down. Because sometimes the worst villains have the best takedowns. And then insane characters usually get great takedowns, too. So insane villains should be a double dose of awesome, right? I guess we'll see, cuz I'm gonna keep reading now.
OH MYFUCKING GOD> THIS STUUPID WOMAn WHAT THE SHIT ARE YOU DoING
Logan shows up at her parent's house asking to see Grace and her parents let her out of the shackles to clean up and be presentable. They threaten her to behave and tell him everything's fine, that she just disappeared off the face of the Earth because she's a little under the weather. AND THIS BITCH DOES IT. No "Oh thank god you're here, they've kept me locked up and starving for days! Please god, you have to help me!" No no, that would be too fucking logical. No, she does exactly as Mommy Dearest says and then lets them put her back in shackles for a few more days. What is this? Is this book a joke?
Holy. Mackerel. You guys. She does it again. Her parents let her out so she can have a lovely formal dinner with the family they're trying to marry her into. Four fucking people in the house and she sits through dinner like she's not been shackled to a bed for a week and guaranteed to head right back there after dinner. Are you fucking kidding me? This is not possible. At this point, Grace deserves to stay shackled up with her parents ruling her life. She is clearly incapable of thinking for herself. This girl is literally the stupidest fucking character I've ever read. I'm actually putting this book on the 'wtf' shelf just for that. How could anyone write such a dumbass? At least the hero finally realized emotional abuse is real when he saw Mommy Dearest harshly grip Grace's chin, right? Makes sense to me!
Worry not, my friend, I kept reading. And thank god I did because next up is the rescue: hunky army boyfriend and his two brothers show up to get Grace out of there and... "holy shit, she's been chained to the bed this whole time?! That poor girl! Let's not call the police or anything!" Great. It's not just her and the idiot boyfriend, the brothers are stupid, too. Moving on...
Wow. The author literally made me say "No you didn't!" OUT LOUD. TWO IN THE MORNING. And I'm gasping and talking to my goddamn computer. I can't even believe this, but the author had the audacity - the motherfucking audacity - to have Logan say "Do you hear me, Grace? Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t be one of those too-stupid-to-live heroines in books and movies."
TOO.
FUCKING.
LATE.
ASSHOLE.
Heavens to Betsy, is everyone fuckin' mental? "We have video of her being knocked unconscious with chloroform and stuffed into her vehicle, which is then stolen... but the cops are like 'Eh, she's an adult and she's only been missing for an hour.' So we're gonna have to rescue her on our own!" Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me.
LAWDY MERCY! "It’s one thing to tie me up and try to force me to have a baby they can steal and raise to be an asshole. But it’s another thing altogether to bring other people into their fucked-up world.” As if the first part is acceptable, but now that they got an unwilling sperm donor they've crossed the line.
Jesus Christ. I just finished and it was all for nothing. I kept reading for the epic takedown of the evil psycho parents and though they do get taken down, it's literally 3 lines of Grace watching them being led away in handcuffs while all the rest happens off-page. That was such a fucking letdown, I'm not even sure how to form an opinion on it other than "Fuck all that shit."
Fuck this whole book. This is a terrible book written by a terrible author and everything is terrible. It's so unbelievably outlandish and stupid, I hate myself for reading it.
I obviously do not recommend this book. Fuck it.
March 8, 2017
This was so much more than a love story.
Logan, Blake and Nathan Anderson grew up in an abusive home. They made it out but so many don't, including their father. Yes, you read that right, their father. As crazy as is it sounds, their mother was the monster in the night. They've returned to Castle Rock, Colorado to right the wrongs. ACE Security, their father's namesake, has a mission to protect those who have no voice, to help those who can't help themselves. They didn't realize how busy they'd be...or how close their clients would be.
All three boys fled Castle Rock and the bad memories, the moment they turned 18 but a piece of Logan stayed behind with pretty, perfect Grace Mason. She deserved so much better than him and he guessed she figured that out since she returned all his letters unopened. He should hate her but he never could quite shake off that teenage crush.
Grace Mason lives with her own monsters. A picture perfect facade hides Grace's nightmare. The lengths her parents will go to in order to control her life shock even Grace herself. Years of emotional manipulation, mental abuse and crippling alienation come to a head when Logan Anderson, the only thing Grace has ever wanted for herself, returns to town. Can Logan see past his own pain in order to save Grace?
She did it again. I don't know how but she always gets me all choked up. Susan Stoker is fearless when it comes to tackling the hard stuff; PTSD, disabilities, mental illness and now, abuse. I identified with this book in many ways having grown up in a home with a bipolar mother. When it was good, it was great, when it was bad, it was BAD. I craved her affection and approval but so often received the opposite, among other things. I promised myself I'd never let anyone treat me like she did. Until I woke up one day to realize I'd allowed myself to fall into a relationship with someone that demeaned, belittled and mentally abused me, without the slightest idea how it happened.
I cringed when Logan said "there's no such thing as emotional abuse... " but I knew I could sit back confident that Susan was about to deliver an education. And that she did. I applaud her for this fearless use of her voice! So many think they're alone in what they're going through and books like these can help to show them they're not! This is more than a love story, it's the battle and the battlecry. It's the disease and the cure. Well done.
Logan, Blake and Nathan Anderson grew up in an abusive home. They made it out but so many don't, including their father. Yes, you read that right, their father. As crazy as is it sounds, their mother was the monster in the night. They've returned to Castle Rock, Colorado to right the wrongs. ACE Security, their father's namesake, has a mission to protect those who have no voice, to help those who can't help themselves. They didn't realize how busy they'd be...or how close their clients would be.
All three boys fled Castle Rock and the bad memories, the moment they turned 18 but a piece of Logan stayed behind with pretty, perfect Grace Mason. She deserved so much better than him and he guessed she figured that out since she returned all his letters unopened. He should hate her but he never could quite shake off that teenage crush.
Grace Mason lives with her own monsters. A picture perfect facade hides Grace's nightmare. The lengths her parents will go to in order to control her life shock even Grace herself. Years of emotional manipulation, mental abuse and crippling alienation come to a head when Logan Anderson, the only thing Grace has ever wanted for herself, returns to town. Can Logan see past his own pain in order to save Grace?
She did it again. I don't know how but she always gets me all choked up. Susan Stoker is fearless when it comes to tackling the hard stuff; PTSD, disabilities, mental illness and now, abuse. I identified with this book in many ways having grown up in a home with a bipolar mother. When it was good, it was great, when it was bad, it was BAD. I craved her affection and approval but so often received the opposite, among other things. I promised myself I'd never let anyone treat me like she did. Until I woke up one day to realize I'd allowed myself to fall into a relationship with someone that demeaned, belittled and mentally abused me, without the slightest idea how it happened.
I cringed when Logan said "there's no such thing as emotional abuse... " but I knew I could sit back confident that Susan was about to deliver an education. And that she did. I applaud her for this fearless use of her voice! So many think they're alone in what they're going through and books like these can help to show them they're not! This is more than a love story, it's the battle and the battlecry. It's the disease and the cure. Well done.
April 1, 2017
KIND SPOILERISH SPOILER
I did not finish This book @60%. Unfortunately,I confess this book had in it to be good.Even with my annoyance with the heroine.But this is not and adult book.There's zero smut.Not one single hot scene to save this book.This looks more like one of those silly teenagers mysteries, like one of SCOOBY-DOO episodes, where the gang have to find out who the bad guys are, in this case, the heroine's parents. I believe, one can be emotionally controlled, but not in the way it was in this book. Her parents had her hand cuffed to a chair, then in her bedroom and even had her committed in a mental hospital.And it seems like they had spies everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE, in their small town all the way to Denver, you know, that small city in Colorado. Lol. So they knew everything the h was doing. I mean, EVERYTHING. I think there's no secret agency to compare the power of these 2. Jus ott ridiculous. At this point I don't care anymore.
And again, adding the lack of smut, nada, nothing not , zero, zilch to at least make this book more bearable, I won't keep defying me. I'd rather watch WHAT'S NEW SCOOBY DOO...
UPDATE MARCH 29th: I started to read this as a dare to myself. 17% in and it's as ridiculous as I thought it would be. I'm sorry, I know I don't know every household situation in the world. Buy the pathetic situation this heroine is in is completely her fault. Unless you're brain washed or is part of a cult, not one in their late 20s would allow their parents to be so manipulative. And speak to her the way they did. They even committed her to a mental illness hospital because she tried to rent an apartment in another town and they found out.
I'll brave myself through the end 'cause I want to see with my own eyes the development of the situation.
The cold hearted bitch I am wouldn't want to be friends with this weak human and also would slap her a few times. Whatever is happening to her, it's her own fault.
Besides the endless inner thoughts.... what happened with dialogues and people interaction??
I'll grab my wine and keep reading this literature. Or litter (ature). Sorry.. but not sorry. At all. Not a tiny bit. Nope
I will read it just out of curiosity. My expectations are already low, because of my cynic way to read books. Anywho.. preconceived ideas apart ( because I have some, and I'm not sorry) Unless her family is part of a cult (and I'm sure we know a couple) living in a secluded land I don't think in the regular world a 20 years old plus woman, socializing with other people normally, would be so controlled.
But... the jury is out and I'll start this so I can see with my own (intolerant) eyes.
A bit harsh and unnecessary, but, c'est la vie
I did not finish This book @60%. Unfortunately,I confess this book had in it to be good.Even with my annoyance with the heroine.But this is not and adult book.There's zero smut.Not one single hot scene to save this book.This looks more like one of those silly teenagers mysteries, like one of SCOOBY-DOO episodes, where the gang have to find out who the bad guys are, in this case, the heroine's parents. I believe, one can be emotionally controlled, but not in the way it was in this book. Her parents had her hand cuffed to a chair, then in her bedroom and even had her committed in a mental hospital.And it seems like they had spies everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE, in their small town all the way to Denver, you know, that small city in Colorado. Lol. So they knew everything the h was doing. I mean, EVERYTHING. I think there's no secret agency to compare the power of these 2. Jus ott ridiculous. At this point I don't care anymore.
And again, adding the lack of smut, nada, nothing not , zero, zilch to at least make this book more bearable, I won't keep defying me. I'd rather watch WHAT'S NEW SCOOBY DOO...
UPDATE MARCH 29th: I started to read this as a dare to myself. 17% in and it's as ridiculous as I thought it would be. I'm sorry, I know I don't know every household situation in the world. Buy the pathetic situation this heroine is in is completely her fault. Unless you're brain washed or is part of a cult, not one in their late 20s would allow their parents to be so manipulative. And speak to her the way they did. They even committed her to a mental illness hospital because she tried to rent an apartment in another town and they found out.
I'll brave myself through the end 'cause I want to see with my own eyes the development of the situation.
The cold hearted bitch I am wouldn't want to be friends with this weak human and also would slap her a few times. Whatever is happening to her, it's her own fault.
Besides the endless inner thoughts.... what happened with dialogues and people interaction??
I'll grab my wine and keep reading this literature. Or litter (ature). Sorry.. but not sorry. At all. Not a tiny bit. Nope
I will read it just out of curiosity. My expectations are already low, because of my cynic way to read books. Anywho.. preconceived ideas apart ( because I have some, and I'm not sorry) Unless her family is part of a cult (and I'm sure we know a couple) living in a secluded land I don't think in the regular world a 20 years old plus woman, socializing with other people normally, would be so controlled.
But... the jury is out and I'll start this so I can see with my own (intolerant) eyes.
A bit harsh and unnecessary, but, c'est la vie
July 21, 2019
Logan Anderson moves back to his hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado, to start a personal-security business with his brothers. Grace Mason was his best friend from high school…and the woman who never answered his letters during his Army years. Both cared deeply for each other, but both thought they had each moved on and forgotten about their childhood friendship and love for each other. When they find out that Grace's parents are responsible for her never receiving his letters, the reforge their friendship. When Grace's emotionally abusive and controlling parents try to keep them apart, the two must fight to free Grace from the suffocating hold of her family. Grace's parents use whatever means (including illegal) they want to try to keep the couple apart and keep her under their thumb, but Logan refuses to give up now that he's found his love again.
This book has a good amount of suspense. It does dive into some serious physical and emotional abuse without being too graphic. There is some sexual content, but it's well within context and there is plenty of plot. The characters are well developed and well written. No cliffhanger and ends with HEA. There will be a continuation in the next book in the series, but each book can be read as a standalone. This was an excellent start to her new series. Can't wait for the next book!!
This book has a good amount of suspense. It does dive into some serious physical and emotional abuse without being too graphic. There is some sexual content, but it's well within context and there is plenty of plot. The characters are well developed and well written. No cliffhanger and ends with HEA. There will be a continuation in the next book in the series, but each book can be read as a standalone. This was an excellent start to her new series. Can't wait for the next book!!
December 28, 2018
"He wasn't going to lose her. No matter what."
Claiming Grace is the first book in the Ace Security Series. If you are a fan of action, passion, and romance than you will enjoy meeting Logan and his brothers (the men from Ace Security). After a traumatic upbringing, Logan has finally returned home to Castle Rock, Colorado. He and his brothers have started a security firm and he is doing his best to build a strong business and help people out of difficult situations. When Logan Anderson is reunited with his high school sweetheart Grace Mason, he discovers that she is in danger. Although she ended their relationship abruptly many years ago, Logan discovers that things aren't always as they seem. As Logan and Grace reconnect, it will take everything they have to overcome the danger that surrounds them.
"We're gonna deal with this and move on with our lives."Told in multiple POV, Claiming Grace is a quick read feauturing a tender second chance romance. Grace and Logan are perfectly matched and when the truth about their separation so many years ago is revealed, both discover they have much lost time to make up for.
Overall, I highly recommend a Susan Stoker read to anyone who enjoys a passionate military romance full of heart. The Anderson brothers are strong alpha males who will do anything to protect the women in their lives. Full of action, passion, and tender romance, Claiming Grace is one swoon-worthy read that you do not want to miss!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
December 26, 2020
3 New Series/Important Subjects Stars
* * * Spoiler Free-Claim It, Only $1.99!!!!!
This was an interesting beginning for a new series. The premise of a Security company dealing specifically with abused adults and children is strong.
We have brothers who experienced it all of their lives from their mom. The first character is the son who had a high school sweetheart and they promised to look out for each other. Somehow, it didn't happen and the girl was left to deal with her own home life.
Fast forward to now, 10 years later and her life looks ok from the outside but is controlled by the parents ... everything is dictated by them.
She is a victim too... but because it is emotional, he has not seen it.
The story is how she is rescued and loved again by him with us seeing where the rest of this series will go.
Claiming Grace (Ace Security, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Claiming Alexis (Ace Security, #2)
Claiming Bailey (Ace Security, #3)
Claiming Felicity (Ace Security, #4)
Claiming Sarah (Ace Security, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * Spoiler Free-Claim It, Only $1.99!!!!!
This was an interesting beginning for a new series. The premise of a Security company dealing specifically with abused adults and children is strong.
We have brothers who experienced it all of their lives from their mom. The first character is the son who had a high school sweetheart and they promised to look out for each other. Somehow, it didn't happen and the girl was left to deal with her own home life.
Fast forward to now, 10 years later and her life looks ok from the outside but is controlled by the parents ... everything is dictated by them.
She is a victim too... but because it is emotional, he has not seen it.
The story is how she is rescued and loved again by him with us seeing where the rest of this series will go.
Claiming Grace (Ace Security, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Claiming Alexis (Ace Security, #2) Claiming Bailey (Ace Security, #3) Claiming Felicity (Ace Security, #4) Claiming Sarah (Ace Security, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 15, 2017
Logan, one of the Anderson triplets, left his hometown as soon as possible. He needed to escape his abusive house and the stigma attached to his family because of it.
Grace has been emotionally abused by her parents for years, though she's never seen it as such. She's lived her life trying to obey the rules as they dictate.
Logan returns home after the death of his father and he and his brothers, Blake and Nathan, decide to open Ace Security. Their mission is to help those who can't help themselves. They know what they and their Dad lived with and want to prevent others from suffering as they did. Yes, the abuser was their Mom.
Logan and Grace were best friends in high school, though both had feelings for the other, they didn't act on them. Each tried to maintain their friendship when Logan left for the military, believing they'd have their chance soon. However, someone ensured that didn't happen.
As Logan and Grace reconnect, Logan finally begins to see that Grace herself is a victim of abuse and must help her not only accept that reality, but also escape it. Unfortunately, Grace's parents are not above hurting their daughter to get her to do as they wish.
Can Logan protect Grace? Will Logan, his brothers, and Grace ever find peace with their pasts? Can Grace admit and accept that she is a victim of abuse? Will she ever break free from the hold her parents have over her? Will Logan and Grace finally get the HEA they were always meant to have?
One-click now and begin this fantastic new series. You'll meet the Anderson triplets as they try to turn a tragedy into a chance to save others, and Grace, tormented by people who should've protected her. I'm already excited to read Blake's book next and am looking forward to his journey to happiness with Alexis.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Also, as I always do with this author, I pre-ordered my own copy, both ebook and paperback, because she is one of my absolute favorites.**
Grace has been emotionally abused by her parents for years, though she's never seen it as such. She's lived her life trying to obey the rules as they dictate.
Logan returns home after the death of his father and he and his brothers, Blake and Nathan, decide to open Ace Security. Their mission is to help those who can't help themselves. They know what they and their Dad lived with and want to prevent others from suffering as they did. Yes, the abuser was their Mom.
Logan and Grace were best friends in high school, though both had feelings for the other, they didn't act on them. Each tried to maintain their friendship when Logan left for the military, believing they'd have their chance soon. However, someone ensured that didn't happen.
As Logan and Grace reconnect, Logan finally begins to see that Grace herself is a victim of abuse and must help her not only accept that reality, but also escape it. Unfortunately, Grace's parents are not above hurting their daughter to get her to do as they wish.
Can Logan protect Grace? Will Logan, his brothers, and Grace ever find peace with their pasts? Can Grace admit and accept that she is a victim of abuse? Will she ever break free from the hold her parents have over her? Will Logan and Grace finally get the HEA they were always meant to have?
One-click now and begin this fantastic new series. You'll meet the Anderson triplets as they try to turn a tragedy into a chance to save others, and Grace, tormented by people who should've protected her. I'm already excited to read Blake's book next and am looking forward to his journey to happiness with Alexis.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Also, as I always do with this author, I pre-ordered my own copy, both ebook and paperback, because she is one of my absolute favorites.**
March 12, 2017
Claiming Grace is a second chance romance that won't be for the faint of heart. Both main characters grew up with abusive parents. While Logan was able to get away from the abuse, Grace didn't. 10 years after Logan left town, he's back with his brothers for good and will learn that Grace's life was more like his than he knew.
I like the approach the author took. The abuse Grace suffers is often times not recognized. A lot of people don't realize that emotional abuse can be more damaging than physical abuse. People who have been mentally abused can be broken down to the point of not being able to function independently. This is where people who've never been in a situation like this may not understand why someone doesn't just leave.
This was a great way to educate others to be more open minded. It's a beautiful but sad story that makes the ending a lot sweeter. ARC provided by NetGalley.
I like the approach the author took. The abuse Grace suffers is often times not recognized. A lot of people don't realize that emotional abuse can be more damaging than physical abuse. People who have been mentally abused can be broken down to the point of not being able to function independently. This is where people who've never been in a situation like this may not understand why someone doesn't just leave.
This was a great way to educate others to be more open minded. It's a beautiful but sad story that makes the ending a lot sweeter. ARC provided by NetGalley.
March 16, 2018
I can't do it. I can't finish it. This girl is absolutely spineless and I get that there have been years of abuse and all sorts of things but this meek attitude (and the voice of the narrator) is driving me nuts.
DNF at 68%
DNF at 68%
February 21, 2018
3.5 stars
This book gave me a new look at the psychological effects of emotional abuse. Physical abuse and the resulting pain seems quantifiable by the scars we can see. Emotional and mental abuse carry scars that aren't visible.
I admit that I discounted the heroine as weak and feeble, but she was actually strong and resilient and forgiving. This was a good story.
This book gave me a new look at the psychological effects of emotional abuse. Physical abuse and the resulting pain seems quantifiable by the scars we can see. Emotional and mental abuse carry scars that aren't visible.
I admit that I discounted the heroine as weak and feeble, but she was actually strong and resilient and forgiving. This was a good story.
January 19, 2018
Claiming Grace is the first book in Ace Security series by Susan Stoker. Nathan, Blake and Logan Anderson came back to start a security business in Castle Rock to help victims of domestic abuse. Grace Mason was Logan teenage crush and the daughter of Castle Rock royalty, and he thought he would never be able to have Grace has his wife. However, when Logan starts to see Grace Mason in a different light, he begins to dig into Grace Mason life. The readers of Claiming Grace will follow the twist and turns in Logan investigation to find out what happens. Also, you will not expect the ending of this book.
Claiming Grace is the first book I have read of Susan Stoker and I enjoyed it. However, it did bring up memories of my childhood that still affects me today. I love Susan Stoker portrayal of her characters and the way they entwine throughout Claiming Grace. I like Susan Stoker writing style and the way she lays out the plot to her readers. Susan Stoker does a great job in describing her settings to her readers to ensure they feel part of Claiming Grace.
The readers of Claiming Grace will understand that child abuse is not only physical it can be emotional as well. Also, the readers of Claiming Grace will see that women can abuse their husbands it is not only men.
I recommend this book.
Claiming Grace is the first book I have read of Susan Stoker and I enjoyed it. However, it did bring up memories of my childhood that still affects me today. I love Susan Stoker portrayal of her characters and the way they entwine throughout Claiming Grace. I like Susan Stoker writing style and the way she lays out the plot to her readers. Susan Stoker does a great job in describing her settings to her readers to ensure they feel part of Claiming Grace.
The readers of Claiming Grace will understand that child abuse is not only physical it can be emotional as well. Also, the readers of Claiming Grace will see that women can abuse their husbands it is not only men.
I recommend this book.
February 27, 2018
I actually found this to be very offensive. Offensive to the women who suffer serious emotional (and physical) abuse and DON'T have the ability to walk away. Women who are too terrified of husbands, fathers, etc to even dare make a run for it. Women who have NOTHING. (and I am not forgetting the abused men either, but this book was focused on a woman)
Grace was an utter, utter idiot. She had countless times when she could have simply walked away from her parents. And yet she didn't. They handcuffed her to a chair, starved her, isolated her - - but !!! She goes out for lunch with her friend, she climbs out of her window at night to go to parties. She is 30 years old FFS!! And her friend was as useful as a glass hammer.
Stories like this demean those woman who suffer in silence, who have NO friends, NO jobs, NO escape.
Of course the 'magical healing penis' came into play about halfway through the story, and from then on it was sex, sex, sex but to be honest Logan was as intelligent as a lump of lard.
A man who thinks emotional abuse doesn't exist?? and who sees no problem with Grace going to meet her father - the same father who chained her to a chair for 24 hours and a bed for much longer.
What a waste of time.
Grace was an utter, utter idiot. She had countless times when she could have simply walked away from her parents. And yet she didn't. They handcuffed her to a chair, starved her, isolated her - - but !!! She goes out for lunch with her friend, she climbs out of her window at night to go to parties. She is 30 years old FFS!! And her friend was as useful as a glass hammer.
Stories like this demean those woman who suffer in silence, who have NO friends, NO jobs, NO escape.
Of course the 'magical healing penis' came into play about halfway through the story, and from then on it was sex, sex, sex but to be honest Logan was as intelligent as a lump of lard.
A man who thinks emotional abuse doesn't exist?? and who sees no problem with Grace going to meet her father - the same father who chained her to a chair for 24 hours and a bed for much longer.
What a waste of time.
March 31, 2017
As much as I love Susan Stoker, this just wasn't one of my favorites. I liked it, just didn't love it.
Second chance romance can be tricky for me. Mainly because, like many others, I don't like when a hero or heroine is with others during a separation. There are factors that can make the situation tolerable for me though. The fact that Grace and Logan weren't an established couple before he left for the Army, only sharing a glimpse of their feelings as he is getting on the bus to leave helped soften me towards the story. Then, because of outside forces, they are kept apart, each believing the other didn't feel the same anymore. So, they only shared a small kiss and a promise that he would write often was all that was shared. Both are with others during their time apart, trying to move on from their broken heart, with no luck.
Logan wasn't the typical Susan Stoker alpha at the beginning of the story. He wasn't that "take charge and get the girl" like I expected him to be. In fact, instead of pushing aside his hurt feelings and approaching Grace, he assumed the worst and avoided her. He wouldn't even listen when his friend tried to talk to him about it. In my opinion, it took too long to get on the same page. Once he found out what happened, he was sorry for his behavior. He then wasn't letting Grace slide back into her parents clutches.
Grace- this girl had a terrible life. I have seen comments about the believability of the story. I can vouch that this stuff does happen and it's not pretty. The fact that there are those that dismiss her as being weak and dumb for putting up with what her parents put her through tells me they've never had to witness a friend or loved one endure emotional/verbal abuse - and I am glad for them. I hope they or someone they love, never ever does. Grace wanted the acceptance and love of her parents, like any child would. Classic abusers, they separated her from people, threatening their safety if she didn't comply.
-no cheating - they weren't in a relationship when he left
-no ow/om drama pertaining to their relationship
-no violence- her parents were horrible but their brand of abuse was mental/emotional. They did chain her and had her kidnapped.
-not very steamy - a couple sex scenes but the story itself was more drama/suspense with a side of romance
-great secondary characters with a set up for Logan's brother Blake's story. I am curious to see if his heroine is too alpha (she was a bit mouthy and aggressive in this book for my tastes)
-HFN ending it has a cute ending but I wanted a look farther down the road so I wasn't satisfied.
Second chance romance can be tricky for me. Mainly because, like many others, I don't like when a hero or heroine is with others during a separation. There are factors that can make the situation tolerable for me though. The fact that Grace and Logan weren't an established couple before he left for the Army, only sharing a glimpse of their feelings as he is getting on the bus to leave helped soften me towards the story. Then, because of outside forces, they are kept apart, each believing the other didn't feel the same anymore. So, they only shared a small kiss and a promise that he would write often was all that was shared. Both are with others during their time apart, trying to move on from their broken heart, with no luck.
Logan wasn't the typical Susan Stoker alpha at the beginning of the story. He wasn't that "take charge and get the girl" like I expected him to be. In fact, instead of pushing aside his hurt feelings and approaching Grace, he assumed the worst and avoided her. He wouldn't even listen when his friend tried to talk to him about it. In my opinion, it took too long to get on the same page. Once he found out what happened, he was sorry for his behavior. He then wasn't letting Grace slide back into her parents clutches.
Grace- this girl had a terrible life. I have seen comments about the believability of the story. I can vouch that this stuff does happen and it's not pretty. The fact that there are those that dismiss her as being weak and dumb for putting up with what her parents put her through tells me they've never had to witness a friend or loved one endure emotional/verbal abuse - and I am glad for them. I hope they or someone they love, never ever does. Grace wanted the acceptance and love of her parents, like any child would. Classic abusers, they separated her from people, threatening their safety if she didn't comply.
-no cheating - they weren't in a relationship when he left
-no ow/om drama pertaining to their relationship
-no violence- her parents were horrible but their brand of abuse was mental/emotional. They did chain her and had her kidnapped.
-not very steamy - a couple sex scenes but the story itself was more drama/suspense with a side of romance
-great secondary characters with a set up for Logan's brother Blake's story. I am curious to see if his heroine is too alpha (she was a bit mouthy and aggressive in this book for my tastes)
-HFN ending it has a cute ending but I wanted a look farther down the road so I wasn't satisfied.
November 12, 2018
Logan and Grace were cute.. but they were frustrating.
Claiming Grace was about second chances at love.. but it's also about abuse. All kinds of abuse because that's what Logan and Grace have in common. Logan's mom used to hit him and his brothers. Then there's Grace who's parents constantly abuse her mentally.
Ugh, these parents in this town are drinking something. I hated them all. Well, not Brad's parents.. they seem to be the only normal ones. Besides hating the parents, it's like Logan and Grace were just frustrating to read about in the beginning. I honestly didn't end up liking them until the end. Well, cause it was over but it's like they stop being whiny and did something about it.
Grace was meh. I wish she used her backbone more than just talking about it. I just felt like I was getting mixed information about her. Don't say she's strong but make her act the opposite. It was just confusing and annoying. Other than that, I liked the book and flew through it.
Claiming Grace was about second chances at love.. but it's also about abuse. All kinds of abuse because that's what Logan and Grace have in common. Logan's mom used to hit him and his brothers. Then there's Grace who's parents constantly abuse her mentally.
Ugh, these parents in this town are drinking something. I hated them all. Well, not Brad's parents.. they seem to be the only normal ones. Besides hating the parents, it's like Logan and Grace were just frustrating to read about in the beginning. I honestly didn't end up liking them until the end. Well, cause it was over but it's like they stop being whiny and did something about it.
Grace was meh. I wish she used her backbone more than just talking about it. I just felt like I was getting mixed information about her. Don't say she's strong but make her act the opposite. It was just confusing and annoying. Other than that, I liked the book and flew through it.
February 7, 2017
LOVED!!! This is a phenomenal start to a new series in which the three Anderson boys return home after many years away to begin a new security business. Their goal in the business is to help victims of abuse, particularly male victims, to get away and be safe. They grew up in a horrible home and Logan thinks he knows all there is to know about domestic violence.
Grace is a sweet girl that Logan knew in school and thought would be his forever girl. Circumstances kept them apart and now he won't even talk to her. His friends know something he doesn't know and conspire to throw them together. What follows turns everything that Logan knows upside down.
This is a very fast paced novel that had me turning pages just as quickly as possible. This is a must read novel that fans of the genre will love. The author is on my must read authors' list and she should probably be on yours as well.
Grace is a sweet girl that Logan knew in school and thought would be his forever girl. Circumstances kept them apart and now he won't even talk to her. His friends know something he doesn't know and conspire to throw them together. What follows turns everything that Logan knows upside down.
This is a very fast paced novel that had me turning pages just as quickly as possible. This is a must read novel that fans of the genre will love. The author is on my must read authors' list and she should probably be on yours as well.
Read
March 16, 2017DNF- Seriously? In the thousands of books I've read I can't think of a more pathetic heroine. Truly awful. I tried to skim but couldn't get past how ridiculous the story was. Awful start to a new series.
February 5, 2017
This is a hard one to rate. I've read Ms. Stoker's work before and enjoyed it. The idea behind this one should have been great, and it wasn't a bad read; I just felt there was something missing.
For as close as these two supposedly were before he left, the hero really didn't think that much of the heroine after all. The letters he wrote her were returned and he didn't think to question it? He just wrote her off (!) and she was now on his shit list? So when he comes back to town, he ignores her and acts as if she doesn't exist. Then when you find out what has been happening in her life, he becomes a bit of a judgemental dickhead (which turned me off) before a mutual friend sets him straight and makes him realize how wrong he is. (Another pet hate of mine; the hero is suddenly stupid because he can't work out for himself how to do the right thing. Or behave in general!)
As for the heroine...well, I'm not sure what to say. I have never had someone I love who is supposed to love me back, treat me the way her parents treated her. And maybe that's why that whole situation confused me. Maybe it would make more sense to me if she were much younger, but she's in her late twenties (I think) and it just seemed weird that she was STILL all about not disappointing her parents. It just seemed weird that she wouldn't speak up and let someone know exactly what was happening. But what would I know?
There didn't seem to be that strong a connection between the hero and heroine even towards the end, so that was disappointing. But like I said, the idea behind the whole series sounds like a good one.
Oh, and Alexis grated on my nerves. It felt like she was arguing with all the men in the story just for the hell of it. It didn't make her sassy or fiesty; it just makes me wish she were mute! I really hope she goes through a huge character change by the time her story comes along (because I'm pretty sure she's the next book in this series).
*Netgalley ARC*
For as close as these two supposedly were before he left, the hero really didn't think that much of the heroine after all. The letters he wrote her were returned and he didn't think to question it? He just wrote her off (!) and she was now on his shit list? So when he comes back to town, he ignores her and acts as if she doesn't exist. Then when you find out what has been happening in her life, he becomes a bit of a judgemental dickhead (which turned me off) before a mutual friend sets him straight and makes him realize how wrong he is. (Another pet hate of mine; the hero is suddenly stupid because he can't work out for himself how to do the right thing. Or behave in general!)
As for the heroine...well, I'm not sure what to say. I have never had someone I love who is supposed to love me back, treat me the way her parents treated her. And maybe that's why that whole situation confused me. Maybe it would make more sense to me if she were much younger, but she's in her late twenties (I think) and it just seemed weird that she was STILL all about not disappointing her parents. It just seemed weird that she wouldn't speak up and let someone know exactly what was happening. But what would I know?
There didn't seem to be that strong a connection between the hero and heroine even towards the end, so that was disappointing. But like I said, the idea behind the whole series sounds like a good one.
Oh, and Alexis grated on my nerves. It felt like she was arguing with all the men in the story just for the hell of it. It didn't make her sassy or fiesty; it just makes me wish she were mute! I really hope she goes through a huge character change by the time her story comes along (because I'm pretty sure she's the next book in this series).
*Netgalley ARC*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2017
At first I did not like this book. Logan thought Grace was a pushover and weak for remaining with her parents. He soon realizes his mistake but I never really thought his turnaround was genuine. It seemed too fast. So I never quite liked him as I feel I should of. He could tell something was wrong but he kept thinking the worst even when her friends gave him hints into what she was going through.
I never had controlling parents so can't really imagine what she went through in the book but I never felt she was weak. She had been conditioned her whole life by them and she did endure. I felt she was strong.
Not my favorite of the author and I love her books. I feel really bad for not liking it. I won't be reading this one again.
~~~Netgalley ARC provided for an honest review.~~~
I never had controlling parents so can't really imagine what she went through in the book but I never felt she was weak. She had been conditioned her whole life by them and she did endure. I felt she was strong.
Not my favorite of the author and I love her books. I feel really bad for not liking it. I won't be reading this one again.
~~~Netgalley ARC provided for an honest review.~~~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2017
An extremely bad book in a week already packed with bad choices...damn.
This book deserves the trash bin hell: it has a pathetic, simple minded, worthless heroine made so by the author's choice, not her parents. Yes, abusive, manipulative people exist, but they don't have more power than the CIA, FBI, NSA and the KGB combined. You are not shown bad people, you are shown cartoon villains, and that doesn't make me believe in the story, in her pain. I only see an idiot.
But all the book was pathetic. I have to believe that a 16-8 yo crush is truluv, they see after 10 years and wham bam, we still love each other! The plot was disjointed and unable to keep a pace. There's no tension and the resolution is ridiculous. In the last page we're told that the uberbrothers, together with police and FBI (?) have nailed the monsters and all will be fine. I'm not joking, it really goes that way...
No way I can recommend this drivel.
Ps I skimmed a lot as I was bored to death and I had no connection to the story.
This book deserves the trash bin hell: it has a pathetic, simple minded, worthless heroine made so by the author's choice, not her parents. Yes, abusive, manipulative people exist, but they don't have more power than the CIA, FBI, NSA and the KGB combined. You are not shown bad people, you are shown cartoon villains, and that doesn't make me believe in the story, in her pain. I only see an idiot.
But all the book was pathetic. I have to believe that a 16-8 yo crush is truluv, they see after 10 years and wham bam, we still love each other! The plot was disjointed and unable to keep a pace. There's no tension and the resolution is ridiculous. In the last page we're told that the uberbrothers, together with police and FBI (?) have nailed the monsters and all will be fine. I'm not joking, it really goes that way...
No way I can recommend this drivel.
Ps I skimmed a lot as I was bored to death and I had no connection to the story.
March 15, 2017
DNF!! The first Susan Stoker book that I will not finish! This chick is almost 30 years old, and she's sneaking out of her parents house like she's in high school? They hand cuffed her to a chair?? Give me a break. I'm sorry I bought this book. This book doesn't deserve the one star rating I gave it. Typical with books I don't finish, I don't even want to flip through to see what happens. This book feels like an author's first time publishing, instead of being a best selling author. Pathetic.
nfmaa
July 8, 2018Not a fan of second chances or being with others during separation
February 18, 2017
Claiming Grace 'Claiming Grace' by Susan Stoker is book One in the "Ace Security" series. This is the story of Logan and Grace. Logan and Grace were friends back in the day. Grace was Logan's tutor but they became friends. Then when Logan and his brother's (they are triplets) graduated the up and left. Logan nor his brothers were gone for about 10 years. But they are back now after their mother killed their father and then killed herself. We find that they grew up with an abusive mother and that being the reason they left. But now they are feeling guilty for their father's death and that his father didn't feel he had a place to got to or reach out to about the abuse. So the brother decide to return home and start Ace Security to help those in need in honor of their father. Now that he is back home he has been avoiding Grace and she has been doing the same. We find that now Grace is the one in trouble with controlling parents who won't let her out of their site and have touch on physical restraints and emotional abuse. I really enjoyed this book and how the brothers wanted to help other which in turned helped them to start moving forward. Grace was strong even though her parents tried to take her down. Emotional abuse is very hard to get over and get past but with Logan's help she was slowly making it. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
August 7, 2022
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
Susan Stoker deserves kudos for tackling less known dimensions (and silenced victims) of domestic violence, but did I have trouble in the beginning of the book understanding the heroine’s submissiveness!... I almost gave up reading the story, I was outraged. And even if I got to understand it somehow in the fictional context, it’s still hard to take.
On the other hand, I loved the romance, the characters and their relationships. I really liked the three brothers and I’m curious about the quiet one. Stoker’s depiction of a 28 year old woman who accepts and tolerates physical and psychological abuse from her parents is disturbing, to say the least, but the heroine kind of grew on me despite all this.
I have to say that I loved the way Susan Stoker treated the jaded pseudo-romantic notion of female virginity: when the heroine says she’s not a virgin anymore, the hero tells her seriously “I’m not a virgin either” (Quote from ARC). I do love a feminist hero! And we don’t see much of them in mainstream romance, so… thank you Ms. Stoker!
I'm grateful to the publisher, Montlake Romance, the author, Susan Stoker, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
Susan Stoker deserves kudos for tackling less known dimensions (and silenced victims) of domestic violence, but did I have trouble in the beginning of the book understanding the heroine’s submissiveness!... I almost gave up reading the story, I was outraged. And even if I got to understand it somehow in the fictional context, it’s still hard to take.
On the other hand, I loved the romance, the characters and their relationships. I really liked the three brothers and I’m curious about the quiet one. Stoker’s depiction of a 28 year old woman who accepts and tolerates physical and psychological abuse from her parents is disturbing, to say the least, but the heroine kind of grew on me despite all this.
I have to say that I loved the way Susan Stoker treated the jaded pseudo-romantic notion of female virginity: when the heroine says she’s not a virgin anymore, the hero tells her seriously “I’m not a virgin either” (Quote from ARC). I do love a feminist hero! And we don’t see much of them in mainstream romance, so… thank you Ms. Stoker!
I'm grateful to the publisher, Montlake Romance, the author, Susan Stoker, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
May 15, 2018
★★½✩✩ I don't know why I kept reading and reading this. Something about it held my attention, although, I did skim parts. It did push my buttons, though.
If these brothers started a security company for abused clients, then they should at the very least look-up the different types of abuse there are. So should the author. Physical abuse is a medical term. It doesn't just include hitting someone or leaving a mark (i.e. bruise) on a body. Physical abuse is any act resulting in a non-accidental physical injury, including not only intentional assault but also the results of unreasonable punishment. Therefore, although the heroine and other characters kept saying she wasn't being physically abused, only emotionally abused...she was physically abused. When one is locked up, chained to a chair or bed, denied food and water, not to mention sunshine & fresh air, or only allowed to soil herself or eliminate into a bucket, it is physical abuse.
She was also financially abused, as they restricted her own money/paycheck. Still... I won't go there.
I must admit, something grabbed me, as I've already started reading the next one. I guess I just kept hoping someone would have an epiphany.
If these brothers started a security company for abused clients, then they should at the very least look-up the different types of abuse there are. So should the author. Physical abuse is a medical term. It doesn't just include hitting someone or leaving a mark (i.e. bruise) on a body. Physical abuse is any act resulting in a non-accidental physical injury, including not only intentional assault but also the results of unreasonable punishment. Therefore, although the heroine and other characters kept saying she wasn't being physically abused, only emotionally abused...she was physically abused. When one is locked up, chained to a chair or bed, denied food and water, not to mention sunshine & fresh air, or only allowed to soil herself or eliminate into a bucket, it is physical abuse.
She was also financially abused, as they restricted her own money/paycheck. Still... I won't go there.
I must admit, something grabbed me, as I've already started reading the next one. I guess I just kept hoping someone would have an epiphany.
March 14, 2017
OMG this book is so good. This is a first book, in this series and OMG this book was so good and I can't wait for the rest of this series. Logan and Grace are so good together. This book is about, standing up to people who are being bullied and finding justice for them. Along the way, Logan and Grace has a second chance at love again..... This book hooks, you from the first page till the last. Logan and Grace fall in love again, all while standing up to abuse parents. There is no greater love then our first love and Logan and Grace show us that.... You will love all the Anderson brothers, I can't wait for more from the brothers.
If you want a good, book that has a HOT alpha male protecting the women he loves and standing up for what is right. This book is for you. Any book by, this author is the BEST, get it today.
***I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.***
If you want a good, book that has a HOT alpha male protecting the women he loves and standing up for what is right. This book is for you. Any book by, this author is the BEST, get it today.
***I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.***
March 8, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Very addictive and satisfying read.
These two could set light to water with their chemistry and passion.
Excellent story and brilliant characters.
💋💋
Very addictive and satisfying read.
These two could set light to water with their chemistry and passion.
Excellent story and brilliant characters.
March 15, 2017
3.5 Stars - 3 Flames
I really struggled to get in to this book at first. I mean, it starts off at a grave site, a business is created to help those who are abused and then the female ends up in a completely abusive situation with her parents. Throw in a high school romance that was doomed from the start and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it to the half way mark. Thank goodness I stuck with it. Turns out....good things can happen to those who wait. And I'm not just talking about me waiting for this to get good.
Logan is a triplet. Not only is he a triplet, he's the one who took the brunt of the punishment his abusive mother dished out. After a traffic event, the triplets decided to move back to their home town and start a business that helps those who are in abusive relationships and trying to get out. Moving back home came with a price though. Logan had to face the one girl he's been in love with since high school. The one girl who broke his heart when he left for the Army. The one girl he STILL loves.
Grace is the girl. The rich girl with money, mansion and everything her hearts desired. At least that's what it looks like on the outside. That's not the case at all. She's been living in hell her entire life and can't wrap her head around why Logan never came back for her like he promised all those years ago. Now that he's back in town, it's time to clear the air and find out what really happened. But the answer is just the beginning to more problems for Grace. Turns out that the abuse she's lived through with her parents was nothing compared to what's to come.
Like I mentioned in the beginning, this was hard for me. I understand that we needed to get to know the characters and their background in order to get to the story. But it took a long time for that to happen in my opinion. That being said, once Grace and Logan had their talk...the story moved at a perfect pace with enough drama, anticipation and love that kept me interested. We meet and fall in love with the other brothers and close friends, setting up the series for what looks to be promising. I know I'm already looking forward to the next one.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really struggled to get in to this book at first. I mean, it starts off at a grave site, a business is created to help those who are abused and then the female ends up in a completely abusive situation with her parents. Throw in a high school romance that was doomed from the start and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it to the half way mark. Thank goodness I stuck with it. Turns out....good things can happen to those who wait. And I'm not just talking about me waiting for this to get good.
Logan is a triplet. Not only is he a triplet, he's the one who took the brunt of the punishment his abusive mother dished out. After a traffic event, the triplets decided to move back to their home town and start a business that helps those who are in abusive relationships and trying to get out. Moving back home came with a price though. Logan had to face the one girl he's been in love with since high school. The one girl who broke his heart when he left for the Army. The one girl he STILL loves.
Grace is the girl. The rich girl with money, mansion and everything her hearts desired. At least that's what it looks like on the outside. That's not the case at all. She's been living in hell her entire life and can't wrap her head around why Logan never came back for her like he promised all those years ago. Now that he's back in town, it's time to clear the air and find out what really happened. But the answer is just the beginning to more problems for Grace. Turns out that the abuse she's lived through with her parents was nothing compared to what's to come.
Like I mentioned in the beginning, this was hard for me. I understand that we needed to get to know the characters and their background in order to get to the story. But it took a long time for that to happen in my opinion. That being said, once Grace and Logan had their talk...the story moved at a perfect pace with enough drama, anticipation and love that kept me interested. We meet and fall in love with the other brothers and close friends, setting up the series for what looks to be promising. I know I'm already looking forward to the next one.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
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September 17, 2019Dnf
I don’t like the fact that the hero thought that there was only ONE kind of abuse—physical. And said that emotional abuse isn’t real...really, asshole?
I tried reading more after that but I couldn’t stand any of the characters. And the story just wasn’t interesting enough to continue.
I don’t like the fact that the hero thought that there was only ONE kind of abuse—physical. And said that emotional abuse isn’t real...really, asshole?
I tried reading more after that but I couldn’t stand any of the characters. And the story just wasn’t interesting enough to continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2017
Good; not my favorite Stoker book though. Get my full thoughts on the blog
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