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Lost and Found #5
Embattled Ever After
Duncan Wilde has avoided long-term relationships very well since his fiancée left him wounded in the hospital years ago. That one harsh lesson—that he needed to guard his heart—has lasted him for years. Besides. He’s a beat up old Marine well past his time for love. The fiery young doctor from Kansas seems to think otherwise though. She worked on one of his men months ago and they had a bit of a connection. Too bad she’s so damn young.
Alex Hartfield grew up as a military brat, but she sees something in Duncan that makes her think of permanence and starting a family. She wants someone to come home to every night and love, and he’s the first man that makes her guarded heart race with hope and excitement. Now to convince him that opening up to love doesn’t mean taking on responsibility for the other person’s life.
Alex Hartfield grew up as a military brat, but she sees something in Duncan that makes her think of permanence and starting a family. She wants someone to come home to every night and love, and he’s the first man that makes her guarded heart race with hope and excitement. Now to convince him that opening up to love doesn’t mean taking on responsibility for the other person’s life.
ebook
Published October 11, 2016
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About the author
J.M. Madden
70 books930 followersNY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 16, 2016
Well, this was actually difficult for me to rate. On one hand, there were things I liked such as getting to see the other characters further in their lives with happy endings of their own. On the other hand, there were things I thought were just "okay" such as the actual romance between Duncan and Alex. I was really looking forward to Duncan's book. He is always taking care of others and helping anyone in need. He deserved a HEA. I was just really disappointed in the romance portion. There was just so much "other" stuff going on that it detracted from the actual romance.
Alex is a great heroine and I believed she loved Duncan. However, she did a lot of the pursing and that annoyed me. Duncan was constantly pushing her away and thinking he wasn't good enough for her. While I understand him thinking things like she was too young (she wasn't really that much younger than him) or deserved better than having to live with his disabilities, it really went on way too long for my tastes. I also didn't like the fact Alex had to deal with something on her own and felt like Duncan really needed to be there for her in return. I think he was an ass for a good portion of the book. Even when she's been there for him near the end, he's still trying to push her away. I just stayed annoyed for the majority of the book.
A lot of the book dealt with other characters and it would flash to others and it was distracting. It also took away from Duncan and Alex, in my opinion. I have loved the others in the series I've read and I hate it but, this one just wasn't as good to me. There was something lacking.
I am looking forward to the spin-off series that we get a sneak peak at.
Alex is a great heroine and I believed she loved Duncan. However, she did a lot of the pursing and that annoyed me. Duncan was constantly pushing her away and thinking he wasn't good enough for her. While I understand him thinking things like she was too young (she wasn't really that much younger than him) or deserved better than having to live with his disabilities, it really went on way too long for my tastes. I also didn't like the fact Alex had to deal with something on her own and felt like Duncan really needed to be there for her in return. I think he was an ass for a good portion of the book. Even when she's been there for him near the end, he's still trying to push her away. I just stayed annoyed for the majority of the book.
A lot of the book dealt with other characters and it would flash to others and it was distracting. It also took away from Duncan and Alex, in my opinion. I have loved the others in the series I've read and I hate it but, this one just wasn't as good to me. There was something lacking.
I am looking forward to the spin-off series that we get a sneak peak at.
October 22, 2016
I will keep this short
I LOVE this series. I appreciated some of the follow ups with other couples in this book. Especially John and Shannon.
The romance between Duncan and Alex pretty much sucked. As in there wasn't much of any. He pushed her away the whole book. She tried too hard.
It felt like the author was not feeling it but she was writing something to appease the fans of the series demanding a book about Duncan. So she wrote a TON of catch up stories about the others and sprinkled in the push/pull of Duncan and Alex. Disappointing.
But I still love the series.
I LOVE this series. I appreciated some of the follow ups with other couples in this book. Especially John and Shannon.
The romance between Duncan and Alex pretty much sucked. As in there wasn't much of any. He pushed her away the whole book. She tried too hard.
It felt like the author was not feeling it but she was writing something to appease the fans of the series demanding a book about Duncan. So she wrote a TON of catch up stories about the others and sprinkled in the push/pull of Duncan and Alex. Disappointing.
But I still love the series.
October 13, 2016
3.5 stars.
No OW/OM drama.
No OW/OM drama.
January 12, 2022
It felt a bit like the epilogue for the series, more than the story for Duncan and Alex. Their story was in there, but the book was just as much about John and Shannon, with some chapters devoted to Chase and Lori and Mercy as well. There was lots of content about all of the protagonists from the previous books. So in a way it was a love letter to the fans. I did enjoy it, I just wished we had a bit more of the protagonists for this book. Looking forward to the spin-off series.
It works even better on the second read when I have just re-read the whole series.
It works even better on the second read when I have just re-read the whole series.
December 11, 2016
I've waited ages for Duncan's book but it left me disappointed. The other couples feature a lot as does a story for a character in the next book. I wanted to read more about Duncan and Alex's romance but they ended up just being side characters. The author could have done a lot more with their story than she did after fans have waited so long.
October 23, 2016
Major disappointment
Really disappointed in Duncan's story, he consistently wavered back and forth with his feelings about Alex . She wasn't any better. How many time does a man have to tell you to get lost before you show a little pride. While it was nice to read about John and Shannon, Chad and Lora I purchased this because I believed it was Duncan's story.
Really disappointed in Duncan's story, he consistently wavered back and forth with his feelings about Alex . She wasn't any better. How many time does a man have to tell you to get lost before you show a little pride. While it was nice to read about John and Shannon, Chad and Lora I purchased this because I believed it was Duncan's story.
November 27, 2022
3.5 Stars
Enjoyed it very much but wish there was more about the H/h Duncan & Alex….too much involvement with previous characters. Still definitely worth reading.
Enjoyed it very much but wish there was more about the H/h Duncan & Alex….too much involvement with previous characters. Still definitely worth reading.
October 12, 2016
Three men started out on an Embattled Road which lead to more men joining their journey and to each finding their ever after with the women who came to love them.
It seems so long ago when we were first introduced to 3 men who after their time in Iraq after had suffered severe damage to there bodies. Over the course of this series we had gotten two of those mans stories along with other disable vets who'd joined Lost and Found Investigative Services but were patiently waiting to get Duncan Wilde's story.
Duncan was a man who would do anything for a wounded warrior. He wore many hats – friend, father figure, even match maker. He had a huge heart but all the help and advise he gave to others he wasn't so good at following for himself. He ignored the need for a hip replacement even though he was in tremendous pain, and he also refused to open his heart again to love. Well his friends were tired of seeing him alone and invited the doctor he'd met in Kansas when he went to see the elusive homeless vet Aiden Willingham to Colorado for Christmas.
I thought this would just be Duncan and Alex's story but its so much more than that. A lot of the other couples are also front and center and each going through a new life change in their lives. Duncan still races to any distress call from a vet in trouble and one of those was gut wrenching.
There is so much that went on in this book I dont know what to talk about. Duncan had a lot of old ghost he needed to put to rest (and boy it was long over due) to have a relationship with Alex. I dont know who I pictured as being the woman who would finally get through to Duncan – I dont think I would have said Alex but once they were together she was perfect him and I couldnt imagine it being anyone else.
Along with Duncan and Alex's romance and getting updates on where all the other couples were there was also the mystery of who Aiden Willingham really was – which is also the set up of a new series – WAHOO..
I seem like I'm rambling now – for long time fans of series I think you will be happy with this final book (but fear not I hear is not the last time we will see these guys) in the series and be very intrigued about the new series.
It seems so long ago when we were first introduced to 3 men who after their time in Iraq after had suffered severe damage to there bodies. Over the course of this series we had gotten two of those mans stories along with other disable vets who'd joined Lost and Found Investigative Services but were patiently waiting to get Duncan Wilde's story.
Duncan was a man who would do anything for a wounded warrior. He wore many hats – friend, father figure, even match maker. He had a huge heart but all the help and advise he gave to others he wasn't so good at following for himself. He ignored the need for a hip replacement even though he was in tremendous pain, and he also refused to open his heart again to love. Well his friends were tired of seeing him alone and invited the doctor he'd met in Kansas when he went to see the elusive homeless vet Aiden Willingham to Colorado for Christmas.
I thought this would just be Duncan and Alex's story but its so much more than that. A lot of the other couples are also front and center and each going through a new life change in their lives. Duncan still races to any distress call from a vet in trouble and one of those was gut wrenching.
There is so much that went on in this book I dont know what to talk about. Duncan had a lot of old ghost he needed to put to rest (and boy it was long over due) to have a relationship with Alex. I dont know who I pictured as being the woman who would finally get through to Duncan – I dont think I would have said Alex but once they were together she was perfect him and I couldnt imagine it being anyone else.
Along with Duncan and Alex's romance and getting updates on where all the other couples were there was also the mystery of who Aiden Willingham really was – which is also the set up of a new series – WAHOO..
I seem like I'm rambling now – for long time fans of series I think you will be happy with this final book (but fear not I hear is not the last time we will see these guys) in the series and be very intrigued about the new series.
March 8, 2018
I am not sure where my thoughts are after reading Embattled Ever After (Lost and Found #5) by J.M. Madden. I loved that series from the beginning on and I was looking forward to Duncan’s story as much as anybody else I guess. But somehow now when it came something went wrong a little and it was something I would have never expected. It was Duncan’s age.
I never gave it much thought as Duncan was always present but never the focus of the other stories – so I am not sure how my mind got settled on a mid 50s – hell maybe even beginning 60 kind of guy ( no problems with that – non at all). BUT when he now moved into the focus, he was (for me kind of suddenly) morphed into something like a mid 40s guy. And that fact threw me of course because I had to question all my thoughts on him from the previous books. All those lines about the “beat up old Marine well past his time for love” – I am sorry but I am not able to agree with that #shaking my head.
Also while I basically loved the book it gave me more a feeling of closure to the series than it being a real book only for Duncan’s story.
But anyway I am really looking forward to the spinoff story that is on the horizon I think that will be a good one…
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September 6, 2017
First things first. I read book one in this series some time ago and found the box set to download as a freebie the other day. I remembered the first one was okay - not mindblowing, but a decent read - and thought I would get some light entertainment out of the series. All was going well until this book
Dear god. What sort of people are you? Read this: (the men are discussing small daughters)
“Don’t give in to all that stereotypical bullshit. She plays with cars and stuffed animals Give her a Barbie doll and she turns her nose up at it. I can’t wait to take her shooting at the ranch. I found this awesome little .22 caliber rifle called a Cricket. Shorter barrel, shorter stock. Totally made for a little girl.”
John looked at the picture Chad had saved on his phone of the little pink gun. Huh…okay. That was pretty cute.
WHAT THE FUCK! I mean SERIOUSLY WHAT THE FUCK??? What sort of moron/idiot/psycho thinks a LITTLE PINK GUN for a small girl is OKAY????????
Just how many people in the US are shot each year by children??
There are no words to express how utterly appalled and sickened I feel having read this. If that is the moral and intellectual level of so-called US Marine heroes, then I don’t , ever want to read any more. I am not one for gender stereotyping either - all I can say is CHILDREN DON’T NEED GUNS.
This is SO wrong on SO many levels.
Dear god. What sort of people are you? Read this: (the men are discussing small daughters)
“Don’t give in to all that stereotypical bullshit. She plays with cars and stuffed animals Give her a Barbie doll and she turns her nose up at it. I can’t wait to take her shooting at the ranch. I found this awesome little .22 caliber rifle called a Cricket. Shorter barrel, shorter stock. Totally made for a little girl.”
John looked at the picture Chad had saved on his phone of the little pink gun. Huh…okay. That was pretty cute.
WHAT THE FUCK! I mean SERIOUSLY WHAT THE FUCK??? What sort of moron/idiot/psycho thinks a LITTLE PINK GUN for a small girl is OKAY????????
Just how many people in the US are shot each year by children??
There are no words to express how utterly appalled and sickened I feel having read this. If that is the moral and intellectual level of so-called US Marine heroes, then I don’t , ever want to read any more. I am not one for gender stereotyping either - all I can say is CHILDREN DON’T NEED GUNS.
This is SO wrong on SO many levels.
October 13, 2016
I loved Duncan and Alex's story! This book tugged at my heart and in the end made me so happy!
October 17, 2016
I was looking forward to Duncan's book, but it wasn't my favorite. I still wasn't clear why the h kept coming back. I didn't feel anything between them. I liked the Aiden story line and that kept me engaged.
March 17, 2017
I have been highly anticipating Duncan's story. But this was like, so totally not cool like no. Like it was like written by like a teenager and stuff.....Seriously! This book has an identity crisis. Way too much going on. Everyone else has their own stories but the one we are all waiting for barely has one. Duncan and Alex were in about 25%. I liked catching up with everyone but why not make the book after Duncan and Alex a "where are they now" story??? I did not like that Alex was always the aggressor. She was always coming back to him. I really wanted him to chase her down in the end especially after what happened. I was waiting for the whole 'I want a kid now, too late it's already dead' scene where he has an epiphany and wants her back but she throws it in his face. I don't think that situation was handled very well at all. No one would get over that that fast and want to get back with the guy that firmly said he didn't want a baby. I would be pissed! This author also needs to do more research on the medical facts. Editing was kind of annoying. I can overlook a couple misspelled words but when it is the wrong name or pronoun uh uh no way. Referring to my second sentence.....Based on the other books this writing just seemed rushed. I obviously feel that "like" was used too much/unnecessarily.
There is a ton more I would change but I would be here for at least an hour trying to type everything. This is one of those reviews where it's like word vomit and can't stop it from coming out.
Apparently I have some very strong feelings about this book that is going to take time to get over.
There is a ton more I would change but I would be here for at least an hour trying to type everything. This is one of those reviews where it's like word vomit and can't stop it from coming out.
Apparently I have some very strong feelings about this book that is going to take time to get over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2016
This is one of my favorites series. While the men often see themselves as broken the women don't, they see them as the good men they are, just with some extra things to deal with.
I loved that the Lost and Found people wanted to do something good for Duncan and they brought Alex around to see if the spark was there. With how Duncan reacted I wanted to slap him and had the weather not came into play that would have been the end of it.
It was interesting to see how Duncan reacted when Alex came along with him during his work trips. He kept waiting for her to judge, instead Alex understood what he was trying to do and caused him to see a different side of things.
Once again towards the end I found myself wanting to punch Duncan when he said words he knew hurt more than any physical touch. The worst thing was that Duncan knew it too as soon as the words were out of his mouth. It didn't help that in the aftermath Alex ended up hurting more. Due to all of this I wasn't sure that we would get a HEA, but of course there was one.
There was some drama at the end, drama that came out of left field that didn't really match the rest of the series. I see there is going to be a spin off book with that character. I'll read it, hopefully it will help connect the two in a better way.
I loved that the Lost and Found people wanted to do something good for Duncan and they brought Alex around to see if the spark was there. With how Duncan reacted I wanted to slap him and had the weather not came into play that would have been the end of it.
It was interesting to see how Duncan reacted when Alex came along with him during his work trips. He kept waiting for her to judge, instead Alex understood what he was trying to do and caused him to see a different side of things.
Once again towards the end I found myself wanting to punch Duncan when he said words he knew hurt more than any physical touch. The worst thing was that Duncan knew it too as soon as the words were out of his mouth. It didn't help that in the aftermath Alex ended up hurting more. Due to all of this I wasn't sure that we would get a HEA, but of course there was one.
There was some drama at the end, drama that came out of left field that didn't really match the rest of the series. I see there is going to be a spin off book with that character. I'll read it, hopefully it will help connect the two in a better way.
November 5, 2016
FOR. EVER. That's how long I waited for this story (it seems) and the author knew exactly how to take care of it for me.
Anyone who has read the series knew that Duncan was going to be a hard story to read. He's a hardened man, with little hope, but those surrounding him keep him alive. When he met Dr. Alex when in KC to help a vet (because that's what he does) he knew there was a spark of something. So did she. BOY did she. She's not stopped thinking about him since, and spending a holiday in Colorado, with him, that's exactly what she needs. I was crying by chapter two. The author prefaces this story, in the blurb too, that it's filled with PTSD. As is the series, in varying degrees. That along with the love story of these two, the happy moments of others that she has weaved in, and just the general story itself made me happy. And sad. And emotional. In all very GOOD ways. This story is just darned good.
Anyone who has read the series knew that Duncan was going to be a hard story to read. He's a hardened man, with little hope, but those surrounding him keep him alive. When he met Dr. Alex when in KC to help a vet (because that's what he does) he knew there was a spark of something. So did she. BOY did she. She's not stopped thinking about him since, and spending a holiday in Colorado, with him, that's exactly what she needs. I was crying by chapter two. The author prefaces this story, in the blurb too, that it's filled with PTSD. As is the series, in varying degrees. That along with the love story of these two, the happy moments of others that she has weaved in, and just the general story itself made me happy. And sad. And emotional. In all very GOOD ways. This story is just darned good.
October 11, 2016
Just finished reading this long awaited book in the LNF series (Yeah, Duncan at last!). It was like a family or school reunion meeting up with all sorts of people you have not seen in a while and at the end of the day you wish there was more time to spend together...
We catch up with lots of the people from the earlier books, so this book is not 100% Duncan and Alex, but that was quite okay.
Would have liked the epilogue to have a bit more focus on them, especially if indeed this is the last book in the series - although there will be spin-offs, so we may get to see them again sometime. Please, we need to continue seeing these couples and their families develop through the years!!!
We catch up with lots of the people from the earlier books, so this book is not 100% Duncan and Alex, but that was quite okay.
Would have liked the epilogue to have a bit more focus on them, especially if indeed this is the last book in the series - although there will be spin-offs, so we may get to see them again sometime. Please, we need to continue seeing these couples and their families develop through the years!!!
May 1, 2020
Three men started out on an Embattled Road which lead to more men joining their journey and to each finding their ever after with the women who came to love them.
It seems so long ago when we were first introduced to 3 men who after their time in Iraq after had suffered severe damage to there bodies. Over the course of this series we had gotten two of those mans stories along with other disable vets who'd joined Lost and Found Investigative Services but were patiently waiting to get Duncan Wilde's story.
Duncan was a man who would do anything for a wounded warrior. He wore many hats – friend, father figure, even match maker. He had a huge heart but all the help and advise he gave to others he wasn't so good at following for himself. He ignored the need for a hip replacement even though he was in tremendous pain, and he also refused to open his heart again to love. Well his friends were tired of seeing him alone and invited the doctor he'd met in Kansas when he went to see the elusive homeless vet Aiden Willingham to Colorado for Christmas.
It seems so long ago when we were first introduced to 3 men who after their time in Iraq after had suffered severe damage to there bodies. Over the course of this series we had gotten two of those mans stories along with other disable vets who'd joined Lost and Found Investigative Services but were patiently waiting to get Duncan Wilde's story.
Duncan was a man who would do anything for a wounded warrior. He wore many hats – friend, father figure, even match maker. He had a huge heart but all the help and advise he gave to others he wasn't so good at following for himself. He ignored the need for a hip replacement even though he was in tremendous pain, and he also refused to open his heart again to love. Well his friends were tired of seeing him alone and invited the doctor he'd met in Kansas when he went to see the elusive homeless vet Aiden Willingham to Colorado for Christmas.
April 22, 2018
3 5-4 stars
December 25, 2017
With the fifth installment in the 'Lost and Found' series, we finally get the main main, Duncan's story. He is the oldest of the bunch, pushing close to 50, which his age plays a big a factor in his story, or well I should say the heroine's age is as she is 32.
Alex was first introduced in a previous Los and Found book (#3 I believe) where she meets Duncan at a Kansas City hospital she works at. Immediately they feel a connection upon a meeting but Duncan doesn't act on it a he feels she is too young and vibrant for someone like him. So thus makes Alex make the first move, coming to visit Duncan during Christmas - which is a total surprise to him, but not the LNF gang as they had a hand in it. Alex ends up staying at Duncan's place due to snowy weather, which results in their chemistry exploding and lets just say things heats up quite a bit. Although things are going great for Duncan and Alex, in the back of Duncan's mind, the age difference between them and his disability due to an old battle wound just won't take a back seat. He has constant thoughts of letting her go because he believes she can do better. Alex eventually goes back home early due to hearing a comment Duncan makes, which upsets her leading to them ending their fling. With time apart, Duncan wakes up and sees the light, realizing he truly loves Alex and wants to be with her, that he wants to marry her, and eventually have a family with her.
What I like about this book is that our hero Duncan has had a bad experience with a prior relationship 10 years ago when he came back from Iraq (his fiance left him when he was hurt and needed her the most) which turns him off at the thought of any relationships or marrying. Then Alex comes into the picture, shakes things up for him and shows him she's in it for the long haul, the good and the bad. Due to her, he finally got his happy ending.
Another thing I like about this book - possibly more than Duncan and Alex's story of their relationship - is that Shannon and John becoming parents. It totally threw him for a loop as he never had pictured himself with kids. It was cute reading his thoughts and actions in this book pertaining to this, especially when he would feel her belly, kiss it, and try to listen to the baby's heart beat. Oh it was so sweet and mushy watching a hardened vet who curses like a sailor go soft at the mere thought of experiencing fatherhood and seeing the changes that Shannon's body goes through.
I know there is more stories for the other guys that was occasionally mentioned throughout this series, but I think I'll stop here although I do wish we got more of an epilogue or a future look into Duncan and Alex's life - lets say maybe 1+ years ahead to see how they fared.
Alex was first introduced in a previous Los and Found book (#3 I believe) where she meets Duncan at a Kansas City hospital she works at. Immediately they feel a connection upon a meeting but Duncan doesn't act on it a he feels she is too young and vibrant for someone like him. So thus makes Alex make the first move, coming to visit Duncan during Christmas - which is a total surprise to him, but not the LNF gang as they had a hand in it. Alex ends up staying at Duncan's place due to snowy weather, which results in their chemistry exploding and lets just say things heats up quite a bit. Although things are going great for Duncan and Alex, in the back of Duncan's mind, the age difference between them and his disability due to an old battle wound just won't take a back seat. He has constant thoughts of letting her go because he believes she can do better. Alex eventually goes back home early due to hearing a comment Duncan makes, which upsets her leading to them ending their fling. With time apart, Duncan wakes up and sees the light, realizing he truly loves Alex and wants to be with her, that he wants to marry her, and eventually have a family with her.
What I like about this book is that our hero Duncan has had a bad experience with a prior relationship 10 years ago when he came back from Iraq (his fiance left him when he was hurt and needed her the most) which turns him off at the thought of any relationships or marrying. Then Alex comes into the picture, shakes things up for him and shows him she's in it for the long haul, the good and the bad. Due to her, he finally got his happy ending.
Another thing I like about this book - possibly more than Duncan and Alex's story of their relationship - is that Shannon and John becoming parents. It totally threw him for a loop as he never had pictured himself with kids. It was cute reading his thoughts and actions in this book pertaining to this, especially when he would feel her belly, kiss it, and try to listen to the baby's heart beat. Oh it was so sweet and mushy watching a hardened vet who curses like a sailor go soft at the mere thought of experiencing fatherhood and seeing the changes that Shannon's body goes through.
I know there is more stories for the other guys that was occasionally mentioned throughout this series, but I think I'll stop here although I do wish we got more of an epilogue or a future look into Duncan and Alex's life - lets say maybe 1+ years ahead to see how they fared.
October 4, 2017
2⭐️Oh, I'm so sad! I was loving this series but this book crashed. The characters have all faded into same-same. There's really not much that defines any of them from the others anymore. They all 'talk' with the same voice and intention. They are all extremely 'hallmark' now too. These tough military men have just become those string pull dolls that parrot the appropriate cheesy phrase when instructed. There were parts of this book that had me thinking it was a bit of an infomercial. I know that's harsh and the issues that are trying to be dealt with here for Veterans are serious, but the word that most often came to mind in this book is 'Schmaltzy'... is that even a word? It was just so cheesy and drama lama that the bits that were trying to show how important these things were to the characters was just washed out.
The overall idea of what was happening with the characters and story was fine, but it was all so perfectly placed and phrased coming from every corner in identical voices that it was mostly just annoying. It's so sad that this is how Duncan's story came across. And quite frankly, he was coming across as quite childish (rather than cautious) about the injury and the relationship, which was way out of character for the man who runs it all. Alex did all the chasing and he just kept flip-flopping!
The overall idea of what was happening with the characters and story was fine, but it was all so perfectly placed and phrased coming from every corner in identical voices that it was mostly just annoying. It's so sad that this is how Duncan's story came across. And quite frankly, he was coming across as quite childish (rather than cautious) about the injury and the relationship, which was way out of character for the man who runs it all. Alex did all the chasing and he just kept flip-flopping!
December 22, 2016
I was expecting that this book would be the greatest of them all. And I feel very disappointed.
My interest wavered quite a bit. The climax of the story wasn't very ..... climaxy. I expected something dramatic and I expected a stronger bond between the two. Maybe it's just me but I'm sadly disappointed.
My interest wavered quite a bit. The climax of the story wasn't very ..... climaxy. I expected something dramatic and I expected a stronger bond between the two. Maybe it's just me but I'm sadly disappointed.
November 8, 2016
I found this series a while ago and fell in love with it and the men of LNF. They have one by one started finding their significant other and having families.
Duncan the founder of LNF and a huge employer of wounded vets. He cares so much for the men who have served and is a total sweetheart to the women who love them. That is part of the reason they decided to surprise him with Dr. Alex Hartfield, that Duncan met back at a hospital in Kansas City, for Christmas.
She is beautiful, smart, loving and persistent as Duncan is going to find out. She is also quite a bit younger than he and he doesn't want to lead her on. Well, she puts him in his place very quickly.
The is a wonderful book and while this is Duncan and Alex's story it also involves John and Shannon and others.
Duncan the founder of LNF and a huge employer of wounded vets. He cares so much for the men who have served and is a total sweetheart to the women who love them. That is part of the reason they decided to surprise him with Dr. Alex Hartfield, that Duncan met back at a hospital in Kansas City, for Christmas.
She is beautiful, smart, loving and persistent as Duncan is going to find out. She is also quite a bit younger than he and he doesn't want to lead her on. Well, she puts him in his place very quickly.
The is a wonderful book and while this is Duncan and Alex's story it also involves John and Shannon and others.
October 11, 2016
Every time I read one of J.M.'s books in this series I remember why I love her writing. She gives us a wonderful story while dealing with the reality of what happened to our wounded warriors after they come home. We become involved with the set of characters we have come to know and love. Getting to see one we have known deserved someone finally get his other half was just outstanding. While there are some hard scenes in this book it's real life as unfortunately things that are tragic do happen as the world is not all sunshine and roses.
I loved this wonderful book
I loved this wonderful book
October 14, 2016
I fell in love with Duncan & Alex. I didn't want their story to end. I loved visiting with everyone again. John. Shannon. Zeke. Ember. Chad. Lora. Duncan& Alex are perfect for each other, but do they know that?!
The issues in this book were handled beautifully. Great writing.
Highly recommend. Can't wait for more, especially with the 'twist' towards the end!!
The issues in this book were handled beautifully. Great writing.
Highly recommend. Can't wait for more, especially with the 'twist' towards the end!!
October 29, 2016
This was another good story, but I found several typos.
January 11, 2018
Having read the first four books in the "Embattled" series including the prequel, I was anticipating Duncan's story and wanted to read about him connecting with Alexandra "Alex".
That said, I was disappointed by this story. It was far longer than the first four stories but that was due in large part to chapters devoted to updates on characters from previous books, which I found mostly unnecessary.
The book opens with Dr. Alex Hartfield traveling to Colorado, at the request of Duncan's friends, for the holidays. Essentially, the hope is that she will be able to build upon an attraction that she and Duncan felt in a previous book. In my opinion though, getting on a plane to travel hundreds of miles for a hook up with someone you barely know because friends of said hook up want you to is a stretch.
A snow storm sees Alex and Duncan holed up at his home and of course, they become lovers as well as learning more about each other's lives, hopes, and dreams for the future. A major difference in future goals splits them up but eventually, they get their happily ever after.
Tossed into the story is intrigue about a recurring character which feels like an intro to either his story or a spin off series.
A highlight of the book was Duncan being called out for his hypocrisy and the subsequent groveling needed to correct his mistake. I love good grovel!
That said, I was disappointed by this story. It was far longer than the first four stories but that was due in large part to chapters devoted to updates on characters from previous books, which I found mostly unnecessary.
The book opens with Dr. Alex Hartfield traveling to Colorado, at the request of Duncan's friends, for the holidays. Essentially, the hope is that she will be able to build upon an attraction that she and Duncan felt in a previous book. In my opinion though, getting on a plane to travel hundreds of miles for a hook up with someone you barely know because friends of said hook up want you to is a stretch.
A snow storm sees Alex and Duncan holed up at his home and of course, they become lovers as well as learning more about each other's lives, hopes, and dreams for the future. A major difference in future goals splits them up but eventually, they get their happily ever after.
Tossed into the story is intrigue about a recurring character which feels like an intro to either his story or a spin off series.
A highlight of the book was Duncan being called out for his hypocrisy and the subsequent groveling needed to correct his mistake. I love good grovel!
October 28, 2016
Embattled Ever After is another good story set in the “Lost and Found” world; but for readers not already familiar with the series, this is not the place to start. This is not a standalone read. Duncan and Alex’s arc is carried over from ‘Embattled SEAL’; and several of the main couples from previous books have prominent storylines that will mean nothing to anyone who is not a regular reader of the series.
If you are keeping up with the series, however, this book is a treat. Not only does the main storyline come to a satisfying ending, there are several surprises and happy events in store for the whole “Lost and Found” gang. Oh, and a wonderful twist about Aiden, everyone's favorite homeless veteran.
This is supposedly the end of this series. Aiden's book is called Chaos, and will be the first book in Madden's new "Dogs of War" series.
If you are keeping up with the series, however, this book is a treat. Not only does the main storyline come to a satisfying ending, there are several surprises and happy events in store for the whole “Lost and Found” gang. Oh, and a wonderful twist about Aiden, everyone's favorite homeless veteran.
This is supposedly the end of this series. Aiden's book is called Chaos, and will be the first book in Madden's new "Dogs of War" series.
September 25, 2017
I don't hesitate to give this one 4 stars at all. As I read over some of the other reviews I see there were many disappointed with Duncan's story. I'm not really sure why. Was it as suspenseful as some of the other? No. But it was so very Duncan.
Duncan is the founder of LNF Investigative Services, a company that hires wounded warriors and integrates them back into civilian life while giving their lives purpose. Duncan took care of his troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and he found a way to continue to do that stateside. He's watched his men find their lives and families and rejoiced with each one of them. This book is his turn. Throughout the book, there are updates on all of the other members of LNF. Their stories are interwoven with Duncan's, as it should be.
This is a wonderful ending to a great series. It's solid, no over-the-top drama, and steady. Just like Duncan.
Duncan is the founder of LNF Investigative Services, a company that hires wounded warriors and integrates them back into civilian life while giving their lives purpose. Duncan took care of his troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and he found a way to continue to do that stateside. He's watched his men find their lives and families and rejoiced with each one of them. This book is his turn. Throughout the book, there are updates on all of the other members of LNF. Their stories are interwoven with Duncan's, as it should be.
This is a wonderful ending to a great series. It's solid, no over-the-top drama, and steady. Just like Duncan.
August 9, 2021
Duncan is amazing, and I loved Alex's confidence, but I just couldn't understand her taking a trip out to Denver as a surprise for Duncan based on a few glances, minor conversation, and attraction. Why not call him first? And when did Shannon become the office matchmaker?
Anyway, I did enjoy catching up with everyone, and learning about Aiden was good, but it wasn't enough of Duncan and Alex. Even when they went to his family's place for Christmas, the visit didn't even get started because an emergency with a Vet came up. I wish they'd gone for another visit so we could have gotten more of Duncan and Alex. I see why Alex was so intrigued with Duncan. His loyalty, compassion, and concern for Vets and the men who worked with/for him was admirable. What I knew of Alex, I liked, but I just didn't get enough. I want more of these two.💖💖
Anyway, I did enjoy catching up with everyone, and learning about Aiden was good, but it wasn't enough of Duncan and Alex. Even when they went to his family's place for Christmas, the visit didn't even get started because an emergency with a Vet came up. I wish they'd gone for another visit so we could have gotten more of Duncan and Alex. I see why Alex was so intrigued with Duncan. His loyalty, compassion, and concern for Vets and the men who worked with/for him was admirable. What I knew of Alex, I liked, but I just didn't get enough. I want more of these two.💖💖
October 25, 2016
I went back and read my review where I gushed over the first book "Embattled Hearts" in this series. Since then, I've been a faithful reader and have waited patiently to see who would capture Duncan's heart. Sigh. I loved this book. I enjoyed catching up with the characters that have developed through the series, and loved how Madden set the stage for the next series. But I can't recommend this book for everyone. This is a 3rd in the series book that depends heavily on knowing the backstories of the other characters to make the story work. While this was a very enjoyable read, please read the other stories in the series first! That said, I can't wait to see where Madden takes the set up she described in the book, or where she goes with her next writing endeavors.
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