She's a sassy single mom... He's a hardened homicide detective.
—Shelby—
I'm a single mom with a past darker than coal. I've endured a life of pain, escaped a monster, and survived hell. Because of my past, the walls surrounding my heart are strong. Impenetrable.
But those walls begin to crumble the moment I meet him... Detective Anthony Moretti.
He's everything I've ever wanted, and everything my son deserves. As irresponsible and dangerous as it may be, I want him. But we don't always get what we want, do we?
With the monster from my past closing in, I push Anthony away. But he isn't having it.
Hell-bent on staking his claim, he won't give up. No matter how hard I push, he doesn't budge. As far as he's concerned, my fate is sealed.
But the monster from my past still lurks. And whether or not I'm ready, it's about to rear its ugly head.
Warning: Contains triggers.
The Redeeming Love Series: Book One: Every Moment with You (Hendrix and Maddie) Book Two: Every Breath You Take (Anthony and Shelby) Book Three: Every Promise You Made (Evan and Hope) Book Four: Every Tear You Cry (Brantley and Clara) Book Five: Every Time We Touch (Kyle and Carissa) Book Six: Every Wrong You Right (Ty and Heidi)
Each book in the Redeeming Love Series can be read as a standalone.
J.E. Parker is a multi-genre author of sexy, heart-wrenching romances that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. A self-proclaimed hot mess and coffee connoisseur, she writes books featuring strong heroines, panty-melting heroes, a heaping serving (or two) of angst, and guaranteed happily ever afters.
"Redeeming Love" series have stand-alone books but the characters are a bunch of people that appear in all books. Therefore, it might be a better idea to read them in order to get to know all characters better.
Unfortunately, I skipped Book 1 because I am not good at second chance romance, being not an easily forgiving person, and started the series with Book 2. But now, seeing that Maddie and Hendrix are a lovely couple, I might change my mind and go back to read Book 1 – I don’t know, I’ll think again 😊
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As for this book, with a good editing job, it could have been so much better.
There are spelling/grammar mistakes that need to be corrected and the book is 450 pages, a bit too long – longer than necessary. Still, I never skipped a page, it is captivating enough to make you want to read each page. However, if 50-70 pages are cut down, without the unnecessary repetition, it could flow better.
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I love a damsel in distress and a man with protective instincts; that’s why, when I saw that Shelby was a broken woman, abused in her past and Antony was a possessive alpha, a detective who would protect her, I was sold. I wanted to read it.
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What I liked:
- I liked the hero Antony although his love for Shelby was too insta. It was “love at first sight” for him. If you can get past that, he is the perfect boyfriend all along, making no mistakes – none whatsoever! He is good… in fact, he is too good to be true.
- I liked Shelby’s two-year old son, Lucca. He is a sweetheart. I liked the bond that quickly grew between Antony and Lucca and I liked how Antony both claimed Shelby and Lucca at the same time.
- I liked the variety of the side characters and how much they contributed to the story. I say the book is long but with so many characters, you need space for character development, so a whole lot of the length was necessary.
- The book has some good hot scenes and I liked the intimate scenes between Antony and Shelby; they were written tastefully.
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What I didn’t like so much:
- I am not sure about the heroine, Shelby. If I loved her, the book would be solid 4 stars for me.
What Shelby has gone through in her past is bloody awful. I don’t know if many women would survive it all and still stay sane. She was first betrayed by her own mother and then by the man who she thought loved her. These two people became her life-long monsters. Despite all the dreadful things that happened to her, she was able to stand up on her feet, survive it all and be a good mother to her son.
Normally, any reader should love this woman, right? But I am not sure I loved her. Felt sorry for her? Hell, yes! Liked or loved her? Not so much.
It’s about her character – I just couldn’t connect to her. Especially, the way she speaks… I don’t know you but every time she called Antony, “Sugar” or “Stud Muffin”, which is all along the book, I cringed. These nicknames created a different perception in my mind. It made me feel like she was a 45-year old woman and Antony was the 20-year old teenager.
Is it me? How does it sound to you? I would really love feedback from native speakers…
Antony calls her “Sunshine”, which was sweet but the nicknames she used was so off-putting for me.
The writer tries to create a strong woman with Shelby. She wants to create a woman who is broken but still strong. However, sometimes, the way the writer makes the heroine act or speak makes her a cringe-worthy person rather than a strong one.
- The writing is dual point of view and although it is not bad, but mostly good, it needs some refining.
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All in all, if you want to read about an abused heroine and a perfect alpha guy who becomes her anchor, her saving grace, the book is still worth a shot. It is safe as far as cheating is concerned. And there is no OW/OM drama except for her psycho ex.
However, please be warned that the book has triggers such as physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual violence(rape), drug and alcohol addiction, prostitution etc.
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The book has a HEA but the Epilogue is nonsense. One of the worst epilogues I have ever read.
you know what I can never forgive and forget? Slut shaming women. Especially from a grown ass woman doing it to a teenager.. I really don’t care if the heroine is an abused raped victim, that doesn’t give her the right or excuse to slut shame women.. The same goes for you Authors and readers too.. I’ve seen many reviews calling women sluts and it makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t know how many times I’ve repeatedly said this in my reviews. I will never root for a woman that do this.
To my disappointment, he wasn’t looking at me anymore. Instead, he was talking to Emily, the waitress working the breakfast counter. Fiery jealousy stirred in the pit of my tummy at the sight, startling the crap out of me. With raised brows, Maddie followed my gaze to where Anthony, and the little tramp he was speaking to, stood. Tramp?Really Shelby? I mentally berated myself. She’s just a teenager.
She wasn’t sassy, she wasn’t even strong. What she was another pathetic woman who stammered and had body betraying parts and she couldn’t even form sentences in the presence of a hot man.
I'm an absolute sucker for single parent romances, ESPECIALLY a single mother who's been through hell but is able to stand strong for herself and her child so given that this book should've been gold for me but the execution left a lot to be desired
Anthony the H was a darling, a non manwhore ,possessive, protective, bossy police detective who wanted nothing more than to take care of Shelby and her son. I'd have liked more interactions between him and Lucca but the few I got were beautiful moments Lucca was another favorite, I love kids in my romances and he was a sweetie The secondary characters were way too OTT in this one Then we come to Shelby,now I understand that she'd been through hell and her "sass" and smart mouth were her defenses but she was just so loud and Abrasive that she got to be too much. Almost every situation had her sounding like a guest on a Jerry Springer episode and after a while I just couldn't stand her There are some secondary characters I'd really like to see get their HEA but every book seems to be getting more OTT so I'm pausing here for now
h was physically abused and raped by her ex No cheating or OW drama Non manwhore H Ex returns
There were moments that engaged me in this book and I did want to see how things would work out. Now this should have been a sure thing for me, given it has one of my favourite tropes, but I just never found myself truly invested in the characters or the story. That being said what the heroine endured and survived shows how strong and fierce she is, although at times the way in which the author tried to depict Shelby's strength didn't always work as well as it could have.
The terms of endearment that the heroine used on the hero just didn't work, and had me blinking in bafflement.
Oh my goodness!!! This was yet another awesome book by JE Parker. Ms Parker you just moved to the top of my list of favorite Authors. If I could rate this book higher, I would give it 10/5.
Two damaged souls. One last shot at salvation.
Where do I start? I will try to not reveal too much to spoil it for readers. Shelby worked at a women's shelter for battered women and she was good at her job, especially with a certain homeless man. My heart just went out to him and I would love to know that he will also get a happy ending. She had various concerns about crime in the area around the shelter, so that is how she met Anthony who is a detective at the local PD.
Shelby has a dark disturbing past and she struggles to leave her past behind where it should be ........ in the past. She has a very adorable little boy, whom she just loved. Once again Ms Parker let things between the H and h started at a slow pace, which I love. My favourite part was when the H gave the h a nickname and when he told her why he gave her that nickname I just about fell head over heels in love with him. With everything that happened to the h, she had trust issues and I don't blame her one bit and the H was so patient regarding to that. Anthony was the sweetest guy, he was so loving and caring and most of all understanding. He was my hero from the start.
Oh and don't forget about Pop. I just had a feeling who and what he was in this story and in the end I was right. What a surprise!!! I put two and two together from something that happened in the first book from this series. Oh my goodness how it all came together. Sorry not going to spoil it. Ms Parker you were so brilliant by merging two books but still kept them as standalones. The secrets were just mind blowing in this book and it made sense ones it was revealed.
You are going to love this book and if you have not read "Every Moment With You" go back now and buy it. Although it does not end on a cliffy, you would enjoy this one better by reading the first book in this series.
I would highly reccomend this book to all romance lovers.
For the most part this novel held my attention. The hero distracted me from time to time, though, with his use of calling the heroine “baby” from almost the beginning after meeting her. I can handle insta-love just fine. But, his constant use of that endearment, turned me off. It was just a bit mushy gushy for me, especially since he’s this big dominating police detective. The story was suspenseful, however. The chemistry between the two main characters was on key. And, the supporting family members and friends were loyal and protective. A few graphic scenes are depicted, but they only enhance the storyline. There are also some surprising secrets revealed, which I didn’t see coming. I didn’t read the first book of the series, which I have to take a shot at. There’s also a new addition to the series being released the end of May. So looking forward to getting my hands on that...
The heroine went through a lot, i get it but she is so fucking loud in the name of “sass”. She is aggressive af and stupid. Dnf at 60%, we dont get to see how they actually met in this book, it starts from the middle where Antony is like “all the women throw themselves at me, except her and i want her to do so cuz i love her blah blah”. Ofc it was insta love for him but how the fuck did they meet and what did he feel when he saw her. Their relationship at one moment is slow af and suddenly its fast and they are fucking, confessing love and then again slow. It was very hard to keep up with and very confusing
"You better be there, Shelby. Don't make me chase you, baby." "What if I want you to chase me?" "Then run."
What a great follow up to Every Moment With You! Hot, alpha man meets strong willed and sassy woman! Loved the snark between these two, but most of all, I loved the chemistry and the heat!
Shelby Mason is a strong-willed as they come. From the outside, she seems to have it all together. But underneath, she's falling apart. Single mom, trying to make ends meet, all the while trying to stay hidden from the one man that can destroy her. To say she has trust issues is an understatement. Until Anthony. Something about him makes her want to tear down every brick she's put up around her heart. But can she do it? Can she allow herself to be happy, knowing that he'll eventually leave once he realizes what a mess she is?
Detective Anthony Moretti was never in the market for a relationship. One-night stands and flings were about all his job allowed, and he was fine with that. But, something about Shelby Mason has him intrigued from the first time he sees her mouthing off to his officers at the police station. She's sassy and she challenges him like no other woman has before, and he won't stop pursuing her until she's his. He is head over heels for her, and her son. As far as he's concerned, they ARE his and he'll do everything in his power to keep them safe. Now, all he has to do is convince Shelby.
When Shelby's past finds her, threatening her and everyone she loves, can she finally make a stand? Will she finally be able to break free of her fear or will her past finally destroy her for good?
This one has a few twists and one BIG secret that comes out. One that will change everything for several of our main characters. I literally could not put this down once I started reading. I can't wait for the next one to get here!!
Anthony and Shelby He's a sexy as sin detective, working homicide & trying to clean up a bad PD, doesn't really do relationships, & meets her-suddenly he knows he's found forever, but he has to convince her and keep them safe.... She's had nothing but a hard life & pain in her past, her one true happiness is Lucca, working at a shelter to help others and her friend Felix. She meets him at the PD and her life turns upside down but she doesn't think she's worthy of him.... They have smoking hot chemistry and are perfect together. But can they overcome all the obstacles to get to the HEA they both deserve??? Secrets are revealed, demons are exorcised, and old friends appear in this sensational novel. Ms. Parker knows romance & this book is another superb example of her writing skills. LOVED IT!!!! I received an ARC to read and review voluntarily.
I love Shelby and liked her story even if the whole book was not as enjoyable as the first one. Too much of the mushy peas and screams around but... It was emotional and beautiful. So onto the book no 3!
Let me begin by saying that J.E. Parker really knows how to write some books dealing with some messed up characters. I read the last book in this series. It took awhile to get things crazy. However, in this it got started off right away. I did enjoy the way that no matter how messed up Shelby was Tony was there for her. He refused to let her go. I thought that was a great thing for her. After reading the first two books in this series I can only imagine how crazy the next one will be.
Shelby been to hell and back. she stays strong for her son lucca she lives in fear that her past well catch up sooner then later. Anthony a new cop in town running from the pain of his past one look at Shelby and lucca and declares them his. as Shelby past catches up with her can he keep them both safe. Its a must read
“We’re gonna break that bone, baby.” At her words, my eyes slid closed. “Gonna snap it right in half.”
Aaaanndddd that was the moment I started bawling. This book was SO much more than I expected. It has romance, action, character development, and amazing characters. I loved this book!!
I loved this one! It was so easy to give this a high rating just for the hero himself! This story has an amazing strength to it; the hero was a protector and no doubt an Alpha who knows what he wants and know how to get it.. or claim it, really while the heroine has an inner strength to her. She may have had a dark past but everyday, she pushed all her demons aside and took charge of her life. Both main characters clicked together. I love them as individual characters as well as I love them both together.
The strong connections this book has with book 1 flows flawlessly and smoothly. Because of the great narration, it's easy to follow and get attach to all the characters in this series, making it easy to root for them once the author gives an Easter egg for you to follow and root.
Overall, I do recommend this series especially if you're looking for something small town vibes with Alpha males and strong heroines.
Omg...I love this book and will definitely read the rest of the series when it comes out and more by this author! Shelby is a single mom with a horrible past. She is trying to get by and move on, if not for than for her son. She works at a battered women's shelter with some of her friends who have become family. While trying to get the local police to help improved the area or at least get a patrol car to go through every now and then, she meets the new detective, Anthony. Anthony is there to help clean up the "good old boys club" at the police department. He can't stand when people stand by and not help, especially when women and childern are involved. When he sees Shelby giving the officers a piece of her mind he is instantly attracted to her. He offers to help. Shelby is attracted to Anthony like she has never been to anyone else, to bad she has sworn off men. But when he keeps showing up and staking claim on her and her son, will she go with it or will her past be to much to overcome especially when it starts to come back? This is book 2 in the series and while you don't need to read the first one, I would recommend so you know more on the back story of the other couple. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Shelby has had a rough life but she tries to focus on the good. She has her son Lucca, her friends and her work at the women's shelter. She has no desire to be in a relationship with a man. She has no interest in putting herself in a vulnerable position. That is until she meets Anthony. A new detective in town, brought in to clean up the local law enforcement and totally smitten with Shelby. The more he sees her the more he is determined to make her his. Will Shelby's past rear its ugly head and ruin her chance at happiness with Anthony?
Wow, what can I say about Every Breath You Take! Shelby is sassy and smart, I wanted to be her best friend. Anthony is strong and an absolute sweetheart! The attraction between these two is palpable, the pull so strong and oh so right. Their relationship is perfection, this is exactly why I read romance! Lucca is an adorable little toddler whose personality shines in every scene he is in. The characters from the first book in the Redeeming Love series, Every Moment with You, are very prominent in the sequel. Maddie and Hendrix are getting ready to welcome their baby and take a trip down the aisle. Grandma is as crazy as ever and the scenes she is in are a scream. Ms Parker's talent as an author is growing by leaps and bounds and I cannot wait for her next book!
We met Shelby in book 1 and I loved her in that one. She was a illiant side character to Maddie.. In this book with her as the lead I loved her even more. Shelby is feisty and sassy but she's had a hard past and is so vulnerable. I rooted for Shelby the whole way through this book and broke along with her when she was breaking.
Anthony is a new detective in town and is just the ma. Shelby needs. He's strong and protective and van take Shelby's sass.
For Anthony this story is instalove but it's done so well I do even care.. And Shelby fights tooth and nail to not fall for Anthony but the whole wah I was rooting for them to make it.
Anthony with Lucca was so beautiful to see..
We got a lot more from all the old gang.. Seeing Maddie and Hendrix relationship continue to grow and of course crazy old grandmama.. She needs her own book she has me laughing so Much.
This book packs one hell of an emotional punch and it just keeps punching.
Uhh, this book was so good that I’m struggling on how to write a review without giving spoilers cause there is so much I want to say, but need you to read it to understand where my struggle is coming from. Typically, I write reviews with no delay, this one has so many feels, thoughts and things that we hope to see in the future on secondary characters. OK, Here I go the best way I can to persuade you to take a chance and read this story and fall in love with these two damaged souls. Shelby has a dark past that she is struggling to leave behind and her only goal besides caring for her little boy that we just want to squeeze is remaining free from a monster that we know is lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce. She has a heart of gold and her trust issues are validated, trust me. There is a behind the scene character that you feel sad for and heartwarming all at once when it comes to Shelby’s actions for this person. I’ll leave it at that except I hope it ends up with a happy outcome. Her job at the Shelter is her passion to save others from the past she experienced. Anthony has his own demons being a detective, but he is one of the most loving and sweetest guy you will see when it comes to Shelby and “His Prince”. I will say, “thank you, Toluca cops for not doing your job properly this time” cause this brought Anthony to town and from the moment they see each other in the station you see the sparks fly. From that moment on, he will do everything in his power to learn more about Shelby and help her overcome her past and keep the monster(s) away. Yes, plural and you will see why. Holy smokes! There’s a scene that after much mystery is revolved and just wait until it “Pops” cause while you may be able to start to think, “can it be possible?” oh it is and then you kinda see fate revolve around these characters and it makes it that more touching and heartwarming that a fateful night brought Shelby to the town and the meeting of Maddie. Speaking of Maddie I love that if you read book one you get to see where this set of characters stand and the other secondary characters are and where they may be going (well at least we hope we can start pairing some of them). If you have not read book one, no fear each book is a stand alone and about a different set of characters so while you see other characters enough background is given to make you feel those characters as well. There is shock when it comes to the monster(s) and laughter when it comes to Grandmamma. Oh my, she is a character and is crazy, but we love her! These men are not only hot, but each alpha man meets their match with these strong and crazy women in this bunch. Every Breath You Take is truly a Sunshine in this meant to be pair. I cannot wait for more on the Redeeming Love series.
This was a great book. I loved the banter back and forth from Sassy mouth and stud muffin. It had a twist or two and kept you not wanting to put it down. It was well written, had well developed characters and a great story line. Shelby was a strong person on the outside but had her demons on the inside she fought with daily. Anthony was drifting after the murder of his parents, when he landed a job. When him and Shelby met it was all sparks. Read the book and see what happens it it well worth the read! I received it as an arc and voluntarily reviewed it.
OMG! WOW! I can't think of any adjective to write to decribe how I feel about this book. I thought her book 1 was amazing, this book 2? WOW! JE Parker is a fantastic author. FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! I still have happy tears, prideful tears, tears on how proud I am of the main character Shelby, tears of this book is over, tears just rolling down my face. I have to talk about it to anyone who will listen. The book has every awesome character from the book 1 and I love that. Very great awesome character growth with Shelby, from a scared 16 year old who's mother was horrible and neglected Shelby, to her getting abused by a monster, to a kick butt woman!!! Just wow! I LOVED IT! Can't wait for more. FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!
J.E. Parker writes a phenomenal story! From the beginning to the end of the story your pulled in and don't want it to end! I had so many different emtions as I was trading this book- laighyer,joy, sadness, and anger. These emtions are what kept me going till the very end of the book! I am so invested in the characters of this series that I can't wait for more stories to come! Make sure you get this as well as book one of this series!
copy received for honest review I read the first book in this series. I liked it and the characters, but this one surpassed it with flying colors. I knew from the moment I met Shelby, I would love her. This book had me hooked from page one. Shelby is a sassy, outspoken independent lady with a heart of gold. She suffered a lot in her past and it causes her some anxiety. Anthony is a alpha male with model good looks. He takes one look at Shelby and knows she is his. That includes her son Luca. He will have to help calm her fears and get her to see forever with him. Great story with great characters. There are some twists and secrets that will keep any reader anxious and continuing to read.
This is a brand new to me author, and this is the first book I have had the opportunity to read her. There is another book that came before this, but at least both books are stand alone, even if they are set in the same place with characters that appear in each book. Definitely well worth the time to sit down and enjoy.
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
wow this book is amazing and will keep u on edge with the steamy sex and alpha men that will have you wanting that man in your life.. the sassy chic and alpa man will have..
Every Breath You Take is the second book in JE Parker's Redeeming Love series, and I really enjoyed it! I loved Shelby's spitfire personality, and how Anthony evened her out. She was a great mom to Lucca, despite everything that she had gone through growing up. Anthony was great with Lucca, too. I can't wait to read more in this series!
Shelby’s story was a story worth telling. After seeing her character in the first book I knew there was a great story there as to her background and this book did not disappoint! It had twists and turns that I was not expecting but they were great ones! Shelley deserved her happily ever after and I’m happy she got it!
I love grandmama and hope she stays in the series. She sure is one crazy old biddy! ;)
Another amazing book by J.E. I loved every minute of it!! I love how it intertwined with the first book too!!! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster from the first book, and it was brought right over into this one! LOVED IT!!!! Shelby is a strong woman that's for sure!! And I loved the Anthony was strong enough to handle her. Lucca is very lucky to have both of them in his life! It did take me a bit to read only because I was on holidays, but if I hadn't been, I would have read through it in like 2 days. SO GOOD! MUST READ!