Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time ~ True Beginnings book 3 by Amanda Mackey

 

I’m addicted to it. War, battle—the thrill of being in mortal combat and constant danger. Not knowing whether I’ll still be breathing one moment to the next is a rush I can’t explain.

But I hate that I love it. It’s like a sickness that sank its hooks into my psyche and refuses to let go. I’m living with nightmares and the strange reality of civilian life, while I crave my next mission.

Until I meet a sassy redhead with sharp wit and scalding green eyes. She stirs the same adrenaline rush I experienced while dropping from the sky into enemy territory.

Charlotte is everything that’s right in this wretched world. There’s a kindness in her, but I’m afraid the darkness lurking within me will destroy it. I’m not the kind of man she deserves. She’s too good for me.

I shouldn’t want her the way I do, and if I were a good man, I would walk away

Problem is…I’m not.

WOW, what a realistic story. Two soldiers, Declan/Dec and Viper, closer than brothers deal with PTSD while still taking on dangerous military missions. This is Viper's story. Viper is a physically fit, intimidating soldier. He butts head with Dec's woman's best friend Charlotte/Char. Every time they are in each other's company their animosity for each other erupts. When Char is robbed at gunpoint, her stern personality falls apart. Wanting to give Mac and Dec their privacy, she opts out to stay with Viper. She does not look forward to the confrontations nor does she have the energy to do so. Viper thinks he is out of his gd mind for letting her stay. When Char has a meltdown, Viper takes control and comforts Char. Over the next several days Viper continues to amaze Char at his sensitivity for her. Then Viper gets a call back to duty. Will Char get over the assault? Will Char and Viper ever have a truce? This book hit upon the subject of PTSD and hit a home run. When I got to the last page, I was not disappointed. I do hope there is a sequel that moves forward with Dec and Mac, Char and Viper. I totally and whole heartily recommend this book. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5 star review by Emma

Life with PTSD

An amazing book. This story surrounds to soldiers and the women they care about. This one concentrated primarily on Charolette a nurse and Viper the best friend to her best friends significant other. The author has done a great job of keeping the feel real throughout the book with each adventure the two encounter. She delves into the trauma of PTSD for both a civilians reaction after being robbed and a soldiers reaction after having a life altering crisis. After reading this book I plan on going back and reading the previous books. This is a clean romance, stand alone with a HEA. Well written.

5 star review by Bookfiend

Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

Ms. Mackey has crafted a remarkable conclusion to this series. Viper is a unique, believable character. He’s a soldier through and through. And he’s met his match, Char. With Ms. Mackey’s digital pen, she has created a strong, determined, compassionate woman who loves the man who is Viper. A catastrophic incident occurs and it doesn’t deter her one whit. In fact, it makes her more determined. This is one you will long remember—mostly for the woman with the courage to fight for what she wants.

5 star review Colorado Avid Reader

True Sacrifice book 2 by Amanda Mackey

 

I remember nothing.

Not my name, where I come from, my past, or how I ended up in the hospital with a bullet wound in my chest. Everything is a black void…except for her. The beautiful nurse with the friendly smile.

I have no idea who I am, but I know Mac has something that draws me to her. The more she helps me uncover the mysteries of my past, the more I want her to be a part of my future.

But as vivid images of being in a warzone seep through my dreams, I can’t help but wonder if I’m putting her life at risk by allowing her to help me—by allowing myself to fall for her.

With every piece of the puzzle we manage to put together, it becomes clear that there are secrets and dangers hidden within the darkness of a life I can’t remember.

Now I need to do everything I can to protect her. I’m just not sure what I’m protecting her from. My past…or me.

Once an Angel: Hell wants to keep him. Heaven wants to save him by Amanda Mackey

 

Angel turned Demon, Nathaniel has been sent to Earth to tarnish pure souls, then banish them to Hell so Lucifer may recruit them into his army. What Nate doesn't expect is a chance meeting with Maya at a coffee shop in Mt. Vernon, Washington. He's drawn to her innocence and purity. At first he wants to lead her into temptation so she may join him in Hell but as he gets to know her, he realizes he also wants to protect her. With a deadline looming and the King of Hades claiming Maya for himself, Nate fights against his evil nature in a desperate bid to keep her safe.

Maya lives a simple life. Work. Eat. Sleep. Spending time with her best friend. When charming and stunningly handsome Nate ends up at the counter of the cafe where she works, she's left floundering at the intense affect he has on her. After agreeing to spend time with him, she soon discovers more to the sexy newcomer than meets the eye. Her world is turned upside down. Some things in fairy tales are real.

 

And can she stop her heart from getting involved while… Defending Jagger? ~ Defending Jagger - Book 1 The Search and Seek Series by Amanda Mackey

Jagger Reed has a secret that could destroy lives… And one life that could be destroyed is his disabled brother’s. Jagger is in jail for a crime he didn't commit, and believes it’s a small price to pay to protect his family. 

Rosalind McAllister is the newest creative writing teacher at Arizona State Prison… Rose is determined to prove herself to her criminal students and not let them break her—like they did the last teacher. But when she meets Jagger Reed, she immediately knows the line between student and teacher could be easily blurred. Tall, intimidating, and way too handsome to be incarcerated, she vows to keep him at a distance.

A creative writing assignment turns into the discovery of Jagger’s innocence…When Rose reads Jagger’s creative writing piece, she’s both astounded and impressed. His written words call to her, providing a window into his private world. But as the assignment continues, she discovers facts about Jagger’s conviction that change everything.

Determined to piece together clues that leap out from the pages, she finds much more than an articulate prisoner.

How can she save a man who doesn't want to be saved? And can she stop her heart from getting involved while… Defending Jagger?

Stealing Dallas by Amanda Mackey

This is the second book that I've read by this author and it is book two of two. I immediately jumped into reading this book, so my reviews are back to back. Which is why I worded it a little funny. I highly recommend these books! Thank you blind date for hooking me up with another great author and books! Since I try my hardest, not to do spoilers, this will be a short review! This book picks up where the first book, Defending Jagger, left off. It is fast-paced, hold on to the edge of your seat, secrets are going to hit you, a who can you trust, emotional roller-coaster! So pick it up and be prepared not to move, until the ride is over!

Life is sweet in The Sanctuary—until Lillian Harris is thrown the curveball of her life ~ Pain by Amanda Mackey

 

Life is sweet in The Sanctuary—until Lillian Harris is thrown the curveball of her life.

Lillian is perfectly happy cocooned within the lofty perimeter fence of The Sanctuary. Her Sanctuary—a vast oasis for rescued lions, tigers, and elephants. The animals are her world. So when Lillian’s dad tells her a nineteen-year-old criminal who’s fresh out of prison is coming to The Sanctuary as part of a rehabilitation program, Lillian is more than a little apprehensive. She interacts with animals more than humans—and definitely not criminals.

Justice Armstrong is more arrogant than a Silverback, but something darker lurks behind his eyes…

It isn’t until Justice swaggers toward her from the parole officer’s car—pierced, confident, and more than a little hot—Lillian knows she has her work cut out for her. His stare has the power to rob her of all thoughts. His words, although crude and nefarious, bring a part of her to life she never knew existed. How is this criminal suddenly turning her world upside down?

He has the power to drag her to the dark side....

Pain is his drug of choice, a vice he can’t survive without. Then he meets Lillian Harris. Little miss hellcat. Fiery, strong, and all woman. She challenges him at every damn turn, and watching her tame those fierce big cats makes his need for her that much stronger. He wants to do things to her…wicked things. She makes him crave pain in a whole new way.

When a teen with a dark past bumps heads with a feisty rescue worker, will it be love over lust—or a matter of life and death?

DEVASTATING BUT BEAUTIFUL

I have not read such a raw and emotional story in awhile and I’m so glad it was this one. I cried, actually cried for the boy that Justice was in this book. Beautiful ending too.

Loved this book!

5 Star Review by Caryn

Loved this beautiful story

This story had me gripped from the beginning to end. I could not put it down. It's been one of my favourite recent reads. The characters are wonderful, especially Justice. My heart was just rooting for him the whole way throughout. Beautiful story.

5 Star Review JByrne

A tortured soul's road to recovery

Pain, by Amanda Mackey, describes a tortured soul's road to recovery. The setting is the Sanctuary, an animal preserve operated by Lil and her father. A paroled convict named Justice, who's led a life of unthinkable horrors, comes to the Sanctuary to start live over, and learns valuable lessons about life - and himself. Each protagonist's story is told in first person, giving the reader an intimate view of the character. Full of surprises and highly recommended.

5 Star Review by John A. Miller

Crow ~ A Dark Romace by Amanda Mackey

 

This is a dark romance. Those who have triggers, please be warned.

Death.

I'm the Grim Reaper.

My face is the last thing my victims see.

I take life without blinking.

Bred this way by the devil himself.

The asshole who raised me.

When the time comes, I'll bury him too.

In the meantime, the little starling feeding the birds in the park, has my full attention.

Raven coloured hair. Disarming eyes that infuse my dead heart with oxygen.

The broken pieces of me want her to put me back together,

but the monster is calling to come out and play.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star....

Your Heart to Keep by Amanda Mackey

We don’t choose fate. It chooses us. Or so we are led to believe. Holly Jenkins is about to receive a new heart, thanks to a donor match from accident victim, Chloe McQuade. The victim’s boyfriend, bad boy Jax, is angry and grieving for his lost love. He hates everything and everyone, including Holly. It isn’t until he meets her that he realizes there is something about her he can’t explain. Could it be the beating heart of his dead girlfriend- the very one he owned, that calls to him? Is the intense pull towards Jax coming from Holly’s own emotions or are they Chloe’s? And why is she suddenly craving things she never has before? How do they decide what’s real and what’s not? Is fate at play or is it something more?

Amazing Book

It was a beautiful and touching story. So much to tell about the greatness of this book; How can a miracle of gift a new life change the recipient and all the people around of them, You can't appreciate well your present if you don't let go your past and definitely I know that God work in mysterious ways, always extracting the greatness from the most painful things happened in your life. I believe in miracles, I believe that we have a soulmate, this person that only with a sigh you know. I love this book big time from the book cover(Hot ?Hot ?Hot?, the best choice ever, David Santa Lucia) until the end. Well, You just gave me one choice read all your books, Lol. Amanda Mackey, standing ovation!!!

5 Star Review by Magda

A Story Full of Hearts

I think I left my heart inside this book after I read Jax & Holly + Chloe's story. From the first page, no, from the prologue up to the last page, I've got goosebumps, tears and livid fantasies that only Jaxon can relieve. Ha! But seriously, this story is full of heart, literally and figuratively. Why, my heart even screeched to a halt!

Jaxon might as well be my flavor of the month, my book boyfriend of the week, my boy toy for the day. He's such a sweet and loving soul. I was crushed when he almost went crazy after Chloe's death. I got angry with him when he got mad at Holly, I fell in love with him all over again when he and Holly started weaving memories together. I think I'll have him keep my heart, too.

Holly was also a revelation. While I was really clueless about the nature of her heart condition, this book opened my eyes about the people who suffer with Marfan's Syndrome. When she got her transplant, I thought I also had this sudden change of heart. Suddenly everything about her looked vibrant and at peace. She's a good sport, took each day at a time, grateful for the second chance at life, even though Jax was quite a jerk to her at first.

I love, love, love this book. Amanda Mackey had poured out her heart in this story. (See, I told you this book has a lot of heart!) She unknowingly found a spot in my favorite author list. Can't wait to read the other heartfelt and sensual stories she had penned!

5 Star Review by Claire Santos – Coffeholic Bookworm

"Everything is a black void…except for her. The beautiful nurse with the friendly smile." ~ True Sacrifice book 2 by Amanda Mackey

I remember nothing.

Not my name, where I come from, my past, or how I ended up in the hospital with a bullet wound in my chest. Everything is a black void…except for her. The beautiful nurse with the friendly smile.

I have no idea who I am, but I know Mac has something that draws me to her. The more she helps me uncover the mysteries of my past, the more I want her to be a part of my future.

But as vivid images of being in a warzone seep through my dreams, I can’t help but wonder if I’m putting her life at risk by allowing her to help me—by allowing myself to fall for her.

With every piece of the puzzle we manage to put together, it becomes clear that there are secrets and dangers hidden within the darkness of a life I can’t remember.

Now I need to do everything I can to protect her. I’m just not sure what I’m protecting her from. My past…or me.

The only complaint I have about this one was that I read the first one on release and then I've been sitting on the edge of my seat to see what happened next. The nurse who took the stranger with no name, no ID and no memory of who or what he was had me NEEDING to know more. Not wanting to know more, NEEDING to know more. And although she made me wait (which I'll forgive her for now) she definitely didn't disappoint. I loved Harley and Mac's interaction (and yep, I know his name isn't Harley but I think it suited him better) and the way they were instantly protective of each other. Mac's boyfriend needed to be sent packing and Harley was the perfect replacement - instant chemistry. Loved it!

~ 5 Star Review Rebecca Barber

Baby, It's Cold Outside! Curl Up with a Good Book ~ True Identity book 1 by Amanda Mackey

I don’t know who I am. I can’t remember my name, where I come from, or how I ended up in the hospital with a bullet wound to my chest. When I think back, searching for a memory, all I see is a big black hole of nothing.

But I recall her voice…the sweet, angelic sound that reached out to me through the coffin of black, pulling me back to the light.

I might not know anything about my past, my life, my identity—but the moment I opened my eyes and stared straight into hers, I knew I wanted her. I knew there was no way in hell I would let her go.

Now I need to piece back together the missing fragments of my life so I can figure out where she fits into it—or if she fits into it at all.

The only problem is if your past is buried beneath a shroud of darkness, you have no idea when it might come back to haunt you.

From front to back, this book had me on the edge of my seat. The suspense, drama, action and romance keeps you reading and begging for more. Watching as Mackenzie or Mac, bring light into the darkness of Harvey's life after a traumatic experience that he's gone through and seeing him pull her out of her boring exitance that she called a life. Is what stories are made of, mix all of that with: suspense of the unknown lurking in the shadows of his mind and life that are out to get him. Drama in both their lives that involve significant others, who you wondering if they will destroy Mac & Harley's chemistry. And a budding love affair that so desperately wants to hang onto the two people who deserve happiness, but are unable to move forward till all that is keeping them apart can be settled. This is not a stand alone, which had me crying and screaming Nooooooo, what happens next!!!What happens next!!!! But I can't wait to get the next book so I can find out what will happen yo Mac & Harley.

5 Star Review by Renee Harold

Ring in the New Year! ~ Pain by Amanda Mackey

 

Life is sweet in The Sanctuary—until Lillian Harris is thrown the curveball of her life.

Lillian is perfectly happy cocooned within the lofty perimeter fence of The Sanctuary. Her Sanctuary—a vast oasis for rescued lions, tigers, and elephants. The animals are her world. So when Lillian’s dad tells her a nineteen-year-old criminal who’s fresh out of prison is coming to The Sanctuary as part of a rehabilitation program, Lillian is more than a little apprehensive. She interacts with animals more than humans—and definitely not criminals.

Justice Armstrong is more arrogant than a Silverback, but something darker lurks behind his eyes…

It isn’t until Justice swaggers toward her from the parole officer’s car—pierced, confident, and more than a little hot—Lillian knows she has her work cut out for her. His stare has the power to rob her of all thoughts. His words, although crude and nefarious, bring a part of her to life she never knew existed. How is this criminal suddenly turning her world upside down?

He has the power to drag her to the dark side....

Pain is his drug of choice, a vice he can’t survive without. Then he meets Lillian Harris. Little miss hellcat. Fiery, strong, and all woman. She challenges him at every damn turn, and watching her tame those fierce big cats makes his need for her that much stronger. He wants to do things to her…wicked things. She makes him crave pain in a whole new way.

When a teen with a dark past bumps heads with a feisty rescue worker, will it be love over lust—or a matter of life and death?

Merry Christmas! Give the Gift of Books This Year! ~ Once an Angel: Hell wants to keep him. Heaven wants to save him by Amanda Mackey

 

Angel turned Demon, Nathaniel has been sent to Earth to tarnish pure souls, then banish them to Hell so Lucifer may recruit them into his army. What Nate doesn't expect is a chance meeting with Maya at a coffee shop in Mt. Vernon, Washington. He's drawn to her innocence and purity. At first he wants to lead her into temptation so she may join him in Hell but as he gets to know her, he realizes he also wants to protect her. With a deadline looming and the King of Hades claiming Maya for himself, Nate fights against his evil nature in a desperate bid to keep her safe.

Maya lives a simple life. Work. Eat. Sleep. Spending time with her best friend. When charming and stunningly handsome Nate ends up at the counter of the cafe where she works, she's left floundering at the intense affect he has on her. After agreeing to spend time with him, she soon discovers more to the sexy newcomer than meets the eye. Her world is turned upside down. Some things in fairy tales are real.