Monday, November 24, 2014

[Double Review]: "Undefeated"

Undefeated by Melissa Cutler
Publisher: InterMix (November 18, 2014)
Series: Bomb Squad, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. The team’s battling a losing streak, but the season’s biggest game changer is one player’s second chance with the one who got away…

Yoga instructor Marlena Brodie is always up for a challenge, and her new job of snapping Bomb Squad out of their rut is definitely that, even though it means being in close contact with Liam McAllister, her high school crush gone bad. She can feel the damage pouring off of him—but also a wild and sexy strength that calls to her.

The Army turned Liam McAllister into a man, but as a combat medic, he saw far too much to ever be whole again. He’s not interested in the civilian world beyond his job as a carpenter, but he never stopped wondering what might have been with Marlena—and it isn’t long before she’s crashed through his carefully constructed walls. He longs for a new beginning with her, but to be the man she deserves, he’ll have to step out of his defensive zone and score the most important play of his life…



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Reviews of Cutler's Previous Novels:


Risky Business (#1) -- Kame and Pat


Kame's Review:


Marlena’s yoga/massage studio allows her to help people reach their inner peace. Unfortunately right now she is anything but peaceful. The man who has been in her fantasies since high school is about to come collect on one of the massages he won in a charity auction. Marlena is trying to figure out what the universe is trying to tell her, why would Liam outbid everyone for a series of massages with her; he never talked to her in high school and barely acknowledges anyone in town.


Wow - this is not just a book about hockey - and actually fans of hockey you might be disappointed with the amount of hockey action. This book has a wounded warrior - one with wounds you can not see - desperately trying to find his new normal, and a heroine that has fought back from her own personal trauma and hides its scars from everyone....until our hero sees so much of himself in her! Liam and Marlena are a fantastic couple - one may think were not made for each other. They have deep understanding for each other’s pain, and it turns into love. Their relationship has touches of confusion, frustration, and of course passion, it is a hard road to their final HEA, but a fulfilling one.


Undefeated not all hearts and flowers. There is trauma, there are pasts that need to be dealt with, and secondary characters who just don't understand Liam and Marlena's connection. There are characters I wanted to hug and a few I wanted to hit. It is not a light easy read, but it is very rewarding when you are done.


I like that there is a whole hockey team of players in this series, and I will be visiting Destiny Falls for a long time!

Go - pre-order NOW!


4 1/2 STARS! 


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Kame received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for her honest opinion.

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Pat's Review:


This is the second in the Bomb Squad Series. The squad is a group of wounded veterans who love playing hockey with brothers who share their pain.  This second in the series has a very different focus than the first, but is equally as enjoyable.


Marlena Brodie is a yoga teacher, massage therapist and seeker of peace. There was a trauma in her life she is constantly trying to put behind her. She loves hockey and is a regular watching the Bomb Squad play, especially Liam McAlister. He was her crush when she was in high school, though he did his best to humiliate her. Olivia, Liam's twin, is her best friend, but has no idea Marlena is still attracted to Liam.


Liam McAlister is a former Army medic who has seen death and dying up close and personal.  "He was not injured physically, but his mind was fractured and broken."  He only know's life through PTSD therapy and nightmares. He took up yoga to try and calm his inner turmoil, sometimes it worked. He also is a carpenter who makes beautiful furniture.  Despite his cruelty to Marlena as a teenager, which he is ashamed of, he is extremely attracted to her and wants to find a way to get closer. His first attempt ends badly.


This is a story of two damaged people, finding peace and comfort in each other. It's a difficult road, outsiders constantly warning Marlena away from Liam. Little by little he lets her in, opens his heart and bares his soul.  He becomes her protector and Marlena becomes his champion and loving touch of normal. This is a beautiful love story and a pleasure to revisit the Bomb Squad.  I'm looking forward to the next.

4 STARS! 


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Pat received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for her honest opinion.

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Thanks for the reviews, Kame and Pat! :) The covers are so sexy for this series, so of course I have the books on my list! :) 

Have you read Melissa Cutler before?



Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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2 comments :

Pat Egan Fordyce said...

👍 Way to go Book Sister Kame!!

Sophia Rose said...

I love these types of stories, but I appreciate the heads up, ladies, that it can get very emotional.