Tough Enough by M. Leighton

Title: Tough Enough

Author: M. Leighton

Series: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #2

Release Day: Nov 3rd

Goodreads

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Bad Boys novels comes the second book in a dark, sexy contemporary trilogy.

He’s a fighter who never loses, but is he tough enough to win her heart?

There was a time when I had everything–a wonderful family, a bright future. Love. But all that was taken away in a single night, torn from me like flesh from bone. Since then, I’ve hidden away in my second-choice job as a makeup artist. But I prefer it that way, actually. I’m comfortable in the shadows, where no one can see my scars.

Kiefer Rogan literally took my breath away the moment I met him. MMA champion-turned-actor, notorious playboy, charming to a fault—he’s everything I vowed to avoid.

But he just wouldn’t stop until I opened up and let him in. Maybe I should’ve tried harder to resist him. Maybe I shouldn’t have fallen in love with him. Because I, of all people, know that everyone has secrets. Scars. And that they’re usually ugly and painful and destructive to the people we love most.

I just never guessed that they could be deadly, too. 

Amazon

This book was emotional, sweet and sexy at times. The twist at the end made perfect sense and makes the story come full circle.

Katie Rydale has a horrible past and throughout the book we learn more of what really happened to her. From the prologue you know it was terrifying. Currently, Katie is just going through the motions without really living. She's hiding herself and trying to remain anonymous. Her only contact with the outside world is her job as a make-up artist, her interaction with her best friend, and her cat. 

Kiefer Rogan was part of the Delta Special Forces, now he's a well-known pro fighter and he's filming a movie. His life has not been easy. Fighting is the only thing that makes sense to him. When he meets Katie he is taken by her shy manner. He's sure he's the one to break down her walls and help her enjoy life again.

Kiefer was awesome. He was persistent but didn't overdue it. He was patient and determined to get the girl. There was a chance for Katie to make a bad decision, but I loved that M. Leighton didn't go that route. 

I'm sure I'm going to read the next one in the series. 

“This doesn’t make you less,” I tell her softly. “It makes you more. More beautiful, more desirable. It makes you a survivor. A winner. Someone worth having.” I drop my voice into a whisper. “Someone worth loving.”

Cliffhanger: No

4 "Fight" Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book was packed with consuming love, heartache, betrayal, and survival. I loved the message of needing to live life instead of just survive life without really experiencing it. All of those components of the book lead to an emotional roller coaster that destroyed me yet gave me life at the same time. I thought the characters were all unique and had great depth to them. I really connected to Katie, and I thought she was a great main character. Rogan was extremely charming, so I couldn't help falling for him. 

The romance in this book was very well written. The couple had insta-lust, but it wasn't insta-love. I thought M. Leighton did a great job of pacing the romance so it felt real and believable. The couple had a lot of chemistry that led to some very steamy moments, but they also had a deep emotional connection that lead to very touching moments. My only real compliant about their relationship was that I didn't really like the circumstances that lead to them having sex for the first time. However, I don't want to elaborate on that because of spoilers! 

Some of the things in this book seemed a little redundant or drawn out. Also, some of the events in the book seemed a little too ridiculous to be believable, and I felt like a few of the storylines didn't tie up as much as I wanted them too. I wish there would have been some more believable plot instead of sex scenes. 

The ending felt a little rushed, but it was action packed and I enjoyed that aspect of it. I really loved the way this book wrapped up at the very end. The ending was perfect for Rogan and Katie! I am enjoying this series, and I am looking forward to the next book.

4 / 5 Fangs

*This book was given to me in exchange for a honest review.* 

Katie and Kiefer both have a past. Katie has spent the last five years keeping to herself and trying to forget her horrible past. Even though Kiefer is in the limelight he has a lot secrets he's hiding. They are both hurting but there is an instant attraction. 

Katie is not the type of woman that Kiefer usually spends time with but that's what's so intriguing. She's the complete opposite of every other woman he has come across and needs to know more. Kiefer is the exact type of man that Katie needs to stay away from. A man just like him, cool, calm, collected, wrecked her five years ago. She knows he will damage her but can't help the pull she feels towards him. Not only that but Kiefer is persistent! He wants to impress her and is trying his very hardest to do so. They both open up to each other and just when they are willing to try, their past comes barreling in.

I loved how sweet Kiefer was with Katie. He didn't run away even when she tried to scare him off. He understands what it is to have scars and isn't going to let Katie think any less of herself for them. 

This was a heart-wrenching, sinfully sexy love story, about two people with tragedy in their past and hope in their future. 

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Strong Enough (Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #1) by M. Leighton

Amazon | Goodreads

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Bad Boys novels comes the first in a dark, sexy contemporary trilogy. 

Is she strong enough to trust the most dangerous man she’s ever met? And is he strong enough to let her? 

How would I describe myself? Well, I’m Muse Harper. I’m a twenty-something painter who loves red wine, quirky movies, and men with a fatal flaw. But that was before I met Jasper King. He became my fatal flaw. Eight months ago, I had a choice to make—abandon everything I’ve ever known to protect my family, or stay and risk someone getting hurt. I chose the former. My plan was working just fine until I found out my father had gone missing.

That’s when I met Jasper. A bounty hunter with the eyes of a tiger and the nose of a bloodhound, he was supposed to help me find my father. What I didn’t know was that meeting him was no accident. Hunting people isn’t all that Jasper does. And helping me was only part of his plan. I just wish I’d found out sooner, before my heart got involved. But even then, I don’t know if I’d have done things differently.

Now, I have another choice to make—trust the man that I’m falling in love with and hope that he’ll do the right thing, or run as far away from him as I can get.

This was the first book I read by M. Leighton, and it is now safe to say that I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future! M. Leighton had me addicted to this book from page one. Her superb writing drew me from page one, and it didn't let me go until I finished the book. This book left me craving more, and I cannot wait to see what M. Leighton has in store for this series. This book was a breath of fresh air. It was a dark and action packed story that was completely addictive. 

I really liked the male lead in this book, Jasper. He was a mysterious and dangerous man, and I was completely intrigued by his character. I wanted to learn more and more about him. I loved watching him open up to Muse and start to form feelings for her. 

Muse was an awesome main character! She was fiercely loyal to everyone she loved, and I really admired that about her. She was a little annoying a times, but she never did anything to make me hate her. 

Muse and Jasper had a ton of chemistry right from the start. At first, the romance seemed a little unbelievable. I thought the romance and passion was jumped into a little to quickly. I would have enjoyed the book more if the romance would have been developed at a slower pace. However, the romance was extremely steamy and hot. I enjoyed watching the emotional relationship develop between Muse and Jasper.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was addictive, action packed, and sexy. I cannot wait to read more books in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to read an adult romance!

4 / 5 Fangs

*This book was given to me in exchange for a honest review* 

Muse Harper needs help finding her father, the Colonel. They have a routine and when her dad misses their scheduled phone conversation, she knows something is wrong. Hiring a bounty hunter seemed like a good idea but nothing prepared her for meeting Jasper King. He is dangerous, powerful and strong. Muse likes to paint but she is now working at a clothing store. Eight months ago she left her father to protect him yet she knows he's in danger now and she must find him before it's too late. She knows Jasper is the one who can do it. 

Jasper King is hiding things from Muse. For the first time in a very long time he feels guilty of what he's doing. He knows Muse trusts him but he doesn't deserve her trust. He believes himself to be a monster and trying to stay away from Muse might be the only way to shield her from himself. 

~~

I love Cash from Down to You and Up to Me so I knew I wanted to get to know Jasper. He didn't disappoint me. His self control, broodiness, sexiness and darkness called to me. He had a tough job and even worse decision to make. At times I wanted to scream at him for pushing Muse away but in the end I was happy were the story went. 

Muse was a great character. She was determined to save the person she loved. She was willing to do anything to protect her father. She didn't give her trust easily but she felt a connection with Jasper which she couldn't dismiss. 

As an added bonus we get a short cameo of Cash and Olivia. They are still very much in love.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what happens next.  

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.