Embattled Hearts (Lost & Found Series Book 1) by J.M. Madden

Embattled Hearts By J.M Madden

Description 

John Palmer hasn’t felt like a real man since he was injured during combat in Iraq. Though not content with his new life, he is mostly adapting, just like the other vets at the Lost ‘N’ Found Investigative Service. When Shannon Murphy is hired on as the new office manager, life suddenly gets a lot more interesting. Before long, John finds himself wondering if he could ever be the kind of man Shannon needs.

Shannon Murphy wasn’t really looking for love when she hired on at LNF, but finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sex-on-wheels former Marine, John Palmer. The man is grumpy and nearly impossible to work with, but his brand of masculinity appeals to her on a basic level. Soon Shannon is wondering just what it would take for John to want her the way she wants him.

When an old enemy tries to settle a vendetta against Shannon, John insists on protecting her. He moves into her house, fanning the spark of attraction into a blaze. But the danger continues to escalate. Even with all the resources at their disposal, they’re thrust into a fight for their lives.

My Review

I am telling you now I hate spoiling books... I found it hard to write this review without spoiling everything because I loved this book to death. So here is my review without any spoilers.

Embattled Hearts is the actual start of The Lost and Found  Series... I read and reviewed The Embattled Road(Prequel) the series.. I would suggest you read the prequel first as it introduces you to the marines in this series and give their back stories and how the business started.   

Embattled Hearts is the story of John Palmer (or Gunny John as I call him) and Shannon Murphy. John is  a disabled veteran with a grumpy side and even though he is in a wheel chair is 100% Marine. He is also one of the owners of one of the main bosses for Lost and Found (LNF) Investigation Services. He has a hard time feeling worthy of love due to his past and current wheelchair bound state. 

Shannon is the secretary at LNF and is attracted to John...She thinks he is the sexiest thing ever and him being in a chair is not an issue. She goes out of her way to be by him and attract his attention. When weird stuff starts happening that leaves her uneasy(flat tires, soda can's, and things that can't be) the men at LNF and John  do everything they can to keep her safe and find out what is going on. 

I have to say that Shannon is the perfect heroine for Gunny, She understands his needs and won't let him tell her she doesn't know what she wants or deserves better.  Gunny has things he needs to learn to except... He got me when he learned to hold a kitten.... Thats right a Kitten. Melted me right there.  Can you picture gruff spoken manly marine holding a kitten?

J.M again respectfully addresses issues that disabled veterans face, the way she wrote Shannon and Gunny's sex scene is was respectful and steamy at the same time. She showed Shannon's heart and ability to give John his privacy (getting into bed from chair) and John's disappointment and self doubt(getting happy a little to early) and Shannon informing him , "I think that is the hottest thing  I've been a part of in, well, ever." Bring his spirts up and proving he is still a sexy man. 

John's need to protect Shannon shows though and even in a wheelchair he proves what a strong and determined Marine he is.  There are twists you don't see coming, parts that have you near tears and Ooh Rah moment which have you going hell yeah. 

J.M also makes sure that Chad and Duncan are included, they are Shannon's bosses too after all so they had to be in this book. There are also new characters Zeke, Harper, Jennings. Jennings will keep you wondering what is going on with him(is he a good guy/bad guy what???), Harper Preston(Seal) will leave you wanting to know more, and Zeke will have you rooting for him(his book is next).  Can't wait.

I loved everything about this book and say it is a must read.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5

You can buy Embattled hearts from

Amazon

B&N

Just some added info 

A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. If you would like to make a personal donation, you can find information at http:// www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ ~ J.M. Madden