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Danvers #4
Fighting for You
Ella Webber has spent years uncomfortable around the opposite sex...
But as soon as she meets handsome Declan Stone, she is smitten. Quickly they become friends, finding frequent reasons to see each other around the office, and Ella longs for even more. So-with a little help from her friends-Ella resorts to performing a little seduction. One that Declan will never be able to resist.
Burdened by emotional baggage from his time in the army, Declan refuses to believe he's the right man for sweet Ella. Even if she makes him long for normal things, like marriage and family....But in his attempts to close off his heart from her love, could he have underestimated Ella's powers of persuasion?
-----
"The fourth book in the Danvers series, Fighting For You, featuring Declan and Ella will release in the US in e-book form on 10/15/2013! I assume that the release date outside of the US will be as it was on previous books, 90 days after the US release so that would be 1/15/2014. I am also told that the paperback version will release in February 2014. I’m so excited! This is probably my favorite book of the series so far and I just know that you will love it too. I hope to release the first chapter soon!"
From Authors site: http://sydneylandon.com/
But as soon as she meets handsome Declan Stone, she is smitten. Quickly they become friends, finding frequent reasons to see each other around the office, and Ella longs for even more. So-with a little help from her friends-Ella resorts to performing a little seduction. One that Declan will never be able to resist.
Burdened by emotional baggage from his time in the army, Declan refuses to believe he's the right man for sweet Ella. Even if she makes him long for normal things, like marriage and family....But in his attempts to close off his heart from her love, could he have underestimated Ella's powers of persuasion?
-----
"The fourth book in the Danvers series, Fighting For You, featuring Declan and Ella will release in the US in e-book form on 10/15/2013! I assume that the release date outside of the US will be as it was on previous books, 90 days after the US release so that would be 1/15/2014. I am also told that the paperback version will release in February 2014. I’m so excited! This is probably my favorite book of the series so far and I just know that you will love it too. I hope to release the first chapter soon!"
From Authors site: http://sydneylandon.com/
306 pages, ebook
First published October 15, 2013
About the author
Sydney Landon
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Danvers series reading order:
Weekends Required
Not Planning on You
Fall For Me
Fighting For You
No Denying You (12/15/2014)
Always Loving You (2/15/2015)
Betting on You (standalone novella)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
Want to read
May 19, 2013this is Ella and Declan's story. Can't wait
August 23, 2018
A really VANILLA story about a guy who likes the girl and the girl likes the boy right of the bat and they become friends then boyfriend/girlfriend. The plot twist was like ????? is this going to destroy them but sydney swerved it back to the vanilla stage and it didn't become a problem at all. Then the ending was even more vanilla. Not bad but not that great. Perfect for someone who doesn't want angst.
October 18, 2013
Fighting For You is the fourth book of the Danver's series, and I can not stress enough that this is NOT a stand alone book. Fighting For You is filled with innuendos and characters from past books, and many of the nuances will be missed if you don't have the background from the previous books.
This is Declan and Ella's book. I have been looking forward to this book for some time. Ella is the shy, repressed virgin-type heroine and Declan is the bad boy turned good. He's ex-military and has returned from Afganistan with horrible nightmares and a decent case of Post Traumatic Stress.
Had I been in the right mood, I may have liked this book more than I did. The humor is raunchy and sometimes in bad taste. I did laugh out loud at some of the interactions between the girls. It reminded me of an episode of Sex in the City!! Suzy was over the top as usual, and I did get a kick out of re-visting all the previous characters with their distinct personalities.
I was pretty disappointed in the Declan/Ella romance. In previous books, Declan came across as removed from others and isolated (except with Ella). In this book, he doesn't have any of those traits. He is struggling with PTSD, we're told, but that portion of his psyche is not really explored to a high degree.
Ella was much to confident sexually to be a believable virgin, and I must say that it was hard to take this book seriously....at all.
If you in the market for a good comedy, this one may be worth giving a look, but if you're looking for a satisfying romance, this one may disappoint.
This is Declan and Ella's book. I have been looking forward to this book for some time. Ella is the shy, repressed virgin-type heroine and Declan is the bad boy turned good. He's ex-military and has returned from Afganistan with horrible nightmares and a decent case of Post Traumatic Stress.
Had I been in the right mood, I may have liked this book more than I did. The humor is raunchy and sometimes in bad taste. I did laugh out loud at some of the interactions between the girls. It reminded me of an episode of Sex in the City!! Suzy was over the top as usual, and I did get a kick out of re-visting all the previous characters with their distinct personalities.
I was pretty disappointed in the Declan/Ella romance. In previous books, Declan came across as removed from others and isolated (except with Ella). In this book, he doesn't have any of those traits. He is struggling with PTSD, we're told, but that portion of his psyche is not really explored to a high degree.
Ella was much to confident sexually to be a believable virgin, and I must say that it was hard to take this book seriously....at all.
If you in the market for a good comedy, this one may be worth giving a look, but if you're looking for a satisfying romance, this one may disappoint.
October 23, 2013
We'll let me start by saying that this was another great addition to the Danvers series. I have loved each book for different reasons. This book was a great book about two people who learn who they are and who they want to be.
We met Declan and Ella in the third book...I have to say I was probably looking forward to their book the most. There was just something about them, that drew my interest and I knew their story would be great. I will say...that I was not disappointed in this book at all. Ella and Declan both had some demons to overcome...Declan's were from his past and Ella's were because of her parents. I loved watching these two grow together as friends and then as a couple. Declan was totally swoon worthy right from the beginning. There is a little twist that is thrown at both Declan and Ella about half way through the book. I have to say that I loved how the author handled the situation. So many times we see a freak out and then someone "runs"....well that was not the case in this book. Declan and Ella join forces and work through it all together. It was totally refreshing to see a couple that was functioning through all the ups and downs.
As always it was great to see the rest of the group in this book. This book had everything I look for in a 5 star book....I have never laughed so hard as I did at some of the scenes in this book (The fart story scene). You'll have to read it to fully understand. But I also swooned, blushed, cried, and smiled. I have to say that there really wasn't a part that I got pissed about. Yes there is one point that I was a little disappointed in Declan but was glad to see he saw the error of his ways. I truly felt that this book opened the door to future books as well as really completed the first 4 main couples. We got to see what was happening and how things turned out for them in this book.
I would definitely recommend this book/series to everyone. You for sure don't want to miss this one if you are a fan of the Danvers Series
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
We met Declan and Ella in the third book...I have to say I was probably looking forward to their book the most. There was just something about them, that drew my interest and I knew their story would be great. I will say...that I was not disappointed in this book at all. Ella and Declan both had some demons to overcome...Declan's were from his past and Ella's were because of her parents. I loved watching these two grow together as friends and then as a couple. Declan was totally swoon worthy right from the beginning. There is a little twist that is thrown at both Declan and Ella about half way through the book. I have to say that I loved how the author handled the situation. So many times we see a freak out and then someone "runs"....well that was not the case in this book. Declan and Ella join forces and work through it all together. It was totally refreshing to see a couple that was functioning through all the ups and downs.
As always it was great to see the rest of the group in this book. This book had everything I look for in a 5 star book....I have never laughed so hard as I did at some of the scenes in this book (The fart story scene). You'll have to read it to fully understand. But I also swooned, blushed, cried, and smiled. I have to say that there really wasn't a part that I got pissed about. Yes there is one point that I was a little disappointed in Declan but was glad to see he saw the error of his ways. I truly felt that this book opened the door to future books as well as really completed the first 4 main couples. We got to see what was happening and how things turned out for them in this book.
I would definitely recommend this book/series to everyone. You for sure don't want to miss this one if you are a fan of the Danvers Series
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
September 1, 2016
From Sydney's website
"The fourth book in the Danvers series, Fighting For You, featuring Declan and Ella will release in the US in e-book form on 10/15/2013! I assume that the release date outside of the US will be as it was on previous books, 90 days after the US release so that would be 1/15/2014."
"The fourth book in the Danvers series, Fighting For You, featuring Declan and Ella will release in the US in e-book form on 10/15/2013! I assume that the release date outside of the US will be as it was on previous books, 90 days after the US release so that would be 1/15/2014."
August 11, 2021
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October 18, 2013
I loved this book; Ella "Ellie" and Declan are great together. They steam up the pages and also have cute moments. This is my new favorite book of the Danvers series.I loved that Ella stood up for herself and decided she wanted Declan so she would do whatever it took to get him. Declan for the most part fights his attraction to Ella but once he lets his guard down you can see why Ella likes him so much.
October 13, 2013
Originally posted at Confessions of an Opinionated Book Geek
FIGHTING FOR YOU is a story from another decade. A past decade. A decade where it was OK for a man to assume a woman doesn’t know her own mind. Declan wants Emma and Emma wants Declan, but Declan will not be with Emma, because the girl doesn’t know what she wants. She couldn’t possibly want him, because she’s good and pure and he did a few tours in Afghanistan, so obviously he’s soiled and bad.
Eye roll, my God what world does this author live in? Just because a woman is a virgin doesn’t mean she’s some angelic nun. Just because she’s a virgin doesn’t mean she would allow a man to come into her life on his terms and dictate to her what she does or doesn’t want.
This book just isn’t romantic or hot. It’s outdated. Case in point, the cast of supporting female characters are taken from the pages of “Sex and The City,” Samantha type character included. In 2013, it’s abhorrent to me to consider that all career woman talk about is men. They meet for lunch everyday and just wax lyrically about men. It’s not 1786, we women actually have more going on than men and the hope to get married.
Everything about Declan Stone is cliche and formulaic. The author wanted him to be dark and broody so she sent him to war. Yes, war is violent and scary and many of the men and women in the armed forces come back with PTSD, but this has to stop being the go to cop out for authors. It’s such an easy fix. If the war or the army is not a huge part of your story stop using it as a way to give your character depth. It’s offensive. It’s similar to how easy it is to give characters abusive parents to explain a broken character or making a character get raped to explain a closed off character. It’s being done way too often and is weakening the power of these ordeals in genre fiction. Especially in a book like FIGHTING FOR YOU where it’s formulaic and not a bit authentic.
I honestly couldn’t finish this book in fear that my eyes would get stuck in the back of my head.
FIGHTING FOR YOU is a story from another decade. A past decade. A decade where it was OK for a man to assume a woman doesn’t know her own mind. Declan wants Emma and Emma wants Declan, but Declan will not be with Emma, because the girl doesn’t know what she wants. She couldn’t possibly want him, because she’s good and pure and he did a few tours in Afghanistan, so obviously he’s soiled and bad.
Eye roll, my God what world does this author live in? Just because a woman is a virgin doesn’t mean she’s some angelic nun. Just because she’s a virgin doesn’t mean she would allow a man to come into her life on his terms and dictate to her what she does or doesn’t want.
This book just isn’t romantic or hot. It’s outdated. Case in point, the cast of supporting female characters are taken from the pages of “Sex and The City,” Samantha type character included. In 2013, it’s abhorrent to me to consider that all career woman talk about is men. They meet for lunch everyday and just wax lyrically about men. It’s not 1786, we women actually have more going on than men and the hope to get married.
Everything about Declan Stone is cliche and formulaic. The author wanted him to be dark and broody so she sent him to war. Yes, war is violent and scary and many of the men and women in the armed forces come back with PTSD, but this has to stop being the go to cop out for authors. It’s such an easy fix. If the war or the army is not a huge part of your story stop using it as a way to give your character depth. It’s offensive. It’s similar to how easy it is to give characters abusive parents to explain a broken character or making a character get raped to explain a closed off character. It’s being done way too often and is weakening the power of these ordeals in genre fiction. Especially in a book like FIGHTING FOR YOU where it’s formulaic and not a bit authentic.
I honestly couldn’t finish this book in fear that my eyes would get stuck in the back of my head.
November 4, 2014
3.5 Stars.
In Fighting For You we have the coupling of Ella and Declan. Ella is the innocent woman that is tired of looked at as such while Declan is the hero with a baggage from his past and a wake of one-night stands in his past. But there is something about Ella that has drawn him to Ella since the day he first met her. Declan finds Ella impossible to resist when she decides that she’s waited long enough and is going to try her best to seduce him.
This was my first read by this author, and yes I realize that this is part four of a series… However, I enjoyed how the author didn’t go overboard in covering the character’s back stories. Often times you find a series like this where it notes it can be read as a standalone, just to find that every detail to the prior books are given away. I did enjoy this story, but didn’t find that spark that led me to fall in love the story or the characters. There are a lot of characters, so things get a bit confusing as you try to pair them all up and make the connections (but that again is due to my start at book four).
This was a good, sweet romance read that had very little in the way of angst and the drama that was included was light enough that you never really worried about the direction the story was going to go. I am not sure if I am interested in going back to the first book in this series as I am in Emma & Brant and Ava & Mac’s story, but I think I will eventually make my way back around to book one. This is the sort of book that I like to pick up between reads to sort of calm my nerves and hit my reset button.
In Fighting For You we have the coupling of Ella and Declan. Ella is the innocent woman that is tired of looked at as such while Declan is the hero with a baggage from his past and a wake of one-night stands in his past. But there is something about Ella that has drawn him to Ella since the day he first met her. Declan finds Ella impossible to resist when she decides that she’s waited long enough and is going to try her best to seduce him.
This was my first read by this author, and yes I realize that this is part four of a series… However, I enjoyed how the author didn’t go overboard in covering the character’s back stories. Often times you find a series like this where it notes it can be read as a standalone, just to find that every detail to the prior books are given away. I did enjoy this story, but didn’t find that spark that led me to fall in love the story or the characters. There are a lot of characters, so things get a bit confusing as you try to pair them all up and make the connections (but that again is due to my start at book four).
This was a good, sweet romance read that had very little in the way of angst and the drama that was included was light enough that you never really worried about the direction the story was going to go. I am not sure if I am interested in going back to the first book in this series as I am in Emma & Brant and Ava & Mac’s story, but I think I will eventually make my way back around to book one. This is the sort of book that I like to pick up between reads to sort of calm my nerves and hit my reset button.
September 6, 2014
1 star.
I hated this book.
It's shocking to me because I love this storyline. Innocent, almost-spinster girl and the bad-boy no one ever thought would settle down? Sign me up! Right? Not this time.
Right from the first sentence, I didn't like the main character, Ella.
Ella has had a thing for former military man Declan Stone and thinks that he doesn't want her because she's a sweet, innocent virgin. Her idea to fix that? Find someone to have sex with so he can see her as a woman with experience.
That thought process might be okay if this girl were a teenager. But she's twenty-eight years old. Ella's friends decide that she should sign up for a dating service to make Declan notice her. When he finds out what she's up to, he decides to check up on her. He's determined that he can't have her because he's no good for her, but he doesn't want her to get hurt.
He decides to "do her a favor" and have sex with her, but he wants to take it slow. Of course, even though he's up front with not wanting to be in a relationship, Ella wonders if it will be enough.
Pretty much immediately after they start spending time together, she wonders where their future is going.
Ella isn't happy with the rate their relationship is progressing and questions if something is wrong with her. She basically manipulates him until he gives in and has sex with her. I mean, how dare he want to take things slow and spend time with her and take her out on dates before he fucks her. What a jerk!
With that being said, I would have thought I'd like Declan, but he was barely okay. He's a sexy military guy covered in tattoos. He also says stuff like this:
He's overbearing and condescending. He covers her up twice when he thinks she's showing too much skin. Not to be too spoilery, he buys them a house without consulting her. And he seemed to be lusting after Gray's wife, Suzy, mentioning on at least two occasions how hot she was.
I liked Ella even less than I liked him. She was a whiny, immature brat. Instead of signing up for the dating service to "get out there" and meet someone else since she doesn't think Declan has any interest in her, she only does it to manipulate him into wanting her.
I felt like Landon insulted my intelligence with this character. She's clumsy to the point of ridiculousness, and she blurts out things like, "I'm a huge meat eater!" I'm sorry, but no one twenty-eight years old ever inadvertently says that. Ever. And her reaction after they finally have sex?
Like, OMG totally and stuff. *rolls eyes*
There are other things that I thought were absurd. Both of Ella's parents and her sister show up in her room and find Ella and Declan in bed together (asleep). Her mother had a key for emergencies, and when Ella didn't answer the door, she used it to enter the apartment, which is understandable. But would all three of them rush into the bedroom to find out where Ella was? There were no "weird noises" or anything like that. It was just another forced scene in a book filled with other ludicrous situations.
I hated her friends; I hated the way his friends stood around gossiping like a bunch of girls; I hated that they equated Beth being pregnant to being too "big" to want to take wedding pictures. Don't even get me started on the crazy turn the story takes and the reactions of the people involved. I don't want to tell you what happens, but it comes out of left field and seems forced. And the end? Who are these characters? Declan and Ella seem to be completely different people.
I should probably let you know that I haven't read any of the other books in the Danvers Series. I felt like Fighting for You stood on its own, and I never felt "out of the loop" with anything going on. Luckily, fans of Jason and Claire will get some swoon, in the one thing I liked in this book:
There will be more to this series, I'm sure, in the form of bitchy, incompetent Emma and her boss, Brandt. I won't be reading it, that's for sure.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
I hated this book.
It's shocking to me because I love this storyline. Innocent, almost-spinster girl and the bad-boy no one ever thought would settle down? Sign me up! Right? Not this time.
Right from the first sentence, I didn't like the main character, Ella.
"I need to have sex--or look like I've had it--and you have to help me do it."
Ella has had a thing for former military man Declan Stone and thinks that he doesn't want her because she's a sweet, innocent virgin. Her idea to fix that? Find someone to have sex with so he can see her as a woman with experience.
That thought process might be okay if this girl were a teenager. But she's twenty-eight years old. Ella's friends decide that she should sign up for a dating service to make Declan notice her. When he finds out what she's up to, he decides to check up on her. He's determined that he can't have her because he's no good for her, but he doesn't want her to get hurt.
"You're a sweet, innocent girl. those types of men will just try to take advantage of that. You need to cancel or whatever the hell you do to stop it."
Startled, Ella put her hand on his chest and looked up into his handsome face. "No, Declan, I can't. I'll be careful, but I have to keep dating."
"I said stop," Declan snapped. "If you're that desperate for a date, just let nature take its course.
You don't need a dating agency. I mean it, Ella, cancel--or whatever you need to do--now."
Ella shook her head, looking down at her hand on his chest. "I can't stop."
Visibly frustrated, Declan shook her lightly and asked, "Why? I don't get this."
Still unable to avoid answering a direct question, Ella admitted, "I can't stop because if I do, I will never have you."
He decides to "do her a favor" and have sex with her, but he wants to take it slow. Of course, even though he's up front with not wanting to be in a relationship, Ella wonders if it will be enough.
If by some miracle she was able to start a relationship with Declan, would it be enough? Would she be satisfied by the type of flame that had burned through them for those brief moments or would she eventually want more from him and their future?
Pretty much immediately after they start spending time together, she wonders where their future is going.
He was actually making jokes. He seemed almost happy. Could he need her as much as she needed him? What he was offering her went against everything she had been raised to believe. He was as good as promising her that there would be no future for them. Had she waited for Mr. Right for this long only to settle for Mr. Right-now? If the only feelings between them were physical, why was she so drawn to him? Was she strong enough to battle his demons and save the man underneath it all?
Ella isn't happy with the rate their relationship is progressing and questions if something is wrong with her. She basically manipulates him until he gives in and has sex with her. I mean, how dare he want to take things slow and spend time with her and take her out on dates before he fucks her. What a jerk!
With that being said, I would have thought I'd like Declan, but he was barely okay. He's a sexy military guy covered in tattoos. He also says stuff like this:
"Baby, I know you think you do, but it's just a big case of lust. If any man kissed you the way I just did, you would want him too. It's basic hormones and you don't have much experience controlling them yet."
He's overbearing and condescending. He covers her up twice when he thinks she's showing too much skin. Not to be too spoilery, he buys them a house without consulting her. And he seemed to be lusting after Gray's wife, Suzy, mentioning on at least two occasions how hot she was.
I liked Ella even less than I liked him. She was a whiny, immature brat. Instead of signing up for the dating service to "get out there" and meet someone else since she doesn't think Declan has any interest in her, she only does it to manipulate him into wanting her.
"I just wish that Declan would ask me out already. I don't really want to date anyone else. I want to be with him."
I felt like Landon insulted my intelligence with this character. She's clumsy to the point of ridiculousness, and she blurts out things like, "I'm a huge meat eater!" I'm sorry, but no one twenty-eight years old ever inadvertently says that. Ever. And her reaction after they finally have sex?
"It was uncomfortable at first, but then it was awesome! Since I'm a real woman now and all that, I think we should order a pizza to celebrate..."
Like, OMG totally and stuff. *rolls eyes*
There are other things that I thought were absurd. Both of Ella's parents and her sister show up in her room and find Ella and Declan in bed together (asleep). Her mother had a key for emergencies, and when Ella didn't answer the door, she used it to enter the apartment, which is understandable. But would all three of them rush into the bedroom to find out where Ella was? There were no "weird noises" or anything like that. It was just another forced scene in a book filled with other ludicrous situations.
I hated her friends; I hated the way his friends stood around gossiping like a bunch of girls; I hated that they equated Beth being pregnant to being too "big" to want to take wedding pictures. Don't even get me started on the crazy turn the story takes and the reactions of the people involved. I don't want to tell you what happens, but it comes out of left field and seems forced. And the end? Who are these characters? Declan and Ella seem to be completely different people.
I should probably let you know that I haven't read any of the other books in the Danvers Series. I felt like Fighting for You stood on its own, and I never felt "out of the loop" with anything going on. Luckily, fans of Jason and Claire will get some swoon, in the one thing I liked in this book:
"If I hadn't been your assistant, we might have never met."
Jason stroked the curve of his wife's beautiful face and said, "I'd have found you, never doubt that.
It would just have taken longer."
There will be more to this series, I'm sure, in the form of bitchy, incompetent Emma and her boss, Brandt. I won't be reading it, that's for sure.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
March 12, 2016
I was quietly nervous about starting Fighting for you, I was not a huge fan of Ella and her intovert ways... She just didn't fit with the Danver ladies. But as per normal I underestimated the power or a writer who can change my mind and well suck me right in.
Well it is pretty safe to say I have been seriously sucked into the Danvers series. I adore the Danvers gang, and their individual stories that somehow manage to intertwine in each others lives. Each story, although their own has back history for each couple. So I would say, that although each story is a stand alone reading in order makes everything make sense.
Ella and Declan, have danced around obvious feelings for each other for months. But Ella can only push him so far, so now she is entering the online daying world, much to Declan 's disgust . Knowing he shouldn't want her, he cannot bear any other man touching her. So after she hilariously almost runs him down, he gives into her - a choice that will change his world forever.
Ella has lived under the perfect world of a ministers daughter. Attending church every week, and dressing like someone 3 times her age. Starting as a secretary at Danvers International, changed everything. Working so closely to Suzy, head of events at Danvers, she was bound to pick up bad habits. But it was Beth, Suzy 's sister who really got Ella to open up. Soon her dress sense had changed, her sexuality spiked and well she had a whole new vocabulary thanks to lunchtimes with the Danver girls. Nothing is off limits to Claire, Suzy, and Beth so for Ella it was wake up and be a woman. With those ladies on her side, things were bound to get interesting.
Declan Stone, has had an extremely tough life. With 3 tours in the military, watching his best friend die, and the nightmares that plague him every night. He pretty much keeps to himself, as a woman's man, he is never short of a bed buddy, but it is always a hi and bye senario. No Cuddles, no love.... That is his life. Now on board at Danvers, he feels left out by the obvious boys club., led by Jason Danver, and brother's Nick and Gray Merimon.
Falling for Ella was never supposed to part of the plan, his promise to her was sex 1st, and the possibility of something else... No guarantees. But soon their chemistry is not enough, he finds that as soon as something happens, he wants to share it with Ella ( or Ellie as he affectionately calls here) 1st. So when his past comes back to haunt him, and he wants Ella to be with him, he might lose her and everything they have.
Declan seriously underestimates Ella and her fierce protectiveness over anything that is hers. Can Declan say the same to her when her life is put on the line. Will he walk away from the love of his life, or can he man up and deal with his feelings before it is to late for this pair?
Up there with Beth and Nick, Ella and Declan are fav's for me.
Well it is pretty safe to say I have been seriously sucked into the Danvers series. I adore the Danvers gang, and their individual stories that somehow manage to intertwine in each others lives. Each story, although their own has back history for each couple. So I would say, that although each story is a stand alone reading in order makes everything make sense.
Ella and Declan, have danced around obvious feelings for each other for months. But Ella can only push him so far, so now she is entering the online daying world, much to Declan 's disgust . Knowing he shouldn't want her, he cannot bear any other man touching her. So after she hilariously almost runs him down, he gives into her - a choice that will change his world forever.
Ella has lived under the perfect world of a ministers daughter. Attending church every week, and dressing like someone 3 times her age. Starting as a secretary at Danvers International, changed everything. Working so closely to Suzy, head of events at Danvers, she was bound to pick up bad habits. But it was Beth, Suzy 's sister who really got Ella to open up. Soon her dress sense had changed, her sexuality spiked and well she had a whole new vocabulary thanks to lunchtimes with the Danver girls. Nothing is off limits to Claire, Suzy, and Beth so for Ella it was wake up and be a woman. With those ladies on her side, things were bound to get interesting.
Declan Stone, has had an extremely tough life. With 3 tours in the military, watching his best friend die, and the nightmares that plague him every night. He pretty much keeps to himself, as a woman's man, he is never short of a bed buddy, but it is always a hi and bye senario. No Cuddles, no love.... That is his life. Now on board at Danvers, he feels left out by the obvious boys club., led by Jason Danver, and brother's Nick and Gray Merimon.
Falling for Ella was never supposed to part of the plan, his promise to her was sex 1st, and the possibility of something else... No guarantees. But soon their chemistry is not enough, he finds that as soon as something happens, he wants to share it with Ella ( or Ellie as he affectionately calls here) 1st. So when his past comes back to haunt him, and he wants Ella to be with him, he might lose her and everything they have.
Declan seriously underestimates Ella and her fierce protectiveness over anything that is hers. Can Declan say the same to her when her life is put on the line. Will he walk away from the love of his life, or can he man up and deal with his feelings before it is to late for this pair?
Up there with Beth and Nick, Ella and Declan are fav's for me.
October 12, 2013
Opposites truly do attract in Fighting for You, the latest Danvers novel by Sydney Landon. It features Declan and Ella, who seem to be the complete opposite of each other. She was raised in a strictly religious home, with limited freedom and a strained family relationship, while Declan and his siblings are really tight-knit. Ella is sweet and innocent, while Declan is emotionally scarred from his time in the military, and deems himself too hardened for Ella. Not to be deterred, Ella sets out on a path to seduce her reluctant man in order to prove that she is not as innocent as she first appears.
Ella is tired of people believing she does not know what is best for her, first her parents and now Declan. Her tenacity is admirable, and her bubbly personality will win over anyone, including reluctant Declan. One can’t help but feel sorry for Declan, because despite his relationship with his siblings he has had a hard life, made harder following his stint in the military. He only wants what’s best for Ella, and is determined he is not, so you can’t help but admire his willingness to put what he believes is best for her over his own selfish needs. Ella seems to be the perfect match from him, providing strength when he needs it most and helping Declan through surprises from his past that seem to develop unexpectedly. Continuing along the same theme of the other Danvers novels, Fighting for You features the two main characters, as well as a strong supporting cast of family as well as friends, many of which were featured in previous novels. Although it does help to know who is who with regard to the secondary characters, it is not necessary to have read the previous novels. Fighting for You is a beautifully written story of a reluctant prince and his modern day Cinderella that will leave you waiting for the next novel in the series.
Reviewed by Lucy for Cocktails and Books
Ella is tired of people believing she does not know what is best for her, first her parents and now Declan. Her tenacity is admirable, and her bubbly personality will win over anyone, including reluctant Declan. One can’t help but feel sorry for Declan, because despite his relationship with his siblings he has had a hard life, made harder following his stint in the military. He only wants what’s best for Ella, and is determined he is not, so you can’t help but admire his willingness to put what he believes is best for her over his own selfish needs. Ella seems to be the perfect match from him, providing strength when he needs it most and helping Declan through surprises from his past that seem to develop unexpectedly. Continuing along the same theme of the other Danvers novels, Fighting for You features the two main characters, as well as a strong supporting cast of family as well as friends, many of which were featured in previous novels. Although it does help to know who is who with regard to the secondary characters, it is not necessary to have read the previous novels. Fighting for You is a beautifully written story of a reluctant prince and his modern day Cinderella that will leave you waiting for the next novel in the series.
Reviewed by Lucy for Cocktails and Books
June 20, 2015
I have been following this series since the beginning with Jason and Claire, followed by Gray and Suzy (who is by far my favorite), then came Nick and Beth, with this edition focusing on Ella and Declan. I always knew that Ella would have a wonderful story, as she made such a dramatic transformation from a dowdy sheltered church girl, to a beautiful sophisticate under the artful eye of Beth and Suzy. Because her church going, social climbing parents keep her so sheltered she is almost 30 and has never experienced any level of intimacy with a man, as her parents did not allow it. She realized that she would need to more out on her own, to become the woman she wanted to become. While working at Danvers, she was befriended by all the ladies from out previous stories, and their support and tutelage, she becomes the woman she needs to be to seduce Declan. Declan has always had his eye on Ella, and they became fast friends, with an easy rapport, but each time Ella tried to move beyond friendship, Declan wound back away. Declan was fighting him own demons, and in his own way felt that Ella deserved so much more than what he could offer. But fans of this series know, that if Suzy was involved in helping Ella hone in on her inner Deva skills, that Declan did not stand a chance, lol.
I loved that each addition to the series, gives us a glimpse of our past couples and how they are progressing, and this one even introduced us to a few new characters that I'm sure we will see more of in the future. As always this story offered fun humor with some real laugh out loud moments, and it also tackled important social issues that gives the reader a moment of pause. This is a fun read that if you are a fan of this series, you will enjoy, which I did, and am anxiously waiting for the next.
I loved that each addition to the series, gives us a glimpse of our past couples and how they are progressing, and this one even introduced us to a few new characters that I'm sure we will see more of in the future. As always this story offered fun humor with some real laugh out loud moments, and it also tackled important social issues that gives the reader a moment of pause. This is a fun read that if you are a fan of this series, you will enjoy, which I did, and am anxiously waiting for the next.
January 26, 2014
Anything and everything that could happen to a couple happens to Ella and Declan.
Just as they are starting to date Declan runs into a woman from his past, a one night stand. She has a five year old boy and guess who the father is? Declan! Being honorable, former military man, he just accepts the news. No major shock or denial, he then asks of he can bring Ella with him to meet his new son.
Declan is also dealing with some demons from his military days. He feels guilty for the death of one his comrades.
As for Ella, she has overbearing parents especially her mom. They are church going and fear what the neighbors will say. The mom gets especially upset when Ella doesn't show up for church every Sunday, Ella lives an hour away. If her mom is so good at making up stories why can't she just tell the congregation that Ella switched churches. An easy explanation. Her mom has an emergency key to Ella's place and barges in on Ella and Declan naked in bed. Not really believable unless the family crept in like mice and Ella and Declan were wearing ear plugs.
Later, Ella gets hit by a car. It took this traumatic event for Declan to realize he loves Ella, despite the fact he was planning to break up with her.
I'm not saying that all of that could never happen to a couple but I find it highly unlikely. It wasn't believable and at one point I wondered what would happen next... A kidnapping, a hurricane?
Just as they are starting to date Declan runs into a woman from his past, a one night stand. She has a five year old boy and guess who the father is? Declan! Being honorable, former military man, he just accepts the news. No major shock or denial, he then asks of he can bring Ella with him to meet his new son.
Declan is also dealing with some demons from his military days. He feels guilty for the death of one his comrades.
As for Ella, she has overbearing parents especially her mom. They are church going and fear what the neighbors will say. The mom gets especially upset when Ella doesn't show up for church every Sunday, Ella lives an hour away. If her mom is so good at making up stories why can't she just tell the congregation that Ella switched churches. An easy explanation. Her mom has an emergency key to Ella's place and barges in on Ella and Declan naked in bed. Not really believable unless the family crept in like mice and Ella and Declan were wearing ear plugs.
Later, Ella gets hit by a car. It took this traumatic event for Declan to realize he loves Ella, despite the fact he was planning to break up with her.
I'm not saying that all of that could never happen to a couple but I find it highly unlikely. It wasn't believable and at one point I wondered what would happen next... A kidnapping, a hurricane?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2013
I loved loved Fighting for You!!! I think it was the best book out of the four. I didn’t want it to end. Declan and Ella’s relationship starts off so sweet, but moves into hot and steamy! And these two definitely get steamy. :) I think this was the hottest book too; these two couldn’t get enough of each other. Like all books there was drama but the drama in Fighting for you wasn’t any of that angsty push and pull kind of drama that has been in a lot of books lately. When a problem popped up Declan and Ella faced it together, which I love, I want to see the main couple work through their problems together not just breakup. The loveable characters from the first three books show up in Fighting for You and a lot, which I was very happy about. I really hope there will be more books in the series, maybe a book for Eva and Brent.
April 23, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved Ella's innocence and Declan was a great contrast for her. Declan's character was very similar to Caleb Montgomery in Safe With Me by Kristen Proby and so I couldn't help but compare the two. Although, I liked Declan a lot, I have to say that I preferred Caleb a little more. I loved how supportive Ella was even in her innocence especially with Declan's big surprise. I also appreciated how Declan handled Ella's mother, though is seemed like it was too similar to how Nick dealt with Suzy and Beth's parents. I thought the writing could have been better. I feel like the phrase "what she lacked in experience, she made up for in enthusiasm" was overabundant. It was a good read and there were definitely great parts but I wasn't jumping out of my seat. I did enjoy it enough to want to read Betting on You.
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November 15, 2013ΜΠΟΡΩ ΝΑ ΚΑΤΑΛΑΒΩ ΟΤΙ ΚΟΜΜΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΕΡΩΤΙΚΗΣ ΖΩΗΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΝΑ ΞΕΠΕΡΑΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΡΙΣΜΕΝΑ ΤΑΜΠΟΥ.ΔΕΚΤΟ ΣΤΟ ΜΕΤΡΟ ΠΟΥ Ο ΚΑΘΕΝΑΣ ΜΠΟΡΕΙ.ΑΛΛΑ ΔΕΝ ΚΑΤΑΝΟΩ ΤΟΝ ΤΑΥΤΟΧΡΟΝΟ ΑΥΝΑΝΙΣΜΟ ΠΟΥ ΤΟΝ ΕΧΩ ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΕΙ ΣΕ ΑΡΚΕΤΑ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ(ΚΑΡΦΩΝΟΜΑΙ ΤΩΡΑ).ΡΕ ΦΙΛΕ ΑΜΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΝΑ ΤΟ ΚΑΝΩ ΜΟΝΗ ΜΟΥ ΠΑΩ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ ΜΟΥ...
ΑΑ ΤΟ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΗΤΑΝ ΜΙΑ ΠΑΤΑΤΑ, ΣΧΕΔΟΝ ΑΝΤΙΣΕΞΟΥΑΛΙΚΟ,ΑΛΛΑ ΤΙ ΝΑ ΠΕΡΙΜΕΝΕΙΣ ΟΤΑΝ Η ΗΡΩΙΔΑ ΗΤΑΝ ΠΑΡΘΕΝΑ ΤΡΙΑΝΤΑ��Α
ΑΑ ΤΟ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΗΤΑΝ ΜΙΑ ΠΑΤΑΤΑ, ΣΧΕΔΟΝ ΑΝΤΙΣΕΞΟΥΑΛΙΚΟ,ΑΛΛΑ ΤΙ ΝΑ ΠΕΡΙΜΕΝΕΙΣ ΟΤΑΝ Η ΗΡΩΙΔΑ ΗΤΑΝ ΠΑΡΘΕΝΑ ΤΡΙΑΝΤΑ��Α
December 25, 2013
This is the only book I read in the Danvers series, and I loved it. I loved Declan and Zella's love story, they were friends before lovers which is always a plus in my book. And I loved all the supporting characters especially Suzy and Beth. I will definitely have to read Books 1-3 now, but it worked well as a standalone.
August 13, 2016
28 yr old virgin Ella has the hots for the office bad boy Declan, who was in the military and suffers from PTSD.
This would have been more enjoyable if I had read the other books in this series first. While the author explains who the other supporting characters are, it was still like walking into a party where everyone else knows each other and you don't know anyone.
This would have been more enjoyable if I had read the other books in this series first. While the author explains who the other supporting characters are, it was still like walking into a party where everyone else knows each other and you don't know anyone.
February 15, 2015
OMG!!! i never laught so much with a book in my life!!!
i loved declan story and how he made it work with ella, also is relationship with Mac... also being busted!
ella is just so cute and a suzy in the making ahahaha
i loved declan story and how he made it work with ella, also is relationship with Mac... also being busted!
ella is just so cute and a suzy in the making ahahaha
October 20, 2013
Sydney has done it again. I just love her books. This was a hit for me and got me over my book hangover. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next in the series.
February 22, 2014
The first word that comes to me is cute. The next sexy. I love the sort of love stories that make me smile while reading the pages! Definitely recommend this!
November 29, 2015
This story was exactly my cup of tea.
January 11, 2014
LOVED!
October 21, 2013
1 star.
I hated this book.
It's shocking to me because I love this storyline. Innocent, almost-spinster girl and the bad-boy no one ever thought would settle down? Sign me up! Right? Not this time.
Right from the first sentence, I didn't like the main character, Ella.
Ella has had a thing for former military man Declan Stone and thinks that he doesn't want her because she's a sweet, innocent virgin. Her idea to fix that? Find someone to have sex with so he can see her as a woman with experience.
That thought process might be okay if this girl were a teenager. But she's twenty-eight years old. Ella's friends decide that she should sign up for a dating service to make Declan notice her. When he finds out what she's up to, he decides to check up on her. He's determined that he can't have her because he's no good for her, but he doesn't want her to get hurt.
He decides to "do her a favor" and have sex with her, but he wants to take it slow. Of course, even though he's up front with not wanting to be in a relationship, Ella wonders if it will be enough.
Pretty much immediately after they start spending time together, she wonders where their future is going.
Ella isn't happy with the rate their relationship is progressing and questions if something is wrong with her. She basically manipulates him until he gives in and has sex with her. I mean, how dare he want to take things slow and spend time with her and take her out on dates before he fucks her. What a jerk!
With that being said, I would have thought I'd like Declan, but he was barely okay. He's a sexy military guy covered in tattoos. He also says stuff like this:
He's overbearing and condescending. He covers her up twice when he thinks she's showing too much skin. Not to be too spoilery, he buys them a house without consulting her. And he seemed to be lusting after Gray's wife, Suzy, mentioning on at least two occasions how hot she was.
I liked Ella even less than I liked him. She was a whiny, immature brat. Instead of signing up for the dating service to "get out there" and meet someone else since she doesn't think Declan has any interest in her, she only does it to manipulate him into wanting her.
I felt like Landon insulted my intelligence with this character. She's clumsy to the point of ridiculousness, and she blurts out things like, "I'm a huge meat eater!" I'm sorry, but no one twenty-eight years old ever inadvertently says that. Ever. And her reaction after they finally have sex?
Like, OMG totally and stuff. *rolls eyes*
There are other things that I thought were absurd. Both of Ella's parents and her sister show up in her room and find Ella and Declan in bed together (asleep). Her mother had a key for emergencies, and when Ella didn't answer the door, she used it to enter the apartment, which is understandable. But would all three of them rush into the bedroom to find out where Ella was? There were no "weird noises" or anything like that. It was just another forced scene in a book filled with other ludicrous situations.
I hated her friends; I hated the way his friends stood around gossiping like a bunch of girls; I hated that they equated Beth being pregnant to being too "big" to want to take wedding pictures. Don't even get me started on the crazy turn the story takes and the reactions of the people involved. I don't want to tell you what happens, but it comes out of left field and seems forced. And the end? Who are these characters? Declan and Ella seem to be completely different people.
I should probably let you know that I haven't read any of the other books in the Danvers Series. I felt like Fighting for You stood on its own, and I never felt "out of the loop" with anything going on. Luckily, fans of Jason and Claire will get some swoon, in the one thing I liked in this book:
There will be more to this series, I'm sure, in the form of bitchy, incompetent Emma and her boss, Brandt. I won't be reading it, that's for sure.
This review also appears on Steamy Guys After Dark.
I hated this book.
It's shocking to me because I love this storyline. Innocent, almost-spinster girl and the bad-boy no one ever thought would settle down? Sign me up! Right? Not this time.
Right from the first sentence, I didn't like the main character, Ella.
"I need to have sex--or look like I've had it--and you have to help me do it."
Ella has had a thing for former military man Declan Stone and thinks that he doesn't want her because she's a sweet, innocent virgin. Her idea to fix that? Find someone to have sex with so he can see her as a woman with experience.
That thought process might be okay if this girl were a teenager. But she's twenty-eight years old. Ella's friends decide that she should sign up for a dating service to make Declan notice her. When he finds out what she's up to, he decides to check up on her. He's determined that he can't have her because he's no good for her, but he doesn't want her to get hurt.
"You're a sweet, innocent girl. those types of men will just try to take advantage of that. You need to cancel or whatever the hell you do to stop it."
Startled, Ella put her hand on his chest and looked up into his handsome face. "No, Declan, I can't. I'll be careful, but I have to keep dating."
"I said stop," Declan snapped. "If you're that desperate for a date, just let nature take its course.
You don't need a dating agency. I mean it, Ella, cancel--or whatever you need to do--now."
Ella shook her head, looking down at her hand on his chest. "I can't stop."
Visibly frustrated, Declan shook her lightly and asked, "Why? I don't get this."
Still unable to avoid answering a direct question, Ella admitted, "I can't stop because if I do, I will never have you."
He decides to "do her a favor" and have sex with her, but he wants to take it slow. Of course, even though he's up front with not wanting to be in a relationship, Ella wonders if it will be enough.
If by some miracle she was able to start a relationship with Declan, would it be enough? Would she be satisfied by the type of flame that had burned through them for those brief moments or would she eventually want more from him and their future?
Pretty much immediately after they start spending time together, she wonders where their future is going.
He was actually making jokes. He seemed almost happy. Could he need her as much as she needed him? What he was offering her went against everything she had been raised to believe. He was as good as promising her that there would be no future for them. Had she waited for Mr. Right for this long only to settle for Mr. Right-now? If the only feelings between them were physical, why was she so drawn to him? Was she strong enough to battle his demons and save the man underneath it all?
Ella isn't happy with the rate their relationship is progressing and questions if something is wrong with her. She basically manipulates him until he gives in and has sex with her. I mean, how dare he want to take things slow and spend time with her and take her out on dates before he fucks her. What a jerk!
With that being said, I would have thought I'd like Declan, but he was barely okay. He's a sexy military guy covered in tattoos. He also says stuff like this:
"Baby, I know you think you do, but it's just a big case of lust. If any man kissed you the way I just did, you would want him too. It's basic hormones and you don't have much experience controlling them yet."
He's overbearing and condescending. He covers her up twice when he thinks she's showing too much skin. Not to be too spoilery, he buys them a house without consulting her. And he seemed to be lusting after Gray's wife, Suzy, mentioning on at least two occasions how hot she was.
I liked Ella even less than I liked him. She was a whiny, immature brat. Instead of signing up for the dating service to "get out there" and meet someone else since she doesn't think Declan has any interest in her, she only does it to manipulate him into wanting her.
"I just wish that Declan would ask me out already. I don't really want to date anyone else. I want to be with him."
I felt like Landon insulted my intelligence with this character. She's clumsy to the point of ridiculousness, and she blurts out things like, "I'm a huge meat eater!" I'm sorry, but no one twenty-eight years old ever inadvertently says that. Ever. And her reaction after they finally have sex?
"It was uncomfortable at first, but then it was awesome! Since I'm a real woman now and all that, I think we should order a pizza to celebrate..."
Like, OMG totally and stuff. *rolls eyes*
There are other things that I thought were absurd. Both of Ella's parents and her sister show up in her room and find Ella and Declan in bed together (asleep). Her mother had a key for emergencies, and when Ella didn't answer the door, she used it to enter the apartment, which is understandable. But would all three of them rush into the bedroom to find out where Ella was? There were no "weird noises" or anything like that. It was just another forced scene in a book filled with other ludicrous situations.
I hated her friends; I hated the way his friends stood around gossiping like a bunch of girls; I hated that they equated Beth being pregnant to being too "big" to want to take wedding pictures. Don't even get me started on the crazy turn the story takes and the reactions of the people involved. I don't want to tell you what happens, but it comes out of left field and seems forced. And the end? Who are these characters? Declan and Ella seem to be completely different people.
I should probably let you know that I haven't read any of the other books in the Danvers Series. I felt like Fighting for You stood on its own, and I never felt "out of the loop" with anything going on. Luckily, fans of Jason and Claire will get some swoon, in the one thing I liked in this book:
"If I hadn't been your assistant, we might have never met."
Jason stroked the curve of his wife's beautiful face and said, "I'd have found you, never doubt that.
It would just have taken longer."
There will be more to this series, I'm sure, in the form of bitchy, incompetent Emma and her boss, Brandt. I won't be reading it, that's for sure.
This review also appears on Steamy Guys After Dark.
October 19, 2013
Fighting For You is book four in the Danvers series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Sometimes I get nervous about jumping into a series because I know old characters will pop up and I won't have any idea what they're about. This was not the case for me. While I was definitely interested in the other characters and their stories, I was glad I could easily jump into their quick banter with one another and Landon does a great job explaining how they all know each other.
Ella and Declan are our two main characters in this novel. Both work for the same company and while I don't quite remember how long they have known each other- the two are friendly with each other. Ella is a very sweet character and has the biggest crush on Declan. However, being the innocent virgin that she is, she is quite inexperienced when it comes to men. Her strict, religious upbringing made sure of that. She has put some distance between her and her family and working at Danvers has really helped her find her own footing. Declan, while definitely interested in Ella, feels that he's too damaged for her. He suffers from PTSD from being in the Army and doesn't do the whole relationship thing. At the beginning of the book he feels that his spending time with Ella has become too much and tries to step back. He doesn't want to taint her with his inability to give her what she wants.
I felt bad for Declan. He is not social when it comes to his coworkers and Ella is really the only one he associates with. His time in the Army has really affected him and he really keeps people at a distance. Yet, he's a good guy through and through. He is very protective of his sister, Ava, and I wish we had seen more development on that end. Maybe we will in Ava's book? However, Ella tests Declan in every possible way. While he doesn't want to be the one to ruin her, he certainly won't sit by and let her date other people either. (She does this at her friends' bidding so he would notice and take action- and boy does he!) He keeps telling himself that it's not forever- that he can't give her what she needs. However, he never planned on feeling the things he does when it comes to her. He can tell himself all he wants he's not falling for her, but we know better.
While Ella is inexperienced, she is certainly enthusiastic when it comes to her and Declan's budding relationship. Ella knows what she wants and she wants Declan, plain and simple. And she's not giving up until she has him. It's a bit humorous at how he wants to take things slow and she's ready to jump right in. She doesn't want slow with Declan- she wants passion, burning, heat!
I really ended up enjoying the side characters in the book. Suzy, Beth, Claire, and Ella not only work together, but they are a close knit group. They definitely have the whole Sex and the City vibe going on too! The girls have taken it upon themselves to help Ella out with Declan, giving her tips and advice. Ella is definitely closest to Beth and I liked their friendship. Beth is pregnant and Ella is really great about helping her as much as she can. I also liked Declan's group: Ava, Brant, and Mac. Ava and Brant are his siblings- Ava has been hurt by a man in the past and while we do not find out the details in this book, I think we will in her story. Brant is definitely the tightwad of the siblings. He is successful in his company and watching him interact with his new assistant Emma, while brief, is definitely enjoyable. I am excited to read more about them too! Two other characters that were introduced I did not see coming at all! Mac is his best friend and is completely in love with Ava and has been for a long time. Yet, he loves her from afar, as she hasn't acknowledged his feelings for her.
Julie and Evan show up in Declan's life as a past reminder of how he was during his time in the service. I was nervous about this storyline, but everything ended up working better than ok.
I could not stand Ella's mom. She is a real piece of work. As I said, Ella grew up in a religious home and her parents are only concerned about appearances. Her mom is tired of making excuses as to why she does come to church on Sundays and is constantly belittling her and blaming her friends for being bad influences. I cannot stand self-righteous people. There is one scene where her father really stands up for her against her mother and I was definitely glad. Someone needs to put that woman in her place!
Overall, Fighting For You, was a cute, but clichéd romance. I'm a bit over the whole 'virgin meets bad boy who doesn't do relationships but realizes she's amazing and changes for her' storyline. I also had some issues with the third person POV. For some reason I found myself having trouble with it- I didn't really connect to the characters as much as I would have liked, and to be honest, I don't think this book is one that really stands out as being memorable. I also felt some of the character development was lacking. Declan suffers from PTSD and nightmares and while he is seeing someone for help, we are told, rather than shown, that he gets better. I also had mixed feelings about the way Declan handled his feelings for Ella. One minute he was going to take one action, and then an event suddenly changes everything for him. I get the whole 'you don't realize what you've got until you almost lose it' scenario, but this just felt a little awkward for me.
While I had some issues with this book, it wasn't a bad read- but just not one that will leave a lasting impression.
*Received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Ella and Declan are our two main characters in this novel. Both work for the same company and while I don't quite remember how long they have known each other- the two are friendly with each other. Ella is a very sweet character and has the biggest crush on Declan. However, being the innocent virgin that she is, she is quite inexperienced when it comes to men. Her strict, religious upbringing made sure of that. She has put some distance between her and her family and working at Danvers has really helped her find her own footing. Declan, while definitely interested in Ella, feels that he's too damaged for her. He suffers from PTSD from being in the Army and doesn't do the whole relationship thing. At the beginning of the book he feels that his spending time with Ella has become too much and tries to step back. He doesn't want to taint her with his inability to give her what she wants.
I felt bad for Declan. He is not social when it comes to his coworkers and Ella is really the only one he associates with. His time in the Army has really affected him and he really keeps people at a distance. Yet, he's a good guy through and through. He is very protective of his sister, Ava, and I wish we had seen more development on that end. Maybe we will in Ava's book? However, Ella tests Declan in every possible way. While he doesn't want to be the one to ruin her, he certainly won't sit by and let her date other people either. (She does this at her friends' bidding so he would notice and take action- and boy does he!) He keeps telling himself that it's not forever- that he can't give her what she needs. However, he never planned on feeling the things he does when it comes to her. He can tell himself all he wants he's not falling for her, but we know better.
While Ella is inexperienced, she is certainly enthusiastic when it comes to her and Declan's budding relationship. Ella knows what she wants and she wants Declan, plain and simple. And she's not giving up until she has him. It's a bit humorous at how he wants to take things slow and she's ready to jump right in. She doesn't want slow with Declan- she wants passion, burning, heat!
I really ended up enjoying the side characters in the book. Suzy, Beth, Claire, and Ella not only work together, but they are a close knit group. They definitely have the whole Sex and the City vibe going on too! The girls have taken it upon themselves to help Ella out with Declan, giving her tips and advice. Ella is definitely closest to Beth and I liked their friendship. Beth is pregnant and Ella is really great about helping her as much as she can. I also liked Declan's group: Ava, Brant, and Mac. Ava and Brant are his siblings- Ava has been hurt by a man in the past and while we do not find out the details in this book, I think we will in her story. Brant is definitely the tightwad of the siblings. He is successful in his company and watching him interact with his new assistant Emma, while brief, is definitely enjoyable. I am excited to read more about them too! Two other characters that were introduced I did not see coming at all! Mac is his best friend and is completely in love with Ava and has been for a long time. Yet, he loves her from afar, as she hasn't acknowledged his feelings for her.
Julie and Evan show up in Declan's life as a past reminder of how he was during his time in the service. I was nervous about this storyline, but everything ended up working better than ok.
I could not stand Ella's mom. She is a real piece of work. As I said, Ella grew up in a religious home and her parents are only concerned about appearances. Her mom is tired of making excuses as to why she does come to church on Sundays and is constantly belittling her and blaming her friends for being bad influences. I cannot stand self-righteous people. There is one scene where her father really stands up for her against her mother and I was definitely glad. Someone needs to put that woman in her place!
Overall, Fighting For You, was a cute, but clichéd romance. I'm a bit over the whole 'virgin meets bad boy who doesn't do relationships but realizes she's amazing and changes for her' storyline. I also had some issues with the third person POV. For some reason I found myself having trouble with it- I didn't really connect to the characters as much as I would have liked, and to be honest, I don't think this book is one that really stands out as being memorable. I also felt some of the character development was lacking. Declan suffers from PTSD and nightmares and while he is seeing someone for help, we are told, rather than shown, that he gets better. I also had mixed feelings about the way Declan handled his feelings for Ella. One minute he was going to take one action, and then an event suddenly changes everything for him. I get the whole 'you don't realize what you've got until you almost lose it' scenario, but this just felt a little awkward for me.
While I had some issues with this book, it wasn't a bad read- but just not one that will leave a lasting impression.
*Received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
September 12, 2017
This is my first book from this author and I didn't know it was a series but from what I read, I don't think I needed to read the rest to figure out this line of books in this series. This book was ok. Sometimes a bit cheesy and expected but it did get me emotional toward the end of the book. I enjoyed it but I probably wouldn't read this series again. Cute, summer, light read with a happy ending.
August 21, 2017
Me gusto como Ella poco a poco destruyo las barreras de Declan y lo fue enamorando
Ella me gusto porque durante toda la serie la hemos visto como volver a la vida y despertarse de las imposiciones de su familia y en este libro si ya mando todo para la porra y fue por lo que quiso, es decir Declan,
Muy divertida
Ella me gusto porque durante toda la serie la hemos visto como volver a la vida y despertarse de las imposiciones de su familia y en este libro si ya mando todo para la porra y fue por lo que quiso, es decir Declan,
Muy divertida
December 16, 2017
Ellie & Delcan have a lovely rather sweet story. I identified well with Ella, she really came to life for me. Ellie is the perfect match for Delcan, accepting, loyal & open to new experiences if not a very private person outside of her immediate circle of friends.
September 23, 2017
dnfed after 70%
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