What do you think?
Rate this book
First To Fight
Ever since the disastrous convoy mission that left most of his squad dead, US Marine Ayden Delaney's life has been in shambles. He's fled to the other side of the world to get away from the pain of the losses of his USMC brothers. He's quickly learning, though, that no matter where he runs, the nightmares follow.
When his older brother contacts him from back home, Ayden has to make a choice: stay in Thailand, or drag himself back to California and stand beside his brother on his wedding day—and decide if he still has a future with the Corps. A chance at a real life.
And, after meeting Carmen, a beautiful and kind-hearted woman when he visits the UCLA campus to see if he can finish his degree, maybe even...love.
He's always been the first one to fight—for his friends, for his country. Now it's time to fight for the one person who matters most right now.
Himself.
****
The Heart of the Wounded Hero series was created to pay tribute to and raise awareness of our wounded heroes. Each of the over eighty authors involved have contributed time, money, and stories to the cause. These love stories are inspiring and uplifting, showing the sacrifice of our veterans but also giving them the happily ever after they deserve.
By increasing awareness through our books, we believe we can in a small part help the wounded heroes that have sacrificed so much. Thank you for reading.
When his older brother contacts him from back home, Ayden has to make a choice: stay in Thailand, or drag himself back to California and stand beside his brother on his wedding day—and decide if he still has a future with the Corps. A chance at a real life.
And, after meeting Carmen, a beautiful and kind-hearted woman when he visits the UCLA campus to see if he can finish his degree, maybe even...love.
He's always been the first one to fight—for his friends, for his country. Now it's time to fight for the one person who matters most right now.
Himself.
****
The Heart of the Wounded Hero series was created to pay tribute to and raise awareness of our wounded heroes. Each of the over eighty authors involved have contributed time, money, and stories to the cause. These love stories are inspiring and uplifting, showing the sacrifice of our veterans but also giving them the happily ever after they deserve.
By increasing awareness through our books, we believe we can in a small part help the wounded heroes that have sacrificed so much. Thank you for reading.
Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 1, 2022
Finding Hope Again . . .
Losing many of the friends in his squad and the loss of half his leg, US Marine Ayden Delaney's life is a mess. He feels the pain of loss constantly. He doesn’t know what he wants to do or where he wants to be. He isolates himself on the other side of the world in Thailand. So when his older brother asks him to be a part of his wedding day, he has some decisions to make.
One of the best things to happen to him on coming back is meeting Carmen Ramirez. Not only does she calm him, but she makes him think about what is important to him and his future. Will he finish his degree? Will he re-enlist? Or will he find love that will give him all the reasons to get back into living and enjoying his life?
Losing many of the friends in his squad and the loss of half his leg, US Marine Ayden Delaney's life is a mess. He feels the pain of loss constantly. He doesn’t know what he wants to do or where he wants to be. He isolates himself on the other side of the world in Thailand. So when his older brother asks him to be a part of his wedding day, he has some decisions to make.
One of the best things to happen to him on coming back is meeting Carmen Ramirez. Not only does she calm him, but she makes him think about what is important to him and his future. Will he finish his degree? Will he re-enlist? Or will he find love that will give him all the reasons to get back into living and enjoying his life?
July 9, 2023
WOW!! I couldn't put this one down. I absolutely love it!! This was a nice quick, short read.
Ayden meets Cameron when he goes to UCLA looking to take one last class to finish his degree. She is sitting grading papers when they go flying and he stops to help her pick them up. After they talk a while he asks her if she would like to grab a coffee with him. Ayden was injured serving our country and had his leg amputated. Cameron is working to become a doctor with a degree in physiology. The next day Ayden calls Cameron but she made plans to go see her cousin band, so she asks him if he'd like to come with her. They go see the band and Cameron even sings a song with the band, he takes her home, but tells her he needs some time to think about things. Ayden is struggling on what to do next in his life, he always thought he would be a marine. A few days later he comes to find her in her office and asks her if she would like to double date with him and his brother and his wife. They head to a comedy club and then a bar afterwords. Ayden's brother's wife talks to Cameron telling her she has seen an improvement in Ayden this past week. His brother and wife head home and leave the car for Ayden and Cameron, they head to her apartment. He pleasures her then she pleasures him then they get physical. He stays the night and the next day Cameron hears someone knocking at her door, it's her mother. Cameron forgot her mom and her had plans to go to brunch, she comes back into the bedroom and asks Ayden if he would mind meeting her mother. Ayden has a conversation with her mother as Cameron gets ready for brunch. Later Cameron attend Ayden's brother's wedding, even though they are married, they want to celebrate with friends and family. Soon after Ayden has to finish his training in Quanico and has no outside connections for two months. After training his whole family comes to his graduation. They he has basic training and needs to leave for a few months but Cameron can come and see him. Cameron graduated with her doctoral and has a job waiting for her, Ayden couldn't be at her graduation because of his training. Cameron hears all the hooting and hollering from her friends and family. Later they head to a restaurant to celebrate, Ayden Face Times Cameron but their conversation is cut off. Cameron is told she has a delivery at the front. She goes and finds roses waiting for her and a note. Ayden is standing behind her when she turns to see him he goes down on one knee and asks her to marry him, she says yes. Cameron finds out that Ayden was at her ceremony and he seen the whole thing, he couldn't miss it. Ayden tells Cameron he loves her and she tells him, she loves him forever, longer than forever.
Ayden meets Cameron when he goes to UCLA looking to take one last class to finish his degree. She is sitting grading papers when they go flying and he stops to help her pick them up. After they talk a while he asks her if she would like to grab a coffee with him. Ayden was injured serving our country and had his leg amputated. Cameron is working to become a doctor with a degree in physiology. The next day Ayden calls Cameron but she made plans to go see her cousin band, so she asks him if he'd like to come with her. They go see the band and Cameron even sings a song with the band, he takes her home, but tells her he needs some time to think about things. Ayden is struggling on what to do next in his life, he always thought he would be a marine. A few days later he comes to find her in her office and asks her if she would like to double date with him and his brother and his wife. They head to a comedy club and then a bar afterwords. Ayden's brother's wife talks to Cameron telling her she has seen an improvement in Ayden this past week. His brother and wife head home and leave the car for Ayden and Cameron, they head to her apartment. He pleasures her then she pleasures him then they get physical. He stays the night and the next day Cameron hears someone knocking at her door, it's her mother. Cameron forgot her mom and her had plans to go to brunch, she comes back into the bedroom and asks Ayden if he would mind meeting her mother. Ayden has a conversation with her mother as Cameron gets ready for brunch. Later Cameron attend Ayden's brother's wedding, even though they are married, they want to celebrate with friends and family. Soon after Ayden has to finish his training in Quanico and has no outside connections for two months. After training his whole family comes to his graduation. They he has basic training and needs to leave for a few months but Cameron can come and see him. Cameron graduated with her doctoral and has a job waiting for her, Ayden couldn't be at her graduation because of his training. Cameron hears all the hooting and hollering from her friends and family. Later they head to a restaurant to celebrate, Ayden Face Times Cameron but their conversation is cut off. Cameron is told she has a delivery at the front. She goes and finds roses waiting for her and a note. Ayden is standing behind her when she turns to see him he goes down on one knee and asks her to marry him, she says yes. Cameron finds out that Ayden was at her ceremony and he seen the whole thing, he couldn't miss it. Ayden tells Cameron he loves her and she tells him, she loves him forever, longer than forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
I have never read a book by Mazzy King before, so when I signed up to review this one, I downloaded a different title first so I could get a feel for her her writing.
I enjoyed the novella that I read, so I went into this one with positive expectations. I was not disappointed - in fact, I was pleasantly surprised! This book was even better than the first one I'd read.
I know every reader has their "thing"... a storyline they are a sucker for, or steamy romance or whatever. For me, what makes or breaks a romance is the hero. I can overlook a lot of annoying storylines or heroines I can't quite relate to as long as I fall in love with the hero.
I 100% fell in love with Ayden. I really love a wounded, vulnerable hero. If you add in a grumpy military guy with a loving family, I'm a happy camper. Even though this book focuses mainly on Ayden's growth as a wounded warrior, I am glad that the story begins AFTER the incident where he was wounded. There was enough back story given throughout the book with Ayden's memories and flashbacks that I was able to know what happened, but I didn't have to LIVE through it with him. The book's central story is focused on Ayden figuring out his future. After losing a lot of men, his leg and his direction, the story begins with Ayden in Thailand fighting in an undergound circuit. He wanted to be as far away from home and everything home represented as possible. It took him months and months to even begin to think about whether he wanted to still be a Marine.
When he travels back to the US to attend his brother's wedding and finally face his famly once again, he meets Carmen.
Carmen was the perfect match for Ayden. After a devastating injury and the unstable life he was living in Thailand, Ayden needed peace. Carmen was smart and sexy and there was zero drama in being with her. She was a grad student pursuing a career as a family counselor, and she was just in the exact right place at the right time to help Ayden. The timing of their meeting and the pace of their romance was perfect.
Normally I love a lot more steam in a romance, but this couple's journey to a happy ever after was so touching that I didn't miss not having a lot of sexy times.
If you are looking for a heart-warming romance, read this!
I enjoyed the novella that I read, so I went into this one with positive expectations. I was not disappointed - in fact, I was pleasantly surprised! This book was even better than the first one I'd read.
I know every reader has their "thing"... a storyline they are a sucker for, or steamy romance or whatever. For me, what makes or breaks a romance is the hero. I can overlook a lot of annoying storylines or heroines I can't quite relate to as long as I fall in love with the hero.
I 100% fell in love with Ayden. I really love a wounded, vulnerable hero. If you add in a grumpy military guy with a loving family, I'm a happy camper. Even though this book focuses mainly on Ayden's growth as a wounded warrior, I am glad that the story begins AFTER the incident where he was wounded. There was enough back story given throughout the book with Ayden's memories and flashbacks that I was able to know what happened, but I didn't have to LIVE through it with him. The book's central story is focused on Ayden figuring out his future. After losing a lot of men, his leg and his direction, the story begins with Ayden in Thailand fighting in an undergound circuit. He wanted to be as far away from home and everything home represented as possible. It took him months and months to even begin to think about whether he wanted to still be a Marine.
When he travels back to the US to attend his brother's wedding and finally face his famly once again, he meets Carmen.
Carmen was the perfect match for Ayden. After a devastating injury and the unstable life he was living in Thailand, Ayden needed peace. Carmen was smart and sexy and there was zero drama in being with her. She was a grad student pursuing a career as a family counselor, and she was just in the exact right place at the right time to help Ayden. The timing of their meeting and the pace of their romance was perfect.
Normally I love a lot more steam in a romance, but this couple's journey to a happy ever after was so touching that I didn't miss not having a lot of sexy times.
If you are looking for a heart-warming romance, read this!
August 1, 2022
Ayden was in Afghanistan when he lost his leg from TBE knee down.After being released from the hospital he was so angry and lost he left d went to Thailand to escape. Escape what he didn't know really. His brother sedan would always email him as we!l as the soldier that saved his life. He would have bleed out if not for his help. During one of the emails his brother tells him that their dad injured himself and that he is getting married to Aisha and he wanted him there for the wedding. Ayden calls his friend who saved him to borrow money to get home. After arriving home still feeling lost and not sure what to until he tells his brother he wants to go back to school so he can be a Marine again but this time as a Lieutenant. He knew he could do it.
Carmen is at the college as a TA for psychology. As she's walking through the halls her papers fall and its just at the same time Ayden is walking and stops to help pick up her papers. Its at this moment they have a connection. They go out and have a great relationship. His brother and his wife love Carmen. They can also see how Carmen being in Ayden's life has changed for the better. He's no longer feeling lost anymore. Ayden is now gone through all the hard work of an amputee to prove he could do what he put his mind to. With Carmen and his family by his side he can do anything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carmen is at the college as a TA for psychology. As she's walking through the halls her papers fall and its just at the same time Ayden is walking and stops to help pick up her papers. Its at this moment they have a connection. They go out and have a great relationship. His brother and his wife love Carmen. They can also see how Carmen being in Ayden's life has changed for the better. He's no longer feeling lost anymore. Ayden is now gone through all the hard work of an amputee to prove he could do what he put his mind to. With Carmen and his family by his side he can do anything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2022
Mazzy King is Magic
Mazzy King made me cry and laugh and “AWWWW” again in “First to Fight,” her contribution to the Heart of a Wounded Hero anthology of romantic military-themed novellas. Ayden, an extremely sexy and sweet Marine trying to figure out how to cope with a devastating injury, and Carmen, a gorgeous, smart, and nurturing grad student and family counselor, are my favorite Mazzy King couple to date. There is so much going on in this quick read, but King makes us feel all the fear, uncertainty, and despair, the sense of family and hope, the healing and the excitement of new love and opportunities for the future. This is such a special read - a “dance like nobody’s watching” or “kiss her because you’ll lose your mind if you don’t” kind of thing that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. Despite its brevity, there is no skimping on plot or character development, giving us a whole, satisfying tale regardless of the word count. So stinkin’ brilliant and extremely respectful of the journey our warriors have to make when life takes an unexpected turn on the battlefield. I could keep raving on and on about this one, but I’ll just say that this is, hands-down, in the top three of the over 200 books I’ve read in 2022 so far - and absolutely in the top ten I’ve read in a very long time.
Mazzy King made me cry and laugh and “AWWWW” again in “First to Fight,” her contribution to the Heart of a Wounded Hero anthology of romantic military-themed novellas. Ayden, an extremely sexy and sweet Marine trying to figure out how to cope with a devastating injury, and Carmen, a gorgeous, smart, and nurturing grad student and family counselor, are my favorite Mazzy King couple to date. There is so much going on in this quick read, but King makes us feel all the fear, uncertainty, and despair, the sense of family and hope, the healing and the excitement of new love and opportunities for the future. This is such a special read - a “dance like nobody’s watching” or “kiss her because you’ll lose your mind if you don’t” kind of thing that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. Despite its brevity, there is no skimping on plot or character development, giving us a whole, satisfying tale regardless of the word count. So stinkin’ brilliant and extremely respectful of the journey our warriors have to make when life takes an unexpected turn on the battlefield. I could keep raving on and on about this one, but I’ll just say that this is, hands-down, in the top three of the over 200 books I’ve read in 2022 so far - and absolutely in the top ten I’ve read in a very long time.
July 30, 2022
Life doesn’t end just because…
Awesome book. Ayden is living in darkness after a ambush on his last deployment left him missing his lower leg. He runs to the other side of the world with barely any contact with his family. When he gets a message from his brother that their father has fallen and is asking for him, he realizes that it’s time to go home. Once he gets a little settled Ayden decides to finish his last class for his degree. While on campus he meets Carmen and they start talking. When they part they have agreed to go out together. After a week he sees a change in himself that comes from her. Ayden makes plans to go to back to active duty and become an Officer. Carmen couldn’t be more proud of him for going after what he wants. Ayden works hard to prove he deserves his position but, he misses the love of his life. Carmen is there when he graduates and is given his first salute. Everything is perfect in their lives with so much more to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Awesome book. Ayden is living in darkness after a ambush on his last deployment left him missing his lower leg. He runs to the other side of the world with barely any contact with his family. When he gets a message from his brother that their father has fallen and is asking for him, he realizes that it’s time to go home. Once he gets a little settled Ayden decides to finish his last class for his degree. While on campus he meets Carmen and they start talking. When they part they have agreed to go out together. After a week he sees a change in himself that comes from her. Ayden makes plans to go to back to active duty and become an Officer. Carmen couldn’t be more proud of him for going after what he wants. Ayden works hard to prove he deserves his position but, he misses the love of his life. Carmen is there when he graduates and is given his first salute. Everything is perfect in their lives with so much more to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2022
Ayden was in Afghanistan and was injured. When he made it to safety it was hard for him to recover physically and mentally. Once he was mobile, he went to Thailand and end up fighting for money. After his last fight he decided to come home. When he was on campus looking into finishing his degree, he meets Carmen. Carmen is a psychologist and mainly help children, but her moss works with adults and veterans. Once they start talking, she tells Ayden about her boss and how he was in the military and might be what Ayden needs. Ayden wants to make his life better so he starts checking into what he may be able to do in the military. He also starts dating Carmen. Will he finally see that just because he was injured, he can still have a productive life? Will he claim Carmen for his own?
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. it's a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. it's a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2022
Always a Marine! This is by far my favorite wounded heroes story. Ayden thought he was being a coward because he left to Thailand for over a year without visiting his family, but during that time he learned how to maintain his strength and learn to walk straight with his prosthetic, something a coward would never do. Love his family all military men as they never gave up on him! Then comes Carmen into the picture and she gives him another reason to return to the service and complete what he needs to be a Lieutenant! Love these stories as they give you more of a reason to salute and thank them for their service because it’s something that us, civilians, will never see or endure for the freedom we get to live each day. I would have liked an extended epilogue to see where thing ended up for them all in years to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
Ayden is a troubled, injured marine who needs to find his way home. After he was injured he has drifted. Nobody knows where he is a. He needs help. Once he is home he needs to get some professional help. He needs to talk about the things upsetting him PTSD. As he is walking thru the university he sees a woman who needs a little help. Carmine is a TA and is working on her doctorate in psychology. She has an easy, friendly, relaxed personality and Ayden feels comfortable around her. Ayden wants to thank her for her help. It begins as an attraction. She is there for him but not professionally. This is an amazing story. As Ayden is healing his heart is opening up. Ayden is learning to be part of a family again. The storyline deals with what happens once they are home. It is a touching, heartwarming, tender, loving, passionate romance filled with love. Super story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2024
This story in the Heart of a Wounded Hero series has much more to it than most, and I loved the substance of it. I've read many of them, and this one is my favorite. Ayden, who is a Marine and from a Marine family, lost most of his squad in his last deployment, and had to watch six of his men get executed. His own injuries almost killed him and he lost part of his leg below the knee. He was in a dark place mentally for a long time.
Coming back to the States, he meets Carmen and they hit it off. She is just what he needs, and they connect on a deep level. Ayden gets his act together, finishes his college degree and is accepted into OCS.
The story packs a lot in it, and it's all good; every part of it contributes to the whole. The people feel real, their personalities distinct. Ayden is back with his family, and that includes Carmen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Coming back to the States, he meets Carmen and they hit it off. She is just what he needs, and they connect on a deep level. Ayden gets his act together, finishes his college degree and is accepted into OCS.
The story packs a lot in it, and it's all good; every part of it contributes to the whole. The people feel real, their personalities distinct. Ayden is back with his family, and that includes Carmen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
Ayden's life has been spiraling out of control since the mission that took his leg. When he was discharged from the military hospital, he went far away from family and friends, to Thailand. He worked on getting his body in shape, but not his mind, he is still suffering from PTSD. His brother contact him to come home, he has a date planned for his wedding and he is to be the best man.
He had plans to become an officer, he was only one class away from his degree when the accident happened. He heads to the registrar's on UCLA.
When he meets Carmen on campus, she is like a breath of fresh air, she talks him into seeing a therapist, her boss. She is just what he needed but did not know. She stands by him as he maneuvers thru finding a path for himself.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
He had plans to become an officer, he was only one class away from his degree when the accident happened. He heads to the registrar's on UCLA.
When he meets Carmen on campus, she is like a breath of fresh air, she talks him into seeing a therapist, her boss. She is just what he needed but did not know. She stands by him as he maneuvers thru finding a path for himself.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
July 31, 2022
This book is part of the Wounded Heroes Collection. It certainly does not disappoint! This is only my second book by this author, Mazzy King. I loved her other book so my expectations were high. She was right on target! Ayden is a marine whose last mission went sideways. The cost was part of his leg. He tries hiding out from his family and friends to suffer in silence and work through his physical therapy. Ayden is called home to be his brother’s best man.
Once home, Ayden meets Carmen. Oddly enough, she brings some light into his life. They are both students at UCLA and Carmen is studying family therapy. She is a perfect match for him. Ayden still has some issues to work out though.
I truly loved this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once home, Ayden meets Carmen. Oddly enough, she brings some light into his life. They are both students at UCLA and Carmen is studying family therapy. She is a perfect match for him. Ayden still has some issues to work out though.
I truly loved this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2022
This book is a part of the Heart of a Wounded Hero series and focuses on Ayden and Carmen. Ayden had been struggling to live life after a terrible event left him injured and a lot of his fellow Marines dead. He was running away from everything until he was forced to come home for his family. While he was back home, he met Carmen. Carmen was a breath of fresh air for him and with her by his side, he was able to finally figure out what he now wanted in life. I love that this story showed so much growth for Ayden. He was struggling so badly just to put one foot in front of the other at the beginning and to see him not only find his bearings in life, but also love in the process, it was so great to see. This was a wonderful story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2022
After being injured during deployment, Ayden went to rehab. Instead of going home to continue with family, Ayden went to Thailand while trying to figure it out. Nine months later and an email from home, Ayden wonders if he is ready to face his fears.
Carmen is a TA, while finishing her degree, add on helping take care of her mother, Carmen has limited time for anything else. With a chance meeting and a coffee offer leaves her thinking of Ayden and distracted.
Ayden and Carmen's story is a deep emotional journey as Ayden struggles with the loss of his leg, the loss of his brothers and the feeling that he is a coward. Carmen is a strong woman who can see past his fear and be the pillar of strength he needed.
Grab a tissue and settle in as you get lost in Ayden and Carmen's tale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carmen is a TA, while finishing her degree, add on helping take care of her mother, Carmen has limited time for anything else. With a chance meeting and a coffee offer leaves her thinking of Ayden and distracted.
Ayden and Carmen's story is a deep emotional journey as Ayden struggles with the loss of his leg, the loss of his brothers and the feeling that he is a coward. Carmen is a strong woman who can see past his fear and be the pillar of strength he needed.
Grab a tissue and settle in as you get lost in Ayden and Carmen's tale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2022
Another amazing read in The Heart of a Hero series. Ayden finds himself in Thailand trying to get his life together after his last deployment. It takes an email from his brother to get him home again and deciding what to do. Carmen’s at the university marking papers when Ayden stops to help her pick up her fallen papers. It’s a connection at first sight but Ayden doesn’t feel worthy enough. Ayden and Carmen are amazing together. Carmen helps Ayden find the support he needs to come to terms with what happened to him and how to get what he really wants. With the love and support of Ayden’s family and friends he finally is able to realize he’s not a coward as he first believed but a strong and determined military hero. This book will have you laughing and crying, get the Kleenex ready! I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2022
This book is this author's story for the Heart of a Wounded Hero series. Ayden Delainy is a military man from a military family. One deployment did not end as expected, Ayden's eight man unit only had two survivors. Once he was deemed healed and released, he took off to Thailand instead of going home to family. This decision was his blessing and his curse. After a year and a half, he returns home where he crosses paths with a klutz teacher's assistant, Carmen Ramirez. She changes his life and he changes hers. This is a great, fast paced story with amazing characters that are destined soulmates for one another. Left me with tears of happiness. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2022
A wonderful addition to the series. Ayden and Camren were such a great couple. Ayden has been lost ever since he took a leave from his military career shortly after being injured. He has been living and trying to get better in Thailand. Camren lives in his hometown and is working on her doctorate degree. Ayden is called home by his brother and finally decides its time to head back. The two meet when Ayden visits UCLA to see about completing the one class he needs in order to get his bachelors degree and decide whether or not to go into the officers program. It has always been a dream of his to become an officer like his father and brother. He will not let the fact that he has a prosthetic hold him back. The minute the two meet sparks fly for both. I liked this story because both Ayden and Carmen supported one another in pursuing their dreams. There was just the right amount of emotion in this book. The chemistry and passion between Ayden and Carmen could be felt throughout their story. It took a lot of work and was well worth it in the end. Wonderful HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 1, 2022
Five stars are not nearly enough!
Mazzy King joins the awesome Heart of a Wounded Hero multi-author series with First to Fight, an absolute must-read love story. Brilliantly written, Ayden and Carmen's story is beautiful, emotional, entertaining, and swoon-worthy and romantic. You will fall in love with Ayden by the end of the first page, and by the end of the last, you will be grateful he's not real or you would be incredibly jealous of Carmen ;)
Far more than just a steamy romance though, First to Fight packs a lot between its pages. This entire series is important - and Ms King's contribution is no exception.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mazzy King joins the awesome Heart of a Wounded Hero multi-author series with First to Fight, an absolute must-read love story. Brilliantly written, Ayden and Carmen's story is beautiful, emotional, entertaining, and swoon-worthy and romantic. You will fall in love with Ayden by the end of the first page, and by the end of the last, you will be grateful he's not real or you would be incredibly jealous of Carmen ;)
Far more than just a steamy romance though, First to Fight packs a lot between its pages. This entire series is important - and Ms King's contribution is no exception.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2022
Ayden was not the same person he was before getting injured while on tour. He felt hopeless and did not want to be pitied. He hated himself so much he hid from his family until one day he needed to go back. He met Carmen who he instantly had a connected with upon hid return and gave him some hope. It was a great book that explains the sacrifices that some of those serving in the armed forces deal with. I enjoyed the story line and hope there are ore books that follow this path, Thank you to all those that serve!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
Ayden's military career comes to an end with a disastrous convoy mission that takes out most of his squad. Ayden was having a hard time dealing with the fallout and fled to the other side of the world, but his nightmares never escaped him. His brother calls him home to stand by his side for his wedding. He meets a kind woman Carmen when he visits the UCLA campus, and it starts them along a journey where Ayden begins to turn his life around. This story had me connecting Ayden because he reminds me of my brother who is also a military person who has come home and finds himself struggling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
Ayden's story is touching. I live in Brazil, we don't have military missions like the US, so I don't know what it's like to weigh war on your back. Each book in the Heart of the Wounded Hero series shows a different facet of post-military life. First To Fight was the book that touched me the most so far. Ayden is lost, he tries to escape but deep down the only thing he wants is to get back to his life and his family and Carmen is the right person to bring him back. A beautiful and touching story of love as a form of healing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2022
This was a great story by Mazzy King. I have been a fan of hers for years now. I love this series.
Ayden is trying to find himself again after being wounded while being deployed. He lost his lower leg. He has finally come home after being gone for a year in Thailand. He was in a dark place but knows that he needs to go home. He meets Carmen at the right time. There is something about her that draws him to her. Soon they are dating. His life begins to turn around. Will they get their happily ever after?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ayden is trying to find himself again after being wounded while being deployed. He lost his lower leg. He has finally come home after being gone for a year in Thailand. He was in a dark place but knows that he needs to go home. He meets Carmen at the right time. There is something about her that draws him to her. Soon they are dating. His life begins to turn around. Will they get their happily ever after?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2022
This was an amazing story. I laughed, cried, cheered, and fell in love with Ayden. Ayden lost so much while he was deployed in Afghanistan with his squad. He spent 9 month is Thailand trying to lose himself. He finally goes home and finds that it's the best thing that ever happened to him. He meets Carmen when she dropped the quiz papers and he helped her pick them up. There is an instant connection between them with great chemistry. I'm glad they took their relationship one step at a time. The was a beautiful, heartwarming story and I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
This is an emotional and thought provoking military romance. Ayden is a wounded military man who has lost his way coming home after “disappearing” for 9 months after his injury. He meets a psychologically assistant and the connection is instant. This story is certainly a romance with some sweetness, steam and witty humour but is also gives a glimpse into the life of military service, the dedication, trauma and difficulty they endure. An emotional journey with a uplifting HEA promise.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2022
Ayden thought his life was useless, after he lost his team overseas. If it were for Cranston, he wouldn't have made it out alive. This story gives you a hint of what disabled soldiers go thru and what they think. Ayden lost his leg and his career, or so he thinks. He just needs to come out of his funk. HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2022
After a serious injury as a Marine, Ayden (H) felt the need to get away from family and friends, but now he finds himself back home and trying to figure out how to move forward with his life. He meets Carmen (h) and is drawn to her, as she is to him. It was nice to see Ayden receive the support he needed from family, friends, fellow Marines, and Carmen as he bult his future plans. Sweet military romance.
Read
July 28, 2022I have loved all of the Heart of a Wounded Hero books but this was one of my favorites. We have wounded Marine Ayden and counselor Carmen. A chance meeting on a college campus changes their lives forever. Now Ayden just needs to find direction foe his future and hopefully Camprmen is in it. I loved the storyline and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and the whole series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2022
3.5 stars.
This story did not play out how I expected so it made it an interesting read for me. I felt the pain in this one, it really touched me, the pain and grief was mixed well with love, hope, support and rediscovering oneself. I enjoyed seeing Ayden and Carmen meet and seeing the change this brought into their lives.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story did not play out how I expected so it made it an interesting read for me. I felt the pain in this one, it really touched me, the pain and grief was mixed well with love, hope, support and rediscovering oneself. I enjoyed seeing Ayden and Carmen meet and seeing the change this brought into their lives.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2022
Ayden has been in hiding on the other side of the world after most of his team was killed on a mission. Called back to California by his brother to attend his wedding, a chance meeting with Carmen changes his life forever. Fast paced, well written, engaging romance. Sweet, steamy and very emotional with a lovely HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2022
This is the story of Ayden, a wounded Marine, who meets his lovely Carmen right as he's decided to pull himself out of despair and start living again. This book really pulls on your heartstrings with the emotions, with what Ayden goes through, but Carmen in his light in the dark. Great secondary characters as well steamy, sexy times. I really enjoyed this book and the wounded warrior series collaboration.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews