Axel

Corps Security #1

by Harper Sloan

Alternate Cover for B00DU1GW80

Note from the author--This book is intended for a mature reading audience and isn't suitable for younger readers.

Fate hasn’t always been friends with Isabelle West. In fact, fate has been a downright bitch. Isabelle has learned the hard way how hard life can be when fate isn’t by your side. It can hand you dreams on silver platters, but it can snatch them right back and hand you nightmares.
One thing Isabelle knew for sure fate was consistent with was taking away everything she ever loved. For the last two years Isabelle has been slowly clearing the clouds of her past. Happiness is finally on the horizon. She has a thriving business, great friends, and her life back. All she has to do is jump over the last hurdle…her ex-husband.

When problems start causing her to fear her new life, and memories that are better left forgotten start rushing to the surface the last thing she needs is a ghost from her past to come knocking on her door.

Axel never thought he would look into the eyes of Isabelle West again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. He’s carried his anger for so long he isn’t sure he can just turn it off, but when he is faced with protecting her and an unexpected desire to have her again, life gets a little more complicated.

How will Axel and Isabelle deal when all their cards are put on the table and everything they thought was true blows up in their faces?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Abuse, Erotica, Second Chance

328 pages, ebook

First published July 7, 2013

About the author

Harper Sloan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best selling author. She resides in north Georgia with her three daughters, four cats and one dog. While being independently published is a dream, she also has three traditionally published titles with Pocket Books. When she isn't working hard on her next novel, you can most definitely find her with a book in hand.

**To contact Harper, please email [email protected]


Facebook www.facebook.com/harpersloanbooks
Email [email protected]
Twitter @harpersloan
Instagram @harper_sloan

Reviews

["That's All" Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

***This review contains spoilers.***

“AXEL” FANS, YOU MAY WANT TO *AVERT* YOUR EYES, BECAUSE…



Let me preface by saying that I didn’t HATE this book. There were some things I liked about it. I’ll get to those later. Right now… I just really have to get some things off my chest about this book. So hear me out for just a few painful seconds!

ISABELLE

Isabelle. AKA the whiner himer heroine. Look, I’m just going say this to dear ol’ Izzy:

*I understand your crying about your parents dying.
*I understand your crying over a miscarriage.
*I understand your crying about your husband beating you during your seven-year marriage… in which you stayed in. But I get it.

But saying that fate dealt you a shitty hand by taking the love of your life away from you? And then saying that fate dealt you a shitty hand by returning him to you?



Seriously.



And then she has a bunch of MEGA HOT ex-marine HOTTIES protecting her and her feelings.

And I’m like:



Yes. I was jealous of the whiner himer heroine, OKAY?! I admit it. *sniff*

THE REUNION SCENE

You know which one I’m talking about. The one where they’re at the club, and we find out the whiner himer heroine is a closet alcoholic? Yep. That one.

I just thought this scene was really kind of funny.

Here’s why:

Isabelle’s having a mental breakdown, and Greg tells Axel, “She’s fighting every demon that owns her soul.”

And I’m like:

Sweetheart, she just drank twelve shots of Tequila, two cokes with crown, a Tight Snatch, two Golden Showers, one Pussy Panty-Pulldown, and either a Slow Comfy Screw or a Screaming Orgasm.

In Georgia, you may call that “fighting every demon that owns your soul” but over here in the west… We call that alcohol poisoning. :)

That’s what happens when you let your friend Charlie Sheen it at a bar.

Trust me.

THE BOOK, ITSELF.

This is where it gets really painful.

It’s like the author took every dramatic situation she knew of… tossed it in the book, added sex, and gave it a sexy alpha male.

The heroine fell in love with the hero in highschool, he gets shipped off to join the marines, her parents die, she has a miscarriage, she gets a letter in the mail saying that the hero that got shipped off is dead, she then gets married to a guy who beats her up for 6.5 years, she has a strenuous divorce with the guy that beat her up, she then runs into the hero she fell in love with and finds out that he's not dead, and the guy she just got a divorce from is stalking her.

Why not just make the heroine a paraplegic and give the hero cancer while you're at it?

You're right.
That would have been too much.

Intense storyline.
Intense characters.
Intense dialogue.

The entire time.

OVERKILL.

Scale some of it back a little. If you’re trying to make all three of those things stand out at once… none of them are going to stand out as a result and they’re going to overwhelm each other.

♥♥WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK:♥♥

Axel.

The sex scenes.



One more thing.

These are my personal opinions.

I can be brutal. I can be severe. I can come across like I’m just trying to look like a badass who knows everything about writing.

That’s fine.

But I’m honest.

And if anyone has a problem with that?

[Rachel (BAVR) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Swear to Christ this bitch needs to calm her tits.
- AXEL!

Those are my fucking tits and she is my fucking girl.
- AXEL!

Are you in love yet? AXEL! sure takes heroics to a new level of caveman, doesn't he?

Beware of the New Alpha, romance readers!

He's hot, ripped, and hung like a horse.
His dick slices through granite and punches ten sharks.
He likes a girl with a vagina that can gush like a geyser
and HATES any man who dares look sideways at her.
His sperm are like ninjas that make dragon babies.
He may speak like a child but fucks like 8 porn stars.
The New Alpha makes good girls fantasize about douchebags.
Who needs good characterization when - blah, blah, blah - 12 pack?

"If you call me Holt one more fucking time I'm bending you over my knees, yeah?"
- AXEL!

Take me now, baby.

Hey, I get it. Some girls like this kind of guy. I don't, but then again, I dislike a lot of things that other people like - butterflies and tacos and bubblegum and Nickleback. People are horrendously awesome in their petty differences. AXEL! did not make me "wet," as the heroine Izzy frequently asserts. He's brutish, domineering, vapid, and rarely uses subjects in his sentences.

"Thought I could get you here and enjoy some dinner without having to be inside your wet heat."

"Dreamed of this for so fucking long, Izzy."

"It will be over before it begins baby, just have to cool off...want you so fucking bad."

"Feel so good...so wet, so hot."
- AXEL!

I could do this all day. Basically, if I dated AXEL!, I would have to wear earmuffs to avoid hearing his stupid voice saying stupid things. But whatever. He's just one character. Let's give the others a chance.

Izzy, the heroine, is a hot fucking mess. Her tragic backstory is so heavy-handed that the entire book is about people, like, holding Izzy like an infant and defending her honor or whatever. She's flanked by a group of burly ex-Marines who call her "baby girl" and coddle her like a speshul snowflake.

Here's a spoilery list from Izzy's Tragedy Factory:
Teenage boyfriend AXEL! leaves for the military.
Both of Izzy's parents die in a car accident.
Finds out she's pregnant with AXEL!'s baby.
Thinks AXEL! is dead.
Loses baby.
Both grandparents die, leaving her with no family.
Marries an abusive asshat.
Abusive asshat nearly beats her to death.
She ends up with fucking AXEL! D:

It's a new trend to give a heroine the shittiest life imaginable to create tension or something. In my reading experience, this trend always fails. The character ends up being more a list of the awful things that happened to her rather than a living, breathing person. It's clear that Izzy's broken. She's so broken that she drinks excessively and only finds comfort when a big macho man is protecting her. Aside from that, Izzy is ... nothing. She's a blank slate, a glove for AXEL!'s penis, a vessel for the reader to jump in and fantasize about hooking up with a sexy guy. And who can blame her for being less interesting than sandpaper when she has tons of men to make her decisions for her? She's everyone's "girl," after all, and AXEL! calls her "mine" at a frequency that makes him look more selfish than the world's brattiest toddler.

AXEL! is a poorly formed character as well. He's so outrageously pig-headed and ALPHA SAY RAWR that there is nothing left but a laughably ridiculous cliche. All the men in this are like that - thumping their chests and calling Izzy "girl" and probably pissing on things when no one's looking. When the hero of a ROMANCE novel has dialogue that sounds remarkably similar to the abusive ex's dialogue, it's clear that all characterization has been shot to hell and back.

Also, I'm 99.99% positive that the asshat ex is Garfield the Cat:

"What did I fucking say, Isabelle? NO DENISE! No afternoons chatting like little fucking bitches. You are to be here, cleaning my fucking house, cooking my fucking dinner, and spreading your fat fucking thighs for my dick!" He reaches out and grabs a bowl of chili, throwing it with all his strength against the wall. I watch chunks of meat, beans and sauce run down my happy yellow walls. "And what the fuck is this shit? I told you, you fucking bitch, I wanted lasagna! Does this look like lasagna?"

So now we know what happens when Garfield doesn't get his lasagna.

But worst of fucking all is the writing. I don't want to discourage first-time and self-pubbing authors, but let me be brutally honest for a minute. If I pay $3.99 for a BOOK, I expect it to be properly edited. Sadly, Axel does not live up to those simple expectations.

Behold what I like to call TENSE HELL:

My breathing slowly returns to normal and I felt like I am able to speak.

-__-

Quivers of arousal shoot through my body and if it hadn't been for his strong arm around me, I melt right here on his driveway.

WITHIN SENTENCES. The tense changes WITHIN the sentences.

Little did I know, the last time I look into these eyes would be when he turns around to wave while walking up the steps to the bus, the bus taking my heart with it.

I'll stop at three examples, which is fucking enough for my nerves at the moment. It happens constantly, though - switching tenses, abused commas, and funny errors.

This is when Izzy thinks like a pirate:

Coop laughs and scoops me up into a big hug and kisses me cheek earning a deep growl in warning from Axel.

And then this happens:

You can't see the lights yet but the torches are lit and the rose pedals against the green grass make it look like there is a blanket of pink and red.

Those are some really fancy pedals.

As for the sex ...

"Thought I could get you here and enjoy some dinner without having to be inside your wet heat. Fuck baby, I can smell you from here. I bet your pussy is soaked, fucking sopping wet and ready for me."

SERIOUSLY. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. SHE NEEDS TO SEE A GYNECOLOGIST YESTERDAY! D:

Oh, and for the record, the apparently badass "Corps Security" crew of AXEL! and his friends sucks at its job. I wouldn't trust them to protect my garden lilies from hungry rabbits. The abusive ex manages to beat the hell out of Izzy TWICE while she's supposedly under the "care" of Corps Security. Really, the only "tough" thing they do is stand around and growl at each other. Fuck those guys. I'll take my chances without the douche brigade.

I won't be reading any other books in this series, no matter how tempting it is to read about AXEL!'s meathead friends bossing people around and calling grown women "baby girl." BAVR likes a fun challenge, but I'll be damned before I pay another dollar for a book that can't decide what tense to use.

Ah, but why so serious? I'll leave you with some sage wisdom from our dashing title character.

"Princess, that's what happens when shit festers and bitches act like bitches."
- AXEL!

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★! Axel (stand-alone), debut by Harper Sloan. A beautiful, poignant, angsty & at times violent story following Izzy in the aftermath of her parting & later reconciliation with her once-upon-a-time love-of-her-life, Axel!

Corps Security is a new series courtesy debut author Harper Sloan. It introduces us to a hot group of former US Marines and though each book will have its own hero/heroine it is recommended you read series in order:
Axel (book 1)
Cage (book 2)
Untitled (book 3)
Untitled (book 4)
Untitled (book 5)

Axel (book 1) is Axel’s and Izzy’ story. Follow them through the ups and downs of friendship, love, betrayal, tragedies and their attempts of finding their way back together through the healing power of love.

“I haven’t always been this weak person; this broken woman. I used to dream, and when I did, I dreamt big. I had plans, plans of a future so bright it would blind you. I can still remember the day those dreams, those grand plans, and that future as bright as the sun went poof.”

No, Isabelle West, Izzy had once been this spunky and happy young lady who at age fourteen met the love-of-her-life Axel Reid. For three years her life was a fairytale with her family embracing Axel, who was raised in the foster care system. But the ambitious Axel wanted to make a better life for himself and Izzy and so, upon his graduation from high school, he joins the US Marines. Their fairytale ends there! Shortly after his departure tragedy upon tragedy strike in Izzy’s life and they are forever separated – lost to each other.

In the decade since her loss of Axel, Izzy’s life has been a nightmare and story opens up to yet another. She has had some happy moments, thanks to her friends Dee and Greg (and later the Corps Security team), but for most part it is spinning out of control with way too much partying to numb the memories. In the aftermath of the break-up of her abusive marriage, she needs protection and so her path crosses with Axel. After the shock settles Axel gets to work protecting Izzy. There are many twists and turns and a mixture of emotions as the truth is revealed. How will they be able to work through their painful pasts, the betrayal, the what-ifs and find their way back to each other? Their story is best experienced. I recommend you read it!



Holt Axel Reid, Axel, raised in the foster care system, has risen against his odds to become a successful businessman. And what a man he grew into! A no nonsense, take charge and in control alpha! Seven words to describe Axel: Safe, charismatic, smart, protective, focused, resilient and noble.

And though I feel that I know him intimately he is still an enigma to me. Part of that is tied into his covert operations with the US Marines, but I wish I knew a little bit more about his life during their time apart. Let’s see if more will unfold during the sequels.

“Process? What the hell is there to process? Where are you, Izzy? Not asking you again, and I am not fucking doing this text message shit like a goddamn prepubescent little shit.”

Isabelle West, Izzy’s life went into a tailspin before she finished high school. One tragedy after another, but through it all she is still here to tell her story. For most part I loved everything about her, but there were parts in the middle where she was being very stubborn. I attribute it to the trauma and pain she has been through. Six words to describe Izzy: Resilient, strong, meek, smart, survivor and stubborn.

“He was the only reason I survived at the hands of Brandon. I would just close myself off and think of him and the times we had together. He was my salvation in the darkest of dark.”

Axel (book 1) took me on a roller-coaster through many emotions. It’s poignant, heartfelt, angsty, painful, at times violent including domestic abuse, but there are also happy, tender, funny and sexxxy moments. And most importantly, just like the author indicates in forewords, it’s a story about love, “The greatest love that you could find in a lifetime, the undying kind.”

“Amor Vincit Omnia”

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


(Story GIF approved by GR 10-2013)

ARC provided to me by author in exchange for a honest review.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Fantastic Stars!



This was a debut novel??? Seriously?!?! Axel hooked me from the prologue and never let go! Reader beware: Once you start this one, there will be no putting it down! I stayed up way past my bedtime just to finish! There is nothing better than a well written story about a second chance at a first love- add in super hot military guys (yes... I said GUYS as in more than one) throw in some scorching hot sex scenes, and an emotional back story, you get a wonderful 5 star read!

Fate had never been kind to Izzy West- in fact, it had been down right cruel.




From losing her family, the love of her life, to being in an abusive marriage for years, her life hasn’t been easy. She has a lot of demons in her past she’s never dealt with or gotten over. Thankfully she has her best friends, Dee and Greg. Without them, who knows where she would be. Unfortunately, Izzy is having difficulties with her ex. Greg (oh my sweet Greg- you will LOVE this man) decides more precautions need to be taken to ensure Izzy’s safety. Including getting some his ex-marine friends that work security to help. He is getting his buddy, Reid on board. Reid is the best, and thats what Izzy needs.

When we meet Holt A.AXEL Reid... HOLY HELL! Talk about alpha male to the max! To say I’m a little Axel crazy would be an understatement! But there isn’t just Axel- oh no! There are a few guys just as hot as Axel and Greg... my favorite being Maddox ♥ They all become close to Izzy and become family to her. But there is still a lot of tension, and a shit ton of miscommunication.

But really with these two- it’s inevidable...



I have finally come to the realization that I’m not ready to let her go. Not again. And if I’m being totally honest with myself, I haven’t ever gotten over the fact that she was and always will be ‘it’ for me.

Axel and Izzy have a tough road ahead of them. There are a lot of past issues they have to overcome, a lot of heart ache and unanswered questions. It takes a while for them to truly reconnect, but let me tell you- it’s worth the wait.



Just so you know ladies and you’re prepared... Axel will melt your panties right off. He is seriously yummy and sexy!

‘You really think that once I bury myself deep within your pussy and feel your tight walls squeezing the come right out of my dick, that I will ever want to let you go again? You must be out of your fucking mind, Princess. I won’t even be able to let you out of my fucking bed until we make up for every single day we have lost.’

Once Izzy and Axel are together, he will do anything to keep her safe, protect her. I just love him! And I love Izzy! The two of them together are AMAZING! Fate is finally kind to Izzy West.

‘Not one day went by Izzy that my heart didn’t belong to you. To this day there has only been one woman that has and will ever hold it. Fuck, baby but the love I have for you is so fucking strong sometimes I wonder if it will crush me.’

Such a beautiful story of first loves, second chances, and whats meant to be always finding a way. This book has that same element for me a KA book has- hot sexy alpha males, strong heroine, and being unable to put it down! Loved getting into Izzy and Axel’s background and everything between them. Not only were the two main characters awesome, there was a slue of supporting characters that just rocked.

Note to author: I hope you are a fast writer, because once readers get a taste of Axel, they are gonna want more! I am so excited for Greg’s book I can’t even stand it! When this book gets released, everyone needs to pick it up and read it! If I had just one thing to say to sum it all up:



*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance Erotica

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.

I swear every time I read, said or hear the name Axel this happens





Harper Sloan has wound up her bat and officially knocked her debut novel out of the park. I for one cannot wait to get MORE MORE MORE!

Young love

He is my dreams. He is my future. ~Izzy

12 years ago Isabelle West saId goodbye to her high school sweet heart, Axel,





See told ya!LOL! Isabelle aka Izzy has to say goodbye to HE who brings on the orgasm after he graduates high school and is off to the marines. Leaving seventeen year old Izzy behind to complete her last year in high school. Nevertheless, they had already made plans to build their life together but oh so soon Izzy learns that life can easily change as the plush comfy rug is pulled right from under her feet.
Just when she thinks her circumstances couldn’t get any worse it does.

Fighting to come out of the black hole that swallowed her is not easy; while away at college Isabelle meets two people who change her life.

Dee and Brandon

Dee somehow manages to pull Isabelle out of that black hole and brings her back to the land of the living.

Brandon is handsome, rich, successful and a few years older than she. Izzy starts falling for him and eventually she marries him only to discover that he is the devil in disguise. She endures hell for six years..

Hope Town
Dee is what best friends are made of if only we could bottle her up and pass her around for people to embody. Once she get’s the call she does not waste any time; she pulls Izzy out of hell and they set up shop in a new town with the assistance of a friend readers will all come to love, Greg.
Unfortunately Brandon decides to not give up and let Izzy go easily and that is when the story starts to really get interesting.

Enter Axel






And he is not alone he comes with three other muscle bound men who are just as panty melting *wiggles eyebrows* They all consider themselves brothers after becoming close with one another in the marines.
Wait. TIME OUT. Three words...Marines. Brothers. Sexy.



Ok, back to the review
Axel has been carrying around the anger and pain for the loss of his first love for over a decade. His brothers know all about it too because he has no qualms letting people know his feelings about Izzy.
When his anger at seeing her after all these years collides with her shock… Emotions reach an all time high of EPIC PROPORTIONS.

But do not get it twisted once the smoke clears he claims his female in true alpha male form! MINE.



Fave Scene VERY MINOR SPOILER

Axel. In the shower. A L O N E. *Grins*

Fave Panty melting lines

This isn’t the heavy fast sex we had earlier. This is pure love making. This is two souls that have been a drift for too long finally coming home to each other. This is healing. ~Izzy

“My girl wants my dick doesn’t she?” ~Axel

My Thoughts
This book was right up my alley an uber alpha male and a woman in need of his protection. Seriously what more can a girl ask for.. OH WAIT, I KNOW! MORE UBER ALPHA MALE HOTTIES! THAT’S WHAT! *Grinning* The testosterone oozed off the pages. Literally.





Harper Sloan kept me glued to my Kindle, I was totally sucked in from the first page! I immensely enjoyed her writing style! And I very much look forward to her work in the future!

-Special Thank you to the author, Harper Sloan, for sending me a copy!

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable, sexy and witty
Writing Style- My cup of tea
Plot/Storyline- Page turning burn your finger tips romance
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- Loved it! READ IT!!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...

*Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

4/4/13 Got my ARC!!! Starting this one tonight, once my 4th of July festivities conclude!

[Dd · Rating 3 out of 5]

All my fellow Axel lovers, before you all strangle me to death, I love Axel too.

And I agree with you all....Axel is hot.Axel is ecstatic.Axel is orgasmic.

I know, I know, all of your hands are still itching to strangle me.

But let me explain the reason behind the 3 stars.

I'll start from the beginning.

--------------------------------------------------------

The beginning was lovely.

I gave up pleading to the the heavens years ago.Ten years to be exact.The day he walked out of my life.The day the sun stopped shining and my world turned gray.The day that my dreams turned into nightmares.I miss my dreams, the sun, and I miss him.


Isabelle West (Izzy)-


Call me a masochist if you wish, but I am a total sucker for stories like this.Poignant, beautiful and full of heartbreak.


The book starts with a prologue with Izzy facing a living nightmare and somehow surviving the ordeal.

And then the story begins two years after that.Izzy is facing the demons from her past and trying to build a new life from the pieces she has left.A victim of an abusive marriage for years and years, she’s trying reinvent herself with her two best-friends, Greg and Dee, by her side.The brother and sister of her heart.

But even the years of her abusive marriage can’t hold a candle to the amount of pain and sheer grief she had to go through when she lost the love of her life at a very young age...Axel.


So as I was saying, a beautiful beginning as well as a beautiful premise.


A little more polish, like better dialogues, a little less cursing, a little less inner monologues of Izzy, and it would have been perfect.


So here I was, eagerly waiting for Axel to enter.At last my wait was over.Axel entered and the story suddenly spiralled downways!


((Minor spoilers ahead!!))


I put on my pants named 'PATIENCE'.

Misunderstandings.Miscommunications.Confusions....

Yup, still patient.

Axel running after Izzy.Izzy running away from him.Everyone being cryptic....

Trying to be patient.

Izzy running, avoiding Axel, not listening to anyone, fighting with Greg, doing stupid things....

Desperately trying to patient.

Izzy treating Greg like crap.

I lost my patience.


I was trying, so very hard, not to judge her.I mean who am I to judge her, when I do not even have an inkling about what she went through.So no, it wouldn't have been right on my part to judge her.

But Greg, he was always there for her, without asking anything in return.He handled her at her very worst, never once judging her.Always dragging her from the brink of destruction.Picking up the pieces of her life and putting them together.

And just once, when did something he had to, in order to stop her from self-destructing, what did she do??


"I'm dead to you, you hear me.I do not exist to you."


I did judge her then.She lost my respect.

She might have earned it back if she had apologised.But she didn't.


But I did not give up.I was this close, but I managed to hold on.And I'm glad I did.Because the best parts came after that!!


“She was mine.
She is mine.
She will always fucking be mine.”

-------------------------------------------------

“Hmm...can’t speak, huh baby? Just think how good it will feel when I bury my cock deep inside that warm pussy, when I fuck you so hard you will feel me for days. Going to make you drown in pleasure, fuck you so good, so fucking good.”

--------------------------------------------------

“Never again, Izzy West. I will never again let anyone take you from me, or anything from us.”

---------------------------------------------------

And then came the moment, when I helplessly fell in love with this man...Axel!!


"He's silent for a while.His body jerking slightly, giving away his silence.My big strong man is breaking."


Oh yes.How I love this man.


Now, came the climax.Well, I was disappointed.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the damsel-in-distress-saving-herself part.After all I'm a woman, and it depicts women power!!


But what I mean is, not just my Axel, the other hot boys in this story too...

They are lethal.They are dangerous.They exude the so called don't-mess-with-me vibe.


So tell me, is there any red-blooded female out there who does not want to watch them in action??? And not just in bed either.

I wanted to see them using those big guns, knives, all that ruthless power!

In fact there was no action at all.The climax was just too tame for me specially because of all these wild men who fired me up.



The ending though was very sweet!!


So overall 3 stars.


One last thing-

As a debut by Harper Sloan, this was a very promising read.I am pretty sure that she'll only get better with time.And I am very eager to see what she presents next.



That's all for now,Readers.

Ta-Ta!!


P.S. - Not much is required in the next book for me to love Greg.Because I love him already.

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Calling all badass Alpha male fans!!! You need to check this book out!!

It was a blend of all the elements I love in a book - protective Alphas, great character dynamics and a beautiful second chance at a once-in-a-lifetime love.

Over ten years ago, Axel walked out of Izzy's life and she never saw him again. But she'd never forgotten him or let go of her love. Heartbroken, she is now trapped in a love-less marriage to a vulgar, abusive, controlling husband. Her life is miserable and she craves freedom... but most of all she craves the love that she lost so many years ago.

"Cut off from those I loved and so terrified of his wrath; I wasn't going anywhere. Those were the years I prayed and prayed for Axel to find his way back to me… but I eventually had to face the facts… my hero was gone."

This book starts out with a prologue that, while gritty and horrifying, really sucks you right into the story.

"That was the same day I decided fate hated me. No, she didn't hate me… she loathed me. People say karma is a bitch but I have news for you, karma doesn't have anything on fate when she is after your blood. Not a single thing."

The story is told from alternating POVs through a mixture of present day and flashback scenes. The beginning is told from Izzy's perspective but once Axel returns to the scene, we get his POV as well.

Through the flashbacks, we learn that Izzy and Axel were childhood sweethearts. Inseparable and in love. But he had joined the military and was heading off to basic training and for the first time, they were facing separation. They planned to get through it and knew that they could but through a cruel twist of fate, their paths didn't cross when he returned and they spent the next decade apart. Him angry, her broken-hearted, neither of them knowing the whole story... and the saddest part was how close they came to being able to stay together.

"You promise to come back to me?" …
"Just try and keep me away."

Her friends eventually got her away from her husband's hellhole but he was still refusing a divorce so one of her best friends called in a specialist - an "ex-Marine, badass motherfucker" he worked with on occasion that he knew would be willing to help. Well... guess who that was? :D

Ohhh my gosh! The anticipation that build to them meeting again just gave me butterflies and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for "that moment" - you know the moment I'm talking about... *sigh* I just love second-chance romances!

"Seeing his face again is still a punch straight to the gut. It physically hurts to breathe. He looks so different than the boyish face I remember in my dreams, he is still Axel, but he looks harder."

But... it wasn't all hearts and rainbows. The real real reason they hadn't connected again after all these years was due to a huge misunderstanding. One that was big enough to keep him away that whole time and it was painful to watch. There was hurt and misunderstandings on both sides to work through but you just knew all the way through that they were just meant for each other.

Let's just all take a minute now to swoon over Axel. Just picture someone "tall dark and lickable". He was Alpha, badass, unapologetically protective, possessive, with a heart of gold and complete and total love for his girl. *dreamy sigh* I loved his no-bullshit, no-games attitude. He gave her space when she needed it but was not going to let her run. He made them face their problems and work through them and even for that alone, I loved him.

"You want fucking time, fine. One week, that is all I'm willing to give. Next Saturday, I don't care if I have to knock on every goddamn door in Georgia. I will find you and we will be having this talk. Got that?"

Well, shit.

That being said, there were a lot of miscommunications (and a slight bit of stupid) to work through in this and if I had to make one complaint, I'd say that the heroine was a little... weepy in the first half. I mean, her life seriously sucked and she'd been through a lot but still... it was something I noticed but it still didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. And I loved that when they finally got everything sorted, the swoooooooon and hotness that ensued had me simultaneously fanning myself and clutching my heart. It was HOT. Sweet. Explosive. Scorching. I loved that they talked through it though because by the end, you really felt like their issues had all been worked through.

"I won't let you go until we figure it out. Not happening. Do you feel it? Every single thing we ever felt for each other, it is still there Izzy and I won't let you push me away. We walked back into each other's lives for a reason... There isn't one goddamn thing that will tear us apart again. Lost too much time already, Princess. Too much time that I should have had you right here in my arms… Not one day went by Izzy that my heart didn't belong to you."

This book kind of reminded me of a Kristen Ashley book (especially the Rock Chick series). It had a very similar Alpha male/ uber badass protector vibe to it so fans of that series should definitely check this one out.

Plus, there was a whole group of hot guys here, all working for Axel's security team and ohhhhhh myyyyy were they ALL yummy. I want to know more about each and everyone! I hope they each get books! But at the top of my list are Greg (omg LOVE him and his whole protector vibe!) and Maddox (badass with a heart of gold and some serious demons) ... not to mention Beck (him and Dee have some serious issues to worth through!)... ok, clearly this is proving that I can't choose. Fingers crossed that they just all get books.

Seriously, for the good of womankind, someone needs to find these guys and clone and distribute them. I mean holyyyyyy *fans self*

It wasn't all badass fun though. Remember that Izzy's ex-husband was still out to get her and was a real piece of work so the ending was action packed and intense.

This series has me HOOKED!!! Totally hooked. I will be buying the next one the day it comes out.

Book #2 will be about Greg Cage. That man stole my heart in this book and seriously gave Axel a run for his money in the swoon department. As Izzy's best friend, his self-appointed role as her protector just turned my insides to mush.

"He was able to recognize my fear and instead of lashing out, he took it in and turned into my lifeline; my protector."

See what I mean??? Yeah... I need his book. Stat.

Axel made me fall in love with all the characters, laugh, tear up, and fan myself from all the hotness. Fans of badass Alpha males and second-chance romances should definitely check this out!

This is the first book in the Corps Security series. Each book will focus on a different character from the group though so this one has a happy ending and can be read as a standalone.

"Amor Vincit Omnia... Love Conquers all."

4.5 stars

My casting...





*************************



Fate hasn’t always been friends with Isabelle West. In fact, fate has been a down right bitch.

Isabelle has learned the hard way how hard life can be when fate isn’t by your side. It can hand you dreams on silver platters, but it can snatch them right back and hand you nightmares. One thing Isabelle knew for sure fate was consistent with was taking away everything she ever loved.

For the last two years Isabelle has been slowly clearing the clouds of her past. Happiness is finally on the horizon. She has a thriving business, great friends, and her life back. All she has to do is jump over the last hurdle…her ex-husband.

When problems start causing her to fear her new life, and memories that are better left forgotten start rushing to the surface the last thing she needs is a ghost from her past to come knocking on her door.

Axel never thought he would look into the eyes of Isabelle West again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. He’s carried his anger for so long he isn’t sure he can just turn it off, but when he is faced with protecting her and an unexpected desire to have her again, life gets a little more complicated.

How will Axel and Isabelle deal when all their cards are put on the table and everything they thought was true blows up in their faces?

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[• Lisa • · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE SECOND CHANCE STARS.

"Missed you ... So fucking much, princess."



Well, hello readers welcome to AXEL, a firm five star favourite. If you have not already clicked this up you are in for a huge treat, and if you have already read this you will understand my over exuberant love for all things Harper Sloan and her particularly gorgeous talent of writing. I thought I had my favourite authors all figured out, a nice tidy collection of writers that tick my boxes and deliver five star reads, then along comes 'AXEL' and I find myself not only adding to my favourite list of authors, but also discovering some new book husbands ... so with all that love shared in my intro, here are my 'Axel' thoughts, readers get yourself ready to fall head over heels with a debut novel ...

What's it all about?
Isabelle 'izzy' West has been running from her own life for years, a victim of a cruel and abusive relationship, izzy never thought she would find true happiness again. Losing the love of her life at a young age, 'Axel' Reid was her all, her soul mate, the one true love of her existence. Crossed wires and missed love coupled with cruel fate, dealt these sweethearts a twisted life apart, but with a coincidental turn of luck after years of separation we are thrown into a world of pain, heartache and reconciliation and the hope for a second chance at true love.



Meet the characters ...
Axel is everything you would want from a five star hero, a man who is not defined by his hurtful past, but determined to make himself successful in all that he does. We see different sides to this loveable alpha, overprotective and dominant but sweet and sensitive also. There's nothing not to love about Axel he charmed his way into my book heart and nothing makes me happier than a man who takes charge and loves his woman. Axel Reid is an out and out loveable rogue ...

Izzy West, has had her fair share of heartache and pain, but as a reader I could empathise with her actions and insecurities, drama follows this beauty wherever she finds herself, but strength of character coupled with determined, faithful friends, and the hope of connecting with her soul mate we finally see izzy find her peace.



What I loved ...
Nothing gets the Lisa book butterflies going than a second chance love story, especially one that is written as well as 'Axel'. Harper Sloan has an extraordinary talent for creating hot book totty, I don't think I've ever read a book with so many potential men to fall in book love with. This book delivers hot and heartbreaking, in one gorgeously wrapped up book, it has plenty of heart and soul and the author is more than generous enough to provide a whole host of yummy characters for us all to share. The storyline is sexy without it being over board and soul searching without the heaviness. There's nothing not to love.

Final thoughts ...
Ok readers here it is, you can't possibly miss out on this book if you love the following: fabulous characters, a second chance love story, hotter than hot bedroom action, a great story line, witty females, overprotective alpha Males, heart warming, toe curling one liners and much more. All in all Harper Sloan has given the book world a gorgeous story that deserves your time and pennies, I'm a firm fan. Finally I think it goes without saying that I'm a desperate, British, overly addicted book reader, impatiently waiting for book two ... Bring it on I'm ready for you Cage ...

[Harper Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it so of course I love it! ;)

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well well well, Harper Sloan...... You've got yourself a debut novel. Nicely done!





The gist of this book is all about second chances with love. Izzy and Holt "Axel" Reid had young love....the kind that stays with you even when time and circumstances pull you apart physically but never emotionally. Axel, the kid with a rough life, going from foster home to foster home meets Iz in their teens and she's like a light in his darkness. When he enlists in the Marines, he promises to return to her as soon as he can. Tragedy strikes for Izzy whole he's gone and unreachable, forcing her to move out of state. But she's left forwarding information with his foster mom....he's sure to get it. Right?

My Axel-


My Izzy-


When Axel returns from basic training to find Iz gone, apparently moved to North Carolina, he has no idea how to get ahold of her. He asks around, but nobody has her address. Even his wicked foster parents have no answers for him. He's got to find her. He searches and eventually he finds her but by then she's moved on. She never needs to know he searched her out. She's obviously moved the fuck on without him.....

Over the years, life has not been overall good for Izzy. Axel never comes to her rescue, so she moves on, starts a career, meets another man. This man becomes her husband but he's not the man she fell in love with so many years ago. In fact, he's a uber controlling abuser. She needs to break free of him before he kills her.

Little did she know, she would see Axel again and not under the best circumstances. Axel is now the owner of Corps Security. Her best friend's buddy Greg works with Axel...ex Marine buddy and all. Izzy needs help......to protect her from that monster of an ex.



Ah, the story of first loves. We've all experienced it. Even when life moves forward, you always have that special part of your heart for that person. Most of us don't get a chance twice to have that...but these two do. I'm not going to give away anymore of the story. It has to be experienced. The plot is well thought out and I honestly read the entire book until the wee hours of the night. That's rare for me. There's a fair amount of angst, mystery, suspense and heat. When these two find each other again, the chemistry is palpable and sparks fly! Axel has lost Izzy once, he will NOT lose the love of his life again. He'll do anything to protect her. He still loves her...never stopped.







One of the more humorous quotes (when they first reunite and "only sleep" together....



Bravo Harper Sloan! You've got yourself a series! She sets us up for more books with fellow holy- hotness security agents Greg, Maddox, Locke, Coop, and Beck.



Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking Awesome! Perfection!

IT'S LIVE ON SMASHWORDS!
http://www.smashwords.com/books/searc...

Hell bells this book was breathtaking!! Harper Sloan, with one book you have moved yourself right up to the top of my favorite author list!! This story had every single thing I want in a book. It was perfect.. just perfect!! Axel had me all hot and tingly though out the majority of this story.. I want my very own Axel!!



This story was about a love that was so deep that neither time, distance, or misunderstandings could cause it to die out.....

Izzy and Axel got separated after he went off to serve his country..they were desperately in love and Izzy swore she would wait for him. He had her heart after all and she wouldn't be the same until he came back home to her..


Deception from an outside source and a misunderstanding separates them..... Izzy's life is tragic.... she goes though nearly unbearable loss and years of taking the shit life keeps handing her over and over and over.. until she cannot take it anymore. Her and her bf hit the road and she's off to get her life back. She's still broken..but she know's there is more out there for her somehow some way..

Izzy was not the only one with loss... Axel lost the love of his life and it changed him forever. He became a hard man but it served him well in his line of work...



As fate would have it.. Axel and Izzy are brought together again.. needless to say, the chemistry that was there before is still there.. but even hotter now. Misunderstandings and miscommunication caused their original separation but nothing can keep them apart now...




Except maybe a psycho ex hell bent on revenge on Izzy....but Axel is not about to let anything harm Izzy.. he'll move heaven and earth and whatever else comes along the way to protect her..


The story of Axel and Izzy was so hot and so intense. I truly loved every single minute of this story. I believed what they felt for each other and at times I felt like I was right in the story with them. Axel is my favorite type of hero.. strong, commanding, sexy, possessive.. would do anything in the world for the woman he loves. And although Izzy is emotionally broken, she knows she needs Axel to help heal her soul and put her back together. There has never truly been anyone else for her. The belong together and they both know it.

This really was an amazing story and I'm not lying when I say as soon as I read the last page my heart felt heavy that it was over.. I want more Axel and Izzy !!! This is definitely a must read and for me its a definite must read. Harper Sloan knows how to suck you in and not let go... This lady is moving to the top fast and I'm so thrilled that me and her other goodreads friends get to watch her soar!

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Love Conquers All stars

*Spoilers*



Now that is what I am talking about!!!!!!! Wow I loved this book!

Axel is the first book in the Corps Security series, and Man did this series start with a bang! This book grabbed me from the beginning, and kept me hanging on every word til the very end!

Isabelle West has had a Hard life, and it all started the day she watched the love of her life Axel, get on a bus heading out to basic training for the Marines! From then on it has been one thing after another. She loses everything she ever loved! Feeling all alone and vulnerable she meets and marries a man who turns out to be a abusive and controlling monster. She finally gets away from him after he almost beats her to death, and she is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and move on. The only problem is her husband has no plans of letting her go! Her friend Greg, who owns Corps Security with a bunch of his ex Marine buddies tells her he is going to put his good friend name Reid on her case because he is the best. When she meets Reid for the first time her whole world comes crashing down around her feet when Reid turns out to be her long lost love Axel who she believed dead!



Axel:


“Serious as shit right now, Izzy. You keep looking at me like I’m the last drop of water left after a long-ass drought and I will take you right here in the doorway. Jesus Christ, I’m so fucking hard right now, I think I really could hammer nails,”



“Baby, it is fucking hilarious. You really think that once I bury myself deep within your pussy and feel your tight walls squeezing the come right out of my dick, that I will ever want to let you go again? You must be out of your fucking mind, Princess. I won’t even be able to let you out of my fucking bed until we make up for every single day we have lost.”


Izzy:


“Please Axel, I need you inside of me.”



When you are with me I am free.
My strength. My heart. My everything.
Our love now continues forever.

"Amor Vincit Omnia"
"Love Conquers All"


“I still love him. This man that I have thought was forever lost to me. If I am completely honest with myself, I never stopped loving him. But, all this knowledge shouldn't scare me. The teenage love we shared over a decade ago has grown with such a power that it will kill me if I lose it again.”


OMG Axel and Izzy are second chance love at it's best. Izzy was such a survivor, Fighting hard to be happy you could not help, but love and root for her. Axel Hell fire, was he sexy..... OMG I want me some Axel yum! And the things that came out of his mouth





“Can’t wait baby, I’m going to rip those tight ass pants from your body and bury my face between your creamy thighs. I want to feel that sweet cunt around my tongue. Going to make you scream Princess, and then when you can’t take it anymore,” he pushes his denim covered hips hard into mine, his thick erection rubbing my clit in the most delicious way, “then I’m going to lick my way up this sweet fucking body and finally I’m going make you mine.” He rolls his hips and I gasp, so close.



Together they were so damn sweet, and smoking hott! I loved all the boys from Corps Security, but then again I have always had a hard on for military men!!!
The story was great and I couldn't put it down. This is the first time reading Harper Sloan and I am now a fan for life! What a beautiful and emotional ride and I can't wait to read the rest of this series!!!!!!





http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars.....holy sweet Alpha extreme. Mama LIKEYYYYYYY !!!

This book was amazing!!! It gripped me from page one. Taking my tender heart by storm and then......ya know...captured my girlie parts to holy hot as fuck man in uniform heaven. I'm still swooooooning !!!

I haven't always been this weak person; this broken woman. I used to dream, and when I did, I dreamt big. I had plans, plans of a future so bright it would blind you.

Twelve years ago young loves Axel and Izzy had a tearful goodbye. Axel was leaving for the Marines and leaving behind 17 year old Izzy to finish off her last year of high school.

"What are you thinking about, Princess?"
"God, Ax, just about how much I'm going to miss you; you promise to come back to me?"
"Just try and keep me away."

my Axel


Then Fate started playing some cruel tricks on her. She lost the love of her life, her family, and then she finds herself in a loveless marriage to an abusive monster. I was ready to sucker punch Fate for her. Luckily I always believe that good always prevails over evil. With the help of her friends Dee and Greg.....they have a plan to protect Izzy who is going through a divorce from hell....and there's no other way to serve "Every dog has its day".....than military style ! As in call in some reinforcements......enter the Calvary....



What an amazing concept......obliterate our ovaries all at once then times that assault by 5 yummilicious Alpha men....that have a story of their own! Don't try choosing a team just yet....and don't be greedy...there's gonna be plenty of swooning to be done by the time this series is complete. In the meantime....buy a walk-in freezer !!!! my reproductive organs say : THANK YOU LIZ !!!! ❤❤❤❤

So Axel and Izzy's worlds collide again and after some really beautiful moments, weak-in-the-knees, heart-in-the-throat moments....they communicate...they reconnect.....

****And this is just about where all your girlie parts will erupt into molten lava ooooozing and catapulting to the sky ....It was real. It was intense. It was hot. It was fucking hot!!!!

It was holy epic make-up-for-over-a-decade-of dreaming-of-you-every-night I need to fuck your brains out. And I've been around the block so I KNOW these things !!! I'm an EXPERT !!!



This story was beautiful!! I read this in one sitting because I could not put it down. This book was a such a beautiful story of first young love, a second chance at love, and never letting that love go. Even though Fate can be a bitch...Never give up



Axel was absolutely perfect....getting his point of view was amazing...getting into his head is right about up there with....( * use imagination here * )......his thoughts were spot on my Anna Alpha Radar......

Smile on my face, rock hard dick in my pants, and some peace in my heart, I feel like I can take on the world and win.

"Not one day went by Izzy that my heart didn't belong to you. To this day there has only been one woman that has and will ever hold it. Fuck, baby but the love I have for you is so fucking strong sometimes, I wonder if it will crush me."

She was mine.
She is mine.
She will always be fucking mine.



Axel and Izzy.....It's fucking beautiful.

I AM HAPPY.
I AM LOVED.
I HAVE OVERCOME.

Gorgeous debut novel Liz !!! I can't wait for Cage !! Standing ovation and a huge round of applause. YOU ROCKED THIS !! ❤❤❤❤❤

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 STARS

What a wonderful story!!A story about lost love and found...


Izzy and Axel met in high school and were that perfect couple that you knew was going to take on the world together.They were inseparable..


Until Axel decides to join the Marines and make something of his life. He has lived in foster care up until this point and hasn't had the best home life...
Things weren't good for Izzy..
First Axel is shipped off to the military,then her parents die,she loses a baby she didn't know she wanted until it was too late...



She finally gives in to what she hoped to be love again,only to find herself in one of the most horrific situations imaginable..
Abused and alone,Izzy doesn't see a way out.That is until it's almost too late. .



Two years later,Izzy is still struggling to get through every day without fear of having to look over her shoulder.
Her best friend Dee and Greg are there to help her though it all though,and to make her feel as safe as they can.With Ex-Military Greg by her side,she feels she can finally be happy again...


On her 30th birthday Izzy's friends convince her to take her out celebrating her birthday..But this birthday changed her life completely..

She never thought she would look in those green eyes again..



Axel never thought he would see her again. After being in the Marines for years, convincing himself she left him without a glance back, breaking up all their ties, anger boiled for years deep inside of him. But when he saw her...everything changed..

“Never again, Izzy West. I will never again let anyone take you from me, or anything from us.”

“She was mine.

She is mine.

She will always fucking be mine.”

I really liked the interactions between Izzy and Axel. They had drama, altercations, humour and full of passion.



This story was great! I really loved it!!!
I can't wait to read Cage!!


For more reviews check our blog :)

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[Akanksha❤ Søren♰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amor Vincit Omnia
~
W.O.W

Brilliant debut novel by Harper Sloan.
I seriously fell hard for this book, like my knee is aching by the looks of how hard I fell ;) LOL

How was this book?

OUTSTANDING!


Good lord, Alex and Izzy...



This book had a brillant story, like 2 days after finishing it, All I can think about is this story! I'm in a very happy place ;D Got a nice bookbuzz going :P



Alex was HOT!! Like 'please let me lick your face' type hot!

I loved this book, Like seriously loved it too bloody much. It was so sweet and how everything works out for them. Its like True Love Prevails All types. The book has a perfect HEA; and everyone knows how big of a sucker I am for those.

This novel has an amazing story line, with brilliant side characters and BFFs and A HELL OF A FREAKIN' LOT OF STEAM. *fans herself*

Cannot wait for each of the character's to get their books. Will totally keep a look out for all of Harper's novels :D

A little about the story...
We meet Izzy who believes fate hates her a bit too much.. I felt so too starting the book..

Fate might hate me, but that doesn’t stop me from hoping one day she forgets about her favorite chew toy.

I loved Greg and Dee! Best of the BFFs one could wish for..

This book has some hilarious one lines, along with some pretty intense and amazing one liners too ;)

Just think how good it will feel when I bury my cock deep inside that warm pussy, when I fuck you so hard you will feel me for days. Going to make you drown in pleasure.

~

‘me Tarzan, taking Jane to tree house where she won’t wear clothes and we will play bedroom aerobics for the rest of the days’

The writing and dialogue delivery need a little working on it, but to hell with it because the story line with the plot and the perfect pace make up for it. :D

**ARC provided by the Author for an honest review. :)**

[Dilek VT · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG, I keep finding all those books that piss the hell out of me.



Here is what happens:

Axel & Izzy were teenage lovers. Axel joins the Marines and promises to come back to her but when he comes, she is not there. He tries to find her so hard even when he goes back to his rope (how hard could it be?) but he cannot find her trace until after 4 years when he finds that she is married. He gets angry thinking she couldn’t wait for him.

On the other hand, Izzy’s parents died 2 weeks after Axel joined the Marines. Then, her grandparents took her somewhere north for her to live with them. Izzy stupidly left all her contact information with Axel’s foster parents who HATED her! Then, when she had to tell that she was pregnant, she contacted the foster parents again. She sent all her letters to them instead of the address of Axel in the Marines that she already knew. They never helped her or they never gave her letters to him. The foster parents also hated Axel by this time because he made a complaint about them, saying they were no good foster parents and they lost the money that would come from all future fostering. That’s why, when she contacted them again, Izzy was told that Axel was dead.

Well, 12 years pass and both think different things about their separation.

Izzy marries a guy who beats her and abuses her. Then, her friends save her after the last time when she was hospitalized. She starts a new life in a new town, where she accidentally meets Axel. This happens on page 56.

What do you think happens then?
Some shock, some heated argument and then, some big revelations, right?

But no, she gets into a shock and refuses to talk to him.
Days pass, weeks pass, even months pass and they don't talk about the past. When they talk, it is about her husband and how they can make him sign the divorce papers etc.

They have mutual friends that have already solved the puzzle between them but none of them helps to correct the misunderstanding. They all parrot each other saying, “Oh it is not my story to tell, you two should talk”.

I waited and waited but THEY DID NOT TALK ABOUT IT TILL PAGE 186!



Are you f*cking kidding me?

They even have sex and discover how much they still feel for each other before they do THE TALK!

Who would wait for so long without answers?
Why avoid the conversation of the past?
Why wouldn’t you want to learn what really happened?



Grr! Complete idiots. And I am another idiot for continuing to read it so far.

I am out now, I cannot stand this any more…

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Missed you… so fucking much, Princess.”

Sometimes, dreams don’t let you down because that is the only thing I have been waiting to hear since the day he left me forever.   In my dreams, all my problems melt away, because I am safe. Safe and back in Axel’s arms.


Ok...I just want to get one damn thing straight here. This was a debut novel? Seriously? SERIOUSLY?!!!

Harper Sloan, woman, you rock! Keep on doin' what you're doin', because fuckin' A, but you do it so well!

But as is my usual, I digress...

Isabelle learned a long time ago that fate is not on her side. Once she knew true happiness in the arms of the only man that she has ever loved, her high school sweetheart. Unfortunately things didn't work out the way that she dreamed, and one fateful night everything changed and she lost everything.


For the last two years, she has been trying to come out of the haze that has been her life for the past 10 years. Coming out of an abusive relationship, she is trying to find the woman that she once was, as opposed to the shell of one she became during her marriage. Unfortunately, even though she left her husband, he is not so willing to let go of what he considers to be his.

Isabelle does have many great things in her life now. She has two amazing friends, a great business, and is slowly getting her life back. I loved her best friend, Dee. She was so quirky, and loyal. I cannot wait for her book. Greg was a fantastic character as well. The relationship between the 3 of them was touching at times, hilarious at others.

When her birthday comes around, she is determined to leave behind the painful memories it brings with it in a haze of alcohol. But fate won't let her go so easy, and she comes face to face with her past, Axel.


Isabelle is a very broken character. When you take into consideration her past, her actions and thoughts make a lot of sense. I wouldn't expect for a woman that has been through what she has been through, to be anything other than what she was; emotional, evasive of certain confrontations, down on herself, and pessimistic most times.

Axel has his own idea of what he thinks happened all those years ago, and to say that he is less than thrilled to see the only woman that he has ever loved, would be an understatement.

It becomes evident that there are too many things that are left unsaid between Isabelle and Axel. Both have their own misconception of what happened. But while Axel is ready to face it head one, Isabelle is not as ready and willing to do that. It did get frustrating to read at times. I mean c'mon


It took a while for Axel and Isabelle to come to a place of understanding. One thing was for sure, however, the chemistry between them never died.


Now Axel,

GAWD, even his name makes me hot. Axel was a delicious combination of sweet, possessive, dirty talking sexiness. When it came to the steam factor, well let's just say he delivers

But he also had an incredibly sweet side

"You might not have been by my side physically but I couldn’t deny you were there mentally. Every day I was gone, it was the memory of you that pushed me and even when I thought I had lost you for good and through that anger…”
He trails off and I look up into his eyes.
“Even through the anger of losing you— I still knew you were my angel. My light.”

Did I already mention the steam?

“Can’t wait baby, I’m going to rip those tight ass pants from your body and bury my face between your creamy thighs.   I want to feel that sweet cunt around my tongue.   Going to make you scream Princess, and then when you can’t take it anymore,” he pushes his denim covered hips hard into mine, his thick erection rubbing my clit in the most delicious way, “then I’m going to lick my way up this sweet fucking body and finally I’m going make you mine.”
He rolls his hips and I gasp, so close.
“Oh God”

The book put me on an emotional roller coaster. I spent parts of it going

and parts going

But I mean, really now, the steam factor of this book...let's be honest here

Wel..if I had a cock, I'd definitely have one. So let's go with major lady boner here :)

I loved the story of Axel and Izzy. It was heartbreaking, emotional, steamy, beautiful and heart-wrenching.

I just want to be yours.   That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” I answer, reaching over and linking our hands. “Princess you have always been mine. Always.

“Not one day went by Izzy that my heart didn’t belong to you.   To this day there has only been one woman that has and will ever hold it.   Fuck, baby but the love I have for you is so fucking strong sometimes, I wonder if it will crush me.”

It was a perfect combination of erotic and a great plot. The steamy scenes certainly added to the appeal. But what kept me turning the pages and glued to my kindle, was the story.

4.5 incredibly emotional and erotic stars

For more reviews visit: Dirty Girl Romance Book Blog

[Alp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning : Sugar overload!

Sweet. Angsty. Melodramatic.
Well, this was an OK read, neither good nor bad. Apart from the fact that the cover of this book caught my eye, I knew nothing about it. I went into the story with almost no expectations, and came out of it with enough impressions.


What worked for me :

1. Axel. He's amazing, OTT alpha man! I'm a sucker for possessive heroes, so how can I say no to him?
2. The Corps Security guys. They're all particularly swoon-worthy.
3. The plot, a very same old plot. In fact, there wasn't much of a story at all, but for some reason, it hit just the right note with me.


What didn't work for me :

1. The story was overly long. Some parts were slightly aimless that I had to superficially skim over them.
2. The female characters in this book. Both Izzy and Dee (but mostly Izzy) annoyed me to no end. (That's why I always try to avoid reading NA romance.)
3. Too much repetition of Izzy's internal monologues which made me want to pull my hair out from boredom.

Although this book didn't wow me, I enjoyed reading it for the most part. If you’re a big fan of angst and romance, then this one is for you.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

♫Listened to the audio for a re-read 12/4/2017♫

This book was absolutely perfect! By the first chapter i fell madly in love with it, and by the end i knew for certain that this author is going to have a kick ass career. This is Harper Sloan's debut novel yet it was the very best book that I have read in awhile. All I can say is wow, I see myself re-reading this many times in the future.

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The big "secret reveal" (the main conflict catalyst of the story) dragged on so long I kind of lost interest. I don't like stories where the main conflict is based on basic lack of communication and the old "he thinks she did/said this or that and she thinks the same and they are both wrong" trick.

[Kelena · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I was standing on the tips of my toes, stretching up as tall as I could and meeting his waiting lips in a sweet kiss. I had bought a new soft yellow sundress to wear that day and it was hanging beautifully from my youthful body."

If you want your mind to be blown away and your emotions being turned inside-out and upside-down than Harper Slaon debut is the only way to experience such Roller-Coaster Ride!
this brand new author in fiction world just gave us something that'll leave it's marks on our very souls for the eternity!

Axel is the story of second chances, to live the life once again the way you wanted, to dream about the future you desired but never had a chance to live it.
Heartbreaks, Tears, Farewells, Smiles, Hopes, Passion, Love, Fear, and...... Oh God it's hard to find enough words because this book is a full package of every single emotions one heart can experience in his/her life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Axel

Bad-Ass, Dirty Talking,Sexy as Hell plus Sex On Stick Alpha Male!
and God I Love Him because of all these hardcore qualities.

Holt "Axel" Reid has a rough life, he's been moved from foster home to foster home when he first met Izzy in their teen years. Izzy happens to be his light, his anchor in darkness.

Isabelle

It seems like fucked up fate get it self permanent resident in Izzy's life. One moment she was living a life everyone can dream of and the next thing she knows.... it just slipped from her hands like it wasn't even there...

When Axel enlists for Marines he promised Izzy that he'll be in touch and well try to get back as soon as possible but little did he knows.... Izzy's life changed in a blink of an eye when he left the town. Tragedy strikes hard like it never had before , she was forced to move out of state but before leaving she made sure to left information about her to Axel's foster mom with hope that he'll get it when he's back.

Times passes and life never changed for Izzy, she`d waited and waited for Axel with hopes that he'll come and rescue her from the horror of life she's forced to live. So, she moved on in her life and meets another man and married him.

It's been two years since her life has completely changed, since that awful day when she`d lost everything... now she's on the road for New Life, New Beginning, New Friends, and she finally get the Happiness she's been long awaiting for.

Axel is back, looking forward to catch up with Izzy but she wasn't there anymore and he can't find her. Guess his foster parents made sure that he won't hold on the information Izzy had left for him. He asked around, trying to figure out what had happened but each-time he met a dead end with no clue about Izzy. Doubt started rooting them self in his mind for the possible betrayal.....
But he got to find her... scratch that! HE MUST FIND HER because he wants answers.

Never in her life Izzy had seen that coming that the man she'd fall for years ago and waited for like ages will walk back into her life when she's fighting with the Ghost of her past.

Axel is so freaking pissed , make that PISSED AS HELL because he'd lost all hopes that he'll ever see Izzy again in his life. But now she's right there, in his life once again. He wants the fucking answers and didn't know what to do or what to think.

Izzy needs his help and he wants to protect her. All anger and anguish went flying out of window the moment he realized that she need protection from the life threatening monster. And he's hell bend to never let her disappear again, he'd lost her once and he's not going to let that happen again.

And with Izzy back in my arms, pressed tight with no gap between our bodies, I finally find sleep.


The chemistry sparks between them like fire crackers and Axel is not only protecting her but he was falling for her again. Izzy wasn't immortal from all these feelings because no matter what her circumstances are she falling for him too.

"Oh princess, I can't think of anything that we should be doing more. You feel that? You feel how fucking hard I am for you? I can feel your warm cunt hugging my dick. Even through my goddamn pants you are on fire for me."


This is the story of first love, long awaiting desire to be alive once again, to be living the dream once again when two souls who were meant to be together units, when it's hard to believe that there's is such thing as falling for the same person all over again you`d already fell years ago can happen, like there's a possibility of a second chance.

"I love you, Princess. Loved you since the first day I saw you. Scared and brave. An angel in my darkness." His thrusting falters for a moment before he picks up speed and my moans turn into hoarse cries; his eyes never leaving my own. "I will love you...love you forever."


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ms Slone wrote a Kickass book. She'll left you wonder that if this book is her debut flick , it's like she's been writing hardcore stories like form ages.
You'll be left gasping and running for cold showers. This book is Full Fledged Package of Sex On Stick Alpha Beast with the flavor of the Chick who's Hard, Strong and Stubborn to fight every obstacle life can throw in her way.

And........... hotness didn't end yet guys! you get to meet security agents Greg, Maddox, Locke, Coop, and Beck badass, sexy alpha beasts *More Corps Security books*


Harper Sloan you rocked and ruined my WORLD!!!!! I`m so hooked with Corps Security

I`m in heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I`m scoring this book Dozens of Yummy Double Chocolate Cupcakes

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Hey, today I think I will be weak, broken and completely fucked up!”

Okay, okay… no, that’s not really what she says. It goes more like this… “Like I said, I haven’t always been this weak woman. I don’t think anyone wakes up and says “Hey, today I think I will be weak, broken and completely fucked up!” BUT geezus, it sure felt like just the last part! I won’t go into the plot too too much, but here it goes…

Izzy has been in an abusive marriage for years when one final gruesome incident urges her to get the hell away from her psycho husband. She has been separated and is trying to move on with her life with the help of her two best friends, Dee and Greg (who I absolutely LOVE).

They are my family now; family I sometimes want to hurt, but family none the less. It is hard sometimes, to deal with all my fuckedupness. I know it isn’t easy for them. When I have a setback, they both have to deal with it right alongside of me. I go and crawl into myself; Dee goes into worried mother mode, and Greg goes into his protective grizzly alpha persona.

When Axel, her first (and really only) love comes into town after twelve years apart, it sends Izzy into a complete tailspin. There are MASSIVE amounts of unresolved issues, animosity, and tension between these two. The last time Izzy saw Axel he was leaving for the marines and planned to come back and marry her, but then she never heard from him again. She thought he was dead and he thought she moved on without him and was living happily ever after with her new husband.

This book completely HAD ME immediately. 100%, no question, all in. Hook, line, and sinker, what a prologue! I absolutely adored being introduced to her friends and instantly loved her relationship with her hunky alpha male best friend, Greg Cage. My anticipation was building and building to meet ‘The’ Axel… then I did. And yes, he’s swoon-worthy. Very much so, in an alpha (kinda caveman sort of way), but hey I was diggin’ it.

Then Izzy happened. I get this girl has been through A LOT. Like A LOT, A LOT. Like, probably too much for one book, A LOT. *major spoiler* There is just sooooo much going on in this book! First love, marines, moving away, foster care, domestic abuse, parents dying, miscarriage, being separated, miscommunication, husband stalking, pregnancy)... too much. I’m all for broken, imperfect people, growing, healing, all that. BUT, her reactions and thought process just made me mad. I felt like she acted like a brat sometimes and even took her friends (mainly Greg) for granted. And the crying... ugh! Just, ugh! I just don’t understand how she doesn’t realize (until it is completely spelled out for her) that there has been some sort of miscommunication or reason for why her and Axel never worked out. How do you not realize a miscommunication has happened?! Why aren't you getting that something happened that you need to TALK about to figure out?! How does it not seem suspicious or like things aren’t adding up?! It just seemed so painfully obvious and like common sense to me.

There were parts that I really liked, like I said – the prologue. But also some around the middle and the last 20-ish % really brought it for me. There were some majorly sweet moments and I did end up loving Axel. He was all alpha, dominant man, but he was honest and his emotions seemed the most real to me.

Even when I’m not in her presence, I know she is there, just within reach and I have finally come to the realization that I’m not ready to let her go. Not again. And if I’m being totally honest with myself, I haven’t ever gotten over the fact that she was and always will be ‘it’ for me.

Overall, this book was just too up and down. The pacing seemed off and the writing wasn’t always super smooth and it ended up being very predictable. I enjoyed some of it, hated some of it, and lots of it drove me nuts. I will definitely be reading the next one in the series since it’s Greg’s book. Fingers crossed his love interest doesn’t drive me bonkers like Izzy did.

2 1/2 stars.

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 So Much Love Stars

Amor Vincit Omnia



Two young people in love. When fate tears them cruelly apart and beat them down in the process, will they manage to find their way back to each other? Become once again a beacon of light in the darkness of their existence? Find each other and untangle a web lies, meant to keep them apart. Fate and karma are cruel bitches and you have to fight tooth and nail for what you want, for what is owned to you. Happily ever after is ours to claim, if only we reach and grasp it with both hands and refuse to let it go.



Isabelle “Izzy” West had it all for a little while. In a cruel twist, she lost it and was left alone to make the most of a meaningless existence. A tragedy, losses, an abusive marriage have clipped her wings and bruised her spirit. She is the shadow of the girl that once kissed her one true love goodbye, wearing a yellow sundress. She now simply exists, broken and scared. Her only consolation; memories of a lifetime ago when she had everything. But more often than not they turn into nightmares. How will she handle the truth of what really happened 12 years ago? Will a more sinister threat manage to destroy her fragile happiness? Will fate reward her finally for all the years of pain and loss?

People say karma is a bitch but I have news for you, karma doesn’t have anything on fate when she is after blood. Not a single thing.



Holt “Axel” Reid, stopped looking for the girl that lost years ago. He long ago accepted that she left him, simply not caring what became of him. Bitter he lives on. No longer in the Marines, he now runs a Security Firm and he is the best in what he does. When his new assignment turns out to be the girl he can’t forget, will he try for a second chance? Or he will allow her to slip once again through his fingers?



Emotional, passionate, raw and sexy, an exciting debut by Harper Sloan, this book takes the good, old first love- lost – second chance, plot and runs with it. It could easily turn out flat, but the author displays enough talent to draw characters larger than life, that you can’t help sympathize with. From the punch in the gut prologue to the soul singing finale, you feel along with Axel and Izzy as they fight to reclaim what is rightful theirs. Izzy, a bright sassy star, brave beyond words and so vulnerable and Axel, determined and protective the perfect match to her fire.



An amazing cast of secondary characters that stand out bright, not blending in the background, hot, earthy, Dirty-minded and mouthed Marines, just the way I like ‘em… OMG, I can’t wait for their own stories.

Even their names are hot. Beck, Zeke, Maddox and Reid





Bravo for a job well done! I am ready for the next…. Greg? Maddox? I can’t wait!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is two souls that have been adrift for loo long finally coming home to each other. This is healing.

This book made me FEEL.

I felt angry, sad, frustrated, happy, ecstatic, ….I was completely addicted.

This was me during this book:

I was like:



Then I was like:



Then I was like:



Then I was like:



Then I was like:




This book was so intense. I felt the pull between Izzy and Axel get stronger and stronger as I was reading. It was such a build-up of emotion. I love Izzy’s voice. It’s real. It’s raw. She’s been through hell….God, I hate abuse. She’s been through so much, she so needs therapy. I loved that we got the POV of Axel.

**Note to Ms. Sloan** – Bravo. This was a ridiculous debut novel. The only thing I want from you now is MORE of this thing that you’ve goin’ on, girl!!!! I want more of that ridiculously amazing dialogue that reminds me of the dialogue from authors like Kristen Ashley and Madeline Sheehan (Yep, I said it). And of course, I want more of those HOT, STEAMY SEX SCENES!! Holy Schnikies, Batman!

I’m going to end on a serious note (I know, this review is a lot of back-and-forth, but that’s exactly how I felt while reading this book, so suck it!).

The words to this song (from Rent) reminded of Izzy and Axel, so I had to include them!

There's only us
There's only this
Forget regret-- or life is yours to miss.
No other road
No other way
No day but today

[✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those gorgeous ex marines, this book gave me a pleasure of







Axel, ooh my, he is not only alpha male but he is so delish and lush! Guaranteed, you will be hooked! I had a hard time focusing!!



"People say karma is a bitch but I have news for you, karma doesn't have anything on fate when she is after blood. Not a single thing"

Our girl, Izzy gave her heart away when her gorgeous bf, Axel left for Marines. She is heartbroken, lost, empty and marries an arsehole, Brandon. Despite that, Axel is in her heart!

" A heart that never returns to me"



Things just gets worse for her and she finally has the courage to leave Brandon, and stays a new life with her mate Dee and Greg. BAM N Brandon comes in picture!

Fate can cruel but at the same time, fate is fate! Izzy and Axel meet again!!! *fans myself* N EVERYTHING GETS HOTTER!!!!

I feel Axel and Izzy's pain.... and am so glad that they made it and found each other again. They have a beautiful journey!

Axel is so cute and adorable, love the way he controls the situation and takes care of his girl!

"If you call me Holt one more fucking time I'm bending you over my kneels, yeah? I am not Holt to you, and you damn well fucking know it"

"She was mine. She is mine. She will always fucking be mine"



"Don't piss me off, take the clothes; go get fucking cleaned up and sleep"

"Shut up, Izzy, I'm trying to enjoy this"

"Izzy, get your shit packed up. I'll be back around lunch to pick you up. The fucking sleepover party bullshit is over now. You're coming home with me, got it?"



He smirks
I blush
He winks
I lick my lips
His smile is instantly wiped from his face and a long and low groan fills the silence between us.
I smirk
And just like that, he's on me



"Yeah, princess. Get over here and Coop? Get your fucking hands off my woman" *OMG!! *swoons*



A story of pain, heartbreak, love, second chance, happiness, with yummy alpha-males. A fab read!!!

My Axel



My Izzy

[Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****5 Stars*****



“I won’t let you go until we figure it out. Not happening. Do you feel it? Every single thing we ever felt for each other, it is still there Izzy and I won’t let you push me away. We walked back into each other’s lives for a reason… There isn’t one goddamn thing that will tear us apart again. Lost too much time already, Princess. Too much time that I should have had you right here in my arms… Not one day went by Izzy that my heart didn’t belong to you.”

I love, love, love this story and I love Harper Sloan. I have actually read Axel (Corps Security #1) a few years ago. After just finishing Harper Sloan’s new book “When I’m With You” I had to go back and re-visit where it all began, and I’m so glad I did.

Axel and Izzy were childhood sweethearts and hadn’t seen each other in twelve years. They believed they were never going to see each other again. Just after high school graduation Axel leaves Izzy to enlist in the Marines. When Axel left it broke Izzy’s heart. He was her first and only real love and she would never forget him. They had the kind of first love that most people only dream of but never get to experience.



“I’ve known this beautiful boy since I was fourteen, and Axel has been the love of my life for the last three years. Not a day has gone by without him in it. How am I going to go just one day without him?”

It was then that Izzy met and married Brandon. During their time of marriage Izzy had to endure a lot of abuse. It was his way of gaining control and power over Izzy. The abuse consisted of both verbal and physical, to the point where Izzy feared for her life. He had isolated her from everyone she cares about. When he beat her so bad, she used her secret cell phone to contact her best friend, Dee, to come save her.

“He was the only reason I survived at the hands of Brandon. I would just close myself off and think of him and the times we had together. He was my salvation in the darkest of dark.”



After Brandon refuses to give Izzy a divorce, her friend Greg (Cage) enlists the help of his Corp Security partner, Axel; Izzy obviously doesn’t know who his partner is at the time. The first time they see each other after twelve years is by pure accident and it was epic. It had my heart palpitating and the suspense of what was going to happen made it all very enthralling. The story then follows on with a lot of miscommunication and angst.

“She was mine. She is mine. She will always be fucking mine.”

I would definitely recommend Axel to anyone who loves their hot, sexy, brooding alpha males and second chance romance stories. The depth of Harper Sloan’s writing is incredible, with her development of the characters, her charm and imagination.

****WARNING**** The abuse scenes while not very graphic, may trigger a some emotional distress in some readers.

[⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 I love an Alpha, Stars!!



This book starts out with a horrible BANG with Isabelle's controlling abusive husband going off his head at her, just for going out for coffee with a friend. That friend is the same one who came back and took her away after she'd been beaten to a pulp.

Six months later and Isabelle/Izzy has set herself up with a new life with her best friend Dee (who is f-ing awesome!!)

As we learn more on Izzy's past, we learn of her first love Axel and the devastating way they'd lost contact and a bitch of a foster mum (Axel's) who had ruined everything. That was 12 years ago, so what happens when they are reunited? Can they get past everything to finally be together?



LOVED this book!! Full of angst, drama, suspense and heat!! I fell hard and fast for Axel and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this ARC copy written by Harper Sloan, and have to say that I now have a new favorite author! Harper Sloan knows how to write a story, and she writes one that will keep you absorbed from start to finish! My advice to anyone who is getting ready to sit down and read this; make sure you have time on your hands. I have been a very cranky lady with my interuptions from this book! Each time I had to put it down, the story and characters were all I thought about until I was able to get back to reading. I even stood in line at the paint store and told the guy to take his time because I was at a good part! LOL!!
This is a story about two people who loved each other very much; but fate got in the way and put a wrench in their plans. They were young, and Axel went into the Marines while Izzy stayed behind. Unfortunately, tragedy hit in Izzy's life, and there were major miscommunications between the young couple and they lost each other along the way. With Izzy thinking Axel is dead; she hits ultimate devastation and seeks some happiness with another man. Her marriage ends up to be nothing but horror and torment at the hands of her husband; but finally one day her best friend Dee helps her to escape. When they finally do become settled in a new town, and Izzy gains enough strength to seek a divorce, a situation occurs where Izzy is no longer safe from her brutal ex.
Greg, who is like a brother to Izzy and Dee, has a group of friends from the Marines who he is starting a security business with; decides to call on his friends to help in protecting Izzy. There is nothing but shock when it is discovered that Axel and Izzy have major history together. Will they both be able to overlook all of their hurt, anger, and confusion and start fresh? Or will fate step in a second time and get in the way of two souls who have never should have been apart in the first place?

This story took me on an adventure of emotions all of the way from page one. It is written with great clarity, and it made me laugh, cry, get hot and bothered, and had me sighing more than once. I loved the cast of characters that were introduced, especially the group of men that were in the Marines together. Axel won my heart though. He was as alpha as they come; all six foot six of him! His love for Izzy was strong, and he had come so far in his life from an unsure foster boy to a confident successful man. The devastation he feels when he finds out that Izzy lived through a nightmare of physical violence was heart wrenching, and I could literally feel his pain dripping off of the pages.
Izzy's love and loyalty to her one true love never faded in the twelve years that they were apart. The journey of self discovery that she lives through is admirable, and proves the strength that it takes to survive not only the domestic abuse; but the courage to leave in the end as well. I have nothing but respect for Izzy while reading the story.
The sex between Axel and Izzy is off the charts HOT! The connection that these two soul mates share was beautiful and I just couldn't get enough of them.
I highly recommend this book. It is a must read, and will have you absorbed from start to finish. Not only is it a heart warming romance, but it includes the bonds of beautiful friendships as well.
Harper Sloan should look forward to a very successful future, if she continues writing stories that touch your heart in more ways than one.

"When you are with me I am free.
My strength. My heart. My everything. Our
love now continues forever.
Amor Vincit Omnia
(Love Conquers All)"

This was an ARC given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****5 Emotional, Heartfelt Stars*****



Heads up, spoilers along the way...
I'm going to try and not write much about the plot because I think you all should try this and experience it for yourself.

I'm finding it hard to express in words how emotional this book is and how deeply it can affect you. I felt as though I was there every step of the way, experiencing every heartache and challenge life could dish out for Isabelle (Izzy) and Axel.

_________________________

They way the story began and what Izzy experiences, when married to Brandon, helped me understood the kind of person Izzy became after Axel left and her choices on how to save herself.

My heart feels like it's been torn from my body and trampled on. Gutted, completely gutted.


At times I did feel that Izzy's reactions and emotions towards certain things were overwhelming and a bit over the top. Whether she was angry, crying, or just emotional in general, the woman seriously did it in style and no half jobs. Then again I did feel her pain, when reading about all her loses and mistreatment by others and that helped me understand her behavior and choices.



Axel...of courses I loved. He was yummy, possessive towards Izzy and a big fucking delicious, alpha male. I really enjoyed reading his POV and would have loved more from him.

'me Tarzan, taking Jane to tree house where she won't wear clothes and we will play bedroom aerobics for the rest of the days'

I was touched by how emotional, this alpha male was in certain parts of this book. His feelings towards Izzy and her past, weren't hidden and he wan't afraid to talk about them and try to move forward. It broke my heart reading the scene after all was in the open and the amount of blame Axel puts on himself.

"Fucking killing me, Izzy...to know that I was so close to you but so fucking far."



"Fuck baby, but the love I have for you is so fucking strong sometimes, I wonder if it will crush me."

Blackbird-Alter Bridge...for Izzy and Axel.
The willow it weeps today
A breeze from the distance is calling your name
Unfurl your black wings and wait
Across the horizon it's coming to sweep you away
It's coming to sweep you away.

Let the wind carry you home
Blackbird fly away
May you never be broken again.

The fragile cannot endure
The wrecked and the jaded a place so impure
The static of this cruel world
Cause some birds to fly long before they've seen their day
Long before they've seen their day.

Let the wind carry you home
Blackbird fly away
May you never be broken again.

Beyond the suffering you've known
I hope you find your way
May you never be broken again.
_________________________

Their second chance relationship, was beautiful to read about. To go through all that sorrow and yet find happiness and such a strong connection at the end, was amazing.

"The teenage love we shared over a decade ago has grown with such a power that it will kill me if I lose it again."

"No more living with what we could have had. From this day on, we are the new Axel and Izzy."


The love scenes...HOTTTT!!

"You feel that? You feel how fucking hard I am for you? I can feel your warm fucking cunt hugging my dick, even through my goddamn pants, you are on fire for me."


_________________________

Other then enjoying the story line and anxiety of waiting on Brandon's next move, I absolutely adored the other characters featured in this book. From Izzy's best friends Dee and Greg, to Axel's work mates/friends Maddox, Beck and Zeke. These guys were awesome in this book. They were constantly there supporting their friends when needed. I can't wait to read more about them in future reads.

Axel's story is Amazing and I recommend to all...so go read it mates xx

[DKristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I wrote a review but gr decided not to save it. Let's see if I can remember exactly what I said...

I have finally gotten a chance to read Axel! It seems like since it came out I have been attempting to read it. It had a few annoyances that kept me from being able to give a full 5 stars but for a debut novel I thought it was the business!

One of my biggest pet peeves, unfortunately, was in this book. That is when a conversation can be had that would either remedy the situation or would set in motion the events that would eventually remedy it. Communication is not an easy thing in real life. So I really do get that it would be difficult. I just felt that it went on a little too long for these characters.

Besides that I thought the rest of it was golden! It was definitely a heart warming and HOT read. When it comes down to it, Axel was a story about the endurance of love and the human spirit. Both of which are all kinds of awesome in my book. At times I was tearing up a little bit and other times I was smiling so hard I was scared that I wouldn't be able to wipe it off. Axel most definitely had me drooling. I cannot wait to read more of this series! In a nutshell it was...