Jake Kincaid is haunted by the memories of his mother’s violent death and his inability, as a young boy, to save her.Destiny Pierce is facing a final showdown with her violent husband that could cost the ultimate price—her life.With her estranged husband hell-bent on torture, Destiny battles fear and distrust to enlist Jake’s help in preparing her to go fist to fist with the monster she married, … monster she married, to save her own life. Tortured by the one woman Jake was powerless to save, he agrees to the impossible. He’ll teach Destiny to fight, and he’ll honor her wishes to not interfere despite everything screaming inside him to do just that.
With every passing hour witnessing Destiny’s strength and determination, the fractured puzzle pieces of their lives intertwine, creating a bond to stand the test of time. Their very future hangs in the balance, leaving him to hope and pray that although he can’t save her, he’s trained her well enough to save herself.
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This was a heartbreaking story. It may cause triggers for some. Jake is still after several years later having nightmares and guilt for not being able to help his mother. He gets a chance to help Destiny get stronger and increase her fighting skills. There are one steamy scenes. But the essence of this book is how a battered woman can protect herself against the system that didn’t work and her abusive Navy husband.HEA.
Fierce has hired a new guy, Jake, who is former navy and in his spare time teaches a self defense class for women, often victims of domestic violence. Jake has guilt over not being able to save his mother from his abusive father. Destiny is on the run from her abusive husband and asks Jake to train her to fight him. While training Destiny sees how gentle and caring Jake is and how things should be with a man. Jake wants to take care of Destiny’s husband knows she has to do it herself.
***This is a highly emotional read. It is full of triggers so please be warned.***
Destiny has been living in a nightmare. Her husband is a respected Navy officer but that is by the daylight. When alone with his wife he is a monster. Destiny has left him and decides to train to fight for her life back. She approaches Jake for help training. Jake can’t say no. She reminds him to much of his mother, except stronger. He wants to help her get physically stronger and win her life back. Jake’s gentle and respectful nature does not just make Destiny physically and mentally stronger, it makes her fall in love. Can Destiny win the fight for her life, a life she wants to live with Jake? Can Jake let go of his childhood and help Destiny live the life she deserves. One click to find out. If you can handle the awful man that is her husband and the things that he does to her, this is a fantastic read.
This was a heartbreaking story. It may cause triggers for some. Jake is still after several years later having nightmares and guilt for not being able to help his mother. He gets a chance to help Destiny get stronger and increase her fighting skills. There are one steamy scenes. But the essence of this book is how a battered woman can protect herself against the system that didn’t work and her abusive Navy husband.HEA.
Ms. Hagen managed to write an excellent book on a difficult subject – domestic violence. Jake watched his father beat his mom time & again. Now he is trying to help women in similar situations.
Destiny is tired of being stalked & abused. She wants to be free. She hopes that Jake is the one that can teach her how to stay calm, fight back & win. Can she survive another encounter?
This is an emotional book about a very difficult subject. Ms. Hagen used the perfect touch in keeping the subject from going too dark while keeping the importance of it front & center. By adding the chemistry between Destiny & Jake, she gives the reader the realization that there is a way out & life afterwards. Ms. Hagen has a very descriptive writing style & uses subjects that make the reader think.
This was a difficult subject matter to write about, but Ms. Hagen did so with gut, courage and style. Although Destiny Pierce married Carter, the man of her dreams, he quickly turned in to a monster. She has reported him before, only to be told that she should be a better wife. She has escaped for now, but she knows that Carter will find her and when he does, she has to be ready to fight back. She turns to Jake Kincaid, a member of Fierce Protectors, for help. He tells her that he will prepare her to get her life back, but that he and his team will be there to make sure she survives. Jake’s past history makes him the perfect man to train Destiny in the skills she will need. This was a heart racing read from beginning to end! Although a fiction novel, the fact that this abusive behavior still happens today (both to men and women) is extremely sad. I loved the courage that Destiny displayed to know that SHE had to have the strength to overcome the abuse and that HER life mattered. A wonderful fifth book in the series! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
This story is not for the faint of heart, but if like me, you have come to love this series, this one will definitely touch your soul.
The story centers around Jake Kincaid and Destiny Pierce. Jake is a new member of Fierce , and still feels like the outsider since though he was in the Navy, contrary to the other guys, he wasn’t a SEAL and thus not a member of their team. His childhood is one that also keeps him to himself and propels him to help women become strong when confronted with danger.
Destiny is fleeing her abusive husband and is determined to learn how to fight back the monster that has destroyed her life and self worth. When she hears about a self defense class being held in a gym, she approaches Jake for help.
But the story is more than that. It’s a story about the reality of domestic abuse. A reality that doesn’t distinguish social class. As a society, we need to assist more those in need .
The book reminds us as well that life is not all white and black, but different shades of gray.
Once again, this talented author managed to do something few author can do. She created an engaging story with very complex characters within the constraints of a novella. Can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.