ParkerI can’t escape the past no matter how fast or how far I run. I’m broken and damaged, and nothing will change that.Not after my husband died overseas and I was left alone.All I can do is keep moving forward. But what I don’t expect is one cop in particular to get under my skin.Making me want something more.He hates me. Everywhere I turn, he’s there, watching me.Waiting for me to screw up. … there, watching me.
Waiting for me to screw up.
Again.
I’m not going to give up, though.
Not when I finally found something that makes me happy.
I know how short life can be and I’m not backing down.
Remy Townsend doesn’t stand a chance once I make up my mind.
After all, we grew up together.
And I know every button to press to get what I want.
Remy
One drunken promise is going to ruin my life.
I told him I’d watch out for his wife if he died.
The task was easy enough when I was overseas.
All I had to do was send a letter, or make a phone call.
But coming home and seeing her will be my undoing.
She’s everywhere I go.
Everywhere I turn.
Now, I can’t take my eyes off her even when I want to.
Keeping her safe means I have to stay away.
Because the thoughts going through my head …
Well they’re enough to send me straight to hell.
Parker Hayes is quickly invading every aspect of my life.
One drunken promise… That’s what it always circles back to.
I’ve been trained to go balls to the wall with every mission.
Never back down. Never surrender. Never walk away.
Even if what we have becomes collateral damage.
more
Dang!
I have no words to adequately describe the beautifully emotional journey this was
One of the best romances I have read this year
The relationship between Parker and Remy wasn’t the back and forth should I shouldn’t I game –
They knew they were destined for each other they just needed to empty their closets of all those pesky skeletons that stood between them once and for all.
Sometimes the hardest thing we will ever have to do is face our own lies
I really enjoyed how even when they came to the point of acceptance the author kept us on the edge of our seats with scenarios that were engaging and believable. The whole story from cover to cover is tangible. The cast is so easy to fall in love with. Even the antagonists made an impact – speaking of what happened to “nurse ratchet” and why was she such a bleep?
I felt for Parker she stood her ground even when the truth(s) would have provided some ease for her
And Remy – your typical stubborn male thinking he knows what is best
And Nox – little dude you are the man!
If you are on the fence about this one I can say with all certainty
Hop on over the grass is greener over here!
A 2nd chance romantic book. After losing her husband Parker’s (FMC) life literally revolves around her son – Nox. Having no-one romantically in her life until certain members of her late husband’s family take matters into their hands and set her up on a date. Except and old flame, old friend and a source of tension for Parker turns up putting a spanner in the works. A lot of unresolved issues with both of them seem to get in the way of Parker and Remy getting together. Before i started reading this book i assumed it would be a romantic comedy (nothing wrong with that if it was) but this book is so much more than that. Theres a sad backstory, plenty of hurt as well as a stalker and kidnapper too. A lot of the backstory i felt could have been avoided. Mainly by Remy. I really wanted to slap him silly for how he treated Parker. I know he thought it was for the best but it really wasnt. Still with all that went on i still wanted them to get their HEA ending. I couldnt put this book down and now i cant wait to get my hands on Linc & Kennedy’s book
WOW! What a ride! Non-stop emotion, action and suspense from beginning to end. Parker Hayes has been in love with Jeremy “Remy” Townsend for years. When he left for the military, she poured her heart out to him in letters, but never received a response. When her son Nox was the result of one lonely night with their friend Danny, he became her whole world, especially after Danny was killed overseas. Remy is now a K9 Officer with the Birch Police Department and he loves Nox as if he were his own son. Can they get past the contentious relationship they seem trapped in as words spoken that shouldn’t have been said and words that should have been said were left unspoken? Can these two find a way to heal the past and move on to a future they both want and need? A very emotional read as someone begins to threaten Parker and her son. Remy can’t let anything happen to them as he now realizes that the past doesn’t matter anymore, just their future. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
** spoiler alert ** Years ago, he broke both of their hearts, now she needs his help. Will she forgive him for his past mistakes? Will they finally get their Happy Ever After?
This booked sucked me in from the start and took me on am emotional ride. I didn’t blame her for struggling so much with everything that had happened and was being thrown at her, but I LOVED when she started to be happy again. I loved how despite what had happened in the past, he was determined to prove that he lied and that he did love her. Great read and cannot wait to read the next one in this series!
There is a fine line between love and hate and they have been on both sides of that thin line
This book is aptly named as it is a story that has it all. Balls to the Wall is the first book in the Birch Police Department series and is about Remy and Parker. This is the first book I have read by April Canavan and I really liked her writing and storytelling styles. The story-line was engaging and kept me enthralled from the start to the finish. The characters are well developed and multi faceted with some good depth so you see the good and more in them. I will be reading more by this author in the future and more of this series.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
This book had me glued from the beginning, and then kept me cause there was so much going on. Remy is former military, and now works as a hometown cop. Parker is the girl who Remy has known since they were practically babies and used to be best friends. There are feelings between Remy and Parker, but there is also hurt and a marriage to one of Remy’s best friends who Parker also has an amazing son with that his daddy never got to meet cause he too was military, and never came home and Parker has had to basically raise him on her own. She’s had Danny’s family as so much support, and they know the truth and love her anyway, and support her through everything. Parker has to deal with so much in this book, including her feelings regarding Remy, and things that were said so many years ago that shattered hearts. And of course Parker is having to deal with people in town thinking they “know” what happened, but do they really? Will Remy and Parker be able to work through the hurt that was caused, will they find out the truth, and will they be able to find their way back to each other once they learn those truths? Y’all are just gonna have to read this AWEMAZING book and find out!! I can’t wait to continue with this series, and read more of anything from Birch County!!
This is a beautiful second chance romance, the characters are well defined, the chemistry is palatable, all that is needed, is the baggage they both carry to disappear. Will this happen??
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Parker lives in a small town and is raising her son on her own. Her husband was friends with Remy before he died. Remy was in the military and is now a cop. He made a promise to Parker’s husband to look after them. He didn’t intend to get involved in their lives but a dangerous situation changes everything for the couple. Parker and Remy will have to deal with their past and the danger before they can move on to a future together.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
My first read by April Canavan, “Balls to the Wall” has all the feels I look for in a romance story. Add in a bit of suspense to the story, and it became a page turner for me. And what reader would not fall in love with Parker’s son Nox? Many reviews have given enough of the storyline, so I will just say I can’t wait to read more of this series. If they are anything like this one, then I will keep the tissues ready. Looking forward to see what is next for the Birch Police Department group, **I was gifted “Balls to the Wall” via Booksprout, leaving my review based on my reading** 4.5 Stars!
Balls to the Wall is filled with tragedy and secrets. Secrets that could have changed the coarse of several lives…but people are stubborn and seem to have trouble with love. Parker is a beautiful woman inside and out. She’s been through hell. Yet she still has a heart of gold her parents died, her husband died, her best friend hurt her in the worst possible way and the love of her life destroyed her heart completely. Then Nox came along and she decided nothing and no else mattered. Only the love she held for him. Then their life is threatened and her world is shattering once again. I received a free advanced copy to read and review. It was tragically beautiful.
3.75 stars
Balls to the Walls is the first book in a new series by April Canavan. Having been introduced to Canavan’s work with Cocky Corporal, I knew I was in for an emotional roller coaster. I adored the characters from that book and was excited to read more about this family.
Remy and Parker were their own worst enemies. Hurting each other over and over again for fear of losing each other. I don’t really even know how to describe this story except to say what a tangled web. There were so many lies and painful secrets that the angst was a physical ache, a weight the characters (and readers) carry. Nox and Daisy were such a welcome respite from the weight of the past of this couple. I loved Remy (and the brothers and Casper) but I was annoyed by his immaturity and was so happy when he finally broke free of the “promise” and started living his life. Unfortunately I never quite warmed up to Parker. I did love her snark and her fierce protectiveness over Knox.
Despite being well written, sadly this one didn’t resonate for me the way Cocky Corporal did. However, this book did feed my intrigue about Kennedy and Lincoln and I can’t wait to learn more about their story.
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
This is my first full length book by April Canavan and I could not put it down. Balls To the Wall is book one in the Birch Police Department series. This book just throws us straight into our feelings and continues all the way through. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series.
He made a promise to a man he called friend.
Never knowing he would have to fulfill it so soon. But one look at her and his resolve is breaking. She lost her husband but gained a second chance at love if she can break through his damaged exterior ro the heart that beats for her.
A determined woman going up against a hardened soldier
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Parker has only her son Nox to keep her sane and happy while living in Birch. Everyone hates her, save for a select few, including Nox’s grandparents, his aunt and his uncle, who just happens to be Nox’s father’s twin brother. Parker stays so that Nox can be around family, but that’s the only reason. Parker doesn’t quite know why she’s still in Birch. Nox is in school now and has the soul of someone older with how much he understands. Birch also has Remy and with how much he hates Parker, it would be better to leave town so she doesn’t have to see the hate in his eyes everyday.
Remy watches over Parker from afar, like he promised, but he doesn’t hate Parker, she hates him and for good reason. He messed it all up for them and he isn’t worthy of her love, only her hatred. Remy watches over Parker and Nox, keeping his distance and wishing that he hadn’t screwed things up so royally between them. They had been friends until Parker confessed she wanted to be with Remy… that’s when things went to hell.
Parker and Remy are intriguing characters throughout the book. It took me a bit longer to read this book because I found myself wanting to put it down and only read it in short bursts. The emotions in this book are very heavy, with grief being a huge factor, as well as some misplaced hatred and hidden pining that could make you jump into the book, slap quite a few of the characters and then lock said characters in a room until they kissed and made up! The last half of the book was the best by far and the reason it received four stars. Though I found myself not wanting to come back in some places, I worked through the book and found myself quite pleased with the ending. I am intending to read more from this author as she has quite the catalogue of books and the second book in this series does interest me a lot, so I look forward to reading more of this author and seeing how I enjoy the varying array of novels she has written.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I couldn’t believe his reaction and really hated him most of the story. Her life has been tragic and the added drama and suspense made it a book that was hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m not sure where this title fits into the story but this book had me scratching my head. The plot is based on a drunken night that led to a tangled web of misunderstandings, built up resentment and misguided anger. This book and all the secrets had me skimming a lot of pages. Quite a bit of drama among this group for no reason at all…it frustrated me. There is also a random storyline that takes up some space throughout but literally made no sense to me. I never got all of the secrets everyone kept. It seemed childish and I couldn’t feel the connection between the two main characters. How they went from hating each other to loving each other. This wasn’t story for me but perhaps it will be the story for you.
This is a mew author for me so I didn’t know what to expect.
Parker is a widow with a small son. The first chapter I’d heartbreaking
Remy has known Parker for years. He pushed her away. But them He made a promise to protect them both but has kept his distance.
Man, your son looks just like he was picked out of your ass. I don’t know what’s in the water for you Hayes boys.”
I did enjoy this book but there were times when it was a little confusing maybe because I haven’t read any other books by this author.
The second half of the story was better and I will read more by this author.
After everything, you were still there, even as my friend. You, Parker. You’re the reason I came home.
Linc and Kennedy are next and I’ll definitely be there.
I think that this book shows a great start to a new series. Parker and Remy certainly haven’t had the easiest history, but I did have to admire Parker for how strong her personality is. She’s a survivor and it shows with how April has written this book. With several twists that leave you guessing, this book was one that I think most people would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Parker is a strong woman, having her son alone and Nox never knew his dad. Remy promised he would look after Parker. Remy was a great character he is damaged but he is deep down a good man, maybe he had been misguided but I think he wants to do what is right. I was hooked from the beginning. There was plot twists and other surprised. This had me through every emotion there is. This is well written and it is a great story down to the very end. The characters were amazing and their interaction together was a pleasure to read. Great story. I want more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 2nd book I’ve read written by April Canavan; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.