WARNING- This is the fifth book in the Lost and Found series and as always, there are ups and downs. Readers need to be aware that I deal with PTSD issues, suicide, and miscarriage. But, as always, there is a happy ending!!! Duncan Wilde has avoided long-term relationships very well since his fiancée left him wounded in the hospital years ago. That one harsh lesson—that he needed to guard his … guard his heart—has stuck with him for years. Besides, he’s a beat up old Marine well past his time for love. The fiery young doctor from Kansas City seems to think otherwise, though. Too bad she’s so damn young.
Alex Hartfield grew up as a military brat, but she sees something in Duncan that makes her think of permanence and starting a family. She wants someone to come home to every night and love, and he’s the first man that makes her guarded heart race with hope and excitement.
Now… as they try to understand the dangerous incidents going on around them, they fight to find common ground. But it seems as if fate has some tricks up her sleeve.
I urge you to read the books of the Lost and Found series in order! Each can be read as a standalone, but you get a much better experience by taking them all in.
Prequel- The Embattled Road – FREE on all platforms
Book 1- Embattled Hearts- FREE on all platforms
Book 2- Embattled Minds
Book 3- Embattled Home
Book 4- Embattled SEAL
Short excerpt- While he waited for the truck to warm he grabbed a banana from the browning bunch and took a bite. He really did need to get a few groceries at some point.
Alex came into the kitchen and he paused mid-chew, stunned at what a blow dryer and a little make-up did for her. Now, he liked the natural look as well as any man, but there was something about knowing that a woman had taken care with her appearance just for you that made a man melt. When she met his eyes, she knew he was affected and a slow smile spread her dark pink lips. Then she crossed the kitchen to him and holding his gaze, leaned down to take a bite of the banana in his hand.
Duncan swallowed, his dick warming with arousal.
“Hm. I usually like them a little more firm.” She winked at him audaciously, then headed out the door to the garage.
Damn, that woman was going to kill him. Ridiculously, though, he grinned and followed her out the door.
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I had been waiting for Duncan’s book. It was sort of disappointing. There was less about Duncan and Alex than there was about the search for Aiden, and John and Shannon’s issues. I listened to this audio book. I did enjoy the narration.
I got more of Duncan in the intro book than I did in this one. I think Duncan and Alex’s scenes at the beginning of this book was pretty much it. Even the breakups are more about Alex than Duncan. They get their HEA, but it’s so brief, we don’t get to see much of it.
I felt like this was an update story for some of the couples, and an intro to a possible story about Aiden. I like to read a series in order, and I’m not sure where to go from here.
I don’t hesitate to give this one 4 stars at all. As I read over some of the other reviews I see there were many disappointed with Duncan’s story. I’m not really sure why. Was it as suspenseful as some of the other? No. But it was so very Duncan.
Duncan is the founder of LNF Investigative Services, a company that hires wounded warriors and integrates them back into civilian life while giving their lives purpose. Duncan took care of his troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and he found a way to continue to do that stateside. He’s watched his men find their lives and families and rejoiced with each one of them. This book is his turn. Throughout the book, there are updates on all of the other members of LNF. Their stories are interwoven with Duncan’s, as it should be.
This is a wonderful ending to a great series. It’s solid, no over-the-top drama, and steady. Just like Duncan.
Embattled Ever After
We first meet the wonderful men who founded the Lost & Found agency in The Embattled Road where we fell in love with their courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.
John and Shannon in Embattled Hearts shows us even the most hardened hearts can soften when love is offered.
Zeke and Ember in Embattled Minds showed physical beauty is not the most important thing.
Chad and Lora in Embattled Home teaches us that even the most broken people can learn to trust.
Harper and Cat in Embattled Seal brought to light that loving unwavering support can be the best medicine for the demons of war.
Now in Embattled Ever After we finally get Duncan’s story. The man whose vision created the Lost & Found agency. A refuge and second chance for many men who lost hope after returning from war.
Duncan Wilde has avoided long-term relationships very well since his fiancée left him wounded in the hospital years ago. That one harsh lesson—that he needed to guard his heart—has stuck with him for years.
Alex Hartfield grew up as a military brat, but she sees something in Duncan that makes her think of permanence and starting a family.
Great character development, fantastic storyline and some truly heartbreaking looks into the struggles veterans face.
Alex’s attraction to Duncan is strong and she decides to take a chance and fly to Colorado and see him at the invitation of his friends.
While Duncan continues to support his men and help them believe in themselves he isn’t practicing what he preaches. He only sees his limitations and feels his age and his physical limitations is too big of a hurdle.
Meanwhile Alex is more than ready to take a chance and see where the attraction will take them. Will their explosive chemistry and common interests be enough to change Duncan’s mind?
We also get a peek at some of the other couples ongoing lives.