What would you sacrifice for love? Leaving his Navy career and his assignment at the Department of Defense behind, Mac Whittaker is ready to join his family on Capitol Hill. He’s just missing one thing―a woman he loves at his side. He wants the American fairy tale.Georgie Astrella has put her life’s goals on hold for way too long. She’s finally putting away her cutting shears and curling iron to … put her life’s goals on hold for way too long. She’s finally putting away her cutting shears and curling iron to bury herself in justice and the law.
She certainly isn’t looking for love.
Fate has other ideas… throwing them together until neither of them can walk away from the attraction that thunders across their souls… from the truth of how their hills and valleys fit perfectly together.
But her family’s past would make his future an impossibility.
Will Mac give everything up for her? And more importantly, will Georgie let him?
From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a story of family and sacrifice inspired by Lewis Capaldi’s “Bruises.” You won’t want to miss this inspirational, military romance.
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I love this story of Mac Mac-Maculey Whitaker and Georgie Allestra. Mac was getting out of the navy and going to DC to work with his granddad and sister in the office of Senator Matherton. How does Georgie to be exact her name is Georgia fit into all this. Georgia is Ava’s friend and going to be maid of honor in her wedding to her fiance Eli, who is one of Mac’s best friends from the Navy. Mac, Truck or Travis, Eli and Nash and Darren were all Navy Seals together. Mac was the person who mapped out what black ops they should and couldn’t do. Mac and Ava happen to meet at Eli and Ava’s house on their way to DC. They did not know that Daniella, Mac’s sister had rented their loft room out to Georgie and so we know what happens. Sparks fly at Ava and Eli’s house where they both had gone as guests on their way to DC. Mac took her out on his boat and when he finally kissed her, firecrackers people go off as far they concerned. In fact, Mac said it was the most perfect kiss he ever had. Georgie goes on to DC before Mac because he chooses to takes his boat down to see his Navy buddies Nash and Darren and his wife Tristan who lived in Florida. He was going to visit them on his way to DC to start his new job. When he gets to DC he finds out that the new roommate that Daniella his sister was talking about happened to be his best friends finacee Ava’s best friend Georgie. Georgie was in DC to go to Georgetown Law School. Mac had this wonderful family, mother and father and grandfather and grandmother and three sisters, he was the only boy. They loved each other dearly. Georgie had a mother who was Russian and was living in Russia and a stepsister and brother, Rasia and Malik. She had a grandmother who she stayed with after her mother and father divorced and her father went to prison for a Ponzi Scheme. Her mother was sent away after her father went to jail because she was caught with cocanie so they deported her and sent her back to Russia with instructions not to come back to the USA. All this was important to know because their is a lot they have to sacrifice for each for their family. Mac coming from a political family with his father still in the serice and granddad was the Senator’s chief of Staff and Paige was one of staffers. She started off in DC as an intern. I have given you a lot of the background just suffice it to say that the story gets interesting when they find out they were living in the same home and they still were attracted to each other. They go through a lot and each one of them trying to convince the other that they could not be with the other. Her because of her family and him because of his family and what they stood for. They were wealthy and into politics. I loved this story and I loved how it ended sorta. I can’t wait to read the extened epilogue and all the other stories of their friends in this series. Guarded Dreams is my next story. I guess I should have read that first but if I had not have found this on booksprout to read and review I probably would not know how good this set of series was by LJ Evans. I would recommend this book to you. This book had angst it had drama and it had romance..Very well told story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Mac and Georgie have an instant attraction and their chemistry is off the charts, but this slow-burn love story is so much more than heat. Mac has spent his entire life on a well-planned journey to politics, and is finally ready to pursue that path. Georgie has spent her life putting her own dreams on hold in order to take care of family issues, but now it’s her turn to take care of herself. Neither planned on each other – but now that they’re thrown together, can they alter their plans to make a relationship between then work?? you’ll have to read it to find out!! Mac and Georgie’s love story caused me tears – both of laughter and heartbreak, as well as kept me turning the pages to find out what came next for these two. I also loved their friends and family members – most of them, anyway!! This HEA is well deserved, and I’m so excited to read about the rest of the crew!!
It was the first time I’ve read this author’s books and I thought it was a great read. I enjoyed reading about Mac and Georgie’s story. There’s a timeless love quality to their story, and I just enjoyed all the side characters in the book. There is such a camaraderie within their interactions, which really pulled me into the book.
Georgie is finally pursuing her dreams of law school after life pulled her off-course. Mac is starting his political career, after years of working his way to it. Two years ago, they had met. Now, they find that the spark they had never disappeared. When they find out they are roomies,they both decide to give this a shot. Will their family and ambition pull them apart?
This is the complicated story about Mac and Georgie who come from totally different backgrounds but have some of the same goals in mind. He is ex military and she comes from a family with a somewhat sketchy past one that she has always avoided. Will they move forward on their attraction to each other or let their past stand in the way of their happiness?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forged by Sacrifice is worth all the 5 stars and more. This is the second book in this series and as a follow up to book one, there is no disappointment. I freaking loved everything about this book, the characters, the story line and writing. I promise you will love this book. It’s an inspiring tale that will bring you happiness!!!!
Overall this book brought all the feels one can feel while reading romance novels. Mac and Georige stole my heart with how easy their story flowed and how I instantly became connected to them. When Mac first met Georgie, he became so engrossed with her captivating smile and those eyes, she had him hooked. Georgie was also caught up in the Mac effect as he’s know to have a smile that can get him any woman.
L.J. Evans writing in this book was exceptional. She not only wrote two amazing lead characters with Mac and Georgie, she added some of the best secondary characters, from all of Mac’s family members and his friends. I especially loved, loved and I have to say it again, loved his sister, Dani. This girls, is sassy, bold, and honest. Which can sometimes come off harsh but she’s the overall surprise in this story.
The build up and chemistry between Mac and Georgie at some points were so antagonizing. I was screaming oh my gosh, just do it damn it, do it, but it was worth all worth it. Once they finally had their first kiss, I was feeling butterflies right along with them. That’s how good it was written.
Mac is book boyfriend worthy, this man is what every book boyfriend should consist of. He’s charming, loving, respectful, funny, protective and everything he does is swoon worthy. Georgie, eekk she is loyal, honest, sweet, funny and has the best eyes (according to Mac, lol). She has the feels of the girl next door because she’s so down to earth and caring.
This books captured the essence of what it means to grow and to accept the changes that life’s journey throws at you along the way. It provides comfort for those who are struggling with understanding that sometimes you have to be willing to sacrifice the things you treasure the most, to accomplish what’s your true destiny
Mac & Georgie! Gah. Love them. I relate so much to Georgie. She’s so patriotic and loves her country so much, and she has no qualms in doing so. This resonates so much for me as I am the daughter of 2 Marines who grew up with the motto “God, Country, Family” and “Semper Fi”.
So while Mac was actually in the Navy and in my world would be called many names for that, I can appreciate his service and his feelings towards leaving to pursue what he thought was his dream. I mean, who doesn’t want to change the world for the better? We would all like to end world hunger, environmental issues and bring peace.
Georgie is one strong chica, lemme tell ya. Dad in prison for running a multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme, mom who was a Russian model that became PNG to the USA for her part in the scheme with dad, a stepdad who’s a Russian arms dealer, a brother (still not sure if he’s a half or a step) who is a drug addict turned dealer. About the only people she’s had in her life that have shown her what “normal” is is her Grandmother and her half-sister. She doesn’t listen to her instincts because she can’t trust them.
Throw in a skeezy law professor, a Seal Team op gone bad, an absolutely hilarious family (his), some poker games, an assault on a woman (which pissed me off so much I about hit something myself.), a drug bust done incorrectly and this book has you wondering what’s gonna happen next with every page turn! Can’t wait for Truck and Jersey’s story!
Now, my question for LJ… 1. Why no Gibb’s slap? Not. A. One! 2. Will Nash get his own book? Will it be with Dani? Please let it be with Dani! Those two *need* each other after what went down in this book.
This will tackle your senses and melt your heart! Georgie and Mac are stunningly perfect together. They face losing their lifelong dreams, yet they forge on, compelled to see just what their momentary happiness could be. In a world centered around politics and having to fit nicely into their boxes, one misplaced step could end their careers. They are drawn to each other, yet they realize how disastrous a future could be together. Placed in situations they seemingly have little control over, they let their built up feelings explode and then burn brighter than any fireworks ever could. When everything is on the line and decisions are being made, can their love story have a happily ever after? You’ll have to forge along into this unputdownable novel!! This will make you sad and happy. It will squeeze your heart and give you all the feels. Ms. Evans is exceptional at the human experience! She absolutely gets it so brilliantly correct!! One click this beauty, you will love Georgie and Mac!!
4.5 Forever in a Kiss Stars
What would you give up for love? LJ Evans answers that question beautifully in Forged by Sacrifice. With a sweeping romance that includes love and sacrifice plus the importance of family, I fell hard and fast for Mac Whittaker and Georgie Astrella.
Mac is dreamy, determined and on a path he has set for himself. He’s lived his whole life to achieve his dream. He’s principled with thoughts of making the world a better place. And he has a gentle, romantic side that had me swooning.
Georgie is a vivacious young woman but tough and reserved. She’s strict with her emotions. She’s done the right things even if it meant at the cost of her happiness. Her past is not her own but she owns it anyway. She too is determined to live her dream.
Every encounter was a new way to learn more about the other. Whether good or bad, they navigated realizations and truths. The slow build was breathtaking. The lows were heartbreaking. But their undeniable attraction and chemistry could not be ignored. Their love grew and expanded even if they tried to stop it. They had choices that would either lead them to each other or drive them apart. They only wanted the best for one another no matter where it may lead. And with all of that, it was a journey I readily went on with them.
I’ve read all of Ms. Evans’s books. She brings her characters to life on the page. Her writing is vibrant and full of emotion. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of them because her stories are more than just romance, they are life with all of its ups and downs, decisions and risks and that glorious hope that happily-ever-after does exist. Forged by Sacrifice is no different.
Wow! What a wonderful book Forged by Sacrifice was! I had read and loved Guarded Dreams so I was really looking forward to Mac and Georgie’s story but wondered how the author was going to get these two very different people that also lived in different places together but she wove a tale of love and determination that kept me turning the pages long into the night. Forged by Sacrifice is set in the power hungry city of Washington D.C. and Mac and Georgie both have different dreams and very different families that they both love and want to support but don’t know if their short term feelings for each other can last in the long term due to those things. Mac’s plan to go into government and maintain a picture perfect persona will definitely clash with Georgie’s family and their history of crime and abandoning her to handle the clean up. And Georgie’s desire to finally finish her law degree and never settle for someone that cannot accept her for all the parts of her life. Forged by Sacrifice has all the feels and that is what I love so much about reading a L.J. Evans book. It is written from dual POV and I think that this quote from Mac sums up the love and commitment in this story nicely “It’s because you are my heart. All of it”.
I love reading a book that I can just get lost in….lose track of time, forget it’s not real life, forget these are fictional character and not people I know….this is one of those books. I am pulled in from the beginning as I get to know Mac and Georgie. I love getting to know the characters before the characters get to know each other. I love the music at the beginning of the chapters…it’s so uniquely LJ Evans and adds to the story. The characters and side characters are fantastic and makes me want everyone’s HEA stories. I am not a highlighter when I read but I found myself highlighting sentences and passages because there were so many amazing words and thoughts tucked in this book. If I could shout from the top of a building “read this book” I would….it should be an automatic 1-click for romance readers everywhere!
This is the second book in the series but easily reads as a standalone. I just loved Mac and Georgie’s story these two were just wonderful characters you just cannot help but love them. This is a great addition to the series and even though it is a political story I did not feel like the author pushed her beliefs on me.I loved this story
What I love about this author, is her ability to take a hero and a heroine and strip them down and put them back together in a way, that makes you a better person.
You feel inspired by the characters and the choices that they make, in order to make them grow.
Georgie Astrella, has given up everything that has ever made her happy, just to help others fulfill their dreams.
She gave up law school, when her grandma died to finish out her lease, as a hairdresser.
Now she has sold the business and plans on going back to school to fulfill her dreams.
Her father is in jail for a ponzi scheme, and her mom is Russian and remarried a business man who is involved in arms dealing. Her half-brother is into drug dealing.
Macauculey (Mac) Whittaker, is a former Navy intelligent officer, who has been working towards getting into politics.
His granddad, father and sister, are all involved with it, and he desires to make the world a better place.
Mac and Georgie, have met a few times through mutual friends.
They are drawn to each other, but due to his political ambitions and her families past, not to mention their best friends, being together just doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Mac, just can’t let her families screw up, prevent them from happiness.
He tells Georgie, “I can’t let you go without trying to do everything to make you mine.”
Problem is, Georgie, will never put her happiness first.
When a mission goes bad, Mac, must figure out what went wrong.
As their paths drift apart for a short time, they grow in ways, that make them better paired for each other.
A brilliant story of Love hope and Happiness.
I look forward to the rest of this series.
I love how Mac was willing to do whatever it took for his friends and family, for his country, and to win over Georgie! And how Georgie was able to overcome her family issues…they were both willing to sacrifice so much for those they loved and the beliefs they held! I am eternally grateful for my opportunity to read this advance copy and my rating and opinions are honest and left voluntarily.
I always feel like my reviews for this author so inadequate. She has such beautiful words that it’s hard to convey properly how magical her books are. I loved the story of the main characters, but I also loved catching up with old friends from the first book. Mac that usually oozes charm is left stumbling over words anytime Georgie is around. Mac has political ambitions. Georgie has a complicated family. Not a good combination. It’s a political book without being a political book if that makes any sense at all. The author doesn’t push her political beliefs at all. You get to discover that sometimes what you thought you wanted isn’t what you wanted at all. Dreams change. Love is the most important thing. Family doesn’t have to be blood.
Love comes time different ways. When two people with different lifestyles, with different goals and dreams, find each other at a time when they are headed towards the dreams they have always had, what do they do when their hearts and souls intertwine, but their backgrounds could divide them?
Mac recently left the Military, the Department of Defense, and heads to DC to pursue his dream of going into politics. He wants to make a difference.
Georgie sold the hair salon her grandmother left her in New York, to follow her lifelong dream of going to Law School in DC. Her family is wrought with scandal, but she was raised by her grandmother and has kept herself out of their orbit.
They had met in New York through Eli and Ava, and there was attraction then, but MAC was still in his military training. They meet again at Eli and Avas on a break in the summer before they both head to DC. They are attracted to each other, but when MAC finds out who her family is, he tries to distance himself. His political career may not survive who her family is. Georgie doesn’t want anyone who can’t accept her for who she is, so she stays away from him as much as she can.
In DC, Macs sister, Dani, has found them a new roommate.
MAC can’t stay away from her, he’s too drawn to her, so he leaves early to get to DC. He’s is sailing there, so it will take some time.
In DC, Dani and their new roommate meet and bond, they like each other.
When MAC gets to DC, he finds out the new roommate is Georgie.
What happens when they are living in the same apartment? They learn more about each other and the attraction gets deeper. There are so many things that happen that could affect Macs career.
What will they do? Will they give into the attraction? Will Georgies family situation, and the things they do, affect Macs political aspirations? Or will they finally choose love? Choose each other?
LJ Evans is a master at creating stories and characters that you WANT to know! Every one of her books is such a great read, every character is compelling and one you truly want to know. MAC and Georgie are two of these! LJ is an automatic one-click author, because she is very good at what she does.
4.25 stars
Mac and Georgie’s story was a delight to read. My first L.J. book and definitely not my last. A sucker for political romance, she kept it clear and not overwhelming to the reader. I highly recommend you read Guarded Dreams, prior to reading this book. It’s a standalone, you will get more familiar with the supporting characters. Forged by Sacrifice is a story that is worth your time.
Mac has retired from the Navy with dreams of working in politics. He wants to make a difference in the world and what better way to start than close to home. Working for a Senator with his sister will be the foot in the door he needs to work his way up to his dreams. But working in DC isn’t for everyone, it’s a tough town and Georgie is learning that as well.
Georgie is ready to go back to school to finish her law degree. She’s found a great apartment that she will be sharing located in D.C, and it’s a short commute to school for her. She’s newly single now and even though Mac is quite the catch, they know there can’t be much of a future for them because their families are polar opposites. Georgie has worked hard to distance herself from her toxic family, but it might not be enough.
So this was a bit of a slow burn in that you’re left with that need for them to just forget the obstacles and get together. Georgie has a great personality and she gives as good as she gets. She’s a good balance to Mac, who’s had to temper the habits he’s picked up in the Navy. They’re a cute couple with amazing families, even if Georgie’s was forged by friendship and not by blood. A truly fun read.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by L.J Evans and it’s certainly not going to be the last. Georgie and Mac’s story is equal parts heart-wrenching and heart-soaring. Ms. Evans characters are intricately designed and layered. As the story unfolds those layers are peeled back to reveal backstories filled with love, longing, sacrifice, and perseverance. Family plays a huge role in this book, Mac’s being a military and political powerhouse and Georgie’s being a chaotic mess of criminals and international issues.
Mac has always been cautious with his relationships and how he has represented himself in the world. Yet from the first brief meeting of Georgie, his interest is piqued. With political aspirations, he was always aware something could come back to sully his reputation. His dream to change the direction of our country is both honorable and rose-colored. He leaves his naval career and comrades behind to delve into the political realm and finds most of it is far more tawdry than he ever thought. I thought Ms. Evan’s character, Derek, was the most swoon worthy of her men but he’s been replaced by Mac. A man, who when he speaks from his heart, is genuinely swoon worthy and romantic. The attraction he feels for Georgie may not be good for a political future but for the reader it is an amazingly romantic journey.
Georgie’s childhood was rocked at an early age and for luck her grandmother could be her salvation. Putting her dream of a law career on hold for her grandma, Georgie is back going law school and ends up answering an ad for a roommate placed by Mac’s sister, Dani. When all the roommates are under the same roof, sparks and chemistry fly. This story has it all: great lead characters, intriguing secondary characters, a visit to Ava and Eli from the first book in the series, a bit of political corruption, international flare, great families and family drama, as well as chemistry and passion. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves to read a well crafted epic love story.
Mac believes in fairy tales and wants his own. He’s done with the military and the assignments that come with it and is ready to join his family in politics. You’d think he had it all to look at him, but something is missing. Or should I say someone?
Georgie is finally able to live the life she wants after struggling for so long. With a family like hers, she could’ve easily followed in their footsteps, but she chose a different path that put her on the right side of the law instead.
When Georgie, finally getting to return to school to become an attorney, answers a roommate wanted ad, she knew it was the start of a new journey, she just didn’t realize that meant in more ways that one. Two years ago, she met a man that intrigued her, not that she let him know that, of course, and she never forgot about him. It seems Mac felt the same in both regards, and when they meet again, that attraction s still there, but so are a few issues that may derail them.
However, Mac has aspirations that the reality of Georgie’s family could derail, telling him that he can’t have both, so he makes an early escape *cough cough runs away*. However, fate has different plans, forcing the two into close proximity and ensuring they face their problems head on.
Will Mac let Georgie’s family taint what they could be? Will he put his plans ahead of love? Will Georgie stop being ashamed of what she comes from? Or will Mac only make her feel worse? Is a HEA even possible with such vastly different backgrounds?
One-click now and follow along as two people must decide what’s more important. It was interesting to see how these two worked through the obstacles, both real and imagined, and while I understand having a dream, Mac literally shaped everything he did around it. However, for someone who strives to make the world a better place, he’s quite judgmental when it comes to Georgie, essentially blaming her for things her relatives did as if she’d done them herself.- By Elizabeth
I don’t think I can say enough good things about this book. It’s so beautifully written, you won’t want to put it down because you want to know how Mac and Georgie end. This book is all about the sacrifices people make for the ones they truly love. There’s not regret, or resentment on either side. It’s a beautiful compromise story with characters so real you wish they were your friends. Mac is a man with a Military life but wants to get into politics. Georgie is a Hair dresser with a love for the law. She has a family with bad seeds and doesn’t want to soil Mac’s political life. The push and pull between these two characters is the heart of the story, what will they sacrifice to show that love conquers.