It only took a matter of moments for Lexi Townsend’s life to change. Her power was taken, her trust lost. Her bubbly personality was smothered by the depressing weight of shame and guilt.Four years later, Lexi yearns to get back to the former version of herself. A stronger version. One who is no longer afraid to share her story, her body, and her trust. When Private Investigator Cruz Cunningham … Cunningham comes into her life, he proves he’s a man that’s deserving of her trust.
When multiple women in Windsor go missing, it launches Cruz and the Cunningham Security team into action. As Cruz digs deeper into the investigation, he’s torn between finding the missing women and protecting the woman he loves. Putting her faith in Cruz, Lexi never imagines that this case could destroy everything she’s worked so hard to overcome.
WARNING: This novel contains references to rape and sexual assault and may trigger discomfort in some readers.
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I am always amazed by this authors work, each and every book she writes just gets better and better. We met Cruz and Lexi In the previous series so they weren’t unfamiliar to us. Lexi has a secret she’s kept for years and finally feels comfortable revealing it to her friends and family. Unbeknownst to Cruz, who’s working a case that hits a Little to close to home, his attraction to Leix is fortunately reciprocated. As they navigate their relationship we catch up with some beloved characters. Without giving spoilers what follows is an emotional and uplifting story of perseverance and triumph over evil. This book had all the the feels. Love, anger and acceptance, throw in some very hot Alphas you have the recipe for a challenging and inspirational story. It brought tears to my eyes whilst reading at times. It was incredibly well written and handled beautifully. I can only say if you’ve never read one of A.K.’s books you really should. They’re awesome. Highly recommend this book and series.
How does a person overcome a tragic event? How do you even contemplate putting your life back together?
Lexi has to answer those questions and decide if she will let this event control her or if she will rise above it. Cruz wants to help Lexi but will she let him?
Overcome was an amazing story or survival and how we can let one event make us or break us.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
I found this to be a deeply emotional read, especially for anyone that has been sexually abused or sexually assaulted. Please use caution if rape is a trigger for you. This was a seriously intense book that was light at times but with the subject matter it’s kinda hard not to be mostly serious.
I must admit that this was the first time I have read any of A.K. Evans books, and quite honestly I was seriously thinking of passing this one over because of the subject matter but I received a couple of emails suggesting I take a another look at it with a small excerpt so I did, and I am glad I did. I think this difficult subject was taken and done not only tastefully but pretty accurately especially if the person writing the story has never (and I really hope she hasn’t) gone through the horrible events herself. We’ve all heard about fight or flight, what would you do in a situation, but honestly one never knows until they are in that spot themselves and EVERYONE handles each situation differently.
Lexi was raped at the end of her freshman year of college by a boy she was seeing, date-rape or acquaintance-rape brings it’s own set of issues because this is someone you know, that you let into your life, that you like, it makes you feel as if you judged wrong and it will mess with you head making you second guess every person you talk to, will they be just as evil? will they be nice? so why put yourself out there? As for Lexi, she didn’t not until four years after the rape when she met Cruz and knew deep down that there was something different about him.
Cruz, well here’s a man that a women like Lexi deserves in her life. He is kind, caring, understanding, gentle and patient. Oh and he goes after the bad guys too! Bonus points for that one!!! Cruz has been attracted to Lexi from the first time he met her and after getting to know her a little better he knows there is something special about her but he has a hard time convincing Lexi she should go out with him….no one knows the secret Lexi has been keeping for the past four years.
I really enjoyed this read and needed tissues on quite a few occasions, as I mentioned at the beginning of my review I would advise you to proceed with caution if you have been sexually assaulted or abused because parts of this story may be hard to read. Otherwise I say go for it because I really do think it was tastefully done. Happy Reading!!!!
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book**
Lexi Townsend’s life changed in a matter of minutes when her college date doesn’t listen to the word “no.” She’s left feeling ashamed and guilty for not fighting harder, terrified to be alone with men and out of control of her life. Years later, with the help and support of her therapists, Lexi dreams of getting her life back. She’s on the way to being a successful business woman, but wants more from life. When Private Investigator Cruz Cunningham shows his interest in her, for the first time in more than four years, Lexi feels more than terror at the thought of being with a man . . . now it’s up to Cruz to prove he’s worthy of all she has to offer.
Cruz Cunningham has wanted Lexi from the first time he met her, but something always seems to hold her back and she seemed disinterested until now. He’s willing to take her in any way he can get her, even if it’s just friendship with no expectations. When multiple young women go missing, Cruz is torn between finding them and keeping Lexi safe. As things get even more personal between them, Cruz refuses to let anything come between Lexi and all that she has overcome. When their relationship is put to the ultimate test will Cruz be able to save the missing women and Lexi, or will she be be lost to him forever?
Honestly, I don’t even know how to put into words how truly amazing and uplifting this book was. A. K. Evans dealt with the subject of sexual assault in a way that was incredibly realistic, showing not only the physical, but also the emotional aspects a victim endures, including the despair and fear, the triggers at random times, and just how long and difficult it is to feel normal in your own skin again. It was also inspirational in that while Lexi struggles, she is able to overcome her trauma with time, therapy and the support of friends and family. It was truly a breathtaking journey of a young woman taking her life back.
Cruz was everything that Lexi needed him to be. Loving, supportive, alpha enough to make her feel safe yet not controlling in any way. Even before he knew of her past, he treated her with care and respect making her comfortable enough to trust him and want more than friendship. He was really an amazing character.
While the main story revolves around Lexi taking back her life, the sub-plot of the missing girls adds a great deal of depth and suspense, as it becomes more integral to Cruz and Lexi’s story than the reader first realizes . . .and in more ways than one.
Seriously, this book is a breathtaking and inspirational journey of love and healing. Of the importance of giving yourself what you need and trusting that others will do the same when they love you. Of growth and change and overcoming what you never thought you could. 5 stars.
After reading Obsessed, the first book in this series, I was leery of starting Overcome. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much better the writing was in this book was than its predecessor, though there is still room for growth. Again, the story was decent, if a little predictable, and I was rooting for Lexi and Cruz throughout the book.
I have always loved books about survivors of all types, but those about women who’ve overcome sexual assault have always held a special place in my heart. As soon as I read the blurb for this book I was all in. I can not tell you how happy I was to see so much of Lexi’s healing arc in this book. Often romance novels seem to have people be magically healed by finding love, so seeing how hard and how many things Lexi was doing to leave her rape behind her was wonderful.
Cruz was fantastic with Lexi. His compassion and patience went so far to help her learn how to trust men again, in particular, him. I loved how carefully he helped her find all the things she thought she’d lost after she’d been violated so horribly. His support in those moments when she felt she had no strength was sublime.
My wishes for this book are many, unfortunately, but I think most of them could be solved with a heavier editorial hand. Most of the tell-not-show aspects of Obsessed were absent from this book, though there were still a few cringe-worthy moments that need to be addressed. I also feel like Lexi’s reaction to the climax of the book felt completely wrong, given what she’d been through, I absolutely could not get on board with it. Again, there were editorial issues, though not as plentiful as the first book in this series. Finally, all the ‘L’ names: Levi, Lexi, Leni (Lennox), Luke, Logan, Lorenzo, though not present in this book, there was also a Leah in this series, and those are just the names I could recall off the top of my head. It just felt strange to have so many similar names in one novel. Especially all the Le_i names, more than once I misread a name and had to do a double-take to make sure I knew who I was reading about.
Overcome is the second book in AK Evans Cunningham Security series. This series is a spinoff of her Everything series, and several of those characters make an appearance in the Cunningham Security series. Each book in both series are interconnected standalones and do not have to be read in order. However, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have so many questions about the other couples the desire to read the other books will be strong. Overcome is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Lexi and Cruz.
AK Evans has improved greatly from the first book I read by her. A lot of the distrust of her readers I felt in that book was absent in this one. That being said, I feel like there is still a lot of room for growth and she would benefit from a stronger editorial team. Her storytelling is compelling enough that I can see myself picking up more books from her, in hopes to see continued improvement in her writing.
You can find healing in this book…
This book captured my heart. While the subject matter is heavy and traumatic, Ms. Evans handled it so well that you feel the weight of what is on Lexi’s heart being lifted away as she blooms into a wonderful young woman with the capacity to love. It makes you go through all the stages: anger, defeat, disappointment, but Lexi come out as the warrior Cruz sees in her.
If the subject matter is too much for you, I beg you to take a chance. In this book, there is not only healing for Lexi, but also for others who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Well done, Ms. Evans, thank you.
This was such a great book. I easily fell in love with Cruz, and adored Lexi. Despite having one of the worst things happen in her life, she found her strength to fight through it and overcome her issues. The reader can’t help but root for her to keep moving forward in her journey and allowing Cruz to help her. As heroes go, he’s one of the best. He’s sweet, patient, and protective with Lexi, while still being alpha and sexy at the same time.
You also get to see some characters from the previous series, although you don’t need to read it to enjoy this book, it does round everything out nicely.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it to any romance lover.
This is the first book I have read by this author, it was absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to read more! This book was more than I ever thought it would be. I love Lexi and Cruz. Cruz is perfect! I love the supporting characters. The chemistry between Lexi and Cruz is so hot. The storyline kept me interested and was beautifully written. While this book deals with a subject that not every one would be willing to write about, this author did it respectfully. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
This book hooked me from the very first words (and by that, I mean the dedication before I even started the actual book!). AK’s words left me feeling like she just GETS it. Then, I hit the actual chapters and that feeling was solidified: this woman truly DOES, indeed, get it!
Lexi has survived one of the worst things that can ever happen to a woman, and she’s done it without ever letting anyone but her therapist into her mind. For years, she hasn’t felt safe giving a man her time or trust because one pathetic excuse for a man ripped what was hers away from her. Then, she meets Cruz. It takes her some time to gain confidence, but a string of run-ins with Cruz convince her that this man is worth trying again.
Cruz is patient and willing to do anything to gain Lexi’s trust and heart, even if it means being nothing more than her friend. For a protective man who works a job that so clearly fits his personality, giving all of the control to the woman he knows he’s falling for is the best gift Cruz can possibly give.
Cruz and Lexi find their way together. From helping Lexi find herself and the strength she had hiding inside to rediscovering her fun-loving soul to helping save other women, this book took me on a breathless ride from start to finish. Cruz helps Lexi shine by being what she truly needs him to be: her support and partner in her life, as well as the man who reminds her that she has a lot of love to give and a lot of life to live.
Overall, this book deals with some of the worst that a woman (or man) can face, yet it does so without leaving the reader feeling empty or shredded at the end. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. But don’t take my word for it; read it yourself and you’ll see just how it can take you from grief and misery to love and a full heart in just a few hours.
I read this book as part of a box set. It was absolutely wonderful. I only discovered this author recently and I can’t read her books fast enough. This series is fantastic. Loved the romance and sense of family.
Anything by A K Evans is worth reading…… always a good story, always real and she never lets us down
The emotion in this book is totally overwhelming. There is so much love, compassion, strength heartache, sadness, endurance, I could keep going but you get it…. ALL.THE.FEELS! The story of Lexi pulls you in from the prologue and gets you completely hooked. Cruz comes into the picture as the perfect knight in shining armour. He isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and I love him for it. I also loved how the family dynamic plays out in this book, the way that Lexi deals with her family and their feelings is so heartwarming.
This book deals with the extremely difficult subject matter of sexual abuse but does so in such a respectful manner. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything and is so raw but it is the kind of stories that need to heard.
I PROMISE this book will leave you wanting more!