Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor

If you’re looking for a feel good story, this is it…the one that put the author on my auto read list! I’ll be reading her most recent book soon and, in preparation, will post reviews of the earlier books in the series.

Quick summary
Navy SEAL Matt McKinney is on medical leave and ends up at a North Carolina beach with his cousin. He encounters 5-year old Jack trying to throw a ball, which leads him to his 6-month pregnant mother, Abby Davis, and three other siblings. The oldest is six-years old, the youngest is two. At first, it’s a fun diversion but it doesn’t take long before Matt is seriously drawn to Abby.

A bit of background
Abby’s a widow, her husband having died six months ago. She entered the foster care system at age five. Matt comes from a large, close family and he’s one of seven children, the second oldest. It makes a huge difference in his outlook about pursuing a woman with four young children and one on the way.

What I enjoyed
Matt’s attraction to Abby’s children was truly genuine and spoke loudly about his character. He recognized their craving for a male influence almost immediately, before much interaction with Abby. The kids are adorable and brought out his protective nature. Despite her pregnancy, Matt found Abby highly attractive (both intellectually and physically), sexy and sensual. She’s a great mother, putting her children first. Their relationship revolved initially around the children but gradually developed into one based on their strong feelings for each other.

The bottom line
It’s a heartwarming story though not without serious conflicts and issues. Both Matt and Abby work through their personal traumas while trying to manage a long distance relationship. Family is a strong theme, the best and worst of it, and the children certainly make this a lovely story.

Book Info

• Release Date: September 9, 2014
• Series: The McKinney Brothers #1
• Page Numbers: 312
• Publisher: Loveswept

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