Embattled Hearts

By: J. M. Madden

Narrated by: Eric G. Dove

John Palmer hasn't felt like a real man since he was injured during combat in Iraq. Though not content with his new life, he is mostly adapting, just like the other vets at the Lost 'N' Found Investigative Service. When Shannon Murphy is hired on as the new office manager, life suddenly gets a lot more interesting. Before long, John finds himself wondering if he could ever be the kind of man Shannon needs.

Shannon Murphy wasn't really looking for love when she hired on at LNF but finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sex-on-wheels former marine John Palmer. The man is grumpy and nearly impossible to work with, but his brand of masculinity appeals to her on a basic level. Soon Shannon is wondering just what it would take for John to want her the way she wants him.

When an old enemy tries to settle a vendetta against Shannon, John insists on protecting her. He moves into her house, fanning the spark of attraction into a blaze. But the danger continues to escalate. Will the connection that they've found survive when they're thrust into a fight for their lives?

©2012 J.M. Madden (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Idk

So idk if I want to use credits for the remaining books in the series. There wasn’t anything wrong with the series or the subject matter - I just don’t feel invested in the group and I cherish my credits.

5 ✨ and more if I could.

First of all I love romance. But coming in a close second is family and friendship story lines. Whether it's a sisterhood or brotherhood I love when an author weaves into their story a strong foundation of bonds between characters. Every single character in this story had energy and life. They had a tragic back story but they had a future begging to be told. There's magic when an author leaves those interesting breadcrumbs that whet your appetite in anticipation of more.
So the romance? Yes this has a healing and heartfelt love story between John and Shannon. I loved Shannon for John. She had the deepest empathy yet saw beyond that to the core of the man. Her heart as a woman saw a mate and one who was whole not lacking. With her love John found traction and foundation to begin feeling like a man again. It had pitfalls and bumps in the road yet I felt it made them stronger.
The suspense was at the right level and the sizzling chemistry and passion leapt from the pages. Seriously this book was HOT 🔥

I eagerly eating for more.
*Audible Escape
Great narrator and wonderful production.

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Enjoyed the Narration!

I enjoyed this book. I thought the narration was good. I did think the ending was a little abrupt.

I like John's grumpy character. He had his doubts about having a successful relationship with Shannon. Shannon dealt with his grumpiness by having a conversation instead of getting her feelings hurt and running off somewhere. There was not a lot of back and forth like "I say you but I'm not good enough, goodbye." Or, "he said something mean therefore he doesn't want me."

I have recent read SO MANY books of that type, that Embattled Hearts was truly refreshing. John had his insecurities, but he didn't run away in spite of his anger and frustration. Shannon didn't run away every time John was angry or frustrated. Shannon's character was steady, a little bland, not over the top, but she is likable.

There is a prequel to this book called "The Embattled Road", that will provide additional information, but if you don't read it, you will have no problem following this book.

The narration was good. The characters were clearly distinguished from each other. I also like how the narrator changed voices between reading the background information and the dialogue. I noticed a few narrators don't differentiate and use the same monotone for everything.

Love this audible!

Embattled Hearts by J.M. Madden
Narrated by Eric G. Dove
Five Stars
Embattled Hearts is the first book I have read/ listened to by J.M. Madden, but I’m definitely going to read the rest of this series. This book had me hooked from the very first and I just had to listen to the end. The narration by Eric G Dove really brought the characters to life. It is an amazing story that I highly recommend.

Emotional and Gripping

An emotional and gripping story that got to me on so many levels. Well written with strong damaged characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in. The suspense was riveting and kept me
guessing.

Narration makes this books come alive!

One of the things that can turn a reader off while listening to an audio book is the narration. Is the narrators cadence smooth and words pronounced correctly? One of my personal pet peeves is when certain syllables in words are over exaggerated or overemphasized.
I found the narration of this book by Eric G. Dove to be amazing! This book has been brought to life by his smooth reading style and even speaking cadence. Author JM Madden writes in a manner that hooks you from the first sentence...she gets you invested in the characters and her writing style pulls you to read more of the book than you actually have time for (my poor family has had to order take out more than once). THIS is where audiobooks are such a wonderful change of pace for me.
This story of John Palmer and Shannon Murphy is filled with excitement, lust, mystery and one heck of a storyline that ends in an HEA. Ms Madden writes in a manner that doesn't glamorize or patronize our wounded heroes, but in fact brings them into real life situations and shows that feel as if they are every bit as real as me or you, they have hopes of finding real love and fears about being accepted/rejected because their physical scars. John Palmer with his broody nature is one of my favorite characters and listening to this book really brought his persona and personal issues into real perspective.

Excellent Surprise

I expected another run of the mill SEAL novel but J M Madden did and excellent job of this story. So often we look past the wonderful qualities inside a person and get hung up on the external visage. Madden's characters portray the reality of what we can find if we look with our heart instead of our eyes.

Pretty authentic

I’ve been a paraplegic for 26 years. This is only the second story I have read the somewhat accurately portrays some of the daily challenges. The main character is a high functioning para.

The story was good. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Slow - Sweet - OK

It was an OK book for me but , I think there could’ve been a little more action in the bedroom. Didn’t really seem like a thriller/romance. Or at least not the kind I’m used to or like to listen to.