The story of Matt and Penny.Hmm, these really are light and fluffy. Matt injured his shoulder dragging a team mate, who later died, to safety. He's had surgery but the injury seems to have got worse not better. He can no longer meet the physical exam to re-enlist. His twin Mara bullies him into seeing an old babysitter, Penny, for physical therapy.Penny is an army brat and doesn't trust easily after she lost her best friend when her father's job forced them to move. It's a case of insta-lurve on both sides although Penny tries to keep her distance for professional reasons and also because she has a long-term boyfriend. However, when said boyfriend proposes (in a pretty poor way) she realises he is not the one.As with all the books I have read so far, the male character is less conflicted than the female. Matt knows he wants Penny and doesn't waver - there is a fun bit where she kicks him out of bed so she can get a good night's sleep and an early start and he stands by the side of the car appreciating what all the previous women felt like when he did the same to them.The last third/quarter of the book is more of a set up for the fourth book in the series featuring the older Alexander brother Eli and the young mother Kay (Nick 'discovered' her and her group in the first book). I assume that the drama from this book will continue into that book.I probably liked this this best of the books so far, although it is becoming a family ensemble where all previous characters have to make an appearance - I get the impression that Ridley is the author's favourite character as she appears the most. I also really dislike the way that some of the characters act in the book. Thinking particularly of something that Ridley does to Eli and Kay which is plain wrong. The characters act like 16 year old children rather than adults. If you have read the prior books of the Alexander series you are familiar with Matt. He is the loving brother to Mara, best friend's with Nick, Jackson and Trent and the strong, rugged military man on leave from the army. He is a tormented, injured military man who needs to go to physical therapy for his arm, in order to get back the career he has always dreamed of and what he feels defines him as a man. At the same time, he must also face the demons that are haunting his dreams leaving him to be angry and withdrawn from those who love him. Mara, Matt's sister discovered their old babysitter Penny is a rising star in the medical field and a miracle worker to those in her care. So what does any loving sister do...of course meddle and arrange an appointment behind his back.Penny may be a hero to those she rehabilitates, however she hides behind that career to protect herself. She was a military kid, moving place to place leaving little room for her to trust or get close to anyone. Despite Matt's sarcasm and anger, Penny feels drawn to Matt. He slowly gets her to face those insecurities, while facing his own.Despite the mini blurb intro about not being some love story.. it is. Trust me my heart sank when I first read that. It's just not your typical one as it does address the emotions and demons some military men face from being in action. It is a touching love story, with a crazy action scene ending. AND let's not forget you get to hear more about the character's of the other books including the birth of Nick and Raina's baby. The author also prepares you for the next book in the series which is about Elliott and Kaylee.The author has done an amazing job intertwining the books and characters. Even though the stories are not all action you are so drawn into the character's lives that you want to hear about what is going on with each of them. What started out as a casual read is now a series I eagerly await the next book for.
Do You like book He's The Man (2013)?
Ha! I love the Alexander's story ... I cannot wait to read the rest ...
—dmbsaxboyz
