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Worth It All Review

Title:  Worth It All
Series:  The McKinney Brothers
Author:  Claudia Connor
Release Date:  April 19, 2016 by Loveswept
My Rating:  4 Sweet ♥'s

My First Thoughts:  When fate deals you an unexpected hand, you have to figure out the best way to play it or risk missing your chance at real happiness. 

*Many thanks to the Publisher for an ARC of Worth It All for review via Netgally.

Synopsis:
She’s fighting for control. . . . Paige Roberts learned to fend for herself growing up. Now she’s doing everything possible to give her daughter, Casey, the stability she never had. But when the vivacious five-year-old decides she’s done wearing her prosthesis, Paige faces her toughest challenge yet: trusting a handsome, brooding stranger who simply wants to help.

He’s struggling to connect. . . . JT McKinney lost more than his leg in a car accident that stole his dreams of pro football. Eight years later, he's made a new life for himself far away from his old one. His business is developing cutting-edge prosthetics and he’s more than happy to turn his attention to machines instead of people. Still, he can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.

Will they take a chance on love? . . . When JT gets the chance to help Paige’s daughter, he takes it. He never planned on the two of them tearing down his walls or teaching him to believe in himself again. Paige might not believe in happily ever afters, but JT wants more than anything to be her prince. They’ll both have to let go of the past if they want a future.

My Review:

I was so excited to get my hands on the third book in The McKinney Brothers Series. This is a great series that always delivers just the right combination of angst, heat, and good old-fashioned romance. Worth It All is a heart-touching addition to the series that doesn't disappoint. It takes place several years after the ending of the previous book.

J. T. (Jake) was headed for stardom as a professional football player when an accident changed his life forever. One night, one moment in time, and not only did he lose his dreams, he lost his future - something precious he didn't think he wanted. He eventually moved on with his life by moving all the way across the country from his family and friends to start his life over. He's now successful, but living his life alone as he doesn't believe he deserves a family of his own.

Paige is a single mother, working two jobs and going to school in an effort to provide a good, stable home and future for her daughter, Casey. Once upon a time, Paige had a life plan . . . one that was changed forever one night in the backseat of a car by a boy she didn't say No to - she won't make that mistake again - even though it gave her the best thing in her life, her precious 5 year old daughter, Casey. She has a new life plan, and it doesn't include a man.

J. T. and Paige's worlds tangle when J. T. meets Casey as she waits for her mom to get off work from the diner. It was very close to love at first sight for Casey & J. T. as they discover they share a common bond - one that makes them both "different". The scenes between J. T. and Casey are among the best in the book as Casey tears down the walls J. T. had constructed around his heart while he helps her learn how to deal with her struggles at being different from other kids. Make no mistake about it - Casey steals the show in this book. She is adorable with an honesty and openness often found in young children, and yet, she is wise beyond her years. Many of her comments and questions speared me straight through the heart. How could anyone not love this little girl?!

Through Casey, J. T. and Paige begin to connect, to reach out, to dare to dream for more. Can he forgive himself? Can she alter her life plan? Their romance is a sweet, slow burn - one that simmers as they both learn their own capacity and need for love is greater than they thought. Worth It All is an emotional, feel-good romance that will leave you smiling. A Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Sweet, Slow Burning ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx
Sandra

IWSG: Series*ously Addicted . . .

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a community of writers who share ideas and encourage other writers.  It's a great place to express doubts and concerns as well as offer and receive tribulations and guidance from other writers. IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month.  I think you'll find it to be a great writer's resource that's well worth your time.  Be sure to stop by and visit with some of the other IWSG writers/bloggers at IWSG Members.

The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG will be Megan Morgan, Chris Votey, Viola Fury, Christine Rains, Madeline Mora-Summonte, L.G. Keltner, Rachna Chhabria, and Patricia Lynne! 

Series*ously Addicted:  Are you a fan of book series?  I am.  I'm not only a fan of series - I'm hopelessly addicted to them.  For me, there's nothing better than finishing a great book only to find it's just the first in a series, and there's more to come!  When I discover an addictive series, I often find myself hooked into a binge read - reading straight through until I finish the last book.  Talk about burning the midnight oil!  Does that ever happen to you?

After my most recent series binge, I found myself thinking more about writing a series - which led me to wondering:  How many authors accidentally stumble into writing a series - stretching a successful first "standalone" book into a previously unplanned series?  Or how many authors always start out by planning to write a series from the moment they begin writing book one, page one?  

My current w-i-p took root from an idea for a standalone novel, but I now see the potential for carrying the story/characters forward in a series.  I'm left debating whether to go with my original plan and tie things up with a bow in this book or leave a few lines dangling for the possibility of future books with these characters who are demanding more time.  My gut instinct is to write a satisfying ending for readers (not a fan of huge cliffhangers!) while leaving the door open for exploring more books.  My dilemma is figuring out the best way to do that.  

So, tell me . . . Are you Series*ously Addicted to reading and writing series?  As a writer, which approach to writing a series do you take?  Are you a stumbler or a planner?