Book Review: Tough Enough (Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #2) by M. Leighton

Tough Enough
Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #3

By:
M. Leighton

Published:
Nov. 3, 2015

Publisher:
Berkley

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Bad Boys novels comes the second book in a dark, sexy contemporary trilogy. 

He’s a fighter who never loses, but is he tough enough to win her heart? 

There was a time when I had everything–a wonderful family, a bright future. Love. But all that was taken away in a single night, torn from me like flesh from bone. Since then, I’ve hidden away in my second-choice job as a makeup artist. But I prefer it that way, actually. I’m comfortable in the shadows, where no one can see my scars. 

Kiefer Rogan literally took my breath away the moment I met him. MMA champion-turned-actor, notorious playboy, charming to a fault—he’s everything I vowed to avoid. 

But he just wouldn’t stop until I opened up and let him in. Maybe I should’ve tried harder to resist him. Maybe I shouldn’t have fallen in love with him. Because I, of all people, know that everyone has secrets. Scars. And that they’re usually ugly and painful and destructive to the people we love most. 

I just never guessed that they could be deadly, too.

Tall, Dark & Dangerous Series:
My Review of Tough Enough Here

*Add this series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

Tough Enough was a riveting and soul stirring read.  It was my favorite type of story; meaningful and entertaining.  I became so involved in the world of Rogan and Katie, that I found myself going through the same emotions as the characters.  Tough Enough was unforgettable, beautiful, and a story that is worthwhile.  I highly recommend it.

Katie is a very talented make-up artist for the stars.  She is quiet, reserved, and tries to fade in to the background.  What we learn early on is that Katie wasn't always this way.  Horrific events from her past have caused her so much pain.  These scars have not healed.  Therefore, she doesn't trust easily, and has a very lonely isolated life that just consists of her one good friend Mona, and her cat.

Rogan is a famous MMA champion turned movie star.  He is use to women throwing themselves at him, and not having to work hard to get a woman to want him.  When he meets his make-up artist Katie, he is intrigued by the reserved beauty that keeps her distance from him.  He wants to get to know her, but she poses a huge challenge for him.  He decides that he is going to impress her and win her over, and when Rogan sets his mind to something, he never loses.  However, Katie and Rogan's dangerous secrets could be the end of a promising and lasting love.

Tough Enough was a story about life, survival, healing, and overcoming the obstacles in front of you.  It was about empowering yourself, and learning how to truly live and be happy again.  This story touched my heart deeply.  We all have scars, some worse than others.  Rogan taught Katie how to live again and experience happiness.  He was so giving, charming and thoughtful.  The way he listened to Katie and went out of his way to make her feel special made me smile.

Katie was so strong.  She was knocked down by life, and what she went through was horrifying.  I loved watching her blossom.  She transformed before my eyes, and was a great example of healing, resilience, and courage.  The connection between her and Rogan was powerful.  When you add in both the intense physical attraction with the deep emotional connection, you get the most beautiful of love stories. 

My Rating:

I give, Tough Love, by M. Leighton, 4.5 Powerful, Resonating, Living not just surviving, Gorgeous Love Story Filled Stars!  I am really enjoying the Tall, Dark, and Dangerous series.  I am looking forward to reading Brave Enough, and learning more about Tag (Rogan's military friend's story.)

Book Teasers:

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About M. Leighton: 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding wild horses, skiing the slopes of Aspen or scuba diving with a hot rock star, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

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