Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Vow #3

Vow of Honor

Rate this book
I can’t stand Tatum from the second she walks into the room. Everything about her puts me on edge—from her small delicate curves to the smile that she refuses to lose.

There’s nothing she loves more than to piss me off. She’s infused herself in every part of my life, taking away the silence I crave. I’d walk away if I could. If I hadn’t been shot. If I didn’t need physical therapy. If I could resist her.

I only kiss her to shut her up. I didn’t expect it to turn into the hottest moment of my life with our clothes scattered on the floor. The one-time thing turns into something neither of us expects.

When my guard drops and secrets are revealed, I’ll do anything to protect Tate. We have enemies lurking around every corner.

Will my vow of honor cost me the one thing I can’t live without?

300 pages

First published November 28, 2018

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Emma Renshaw

22 books1,038 followers
Emma loves to write, just don't ask her to write about herself. If she isn't writing, you can find her lost in a book or trying to get her doggo to take a selfie with her. He usually refuses. At the end of the day, you can find Emma at the closest Mexican restaurant eating queso and sipping on a margarita. She lives in Texas with her husband and dog.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
157 (61%)
4 stars
64 (24%)
3 stars
34 (13%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
3,596 reviews2,765 followers
November 19, 2018
description

description

This one was good, not great, but decent. I had a few issues with it. It was almost like two separate stories. The first 60% was packed with pointless OM stuff. Acrimonious exchanges. Fun banter. The heroine was a pathetic doormat regarding the Patrick situation (which ended up leading nowhere). James was an over the top asshole. And not one of those endearing types of assholes, but just a straight up asshole that pretty much treated Tate like crap for way too long. Which bummed me SO out because I LOVED James in book one. The last 40% (which was much better) suddenly turned into this mafia action story, and the OM storylines just went, POOF.


description


On a more positive note, this author has a very readable way to her writing. The sex was hot, and there was some funny banter at times between Tate and James. I also thought Tate's family were a hoot. There wasn't any OW drama, but it is never made clear whether James had sex with someone after meeting the heroine. It is implied he was looking to hook up, but we never hear any details either way. There was a bunch of OM drama which I found a bit annoying considering like I mentioned above it was just DROPPED in the last 40% of the book. I mean it is implied Simon is crazy every time he showed up in the book, but NOTHING ever comes of it?!!. Last, the ending was SO sweet and had me bawling.

So this was indeed a mixed bag for me. I felt a bit like the author was confused about where she wanted this story to head. A grouchy damaged guy who falls in love, or a grumpy man with secrets and a dangerous past that that catches up with him. Honestly, I preferred the second...

description
description

descriptiondescriptiondescriptiondescriptiondescriptiondescription

Profile Image for Catherine Cowles.
Author 32 books20k followers
Read
November 27, 2018
Since I read Emma Renshaw’s first book, I have been waiting for James’s story. Let me tell you, this brooding, grumpy alpha does not disappoint!

Emma has such a talent for making you care so deeply about the family of characters she's created and Vow Of Honor is no different. I fell in love with Tate within her first few pages, and rooted for her and James the whole way through. But in typical Emma Renshaw fashion, she takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions, twists, and turns before this couple gets their happily ever after. And before the book is through you'll be begging her to write novels for at least five more characters.

This book has everything I look for in a romance: heat, swoon, and action that kept me on the edge of my seat. One-click this bad boy now and thank me later! Just don't forget, I called James as my book boyfriend first!
Profile Image for Island Girl Romance Reads.
508 reviews54 followers
November 17, 2018
This series is getting better and better and this one is my favorite. I’ve been dying to read James’ book from the first book and it didn’t disappoint.
This book is so beautiful. I love books where the heroes are brooding and poor James’ childhood broke my heart.
Love Tatum. She was the complete opposite of James, feisty and optimistic. They couldn’t stand each other but they where very much attracted.
Love the suspense and angst and the storyline was very good.
Can’t wait for the next book in this series.

5 stars!!
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews349 followers
November 28, 2018
description
This is the first book I have read by Emma Renshaw and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t realize that this was the third book in the Vow Series, but I was able to read it without being lost. I love books with family of friends and this one definitely had that. I really enjoyed the whole group and their dynamic, I would love to go back and read their stories. It’s clear that these characters share a special bond and while I could feel that, I’d love to see they formed.

Tatum and James were like oil and water. They were constantly at each other’s throats. To be honest, I didn’t always understand where these strong feelings came from, but I loved verbal sparring between them regardless. The push and pull was mesmerizing. Their chemistry was on fire and I couldn’t wait for them to combust.

In addition to the relationship and the great cast of characters, Renshaw gave us some mystery and action. She lays little traces down here and there to get you hooked but then will lull you into forgetting there is more there. She surprised me with a few of her twists. I’m eager to see where the series goes next.
Profile Image for Becca.
2,005 reviews25 followers
November 1, 2018
Holy WOW!!! Definitely, my favorite out of the series to date and each book just gets better and better.

I have loved James from the start and knew that the demons he was battling were going to be big. And he tore me apart. I was just devastated by his past and loved how he was taken down by Tate.

There are a few people I wanted to throat punch (cough... PATRICK) but it helped propel my love of James and Tate together. This is hate to love story that will give you all the emotions.

SO SO GOOD!!! Now bring on Hudson!!!
Profile Image for Gladys Avilés.
357 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2018
I'll start with this: This book is a must read!! One of my favorite reads of this year.
I was so excited to read this book! James and Tatum's story was everything! Starting with the gorgeous cover... Perfection!
I completely devoured this book. It was a hell of a story, shocking, sexy, funny, seductive and HOT!!!
This is my first book in the series (Can be read as a standalone), and I can't wait to read the rest.
VOH blew me away with its storyline, its world, everything. Emma Renshaw writes magic and her characters are so cool, strong and fresh you just can't put the book down, and now I am impatiently waiting for what she brings us next. Especially Hudson! Can't wait!!!

Vow of Honor is releasing on November 28th.

"I can’t stand Tatum from the second she walks into the room.
Everything about her puts me on edge—from her small delicate curves to the smile that she refuses to lose."

Do you want an enemies-to-lovers romance? Pre-order Vow of Honor today!

Amazon ↣ smarturl.it/25tj3v
iBooks ↣ https://apple.co/2LKS95s
B&N ↣ http://bit.ly/VOHbarnes
Kobo ↣ http://bit.ly/VOHKobo
Profile Image for Simona Misevska.
547 reviews
December 13, 2018
3 stars
Well, this book is ok but just not my cup of tea. I liked the beginning, the hero was an asshole and the story-plot was more interesting. Then in middle everything starts to go downhill, the hero started to act too sweet and Tate our heroine, i just couldn't connect with her. Like i said is a decent book with good writing but nothing spectacular.
Profile Image for thecrazyreadingblog.
96 reviews14 followers
January 7, 2021
The book was amazing but it is not my favorite book in the series. I was so excited to read James' book but this was not what I expected. The this I hate most in a book is the 'flings'. I really do hate them, in the second book I didn't mind so much because I knew Roman was completely and hopelessly in love with Harper and so was she but would not accept it.
Another thing that bothered me was Patrick(I think that was his name) and Tate's relationship. In the first few chapter she was heartbroken over him and wanted them to get back together. Finally she told him no when he was jealous because of James. Honestly, it was really pathetic and I was so mad because there was a character like Patrick in this book.
Profile Image for Bookslover09.
625 reviews37 followers
November 19, 2018
Definitely my favorite of the Series. I loved James and Tatum they were amazing together, She is all light and that was the perfect combination for James and all the darkness in his life, this book is hot and sexy and I hangover. Thanks Emma ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
1,801 reviews52 followers
November 6, 2018
I’ve adored James since the beginning of this series, and I’m so happy he met his perfect match in Tatum. Tate takes no crap and gives as good as she gets from jump.

James and his past have made him a very closed-off individual, completely out of necessity. He has so much love to give but is always aware of the fact that he needs to be ready to walk away from it all...until Tate. While he’s determined to dislike his new physical therapist, Tate manages to get under his skin in the best way possible and pushes James to actually feel something more than temporary attraction to a woman outside of his family-of-choice.

Tate has been through misery, thanks to a man, and she isn’t looking for another opportunity to get hurt, but she can’t stay away from James. She truly enjoys antagonizing him and knows that deep down, he can’t possibly be bad or as unfeeling as he tries to appear. She seems to effortlessly break through all of James’s defenses and gives him so many reasons to long for forever with her. When trouble finally comes calling, James knows he has to put an end to all that he’s come to know and love to save the people closest to him, but Tate isn’t about to simply accept his choice. She proves to be fearless when it comes to saving the man she loves and helps make everything as right as it can be in the end.

Overall, this was a wonderful story. It was full of humor, angst, love, and the proof that love and determination can beat out fear to win in the end. I can’t wait to see which man meets his match next!
Profile Image for The Romantic Bosnian.
1,222 reviews327 followers
January 22, 2019
NEW TO ME AUTHOR & BOOKS!
I have not read Book #1 & #2 YET! So going based off just reading this book, I can say that it provided enough information to where I still enjoyed and understood it.

James is HOLY MOLY ALPHA & BROODY! My two favorite types! Tatum may seem weak BUT she is STRONG in her own ways! You never know what you will go through in life, I really liked the heroine in here!! Something about her, just maybe it's an understanding maybe it's the character OR BOTH! But if I had to chose a fav it would be her & If i had to run run someone over with an 18 wheeler it would be PATRICK little....!! I'm calm, I'm calm! ;)

I have to applaud Emma Renshaw's writing! It was clear, clean and reletable. For it being new to me, I was hooked from the first two pages. Okay the BLURB really is what hooked me to begin with but that just kept me wanting to read faster to know more and more.

It's a little darker read to me than I usually tend to stick with, so I am glad that i found a book(s) that I am not afraid of reading. I will be reading Book 1 & 2 and can't wait for Hudson in Book 4!

I am rating this book a high 4.5 & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I can't wait to own my own paperbacks & for Book 4 to come out already!

Ⓗ Ⓐ Ⓟ Ⓟ Ⓨ - Ⓡ Ⓔ Ⓐ Ⓓ Ⓘ Ⓝ Ⓖ
Profile Image for G (heartbooked).
135 reviews7 followers
November 28, 2018

Emma Renshaw writes amazingly. You probably can read anything she writes. James was fun to read about because he was the quiet one of the group of friends. He barely talks but still very present when he's with his friends who have become families and most important people to him. Read this and see how James' friends mess with him regarding Tatum.

Tatum was perfect for James after she let go of the whole delusional bubble she had going regarding her ex... That was a let down for me because Tatum wasn't really strong character in the beginning of the book - however, I love the fact that when she started being associated with James it helped her find her way back to the boss girl that she is... considering her family are bloody awesome...

Still loved their story because it showed more of James' character - truly a badass and LOYAL. Loved seeing Roman and Harper, Liam and Savannah and the rest of the crew.. One click this book because its worthy to be read. Can't wait to see if Hudson and Kiernan get their stories!!.. This is more than just a romance... see how a group of friends love and support one another in all that they do... even setting you up if you are too slow to move lol


Loved Tatum and James. Be sure to get yourself a copy of this...


heartbooked on Instagram xX
Profile Image for Grahame Claire.
Author 27 books2,324 followers
Read
January 6, 2019
The wait for James was totally worth it. He was a broody, moody, quiet man we met in the first couple of books in the series. We knew he had a past, and no matter how standoffish he was, it was obvious he cared fiercely for his friends.

Getting to know him in Vow of Honor? It was so much more than you could imagine. He's tough, but under that cold exterior is a heart unlike any other. To say we're a little bit in love is an understatement.

Tatum was such a surprise. She was sassy and tough even though she'd been through a hard time. She was perfect for James. Their witty banter was hilarious and their sexual chemistry was off the charts hawt! Loved her family so much too!

If you want to laugh, cry, and be up all night reading then Vow of Honor is must read romance.
Profile Image for Courtney-ReadonReader.
2,051 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2018
Hot Jerk Ahead

This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. It has a little of everything in it from a hot jerk alpha hero, to angst, drama, steamy scenes, sweetness, and even some action. I think though out of all of that Tate is my favorite thing about this book because I loved how she didn’t back down when James was being a jerk to her and she loved to get a rise out of him. Also I really enjoyed how James went from being a total jerk to absolutely being totally head over heels for Tate. The side characters were amazing and I want to go back and read some of their stories now because of how tight their group of friends were it was sweet.
Profile Image for Amanda.
878 reviews
November 18, 2018
Ok to say I’ve been excited for James’ story in an understatement but this book exceeded all of my expectations. I could not put it down, completely devoured it and have the most epic book hangover now I’m done! I love James. So protective and growly and huge and hot! I. I couldn’t get enough! And Tatum, such a little spitfire, it was fantastic to see her journey from broken emotionally to being strong and confident.

I cannot wait for more of this series! Seriously, Hudson and Kiernan, I need their stories STAT!
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,160 reviews41 followers
December 13, 2018
This is the only one in the series that I've read so far. I enjoyed it and hope to read more of them. In this one we have James and Tatum. They meet when he needs a physical therapist. Of course it starts off as something that was casual and by the end it was so much more. I liked both the MC's and was happy that they got their HEA.
Profile Image for Amy Dickinson.
1,378 reviews39 followers
December 13, 2018
Vow of Honor is the third book in Emma Renshaw's The Vow Series. It follows the characters, James and Tatum. James comes with a past that informs his life, a life that is carefully crafted to avoid serious connections. Part of this comes from being a foster kid. In contrast, Tatum comes from a family where she has felt loved and treasured her whole life. Unfortunately, Tatum's ex-long-time boyfriend has made her feel unworthy of other relationships. She waits for him to figure out if he wants to be with her, even when she knows, deep down, he is not the man for her.
James and Tatum meet when she becomes his physical therapist after James is shot (an event that occurs in the 2nd book of this series). At first meeting, James and Tatum are polar opposites, and she frustrates him immediately. Tatum takes great pleasure in antagonizing him. However, even in their frustration with each other, there is a heat, a sexual chemistry. Eventually, Tatum befriends James's friends (his surrogate family), and they must learn to co-exist together. Very quickly, their heat ends in a "enemies with benefits"-type of situation. As is the case with any romance, these two begin to develop feelings for each other, and their "benefits" situation devolves into something more. Yet, given the dangers that lurk from James's past, can they be together?

James is your proto-typical alpha male. He has endured so many trials in his life and has developed a protection for his heart. With the people he cares for, he is a protective "brother," but he never fully lets them in to his life. He will even lay down his life to protect them. He is quiet, dominating, and sexy without knowing it.

Tatum is beautiful, but unassuming. She comes from a family who has poured into her, and she's content in the life she's created for herself outside of the struggle with her ex. There were times at the beginning of this story when I found myself yelling at her. It took her a bit of time at the beginning to recognize that her ex- was not a good guy. Thankfully, James changes this, just as Tatum changes his life. It is their chemistry, the depth of their characters, that draw the reader into the story.

Additionally, there is an underlying message about foster kids in this story. Through James's story, we understand the struggles of kids who have been taken into the system and abandoned. The way in which Renshaw deals with this story adds a depth to a story, that quite frankly, isn't the most original. James's storyline and the epilogue of this book provide the reader with a message more important than the romantic relationship.

I would definitely read this book. (You don't need to read the first two books in the series to understand this book).

Overall, this is a five-star read: the characters are developed well, the story is more than just the romance, and you will cheer for the characters throughout it.
15 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2018
Emma Renshaw is more than an author; she's an artist. She paints a picture so beautiful, it has the person on the other side yearning to know more. What inspired the work? Will there be more? Are there others like it?

Vow of Honour is an incredible book. In fact, I want to say that it's my favourite so far, which is saying something because the first two blew many other books out of the water. I'll forever be ruined for other romance books. What is it about a hulking man and a fiery redhead that makes me want to forget the outside world exists?

Let me start with James. That man had me feeling some kind of way. The secrets he kept and his protective nature had me wanting to bang him like a screen door. If you loved the gentle giant in the first two books, you'll find yourself head over heels in this one. He knows what he wants and he isn't afraid to go get it, regardless of the past that threatens to take away everything he's ever loved. One of the things that drew me in was his sense of confidence even in the face of insecurity.

He knew that Tatum came from money and has a well-paying job, but he was still able to support her and let her be herself despite that. Even though him and Tatum come from two completely different worlds, he still puts his heart and soul into everything he loves and he won't let anyone (especially an uppity ex-boyfriend) put down what he's worked incredibly hard for.

Speaking of working hard, let's move on to Tate. She instantly became one of my book best friends. Her no BS attitude and persistent nature had me silently (and maybe not so silently) cheering for her throughout the book. She loves and she loves hard. She's a bad-ass woman who has had a relatively easy go of things, but she isn't jaded or sheltered. She's an independent woman with a strong head on her shoulders.

One of the things that drew me to her was her ability to bounce back. She let herself hurt for a little bit when things didn't work out at the beginning of the book, but she pulled herself together and was able to come out stronger because of it. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it.

Before reading any of Emma's books, I could close out of whatever app I was reading and forget about the characters until I came back to book. Vow of Honour has me comparing everyone in my social circle to the characters. Since I can't have my own Cellar Crew, I'll have to read the books over and over again as I wait (im)patiently for the next in the series.
November 28, 2018
Wow! What a book! What a story!! Five stars ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮

It was really beautiful, captivating and addictive story!
I love books where main characters from the very begining, bantering with each other in funny way, trying to deny their feelings. It was real hate-love from the first sight and that’s how Tatum and James story starts.
This has been my first step into the world of Emma Renshaw books.
When I read synopsis of this book, I already knew that I need to read whole story.
Vow of Honor is the third book in VOW SERIES and you can read it in no particular order, because every book tells the story about different characters. All of them are group of best friends.
From the first page I was drown into Tatum and James’s world, but nothing prepered me for the story hidden in this book.
James was athletic man, he owns a gym and loves to keep his body healty and in good shape. But after an accident he couldn’t excercise and needed an physiotherapy.
That’s how he meet Tatum, a physical therapist.
He seemsed so gruff when we meet him for the first time but slowly learns what has made him so grumpy. We also get a bit about his past and why he is so withdrawn. As time past by his walls torn down and I became enamored with the soft heart below the wall of muscle.
Tatum came in as talkative hurricane into his life and changed everything. She was born to a wealthy family, so she had everything that she wanted. But she was a sensitive and loving person with a big heart and even bigger smile.

Together they were like explosives, and even they're like two opposite poles, they couldn't resist each other.
When James's demons from the past come back to hunt him down again and try to destroy his life, which he build on his own, their happy ever after will be endangered.
This is just the small part of the story. I won't tell you all but trust me, so many things happened in this book with fast pace and change of action, that you will love it and won't be able put the book down.
I don't have enough and I want more of the Tatum and James story. It was great romance with twisted and unpredictable plot. I was very emotional and teared up at the end. I love that kind of romance where I can find little bit of mystery plot, humor, lots of love and steamy romance between main characters.
I will definitely read whole series and already can't wait for the #4 part. But today I want to recommended this book just for you.

ARC generously provided by author Emma Renshaw in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Meiwilli.
1,572 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2019
Finally James' story we've all been waiting for with a few exceptions. First, let me get the negatives out of the way. I couldn't give this review a higher rating because of the terrible editing and careless grammatical issues that plague this series.

James Harris is the most mysterious but prominent character in the Vow series yet we know very little about him, until now. James is the talk, dark and silent type so imagine his chagrin when he meets bubbly, chatty, and full of light Tatum Rothschild, his replacement physical therapist. It's not love at first sight for either one of them--more of a battle of wills. James is right to be afraid of Tatum when he realizes she can infiltrate his life and get past his defenses and more than a one night stand. James doesn't want anyone to know the real him for fear that when his past catches up with him, and we knew it was coming, they will be collateral damage--Not that it will stop any of his friends, aka family, from being there for him when he needs them most. Even the ones he left behind.

Tatum's childhood couldn't be more different than James' childhood in foster care. They are total opposites drawn to the differences in each other. Tatum's family is a handful and not quite what James is expecting. There's Tatum's rebellious mother, Eliza, and father, Daniel, brother Hammond and grandfather Walt aka, Pop Pop. Once introductions are made, and the women are out of the room, James gets a dose of his verbal threats to Liam and Roman. Hammond tells James that if he hurts Tatum, he will destroy him and dismantle his life: "you'd be standing on a street corner begging for change before you could wonder what happened." Pop Pop, on the other hand, doesn't care how big James is and claims he could get his guns because he has enough to supply a Texas army and "bring you out in the woods, kill ya there, and claim I found Bigfoot."

Of course, despite their dislike of each other, Tatum and James wind up in bed which makes for an awkward PT session. After the initial awkwardness and the pair are back on track, they find a lost puppy James dubs "Sirius Black" who is small enough to fit in James' hand and his favorite place, sitting on James' shoulder. Tatum and James are too cute co-parenting the pup together. Everything seems fine until James dons a tuxedo and escorts Tatum to a gala and is photographed--oops!

Good story and good characters but the editing is horrendous.

Profile Image for Audrey Nelson.
295 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2022
I was excited for James' book for a long time, especially to hear his story, where he came from, and why he was the way he was. Let me start off by saying this was a good book. BUT, I felt like I was kind of let down...

Let's get the 'dislikes' out of the way for me....I felt like the author made James way to crabby and mean to Tatum for no reason. We've seen throughout the last two books that James is a quiet guy, but he cares for Savannah and Harper.. so why is he such a douche to Tatum when she's trying to help him heal his arm? I also really disliked the fact after James and Tatum are together and he is honest with her about his past and then shit hits the fan, he lies to her face and tries to leave.... like, didn't that honesty and committing to Tatum and the fact that she didn't go running for the hills prove that she would stay and help with anything James had to face?! At least have the decency to not lie to her face. Tatum's drama with her ex and her creepy coworker was also annoying. I think the thing that annoyed me about that the most was that she basically is a door mat for her ex, and doesn't see her self worth and hooks up with him only when he wants to hop in bed with her but then pretends like he doesn't see her at parties, work events, etc. Yes, she did grow but that was pretty hard to get around for me. Also creepy Simon, who she works with? Like, why even put that in there constantly? I felt like the author needed to fill up space and decided to put that in parts of the book of him being shot down and keep asking her out multiple times throughout the book..

The things I did like: I loved Tatum and James together. I felt like once they finally admitted that they liked each other and knew from the start that it wasn't just a physical connection they wanted to share together, we were off to the races. Their chemistry was great, and I loved seeing James open up and have something/ someone to live for. I loved Tatum's family, they were a hoot, and I loved that they were a 'normal' family even though they came from money and a world James never came from and made him feel at home.
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,730 reviews23 followers
November 28, 2018
Being totally new to Emma Renshaw, I wasn't sure what to expect going into Vow of Honor. For the post part I enjoyed this quasi enemies-to-lovers romance. But it almost felt like a tale of two books. There were a few plot lines that never really took off- even though the characters kept showing up. And then the second half of the book was this crazy, dangerous showdown.

I won't lie, it was Tatum, not James, that was my favorite thing about this book. She was relentless but also tender and kind. Though she was a bit softer than I like my heroine, she grew a backbone rather swiftly, especially when it came to James. That broody jerk. He had a soft spot for his friends but had very few attachments. But he just couldn't resist his pull to Tatum. She worked her way under his skin and into his heart. However, his past kept him ready to run at any moment and when it showed up, he did what he thought was best to protect everyone around him.

Cue the intense. Mafia connections, a best friend scorned and a showdown a decade in the making. James was ready to face it alone, and possibly not walk away but his friends that became his family wouldn't let him. Tate wouldn't let him. My heart was racing as the bullets and deals were flying.

So like I said, Vow of Honor was a bit of a mixed bag. Some parts were really great and kept me riveted while others just seemed to go nowhere. But that ending- be still my heart- it was so perfectly James and Tatum that I couldn't help but smile.
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,080 reviews29 followers
November 28, 2018
So this isn't a true 5 star rating...more like a 4.5. I wasn't sure about James at first. He comes off as very standoffish and grumpy. He has his group of friends that he can sit back and listen to. He's a quiet wallflower. Tate.. what can I say about her? She's an interesting character. She had everything she ever wanted and then it ended. She didn't realize what a blessing it was until she met James. He opened her eyes and made her see how important she is. She was always the one who went along with things and never used her voice. James allows her to be herself. Her family is awesome! I seriously want to hang out with and help her mom paint her mailbox. They accept James and see how good he is for their daughter. These two are like a rollercoaster. They are the last to see what is in front of them and when they do, it's like a bomb going off. This book keeps the suspense high especially at the end. The tension and suspense were enough to keep me glued to my kindle and not the movie was my tv. I didn't know what and how it was gonna end. I wasn't expecting to be laughing, swooning and so freakin nervous in a book. James and Tate have explosive chemistry and it shows in their sex life. They both have hearts of gold and are very protective of each other. I was so thrilled to see Tate grow in this book and become a strong amazing woman. This book was incredibly good! Characters you will love and a few that you will hate with a passion. I loved every minute of it!!
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,481 reviews174 followers
November 28, 2018
This is the first book in the series that I have read and I am going to be reading book 1&2 because these characters just jumped off the pages into my life and my heart. Man oh man I could not stop reading. I was so captured right from page one by these characters. I could feel the pain in them and I could feel the love between them. Emma hit it spot on and I can't wait to read the next book.

James is one HAF alpha male. He is dark, handsome, moody, and serious and the list can go on because he is all that and a bag of chips. He is injured and needs physical therapy when he meets Tatum. Tatum is so funny, loving, and caring. She also takes her job serious as a physical therapist. So when she gets James as a client she intends to make him work his butt off to get stronger and back to where he was before he was hurt.

James right of the bat can't stand Tatum but she has other ideas and she makes him work his butt off and talks trash to him to get him to work harder and one day James kisses her to shut her up and what happens next is explosive between them. This is where the story gets good real good and James and Tatum are something else. What happens between these two is amazing and you have to read it to believe it! So go one click it and enjoy these two great characters and their friends!
Profile Image for Audrey Nelson.
295 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2022
I was excited for James' book for a long time, especially to hear his story, where he came from, and why he was the way he was. Let me start off by saying this was a good book. BUT, I felt like I was kind of let down...

Let's get the 'dislikes' out of the way for me....I felt like the author made James way to crabby and mean to Tatum for no reason. We've seen throughout the last two books that James is a quiet guy, but he cares for Savannah and Harper.. so why is he such a douche to Tatum when she's trying to help him heal his arm? I also really disliked the fact after James and Tatum are together and he is honest with her about his past and then shit hits the fan, he lies to her face and tries to leave.... like, didn't that honesty and committing to Tatum and the fact that she didn't go running for the hills prove that she would stay and help with anything James had to face?! At least have the decency to not lie to her face. Tatum's drama with her ex and her creepy coworker was also annoying. I think the thing that annoyed me about that the most was that she basically is a door mat for her ex, and doesn't see her self worth and hooks up with him only when he wants to hop in bed with her but then pretends like he doesn't see her at parties, work events, etc. Yes, she did grow but that was pretty hard to get around for me. Also creepy Simon, who she works with? Like, why even put that in there constantly? I felt like the author needed to fill up space and decided to put that in parts of the book of him being shot down and keep asking her out multiple times throughout the book..

The things I did like: I loved Tatum and James together. I felt like once they finally admitted that they liked each other and knew from the start that it wasn't just a physical connection they wanted to share together, we were off to the races. Their chemistry was great, and I loved seeing James open up and have something/ someone to live for. I loved Tatum's family, they were a hoot, and I loved that they were a 'normal' family even though they came from money and a world James never came from and made him feel at home.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,561 reviews43 followers
November 20, 2018
Oh I have been waiting for James to get his own story and boy did Renshaw knock it out of the park with this one! The attraction between Tate and James is so evident from the start. James was so resistant and when you learn more about him, I honestly could not blame him whatsoever. He has a troubled past that makes for a rough relationship. But Tate is sassy and loves to grind his gears. Especially when she knows it will get on his nerves. She goes out of her way to make him talk and to make him act out. But I swear she does it because she knows it will bring his attention on to her even though she denies it! When things come to light, I love how Tate sticks by her man. Through thick and thin. Then all the twisty turns happen and as much as James wants to protect her, Tate refuses to let him be on his own! Their love for each other really showed with how they wanted to protect one another.
One thing I can say is if you have not picked up an Emma Renshaw book, DO IT NOW!!!! Her words are gold as they are so fluid and well thought out with an amazing romance that has some epic suspense. She writes some unbelievable sexy alpha males and James is exactly that. Though apparently I am not allowed to stake claim to this book boyfriend according to my bestie. But that’s okay! I have Liam and Roman and I have proof! So run, do not walk to read these books! They are some of the best of 2018!!!
Profile Image for Daisy Ramirez.
294 reviews
November 24, 2018
As soon as I read the prologue I knew I was hooked. I knew it would be a roller coaster of emotions. I needed and wanted to know more about James.

James the man who as a child had nothing. He has a wall that only a counted of people have gone past it. He was in foster care bouncing from place to place. He manages to run away and make something of himself but will his dark past stay behind?

Tatum the girl who comes from a happy family that gave her everything. She is heartbroken and only hopes to fix things. She is a go getter and will work for what she wants.

James and Tatum hate each other from the moment they meet. James can’t stand the happiness and sunshine that Tatum creates. Tatum loves to make the not-so-jolly-green giant (James) mad. When they Have to be around each other they realize that they are sparkles around.

They both have obstacles that they have to overcome. When they hit those rocks we learn what they do to protect each other.

This story has everything romance, laughter, suspense, and emotions that had me on edge.


This is the first book I read from Emma Renshaw. It’s a series but can be read as a standalone. I can’t wait to read the rest.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews95 followers
November 26, 2018
You know you’ve officially found an incredible author when they can totally change your opinion and have you looking at things in a new light. I fully admit that starting this book I was a bit disappointed. I super loved James and was over the moon for his book, but I did NOT like Tatum at first. That’s right. I was a total judgey mcjudgerpants and Emma Renshaw put me in my place by making me adore Tatum as much as I adore James by the end of this book.
Needless to say, don’t underestimate how awesome Tatum is. I had a very hard time really letting myself connect to her because of the way she acted when it came to her ex, BUT, she truly proved to be not only incredibly loving and kind but also the perfect other half to the gruff and secretive James. Speaking of the king of mysterious brooding, I fell even harder for James than ever before reading this. On top of being seriously sexy the man has a softer side that brings out all the swoon and steals your heart.
All that magical romance comes with a seriously gripping dose of suspense and mystery known as James’ past that unravels right along with these two falling in love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.