Undefeated (Bomb Squad, #2)

by Melissa Cutler

[Cocktails and Books]

UNDEFEATED is an intense, emotional story about Liam McAllister, a broken man who is suffering from PTSD. After three deployments in the Middle East as an Army medic, Liam has seen things he wishes he could forget. He can’t get many of the horrific things he encountered out of his head, no matter how hard he tries. He’s a mess and having a hard time assimilating back into civilian life. Since he’s returned home, he’s become aggressive, anti social and feels uncomfortable in crowds. Liam is just surviving day to day, but his one saving grace is the Bomb Squad. The Bomb Squad is a recreational hockey team comprised of wounded veterans. They’re a motley crew, with a variety of missing limbs and they are all dealing with many different issues. They are brothers in arms with a deep connection because they have all been through hell and are trying to live a normal life again.

Marlena has been best friends with Liam’s twin sister for years and has always had a thing for Liam. She’s a yoga instructor and a spiritual person, who enjoys life, people and has an optimistic attitude. Liam and Marlena have a strong chemistry together, but Liam is emotionally unavailable and he has so many issues he’s dealing with, he doesn’t have time for anything else in his life. Marlena accepts Liam for the person he is and doesn’t expect more from him than he can give. She’s a warm compassionate person and has a way of understanding people and situations without any explanations.

This is a compelling, well written story with realistic, mature characters. Liam and Marlena both have issues they are dealing with, although Liam has many more. Liam’s a good guy, but overwhelmed with his life right now. He can be selfish and inconsiderate, but he cares about Marlena in his own way. They have an explosive sexual chemistry when they are together and I wanted things to work out between them.

Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books