Tough Enough by M. LeightonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author and publisher in exchange for an honest review
Bold. Raw. Sexy. Captivating. Breathtakingly Beautiful. Emotionally Consuming. These are a few words that comes to mind after I practically inhaled reading my first M. Leighton book. The author blew me away on this emotionally driven and riveting tale of hope, second chances, love, and surviving. Tough Enough was a book that consumed you, stripped you naked and left you feeling raw, exposed and vulnerable as M. Leighton douses her readers with her gorgeous prose and raw characters.
"She captivates me that much, dominates my thoughts to that degree."
They say every scar tells a story. And for Katie Rydale, her scars tells of a story that will leave you heartbroken. When Katie ex-boyfriend, abused her emotionally and physically, he left these physical scars on her heart and body. These scars were a constant reminder to Katie of the emotional and physical absuse that he left her. It was a reminder that her sense of hope, ability to trust and love again was tainted. But that all changes, when Kiefer Rogan walked into her life.
"She just is beautiful. But on the inside, I can already tell that she's more."
Kiefer Rogan walked into Katie's life and was like a beacon that represented hope, love, strength, and understanding. As a former soldier and MMA fighter, Kiefer is the new "IT" actor of the moment. So when he first laid his eyes on Katie, the makeup artist on his new TV show, he was instantly drawn to her. Her innocence and vulnerability spoke to him. He knew that he had to know the real Katie. And slowly, Rogan was able to break down the barriers and walls that she placed. He showed her that she didn't need to fear him. He allowed her to feel comfortable in her own skin and constantly reminded her that he didn't see her as ugly or imperfect because of the scars on her body. But instead, he embraced and loved every inch of her body. In his eyes, her scars weren't seen as ugly but as something beautiful and precious. It was a reminder that this woman who stole his heart was a fighter. She survived all the heartache, brokenness, and lived to tell it. And in turn, Rogan found a kindred spirit with Katie because they both were survivors.
"I want him to show up somewhere else in my life. I want more of Rogan. As unhealthy and inadvisable as it is, I want more."
The chemistry and bond exhibited by Katie and Rogan was palpable right off the opening pages. I was emotionally drawn to their brokenness, past and scars. Rogan was the perfect book hero. He was patient, kind, and had this soft nature that warmed your hearts. He was the strong alpha male but he had a heart of gold. I loved that he was able to bring out Katie's strength and show her what real love entails. I loved that when Katie was going through her own personal storm, Rogan's silent presence was more powerful than a million empty words. His love was able to piece back the shattered pieces of her life and through that their love healed both of them.
Tough Enough is a book that inspires hope and the need to fight. Fight for love. Fight for survival. And most importantly, the fight to live. Through this riveting tale, Ms. Leighton allows readers to see that our scars do not make us ugly. It is a reminder of our strength, courage, and will to live. From every wound, there is a scar. And every scar tells a story. A story that says you are, tough enough to face the battles and obstacles that stand in your way. Though TOUGH ENOUGH may have been classified as a romance novel, this book was so much more. Passion, strength, love, hope, and new beginnings were beautifully entangled and woven into the story allowing readers to FEEL for the characters. So if you are looking for a book that was brimming with a fierce tangible and palpable love story then I highly recommend you to read Tough Enough. Be prepared to have your heart held hostage as M. Leighton delivers and spellbinds you in this phenomenal masterpiece.
M. Leighton
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