Rome: A Sweet and Spicy Grumpy Military Hero Romance, from the Series That Inspired the Upcoming Film Marked Men: Rule and Shaw (Marked Men, 3)

I read this series from beginning to end – no breaks. Having read Built (Saints of Denver, #1)  the mention of previous characters and some story lines that obviously had been started in the Marked Men series had me wanting to go back and read it. I am so glad I did as I had not only missed a great series but also meeting many of the secondary characters and their issues which is who the Saints of Denver is about. This series mainly takes place around a Tattoo shop where a man called Uncle Phil took in a group of men who were walking the line and gave them a job and purpose.As I read these back to back I am going to write one review for them all. This is what I call an ensemble series – each book builds on the next one. Each book does have its own couple that get their HFN/HEA but some things started in one book may not get a resolution until another.<b><u>Rule (Marked Men #1)</b></u> – This book is one that starts a side plot/story that isnt finished until the 3rd book in the series. The Archer family had three boys – oldest Rome and twins Rule and Remy. Even though Rule and Remy were identical twins they couldnt be more different. Remy was the good one and Rule broke all the rules. Shaw Landon entered their lives when she was 13 and they became her surrogate family. Shaw and Remy were very close but Rule is the one she has secretly loved since first meeting him. Even though they are all adults now Rule is still wild and out of control. That got worse when Remy died. Remy's death fractured the Archer family and Shaw is doing her best to try and keep it together. She does not succeed. But Rule finally see's her and does his best to try and make up for his past and be the man she deserves.<b><u>Jet (Marked Men #2)</b></u> - Jet Keller doesnt work at the Tattoo shop but he is good friends with the men who work there. He is the lead singer of a band and writes songs for both his band and others. He is very talented but has refused to leave town to expand his career due to trying to protect his mother from his father. Problem is she doesnt want his help and has no plans of ever leaving him. Ayden Cross (best friend of Shaw) is a woman with ugly past she doesnt want anyone to find out about. She left her past behind in Kentucky and wants to just finish college. One thing she doesnt want is the attraction she has for Jet. He tempts her inner bad girl too much and scares her that she could easily go back to that person she is trying so hard to forget. In this one we met her brother Asa who has no redeeming qualities (until his book which is the last in the series)<b><u>Rome (Marked Men #3)</b></u> – Rome we met in his brother book. He has always been the glue in the family and in on his 8th year of 10 in the Army. During that book he didn't deal well with a family secret when its revealed and that left him estranged with his family. When he gets done with his last tour and leaves the Army he is lost and suffering from PTSD and dealing with all his demons in a bottle and being angry at the world. Cora Lewis runs the front desk of the Tatoo shop along with doing body modifications. She is a fouled mouth take no crap little pixie who also plays the role of momma bear. These two were an odd pairing but fit together perfectly once they worked through some big issues.<b><u>Nash (Marked Men #4)</b></u> – This was the weakest of books to me. Neither Nash who works at the tattoo shop and Saint Ford who is a ER nurse were as interesting as the other characters but it does introduce us to Royal Hastings a cop that is the main heroine in the last book of the series.<b><u>Rowdy (Marked Men, #5)</b></u>  - I think this was my favorite book because it introduced us to the cast of characters that are in the new series Saints of Denver. Rowdy ended up in foster care at a early age after his mother died. The foster home was next door to Salem and Poppy Cruz. Salem's father was a fire and brimstone Texas preacher that was a tyrant at home. Rowdy, Salem and Poppy all became close with Rowdy putting all his hopes and dreams into them. When Salem who is a couple years older finally takes all she can take with her father and leaves home she breaks Rowdy's heart and he then hitches all his happiness on Poppy. That also ends in heartbreak and now as a grown man Rowdy still uses his broken heart over the Cruz sisters and a reason to never thinking he will ever find the one. When Uncle Phil on his deathbed decides to play matchmaker and offers Salem the position of running a new Tattoo branch she waste no time in taking the job hoping to get a fresh start with Rowdy. Problem is he wants nothing to do with her. But its not long before these two start a sexual relationship but trust is a huge issues between them and when Poppy shows up in bad shape all the secrets from years ago come to light. I cannot wait for Poppy's story which will be told in the Saints of Denver series. She soo deserves a HEA. This is where we also meet Zeb Fuller and Sayer Cole (Rowdy's sister) who are the couple in Built (Saints of Denver, #1)<b><u>Asa (Marked Men, #6)</b></u>  - Asa Cross has gone through quite the transformation from the book Jet. He was almost killed and since coming out of a coma is trying to live on the right side of the law. Rome took a chance on him and gave him a job as a bartender. Asa beats himself up a lot through out this book and doesn't think he is worthy of happiness and thinks he is just one con away from returning to his old self. Royal Hastings is the cop we met in Nash's book and she has always had the hots for Asa but he turns her down every time. After her childhood friend who also happens to be her partner on the force is shot multiple times Royal goes into a tailspin over the guilt. Asa finally gives into Royal but doesn't know how a cop and an ex criminal are going to work out.Through out each of the books we get previous couples weddings and births of children. Every book had great epilogue. I really enjoyed this series and this author is defiantly a must buy.

I have been waiting. Not patiently mind you, for Rome.I loved Rule and fell head over heels for Jet so what could Rome have in store for me? Quite. A. Lot.5 breathtaking ***** from this sassy girl!!!!This is book #3 a series, but can be read as a standalone and there is an HEA. (Note: There are inter-connected characters from book to book and I recommend reading them in order.) Rome is Rule's older brother and has just returned from his final tour in the military. On the outside, he's the total package. He's tall, dark and HOT! But he's got major baggage. I know what you're thinking...don't we all? Rome is hard-headed, aggressive, bossy...he's your typical alpha male on steroids. He's used to wearing all these hats in his life...and knowing what's expected and now... For Rome, life isn't perfect for sure. He's no clue what to do with the rest of his life."I just wanted to bury my head in the sand and go back to a point in time that felt comfortable and familiar. I hated feeling like a visitor in my own life, and no matter what I told myself when I woke up in the morning each day, I couldn't shake feeling like everything I had come back to after my contract with army was up was a life that belonged to someone else."There is nothing I like more than a tortured hero. Rome gets saved in more ways than one and by more than one person. He gets lucky and walks into a biker bar run by a veteran only he doesn't know it at the time. Brite is one amazing guy! After Rome has some trouble in his bar, Brite has him 'cleaning/updating' the place. Rome needs to busy himself and this is a great start. Little does Rome know how long it might take.When Rome sees Cora again at Marked, he tires to apologize as they had an...altercation you could say-I won't ruin the good stuff!! She's the groups protector if you will. If she feels the group is threatened...she bites. Cora Lewis is as small as a pixie with her short blond hair taking on the nickname with the group, Tink as in Tinkerbell, but she's as fierce as me with my Kindle! That's MINE!! Cora has this idea of what she wants and needs in a relationship. Her most recent one ended in disaster and has given her, in my opinion, unrealistic expectations. Perfection. That's what she's searching for. And really isn't everyone searching for their own idea of perfection? But Cora wants it ALL perfect. The group keeps telling her that her expectations are too high."Love isn't perfect. It's hard work and sometimes it's more effort to be in love than it is to just run away. If you keep looking for perfect, the real thing is going to pass right by you.I'll know it when I see it."She sees Rome and she is totally drawn in...who wouldn't be. She thinks he's "just as gorgeous as he is annoying". Cora knows she shouldn't find him attractive, but she does. She feels like gets to know him it would be to "dismantle an reassemble". She is searching for perfect and although he seems great, she knows he's not it.When Cora and Rome finally do get together...start your engines my book people. I really don't want to give too much away in regards to their relationship, how it happens, the ups and downs...just know it's like your first cup of coffee in the AM. Your first bite of that chocolate and caramel brownie...with nuts of course! It was breathtaking to watch Cora and Rome fall in love...just...one of those books that resonate."Please, Cora...You are so much better for me than a bottle of vodka every night. I can't be perfect for you, but I can be someone you rely on, someone you want to keep around even though it isn't always going to be easy."And yes. There were tears.Visit Jay Crownover on Facebook!! AND Twitter @JayCrownoverNash is up next and the cover was just released!! Pre-order NOW at www.AMAZON.com!

I love this series, it features all my favourite swoon worthy things - tattoos, piercings, music and amazing characters.While I enjoyed Rome, I have to say I didn't feel the same connection to the characters as I have in the previous two books. This might be due to the fact that Rome and Cora are just so perfect for each other from the start that you know deep in your heart that no matter what circumstances they encounter they WILL get through it. There was never any doubt in my mind that this couple were perfect for each other.I absolutely adored the way in which Rome viewed Cora, how her bubbly, infectious personality reflected by her colourful tattoos bled colour into the lives of the people around her. The sensory encompassing descriptions brought the details to vivid life within the imagination added depth to both the characterisations and the plot within the book.I've read a few books recently dealing with the re-acclimatization of soldiers back into civilian life; kudos to Jay Crownover for portraying it in such a realistic and relatable fashion. It was easy to picture the dissociation Rome felt from the people around him while at the same time being able to find the support group he so desperately needed but didn't know where or how to go about asking for the help he needed. I really liked how one soldier could instantly recognise the inner turmoil another soldier faced without them having to express it.Both Cora and Rome have a twisted version of a white knight complex, they both need to be needed, it defines them, it's their role and purpose in life. They are able to be there for others without a thought yet find it difficult to accept the help and support they so obviously need themselves. The breakdown of barriers and the re-definition of their role in life is the foundation of this story.My favourite thing about this series is the way in which Jay Crownover is able to create a whole new story while simultaneously progressing the stories of the characters from the previous books while paving the way for the next book in the series. I love how each character gets a turn in the spotlight yet the other characters are never left in the shadows.While Rome may not be my favourite book in the series (I don't think I will ever replace Rule in my heart) it is a valuable inclusion, providing additional insight and understanding to the plot as a whole.With the way clearly paved for the next book Nash, I have to say I cannot wait to find out what happens next ;)

This is the third book in the Marked Men series (the first two being Rule and Jet) and it is the story of Cora and Rome.Cora is the shop manager and piercer of The Marked and I've liked her since we first met her in book 1. She is mouthy, she's feisty and she cares deeply about her boys. She has been deeply hurt by a past love and is determined she is not falling for anything less than perfect ever again.Rome I really liked in when we first met him in Rule and your heart just breaks for him in this book. He is back from his final tour of duty and he is broken. He doesn't know where he fits in the world anymore and he has trouble shaking the ghosts from his past. This makes him incredibly angry. He lashes out and he seems so far away from the awesome guy we met in Rule.Cora and Rome are so different it's hard to see how they fit together but they do. They are awesome together and the way the author brings them together is masterful. It isn't an easy ride but it's full of compassion, friendship and love. This story is just as sexy as Rule and Jet. It's sweet and it's heartbreaking. It was wonderful seeing Rome piece himself back together with the help of friends - new and old - and it was beautiful seeing Cora learn the lesson that a guy doesn't have to be perfect for the love you create together to be perfect.We get to spend a lot of time with the rest of the gang in this book too which is fantastic cause I love this crew plus we get to meet some new characters.Jay Crownover weaves a story that is believable. She takes you through so many ups, downs and roundabouts and brings you to a final stop of happy ever after for Rome and Cora while nicely setting up the next book in the series - Nash.I loved this book. I love this series and I can't wait to read more of these amazing men and the women who love them.

Oh goodness! How sweet, pen and honest is Rome! we only got glimpses of him in Rule and Jets stories.Loved how feisty Cora was, she didn't hold back any punches definitely a firecracker; loyal but harboring a sad broken heart causing her to stay guarded! Although she was looking for Mr Perfect!I giggled when she poured the beer over Rome's head during the BBQ, he deserved it'; she stood up to him.It was great to spend more time with Rule and Shaw, loved to see how their relationship has developed.Rome was angry with how Rule and Shaw were, how he missed his younger brother Remy! Angry with a lot of things, although he did appear to think he had some PTSD after deploying the services.Rome was hurt bad after a fight at the bar he found after leaving the BBQ, we get to see more of Nash, he was the twins best friend and Rule shared an apartment with him before he moved in with Shaw.How commendable was Cory when she picked Rome up from the bar, after he got the horrible phone call from his old platoon! she has a very big heart! How sexy were the pair of them, especially in the morning, that was hot!We get Rome in all his hot sexy persona, his broodiness, but he helped Brite get his bar renovated, put a lot of time into the work. Cora and Rome slowly start to get to know each other, although they have a glitch in their paths, both not expecting it! but embrace the situation, they work on their relationship, she has to push him to get him to open up, as one bad dream and he scarpers, leaving her determined not to get her heart broken.I thought they both dealt with each other remarkably although Cora did stay lightly more guarded. They were so great together, I was willing them to make it!As we move along things are thrown into the mix, but they weather the storms well. I loved how Cora got the Archer family to discuss the issues they all had, she was a tough little girl, the boys from the tattoo shop all adored her and treated her as family, as she did with them.He struggled with life after the Army, but he managed to get on with his life! Cora slotted into his life, as he did hers seamlessly. They both had pasts that they were working on getting past, Cora helped Rome through a lot! She had trouble opening up to him.Rome was having a problem with someone from the bar, causing a number of incidents, he needed to be cautious!As we move further along, Cora's ex shows up, and she lays into him, unfortunately saying things that hurt Rome, she couldn't open up!She goes to the bar to talk with Rome, Oh my word what happens next didn't see that coming, my heart broke for them both. The group get closer over the next few months, when more heart breaking revelations are opened up. I am hoping we get Nash's story next as things looked like they were moving that way!

Jay Crownover has done it again - another great book that you can't put down. Rule was a fabulous book, then Jet and now Rome. The only problem was, for me, it ended before it should but I imagine this is where Nash's story begins.Rome is back from Afghanistan and invalidated out of the army. He's trying to fit in to his old life but his family and friends have moved on with their lives and naturally changed. He is also suffering from PTSD.He meets Cora who is the manager of the tattoo shop where they all work and sparks fly, she pours beer over his head. They then have to try to get on though as they are all part of a very tight knit group of friends and he has to try to move on. He does so when he stumbles into a bar and gets into a fight. The owner Brite needs him to clean the place up to atone from the mess he made. He does this and at the same time, he cleans his own act up. Things move on from there between him and Cora and their lives change dramatically.It's not quite as edgy as Rule but I loved it all the same. It's also deals very well with the idea of PTSD and the problems faced by returning war heroes settling into civilian life. The author puts at the beginning that she admires the armed forces and the character of Rome was developed after meeting and working in a bar with soldiers but that she has taken liberties with the character. I think she has written his character really sympathetically.Suitable for NA and above due to content.

Wow another Marked Men success !This is the third book in the Marked Man series. it tells the story of Rome, the big brother of twins Remy and Rule.Rome had always known his place within his family, he was their protecter, always the one that looked out for his younger twins brothers and their friend Shaw.After a series of life changing events Rome finds himself back home, without a job, without one of his brothers and without a propose in life.This hits him hard, so Rome hits the booze hard as a way of coping.Cora is the no nonsense, quick witted shop manager of the marked men. she has been shattered by love before and it's not happening again, because she deserved the best, she is looking for perfect and Rome is not perfect so why is Cora so attracted to him ?And so their love story begins, they have so many problems that the couple have to over come to be together but love conquers all. I really enjoyed spending time with the marked men again, they are larger than life, with hearts of gold and would lay down their lives for the women they love.I loved that we got to catch up the other characters from perivous books, it made me laugh, it made me sob and it made me yearn to read Nash's story. I have feeling this series is going to get better and better.