Nash (Marked Men #4) by Jay Crownover

Author: Jay Crownover
Publication: April 29, 2014
By: William Morrow
3 Stars
Amazon | Goodreads
 
Will their past determine their future?

Saint Ford has worked hard to achieve her childhood dream of becoming of nurse. Focused on her work and devoted to her patients, there’s no room for love. She doesn’t need a guy making waves in her calm, serene life—especially when he’s the unforgettable hottie who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember her or the terrible pain he caused. But he turned her world upside down . . . and now he’s trying to do it again.

Saint has no idea that Nash isn’t the cocky player he once was. Uncovering a devastating family secret has rocked his world, and now he’s struggling to figure out his future. He can’t be distracted by the pretty nurse he seems to meet everywhere. Still, he can’t ignore the sparks that fly between them —or how she seems so desperate to get away from him. But the funny, sweet, and drop-dead gorgeous Saint is far too amazing to give up on—especially since she’s the only thing in his life that seems to make sense.

When Nash discovers the truth about their past, he realizes he may have lost her heart before he could even fight for it. Now, Saint has to decide: is Nash worth risking herself for all over again?

I received this eARC from William Morrow in exchange for an honest review. 

What I Liked: Of all of the characters in this series, Nash Donovan is the Marked Man I like the best. He's up front and honest without being a jerk and for the most part, he allows himself and those around him, the freedom to make and hopefully learn from, their past mistakes. He and Saint, who is smart, independent and beautiful, are both quick to forgive other people, but her skewed version of the past and her almost unwillingness to move past it make the romance fall short for me. 

I think it's safe to say that, we all have people who have hurt us in ways that would be incredibly difficult to overcome. If Saint really does feel Nash was "that guy", her eagerness to start any kind of relationship with him seems far fetched to me. 

Jay Crownover, does however, make a compelling argument for what we perceive as truth about our pasts and ourselves, and how other people's choices can have a long lasting effect on us. She also emphasizes the importance of learning to love yourself before trying to love someone else which earns a big high-five from me!

What Left Me Wanting More:  As with the other books in this series, strong language and graphic sexy times with a focus on strategically placed piercings abound. O.O

Final Verdict: Great addition to the series with a good message of forgiveness and hope.