Sexual abuse is horrific and to be abused by someone who should have protected and cared for you must be even more devastating. The put this topic in a romance novel is a very tricky thing, but Nicole McLaughlin seems to handle it with the utmost sensitivity and care. The fact that the one who has lived through this is a man who to everyone else seems like the strongest and toughest man alive is even more difficult not to mention that he finds himself struggling to heal and move on, even if it means losing the woman whom he has had a crush on for so long

Aiden  King was a sharpshooter in the army and is now a National Guardsman and the owner of a bar. He has always been a man of few words and his friends don’t know much about him except for the fact that he grew up with his grandmother. He has had a long time crush on one of his close friends’, Jase’s, best friend Hannah. Not wanting to go against the bro-code, he has always held back. But now that Jase has finally admitted his feelings for Hannah’s twin sister and has found his happily ever after, Aiden finally believes that he may have a chance. The only  thing holding him back now is his secret. A secret that he has been keeping deeply hidden.

Hannah Walters has just broken up with her fiancée and is determined to not repeat the mistakes of her past. She wants a love like her parents had or her twin sister has seemed to have found. And she won’t settle for anything less. So why does she find herself thinking about Jase’s silent and imposing fellow Guardsman? And even though she tries to get close to him, it seems that there is just something that is holding him back. Will he ever let her behind his walls?

This book takes off right where the previous book of the series, “ Should’ve Been You” left, so we don’t miss anything that happened that night ;) Granted, in the previous book,  Hannah wasn’t exactly likeable, but we get to see a more genuine and caring side of her in this book and love her for it. All in all, this is a book that broaches a very sensitive subject in the most delicate way possible. It is sweet and leaves you with hope and optimism. A great ending to a very special series!

Only With You by Nicole McLauglin
Man Enough #4

Hannah Walters started out, in my mind, as the wicked selfish sister who kept her sister Becca and Jase apart for way too long. However, as I read THIS book I found that there are always two sides to every story and was happy to find out that Hannah is indeed someone worth caring and rooting for while hoping she can find her way to a HEA with Aiden. Aiden has HUGE issues to contend with and has pretty much cut himself off from intimacy. His reasons are rooted in immutable facts of his past and though he can compartmentalize while working in his bar, interacting with others, sighting down the rifle scope as a sniper or spending time with friends there is one aspect of intimacy that eludes him even though he would love to experience it with Hannah. The two would probably not even have had a chance at a HEA if Hannah hadn’t persevered but thankfully she did and Aide and she do have a shot together as a result of her (and his) efforts. 

I am sorry to see this series end but wonder if perhaps there are more stories to be told about the people that are supporting character in some of the books in this series? 

NOTE: This is not an easy read. There are triggers for those that have experienced abuse. There is also information I found interesting about just how many men may have experienced it in their early formative years. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Swerve for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 – 5 Stars

I recently received a copy of Nicole McLaughlin’s Only With You, her new book in her Man Enough series, in exchange for a review. 

This is not the first book in the series but it is the first book I have read in the series. For me it started off a little slow and I wasn’t sure I liked the main characters. I powered through that and I was very glad I did. This book deals with some very difficult and heart rending subjects. And it deals with them well.  The author treated these subjects with delicacy and understanding and made me fall in love with the characters. 

I think part of my problem with the beginning of the book was the backstory. There were a lot of hints of what happened in one of the previous books that bogged down the beginning. To resolve this issue I highly recommend reading this series in order but I definitely recommend reading this series! 

This is the second book I have read by Nicole McLaughlin, I read the first book in her Whiskey and Weddings series, and both books were wonderful and brought me to tears. I highly recommend giving her and this book a try!

Another heartbreaking story in the Man Enough series from Nicole McLaughlin.  I truly love this series because it’s made up of imperfect people who have to deal with heartbreak & devastation that rocks them down to their souls. Each character must get past the secrets they hide to find their happiness, as we see with Aiden & Hannah. Aiden’s secret is so dark that it’s stopped him from having normal intimacy with women. Hannah has decided that it’s time to concentrate on herself & not on trying to be in a relationship. When Aiden & Hannah end up sharing a couch on the guys National Guard service weekend they begin a new segment of their casual friendship. What starts out as casual heats up fast as Hannah tries to help Aiden deal with the untimely death of his grandmother. Their emotions are put to the test as they visit his estranged mother & try to explore a physical side of their relationship, but Aiden’s dark secrets pull them apart just as fast as the heat of their passion brought them together.  Now it’s up to Hannah to show Aiden that there’s nothing he can tell her that could make her stop loving him & that there is help out there for him.  I love how Nicole McLaughlin tells this story & the fact that it is a topic that isn’t widely talked about & that she does it with such heart & honesty. Definitely recommend this book & the series.

2.5 Stars
While I didn't hate it, I certainly didn't love it either. My main problem was that it was excruciatingly slow. And I didn't really like Hannah. Or Jase.  And the end wrapped up so quickly with a big red bow that seemed so unrealistic. So not my cup of tea, but others may enjoy a slow emotional ride.

I thought this was a good read the characters and story line was very refreshing and to see how the couple built there way to a relationship was romantic with a dash of frustrating . This would be the first book that I have read by the author this can be read as a standalone I'll also be reading the first three in the series .

I was captivated by this book.  Aiden is a great friend and he is an awesome cook.  Hannah is a girl who wants him but he is on the fence about a relationship he says he's damaged due to military and etc.  he went thru a lot growing up.  I loved it.  loved to ending a lot.

this was an overall good read. Nothing in particular really made me feel overly in love but it still was good

Publisher's Description:

The men in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series are tough Alphas devoted to serving their country and the women who love them.

National Guardsman Aiden King has been attracted to Hannah Walters for a while, but he never made a move because of her close relationship with his best friend. But when circumstances change, Aiden is surprised when his friend gives his blessing. Problem is, there’s a reason he’s still alone after all these years, and as much as he wants her, that secret keeps him from acting on his desires.

Hannah has finally decided to wait for the kind of love you read about in books and see in movies. After her failed engagement, Aiden’s unassuming support has become a touchstone for Hannah. It soon becomes apparent that he may be exactly the kind of man she’s been looking for. But the closer they become, the more he keeps her at arm’s length.

When Aiden suggests a road trip to take Hannah’s mind off her troubles, the two of them go on a journey neither one expected. She just hopes that the final destination is them together for good.

My Thoughts:
This convoluted tale of a dumped fiance and a man with an abused past carries us back to some of the characters in the first book I read in this series "Should've Been You".
Now we are treated to Aiden and Hannah's story. 
This tale carries the couple on a road trip to pay a surprise visit to Aiden's mother who he hasn't seen since she abandoned him to his Grandmother when he was very young. Aiden's grandmother has recently died and this was the catalyst that brought this couple closer. Although they both have been attracted to each other for sometime.neither one has acted on their attraction.
Will this journey to his past lead to the end for them as friends or to something more intriguing?
I gave this mostly sweet romance 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.. Aiden's abused past has prevented anything more than a heated kiss between these two prior to this trip. 
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book by invitation from the publisher to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Nicole McLaugh’s book Only With You was a joy to read. I didn’t read the other 3 books in this series, but i never felt like I was missing anything from the storyline. It is a perfect stand alone book. The storyline touches on sexual abuse from a male perspective. McLaugh approaches the topic sensitively and the reader is privileged to see personal growth from this main character Aiden. Hannah is a thirty something who reflects on her life and decides it’s time to love herself before she can love another. In her quest, she finds herself falling for Aiden. I enjoyed how McLaugh brings these unlikely characters together and shows how amazing love can be once you open yourself up to the possibility. Thanks you for Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and allowing me to give my honest opinion in exchange.

Having read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, Should've Been You, I was eager to read this one since it featured Hannah, the not so likeable twin to Becca.  However, it was not exactly the typical romantic read that I was expecting.  This book dealt with a lot of issues that can be a difficult subject to address, mainly sexual abuse by a family member and the long standing repercussions it can have.  So if you are looking for a romantic read full of steamy scenes, this is not the book for you.  However, if you are looking for more of an emotional story featuring two characters that are trying to grow emotionally, this book is for you.  Hannah does a lot of growing up in this story as she tries to help someone that she loves rather than just the self-centered person that she has always been.  Nicole McLaughlin handles the difficult issues well without dwelling on them extensively nor glossing over them as being inconsequential.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review.
Only With You is the fourth book in the Man Enough series.  I have not had the pleasure of reading the other books in this series and that usually puts me at a disadvantage as many of the different  character that have appeared in the other three books appeared in this book . That being said I had no real difficulty in enjoying the reading of this story.  Aiden King is the is a National Guardsman and  has been attracted to Hannah Walters for a long time . Hannah on the other hand has had to watch he best friend marry someone else so is drawn to Aiden. The growing friendship and romance takes place on a trip that is suggested by Aiden.  I really enjoyed reading about the main characters and hope to read more of this authors' books as I would like to get to know more of the back stories. I would recommend this book to all who love a good romance.

Hannah has gone through a lot recently. She broke her engagement, repaired her relationship with her sister, Becca & has pulled back from her best friend, Jase who is now her sister's boyfriend. She still can't believe her actions when they were younger kept Jase & Becca from getting together. Now Hannah has declared that she is taking some time to just focus on herself & make sure she's in the right place before attempting another relationship. So why is she so tuned into what Jase's friend, Aiden is saying & doing? Why is she attracted to him? 

Aiden has been interested in Hannah for a long time. He's held back because he wasn't sure of her relationship with Jase & didn't want to interfere. He doesn't want to hurt her but wants to see where this goes. He has PTSD from his years as a sniper in the National Guard but also from something from his past. He can't talk about it & it keeps him from developing close relationships. Can Hannah deal with it? Can Aiden?

This is a highly emotional story with wonderful characters. Each story in this series is self contained & can be read as a stand alone.  The characters make appearances in each other's stories & they basically follow one after another on a time line. The characters are complex & well defined. The interactions between them adds dimension & understanding to the plot. I felt that the relationship between Aiden & his family could have been discussed in more depth to add a greater understanding but that is my personal feeling.

Hannah is a woman who has recently broken off her engagement because she realized she wasn't in love with the guy. She doesn't understand why she's gotten as far in life as she has without ever being in love. 
Aiden is a bar owner, a vet with some PTSD and, the best friend of Hannah's best friend. There is something that keeps pulling these two together but, can they make a relationship work
This is a powerful book that throws you into the two characters and, their problems. Love, hate, desperation, sadness and, through it all, the fierce determination of one woman to help the man she loves deal with some absolutely horrific memories and, learn how to love himself!
I could not put this book down!

Will you ever fall in love? Hannah knows that she has no choice but to be happy for her sister Becca & her best friend Jase. She kept them apart for so long she just feels alone. Aiden knows that  Hannah is feeling a bit last at the moment and he wants to be there for her but he doesn't want her to think that he wants more. Hannah likes spending time with Aiden but she realizes that she wants more and she pushes him too far too quickly with awful consquences for them. Can Aiden be honest with Hannah about his past and why he is so scared of hurting her? Can Hannah be strong enough to help Aiden through everything and be the one that he will want always? A good read of a young couple trying to make sense of life and everything that goes with it. I receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

It started out promising, but the fact that the book tackled such a heavy topic as childhood sexual abuse and glossed over it was not working for me.  The heroine, Hannah, seemed way too pushy, considering how Aiden kept asking for space.  Even when she found out about his history, she was *still* pushy!  And then they have this conversation which was basically a complete avoidance of the issue, so instead of talking about what happened to him, they ignored it and moved on. In real life, no way things could be resolved this smoothly.  Had the book avoided the topic of sexual abuse, it would have been good. But with that topic comes a responsibility to address the issue head-on and with accuracy, and I just didn't feel the author pulled it off.

What a fabulous book!!  My heart is full and happy! Unfortunately, I have not read any of the earlier novels in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series, and didn’t even know it was a series prior to reading Only with You. It didn’t matter in the least and I was crazy about Aiden and Hannah’s story.

Aiden is the quite, polite, yet sexy and brooding type guy, whereas, Hannah is pretty wide-open with her thoughts and feelings. At the beginning of the novel that are developing a friendship versus the primarily casual acquaintances that they were before. The friendship builds slowly, but they each find themselves thinking of the other, as well as, leaning on one another and sharing feelings. As soon as things really begin blossoming with these two, Aiden puts on the brakes because of his past and present issues that he is unwilling to share with Hannah. Thus begins such a beautiful, yet frustrating relationship where on one hand, Aiden opens up easily about some things, but he also hurts Hannah when he is unwilling to complete confide in and trust her. However frustrating it was at times, I still loved their story.

I had a few problems with this book, starting with Jase and Becca. Perhaps they were different in previous novels in this series, but I found it hard to believe that Becca and Hannah were twins and that Jase and Hannah had been BFFs since childhood. Why? Because Jase was just downright hateful to Hannah, treating her more like an enemy than a friend. Then there is Becca, who could have cared less to spend any time with her twin, and seemed overly pleased with herself. Not only were they unlikable, they didn’t add anything to the story. My other issue was, I felt as if the first 1/3 of the novel could have been cut out, and instead, shared more about Aiden and Hannah between the last chapter and the epilogue. Just start it a little before the road trip and then give us more meaty stuff later!

Anyway, I absolutely loved Aiden and was rooting for these two characters from beginning to end. I definitely recommend this to contemporary romance fans, however, be aware of possible triggers involving sexual abuse. This was my first time reading Nicole McLaughlin but will not be my last. I enjoyed her writing style and her realistically flawed characters, and once I got into this one, I was completely hooked!

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review!

Only With You is the fourth book in Nicole McLaughlin's Man Enough series. This book starts out with Hannah Walters floundering after a failed engagement. It comes to her attention that Aiden King is a good listener and an even better friend. What she doesn't know is that Aiden has been attracted to her for a while. Aiden is a strong, sexy man but has a troubling background and major insecurities which means major misgivings for a good relationship with any woman let alone with Hannah.

I've enjoyed this series. This book seems to have a more serious tone than the other books. At times Aiden's problems pulled me away from enjoying the story. It seemed like he almost had too much baggage. I liked the main characters, Aiden and Hannah but wish I could have stayed focused on the story a little better.

I love a romance that involves a damaged man "fixed" by the love of a good woman and this one did not disappoint.  Aidan was the perfect sexy, brooding hero and Hannah was just hilarious, I loved her.  I'm definitely going to seek out other romances from Nicole Mclaughlin. Just a warning that Aidan's history could be triggering for some, although I thought the treatment in this book was very discreet.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. This would be great read for the beach. It has a realism that very much touches on some real issues that couple deal with in society. It has romance, mystery. I was worried getting closer to the end that this book wouldn't have a conclusion at all but it does. I feel that the author could make a sequel to this book to see how the lives of these characters continue. I didn't want to put this book down. .