Fighting For You (Danvers series Book 4)

I struggled to finish this book. I blame it completely on the author’s vague and inconsistent references to the lead male character’s military service.

First, there are five military services (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines & Coast Guard – yes, the Coast Guard is considered a military service) – not once (so far) has the author stated what service the male lead served in.

Second, she states in one passage that he has a “Semper Fi” tattoo (leading the reader to believe he served in the Marines) but later he refers to himself as a soldier. Um, no. No self respecting Marine will ever refer to him/herself as a soldier; that is reserved almost exclusively for the Army (Air Force – Airman; Navy – Sailor; Coast Guard – Coasty).

Third, a tour of duty usually denotes a deployment or period of time in a combat/war zone and is usually not used to reference a period of enlistment in the military. Also, how long did he serve in the military? She keeps talking about two tours in the military but doesn't actually say how long he spent in the military. A term of enlistment can range from 2 to 6 years, with an average of 4 years, depending on the service.

Fourth, no one is stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq (aka “hell hole”); they are deployed there. The longest deployment I am aware of is/was 18 months and that was the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom and those units were delayed going home by 3 to 4 months because of the “surge” in 2005/2006. He would be stationed at a base in the US or overseas (Europe or Asia) and then deploy to those locations for a period of time and then return to his home unit.

Finally, it is more commonly referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) rather than Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

The inconsistencies are distracting and are preventing me from getting involved with the characters and story line. If you have ANY military experience, keep this in mind. I really wish the author had consulted with someone in the military before she decided to go with that story arc. If you’re wondering why this bothers me so much I am active duty Air Force with more than 20 years of service, 2 deployments to Iraq (one for 12 months, one for 8 months) and two deployments to Afghanistan (one for 8 months, one for 6 months).

Ella and Declan’s romance has been hinted at in all of the previous books. We all wanted big bad Declan to fall hard for the shy, simple Ella. So its safe to say there was plenty of buildup and as a reader, I wanted that buildup to pay off. I’m sorry to say, it never did for me.

- Declan and Ella seemed to have zero chemistry. Where were the shy glances and whispered conversations in this book? It seemed as if the moment Declan decided he was ready to go after Ella, it was done. There was no more of the cute flirting that made me fall in the love with them to begin with.

- I found Ella unbelievable as a character. Her mother seemed WAY WAY over the top and never really plausible.

- Ella’s innocence was way overplayed too. The "I’m a virgin and have no idea about life" seemed unrealistic and just weird. I can understand the not being intimate part but its 2013, sex is on the tv, Internet and radio. We know about it people. Oye.

- Declan was a jerk. A jerk. He seemed disinterested in Ella and then suddenly its wham, bam, thank ya ma’am. He didn’t seem to even match his intensity in the previous books, so much so in fact that it was like I didn’t even know him.

I’ve relatively enjoyed the other books in the series, especially Fall For Me but this one was blah. I made it about 50% of the way through and decided there were so many more books out there that I set it down. All in all, a blah book.

In Fighting For You by Sydney Landon, Ella works at Danvers International. In present time, she has come a long way from who she was when she started, thanks in part to the girl friends she's made and her confidence in herself. Close to 30 though, Ella has never had a real relationship with a man. She is also still a virgin... She plans to change both of those things.

Ella is intensley attracted to Declan, who also works at Danvers. Despite the aloofness Declan exhibits most of the time, soemthing about Ella seems to draw him out. When Ella goes so far as to invite Declan over for dinner, he immediately cools the friendship down...as attractive as Ella is to him, he knows he can never be the man for her. He's not the man for anyone.

Ella is not sure why Declan has cooled off towards her, because she's pretty sure he's as attracted to her as she is to him. Ella sets her sights on Declan and how she can make him really see her as a woman who wants him. Declan can not help but fall under her spell, even as he tells himself that whatever they have can go no where. As Ella makes her way deeper into his heart, Declan finds himself dreaming of and wanting a life he's never pictured for himself. With the past, present and future colliding, Declan will have to decide what he really wants, who he really wants to be, and if he really wants to be with Ella.

I have not read any of the other books in this series, loved this one, and can definitely assure you that it can be read as a stand alone.

I loved Declan and Ella! Both of them were just so great and realistic! I loved the maturity of their characters and that they were open and honest with each other...there were no secrets. This is what really makes me like a couple...they don't play games or hide things from each other to protect the other. Sydney writes their romantic journey flawlessly, giving us enough background on both of them so that we can understand where they are coming from...and the barriers they might face to where they are going to.

Ella comes from a strict, religious upbringing that she is breaking free from and making her own way. Although a virgin, she is certainly no prude, she knows what she wants and she is willing to go after it! Ella is a strong, independent and funny character in Fighting For You. She might be inexperienced, but she's not going to let that stop her! My impression of Ella is that she is secure in who she is and she does not hide where she came from even when she worries that is what's keeping Declan away from her. Ella deals with what comes her way and goes with the flow as much as she can, but she is also honest about her feelings. She's not faking anything with Declan.

Declan has his ghosts that haunt him. He's never been the type of man to want to settle down, his encounters with women never turning into relationships, which is how he likes it. Ella brings out the protective instinct in him and he wants to keep her safe. Especially from other men! Even though Declan thinks she deserves someone far better than him, he can't stand the thought of her being with anyone else. As they spent more and more time together and Declan's feelings grow to be more than sexual, he must fight his inner demons before he loses Ella forever. Can he be the man that Ella sees and knows he is?

Syndney gives us a truly great romance in Fighting For You...with a little bit of everything you could want in a romance. She will have you tearing up on one page, then laughing yourself silly a few pages over. Sydney gives us a couple that are easy to like, who you really hope can find a way to be together.

I'd highly recommend Fighting For You to any romance reader!

Fighting For You, Danvers #4, by Sydney Landon
Grade: C+

“I can’t believe the bad boy of Danvers is telling the church girl of Danvers to keep her hands to herself. No one would ever believe it!”

Declan Stone is still dealing with some of the traumatic things that happened to him during his time in the army. Now back in the US and working for Danvers International Declan finds himself still not fitting in with society except when he’s around Ella Webber. Ella is sweet and has a way of drawing Declan out of his shell or bad mood and making things seem like they will be okay. Declan wants Ella but knows she is too naive to deal with him and his issues but Ella has a different idea and she won't take no for an answer. Declan’s world is soon turned upside down and Ella is the only one who can make everything okay.

Ella Webber grew up doing everything she could to be the perfect woman for her family but she has finally broken away and with a little help from her friends has broken out of her church girl lifestyle. Ella is determined to live her life the way she wants to and she wants Declan Stone in her bed teaching her all about sex. Declan refuses to help at first but Ella will not give up and they soon find themselves in over their heads. Declan is everything Ella has ever wanted and everything she needs but to convience Declan will take all she has to keep him forever.

I have been looking forward to Ella and Declan’s book for a really long time and while it was really good I found that it wasn’t everything I wanted. There is an unexpected surprise that happens to Declan and I just didn’t buy how easy he and Ella took it. I’m very tired of these outside forces that almost seem to be repeating themselves break these couples up. I really love these books and characters but I’m worried that its just going to be the same thing over and over again.

I liked Ella a lot but I found it hard to believe that she has been so sheltered for so many years and now is ready to have a sexual relationship and deal with Declan and his baggage. Ella doesn’t act like she’s been living under her mother’s thumb for so many years that she’s a 28 year old virgin so I found this a little annoying. I didn’t want Ella to be a pushover, mousy woman but she just seemed like she would have broken away sooner and not spent so many years living for other people.

I think Declan and his family saved this book for me. I find his siblings really funny and I really hope they each get their own book soon. I think there is a great story about the Stone children and why they are the way they are. Declan is a great guy and while I enjoyed him much more than Ella I still got annoyed at times by how he went back and forth about her. They are great together and their scenes were smoking hot which made up for a lot of the annoyance.

I really like this series and plan on reading as many books as are written but I do hope that we get away from some recurring themes and move on to something new. Im not sure who is starring in book five of this series but I can’t wait to read it.

Fighting for You (2013) by Sydney Landon 2.5 stars★
(Danvers: Book 4)

Too much sex (and talked too much about it too). Didn't like how the characters had such low self-esteem - Declan and Ella/ "Ellie". Both thinking that they aren't good enough or that the other doesn't love them. And the fact that Ella is a big doormat before loosing her virginity.
The whole next morning event was ridiculous (and not in the funny way) - Ella's family barging into the bedroom and shocked to find them naked in bed, and then staying there to have an argument.
Won't continue this series either. Just thought it was silly and average.

This was a Netgalley book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

**JUST BOOKED received an ARC by the Publisher, via Netgalley, for an Honest Review**

Fighting For You is the fourth novel in the Danvers series in which could be read as a standalone novel, but I highly recommend reading the series. Sydney Landon has done a wonderful job introducing her characters in each novel and keeps them engage in the next novels. I have been fortunate to have read the series and have loved each novel: Weekends Required (Danvers, #1), Not Planning on You (Danvers, #2), and Fall for Me (Danvers, #3).

Fighting For You is about Ella Webber is a 28 year old young girl breaking who is trying to become an independent adult. Ella has come from a very strict religious upbringing by her family, but has taken an opportunity to work at Danvers Corporation and move-out to her own apartment. Ella finds herself making new friends, especially with the women she works with at Danvers Corporation. Not only does she like her new female friends, but she also has a new male friend named, Declan Stone, which she has fallen head over, heals for but finds herself a little inexperience with the opposite sex or should we say no experience with the opposite sex because she is a virgin. Ella does not know how to be sexy to attract a man nonetheless, because her girlfriends are going to help Ella transform to desirable woman to capture Delcan.

“…Ella with a complete makeover…Ella was stunning. Her long brown hair hung in soft waves and one of the sundresses that she preferred draped her slim figure perfectly. She looked soft, innocent, and beautiful.”

“Honey, Delcan is a prime piece of bad-boy candy. If you land that wild one, he will rock your world.”

Delcan previously had served two tours in Afghanistan before coming to work at Danvers Corporation, but Delcan is still fighting demons from his past. When Delcan meets Ella, he finds himself drawn to her beauty, courage, and pure innocence, but Delcan will not allow himself to taint her innocence for someone as dark as he. Delcan believes Ella deserves better than what he could offer to her and that she should have a normal man, so he could provide a normal life for her future.

“Delcan Stone was a hard man…he was tall and sexy with dark hair and a lean, muscular build. And she had seen the outline of a tattoo on more than one occasion.”

“Ella was his strength and his weakness.”

Will Delcan be able to push away Ella even though he finds comfort in their friendship? Will Ella be able to prove to Delcan that she is not a little girl, but a woman who deserves to have a man like him? Will Delcan’s past be too much for Ella and drive her away from the man she desires? Fighting For You is a HILARIOUS LOVE STORY that will capture your attention immediately and will be unable to put the book down. Sydney Landon’s fourth novel, Fighting For You, and has done a superb job writing a romantic comedy that captivates you immediately on the adventures with Ella and Delcan and laughing and crying uncontrollably. If you like Romantic Comedy novels, than I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you add the Danvers series to your TBR list!

I rate Sydney Landon’s fourth novel in the Danvers series, Fighting For You - 5 AMAZING STARS!

I have to say this the best damn funniest romantic series that I have ever read. I don't know who is the worst between Suzy & Beth. I think I can truly say that I would reread Suzy's story which is book 2 and the Beth in book 3. But the really funniest one so far for me was this book.

How could Nick be so quick to forget Beth was really hilarious.

Fighting For You is book four in the Danvers series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Sometimes I get nervous about jumping into a series because I know old characters will pop up and I won't have any idea what they're about. This was not the case for me. While I was definitely interested in the other characters and their stories, I was glad I could easily jump into their quick banter with one another and Landon does a great job explaining how they all know each other.

Ella and Declan are our two main characters in this novel. Both work for the same company and while I don't quite remember how long they have known each other- the two are friendly with each other. Ella is a very sweet character and has the biggest crush on Declan. However, being the innocent virgin that she is, she is quite inexperienced when it comes to men. Her strict, religious upbringing made sure of that. She has put some distance between her and her family and working at Danvers has really helped her find her own footing. Declan, while definitely interested in Ella, feels that he's too damaged for her. He suffers from PTSD from being in the Army and doesn't do the whole relationship thing. At the beginning of the book he feels that his spending time with Ella has become too much and tries to step back. He doesn't want to taint her with his inability to give her what she wants.

I felt bad for Declan. He is not social when it comes to his coworkers and Ella is really the only one he associates with. His time in the Army has really affected him and he really keeps people at a distance. Yet, he's a good guy through and through. He is very protective of his sister, Ava, and I wish we had seen more development on that end. Maybe we will in Ava's book? However, Ella tests Declan in every possible way. While he doesn't want to be the one to ruin her, he certainly won't sit by and let her date other people either. (She does this at her friends' bidding so he would notice and take action- and boy does he!) He keeps telling himself that it's not forever- that he can't give her what she needs. However, he never planned on feeling the things he does when it comes to her. He can tell himself all he wants he's not falling for her, but we know better.

While Ella is inexperienced, she is certainly enthusiastic when it comes to her and Declan's budding relationship. Ella knows what she wants and she wants Declan, plain and simple. And she's not giving up until she has him. It's a bit humorous at how he wants to take things slow and she's ready to jump right in. She doesn't want slow with Declan- she wants passion, burning, heat!

I really ended up enjoying the side characters in the book. Suzy, Beth, Claire, and Ella not only work together, but they are a close knit group. They definitely have the whole Sex and the City vibe going on too! The girls have taken it upon themselves to help Ella out with Declan, giving her tips and advice. Ella is definitely closest to Beth and I liked their friendship. Beth is pregnant and Ella is really great about helping her as much as she can. I also liked Declan's group: Ava, Brant, and Mac. Ava and Brant are his siblings- Ava has been hurt by a man in the past and while we do not find out the details in this book, I think we will in her story. Brant is definitely the tightwad of the siblings. He is successful in his company and watching him interact with his new assistant Emma, while brief, is definitely enjoyable. I am excited to read more about them too! Two other characters that were introduced I did not see coming at all! Mac is his best friend and is completely in love with Ava and has been for a long time. Yet, he loves her from afar, as she hasn't acknowledged his feelings for her.
Julie and Evan show up in Declan's life as a past reminder of how he was during his time in the service. I was nervous about this storyline, but everything ended up working better than ok.

I could not stand Ella's mom. She is a real piece of work. As I said, Ella grew up in a religious home and her parents are only concerned about appearances. Her mom is tired of making excuses as to why she does come to church on Sundays and is constantly belittling her and blaming her friends for being bad influences. I cannot stand self-righteous people. There is one scene where her father really stands up for her against her mother and I was definitely glad. Someone needs to put that woman in her place!

Overall, Fighting For You, was a cute, but clichéd romance. I'm a bit over the whole 'virgin meets bad boy who doesn't do relationships but realizes she's amazing and changes for her' storyline. I also had some issues with the third person POV. For some reason I found myself having trouble with it- I didn't really connect to the characters as much as I would have liked, and to be honest, I don't think this book is one that really stands out as being memorable. I also felt some of the character development was lacking. Declan suffers from PTSD and nightmares and while he is seeing someone for help, we are told, rather than shown, that he gets better. I also had mixed feelings about the way Declan handled his feelings for Ella. One minute he was going to take one action, and then an event suddenly changes everything for him. I get the whole 'you don't realize what you've got until you almost lose it' scenario, but this just felt a little awkward for me.

While I had some issues with this book, it wasn't a bad read- but just not one that will leave a lasting impression.

If you have ventured into the Danvers International world of fabulous author, Sydney Landon, you will not want to miss this next instalment. Fighting For You was wonderful. It had all the magic that is known for Landon's writing: loveable characters, plausible plot and storyline, sizzling sex scenes, and the well placed touches of clever wit, that will cause you to laugh out loud, often.

If you are up to date on 'the story so far', you will appreciate the romance between sweet and trusting Ella, and her lust for sexy, broody Declan. This was a heartfelt story about redemption. Declan didn't feel worthy of Ella's shining kindness, and for a while throughout the story, the reader will be left wondering whether her love will actually be enough to repair this troubled man's guilty soul. (Of course, I am not going to tell you what happens - you will just have to read it!)

Supporting cast were used brilliantly to not only continue to story of their lives, but also offer a platform for Ella to share her feelings and concerns, and, cough, her de-flowering. Suzy! There are no words! She adds so much fun and mischief. I adore her.

In some ways, I feel Landon could have given more detail into whether or not Declan was the super-stud, they all believed him to be. But, maybe I am just a greedy reader, always wanting more.

There were many ingenious twists and turns in Fighting For You, that will keep the reader from believing this is a completely predictable story. I loved that. There was also a deeply poignant aspect to the story, which brought tears to my eyes.

So, what better could you want in a contemporary romance? Hot Hero, sweet, feisty heroine, wonderful supporting cast, twisty and sexy plot, and of course, the teaser to get you back for more. I adore this series, and cannot wait (again) until the next instalment.

Thank you Sydney Landon for the ARC of FIghting For You, in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story of Declan, war veteran, now working at Danvers International where he met Ella, who is coming out of her shell. He rejects her offer of a date, but 'jogs' past her place when she goes on a date with someone else. Suzy acts as a catalyst for both Declan and Ella to help them to get together in her outspoken way. The sexy, erotic scenes sizzled between the experienced Declan and virgin Ella. One of the funniest scenes is where Declan meets Ella's religious parents for the first time. OMG. LOL.

Declan opens up to Ella, and as their trust starts to grow, a past one-night stand causes a complication. Also, Declan has issues from the war that keeps him from allowing anyone to be close to him. It tests their relationship as Ella tries to help him open up to intimacy and trust.

I loved the scenes where the ladies got together to 'help' Ella... Suzy, Beth, and Claire. It was fun catching up on their HEAs from books 1-3. I prefer series that keep the previous characters included in later books. This can be read as a standalone, but it is more fun and enjoyable if you choose to read or have read books 1-3 in the Danvers series.

I absolutely loved every moment of this book from start to finish so much that I am re-reading it!!! I have read every one of the Danvers Novels and I think this maybe my favorite, Ella and Declan are so happy in-love and you can feel it through the words in the book! I laughed many times as well as cried a few times throughout the book. Sydney out did herself again and I can't wait until the next book! If you are looking for a great book to read you MUST read The Danvers Novels

This book was awesome!!!! I started reading it this morning and did not put it down until I finished the entire book. I love the fact that even thought this is Declan and Ella's story we still get to visit with all of our other favorites from the first 3 books. I love the combination of love and humor that is present in all of Sydney Landon's books. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Good story lines, good characters, interesting twist and turns, some issues that are real to life. And they are written beautifully. My only complaint and the reason for a four star instead of five. Is the graphic sex and over use of a four letter world. The book is good and I would recommend but with the warning of the sex and one word.

I LOVE the Danvers series and Fighting For You is by far my favorite!! Declan is intense and intriguing. But when he's with Ella, he's gentle and kind. They are dynamic and passionate. I laughed and cried throughout this entire book. It's also the steamiest Danvers novel so far! I loved it and can't wait to get the next one!

Fighting for you by Sydney Landon: Very good book. Ella Webber smitten by Declan Stone. They become friends and finding frequent reasons to see each other around the office, but Ella wanted more. If you have a chance to get the book you will love.

No cliffhanger
Part of a larger series but each book is about a different couple
No major editing errors

This is the 4th book in this series that I have read and each book gets better and better. You can see the writing of the author improve too. I read a few reviews about people actually crying while reading this book. I didn't but there are definitely parts that will tug at your heart strings. I did laugh out loud more than once.

I am excited to see what the next book holds. I have a feeling Brant and Emma might be the funniest couple yet. Excited for book 5!

Sydney Landon is an amazing and talented writer. I have never been disappointed by any of her books. Declan and Ella are amazing together. I was hooked from the very first paragraph. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book for anyone who loves romantic relationships.