Series Review // When I Break by Kendall Ryan

Today's flashback is the When I Break series by Kendall Ryan. It's been almost 8 years since I read these books, but they made me fall in love with this author's writing. This series deals with an alpha hero with a sex addiction and the naive young woman who will be there for him.

1. When I Break

What happens when a sex addict falls for a virgin?

Fighting to fill the emptiness inside himself, Knox Bauer seeks solace in unfamiliar beds with unfamiliar women. As guardian to his three younger brothers, this can't go on...they look up to him in every way and all he’s done lately is prove how messed up he really is. Needing a change, he attends a local Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting, where he meets the alluring McKenna.

Rating -

I'm going to be honest and it goes against what most reviewers posted, but I liked Knox. Kenna not so much. Here's why. I felt that Knox was real. He didn't deny that he's broken, messed up, struggling, etc. Not once. We knew he was a mess from the first bit. But Kenna was living in the land of denial. She was a therapist and one of the things she spoke about was that the first step was admitting you had a problem. She needed to practice what she preached. She was hiding from life. She lost her parents in a tragic accident, but instead of living her life to the fullest, as her parents would want her to, she won't even touch the money they left for her. She'd rather struggle and 'enjoy' a friendless life. She does have one friend, Brian, but she shows no appreciation for him. She seemed to resent him. So yeah, there are many reasons I don't like this girl but I will continue to read the series for Knox.

BTW, why the heck is she surprised when Knox sleeps with women? You are a therapist for sex addicts correct? He is a member of your support group is he not? He's a freaking sex addict so what did she expect??? That he would be swept away by how great she is and stop, just like that? It's not like she's giving him sex. Get real. I don't blame him at all.

2. When I Surrender

Undaunted by Knox's complicated history with sexual addiction, McKenna pushes forward in her relationship with this deliciously flawed man. She experiences the highest highs as they discover each other, along with the lowest lows, and worries that his past may not be entirely behind him.

But when a complication from her own past demands attention, she's forced to decide where their relationship is headed, and everything she thought she knew is questioned.

Rating -

I've gotta say that by the end of the book, I had a newfound appreciation for Kenna's character. It was already established that she was sweet, kind, self-sacrificing, etc. But now that she's confronted her grief over losing her parents, I think this character can only improve. I'm glad that she and Brian seem to be recapturing their lost friendship. I feel bad for what he's going through but it seems to have brought these besties closer.

I still love Knox. The effort he's making to be a better man and role model for his brothers, only serve to further endear him to me. I'm not sure what to make of the ending. Really, what's the deal with this Amanda person?? Guess I have to read the third book to find out.

3. When We Fall

The mistakes and secrets of their pasts have caught up to them and threaten their future happiness. Can McKenna trust that Knox’s sexual addiction is behind him and make a life with this beautifully troubled man? And when Knox reveals the full truth about his past, will McKenna be able to put her own fears aside and accept him?

Rating -

It was kind of weird to read a Knox that was all swoon-y but I liked it!! He got in touch with his heart and it paid off in a big way for Kenna. Once again, Kendall Ryan has won me over with an alpha - dominant with heaps of sexy and sweet. The sexy scenes were off the charts hot though I much preferred Knox's POV. Overall, this series touched on some serious issues (drunk driving, addiction) but kept it light.