Heartbreaking Romance on a Grand Scale
931780
One of the best books I've read in a long time.  In this book, Simons created characters who came vividly to life and entered my consciousness -- staying there even when I wasn't reading the book.  Before reading The Bronze Horseman, I knew nothing about the Siege of Leningrad.  In the book, the ghastly struggle of Leningrad's citizens is illustrated in horrifying and personal detail.  I think it is Simons' ability to make things so personal that makes this book so powerful.  The way the characters almost magically creep into the reader's mind helps bring about the personal experience of extraordinary hardship, endurance, and heartbreaking romance.  Highly recommended.
3308270
This book is beautifully written.  Hard to out down, yet hard to read because of the heartbreaking subject matter.  I found myself wanting to reach out the characters to comfort them, to make things better for them, and feeling helpless because I couldn't.  It breaks my heart because although it is a work of fiction, there are lost souls like Gwendolyn and Welch in the real world.  Broken souls who are dealt a raw deal through no fault of their own and damaged because of a broken system.  I am an HEA girl when it comes to my reading, yet I loved this book because of how well it was written, and because unfortunately there isn't always a happy ending in real life.  It reminds the reader that everyone is fighting their own battle.  Everyone has a monster inside of them and whether that monster is released or not is determined by how those around them treat them.  Living by love or hate, is a choice that can shape lives.  A choice that can either destroy them or nurture them.  Thank you Mary for this heartbreakingly beautiful book. I can't wait for Welch's story.
1500174
Brilliant and Brutally Heartbreaking !

This is not a stand alone story, but more importantly, it is even better than the first one. Vinny and Lilly had a totally dysfunctional relationship. The fault was mostly Vinny though. He cheated on the supposed love of his life and then used her loyalty as a handy excuse to push her away. I hated him, but because of some very talented writing I kinda felt sorry for him by the end of the book. I couldn't help but get emotional while reading this book.
This was an awesome read from a very talented author. Gah ! I cannot wait for Unbreak My Heart ....
4869585
This was so emotional on so many levels.  The depth of the love Jack and Laurel share is so enviable, especially with the sorrow that envelops them  The sway of the story was somewhat obvious as so much of their marriage (but not their love), as the depths of sorrow and darkness began to take over Jack despite his devotion to his wife.  They try a brief separation but cannot exist without each other.  However, that brief separation gave Laurel a small taste of the world outside of Jack and her insular life.  She immerses herself in revitalizing her mother's neglected garden, and makes new friends, one her former soldier-PTSD-suffering Isaac, gets a part-time job, and begins to learn about herself.  It's at this point that I begin to wonder if Jack's intense love for Laurel isn't more a possession thing.  His claiming her "Mine, this is mine," touched off something hollow in me, even while I'm really rooting for this couple to make it.  The end of the book was beyond shocking in so many ways.  Jack's brutality and selfishness was unbelievably sad.  Ms Leo brings every possible emotion into her readers.  The friends, Dylan and Drea were such wonderful supporting characters in this story and help to round out Laurel's expanding and colorful world.  I'm sucked in now so I'm going to go straight into "Seed," the 2nd in this amazing Evergreen Series.
1102569
"Sometimes love was about compromise, and sometimes it was about sacrifice. Most times, it was a little of both. I'd learned that the trial-and-error way."

Equal parts uplifting romance and devastating heartbreak, Near and Far is a surprising and beautifully emotional journey. It reminds us that true love is not without imperfections, and to reap its benefits, we may have to search the darkest corners to find the light.

It's fitting that the story is told through both Rowen and Jesse's perspectives. They are very different people and are miles apart, not only in physical distance, but in character. Rowen, the cynical, struggling young artist with a dark past she continues to move forward from. Her boyfriend Jesse, light as air and solid as a rock; the cowboy with bright smile and arms that have been Rowen's salvation. He charms the reader with what I came to call "Jesse-isms": little gems of wisdom and philosophy, or sometimes beautiful and achingly romantic declarations for the woman he worships without without question.

"That girl, that woman, was mine. And even though that was a hallmark I was intensely proud of, I was more sure and proud of something else.

I was hers.

It wasn't a question. It had never been an option. It was something set into motion the day the universe was created, and thousands of years later, there we were."

The story seemed to be broken into two parts. The first part was what I expected the book to be: a poignant tale of young lovers struggling with finding common ground despite the distance between them and other outside forces. I figured they would struggle through the difficulties of their situation and would eventually come together in the end. I should have been prepared for something else. The author gave hints that something was not quite right, but I was too wrapped up in Jesse and Rowen to notice. Part two: in a twist I didn't see coming, the bottom drops out. I was devastated: crying and angry, possibly unnecessarily abusing my kindle during the incredibly heart-wrenching scenes. There were a few times when I didn't think I would get through this part of the book; and without the help of their infinitely supportive and oddly insightful best friends, Rowen and Jesse have no hope of making it through it, either.

This story surprised me in many ways, not only in it's sudden and complete darkness, but in the contrast of light and dark. And that the light seems to be found in peculiar places, and humor and healing words come from unlikely mouths and hearts. This gives it a quirky, interesting quality, made completely unique by this author's voice. I'm so glad I read this book, beginning, middle, and beautiful end.

" ` I love you for all of your pieces, not just a select few. I love you for your dark, dirty secrets too. I love you, Jesse. I love...you.` "

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

See this review and more at TattooedBookReview dot com
4363776
Ellie has lost big time. Shes lost her fianc, her perfectly planned future, her hope, and ability to love. Or so she thinks When presented with the chance to help heartthrob Rhys Edwards with his upcoming role as Hamlet, the last thing Ellie expects is a second chance at love, and life. Rhys is different than Ellie imagined. His kind heart and patient demeanor win her over in time. But life isn't always sunshine and rainbows, sometimes clouds of fear and doubt sneak in along the way.

Im finding reviewing For Both Are Infinite very difficult. Every once in a while you stumble upon a book that is tough to connect with. That doesnt mean the book is bad, or the writing sucks; it means that the story and writing just doesnt mesh with person you are. It happens. Unfortunately for me, For Both Are Infinite was one of those books. What would normally take me days (at most) to read, took me weeks.

Ellie was a sweet character, but her fixation on the past grated on me after a while. It took almost half the book for her to feel comfortable enough to kiss Rhys. Granted, Ive never lost my significant other suddenly. I really have no frame of reference when it comes to dealing with something of that magnitude. That doesnt mean I didn't want to shove her into Rhys while whispering move on already in her ear. Rhys has the patience of a saint. Actually, Saint Rhys has a nice ring to it. The man is a doll. Seriously. He probably hides angel wings and a halo.

For Both Are Infinite is a heartbreaking look at hope. Its a reminder that while we may feel like our world is ending, sometimes thats just beginning.  I had trouble connecting with the characters, but you may fall head over heels for them. Dont let me stop you from giving Rhys and Ellie a chance. This is Stephanies debut novel, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
928953
I have not had a book affect me like this in a long time. I probably spent about 80% of this book with a pain in my chest, and a flutter in my stomach. How Ms. Jackson managed to make it both steamy and heartbreaking at the same damn time, I do not now, but I am in awe of it. Second chance romances are a favorite of mine and this one was utterly superb.

When it came to Christopher, foolish was all Id ever been.
Just a foolish, foolish girl.
And I swore I would never be her again.

Samantha grew up in one of the worst conditionsas a daughter of a man of the church. She is ridiculed, bullied, and rumored about for this. Her parents are very much strict on who she sees and what she wants. Samantha never gets to have the freedom a child needs to express oneself or to figure out who they are. She wants nothing more than to be free and when shes with Christopher, she is. She gets to experience feelings, people, herself. Hes a safe place for her for expression as a girl. Shed never had a boy pay attention to her, especially one so popular, but she cherishes the way he makes her feel and in turn shes willing to risk punishment for being with him. Too soon they're ripped apart both by life, circumstance, and bad choices. Seven years later and the pain is still excruciating.

His hands roamed up my sides, and his voice grew deep as he moved to murmur near my ear, You seetheres this girl whos on my mind every second of every day, and she drives me kind of crazy because I don't really understand the hold she has on me. But she has me in a way no one else ever has and more than anyone else ever will. And this girlshe needed me, and I didn't think twice about that jump, because getting in deep with her is the only place I ever want to be.'

Christopher had quite the reputation growing up. And hes not finding that reputation to be worthy of someone like Samantha. He doesnt realize that he should have waited for it all with her, but hes going to make sure the future always holds that. As tragedy strikes with his best friend Jared (from the prior two books), his world also spins out of control. It sets into motion a horrible change thatll affect both Samantha and Christopher. But what it makes Christopher become is the opposite of what he ever wanted.

No, Samantha. You just make me better. You cant see all my ugly when Im surrounded by your light.'

The emotions were so incredibly poignant in this book, with tension that was sticky and wild. Two characters who never had their happily ever after are pushed together by fate (cruel or not) that sets into motion a wild train of sexual tension and damaged souls coming back together. It should have always been them, if life had gone smoothly, but because it didn't these two destined mates had to suffer apart. For a book with no danger, I found myself reading incredibly quickly because I was desperate for themdesperate for love to overrule and conquer. Beautiful words with a sorrowful story created an adventure that I wholly ate up. I could feel their emotions like a living thing, and not many authors can accomplish that physical response. Not many can make me feel that deep ache in my gut, and sometimes it was so intense I had to close the book and just take a deep breath. It was magical, simply, and the blend between past and present was just right. Highly recommended.

Standalone. There is cheating (but you won't care).

**Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
2128126
Once again, Monica McCarty blends a vivid world rich in history with a lovely romance.

Helen and Magnus were sweet on each other for years during their teens. I thought the flashbacks were wonderful-I love the childhood sweethearts story. But when your clans hate each other with a passion, what are two young lovers to do? For magnus, it's simple-run away together. He's pretty sure his family will be supportive, even though Helen's family is the enemy.

But Helen, once put on the spot by her family (who's telling her that she's young and silly) and Magnus (who has just asked her to marry him), decides to stay with her family. Magnus is beyond hurt. His pride has taken a blow, and his heart is broken. Helen's family betroths her to someone they deem acceptable as soon as they possibly can, and unfortunately for Magnus, that man is his best friend Gordon.

The first time Magnus and Helen set eyes on each other after that awful encounter where she chose her family over her love, just happens to be at her wedding to Gordon. Magnus doesn't want to ruin the day, and he thinks he'll be able to handle seeing her; after all, it's been several years. Seeing Helen is a like a blow to the stomach, but he remains steadfast that Gordon will never know how much he loves Helen. Helen, for her part, never realized how badly she hurt Magnus and expected him to come for her years ago. She can't let go of her feelings, so right before she walks down the aisle, she finds Magnus and tries to get him to admit his feelings. But he tells that he absolutely doesn't want her and to go marry Gordon.

So she does. She actually married Gordon. I won't spoil anything, but Magnus and Helen's road to love is not easy and it's going to take a lot for Magnus to admit his feelings for his friend's wife.

There is a lot of history woven throughout the plot, and I really think that it enriches the imagery and the intensity of the story. However, that being said, the book has a few slow parts. I felt at times that the book dragged in places. But the reader is rewarded when the action scenes come. Ms. McCarty has a talent for detail and for amping up the pace once fighting breaks out.

I can't tell you how much I loved the ending. I also think that it's testament to Ms. McCarty's writing skill that she made me care for a character who I wasn't sure I liked. I loved the side romance between Will and Muriel, I absolutely loved it. I think Helen grew into an amazing heroine, especially considering I wasn't sure she'd grow up. This was a wonderful addition to the Highland Guard series and while there were some major shocks and upsets within the Guard, I can't wait for the next book!
4221238
Hilarious and heartbreaking all tied into one.
1102450
Ten year dance
Ara Grigorian

What an emotional roller coaster. My heart ached for Sophie throughout the entire story. Her unrequited love for Pete, his absolute stupidity in all the insensitive ways he unintentionally hurt her. It broke my heart.

An yet, I could not stop reading. It was great that the author did Pete's POV so well. If not, I would seriously start hating him for his multiple lame actions.

Loved Sophie and how she readily forgives him. Also loved their supportive friends.

A heart wrenching romance that drums up feelings of youth, young love, and past regret.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
1392718
I read this book as part of the Quirky Blind Date with a Book. It was the Super Secret book of the month which means that we had no idea who the author was, what the title was, or anything. It is definitely my favorite Blind Date with a Book to date.

To put into words all of the emotions I felt while reading Always You would be near impossible. This book wrecked me. Plain and simple. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. It was tragically glorious. It was maddeningly emotional. I have never cried so much while reading a book as I did with this one. I actually had to stop about halfway through so I could go read a "happy" book.

May and Will's love will continue on for an eternity. It's so beautiful to watch their love for one another continue to flourish despite the tragic situation they've found themselves in. I loved May's bucket list and how she and her family completed it together.

I also really loved May and Will's tree. Their love started there, and the tree has grown with them. The timeline that Will has carved into the tree over time was really cool. I'm very glad that the tree is where it ended, too.

If you want a book that will leave you in tears but with a new outlook on life and a heart full of love, this is your book. I strongly recommend it. It's tough to read some of the trials that May and Will go through, but seeing their love shine through is worth every ounce of pain.
2083693
5 big heartbreaking stars This was moving! The idea that one person creates a snowball effect and literally damages so much. This was all about love, friends and a drinking problem. WOW
When I say I know the author from day 1 I really do. She has become a favorite in the NA and YA romance arena. This book was yet another example of a plot twist

that totally had me

The story is so consuming! I read it in a night, a very sleepless night, but I just couldn't out it down. The family aspect if you want to call it family was just devastating to me. The characters were just so real to me. I was yelling at Joss a lot. She really got in her own way most of the time. This is the character that sometimes self sabotages herself. Joss seemed to be punishing herself too much.

As with a lot of Ginger's books, this one has a minor sports theme. I search so hard for who I thought Wes would be and I decided on a Cub. I sort of had to because Ginger is a baseball freak and I actually watched some of the series last year because her tweets inspired me.

CHICAGO, IL - Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs

I wasn't going to have hope. I wouldnt let myself wish. Those thingsthey weren't for girls like me. Thats what I believeduntil the new boy.

Hes nothing like the old boy. BUT there is always a BUT!! Josselyn Winters is amazing. The ending is a big cliffhanger so beware I am eagerly anticipating book two.
4693237
I loved the complexity of these two characters, and Ash in particular. His polished and seemingly uncaring outer shell contrasts so sharply with his soft and uncertain heart. He carries so much guilt and pain, but at the same time is determined to succeed in life and refuses to give up on his goals.

Drew is equally engaging, but for different reasons. He is so kind and caring, but has this passion for life that burns inside of him, just waiting to explode outward. He knows something is missing from his life but doesn't know what he is looking for.

Their opposite personalities are the perfect foil for this romance. Each completes the other, but the insecurities they have based on their past experiences make it difficult to recognize.

Once again, Felice has written emotional and deeply passionate characters that start out damaged but are searching for their happy ending. The main characters are complemented with a supporting cast that is entertaining and well developed. This book is a stand alone but is written in the same world as Rescued and I was excited to recognize some of the characters from her previous work.

While Drew and Ash's story is amazing, the ending is not completely resolved, as the situation with Ash's foster brothers will be the focus of Stevens' next release. I'm looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it's released!

My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
3168149
This book wowed me. The plot focuses on two boys  Luke, struggling with homophobia from his own father and hoping to become a band major, and Curtis, struggling to come to terms with a positive HIV diagnosis and what that could mean for his future. Their budding relationship is the focal point of the book yet their interactions are terse and often punctuated with self-hatred and anger. It was very difficult to read and not at all the usual romance fare. Somehow though it made their eventual romance so much more poignant and worthy.  The writing is superb and flawless. Theres a fluidity there that is rare to find in the genre; J.H. Trumble writes with an immediacy that puts you front and center in an overwhelming story.

Full review here: http://www.iloveyafiction.com/romancena-review-just-between-us-by-j-h-trumble/
2668451
Irresistibly Mine by Stephanie Rowe

Instant compassion for the burnt out hero that's lost his sh*t and the irreverent heroine with a sad childhood.
A beautiful romance that touched me deeply. I laughed a lot at Chloe and grinned a lot when Blue gave Chloe a grin. I read paragraphs over and over in the middle of reading to slow it down. I didn't want that joy and laughter to go away. I didn't want this feeling of love and adoration to end.
Sure, midway through me, and I'm sure ever other reader, wanted to shake them both and give them the solution, but it takes them and a friend quite a bit longer to come to the same solution.
And then I was crying. It's not sad. It is emotional. Oh, so good.

An absolute must if you love a good romance with heart.
If I could give this one six, seven or more stars, I so would.

Excerpt
He crouched beside her, his hand going to her elbow. "You okay?"
"No. My heart just exploded in terror, and my brain is irretrievably melted from fear." She closed her eyes, trying to keep the dizziness at bay. "I am not built for that kind of running."
"I really am sorry. I was asleep and reacted instinctively when you barged in."
"I didn't barge. I was fleeing killer mosquitoes." Her lungs hurt. Her throat hurt. Had she been screaming? She kind of thought she might have been. "How much was I screaming just now?"
She heard him chuckle. "Not enough. If I really was a bad guy, you should have worked harder to alert help."
"Because the raccoons and skunks would definitely have come to my aid." She finally got a decent breath into her lungs, enough to look up at him.
Excerpt From: Rowe, Stephanie. Irresistibly Mine: A Birch Crossing Novel.
4869348
Oh my God Ruckus! This book was so close to breaking my heart, and then it pieced it back together beautifully.

Dean and Rosie were always meant to be, they just had a harder path than most. Each brings immense baggage into the relationship and they struggle to find happiness.

Dean has secrets that weigh him down and he's not quite ready to face them. He self destructs and self medicates because it's the only way he knows how to cope.

Rosie is facing an illness that could take her at any moment. She doesn't want to open her heart because she doesn't know how much she can truly give.

I reached a point somewhere between 70-80 percent where I couldn't put the book down. I had tears running down my face and I just couldn't see a happy ending. The ending was everything and so much more.

Now, can we talk about Trent??? Cause little Luna breaks my heart and I need him to have a happy ending.
1511435
Sweet. Baby. Jesus.  I began to cry 11% into this book and did not stop.  The story of Alix and Nick is amazing and brilliant.

Alix sees Nick and just knows she has to save him.  She something in him that is worth something, even though he doesn't.  But his need to protect those around him forces his hands.  On the brink of finally, he is gone.  But when he returns so many years later, so much has changed.  There are wounds that time hasn't healed and truths that remain untold.

This is a hard road to forever, filled with so much hurt and loss that your heart breaks right along with them.  The author does give you warnings along the way, some advanced warnings before she kills you.  I think that made it tougher to deal with through, even knowing the next disaster did not prepare you for the pain.

From their first meeting, first kiss and first time, you are overwhelmed.  There is no way to avoid the connection with these characters.  Their happy ending was paved with as much sorrow you could throw at them, their love was captivating and breathtaking.