Emotional and well written story of healing and finding love after abuse
590912
I received an ARC of Under Her Skin from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This book is heartbreaking, emotional, and hopeful. It's a story of survival and finding love after abuse. Although Under Her Skin is romance, it's not a light read and it deals with topic of domestic violence and physical abuse. The author did a very good job writing about such a heavy subject without trivializing it (which I see quite a lot in romance novels) and I applaud her for being sensitive and respectful.

In Under Her Skin Uma is on the run from her abusive ex and arrives in small town, Virginia to hide and heal. She meets Ivan, her broody neighbor, who is ex-con and is rough around the edges but has a heart of gold. Their relationship is slow burning, there is no insta-love and understandably so because Uma has to let go of her fear and learn to trust again. Ivan is the perfect hero, he is a gentle giant who understands Uma's fragility and makes it his mission to make her happy again. But he also has some anger issues and is fiercely protective of people he loves. It was a joy to see Uma healing from her ordeal and learning to love herself and her body again with the help from Ivan. I really enjoyed Under Her Skin and I am looking forward to the next book.
2363854
The opening paragraph reeled me in and I didn't want to stop reading Healing Love.  Laura V. Hilton created another remarkable story and introduction to her series, The Amish of Webster County.  The characters were well developed along with having true to life issues.

Kristi Lapp, an Amish midwife, was injured in a buggy accident as she was on her way to deliver a baby. Shane Zimmerman, an English veterinarian, found Kristi and called 911 for an ambulance. Shane was attracted to Kristi and visited her in the hospital. Shane volunteered to care for her Siberian husky, Chinook, since Kristi suffered a fractured leg. The Lapps were Shanes neighbors.  Kristis parents were in Florida at the time of the accident, but returned home once they were notified of her accident. Kristis father made it very plain to Shane he was not to see Kristi any more, after he observed their interactions in her hospital room.

Shane continued to care for Chinook even though he could not see Kristi. When Shane found out Kristi was a midwife, he struggled more with the memories of his deceased wife and infant son. Shane knew he should forget Kristi as their lives were not the same, even though Shanes grandparents were Amish and he had visited them in his childhood. Their continued relationship would only result in someone being hurt.

Real life problems surfaced that put Kristi and Shane together, like a neighbor rushing to Shanes office for his veterinarian service, as Kristis horse, Samson, had been injured by a bullet. Shanes sister, Sylvia, came to stay with him as her husband was being deployed. Sylvia is drawn to Kristi and wants a midwife for her delivery. How will their lives be affected if Kristi is seen at Shanes home? Why would God allow their attraction continue to be drawn to one another if they could not be together? An extraordinary recommendation may be the answer, but what impact will it have on all these loved characters?

I cannot wait to read, Surrendered Love, book two in this moving and astonishing series. Ms. Hiltons books are not your normal Amish genre books. Healing Love is filled with true to life struggles, heartbreak, faith and romance along with action packed scenes.

I received a complimentary copy of Healing Love from Whitaker House. An encouraging review was not required and all views expressed are this readers own thoughts.
2577722
The Fix by Natasha Sinel is an emotional story of healing for main protagonist Macy Lyons. After a serious discussion one night with one of her classmates, Sebastian Ruiz, Macy can no longer hold her memories from a series of traumatic childhood events at bay. When she discovers Sebastian has been hospitalized for a drug problem, they strike up an unlikely friendship that is just the beginning of a series of changes for Macy.

On the surface, Macy seems to have it all. She is from a well to do family, she has a marvelous boyfriend and although her relationship with her mom is tense, she is close to her dad and younger brother. However, after her conversation with Sebastian, cracks begin to appear in her facade. Her life is thrown into further turmoil when their annual family vacation has been postponed and she begins working as a counselor with preschool age children. Macys anxiety increases after learning her cousin Scott is returning for a visit and vague but somewhat disturbing flashbacks begin to hint at a dark secret from her not too distant childhood.

Macy is a strong young woman who appears to have it all together. She is planning for life after high school and working towards her goal of going to college on the west coast. She and her boyfriend, Chris, are childhood friends and she loves spending time with him and his family. Although her best friend, Rebecca, sometimes drives her crazy, she would do anything for her. But soon Macy is spending more time with Sebastian than Chris or Rebecca and her unexpected feelings for him become an added complication to her life.

While Macy and Sebastian initially concentrate on his recovery, he eventually turns the focus of their conversations to her. A delicate dance ensues as she deflects his questions, ignores his observations and redirects the discussion back to his problems. But when she is away from Sebastian, Macys memories haunt her and she is very confused about her feelings regarding what happened to her when she was younger. As more information is revealed about her past, it becomes clear that Macy has been using unhealthy and risky behavior to cope with her unresolved feelings.

The Fix is a perfect blend of heartbreak and hope as Macy comes to terms with the trauma from her past.  Natasha Sinel deftly handles very difficult subject matter with a great deal of sensitivity. Macys flashbacks are never overly graphic but as the story progresses, her vague memories become more concrete and there is little doubt about what happened to her. I highly recommend this well-written, captivating young adult novel to teen and adult readers.

I received a complimentary copy for review.
2369299
After a devastating accident Dean Sutherland is left a shell of the man he use to be, struggling to re-find his place in the world, and it's a battle that takes it toll on him day in and day out. He has a good support system that tries to help him readjust, keep him thinking positive, but he still feels like something is missing. Then a beautiful soul unexpectedly wanders back into his life, and instantly his outlook on things start to look up, he's hoping together they can conquer their demons and find some common ground... but will their deep rooted scars let that happen?

Cora Carpenter has been dealt a crappy hand of cards, ones that have left her a single mother, with a load of baggage to deal with, and a wounded heart. Closing a chapter on her life and starting fresh in Okracoke holds a lot of promise, and hope that she can re-discover a happiness that has been missing from her life for so long. She wants to put the past permanently behind her, and create a new life for her and her daughter on the island, but she soon discovers that putting her past behind her is going to be a lot tougher than she originally thought. Then she runs into an old friend, with similar demons, and she beings to realize maybe she doesn't have to do it alone, maybe, just maybe, he is the answer to her prayers, and her second chance at happiness.

The Scars I Bare is a beautifully crafted second chance story that will tug on your heartstrings and leave you moved beyond words! Between the pages of this one you will find an emotionally rich story line, and well crafted characters, that will take you on their painful journey to re-discovering happiness and love. It's a bumpy road, riddled with gut-wrenching choices, and old wounds, but there is a light at the end of the dim journey, and it shines brightly and will leave your heart happy. I thoroughly enjoyed settling down with this one, it spawned a serious case of the feels, made me swoon, and left me smiling... highly recommend you give it a shot, you won't be disappointed with what you find!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
4186649
A great story of love rediscovered after tragedy.  Devin and Katie are childhood best friends who fall in love and are torn apart for ten long years.  It's through personal tragedies that the two of them reconnect and find that their love for each other has never changed.  This book follows along the beautiful healing and falling in love again of these great characters.  It's a great love while at war story and definitely something I'd recommend to others.
4934494
Great example of someone who has found healing for his emotional wounds.
121901
I loved the care taken to portray the characters in this book, I really felt the authors love for them shine through. While the subject matter of sexual abuse may deter some readers, this is a story about healing, and unconditional love and support..
A sequel would be wonderful.
1520612
Tempt my heart.

I had a hard start at the beginning with this book. It was very descriptive and I felt my heart open to the story a little later on. Brittens story of how she got to where she was and the heart ache that happened. The loss she suffered and the abuse she pushed upon herself.

Once the story got to the heart of the matter my heart was hurting for her. I was excited to see her take charge and no longer let the past dictate the future she could continue to have.

Abuse is a never ending battle that is not to be taken lightly. Along comes the person who becomes her rock and helps her move past the hole she dug herself into that's full of grief.

I ended up enjoying this story more than I thought. The story regarding "Brit" and Cane was beautiful. Then the story be grading "Brit" and Jordan was amazing.

I would recommend this story because many can relate to the story of finding love and losing it and the grief and despair that many go through, while some turn to the darker and a more hurtful side. It's a journey that we each have to go through. I enjoyed that through her struggles she found the strength to move past it and open herself up to happiness again.

A good journey to read, I would give this book 3.5 stars.
1501827
Skye Summers suffered horrific abuse at the hands of her foster father, but she survived to become an emergency department doctor. She longs for a family and a normal life--at least as normal as the damage leftover from her childhood will allow. Ash isn't used to chasing rather than being chased, but he's somehow sure that Skye is worth the effort.

My heart broke for Skye as I learned what she had been through as a child, and I loved her relationship with her foster brother and the way she used her experiences to help others. I loved Ash for the way he pursues Skye in spite of her doubts and restrictions, as well as his caring and determination to do the right thing. I would have liked a little more information on the band, but hopefully, that will be coming along with more books in this series.

I thought the author did a really nice job handling some difficult subject matter and the plot kept me fully engaged to the point that I read the story pretty much straight through. This is a story about heartbreak, healing and love, and though this was my first book by this author it won't be my last. 4.5 stars

B2B Kelly
3509379
This book is intense because it dealt with some real issues; alcoholism, drug abuse and cheating. Some might find these topics a no-go but lets be real  THESE ARE REAL LIFE ISSUES. Nicos story is an emotional read and lord knows it tested my patience many times, but I am glad I stuck it out. If youve read Gabes book you know a little about Nico and Jill. Their journey transpired over years and Nico has put Jill though so much pain, but she loved him.

What would you do if you walk into your boyfriends apartment, heavily pregnant only to find him in bed with another woman? For Jill that was the finally straw, Nico has broken her heart and promises too many times, now she has to focus on her baby and no longer the man. Things for Jill go from bad to worse that day, but she manages to pull through and move on with her life. I am going to tell you why I loved this characters. Her heart still loved the man but her focus was solely on their daughter. Jill has not seen nor spoken to Nico in over a year, until she gets a phone call from Italy. Nicos mother has cancer and her only wish is to see her granddaughter.

You know that saying you have to hit rock bottom for a person to get better? That is the case with Nico.  Not even seeing the pain, disgust and hurt in Jills eyes was Nico able to see all the wrong he did. NO what broke Nico was almost losing Jill and their unborn child because of his destructive ways. Nico has always managed to win Jill back, but this time it was different, Jill was done. During the course of a year, Nico seeks help for his addictions and move back home to Italy, only seeing glimpses of his daughter, Nicola. So I know I should hate this characters, and let me assure you I did, but what changed for me was his remorse, his sense of guilt and his determination to make things right. Although he loved Jill and his daughter, he knew his addiction damaged their relationship and it was his turn to give Jill want she wanted.

There is so much pain and devastation between Jill and Nico that even a simple conversation is volatile. I loved how the author slowly wrote Nico and Jills journey, not leaving any of the ugly out. I truly appreciated and connected with the characters and their story. It was not a simple to forgive, it took work, a lot of work but their connection and bond is very intense. Nico and Jill have their work cut out, but can you forgive infidelity? Can you get past constant disappointments? How strong and powerful is love? Is it enough to forgive and move forward?
944551
I found myself in tears very early into Vivid and just knew it was going to be one heck of an emotional journey, and it was.

Grace and Merrick grew up next door to each other, and while she definitely noticed him, he never saw her. Life goes on and they both have faced their struggles ~ his from the horrors of war and hers from the devastating loss of a child and being abandoned by the childs father. They both find themselves back in the homes where they grew up, with the hope that they would find the healing they need. They also find themselves becoming important pieces in each others lives as Grace becomes his home care nurse while he recovers from injuries he received while deployed.

Grace and Merrick both have their demons, ones they very much need to overcome on their own, yet through each other they find the strength and acceptance they require to accomplish it. Its not an easy journey for either, as their scars, run deep, and even as they find the love they need and desire in each other, they still find themselves questioning their worthiness.

Grace and Merricks story is one of loss, acceptance, healing, growth, and most important, love.

I won't soon forget this pair, and neither will you.
2394183
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The first words that come to mind as I try to describe this book??....WOW!  It's been so long since I've read a story that truly touched me.  Kate Stewart did an amazing job telling a story of two great characters and their love.  From the moment I began reading the prologue, I was intrigued and couldn't wait to read on.  The story between Laura and Seth was extremely well written and heartwarming.

The love story amidst the raving times of the 90s was well described.  Kate did a wonderful job depicting the times giving the back drop to this story an eclectic atmosphere and way of the youth in those days and included a playlist that brought back memories of my own and set the mood for Laura and Seth's love as well as their pain and heartache.

After a time, Laura and Seth finally had their first moment of intimacy and it was very passionate and sweet.  So much so, I could feel what they felt for each other.  As time drew on and their relationship grew, it was truly moving.  There were moments that were so well written, their pain was my pain.  Truly tear jerking moments are provided in this story.  I do not tear easily but this story truly pulled at my heart strings with ease.

I have to say that Room 212 happens to be my first 5 star review in quite some time.
2564325
This was an emotionally charged story. Andrea is in an abusive marriage and feels all hope is gone. She is alienated from family and friends and with each day she loses a little of herself. Beaten physically and mentally, the last draw was when he drunkenly called her to pick him up from the bar. Either way she knew he would beat her so she did the only thing possible, she ran back home to her brother. Now all she has to do is stay a step ahead of her husband until she can get her life back together. This is a powerful story that draws attention to physical abuse women endure and the feelings of insecurity about themselves. I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
2440716
This is a beautifully written tale of love and loss, and ultimately healing.  Tyler is a complex and broken man, who has been through so much heartbreak, it's a wonder it still beats. He returns to his hometown after a second devastating loss to start over.  Mac is the younger brother of Ty's childhood friend.  He's easy going, and patient, and all around steady guy.  He's way more patient than I could imagine to be if I was in his shoes.  While I can understand Tyler's reasons, he was a straight up jerk to Mac more than once.  Given the circumstances, I supposed that's to be expected on some level.  I was routing for them even as I wanted to bop Tyler a few times.  Overall I really enjoyed this book.  It was more angsty than my usual preference, but it was well written and believable.  Nic Starr has woven a thought provoking tale full of emotions, both good and bad.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2786589
A beautiful story of recovery from tragic losses. I really loved the storyline and the mending of hearts. The Steamy love scenes were very good too ;)
1251526
FOR THE LOVE OF A LUSH by Selena Laurence is a beautifully written depiction of friendship, heartbreak, addiction, recovery, redemption and true love that stands the test of time and trials. This second book in the LUSH series tells the story of Walsh and Tammy, and the other members of the rock band LUSH who had all been lifetime friends, but have now been torn apart by addiction and betrayal. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend you read the first book in this amazing series. A LUSH BETRAYAL focuses on Joss and Mel's love story, but also details the events that lead up to the breakup of the band and everyone going their separate ways.

In the aftermath of the band's breakup (and his breakup from Tammy), Walsh goes off by himself to stay at a recovery ranch in Texas. He is focused on getting his life back together by working his AA steps, fighting his alcoholism, and maintaining his sobriety. After losing the love of his life and his best friend due to their betrayal staying clean and sober takes everything he has, so he has cut off all connections to his former life until Mike finds him and convinces him to allow him to come out and gets a job on the same ranch.

Tammy has also been working on her recovery from the nervous breakdown she suffered but with the help of a therapist feels strong enough to take control of her life back. And to her, her life is Walsh. She still loves him fiercely and believes they are meant to be together, that they are truly one, and there is no life for her without him.  So Tammy heads to Texas to get her man back and stubbornly fights for him no matter how many times he tells her to leave. No matter how many times he tells her they are done.  Because he has also told her he still loves her.  That he hates it, but he will always love her.

For the Love of a Lush is a very well written story of the very real emotional journey Walsh and Tammy take before they find themselves.  Before they are ready to take a chance on each other or anyone else again. It was an intense read and a raw portrayal of the difficulties of an alcoholic and how their addiction affects those who love him, of the struggle it takes to forgive themselves and ask for the forgiveness of those they've harmed - especially when those same people have harmed them as well.  It is also the story of unconditional and abiding love, both in romantic relationships and the solid love of friends who have been like family.  This book is touching and will bring tears, but is also infused with humor and characterizations that will make you smile. For the Love of a Lush is balanced, well-written, and definitely kept me hungry for every word as I hoped for Walsh and Tammy's HEA.  Selena Laurence is an author who never disappoints. This was an incredible read!  4 stars

~Complimentary copy provided in exchange for a honest review.
1399609
5 broken hearted/spirit shattered stars

I so love stories about people who are broken but are healed through someone's love for them. Typically, I cry with their story and then I smile as the healing takes place. But there are some stories that hit me at a deeper level. Facade is one of those stories.

Laney is an 18 year old young lady who acts so much older due to the struggles she has faced in her short life. She is an
amazing character and has become one of my favorite heroines of all time. It amazes me with her caring spirit and a desire to make those around her feel better, she wants to heal their hearts, and hopefully hers will get to heal along the way as well. In this journey of healing she sets out to meet Adrian, as she wants to make things right with him. But due to different issues along the way she is unable to get out what she came for. Along the way, we get to know Adrian better. He is broken hearted and his spirit is shattered. Adrian drowns escapes in drugs and women. There is another layer to Adrian though. Adrian is much deeper, he loves to read and he escapes in his writing. When things get too tough, he runs, until Delaney. Adrian sees a kindred spirit in Delaney, and the irony is that he winds up wanting to heal her as much as she wants to heal him.

The characters in this story were very real to me and their pain was raw and heartbreaking. I loved how Delaney and Adrian eased into their feeling and their relationship. But while I loved reading about it, I knew the bottom had to fall out at some point. Then it hits and the emotions are so gut-wrenchingly sad--one twist I totally did not expect and it made the pain hurt even more.

But there is hope, amazing siblings, and there is healing. I loved this story and I cannot wait for Masquerade to read more about Maddox since I saw him as an unsung hero in this book.