Review: A sensitive love story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 14, 2014
I've looked forward to Reza's story since the second book where his life seemed to completely fall apart and it was well worth the wait.The setupReza Iaconelli is an incredible leader, preparing the men in his division for deployment and keeping them safe once at war. But when he's not deployed, his excessive drinking is a problem. He's taken it upon himself to self manage his sobriety but Reza's private pain is sorely testing his resolve. When he crosses paths with Army psychiatrist Emily Lindbergh, his life changes overnight.The issuesReza's used up all of his command's goodwill and no one is going to come to his rescue anymore. He's a loner and realistically can't heal himself anymore. He's near drowning but sees hope in the idealism of Emily, who still sees possibility in him and the ability to provide needed mental health treatment to the troops who are suffering from the effects of too many deployments. They have a passionate relationship based on respect and affection of each other. He's not her patient, nor does she relate to him that way.What works about this storyEmily is the light Reza needed at this moment in his life and he embodied all that she respected in a military leader. She saw in him what he had trouble acknowledging for himself. Their developing romance just sizzled in all the right ways and it was lovely how they supported each other without really trying. They were so natural and honest with each other, just what I had hoped for this troubled and formidable man.Reza's selflessness in helping Emily understand the world of the damaged men she was treating made such a difference in the story. It exposed the true man and leader. I loved how she got him but didn't tolerate his self abuse when it mattered the most. All of this occurred against the backdrop of a seriously flawed military system that didn't offer easy solutions and presented all sides of the issues.The bottom lineWhile this is a tough story, it's one I expected but was also delighted in the romance. The contrast between Emily's optimism and Reza's futility provided a balance in the relationship that anchored both of them. It's a sensitively portrayed love story that captured me, in spite of the sometimes harsh circumstances. Reza is symbolic of many of the men serving our country and they are well represented here. Again, well done.(I received an ARC from the publisher)