Review: Important topic, great story.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 23, 2014
I have received this book from the touring host for an honest review.PTSD is the main focus in this book, with Navy Seal Luke Paulsen suffering from it for two years; trying to cope in his work; making the best of his situation.When he met Julie on the beach, sparks flew immediately. The passionate, erotic kind that caused them not to say much but pass all civil conversation and get right to it. Their passion drew them closer and they had a great time, but it seemed that it was all it would be, just that. But as time passed we learn about their heartache, missing each other on a deeper level than just the physical. Not knowing how to communicate their heart to each other.This yo-yo relationship had you guessing and you wonder if the two would ever work it out and it be more than just good sex. And believe me, it was good sex. Toe curling, sheet warming, sweaty sex.With a good supportive system, Luke learned to control the night sweats, being out of control in given situations, nightmares that haunted him, struggling to sleep; all symptoms that tried to break him down. He showed that he could take orders and work with the psychiatrist to get a better handle on his life and the decisions he had to make. A strong character that shows his vulnerability and determination through his struggles. His relationships with his team was interesting to read, and you could feel the camaraderie.Julie's career was in jeopardy when faced with the father of an abused child, who clearly meant her harm. Hoping she could work it out with him, her plans back fired and she was abducted. I liked her disclosure statement in the beginning of the book, using it as a barometer in her relationship with Luke, if you could call what they had a relationship. She was a smart, tentative young woman with a love for her young pupils.A good story, but I felt at times that some of the scenes were choppy, lacking flow as you moved from one scene to another. Although the focus was primarily on the PTSD and their relationship, I felt that the story could use more suspense in the specific scenes; like for instance when he and his team had to race into the house to save a young bride about to be raped by this evil man. It was only glanced over and you couldn't really connect with the seriousness of the issue.Even during the time that Julie was abducted not much was mentioned as if it were skimmed over and the death of the other woman didn't effect her, even if they knew each other well. No aftershock or even a mention of the ordeal as we plunged right into the next scene. Surely Julie had to have thoughts about that? Especially in the light of the topic. However, nothing was mentioned.Overall a good story with enough passion and romance to keep turning over the pages.