Review: Refreshingly original, soul touching, passion-filled story!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 18, 2014
*Received an ARC for an honest review* For unedited review and more juiciness find me at: [...]I really don't even no where to begin with this one. I did't see this book coming, but it smacked me right on my butt and left me speechless. The synopsis really doesn't do it justice. This story has so many levels that go far deeper than just your run of the mill romance novel. I couldn't put this book down if there was a fire burning my house down. Don't get me wrong, I would drop to the floor and crawl dutifully to my escape, but with my kindle firmly in my hand while doing it. My heart ached for Jake and his struggle with his demons. Stories that deal with the military always tend to touch me on a much deeper level, because I grew up with my dad in the Army, then my brother joined the Navy, and my husband is currently in the Air Force. This book really caught me by surprise, which only made me fall in love with it even more. Definetly a must read!Liz lives a normal meek life with her husband and three kids. She has hit an all time low with the mounting health issues she has with her heart, to her husbands clear distaste towards her the past years. She is pretty much on autopilot and that is putting it mildly. Her whole world changes dramatically when her routine morning walk leads her to an encounter with an intriguing stranger working the fields. That seemingly innocent conversation suddenly leads her in the back of a truck disguised a a sack of potatoes while crossing the border to Canada. I know what you are thinking...how can this be a romance novel after an abduction? How can she possibly overlook being kidnapped and not only have feelings for him, but also trust him wholeheartedly? Believe me, I thought the same thing. Jake is such an amazing, noble, sweet, and respectful man. You will be pliable putty in his hands too, trust me.Jake is a Marine that is dealing with the unbearably large baggage of his consecutive tours to the middle east. From the very first chapter you feel an instant connection with this lost soul, just trying to stumble his way back to the light. The mere image of Liz kept him going, even in the darkest of days. He just snapped one day, which led to his hasty decision to take Liz. What started off as a kidnapping, ends up being a chance opportunity to find the love people only dream of having. Jake thought that he needed Liz to help his broken soul, but Liz needed Jake just as desperately. They helped heal one another in the only ways they knew how.Their time together out in his secluded cabin in Canada, was something they both cherished and didn't want to end. He struggled to find out what his future should be and if he could go back to do another tour when he felt he was still too broken. At first they both thought their time together was a temporary haven that would eventually end and they would go back to reality. The connection they shared only grew into something neither of them expected, which made them both want a future together after they left the cabin. Unfortunately, both of their realities came chasing after them and were forced to go back. Will the time apart in the real world help them to realize that they are meant to be? Or will the space created just tear them apart for good?I LOVED this story! It made my heart ache horribly at times, but those are the stories that you know will stay with you for a long time. This story was refreshingly original, emotional, and passionate. The characters were easy to connect with and their bond flourished seamlessly. The story kept my kindle glued to my hand all day long. There were a few WTF moments thrown in there. Like, how Jake's friend and wife found out she was abducted, but didn't even really bat an eye. His friend's wife was actually routing for them to stay together, even though she had her kids back at home. This should have thrown red flags out everywhere, but I actually thought it showed how loyal they were to Jake. The chapters from Liz's husband, Mike's perspective were a great touch that just solidified why Liz should stay with Jake. I really wished that there was an epilogue or a possible novella for this one. I was left wanting soooo much more! Tip of my imaginary hat to you, Mrs. Mullens. This was a fantastic surprise that I will carry with me for the unseeable further. Go read this book!Follow me at: [...]Blog:[...]Goodreads: [...]