Review: Loved everything about it
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 18, 2014
As I mentioned when I finished 'The Only One Who Knows', book one in 'The Only One' series by Cat Grant and L.A. Witt, I have been on pins and needles waiting for this second installment. In my opinion, these books should be read in the order they've come out, because if you miss the first book then you won't get a whole lot of backstory that is fairly integral to this second book in the series. 'The Only One Who Matters' exceeded my expectations and I thought that would be tough to do. I mean, I've already admitted I'm completely easy when it comes to Navy SEALS, and making this book even better than the first one was practically more than I could handle. Never fear, I said "practically". *grins*Josh, David, and the real world. A lot of adjustments have to be made. David is no longer a SEAL and he's still recuperating from the gunshot that ended his career. Josh is still on active duty and being sent out on missions. For David, being at home just waiting for Josh to come home from his missions is, in some ways, worse than being on the missions ever was. And for Josh, knowing he can't fix this and make it all okay is almost just as bad. The tension between them is becoming harder and harder to deny and since these are two men who don't discuss feelings or what they're thinking about, the times in between Josh's deployments are growing very brittle."It drives me insane, because I know what you're doing out there, and I miss doing it myself. I hate that I can't anymore. Trying to find my place in the civilian world with the constant reminders of what I was and what I can't be… And since I know what's out there and what happens, I can't sleep because I know… I know what could happen to you."The inevitable occurs and Josh and a couple of the members of his team get taken while on their mission. David's worst fear is coming true. Since David promised one of those missing men that he'd look out for his wife and kids while the team was deployed, David is also helping care for two toddlers and a newborn while comforting the wife. And getting comfort in return. It gives David an up-front, honest view of a Navy SEAL's wife in action. Tough, capable, and strong for her family.I'm not sure that I can begin to express how much I loved this book, but also what a strong visceral impact it had on me. Our military men and women go through things the average person never will, and no doubt about it, it changes them. There is such inner strength in these people and it knocks me over when I stop and really think about it. Not to mention the spouses and loved ones who sit around hoping they won't get a phone call with bad news. Josh struggled with PTSD and flashbacks after his captivity and torture, and it took a lot of strength for David and him to be able to work through their many difficulties and rise above them. Strength and the love these men share almost wasn't enough. It also took allowing themselves to be vulnerable in front of their partner and asking for help when they needed it. I loved this book and everything about it.For all who have served or are currently serving, and especially to our wounded warriors - thank you for keeping me safe.NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews