(Second-chance romance, forbidden love, older brother’s best friend)
A promise written on a coaster.
A lost night in a dark room.
Grayson Bennett was my brother’s best friend.
He was all of my firsts.
Then he went away…
Drew Harris was just a kid, a senior in high school, my best friend’s little sister.
They said she was too young to know her feelings.
I was too old to have them, so I left to … know her feelings.
I was too old to have them, so I left to join the military.
Four years passed.
Loss, injury, angry words I can never take back…
I’m home, but I’m not the same.
Neither is she.
Now she’s a woman with flashing blue eyes, long blonde hair, and gorgeous curves.
Still, she’s the same sweet smile, the same sassy mouth…
I could never say No to her before.
I should for her sake.
She deserves better than what I’ve become, scarred and damaged.
“They told me to stay away from you.
I went away to try… God, I tried.
Now everything has changed. I’m back, and
I’ll do whatever it takes to make you mine…”
(A full-length, STAND-ALONE CONTEMPORARY romance about first love, redemption, and finding your way home. No cheating; No cliffhangers.)
more
4.5 Stars
Make You Mine is the all new stand-alone novel by Tia Louise! Drew and Gray were EVERYTHING!! There were so many emotions I felt while reading-the angst, the love, and the regret. It was truly incredible.
Drew and Gray have known each other since they were four and eight years old. Gray has been best friends with Drew’s older brother since forever. He has been there throughout every stage of Drew’s life. Everything starts to change as Drew becomes a beautiful young woman. Gray knows it’s wrong to love her but he can’t help himself. A relationship begins even though Gray is leaving for the Marines but he promises her that he will come back. Now, years later, he returns but he’s different. Will Drew be able to forgive him? Will they rekindle their love?
I loved this story so much! Drew and Gray’s love was full of passion and so much heart. The writing was excellent, it flowed well, and I seriously couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Ms. Louise!
This may be Tia Louise’s best yet. Every book she has published I have loved more than the last but this went beyond any of my expectations. She wrote from the heart giving us a heartwarming journey of love. You could feel the emotions pouring off the pages. I felt what these characters were feeling. The characters were real and raw and the story pulled all the emotions from you. Make You Mine was a beautiful second chance romance filled with hope and love and lots and lots of hot chemistry and steamy scenes.
)
¸.•´¸.•´¨) ¸.•’¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
~~ 4 ETERNAL STARS! ~~
“When I come back, I will make you mine.”
I first fell in love with Tia Louise’s emotionally riveting romances with her One to Hold series, so when I discovered she was penning a standalone best friend’s little sister romance, featuring a ruggedly sexy military hero, my heart leapt with joy!!
THE STORY:
Andrea “Drew” Harris has been head over heels in love with Grayson Cole, her older brother Danny’s best friend, since she was four years old. Although he came from the wrong side of the tracks, she still thought he hung the moon and the stars. But not many shared that opinion. Ever since he moved to Oakville to live with his Uncle Mack, who ran the local auto mechanic shop, after his mother died, Grayson has always been treated like dirt by the uppity townsfolk. Deep down he knew that he would never be good enough for a golden girl like Drew. But it didn’t stop him from stepping up as her self-appointed protector, always managing to be there for her through thick and thick thin!
Their platonic friendship blossomed into forbidden romance when Drew was a junior in high school and Grayson and her brother returned home from college. They were each other’s firsts but had to carry on in secret because she knew her cold, judgmental father and overprotective brother would never approve. But heartbreak was on the horizon when Gray and Danny enlisted in the Marines. The thought of being away from the man she loved was unbearable, but Gray wrote a promise to her on a coaster, vowing to return to his “Drew-baby’s” awaiting arms.
Fast forward four years. Grayson returns home—alone–but his deployment took a heavy toll. He is haunted by ghosts that cannot be banished, and while the spark between him and Drew is as potent as ever, he knows that she deserves better than a broken-down ex-Marine struggling with PTSD. The last thing he wants is to drag her down into the darkness with him, but fate has other plans in store for this beleaguered duo!
MY MUSINGS:
Tia Louise pulled out all the stops with MAKE YOU MINE! This achingly emotional love story hooked me from the first page to the last and is chock full of everything I crave in a swoony second chance romance: A tortured military hero. A beautiful, sassy, pure-hearted heroine. A quaint small-town setting. Red-hot passion. Gut-wrenching angst. The list goes on and on!
Sigh. There’s just something about this forbidden love story that was so dang intoxicating, and even though there were moments when the time and distance, long estrangements and agonizing tumult tore my heart to shreds, I was in in for the long-haul!
And that’s due in large part to the STELLAR character development! First we have Drew. She is a DREAM heroine! Sweet and compassionate and kind-hearted, she has endured much loss and hardship in her life. But no matter what she was a true survivor! I adored her beauty, her quiet strength, her fire, her resilience, her unflinching loyalty and unfaltering faith in the abiding power of love
And gah Grayson….HOLY EFFING SWOON! This strong, stoic ex-Marine took my breath away! All his life, he strove to rise above his humble beginnings, and his noble heart and innate goodness always shone through. Especially in the way he loved and protected his “Drew-baby!” But sob…this sweet, tortured soul had been through the ringer during his last deployment, and my heart truly shattered for all he’d been through. When Drew returns to Oakville he is a shell of the man he once was. He is sullen and broody. Aloof and withdrawn. Suffering in silence with his debilitating PTSD to spare the love of his life any more heartache. His pain and grief, regret and remorse, and feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness really cut deep.
But his girl is NOT to be underestimated, and if any woman on the planet can reach the battle-scarred man beneath the hardened exterior, it’s Drew. She will fight for him, and their love, against all odds! And eeep talk about sizzling hot reunion sex! When their fiery, pent up passion finally boils over it’s ELECTRIFYING!
There’s also a terrific cast of secondary characters who make up the fabric of this gossipy small town. I especially loved Drew’s wacky bff Ruby who had me in stitches, and I can’t wait for her upcoming story—MAKE ME YOURS!
My only qualm in an otherwise OUTSTANDING read is that I do wish that Gray had fought as hard for Drew as she did for him. I wanted him to be a bit more take-charge and proactive in reuniting with her instead of keeping his girl at arm’s length “for her own good” for much of the book. That said, I got why Ms. Louise took this route with this moody broody hero, that it was all part of the painstaking journey that he had to traverse.
And when all was said and done, there was never a question in my mind that this star-crossed couple so richly deserved to ride off into the sunset together. Because despite all the obstacles that were strewn in their path, all the cruel setbacks and unexpected curveballs, their love and devotion for each other NEVER wavered.!
BOTTOM LINE:
MAKE YOU MINE is a powerfully emotional, life-affirming story of love and sacrifice, hope and heartbreak, grief and recovery that will leave a lasting imprint on your soul!
Highly Recommend!
Absolutely Amazing!
Gray and Drew have known each other since they were children. Being that Gray was Drew’s brothers best friend, he was always around and rescued Drew from things on more than one occasion. Gray and Danny leave for the military and Gray returns home a changed man.
What happens when the love of your life seems so out of reach? Will Drew be able to still love Gray after he comes clean with everything that happened? Your heart will literally break for Grayson and Drew and everything that they have faced and been through. You will absolutely love this book and it will definitely be one of my favorites of 2018.
Can’t wait until March 2019 and to see what transpires between Ruby and Remi!
It is touching, gripping, emotionally charged, and keep you glued to your seat until you finish fanfriggintasticly good! You’ fall in love and root out loud for Andrea (Drew) and Grayson’s HEA.
4.5 stars
Tia Louise is one of my favorite authors but unfortunately, I haven’t had the possibility to read her recently. So, when I got the chance to review Make You Mine, I practically jumped at it. And I can honestly say that I wasn’t disappointed. Make You Mine is a beautiful romantic story filled with hope, forgiveness and second chances.
Drew and Grayson are two intriguing characters. Their pasts are intertwined since they were children and the feelings they have for each other, though forbidden, are undeniable. But their relationship is definitely not easy. From the town’s people whispering behind their backs to the loss, guilt and heartbreak tossed into their faces, at some point things look hopeless. Until Drew manages to show Gray that their love is stronger, that their love can survive whatever obstacle life throws their way. Not that things are easy after that, and there are some twists and turns that none of them expects, but in the end, they find their HEA, their safe haven, where their love can fully blossom and shine.
In short, this is a beautiful romantic story. It is heartbreaking and I would be surprised if you don’t shed at least a few tears. But it is also sexy, sometimes funny and full with hope. It is definitely a must read in my opinion, so I would recommend not to waste any time and pick up your copy asap 🙂
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Drew and Grayson have known each other since they were very young. Grayson was Drew’s older brother’s best friend, but he was always there to save the day for Drew. Gray was always classed as an outsider in their little town and not good enough for the Drew. He was told she was too young for him so he left for the military to put space between them. He left a promise that he would be back for her when he was finished. When tragedy strike right before he is to be sent home his whole life changes. Losing his best friend and Drew’s brother makes it impossible for him to return home. The guilt and the nightmares keep him awake at night. He made a promise to Drew that he would keep Danny safe. When he finally returns to take over his uncle’s shop when he dies he finds that he is not the same person he was when he left and neither is Drew. The time they have been apart has not changed how they feel about each other. He knows he should stay away for her sake but he has always been drawn to her. He is determined to do whatever it take to make her his again.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Grayson was attracted to his best friend’s sister for a very long time but there were some problems with that except Drew had other ideas. Grayson knew that Drew was the only thing that kept him going while he was away. Drew couldn’t wait to see Grayson again but there is something different about him. Will they be able to fix what seems to be broken?
I loved Grayson and Drew. While Grayson definitely has some alpha tendencies you also see a vulnerable side to him. I loved that Drew knew she wanted and wasn’t going to let anything or anyone stand in her way. I am hoping the secondary characters will also get a story of their own.
Drew & Gray’s story will give you all the feels. If you love a second chance military read then you will want too one click this book. Every book I have read of Tia’s I absolutely devour. Drew & Gray are truly a couple that you won’t want too forget about. Another amazing 5 Star read that you must read.
I loved this book! These characters were easy to fall in love with. Drew and Gray loved each other from a young age. Young and innocent love; they had all their firsts together.
This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. While I understood Gray joined the military to prove he could be he more he felt drew needed, it left him scarred. But with Drew’s love he found his way out of the darkness and into her arms.
This book consumed me and left me feeling all the feels and wanting to read it all over again. I couldn’t get enough.
I love Gray and Drew’s story! It was sweet yet heart wrenching with everything they went through. Gray was so sweet with Drew and she was completely devoted to him. They both had a lot to deal with but their love/connection was beautiful.
Make You Mine was everything you come to expect from Tia Louise. Drew and Gray’s forbidden, second chance military romance was so beautifully written, a rich and masterfully woven story with heartache and longing, and a steamy and sweet romance. It tugs at the heartstrings whilst delivering a very satisfying romantic HEA and I just adored it.
I love a book that hits me with all the feels. It was sweet, it was infuriating and it was deliciously sexy. It delivers a barrage of all kinds of emotions both the ones that tear you up and the kind that soothes that hurt. From the unforgettable childhood moments that brought Drew and Gray together, to the raw devastation that tore them apart, this story held me in its grip the whole way through. I honestly felt it all.
Make You Mine is what I love about Tia Louise’s writing. Angsty, sexy, funny and emotional. It was the perfect kind of book to lose yourself in. Drew and Gray are a special couple. This is one swoon-worthy couple that you will want to read about time and time again. They are exactly the kind of ‘book couple’ that you will fall in love with. You’ll be on the edge of your seat experiencing their epic love story and holding your breath for their happily ever after. I highly recommend this 5 star read!!!
A wounded hero, best friend’s little sister, small town, second chance romance? Lawdy, it’s a superfecta!
Grayson Cole’s been through hell and back—and not just on the battlefield. Growing up in his small, home town, he watched as his uncle and he were treated as “less than” by so many of the townsfolk. He vowed to do better, be better and succeeded. But now he’s home. He’s not the same man who left four years ago. And he’s certainly not ready for the reality of his long lingering feelings for Drew Harris.
Drew’s been waiting for a sign. Waiting for Gray to come home. She doesn’t care that Gray’s changed—he’s still Gray. And she still loves him. And just needs to get him to really admit he loves her too. So she can help him heal.
I immediately connected with grumpy, growly Gray. Saw through his walls and knew he thought he was doing the right thing by staying away so long. And Drew. She was lovely. And loved Gray just as he was and is. And she was willing to do anything to help Gray see he was just the man for her.
Gray and Drew worked so hard to get past their shared heartbreak. To provide a united front when it came to the small town gossip that could have derailed things. And whoa, is there some serious small town gossip/judginess going on here!
Make You Mine is a lovely romance with a whole lotta love, hope, forgiveness, and acceptance. And a beautiful future for Gray and Drew.
What an addicting read!! I was hooked from the first page. I love forbidden romance and Tia Louise outdid herself with this book! It is now my favorite book from this author, and one of my top reads for 2018!!
Hold on. Let me catch my breath from this breath taking story. Wow! I can’t praise this story enough. It had my heart from page one until the end. This is a love story of a girl to a woman to who loves the man who had her heart from the start. This man just happens to be her brother’s best friend. But trust me, this isn’t your typical brother’s best friend story line that we all are used to. There is raw emotion in every line. Get the tissue box handy. By the end you’ll feel like you went through this timeline with the characters. In a way you do. This story has so much more to offer. And it will consume all of you. You’ll be on the edge of your seat turning the pages at a quick pace because you will just need more of this story that bad. I can’t suggest this book enough to romance fans. Tia Louise did it again!
What happens to a promise made when fate seems to have other plans – ones that end up reshaping the lives of two people who seemed destined to be together?
Is there a chance to make good on that vow despite the years apart…the lack of communication…the broken hearts that can’t possibly be mended?
Even though Grayson Cole and Drew Harris could not publicize their feelings for one another when Drew was still in high school, their connection remained, growing stronger every day, but all it takes is one hellacious day to destroy everything that they both thought could never be broken, and after four years and no closure, both Grayson and Drew find themselves existing instead of living, which means that when they finally come face to face, it’s unclear if they’ll attempt to mend their fractured hearts and keep their word to one another or if they’re too damaged and too lost to find their way back to the time where everything between them made sense and they didn’t have to deal with the pain, the rejection, or the burden that they both carry due to unspoken words and broken promises.
Drew Harris is a fantastic heroine and she’s so much more than the ‘princess’ that she’s been deemed. She’s more like a queen – one who fights her own battles, who forges ahead despite the shitstorm awaiting her head and her heart. I was quite intrigued with how Drew compartmentalizes her own pain/sadness so that she can usually offer her best self to her patients; this illustrates her humanness, making it realistic because people who help treat/counsel patients with mental illnesses have their own wounds to deal with…their own scars to work through, and the fact that she sometimes doesn’t deal with what’s happening in the best ways proves that everyone struggles, even those who are usually on the other side.
The fact that Drew’s job caters to those who need help but have a difficult time affording it fits her personality perfectly, and it fits the fact that her last name does not define her AT ALL. Drew’s friendship with Ruby is definitely entertaining and the fact that they give each other shit, fits what they mean to each other after all those years of friendship and I just have to say that Ruby’s mom is priceless.
I’ll be honest…Gray cutting Drew out of his life pissed me off, and even though I logically understood why, Gray was not my favorite for a part of the story, but that was more because I empathized with Drew and felt heartbroken for her. But because Tia Louise clearly illustrates Gray’s difficulties in moving forward, I could see why he didn’t want Drew to know him during that time period.
Gray’s ups and downs as well as his highs and lows are realistically portrayed – it’s never smooth sailing for PTSD patients, especially with the guilt Gray carries, and Louise shows that idea extremely well. Gray will always have his issues…will always have his demons…will always have his battles but when he allows Drew in, they can fight it together and like the Sister said – ‘it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help.’
The road to redemption and to happily ever after are not easy ones for Gray and Drew, but these two definitely deserve to live happy and full lives with the people they love. The Epilogue is absolutely perfect for these two, and I am so glad that Tia Louise was able to capture a certain character’s feelings at the conclusion of this story because there was a lot left unsaid by this person and closure was needed for all involved.
4.5 Poison Apples
Tia Louise wrote me the perfect book! Best Friend’s Little Sister, Second Chance, annnnd Friends to Lovers! You will not be able to put this book down and even when you are finished it will leave you wanting more! Grey and Drew were so beautiful together! No two people deserve a HEA more than Grey and Drew. Five Stars will never be enough for Make You Mine!
I enjoyed reading this book! It touched my heart with what happened with Grayson and Drew. I was glad that Drew had Ruby a friend she could depend on. I love second chance romances and this one is well written and I recommend this book!!!!! I look forward to the next book Make Me Yours (Ruby’s story).
Best friend’s brother, forbidden — Gahhhh, just my type of read and perfect for a weekend read too!
Grayson was Drew’s brothers best friend since childhood and she’s always loved him, from as far back as she can remember. Grayson always has harbored feelings for Drew but he knew she was off limits not only because she was his best friend’s little sister but he never thought she was good enough for him and she wanted the best for her, even if that meant not him.
Grayson and Drew’s brother joined the military and he comes back a broken mess. He can’t face Drew and instead he finds the cowards way out. He blames himself for something that was inevitable and totally out of his control. He thinks that Drew will not forgive him for what happened.
Both beautiful people, I loved Drew’s determination and how much she loved Grayson and was willing to do anything for his love. Grayson, he was just a beautiful man who had demons that were making it hard for him on a daily basis.
The question was, can these two find a way to each other despite all the heartbreak and pain they both endured throughout their lifetime??
This was a beautiful book, everything about it was just…..beautiful. It was captivating and engaging and you will totally fall in love with the characters in the book, even the secondary characters. There are serious issues that are mentioned in this book and issues that are true life events and people actually go through. I loved how real this book felt.
Ok so this book right here y’all lord help!!! Tia tore it up on this one, 5 stars will not do it justice at all!!! I felt this book not only in my heart but down deep in my soul!! I went through every emotion reading this book that you can have and loved every single moment of it. I almost threw my kindle a couple of times wanting to slap a couple people straight. And it was so real,like you were reading someone’s life story or living it right there with them. Grayson and Drew and so many things going against them and only a one thing going for them. But that one thing was Love and that is sometimes the only thing you need. I’m not going to say anything else this is one of those books you need to be able to just fall into all on your own and get lost in. And I know that you will because I love me some Tia Louise books but this is one of my top favorites and that’s saying something. So I highly recommend this book!!! I promise you will not regret it. – By Tina