(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.)
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Make You Mine is an incredibly brilliant romance that will heal your heart and set it aflame at the same time. This story will delight you with the temptations of heaven while it keeps your feet planted firmly on solid ground. I love that nothing is forced, but everything is allowed its required time to process and prepare for the possibilities to come. We love to hide away and take a short refuge from life in the wonderful books we find, but at the same time, our brains will not allow us to be careless or trite if it want it to be meaningful or lasting. The power of words is found in its ability to change our perception of the world around us and those we come in contact with. tranformative words must be words full of power and passion but above all unfailing hope.
Drew has loved Grey for most of her life. He has proven time and time again to be a force of unfaltering good and love for her whenever no else stepped up. He is who she thinks of whenever she needs a hand to hold or a kind world to quiet and recharge her world. She refuses to live without his light and life altering passion. No matter what it takes she will become the center of his universe as he has become in hers. Grey refuses to allow Dew to be looked over and passed by when he can give her the love and compassion that she needs. He sees in her what no one else does – a breathtaking innocence, unwavering love, and endless compassion. She is someone who deserves to be cherished and adored, and savored. If he has anything to say about it, he will be the man to take that role in her life. However, when life and fate obliterate their worlds, can they find their way back to each other, or will they be forced to walk this life without their heart and only dream or finding their other half of their soul.
I was absolutely blown away by the realistic and powerful approach that this story takes as it unfolds before our eyes. This story is torture in the best possible way, and yet it will destroy every part of you the farther and tighter you cling to it. The power is found in the gentle patience and quiet strength that permeates every word within its pages. I was left in awe of the precious challenges and inspiring strength that let me see just how important we all are. Each of us has a place and a purpose to fulfill. Until we have taken our place and begin to work toward our purpose, we will never be truly ready or content to expand our lives the way that we have always dreamed.
Tia Louise has truly outdone herself with this mind-numbing masterpiece! She has dug deep and unearthed many treasures and truths that we must never forget. Her beautiful wisdom and life-changing compassion will transform our world if we allow them. Take what you learn and live it. Be the change you want to see in the world around you. Dare to love and live no matter what or who you come up against. Love will truly conquer all if you have the courage to reach out, nurture, and live from your heart.
Drew’s been in love with her brother Danny’s best friend, Grayson, forever. Gray’s kind and loving, but he’s been warned by Drew’s father to stay away from his princess. Nonetheless, Gray cannot stay away from his beautiful sweet Drew, and he makes her his. But then he and Danny ship out overseas, and everything changes. The worst thing that could have possibly happened, happened. And now that tragedy means Drew will probably never again lay eyes on her beautiful Gray. Until she does. Until he comes home. But is he home for her? It doesn’t seem much like it. It seems like he might just be home to run his uncle Mack’s garage.
Gray isn’t the same man he was before he deployed. He’s fighting PTSD, he has survivor’s guilt, and he’s not sure where he belongs anymore, if he belongs anywhere. He still loves his Drew, but he knows he’s not good enough for her. That’s what Danny said to him and he took it to heart…
But he cannot stay away from her anymore than she can keep herself from him. He can’t say no to her, he never could. Do these two have a chance in hell at making it work? The battle-hardened, weary man with shadows in his eyes, and the compassionate woman with a heart big enough for both of them?
I always love Tia Louise’s writing, but I have to say that Make You Mine is extra special. There’s something so beautiful and heart wrenching about Gray and Drew together. Perhaps it’s the sadness and the guilt that Gray still has. Perhaps it’s the unrelenting way that Drew stuck by Gray and never gave up on him. Whatever it is, it got me right in the feels. I don’t think I’ve fallen for a TL hero quite this hard since Prince Cal, but Gray is a completely different kind of hero than Cal. He’s so wounded, and yet has such a beautiful soul. He’s really the perfect man for Drew. And speaking of Drew. She is by far my favorite TL heroine. Other romance writers should take heed of her because Drew is the perfect heroine as far as I’m concerned – kind, compassionate, intensely loyal, and so loving and would do anything for the ones she cares for, even for the people that don’t deserve her. And strong, so strong. Like I said. Perfect. And PERFECT for Gray. Drew and Gray and so swoony together. Thank you, Tia, for these two!
4.5 Little-of-Everything Stars –
This one had all my favorite tropes: Second Chance, Military, Brother’s Best Friend, Small-town Outsider making it very hard not to LOVE this one!
I loved the sass, the strength, the tenacity and big heart Drew has, that coupled with Gray’s sense of protection and his loyalty just made me root for these two. I hated the way the town treated Gray from the very beginning, I didn’t like how judgmental small town people can be with regard to someones upbringing ~ but it was the perfect ballast for this story. The emotions this one invoked really made me look a little crazy at work, but it was totally worth it.
The secondary characters added tremendously to this story, leaving me wanting to read more about them.
I definitely recommend this one!!!
4.5 Stars
Make You Mine has a little of everything – a bit of the forbidden thanks to a a relationship with the main character’s brother’s best friend, plus a second chance romance.
Grayson was the kind of male romance lead that you cannot help but swoon over. He was too old to fall for his best friend’s younger sister so he enlisted in the military. Years past and he was a changed man. When he returned home, Drew was changed as well, but even more desirable than when he left. He should stay far away. She can do much better than the man he has become after years of serving in the military, but he finds it hard, if not impossible to stay away. Drew has no desire to find someone else either.
Their love story had just the right amount of angst and the perfect amount of heat. Drew was spunky and determined and I just loved her.
I love Tia Louise and Make You Mine was another exceptional example of why! This super sexy, angsty second chance/brother’s best friend romance had me reading it nonstop from the moment I picked it up. I didn’t want it to end… seriously, like ever! Make You Mine was superbly well written. It. sucked me in completely and the characters—Drew and Gray—owned me. With all the obstacles in the way of their relationship, I would imagine most people folding and walking away for good. Only, Drew and Gray were meant for one another and Drew’s determination brought the couple through truly heartbreaking events. She was fierce!!! And she wasn’t going to be bowed over by the pressure of outside forces. She fought tooth and nail for her man. And Gray? His love ran deep but he needed someone to fight for him, to show faith in him and prove that he was far more that the nobody nephew of a mechanic. He needed to believe in himself. While the story is a brother’s best friend romance, it’s also a poignant military romance. As such, Tia Louise wrote scenes that brought me to my knees, my heart squeezed painfully, and tears poured from my eyes. Yet, I also found myself laughing out loud in other moments and that dichotomy was incredibly well done. It’s not easier to lead readers from one emotional extreme to another and Tia shows true brilliance in her ability to seamlessly guide readers through all the emotions of a romance as complex as Drew and Gray’s. I can’t wait to read this book again. And again… It will surely be your next five-star read so one-click Make You Mine IMMEDIATELY!
I absolutely loved Make You Mine by Tia Louise. I devoured this second chance story about a best friend’s older brother/younger sister romance. It was emotional, heartbreaking, full of angst and so freaking charming.
Grayson Cole, Gray, and Andrea Harris, Drew, have known each other since they were kids. Gray and Drew’s brother were best friends and that should have made Drew off limits. But he could not stay away from her and vice versa. But Gray never felt he was enough for Drew and felt she deserved the very best, even if he did not see he was what she wanted.
Though Gray was his own problem most of the time, he was a guy with a heart of gold. He loved Drew more than anything. But his choices had life-altering consequences. He was no longer the same man he once was. Drew was strong and determined. I loved how she was loyal and caring, even when things were rough for her.
Gray and Drew had such a strong love and connection, even when they struggled to find their way. The past weighed so heavily for them both and Gray still struggled with being wrong for Drew. Their journey was full of angst and obstacles and yet they were great together. I loved Make You Mine by Tia Louise.
4.5 stars! Loved it!
Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading.
They have been friends since childhood. Grayson had protected her since she was just four years old. Drew knows how deep her feelings go. Will Grayson respond to her love with equal passion?
All the emotions of falling in love with the friend of your brother from the wrong side of the tracks. It is unthinkable that her father is always so rude to Grayson. Even going as far as to warn him to stay away from her. Why?
This is a love that survived long separations, a war deployment, societal pressures, and more. Now is the time for Grayson to heal and find himself. Maybe finally claim what is his and not feel like an outsider anymore.
This is an epic love story full of romance and all the emotions
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
This was an emotional, heartbreaking, sweet, sexy, swoon-worthy tale of second chances, brother’s best friend, best friend’s little sister, military romance. There is so much emotion in this book. I fell in love with Grayson. He was a sexy, sweet, strong but a little broken, swoon-worthy, wonderful character. He is loyal, kind, considerate, and loves with his whole heart! Andrea “Drew” Harris was a strong, independent, loving, supportive woman who knew what she wanted and stopped at nothing to get it. I love that she fights for her love with Grayson and doesn’t care what others think, but will her love be enough to heal Gray?
The angst level is high. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride that you will not want to end. I recommend reading it if you love swoon-worthy, sexy military men and kickass heroines. I highly recommend reading it!
*****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
This isn’t your typical best friend/second chance romance. There are so many twist and turns that leave your head spinning. I loved Drew and Gray. Their story pulled me in from the start and when I wasn’t reading I was wishing I could be and I was thinking about the story and wondering what was going to happen. Theses characters and their heartbreaking stories will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I believe that this is Tia Louise’s best book to date
This book was full of heart- brother’s best friend and second chance–LOVE!!
This is the prime example of two people’s hearts knowing exactly what they want, but having the entire world stand between them.
Grayson is such an amazing guy, seriously my current book boyfriend! He loves hard and he is fiercely loyal. He also has it extremely bad for Drew, who just so happens to be his best friend’s little sister.
Drew is a spitfire and knows what she wants, even if the world tells her she is too young. She knows what she wants, but when she needs Grayson the most, he just vanishes.
Fast forward a few years and Grayson comes home to settle a few things and he sees Drew again and his heart, again, knows exactly what it wants….
But is it possible when an entire town, family, and circumstances are in the way?
PS: I received this book for free in return of my honest opinion.
Oh my gosh!!! I absolutely LOVED this book! First love and second chances can sometimes be tricky, but holy heck! This author hit it out of the ballpark when it came to creating this story for me. And surely she wrote it just for me because it has everything that makes this trope work in the most fantastic way!
Okay, so I’m a huge fan of first love and that is exactly what Drew and Gray are. From early childhood they had a connection and even then Gray felt protective of Drew. That connection never dims as the years pass and we are suddenly given a look into the young love of this couple. First love? Yep. Also, first kiss and every other first that follows. And while it doesn’t come right out and say she was Gray’s first, it is certainly implied, at least in my mind. First check-mark on my list for a perfect read.
Second chances can’t happen if there isn’t a separation but this couple are not initially separated by angst, but by life. After college, where Gray is still faithful to Drew, he joins the service – it’s how he paid for his education. During the following years, despite not seeing each other, they remain in contact and yep…still faithful.
But now you know there has to be a separation and I won’t spoiler that for you. However, the separation is for a year, which I especially like because long separations tend to bring other issues up that I’m not a fan of. And this is where my next huge check-mark comes in…both of the hero and heroine remain celibate. Huge check-mark and a definite must buy for those in the Safety Gang. I don’t have to have celibacy during a separation, but hawt dang if it isn’t my jam!
The reunion between Gray and Drew and what follows is filled with a bit of angst, lots of steam due to the sizzling chemistry this couple have, a deep possessiveness from both the hero and heroine, and enough drama to keep it interesting. And there my friends is another check-mark that is like the icing on the cake.
All of this to say, this book is exactly what I look for in a romance. The perfect combinations, the perfect amount of everything I love with nothing being over the top, and the perfect development of characters to sell the story to me. Perfect. In. Every. Way.
I’m recommending this one with all my heart!!!
Drew has been in love with Grayson since she was a little girl. Grayson is strong and has always been there for her. Till he isn’t. Can Drew go on without him in her life or will she fight for him when he makes a surprise return?
Wow!! What a beautifully emotional book! Drew and Gray’s journey is full of struggle, heartache, passion, and love. I hung on every single word! My heart ached for these two. I was captivated by their journey. Such an amazing story of strength, love, and forgiveness. 5 stars
Tia Louise has crafted two characters who clutch at your heart and will not let you go until their happily ever after. Grayson is the pinnacle of the hot, sexy military hero trying to do the right thing. Drew is feisty and determined to get what she wants against incredible odds. You’ll remember their love story long after the pages stop turning.
Drew is the little sister of Grayson’s best friend. This is a beautifully written story which is gritty, emotional, heartbreaking, heart-warming, passionate, humorous, and filled with forgiveness and love. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
I gave this Book a rating of 5 ’s
Title: Make You Mine
Series: Standalone
Genre: Brother’s Best Friend< Second Chance Romance Author: Tia Louise Format: Kindle Edition Published on: December 1, 2018 I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from Candi Kane PR and am choosing to leave a review. >–< >–< >–< >–< >–<>–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< What I liked/Didn’t Like: I love the way the author dealt with the grief and the PTSD issues in this story. I also loved that the heroine was the really strong person in this book. Well written with wonderful characters.
This book was sweet, and perfect for the mood I was in today. This author’s writing is always top notch, and this book was no different. It was well paced. It is told in a dual POV format. The plot was engaging. Romantic. Sweet. Heartbreaking. Funny. Charming. The angst wasn’t over the top, but there was a bit. There was a smidge of OW drama. Neither slept with other people while they were apart. That said, it is mentioned the hero tried to date once, and it was a “disaster,” and the heroine goes on a date when the hero comes back, but the hero shows up in the middle of it.
It had a fantastic cast of secondary characters. I LOVED Ruby. She made me laugh my butt off, and I can’t wait to read her book! I also think Ralph and his almond obsessed ass needs an HEA (lol). Both Gray and Drew were very likable main characters. Last, it was all wrapped up in a lovely ending.
So why not 5-Stars? I felt like Drew did all the work trying to keep the relationship going. She was the one always pursuing Gray. Always trying to convince Gray. Always waiting around for Gray. Always defending Gray. I get the guy was dealing with stuff, but after the second disappearing act, he should have had to work a little to get back into her good graces. Instead, she just took him right back. So yeah, that annoyed me enough that it lowered my rating a bit.
Overall though, this was a fantastic read, and I enjoyed it a lot!
Omg!! When I read the blurb I couldn’t wait to jump in!! And Tia doesn’t disappoint! This may very well be my favorite Tia Louise book and I’ve loved all her books! I fell in love with Drew and Gray immediately and I couldn’t put Thier story down! This book will definitely have you feeling all the feels! And it definitely has some super hot scenes!! And that epilogue has left me with perma-grin! Loved every minute of it!! 5+ stars!!
Make you Mine is a beautifully written story that’s starts off as a lighthearted sweet read and progresses into an emotional heartfelt journey, it’s told in the dual POV and if you are a fan of Tia Louise and romance you won’t want to miss this one.
Gray a swoon worthy broken hero and Drew a strong sassy heroine give you everything you could want and more. Gray and Drew have been in love since they were children he was her brothers best friend so he was always around but being her brothers friend made her off limits because you don’t mess with your best friends sister even when love is involved. War and the small town they live in was always going to be a massive obstacle but true love will always find a way.
This couple have such a strong connection and bond and even when the horrors of war change the man they still find a way back to each other. Drew is not only strong she also has a quality needed for this relationship and that’s patience and she will do what ever is needed make Gray understand the love they share will make him the man he once was. This is Tia Louise at her best a love story that’s layered with emotions, it’s a story about love and forgiveness and it will certainly tug on your heartstrings but it also has the perfect mix of lighthearted humour, characters with chemistry and loyalty will have you loving their journey as they find the love they were destined to have from childhood. Great read great job from a very talented author.
Don’t look for me. Don’t message me. Don’t try to get in touch with me. Why? Because Tia Louise ruined me for the rest of the world. Nothing else exists, only this book. Make You Mine is hands-down THE top read of this year. No questions about it.
It was also one of the most anticipated reads of this year. We can easily say I love everything and anything Tia Louise writes and could easily make a life-long list including all of my favorite books of hers, but I think – no, I’m sure – that Drew and Gray’s story is the closest to my heart. These two took me on a journey I will never forget.
I’m a goner for second-chance romances. And add the talent Tia Louise has to the mix, and a very special, very flawless cocktail will be served to you. One you just can’t resist and want to have more and more, until you end up drunk on it. And I just never want to wake up from this book hangover!
Drew is the sweetest thing ever created, and Gray is the book boyfriend every girl want in their harems!
If you’re looking for a pure, sexy and emotional second-chance romance, Tia Louise got you covered with Make You Mine!
Make You Mine is a brilliant sexy second-chance Romance by Tia Louise. This story has everything to make you fall in love with Gray and Drew! This story is emotional. This story is passionate. This story talks about losing the love and finding it again after a difficult journey. The author touched my heart deeply with this story.
Drew is the baby sister of Gray’s best friend. This is not the only reason she is off limits. So called difference in social position separates them. But Gray has deep and honest feelings for Drew which they just can’t ignore. When Gray leaves for Army he promised to come back and make Drew his. But promises take a back seat when Gray comes back with a traumatic experience and self imposed burden of guilt about his best friend’s death. Drew is struggling with her own life but all she needs is Gray. But it won’t be easy. Will Gray defeat his own demons and keep his promise? Will they both be strong for each other? The author will take you a breath taking journey!
Tia Louise has so beautifully written this dual POV story. To fully understand the trauma and suffering of Gray, it was necessary. And I loved every moment of it. She perfectly portrayed the pain, the longing, the suffering, the push and pull. I enjoyed every up and down. Sometimes my heart was hurting and sometimes I was smiling like crazy. Make You Mine is all about broken promises and fulfilled dreams. 5 Shining stars!