A Standalone Military Romantic Suspense At twenty-three, I’m left with a decision. The outcome could be life or death.Trent hit me once, and I cried. Then he hit me again. And again. After a while, I got used to it, as I slept on the floor beside his bed, night after night.Everyone told me to leave him, but I can’t. He won’t let me.The moment I wanted to give up on myself and any form of hope, … wanted to give up on myself and any form of hope, Kemper—a tall, sexy Marine just home from Afghanistan walked into my bar. With one look in his eyes, I saw pain that mirrored my own.
At first, I thought maybe he would be my prince charming, riding in to save me, but all it took was one tragedy for me to remember…fairy tales don’t exist in real life.
The content in this book discusses domestic violence and is suitable for readers over 18.
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Wow, this is so raw, emotional, and breathtaking! I was captivated from the start and moved by the struggle these flawed characters endured. Daphne and Kemper meet at Daphne’s work and they have an instant attraction and also a connection through their shared pain. They both endured some horrific circumstances but still have a dream for something better and happier, hopefully with each other. They take their time to build their relationship but their journey is not easy. The closer they get to each other, the more the pain of their past coming back, and secrets held, could destroy them both.
Ms Ryan never disappoints with her multifaceted stories, intriguing characters with explosive chemistry and her ability at tackling very sensitive subject matters with honesty and empathy. This tale was so expertly crafted, moving sinuously between characters and flashback sequences, keeping me engaged and turning the pages to see what will happen next. I really cared for Daphne and Kemper. They made each other stronger and allowed each other to dream of possibilities.
This story took me on a roller coaster of emotions that were raw, yet hopeful, horrifying yet sweet. It also had intriguing secondary characters and several surprising plot twists, that make this an unforgettable journey.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Every once in a while to a readers delight you open a book, read the Prologue, and know this book is going to affect you in some way. I’m not one to judge a book by the cover, and generally in reviews I don’t mention the cover. However, I fell in love with Ravel’s cover. It’s absolutely beautiful and I could see so vividly the cover models as the characters. Between the beautiful cover and the Prologue I knew I had found a book that I’d devour.
Daphne first met Trent on summer break from college and they started dating. Daphne’s never had a good example of what a relationship looks like because her parents can not stand each other. They fight all the time. Before her senior year of college Trent changes and turns into the most horribly terrifying person. Thus begins years of abuse and threats of death if she leaves him. She’s terrified. Who wouldn’t be? Daphne loses herself due to this relationship, but still holds out hope for something better.
Kemper is a Marine who shows up one night at the bar Daphne works at. He’s so hurt and lost and grieving his best friends death while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Daphne makes a toast to his deceased friend Rex and a friendship is born. They bond quickly, are supportive of one another, and instantly attracted to each other. Is Kemper just who Daphne needs in her life to finally see her relationship for what is is? Can Daphne help Kemper to grieve and find peace in this world? Can their love survive with so many odds stacked against them?
I devoured this book. I just could not seem to put it down. When I had to I couldn’t stop thinking about the story. The story of Kemper and Daphne is both heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved both these characters with all my heart. They both have had such rough lives yet still somehow they find the beauty in moments. I’ll never look at the man in the moon the same way again. I’ll forever think of Kemper and Daphne when I do. Their story is one that grabbed my heart and didn’t let go. I rooted for them. I cried several times for both of them. I wanted to have a little talk with Trent with a baseball bat. I’ve never despised a character like I did him. It may sound odd to say a book about an abusive relationship and a lost Marine is beautiful but I promise you it is. Shari J Ryan has done the most amazing job with such a difficult topic. Such a good job in fact you’ll swear your there with Kemper and Daphne.
Don’t miss this book. Shari J Ryan has you in a place of comfort then BAM rips it right out from under you