From International Bestseller Michelle Heard comes a STAND ALONE, Suspense Romance in the Southern Heroes series. BIRDIE Escaping an unthinkable nightmare, I’m given a second chance at life. Cole Trenton is the first person to look past the broken girl. But the moment I give him my heart he leaves. Secrets never stay buried, and mine returns with a vengeance. Cole walks back into my life when I … returns with a vengeance.
Cole walks back into my life when I need him most. He shows me how to be strong, that monsters only have the power you give them.
But my biggest fear remains.
How do I silence the girl in the closet before I lose Cole again?
COLE
I always knew Birdie Liles was different, but that didn’t stop me from falling for her.
After years of being away, I return home to bury my best friend,
only to learn that Birdie’s in trouble.
If I had known about the monster from her past, I never would’ve left.
I went to fight someone else’s war while I left the woman I love unprotected.
But I’m here now, and I’m ready to send Birdie’s demon right back to hell.
Please note: The Girl In The Closet contains graphically violent scenes that may be upsetting to some readers.
Reading Order of Southern Heroes Series:
The Ocean Between Us
The Girl In The Closet
All The Wasted Time
The Lies We Tell Ourselves
We Were Lost
The Fire Between Us
more
Great book, and enjoyable easy read. The chemistry between Birdie and Cole is hot but Birdie, badly scarred from abuse at the hands of her father hides her physical scars but the mental scars are not so easy to hide. She is scared of the dark and water, but she doesn’t want tell anyone least of all Cole what she has been through. Birdie’s biggest fear is that when her father released from prison he will not only hurt her but also anyone close to her, so she backs away. Years later Cole returns from serving with the Marines, with his “brothers” body who was killed in action right beside him. Despite the years gone by the chemistry between Birdie and Cole is still very much alive, and the pair start to re-kindle their romance. But with Birdie’s father now free from prison, Birdie is constantly looking over her shoulder wondering when her father will come for her and again tries to keep her distance from Cole. As Cole slowly starts to learn what Birdie went through as a child and learns how she got so scarred, his protective instinct towards her becomes extremely intense.
Much of this book surrounds the relationship between Birdie and Cole and how Cole must gain Birdies trust and help her to overcome her fears. However, given that Birdie’s past has so much to do with her fears now and her reluctance to get involved with anyone, I felt that a lot more could have done with the release of her father and the threat he posed her. It almost felt like her father was incidental to the story line and the final confrontation with him was a bit weak. None the less a great read.
My heart is still on my sleeve after reading The Girl in The Closet by Michelle Heard. I was not able to keep my eyes away from these pages. The hurt, the scars, the nightmares will all grasp you by the throat and make it hard to breath. This book had my emotions intensely high. I already knew Michelle Heard writes stories that will keep you prisoner to the characters. The same happens over and over with The Girl in The Closet.
Cole and Birdie. Two souls that needed each other. Tears flowed for Birdie and her past. The unthinkable of what she had to endure. Our white knight Cole tries and tries, but it seems for awhile all is lost.
The story line was beautifully written. I still get choked up thinking of this story. You will cry and cry some more. You will be pulled into their world and yes you will be able to smile too. ALL THE FEELS!
Warning: Major book hangover alert!
The Girl in the Closet is book 2 of the Southern Heroes series where Cole and Birdie are the main characters.
I didn’t know, going into this book, that I would have so many feels and deep emotions coming out. This story will challenge the reader and will have you feeling so many things- oh what a heartbreaking, suspenseful , steamy story about 2 damaged souls who really overall are resilient both end up need saving from their pasts… the relationship between Birdie and Cole is full of longing, hope and love. I really fell deep in love with this read, especially fell for Cole. His love, understanding and his patience for Birdie is just truly amazing. I dont want to give any spoilers so just know that this has great wordplay and the characters are outstanding. This is one phenomenal story that you will need tissues for but its definitely worth it.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
This is book two in the Southern Heroes series.
My heart broke for Birdie. She has been through so much that we can’t help but hope she gets a break.
Cole is the only light in her life. He has loved Birdie from afar but left to join the military. Cole comes back broken. Can two broken souls help each other? Can they reach the light together?
This is another brilliantly written story from this author. I adore her writing and I found this one faultless. I highly recommend this read. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
THE GIRL IN THE CLOSET was not an easy read for me. Any child abuse is difficult for me to read, and sets off all my triggers. The beautiful love story between Cole Trenton and his beautiful broken Birdie Lilies is worth reading through the awful.
It had been twelve years since Birdie was rescued and adopted by Pastor and Mrs. Lilies, and even though her father was currently serving a fifteen-year sentence, the memory of him still haunts her every night. The only happiness she had was from her crush on Cole Trenton who had stood up for her at school. That was the day that she had looked into Cole’s icy blue eyes and chocolate brown hair , and was a goner. He’s the only one to stir a happy feeling inside of her. Just hearing her father’s name. Trevor Slater. The Boogeyman, will bring on a panic attack or nightmare.
Cole wants Birdie for his own. He sees past all her scars, inside and out, to want to be the one to protect her from all her terrors and fears. But he is leaving to join the marines, and has to leave her behind. Just when she thinks Cole could be the one to help escape her unthinkable nightmares, he has to leave. After being away for years, he returns home to bury his best friend, only to learn that Birdie’s in dangerous trouble. Is he in time to save her from the demon’s of her past? And Cole has not returned without issues and scars of his own. “I’ll be your air and you can be my light.”
What an amazing new book from Michelle Heard! Cole Trenton and Birdie, Bridget, Lilies’ story was truly amazing. When these two meet there is a spark between them that both either deny or try to ignore because of Birdie’s past. Her history broke my heart and made me cheer for her to get her happy ending. With Cole in her corner she will have the backing to overcome her nightmares, if she is strong enough. Cole, for his part, has his own nightmares that with her in his corner he will have the power to overcome. These two are broken and damaged in their own ways and yet are the perfect compliment for each other. While this story takes you down dark paths and into things you could only imagine in nightmares there’s the sweetness and steamy aspects as well.
#TheGirlInTheCloset
Bridget (Birdie) has been through hell and back again. She can’t seem to fight the demons of her past. The only light in her darkness is Cole. He is everything she could ever want. He keeps her fighting daily. Even if he isn’t hers….
Can Cole save Birdie before it’s too late ??
*Warning this book does contain scenes of violence and abuse*
I was totally blown away by this book. It really pulled at the heartstrings. I was glued to my kindle till the very last page. Needing to know what happens next.
It shows you can always find light in the darkest hours. To never give up hope and to never give up fighting for the people you love.
I can’t wait to read more of this series
3.5 stars
“A fear only has the power your mind gives it.”
The Girl In The Closet deals with very tough topic that makes this whole book pretty dark and depressive. And this is also the reason why this story is a slow burn romance. But due to a great writing style and well developed characters, you won’t be bored once. This story has a lot to give if you are open and read between the lines.
“I love you so much. Not only because you helped me, but because you reached into the darkness and brought me out into the light.”
Cole and Birdie were quite a match. Both beautifully written with well paced character development, they give this story a beautiful and intense frame.
The Girl In The Closet is a gritty, emotional and unique story that will make your heart ache.
“You’ve taught me how to look at myself and the world. I no longer see darkness. When I close my eyes, you’re all I see. It’s okay. I’ll be your air, and you can be my light.”
The Girl In The Closet is book two in the series. Cole and Birdies story was emotional and a little heartbreaking. I felt so bad for Birdie because of her past. Cole was really sweet and protective of her. I loved him. This was a great read. Looking forward to reading the next book!
I have read a few books by this author before and have always enjoyed them very much. This book I was especially excited about as I love a dark read, where the hero or the heroine gets their shattered pieces put back together and they eventually learn to leave their broken past behind them where it belongs in the past. This is Birdie and Cole’s story. They went to school together, for years both always crushing on each other, but as they are about to leave school they have left it too late to make a move on each other as Cole was leaving to join the Marines. Years later they meet again and all the old feelings come flooding back.
Birdie was a child victim of abuse by her father and has always tried to hide what happened to her from the world, but when he is due to be released from prison, Cole becomes her sole protector.
I really liked both Cole and Birdie, their characters had great chemistry and they were really interesting to read about. The book was well written, easy to read and had a good story, but I do wish that there had been a little bit more darkness to the plot and a bit more of an insight into Birdies life, and of what she suffered as a child to make this book stand out more, as there are so many other books out there now with a very similar theme. Other than that I did really like it.
This book doesn’t have an overall happy feel to it but I still loved it. Birdie has a terrible past that still affects her daily life. Cole has always been drawn to her and doesn’t see her as her past. He has his own bad experiences that he is dealing with too from his time in the Marines. I love how they are drawn to each other and how much the support each other. It’s a great read but definitely not a light one!
The past has haunted her since the day her father went away. Living a life in fear, is not truly living. Letting Cole back into her life, gave her back her life.
Past horrors that run so deep that the skeletons still call to you. A man you called your father, so evil and cruel he destroyed your life. The one bright spot was Cole. But when Birdie’s past threatens to come back and take hold again, pushing Cole away is the only option to keep him safe.
Cole is no stranger to loss. He’s just come home after losing his best friend while serving his country. Now he’s all alone, as his family is gone too. Birdie is still the light for him. Now it’s up to him to get her back, help her heal and finally learn to live.
This story was dark, sad but also showed the resilience of the human spirit. It pulled me in and I felt their pain, fear and their love for each other. Truly a story of the power of love and it’s ability to heal you. Life can be hard and cruel, but finding someone who gives you unconditional love and is willing to fight with you side-by-side makes it worth it.
A sweet love story with a very sharp edge. We follow Bridget (Birdie) and Cole as they grow up together as friends, all the while Birdie is trying her best to fight off her demons. Whilst fighting those demons she manages to push Cole and all the people she loves away. Years later their paths cross again under tragic circumstances, and this time, they’re both fighting their demons. Birdie’s demons are about to become reality, can Cole Ward them off? He’s vowed to protect her, can he live up to his promise? I love this group of family and friends and I’m so looking forward to reading more about them in the future. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
If you like dark suspense with your romance then this is a book for you! I found this story to be spine chilling at times and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was well balanced with sweet and affectionate moments between Cole, our hero, and Birdie, our heroine. Throughout this book you will experience all the emotions possible. I love how a story with a dark theme to it and quite a bit of sadness and heartbreak can still offer a fantastic and real love story that will touch your heart. There is a warning before the book as there are some violent scenes but they are necessary as part of the journey for this couple. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
This book takes on intense, heartbreaking tale..
…being pulled in, turning into a beautiful love story..
Not an easy book to read, but worth every tear
Michelle Heard has hit another home run with this book! The minute I started reading it, I didn’t want to put it down till I finished….I loved it! It’s dark and sad and depressing, but there’s also hope there, and moments of light. Birdie went thru hell as a child, and it’s left her with both mental and physical scars. Cole joined the Marines right out of high school, and comes home 8 years later, a different man, one who has lost so much, and he has his own scars to deal with. I loved the relationship he had with Birdie though, it was such a sweet, true love. Every woman should have a man like Cole in her life!!
My favorite quote from the book was “You’ve taught me how to look at myself and the world. I no longer see darkness. When I close my eyes, you’re all I see. It’s okay. I’ll be your air, and you can be my light. ”
I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for us. I highly recommend this book as a dark, emotional read!
Omg! What an absolutely beautiful yet heartbreaking and intense story that was so unexpected and page turning good. This book had me in tears. I was rooting for Cole and Birdie the entire time. The only thing that disappointed me about this book was that it ended.