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
BOOK REVIEW
Title: The Girl In The Closet (A Southern Heroes Novel #2)
Author: Michelle Heard (formerly Michelle Horst)
Reviewed by: Ofa Reads from Tongan Book Lover
Rating: 4 Stars
————————————————————-
This is the second book into what seems like a series about mental and physical healing by the hands of love, a series full of angst and heartache, I swear it’s worth it.
It took me a while to prepare myself for this book. From the blurb alone, I knew this book was going to be a hard one. Once I started reading though, I was instantly consumed and heartbroken for Birdie. This isn’t your average love story, it’s a reminder just how strong love is when it comes to healing broken scars and mending broken hearts. It was hard to read about Birdie’s background, it haunted me and enraged me, but also inspired me because of how brave and strong she was. And she had absolutely no idea. I loved that Cole was the light in her life. The one thing that made her heart sigh and most importantly, made her feel safe.
The journey these two share, to get where they needed to be in life, is a tough one. It was difficult to read but it was something that had to be done to fully understand the situation. I loved the writing, it was executed flawlessly, and I wanted more. I was devastated when I finished it quickly but I love a good HEA. Highly recommend this book and this whole series!
————————————————————-
#TheGirlInTheClose #MichelleHeard #SouthernHeroes #TonganBookLover #Angst #Heartbreak #BookReview #ARC #Bookblog #Brotherhood #Standalone #Thriller #Love #Romance
The Girl In The Closet has quite a few elements I personally love in romance; it’s an emotionally wrenching second chance, slow burn, suspense with a little Dark theme to it. Don’t be afraid, it’s so well-written that this combination makes for a gripping story that had me on the edge of my seat. Told in dual POV, and going from the past to the present, I was teary-eyed quite a few times throughout the story. As much as I hate spoilers I feel it’s only fair to warn readers the h was a victim of physical abuse as a child. There isn’t a lot of graphic detail, fortunately for us, but anyone with triggers needs to be aware of this. If you can handle the subject, I recommend this engrossing romance; it does have a very HEA to it!
“You’ve taught me how to look at myself and the world. When I close my eyes, you’re all I see. It’s okay. I’ll be your air, and you can be my light.”
Bridget “Birdie” Liles was five years old when she was rescued and adopted by Pastor Doug Liles and his wife, a loving and caring couple, twelve years ago. She’d suffered untold abuse by her father and her body had the scars to prove it. The scars on her were easy to hide, she avoided touching and wore long sleeve sweaters and shirts all the time. Her emotional scars were harder to conceal; they haunted her dreams at night and would send her into uncontrollable panic attacks. Her father was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for his crimes, and he was looking forward to finishing what he started as soon as he was free.
Birdie had a crush on Cole for a while, he’d been always been kind to her and came to her defense against mean boys at school. So when she found out Cole liked her too, Birdie was excited about having a boyfriend; until something happened to remind her that the Boogeyman was waiting for her.
Cole Trenton has a crush on Birdie; the popular high school senior had been attracted to the quiet and beautiful girl who has a locker close to his and seemed oblivious to him. Cole had plans to join the Marines, with his best friend, Hunter Mason, as soon as they graduated. When he told Birdie he was attracted to her and he’d like for her to wait for his return, he was happy she’d agreed. Until she changed her mind suddenly and broke his heart.
“It doesn’t help to hide. A fear only has the power you mind give it.”
“Then you haven’t experienced real fear.”
When Cole return home, for the first time in eight years, it’s due to a huge loss he blames himself for. When he and Birdie are thrown together unexpectedly, they’re both reminded of how they felt so many years ago. Can it be too late, or will they have a chance to remedy the past?
“I’ll fight for you if you fight for me. I can do that. I’ll pick up all your pieces, and I’ll cherish them in my heart, but don’t ask me to look for my pieces. I don’t know where they are.”
I loved these two! Cole had such amazing patience with Birdie; he was aware of her scars and chose not to see them. And she helped Cole with his issues of guilt, the two of them could make each other whole, if given a second chance!
“They’re not scars, I’ve been told it’s a map of survival. You look at them differently because they bring you pain…They’re battle scars of the war you fought, and you won.”
Birdie went through the worst kinds of hell before being adopted by wonderful parents. At the start of The Girl In The Closet she’s 17 and still scarred, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Cole is the boy who’s pushing to be with her, but she’s so traumatized by her past that she cannot let him in. So he leaves and enlists in the Marines, then comes back home 8 years later. And that’s when their story really begins. Unfortunately, it’s not pretty at all. It’s unrelentingly dark and graphic until the very end, when we’re given their very sweet epilogue.
The juxtaposition between the entirety of their story that was dark and heartbreaking, to the sweet epilogue was a bit jarring, but without that ending, the story would have been unbearable, so I appreciated the contrast. I just wish everything that had come before the ending were lightened up just a tad. But I will say that The Girl In The Closet is very well-written, well-paced, and the characters are amazing. Cole and Birdie are both layered and detailed well, and their connection is strong. I just could not bring myself to give it 5 stars because it was a bit too depressing for my tastes. I can do dark, in fact, some of my favorite stories are dark (ie: almost everything of A. Zavarelli’s, especially her Boston Underworld series, J.M. Walker’s MC series, etc.) but The Girl In The Closet was just grim in a way I almost couldn’t get past. It felt so fatalistic that I wondered if Birdie and Cole would ever reach the other side intact and in love. Thankfully, though, they did reach the other side and we were given their sweet ending. So I’ll leave it at that – 4 stars because it’s well-written, the characters are awesome and the epilogue is so sweet, but not 5 stars because it’s almost too depressing and heartbreaking for my tastes.
Another great book by Ms Heard I have been following this author for a while now and I have yet to be disappointed. This is book 2 in a series but you can read it alone but I don’t think you would want to cause all her books are great. TGITC will have you emotionally water logged so get your tissues. Michelle did a great job on building, and plotting Birdie and Coles’s characters.
This is the first book that I have by Michelle. I am so glad I started with this one. Full of emotions twists and turns suspense and heart wrenching moments. Definitely a page turner. Birdie has a past noone would ever want to remember. But the past haunts her every single day. She finally gets the chance to be happy with Cole but the past comes back to haunt her. Fast forward and they get another chance but will the past take it all away? Amazingly written. You can easily feel what Birdie is feeling. The fear she goes through every day. This book was indeed enjoyable. Michelle gained a fan with this one and has me wanting to read more.Highly recommend.
*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
4 stars
Intense. This is not for the faint of heart. Birdie’s past is absolutely heartbreaking, but the patience and strength Cole has for the both of them is awe inspiring. I loved Cole’s depth of love of Birdie and her personal strength to fight her demons while helping Cole with his own guilt. This book has many layers to it. If you can handle dark and intense, check this out. (Review by Terri “Jane”)
This is the first book from Michelle Heard I’ve read and I’ve just let go of the breath I’ve been holding. This has been an emotional rollercoaster reading this. She’s taken a cast of perfectly blended characters and had them wrapped around Birdie and Cole. Without giving any spoilers to the story other than what’s in the teaser, let me just say this story will break your heart before melting it, the story is that powerful.
If ever there was a character who embodies tortured, it’s Birdie Liles. She’s always a perfect match for Cole Trenton, but moreso when he comes out of the military with a ton of guilt about how so many people in his life have died and they have to learn how to function by leaning on one another.
It’s hard not to spoiler this story, so suffice it to say this is a great coming of age and slow burn romance with some ugly backstory and some incredible lyrical writing. I recommend this book and this author!
The Girl In the Closet by Michelle Heard
Stand Alone-Suspense Romance in the Southern Heroes series. Book 2
Birdie and Cole~ so much pain and scars with tons of emotions
Absolutely loved it! I didn’t want the story to end! Highly recommend! You won’t regret it!
“I don’t have skeletons in my closet. I am the skeleton in the closet.”
“There are different shades to black. There’s normal black, then there’s the kind where it’s so dark you see things.”
The Girl in the Closet is a heartbreaking story about to broken people just try to survive. Bridget’s past is horribly tragic and she has closed herself off from others not willing to let anyone see the real her. Cole’s story is just has devastating. With the weight of the world on his shoulders he is struggling to find his place in the world. Both are battling their own demons but are willing to provide some of their strength to one another. This book is pretty fast paced and will leave you excited for what is to come next. If you enjoy suspense, swoon worthy Marines and a touch of darkness, this book is for you.
“They’re not scars,” he whispers. “I’ve been told it’s a map of survival.”
~ Read on behalf of Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review Blog
WOW! Michelle Heard hit is out of the part with this one. I absolutely loved The Girl In the Closet. Birdie and Cole’s story had me at the edge of my kindle…I read it all in one sitting because I could not put it down. Birdie comes from a difficult past and when she reconnects with Cole, her crush from when she was younger she is afraid of what will happen. This book made me cry, curse, and laugh. I highly recommend it.
This book took me on an emotional ride. I can’t remember the last time my heart broke for 2 characters and their pasts as much as it did for Birdy and Cole. The growth in these two characters was well-written, as it wasn’t a perfect or immediate change for the better for either character, they had to work for it with the help of each other. The support they had from friends and family was remarkable. The Girl In The Closet was hard to put down – I am ready for more Southern Heroes!
P.S. I think Daddy’s little song will forever haunt me….
Very intense very emotional book.
Ms. Heard delivers a gripping heartpounding story with wonderful characters.
Birdie captured and held my heart from start to finish.
She’s sweet,caring,loving and so much stronger than she gives herself credit for.
Cole is tender and patient. Always trying to calm and protect Birdie.
These two together just warm the heart.
Their story and journey is a tough one. Their struggles and hardships broke my heart.
But their determination to come out the other side of their tribulations is strong!
The writing of this book is spot on.
It’s a slow buildup of the relationship because of all that’s going on and it fits the plot exactly.
The author also gives the reader very well developed characters as well.
Great book!
*4.5 stars*
Revised yet felt brand new….
Expanded and offering more, this story was still all about the feels and I reveled in the drama from the very first page. Rather than a rehash of something already read, it seemed like a new story with more insight into the characters and drama.
Birdie had closed herself off from even those closest to her, as she feared the return of her biggest nightmare. It was not a matter of if but when and she refused to have anyone close to her be collateral damage. When Cole re-entered her life, he felt their connection even as he struggled with a loss he didn’t know he could weather. Together they were stronger as secrets came into the light to be faced head on…
I cared about these two so much. There were a few tears shed as both characters revealed their deepest fears and sorrows. Love didn’t mean real life magically disappeared but it did help the unbearable to be endured. While I struggled a bit with the first in this series, Birdie and Cole reminded me why I love this author’s work – it just gets better and better…
*I voluntarily/happily reviewed this book
The Girl In The Closet by Michelle Heard is the second book in her Southern heroes series. a standalone romance, this one is dark and twisty but throughout has an air of redemption and possibility. Told in multiple POV’s, mostly between Birdie and Cole, this book will start you someplace dark and mysterious and lead you out slowly into the light.
Birdie has suffered so much in her short life to date. She has the scars to prove it – ones she never lets anyone see. She will keep them covered no matter what. But when Cole, the object of her crush and affection, begins to show more interest in her she is afraid. Afraid of what trouble she will bring him and afraid of what he will think of her when he finally sees her, scars and all.
Cole has been infatuated with Birdie and her shy small for what feels like forever. Given a chance to spend more time with her, he leaps at it, only to come fact to face with the aftermath of her demons. Not knowing the why or how he is still determined to battle these demons for her, if only she would let him in.
Second chances don’t often come around but Birdie and Cole finally do get a second chance at their friendship and at building it into something more. With him slowly chipping away at her walls and with her finally opening up about the past and the pain she has kept hidden, these two may actually stand a chance. Stand alone with a happy ending, I am excited for more in this series. Enjoy!
Another great book in this series! Dark. Gritty. Emotional. The story itself was really interesting and different. Made you want to keep reading and find out what happens. I loved both characters. I wish they weren’t apart for so long! But when they get back together it’s like they didn’t spend any time apart. They were just great together. Teared up a little in a few spots. I was wondering though how she actually got the nick name Birdie though. Overall a really great book with a happy ending!!
Addictive and emotional 5 star read…
This is a heartbreaking, suspenseful dark story about two damaged people who, though resilient and courageous, both need saving from their pasts…
The two main characters Birdie and Cole have such depth and emotional intelligence, their experiences elicited so many different emotions in me….. Birdie is a survivor of abuse and Cole is a warrior who has lost everything…I love their interactions and their on/off romance as the story moves from high school into adulthood… theirs is a sweet and passionate slow-burning love story.. but faced with shadows from the past their HEA is by no means guaranteed..
This second book in the Southern Heroes series can be read as a standalone; however, characters from the earlier instalment do pop up in this story, and furthermore the writing is so wonderful I would urge you to read them both….
Prepared to be shocked, angry, fearful and sad, but also joyful and thankful that in a world of monsters there are heroes and heroines strong and brave enough to face up to and slay them all…I received an advanced copy of this book from the author.
This was gripping and heart wrenching from the very first page and it will embed itself into your very soul as Birdie and Cole struggle through their horrific demons. This is not easy to read in some places and it is very emotional as you feel the pain these characters go through, bringing each other a different kind of comfort just to survive and feel wanted after so much pain has been endured. This was beyond beautiful and the writing and the characters amazing and so full of love that they get to experience for the very first time as they take on the demons together.
Heartbreaking, intense and beautiful and loving those four words describe this book. Birdie is afraid of the monster daily but having Cole come back maybe she can see the light again and not the dark. Cole is going through so much but the one person he needs to make him see the light is hurting as well. Two people that need each other so the closet stays close forever. Amazing story. Only thing I do wish is that we had more glimpse to Birdies past. 4/5 stars
I keep coming back to this author’s books and stories because they capture me and have my heart beating faster. They are compelling and I want to keep turning the pages and want to know more about the characters and emotional stories. But although this story had some depth, it wasn’t enough for me in a way because while I was heartbroken over a death, I couldn’t really show any sympathy towards Birdie and what was done to her. If this makes me a cold bitch, so what?! I cried during this read anyway.
I was intrigued by Birdie’s character right from the start but as soon as Cole appeared in the story – which was almost at the beginning – I didn’t see or feel the instant connection they had going. He invaded her personal space immediately while she was having a panic attack and although they knew each other by sight from school, they weren’t friends yet. So I was having a hard time with how touchy he was and how he reacted when she evaded his questions. She was scared and fearful, have some tactfulness man! Ugh! I wanted to shake him to his senses right there! I suppose they had somewhat of a teenage crush but he made it seem so much more with him leaving and wanting her tied to him.
Well, it didn’t get any better with how I viewed their connection although I liked Cole and how caring and protective he was. What also bothered me were all the years between their teens and adulthood that were not further mentioned. I really need more details please. Especially since there was no explanation on how she dealt with her fear.
I absolutely loved the base of the story though and I liked the storyline but it had no width. My mind kept wondering about all the other things that must have happened in their lives, all the experiences that happened in the years where they were apart. The story just wasn’t properly worked out for all its potential.
Looking at the scenes and the moments separately, they were well written and I just loved how I felt with the characters at some parts. But again, like in the first book in this series, they got involved too fast without any warm up, though I did feel some connection between them later on, thanks to Cole’s very sensible character.
I loved the dark side of the story but wished that the scene where the past caught up with Birdie was longer. It just was over and done with too fast for all the build-up.
It breaks my heart to give this book a 3 star rating because it really had me emotional. But there was not enough growing of connection between the characters since it was just there suddenly, as if they had been together for a while already. Or at least been very good friends.
The author knows how to make the characters suffer, hurt, love and just feel but some normal things like small talk, flirting and just getting to know each other conversations were missing. I didn’t understand how Birdie was such a closed-up and frightened girl and hiding behind her best friend or foster brother just to be so physically close with an almost stranger all of a sudden only because she had a crush on him. Please just let them get to know each other first. How could she open up so quickly and he be so understanding when he didn’t even know her really?! Maybe I just have a different view of life or experience on how people act and react but that’s just how I felt about it.