They didn’t know each other, but the events of one single day heralded a pivotal change that would alter their lives forever.
Almost two decades spent locked away in a dark, dank cell, Gray Bennet isn’t used to the sun, the sounds, the scents.
It’s overwhelming.
Each year Robin Bishop returns, and while everyone around her is solemn, she lifts her face to the sun and celebrates her … her freedom.
It’s liberating.
He sees her.
She stands out in the grieving crowd—her head thrown back, her face bright with contentment—like a beacon offering to guide him into the light.
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I continue to be amazed at the depth of character writing that Ms. Barker brings to her readers. Victim of Circumstance brought forth so many emotions for me: heartbreak, anger, and most important the absolute best feeling: love. This story was such a breath of fresh air and the opening scenes were just beautiful and hopeful for both Gray and Robin.
My review will never bring justice to Ms. Barker’s story, so I’m going to just share a few of my thoughts:
Gray’s story was one of redemption and acceptance. Redemption because he wanted to prove he wasn’t who “he” thought he was; acceptance for what had happened in his life and to have the strength to grow and discover who he was now.
Robin’s story was one of self-discovery; discovering who she was as a woman on her own and proving that she could live this new life she has been given.
Please make sure you read VoC, you will not be disappointed.
A chance encounter at the ground zero memorial although brief leaves a lasting impression on Robin and Gray , Robin was at the memorial to celebrate her sense of freedom from an abusive husband who died there and Gray to honor his sister is there after spending 18 years in prison from a crime he did commit but with extenuating circumstances which when revealed you cannot help but feel for him he is lost and doesn’t know what to do or where to go so he returns to his home town not knowing how he will be received when his best fiend meets him and offers him a place to stay and a job at his garage Gray accepts but keeps to himself trying to deal with his situation , when a week later he is called out to a breakdown he is more than surprised to see non other than the woman from the memorial who made such an impression on him Robin is also taken aback but is determined to get to know him, this is a story that will tug at the heart string it is of redemption and second chances for two lost souls written in such a sensitive way that you cannot help but root for them all the way through the book as they deal with their abusive pasts, when finished you have to take a quiet deep breathe. I love Freya’s books they are always well written an deal with difficult problems that few of us have ever had to cope with I hope this is a start to a new series would like to see if Jimmy gets his story
A well written book with an interesting story line. The characters are strong and the story flows quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has taken me two days to try to come up with a way to explain how much I loved this book. I still don’t know how to explain it. Victim of Circumstance is much like all of Freya’s books in the way it utterly captivates you while delivering an emotional punch, but it also stands out as one of her greatest with how beautifully she tells Gray and Robin’s story.
Both of these characters go much deeper than they appear. The weight of their pasts clinging to them for years, especially Gray. This man has been through more than many of us can even begin to imagine. All he’s lost and the way his life was irrevocably changed by those losses making him into a man that grows into one of the greatest characters I’ve ever read.
With Robin, it was much more subtle. She’s had more time to cope with her past and while she definitely had some more demons to face she was already a woman with a lot of strength, a lot of wisdom and a whole lot of love.
These two go beyond romance. Not to say they don’t have a magnificent romance, this is Freya Barker we’re talking about here after all, but because all the healing and growth that goes hand in hand with their love makes their story so much bigger. Combining that with suspense that has you gasping and biting your nails you once again have a book that is entirely unputdownable from Freya Barker.
Omg, what an emotionally charged book. I couldn’t put it down once started. I had to know what would happen next.
I loved that they both brought each other to the light, and didn’t let each others pasts define them.
I loved Gray and Paige together, I loved how once meeting life kept throwing them together. They really fit each other. And she didn’t begrudge him.
Freya Barker done it again with this book.
Freya Barker has outdone herself with Victim of Circumstance! This story is unique, well written and has characters with depth, life experiences and complicated histories.
Both Robin and Gray have both been the victims of circumstances in their lives and they are both resilient and stronger than they realize. This story shows us that life is not always fair and many times we can’t control the outcome but what you do with the challenges that come your way is what defines your character in the end.
Fate has thrown them into each other’s lives and now it is their time to enjoy the moments life has to offer and find the happiness they both deserve.
Victim of Circumstance is lighter on the suspense than this author’s other stories. Instead we receive a lovely slow burning romance that eventually fully combusts with a focus on learning to live again after years of imprisonment.
For Gray, that imprisonment was literal. He lost 18 years of freedom thanks to a momentary loss of self control when he did the wrong thing for the right reasons. Now he is back in his hometown feeling overwhelmed by the ways things have changed while he has been behind bars- and by how they haven’t when it comes to small town folk being all up in each other’s business. He has to learn to expose himself to people again and to reintegrate into a life where his daily activities are not decided for him. But in order to do that, he has to face the triggering event that sent him down such a different path. The first time he sees Robin, she evokes stronger feelings in him than he has felt in decades and that frightens him into running in the opposite direction.
One fateful day so many years ago is a point these two have in common, but it sent Robin on a path of self-imposed imprisonment. No one, either friend or family member, realizes exactly what Robin’s marriage was like before her husband’s death and she intends to keep it that way. Although she actually gained a certain freedom in his death, she has moved on by embracing a life of solitude and safety. When a chance meeting with Gray is followed up by an even more surprising one, she can’t deny that he evokes some pretty strong feelings in her although his mixed signals may just inspire more negative feelings than the more pleasant vivid imaginings her mind created at first!
Fortunately they both have good friends who have their backs, and when Gray finally works up to allowing himself to give in to what could be a very good thing, they also have a lot of fun exploring and making up for lost time. They do need that support system though courtesy of one ex-fling who doesn’t take hints easily and one unbalanced individual who could threaten it all. Much to his surprise, Gray eventually finds redemption and unexpected family in those who don’t look down on him or fear him for the mistakes of his past- and one person who gives him a very unexpected option for his future.
The slow burn was absolutely necessary for these characters given their history and it was well written. I cannot deny wanting to give them both a good kick in the seat of the pants every now and then to move them along though! All in all, Victim of Circumstance was an enjoyable read and one that I recommend.
ARC received from author
You know you’ve enjoyed a book when you’re sad at the last word. This book covered so many subjects with class and reality, but in a way that keeps the reader engaged. I loved watching Gray start to LIVE! No one was as hard on him as he was on himself. Robin thought she was living until she realized she really wasn’t. These two meet in the most unexpected of places and then fate takes over. I loved all the characters, including the secondary ones that I hope someday get a story too.
Have you ever read one of those books that you try NOT to devour, trying to make it last a little bit longer because it’s so good you don’t want it to end? Victim of Circumstance is just such a book, one that makes you think about how YOU would react in certain circumstances, how far would YOU go when your back is to the wall and you’re pushed beyond all limits?! It’s also about forgiveness, acceptance and self-respect and love. I felt Gray and Robin’s story down to my very soul….I simply couldn’t get enough!
It’s no secret that Freya Barker is one of my Top Fave authors and this book is a perfect example of WHY I adore her writing so much! Her stories have a way of reaching in and grabbing a hold of your heart, touching you in ways you don’t even realize until whatever story you’re reading is finished and you’re left in total and complete awe. Gray and Robin’s love story is no exception! It’s so beautifully written, making you feel like you’re RIGHT THERE, watching everything unfold in front of your eyes (and heart and soul!), knowing that in the end, things will turn out exactly the way they were meant to be.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough! If you’ve never read anything from this author this would a perfect story to start off with and those of us who already know just how AWESOME Ms. Barker is will DEVOUR yet another MUST READ!!!
Wow! This hits a lot of levels. Two people who have overcome great circumstances in their lives. I liked Gray and Robin right away. They both have an easy feeling about them, like people you want to be your friends in real life. There’s lots of heavy, emotional drama here. Not relationship based, outside forces from their pasts. A little bit of suspense/drama and lots of steam! Can’t recommend this story enough.
This newest by one of my go-to authors was an amazing and emotional story of two people who was affected by the 9/11 tragedy. The hero of this story is Gray Bennet, he was just released after spending 18 years in prison. His life was forever altered after the death of his sister on 9/11. This was his story of how he acclimated back into society. He had fears of not being accepted back in his hometown, but he had nowhere else to go. He was willing just to keep his head down and try to move on, until a chance encounter, almost fated encounter with Robin Bishop and his life is altered once more. Robin also lost someone in the tragedy, but circumstances were much different for her. She has just been going through the motions of life. But now with her daughter grown and moved away and her own mother finding a new life for herself, she wanted to see if there was more in store for her.
I absolutely loved Robin and Gray’s story! The incredible strength, love, healing, and redemption shown was so joyous to see. These two endured so much in their lives, it was beautiful to see them give each other that sense of belonging and acceptance. Another wonderful read.
Another great story by this Author! To me, personally, this book is not only about starting over but also about learning to forgive yourself and being open to new possibilities. I love small town romances and characters that are more mature…so this book really sucked me in. If you’re looking for a HEA with a great couple to root for then I definitely recommend diving in!
Gray and Robin
A touching story. Two people meeting at the 9/11 memorial with two different attitudes. Two different lives. He has spent 18 years in prison. Her life changed but you’ll need to read to find out how and why.
Neither expects to find a happy future least of all with someone like the other. But find a life they do. Most of their happiness includes spoilers so I’m just going to say the characters in this story will capture your heart. A miserable past doesn’t prevent a happy future.
As always the author gives us a story of strength and love for characters major and minor. I always know when the cover reads by Freya Barker I’m in for a good read.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
Gray & Robin have not had it easy. One day…that’s all it took to change their lives in very different ways. One was released and the other imprisoned. Years later, their paths cross and once again their lives are about to change.
Freya has done it again! When I don’t think it’s possible for her stories to get any better, she writes another book. Another 5 read!
Once again I find myself in awe of Ms. Barker’s writing. The separate journey’s that they characters are traveling are difficult and trying on their own. A chance meeting that neither can forget. Could their connection over a point in time be what brings them together?
Gray is finally getting the chance to face some of his demons. Trying to make peace with the tragedies that he couldn’t control. Finding his footing again after being away for so long is going to be the hardest part. Where to go, how to begin again? Home is the one place he needs to go but will the small town accept him?
Robin has been living but going through the motions. Thankful for the freedom but still keeping a low profile. Always willing to help and care for others, putting everyone else first. With her mother and daughter starting to not need her the same, she realizes it is time to enjoy life and see what it has in store for her.
These mature characters and their stories will have you reading to see what life has planned next for them? Will they find the happiness they deserve?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
I really do love that this author writes about mature couples that have been through hell and come out the other side stronger.
Dealing with one of the worst tragedy’s of our time 9/11.Grey and Robin have both been touched by the horror of it in there own way.This story is about overcoming the past to find a beautiful future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really feel like this author does such an amazing job of giving voice to victims of tragedy. Every time she has treated these moments with care and understanding. I know we can’t ever truly know what it’s like unless we experience it ourselves, but you can be drawn into a character and feel a fraction of what they might be feeling. That’s a pretty great talent an author can give to her readers.
This did start off a bit slow and sometimes I think that needs to be the case. I appreciated that Gray’s experience couldn’t be rushed. His reactions felt real. Seeing him slowly start to live again also helped me as a reader grow more attached to him. By the ending I wanted to blubber like an idiot for all that he gained after losing so much.
Robin’s situation was at a different view. Her experiences happened many years prior. She wasn’t fresh in her grieving process. That didn’t mean that she had truly started living again. It was a different perspective.
The ending really just had me so happy. I just love to see when someone who has no one, end up with so many loving people in their lives. It was a beautiful ending. I almost wished we could keep getting more of their lives. I was pretty high on their happiness.
This is a sad story for all. Gray gets out of prison after 2 decades and doesn’t know what to do with himself. He ends up getting a bus ticket and going back to his hometown. He still hasn’t gotten over his sisters death on 9/11. Robin lost her husband there in the twin towers but she’s not feeling sad, he was an abusive husband. Gray and she meet by accident. But their paths criss cross. This story has twists and turns, sadness, whatif’s and new beginnings. HEA
Victim of Circumstance is a new standalone by Freya Barker that I think and really hope that will be a new series.
First let me say that I’ve been a fan of Freya for a long time. I’ve read all her books and this one is my very favorite. Freya has outdone herself with this book.
This is a story about redemption and second chances and loyal friends believing in you.
Grey return home after being in prison for 18 years. He has lots of issues and believes that everyone hates him. But what he finds is loyal friends and people with regrets.
Robin is a widow who lost her husband in the 9/11 tragedy. She works at the local diner and is very much attracted to the brooding man.
Freya has a talent to tell a story and keeping you hooked from the first page to the last.
She is an amazing storyteller. And this book is a book that you’ll want to read if you are her fan and even if you’ve never read her books and love to read about mature couples.
Love the storyline and the secondary characters that I know some of them will have their own story.
This book will definitely go as one if my favorites for this year.
My Rating: STARS
Freya Barker writes books that make you think while you read and give you insight into characters that you may never have considered before – and this book is no exception. Gray’s emergence at the start of the book is, in itself, insightful – and measured, just like his re-entry into the world. Like Gray, Robin lost a part of her life in the 9/11 World Trade Center atrocity, but hers is a different loss because it freed her. This book is about so much more than its story; there is acceptance, redemption, hope – and the circumstance of the title. I have never put down a Freya Barker book without feeling that the world is a better place because she wrote it; right now, this might be the book everyone needs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.