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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Freya Barker At Her Best !!!
Victim of Circumstance, another amazing read from Freya Barker!!
A chance meeting at 9/11 memorial, both scarred from that eventful day. One from painful loss the other from painful guilt of freedom.
Then fate has Gray and Robin meeting again to start the slow burns that heals both of them.
This is a beautiful story; hope, redemption, warmth. It stays with you after the last page as it shows the healing power of love. This is Freya at her best.
I received a copy from BookFunnel for an honest review.
Who are Gray and Jimmy? Where do we find them? I really like Jimmy! He seems good for Gray. Where has Gray been? Why? Who are Robin, Paige, and Kyle? Why does Gray want to go to NY? The interaction Robin has at her work had me chuckling. When I realized why the NY trip was happening, I got choked up. I had so many areas in this book where I laughed or giggled! Kudos Ms. Barker, Kudos!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin’ With M. Brennan.
Uniquely different from her other series this book is about a tragedy and the toll it takes on your soul as well as the hope that comes from finding love afterwards. An favorite author of my and always a go-to/one-click, this book is just as great as I expected.
Have you ever looked at an event and it sadden you? Has your friend looked at the same event and it made him/her happy? How a different perspective can affect your vision is amazing.
And that is what Freya Barker teaches us in this outstanding story. For one, an event was a tragedy and took away a loved one. For another, it was a release and a much needed breath of freedom. And who knew that would bring these two people together?!?
Freya Barker has the ability to take two ordinary characters, nothing special about them, nothing we don’t see in our own friends and family every day, and tell the most magical stories about them. And we are the lucky ones because she continues to share these stories with us.
Well written story I didn’t want to end!
Do you believe in fate?
Two random strangers, miles away from home, happen to be in the same place at the same time. The eyes of a stranger leaving an impressionable feeling. Once home, fate brings these same random strangers together again. Kismet?
Gray and Robin are two characters you’ll instantly love. Honest, hard-working people, with huge hearts. They want the best for others and are willing to help make that happen. Unfortunately, they don’t do that for themselves. Both have suffered enough that they now live a life with no dreams or expectations. Both moving through the motions of life, but not really living.
However, when they meet each other, a spark ignites.
“That’s what you are to me. I spent most of my life living under dark clouds and the first time I saw you I was able to feel the sun on my skin. Doesn’t matter how gloomy the day, I catch sight of you and everything lights up.”
To Gray and Robin, it’s exciting and terrifying.
“I make the mistake of looking at her, the smile on her face so genuine it hits me square in the chest. Pity to have her waste something that beautiful on me.”
Gray’s fears are so strong they dictate his life. He is afraid to live, afraid to hope.
“Hope becomes a hot searing pain that scars your soul when it has nowhere to go.”
Robin is the kind of gentle soul, the perfect calm to Gray’s raging storm. But will he ever be capable of opening his heart? Will he learn to have faith in himself in order to fully live again?
I really enjoyed this story. I laughed so hard at the bucket list sex scene I was crying! It was hilarious and so true!! I greatly appreciated the maturity Freya Barker brings to her characters. Older characters afford the author opportunity to add more depth and complexity. Freya Barker uses that to her advantage creating multi-layered characters. Freya Barker knows how to create captivating, unique, and emotionally gripping stories with solid stand up characters who I fall for every time!
This was a different Freya, Not so different from her very first series that I started with.
Gray hasn’t seen Freedom in a long time, he doesn’t trust easily, doesn’t know what to expect when he returns home after a long time away.
Robin is hiding her deepest, darkest secrets. Trying to get through life, enjoying every minute of everyday of this life.
A chance encounter a thousand miles away from both their homes will forever change both of their lives.
Gah! What an amazing story of 2 tortured souls, finally living their lives the way they want, finding that irresistible urge to spend time with one another amidst trials along the way.
as always Freya has done it again
I’m a big fan of Freya Barker because she writes about real people and real-life issues. In this case, about returning to life after being incarcerated for 18 years, about spousal abuse, and about having faith in people. A must-read for those who love to read mature romances.
It was Gray’s first day as a free man and he wanted to go back home to Beaverton, Michigan, where his life changed forever. In addition, he has to pay tribute to his little sister in New York, and on that fateful day, he sees an unforgettable woman raising her face to the sun and smiling while surrounded by mourners. What are the odds that the woman actually lives in his hometown of Beaverton? As first impressions go, he’s hot and cold leaving her with a bad first impression. But how can he bear to see her face when he finally explains his past? No need. The small-town gossip mill has already done that for him. And she didn’t run away…yet.
Robin has lived in Beaverton for several years now, happily raising her now-college-aged daughter alone, living a short distance from her widowed mother, and working at the local diner. Every year Robin visits New York where her husband died, but she’s not there to mourn him, she is there “to remind herself she is still here, still breathing, still very much alive.” When she sees the handsome man with the light blue eyes again in her hometown, she is shocked and bewildered by his rudeness one day and his kindness the next. And then the gossip begins and bits and pieces of Gray’s past are revealed. Does it surprise her? A little. Is she still interested in him? A lot.
As always, Freya Barker’s characters are diverse with so many layers of which she peels back little by little revealing, secrets, true vulnerabilities, struggles, and extraordinary qualities. Gray is so introverted and reticent when he comes back home. He’s understandably afraid at first to show his face around town, but the people of Beaverton surprise him and treat him with kindness. Many feeling they let him down 18 years ago when they didn’t help him. However, it is Robin’s kindness and trust in him that gives him hope to start over. Her moxie and no-nonsense way of telling it like it is is just what he needs to let go of the past and move on with his life. Of course, the supporting characters of Robin’s mother and daughter, the diner regulars, and more give the story depth and a feeling of home. But my favorite character is Gray’s friend Jimmy who has stood by Gray for all of those years. Giving him a job and a place to stay, as well as an ear to listen to and a kick in the rear when he needs it most.
I love reading about more seasoned characters in romances especially since I’m well-seasoned myself. This book explores some serious subject matter, but it also includes several laughable and hot, hot moments as well. A truly memorable story with remarkable characters. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Ms. Barker for giving me yet another opportunity to read another one of her books with no expectation of a positive review.
Gray and Robin’s story was so beautifully written.
Gray has just been released from prison after serving an 18 year sentence. Not knowing where to go, he heads back to his hometown in Michigan to decide what to do with his life. He lost his sister 18 years earlier in the 9/11 World Trade Center attack and decides on the anniversary to go to NY to pay his respects and put his sister’s memory to rest.
Robin works at the local diner in a small town in Michigan. She lost her husband 18 years earlier also in the 9/11 WTC attack. She goes to NY on the anniversary to close that chapter of her life and move forward.
Grey and Robin accidently collide at the memorial, neither realizing this one chance encounter will set them on a course that will change their lives.
Gray has so many layers to him and he has been through so much and he has to learn to start living his life again. Robin is such a beautiful soul but she has secrets that she has never shared with anyone, not even her daughter. These two lost souls find a friendship with each other that grows into something beautiful.
Freya writes the most amazing characters with such depth. What a great story. I was captivated from the first word until the last.
When Victim of Circumstance landed on my kindle I had no idea of what the plot line for the book was, After the first few pages , I was hooked.
Yet again Freya Barker delivers a book that is so well written, a story where all the characters have so much to tell us & make you fall in love immediately.
The story focuses on Gray – as he begins a new phase of his life after 18yrs in Prison. He needs closure on some areas of his life and heads back to his home town , unsure of anything & prepared to spend time quietly in the shadows. Robin moved to Gray’s hometown shortly after he went away and they have never met.
A chance meeting at the 911 memorial & they both make an impression on each other that lasts.
The rest of the book is a wonderful story of Acceptance, second chances and new beginnings.
Victim of Circumstance shows all the hallmarks of Freya Barkers writing.
If you’ve not read her books Before, this standalone will be a great introduction to an author who will
Will quickly become a favourite , and for those of us who devour everything she writes – def one for the collection
ONE LANDSLIDE OF EMOTIONS!!!
Exceptional! Freya doesn’t mess around bringing out the heavy artillery locked and loaded, ratcheting up the thrills and feels with this beautifully composed piece of perfection, laying out one impressive storyline and gripping plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Shenanigans, escapades and mayhem rule the roost, rolling with the drama, turmoil, intrigue, secrets, insecurities, spiraling suspense and intense situations, along with a boatload of determination, you have one intoxicating experience. Bearing the burdens and carrying the load, revving up the exuberance and intensity, imparting this pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping, block busting bombshell, blasting this baby to life beautifully. Coiled, knotted and tightly woven, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it’s simplicity and awe inspiring in it’s depth. Shattering boundaries and dispensing lines, displaying the strengths and weaknesses being weighed and balanced, booting this gem into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, slamming it into overdrive, launching it into a hissy with a life-altering culmination. Quirky mishaps and stunning happenstance mix it up with the taxing trials and challenging tribulations, throwing in the startling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that transform into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Freya, thanks for sharing this lil’ fella with us.
Victim of Circumstance is a story, of second chances, forgiveness, a bit of suspense, and finding love when you least expect it. Gray and Robin has a instant pull towards one another, it was slow burning, and caring. I liked the secondary characters too. This author has become one of my one click authors, I don’t even read the blurbs anymore, I know I will be getting a good read.
Loved this wonderful book with ex con Gray and local waitress Robin. He has just been released from prison after eighteen years when he meets Robin at the Twin Towers Memorial. He has a ton of baggage with being locked away for so long and the memories of what lead him there where Robin is actually celebrating the death of her husband in the attack because he was abusive and now she is free to live her life on her terms. They have a instant attraction but their are some who do not want them to be together. This is a well written book with complex characters that makes you feel their pain.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book intrigued me from the start, which happens more often than not with this author.
Gray, an ex-convict, spent 18 years in prison and is released into a world he no longer understands. Robin, a widow, is trying to live her best life for herself and her daughter but struggles with her past.
A chance meeting at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Gray is there to honor his sister. Robin is their to celebrate and embrace her freedom. A moment in time where two lonely souls connect, albeit briefly, turns into the gateway to a new life for them both.
When fate offers Gray a second chance meeting with Robin, the woman (and the ray of light) he saw at the memorial, he struggles with the feeling that he won’t be good for her. Gray backpedals quickly, cutting off communication and denying their connection. He believes he’s doing the right thing but he leaves Robin hurt, confused and angry.
Fortunately, Gray’s friend, Jimmy, doesn’t let him get away with his misplaced ideals and pushes Gray to make things right. Gray misses her soothing presence in his life and takes steps to fix what he tried to destroy. As the trust begins to build between Gray and Robin, they expose their innermost secrets to each other and find acceptance, something Gray, especially, is in awe of.
This couple’s journey is truly beautiful and I mean that sincerely. To see them both evolve into the people they really wanted to be was just stunning. I highly recommend this book and I wish everyone would read it.
I want to end this review with a quote from this book that really resonated with me. “Hope becomes a hot searing pain that scars your soul when it has nowhere to go.”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
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 freedom. It’s liberating. He sees her. She stands out in the grieving crowd-her head thrown back , her fact bright with contentment-like a beacon offering to guide him into the light.
This is a second chance romance and also a story about redemption. Grey has been in prison for eighteen years. He has so many issues that you will discover but he also thinks that everyone in the world hates him. However he is about to find out that good friends are really really good friends and will be loyal to you not matter what and that they to live with regrets. Robin has lost her husband in the 911 attacks. She now works at at a diner and finds herself so attracted to and affecting by the brooding man they call Grey. This story will pull at your heart strings and will have you so hooked that you will not be able to lay it down. Freya Barker has done an amazing job with this book and loved the time I spent with these characters.
Victim of Circumstance by Freya Barker
Cell Block C
Survival skills are not necessary and for each person survival may mean something else and require different skills. Putting safety, security and live first…one’s own and those of loved ones is part of that. For 18 years two people have been surviving but not thriving. One day they will serendipitously see one another and feel something. Never expecting to see one another again they take that feeling with them only to…see one another again. Do they have anything besides a “feeling” to work with and if so…how will the two manage to end up together not only surviving but thriving? If you are curious…I recommend reading their story!
What I liked?
* Gray: a quiet, steadfast, charming, intelligent man who did his time…for eighteen years. I admired him and felt for him and was so glad he found Robin.
* Robin: a woman who made the best of situations, raised her young daughter, chose a life that worked for her and had not allowed herself to spread her wings for at least eighteen years. I liked the way she interacted with her mother, daughter, colleagues and…Gray.
* Jimmy: a good friend who was there for Gray. I would like to know more about him and his friends. I wonder who he will end up with?
* The supporting characters: family, friends, and townspeople.
* The way Gray and Robin brought out the best in one another
* That Gray blossomed over time after reaching Beaverton
* The backstory of both main characters being released in increments and at just the right time in the story
* Feeling I was part of the story
* The way I felt while reading and as I finished the last page of the book – these are people I would gladly have as friends.
What I did not like:
* The abusers…all of them
* Becca…oh my
* Having to say goodbye to the characters when their story ended.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Loved this to pieces i did, Two people whose souls have both been broken at once stage meet at a memorial site for the twin towers. One lost a sister and didnt get to say a proper goodbye, and the other to celebrate the end of a tortuous marriage.
I absolutely felt for Gray with the emotional drama he went through, then coming home from Prision keeping to himself, slowly he is drawn out, but its not his mates that draw him out but one red head women. But its been a long time since hes been with a women let alone dating her… mistakes are made.
Robin, her car broke down, and who should come and help her… none other than the man who she saw at the memorial, his name Gray… suddenly she cant keep him out of her thoughts….
Both have pasts and secrets that hasnt been told…….
This wonderful book is truely worth 5plus stars in my opinion
Love all of Freya Barker’s books. This one is a stand-alone and follows Gray and Robin. Gray has just come back to his hometown after a decade in prison. He still feels guilt and thinks everyone will still blame him for his crimes. Instead he finds a lot of the town feel guilt for what Gray has been through. Robin works at a local diner in Gray’s hometown. They both list relatives in 9/11, Gray, his baby sister and Robin,her husband. The story shows how through a shared tragedy the two can come together. Get a great depth of characters from the author.
This is a beautifully written book with strong characters in Robin and Gray. The author brings a realistic feel to the story as she lets fate take over. It’s a slow burn romance with a heartfelt story of forgiveness and love. It’s a story filled with emotion,drama and learning self respect as well as a steamy romance. I loved this book and would highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Absolutely loved it!!!
Gray is just out of prison and going back to his hometown. Robin is a widow and a mother.
They see each other for the first time at the 9/11 Memorial. They meet up again when her car breaks down.
Can two lost souls with a lot of baggage be just what the other needs?
Again I am in awe of Freya’s giving voice to these wonderful characters. She takes ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances and shows us vulnerability. Gray is not your typical guy – he is not alpha and he is not really beta either. He is basically an introvert trying to avoid confrontation. Robin enters into his life and now what is he to do? Their sharing of information really pulls at you – yes, I needed to get out the tissues. Both characters have had a hard life but support each other and find their road to happiness. Absolutely beautiful story.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.