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Before Sunrise
For military wife Kennedy Flanagan, starting over had not been easy. Learning to let go after the tragic killing of her Navy Seal husband in the Afghan War proved to be mission impossible. But after five long years and countless hours of tears and healing, Kennedy has moved on.
KIA? No. Liam Flanagan is alive! A Special Ops team uncovers the bunker he was held prisoner in and Liam has a second chance at life. However, five years is a long time. Soon life deals another blow. His wife has remarried and his daughter calling a man he hates daddy.
Caught between the past and the harsh realities of the present, both Liam and Kennedy fight for the love they've had and forgiveness for all they've lost. Before Sunrise, promises to make you a believer in the happily ever after we all deserve.
KIA? No. Liam Flanagan is alive! A Special Ops team uncovers the bunker he was held prisoner in and Liam has a second chance at life. However, five years is a long time. Soon life deals another blow. His wife has remarried and his daughter calling a man he hates daddy.
Caught between the past and the harsh realities of the present, both Liam and Kennedy fight for the love they've had and forgiveness for all they've lost. Before Sunrise, promises to make you a believer in the happily ever after we all deserve.
697 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2011
59 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Sienna Mynx
81 books1,017 followersSienna Mynx is your naughty writer of Paranormal, Contemporary, and Historical Interracial Romance for readers that love the bad boy's but desire to be the women that tame them. A current resident of south of Georgia, Sienna Mynx has just emerged into the e-publishing arena. Her novellas reflect her thirst for romance told from a fresh perspective with the diversity she craves in erotic Romance. Explore and Enjoy.
Also writes under the pen name T.A. Ford
Also writes under the pen name T.A. Ford
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 8, 2020
This is my second time reading this book and it won't be my last . This is my all time favorite book by Sienna Mynx. Liam and Kennedy have true love story that feels so real you can't put the book down. They love each other so much and its written in a way you feel it coming through the pages of this book. I was surprised when I read the last page because I tried to turn the page and it didn't change that is how I figured out the book ended and I was disappointed because I wanted to read more of this couple. With so many authors writing books that end on cliffhangers now, it refreshing to read a full story that keeps you engaged and I will buy her books because she writes a good book not because I need to see what happens next. I love stories that feature a military romance , I love how Sienna writes children, Mac was such a cute little girl to read about I smiled whenever she appeared on the pages of the book. I want to know about Eric and Harper please please write their story. Thank you Sienna for writing this story it was just what I needed and it made me smile.
May 30, 2015
I sooooo loved this novel. From the moment I started reading it was like a rollercoaster ride that I didn't want to get off of. Not only was it a great story about unconditional love; it was a story about our American heros. Even though I have relatives in the armed forces, this gave me so much more incite into the sacrifices that our troops go through and the torture that is PTSD. This is by far one of Sienna Mynx's best works. Liam was so strong, fierce, and sexy! ;-) He was completely devoted to "Kay" and she to him. I had so many great moments with this novel. One of most favorite was when Liam said, "You're my heart Kay; My Rib".
April 1, 2013
I only like writing reviews for books that really touch me. This one did. It had me from the first page and I'd only read one word. His name. You see, I'm a sucker for names and Liam is one of my favorites! I immediately knew I was in trouble, because the hero was of either Irish or Scottish descent and I love those kind of heroes in Historical Romance. Contemporary romance? I didn't know how that would go over. Well, needless to say it went over just fine. I loved both hero and heroine at the outset and I was only a few pages into the book. Then I found out he was a military man. If that wasn't enough, she described his eyes in some emotional instances and I was even more hooked. The further I got into the story and their love grew, I was irrevocably tied to both characters and cheering for them at every turn.
Lots of times when I read romances, I can't get a clear voice for the couple in the story or I'll get one more clearly than the other. Not so with Kennedy "Kay" and Liam. From the first, I could envision how they looked, hear their voices clearly and the situations they were involved in. Almost as if they were real. That's how they came off of the pages to me.
Their back story was beautifully presented, which delved into their lives and showed you how they got to be the people they were in the present. I loved the fact that Kennedy "Kay," knew Liam for who he was when she first saw him. When I say that, I mean that she never had any doubt that he was for her. I found that quite surprising for someone her age. It just showed the strength of character she had even then. The fact that she was African American and he was Caucasian never really entered into the story. After the author made you aware of that, it was no longer a factor and she didn't make covert references to it later in the story. I loved that it got to the heart of the matter, which was the love between two people.
The focus of this story was about a newly young married couple who had to learn to live with the effects of the husband's job as a Navy SEAL. It really gave an in depth look into the love and dedication of a commited military man and his family. The strong woman who stood by on the home front, whose love for him never wavered and the lengths that she went to to bring him back into the fold of their family life. It shown light on PTSD and it's horrfying effects and the fallout onto the family members as well.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Mynx, but not my last. I'm glad she didn't skimp in presenting the story. When I saw the amount of pages there was, I was happy, because I knew I'd get a full story. And I was right. No fast hurried account, but a moderately paced story with excellent characters who were fleshed out so you could get to know them. I have to add how much I think children add to a story. In this case it was Mackenzie "Mac" Flanagan, the hero and heroine's daughter. What an adorable little kid! I kept thinking "I know someone like her."
Then there was the immediate family members and friends, each presented wholly, so you got to know them as well. That's how good this novel was. How about a story on Harper and Eric? I think that would be nice. Truly a wonderful read, excellently done by an author who took her time and got it right. I had one gripe ... grammatical errors. There were just too many. Even though they were present, they didn't turn me off from this story. It was five star quality all the way as the writing was just that good and I didn't see the need to penalize this book because of that.
Lastly, bravo to the real heroes and their families who live this everyday. They are deserving of our love, honor and respect for their allegiance and keeping our country free for us to enjoy the freedoms that we have.
Lots of times when I read romances, I can't get a clear voice for the couple in the story or I'll get one more clearly than the other. Not so with Kennedy "Kay" and Liam. From the first, I could envision how they looked, hear their voices clearly and the situations they were involved in. Almost as if they were real. That's how they came off of the pages to me.
Their back story was beautifully presented, which delved into their lives and showed you how they got to be the people they were in the present. I loved the fact that Kennedy "Kay," knew Liam for who he was when she first saw him. When I say that, I mean that she never had any doubt that he was for her. I found that quite surprising for someone her age. It just showed the strength of character she had even then. The fact that she was African American and he was Caucasian never really entered into the story. After the author made you aware of that, it was no longer a factor and she didn't make covert references to it later in the story. I loved that it got to the heart of the matter, which was the love between two people.
The focus of this story was about a newly young married couple who had to learn to live with the effects of the husband's job as a Navy SEAL. It really gave an in depth look into the love and dedication of a commited military man and his family. The strong woman who stood by on the home front, whose love for him never wavered and the lengths that she went to to bring him back into the fold of their family life. It shown light on PTSD and it's horrfying effects and the fallout onto the family members as well.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Mynx, but not my last. I'm glad she didn't skimp in presenting the story. When I saw the amount of pages there was, I was happy, because I knew I'd get a full story. And I was right. No fast hurried account, but a moderately paced story with excellent characters who were fleshed out so you could get to know them. I have to add how much I think children add to a story. In this case it was Mackenzie "Mac" Flanagan, the hero and heroine's daughter. What an adorable little kid! I kept thinking "I know someone like her."
Then there was the immediate family members and friends, each presented wholly, so you got to know them as well. That's how good this novel was. How about a story on Harper and Eric? I think that would be nice. Truly a wonderful read, excellently done by an author who took her time and got it right. I had one gripe ... grammatical errors. There were just too many. Even though they were present, they didn't turn me off from this story. It was five star quality all the way as the writing was just that good and I didn't see the need to penalize this book because of that.
Lastly, bravo to the real heroes and their families who live this everyday. They are deserving of our love, honor and respect for their allegiance and keeping our country free for us to enjoy the freedoms that we have.
February 28, 2012
This is one of those books that is fully developed, with characters and context that are powerful and which reach into the reader's heart and squeeze for all they are worth. Sienna Mynx has written a story that is about as contemporary as they get, catalogued and expanded on a theme that should be uppermost in our awareness as the fallout and cost of war continue to hurt us as a nation and the families and veterans who must live day in and day out with the inner wounds of the spirit as well as the external wounds of the body. It is a masterful piece of writing, one that is awesome in its powerful use of words to draw the pictures that sear the mind while refusing to allow the reader to even pause to consider what has just been read. The flashbacks keep the reader fully aware of the good times, the occasions in Kennedy and Liam's relationship, their marriage, that are the foundation upon which they are seeking to rebuild a marriage torn apart by politics, terror, and torture. Amid the hope there is anger and disappointment, and through all the anxiety and pain there is hope. This is a book that no romance fiction lover should miss, and if the reader is not captured by contemporary romance usually, an exception needs to be made with this one. It is definitely a keeper!!
June 13, 2012
This was a great read I adored this connection the author gave to Liam and Kay. I found myself rooting for them and they fought so hard for there love. Little Mac was was a riot. I am always drawn to interacial love. This book had a good storyline and brought awareness to PTSD for soldiers. I would recommend this book.
January 13, 2020
Kennedy and Liam are a happy couple, they grew together from teen love into adulthood. Their love is stronger than ever when Kennedy gets pregnant, but everything falls appart when Liam is called for a special mission and disappears.
I liked
The description of Liam's healing process, I think it was very detailed, realistic and moving. This broken man has to go through hell just to "look" normal, the plot didn't make it any easier for him because he was one of the main characters.
I disliked
All the abortion talks.
Gail, Phil, Alexa and sometimes Liam. They were too much, too much ego and evil, it wasn't balanced enough and it sometimes felt ridiculous.
I liked
The description of Liam's healing process, I think it was very detailed, realistic and moving. This broken man has to go through hell just to "look" normal, the plot didn't make it any easier for him because he was one of the main characters.
I disliked
All the abortion talks.
Gail, Phil, Alexa and sometimes Liam. They were too much, too much ego and evil, it wasn't balanced enough and it sometimes felt ridiculous.
July 19, 2012
I bought this book because of all the positive reviews, but I was disappointed. First the story was way to long and I just couldn't wait for it to end.
5 Years ago Kennedy is married to Liam and is pregnant when he leaves on a covert mission. Before Liam leaves he request Phil Kennedy's friend to keep an eye on Kennedy while his gone knowing Phil has a crush on Kennedy. The mission goes wrong and it is presumed Liam is dead.
Present Time 5 years later Kennedy and Phil are married and Phil is raising Kennedy's daughter by Liam as his own. Liam is found after being a POW for 5 years. He returns home and finds his wife has given birth to their daughter, remarried and moved on with her life. This is where the drama begins.
First I'll start with Kennedy. Kennedy, initially I was hurt for Kennedy because of the fact her love of her life was thought to be dead and she felt guilty for moving on with her life. It was Kennedy's actions after this that got on my nerves. When Liam returned back into Kennedy's life I could not blame Kennedy for wanting to reconnect back with him. I'm sure it would have hurt Phil intially but I don't believe in being with someone who is with you but their heart is somewhere else. It's like you only have half a person and sometimes I know it not right but the heart wants what the wants, especially in this case. This was not a case of cheating spouses. Kennedy was only with Phil because Liam wasn't there. But Kennedy's actions toward Phil after Liam's return were wrong. The fact that Phil had to leave the house was wrong, Kennedy should have left. I would have went and stayed at an extended stay hotel or at a friend's home for a few days to clear my head. I would have let my daughter believe she was going on a mini vacation because she was about to go through some major changes in her life. I would went back for Christmas/Mac's birthday, after all they all going there anyway for the event. And why allow Laim's mother come stay in Phil's home, that was just a slap in the face to Phil. Did she not think Liam's mother would have been there encouraging Laim's and Kennedy's relationship. Also she shouldn't have lead Phil believe she was going to even consider their relationship. Kennedy knew deep down inside all along that she was going back to Laim, like I said I don't blame her for that. But what really made me angry with Kennedy was that she was angry and slapped Phil for not telling her that he found out a week before she found out Laim was alive. Dude really? Did she expect for Phil to be happy for Laim's return? I imagine on some deep level Phil didn't wish for Laim's death but I'm quite for certain he was not happy about his home coming. Phil was living his dream. He was married to a woman in which whom he admired for years and was raising her daughter as his own and the man she knew as her fathe and was ready for more kids. No Phil is not going to be happy about Laim's return because it was possible for his dream to be destroyed. So why would Kennedy find it hard to believe Phil wouldn't do anything and everything possible.
As for Laim I could personally excuse his behavior due to his PTSD, that it not say it was always right but with his disorder I can excuse it. I couldn't imagine being a POW for 5 years and returning home to the realization of his world being turned upside down. Towards the end I love his feeling of trying to get help for his PTSD and willing to whatever to get his family back including therapy.
There was a lot of unnecessary drama in this novel. Kennedy's mother I can understand her love for Phil but to try sabotage Kennedy's reunion with Liam was just wrong. Alexa's love for Laim was way over the top. The storyline between Kennedy's sister Harper and Eric i could have did without. I imagine the author is just setting up her next novel.
In all, this is not a great read to me and dragged out far to long.
5 Years ago Kennedy is married to Liam and is pregnant when he leaves on a covert mission. Before Liam leaves he request Phil Kennedy's friend to keep an eye on Kennedy while his gone knowing Phil has a crush on Kennedy. The mission goes wrong and it is presumed Liam is dead.
Present Time 5 years later Kennedy and Phil are married and Phil is raising Kennedy's daughter by Liam as his own. Liam is found after being a POW for 5 years. He returns home and finds his wife has given birth to their daughter, remarried and moved on with her life. This is where the drama begins.
First I'll start with Kennedy. Kennedy, initially I was hurt for Kennedy because of the fact her love of her life was thought to be dead and she felt guilty for moving on with her life. It was Kennedy's actions after this that got on my nerves. When Liam returned back into Kennedy's life I could not blame Kennedy for wanting to reconnect back with him. I'm sure it would have hurt Phil intially but I don't believe in being with someone who is with you but their heart is somewhere else. It's like you only have half a person and sometimes I know it not right but the heart wants what the wants, especially in this case. This was not a case of cheating spouses. Kennedy was only with Phil because Liam wasn't there. But Kennedy's actions toward Phil after Liam's return were wrong. The fact that Phil had to leave the house was wrong, Kennedy should have left. I would have went and stayed at an extended stay hotel or at a friend's home for a few days to clear my head. I would have let my daughter believe she was going on a mini vacation because she was about to go through some major changes in her life. I would went back for Christmas/Mac's birthday, after all they all going there anyway for the event. And why allow Laim's mother come stay in Phil's home, that was just a slap in the face to Phil. Did she not think Liam's mother would have been there encouraging Laim's and Kennedy's relationship. Also she shouldn't have lead Phil believe she was going to even consider their relationship. Kennedy knew deep down inside all along that she was going back to Laim, like I said I don't blame her for that. But what really made me angry with Kennedy was that she was angry and slapped Phil for not telling her that he found out a week before she found out Laim was alive. Dude really? Did she expect for Phil to be happy for Laim's return? I imagine on some deep level Phil didn't wish for Laim's death but I'm quite for certain he was not happy about his home coming. Phil was living his dream. He was married to a woman in which whom he admired for years and was raising her daughter as his own and the man she knew as her fathe and was ready for more kids. No Phil is not going to be happy about Laim's return because it was possible for his dream to be destroyed. So why would Kennedy find it hard to believe Phil wouldn't do anything and everything possible.
As for Laim I could personally excuse his behavior due to his PTSD, that it not say it was always right but with his disorder I can excuse it. I couldn't imagine being a POW for 5 years and returning home to the realization of his world being turned upside down. Towards the end I love his feeling of trying to get help for his PTSD and willing to whatever to get his family back including therapy.
There was a lot of unnecessary drama in this novel. Kennedy's mother I can understand her love for Phil but to try sabotage Kennedy's reunion with Liam was just wrong. Alexa's love for Laim was way over the top. The storyline between Kennedy's sister Harper and Eric i could have did without. I imagine the author is just setting up her next novel.
In all, this is not a great read to me and dragged out far to long.
September 3, 2024
Daddy from heaven is real and has real-life dilemmas!
Before sunrise, they will be together again. Boy, what a story! It is a heart-wrenching story of an American hero giving his all to his country as a POW for 5 yrs to come home to find people are conniving and scheming to keep he and his family apart because of petty jealousy, anger, and power. They, Liam and Kennedy had to work through the differences that happened to each other in those years of being apart. Kennedy was convinced that Liam was still alive but let friends and family, especially Phill convince her to move on with her life. Liam had to adjust to the fact that Kay had moved on with Phill but he was determined not to lose her despite that. He also had to learn how to become a father to his baby, now a 4 yrs old McKenzie. Liam coming home was a Godsend for Kennedy and she was also equally determined to reunite with her husband. She had to deal with the guilt she felt over Phill and the fact that she was reluctantly planning on a family with him. Both she and Liam had to battle their way back to each other despite the scheming between Alexa, Phill, and her mother Gail trying to keep them apart and destroying any hope they have of a reunion.
Sienna wrote such a heart-wrenching story about this couple. I actually wanted to slap the you know what out of Alexa and Phill. I can halfway understand Gail's resentment toward Liam but he was the love of her daughter's life. I really felt sorry for Phill, but Kennedy was honest with him from the beginning, she loved him but was not in love with him. He knew that the only reason she married him was to give Mac a stable home and for her gratitude that he was there through her grieving Liam's death. He was just desperate to hold on to what he was able to build with Kennedy. There were twists and turns to this story plot that had my stomach in knots just hoping they would get their HEA. Well done Sienna as always.
Before sunrise, they will be together again. Boy, what a story! It is a heart-wrenching story of an American hero giving his all to his country as a POW for 5 yrs to come home to find people are conniving and scheming to keep he and his family apart because of petty jealousy, anger, and power. They, Liam and Kennedy had to work through the differences that happened to each other in those years of being apart. Kennedy was convinced that Liam was still alive but let friends and family, especially Phill convince her to move on with her life. Liam had to adjust to the fact that Kay had moved on with Phill but he was determined not to lose her despite that. He also had to learn how to become a father to his baby, now a 4 yrs old McKenzie. Liam coming home was a Godsend for Kennedy and she was also equally determined to reunite with her husband. She had to deal with the guilt she felt over Phill and the fact that she was reluctantly planning on a family with him. Both she and Liam had to battle their way back to each other despite the scheming between Alexa, Phill, and her mother Gail trying to keep them apart and destroying any hope they have of a reunion.
Sienna wrote such a heart-wrenching story about this couple. I actually wanted to slap the you know what out of Alexa and Phill. I can halfway understand Gail's resentment toward Liam but he was the love of her daughter's life. I really felt sorry for Phill, but Kennedy was honest with him from the beginning, she loved him but was not in love with him. He knew that the only reason she married him was to give Mac a stable home and for her gratitude that he was there through her grieving Liam's death. He was just desperate to hold on to what he was able to build with Kennedy. There were twists and turns to this story plot that had my stomach in knots just hoping they would get their HEA. Well done Sienna as always.
February 20, 2012
It only took the unusual pairing of Kennedy and Liam to make this love happen.
Both coming from different worlds, it seemed quite impossible that Liam could be, would be right for her. They met by fate at a party being hosted in the Hampton's; both brought there by friends, but it wasn't until they stared into each other's eyes that the world faded. She was seventeen and he was...
In "Before Sunrise", the story of Kennedy and Liam unfolds with smartly layered sub-plots sure to keep the reader engaged. The mystery of Liam's background smoothly blossoms along with his undying love for his "Kay".
Determined to make a solid life, Liam enlists in the Navy and holds vows to people that will eventually seek payment. The question is, can he do so without sacrificing his woman, his country and most of all his sanity?
Fellow brethren Eric and Anthony play a major part in Liam's tasks, along with Alexa Sinclair, who has razor-sharp eyes for Liam. But when things go wrong and time has passed, can things be the way they were before a war interfered?
Sienna Mynx delivers a riveting story of love, intrigue, deception and family in this novel. For those that enjoy themes involving the military, interracial couples and unity, this is must read.
To learn more about this author, visit her at: www.siennamynx.com
Both coming from different worlds, it seemed quite impossible that Liam could be, would be right for her. They met by fate at a party being hosted in the Hampton's; both brought there by friends, but it wasn't until they stared into each other's eyes that the world faded. She was seventeen and he was...
In "Before Sunrise", the story of Kennedy and Liam unfolds with smartly layered sub-plots sure to keep the reader engaged. The mystery of Liam's background smoothly blossoms along with his undying love for his "Kay".
Determined to make a solid life, Liam enlists in the Navy and holds vows to people that will eventually seek payment. The question is, can he do so without sacrificing his woman, his country and most of all his sanity?
Fellow brethren Eric and Anthony play a major part in Liam's tasks, along with Alexa Sinclair, who has razor-sharp eyes for Liam. But when things go wrong and time has passed, can things be the way they were before a war interfered?
Sienna Mynx delivers a riveting story of love, intrigue, deception and family in this novel. For those that enjoy themes involving the military, interracial couples and unity, this is must read.
To learn more about this author, visit her at: www.siennamynx.com
December 28, 2012
This was certainly an epic tale. I am one who loves an extremely long book, especially when it can hold my attention, and this one did for more than 600 pages. Liam and Kennedy just had a classic love story. No matter what obstacles were presented to them they overcame them together, and there were some huge obstacles. I think I say this a lot about Sienna Mynx books because it is just so true, this one read like I was watching a movie. I could feel all the pain that Kennedy suffered because of her separation from Liam, and all of Liam's pain at being a POW, later suffering from PTSD, and just missing out on so much time with his family. Either Sienna Mynx did some serious research to write this book, or she or someone very close to her lived through a similar situation because it just all felt so very real. Although a year old, this book is new to me, and another hit for Sienna Mynx. P.S. I hope there is a story on the horizon for Harper and Eric...that would be a juicy tale.
May 9, 2012
Really, really liked this one. I took a star off because the book could have ended about 20% sooner than it did. At 95% I threw in the towel because I was no longer interested, but this is a really good book by an awesome author. She just tried to do too much.
September 4, 2015
Stopped at 39 %. It is good but I lost interest because it is predictable and i do not like the generic way the story is told. Maybe 3 years ago, I would have been raving about this book but not today. My taste in books have evolved, I want a more refined and unique approach.
November 26, 2012
Although I normally love Sienna Mynx's books, this one wasn't too high on my list of top 10 IRR books.
It wasn't bad, but it just felt like something was missing.
Giving this one 3 stars....
It wasn't bad, but it just felt like something was missing.
Giving this one 3 stars....
December 13, 2015
A well written story of love, death, and a 2nd chance! I loved it!!!
June 4, 2020
I'm starting to notice a pattern in Sienna Mynx books. Usually, there is a dominant, white male character that has anger issues and problems. Then, there is a black annoying female character that thinks that she is strong and empowering, but she isn't. There is usually a 5-6 year difference between the female protagonist and male protagonist. Don't forget betrayals of character, especially, the male protagonist bff basically falling in love with his sister. If you have seen my other reviews for the first three books of her Battaglia series, you would know that I was really disappointed.
Now, I didn't hate this book as much as I hated Destino or Ti Amo. This book is still horrible, but when you have read three of her books (which are all terrible) this book is like a masterpiece. So congratulations!
Now if you hated Mira from her Battaglia series, then I wouldn't suggest you read this book. Kennedy is a terrible female protagonist. She makes my blood boil. Plus, she's a whiny bitch. She comes across as self-centered and childish throughout the whole book even though she expresses in EVERY page how much she has changed. She makes mistakes countless of times in this book, and never grows from it. She's the same character throughout the book, even in the flashbacks. Her life always depended on Liam. Nothing else matters but Liam, except maybe Mackenzie (and even that is questionable at times).
Now Liam. I'm kind of mixed on his character. His whole character focuses on his PTSD, and him surviving torture for nearly 5 years. Like, that's insane. At times, I felt bad for him because he came back finding the woman he loved with somebody else, his daughter hating him (especially, in the first half), and his friends changing. I've heard stories of soldiers suffering through the pain of coming back home and having PTSD and this affects me because these type of people are serving this country. I really do feel bad Liam, and even though I have never been in war, I know the feeling of having the fear of being alone. Now, some of the stuff he does isn't justifiable. But, I'm glad he tried to get better step by step in order to be there for his wife and daughter.
HOWEVER...
The way Kennedy was handed in this story was frustrating. She treated Liam like shit tbh. I mean Liam treated her like shit also, but this dude has PTSD. I get that she had to call him out on his bullshit, and that is totally understandable. BUT, this guy needs you emotionally and physically. He doesn't need you running away and ranting every five seconds about how much of a fuck up he is. Kennedy whined about being alone for 5 years, yet what about Phil? Like, sis, you had a man to comfort you. You had your whole family to comfort you. This man had no one, but the memories of your love together and you give him that bullshit? Like, I barely couldn't finish the book...I just dropped it around Christmas day when they were celebrating Mackenzie birthday.
He has changed so much FOR YOU, and yet you can't change? I mean, seriously? I'm even surprised Liam changed that quickly given that he only had one session and she didn't tell him straight up about the pregnancy scare when she saw him. Like, I get it she was scared. I would be scared too. But, she is forgiven way too quickly. It's just ridiculous.
The rest of the characters got on my nerves. I couldn't stand them. Especially, Harper and Eric. Ugh, don't get me started on those two...Harper is the worst female protagonist sister I have ever encountered.
Paul? I mean the way Paul was feeling throughout the book was valid. I mean lol homegirl played him for 5 years. Only to find out her dead ex-husband is suddenly alive. And then Kennedy had the audacity to kick him out of his own house. I mean, hell, I would be bitter too.
Alexa? She's a bitch. That's all. Just your average stereotypical, manipulative female.
All the other characters are not important or are annoying.
Not surprised by this book. That's all I have to say.
Now, I didn't hate this book as much as I hated Destino or Ti Amo. This book is still horrible, but when you have read three of her books (which are all terrible) this book is like a masterpiece. So congratulations!
Now if you hated Mira from her Battaglia series, then I wouldn't suggest you read this book. Kennedy is a terrible female protagonist. She makes my blood boil. Plus, she's a whiny bitch. She comes across as self-centered and childish throughout the whole book even though she expresses in EVERY page how much she has changed. She makes mistakes countless of times in this book, and never grows from it. She's the same character throughout the book, even in the flashbacks. Her life always depended on Liam. Nothing else matters but Liam, except maybe Mackenzie (and even that is questionable at times).
Now Liam. I'm kind of mixed on his character. His whole character focuses on his PTSD, and him surviving torture for nearly 5 years. Like, that's insane. At times, I felt bad for him because he came back finding the woman he loved with somebody else, his daughter hating him (especially, in the first half), and his friends changing. I've heard stories of soldiers suffering through the pain of coming back home and having PTSD and this affects me because these type of people are serving this country. I really do feel bad Liam, and even though I have never been in war, I know the feeling of having the fear of being alone. Now, some of the stuff he does isn't justifiable. But, I'm glad he tried to get better step by step in order to be there for his wife and daughter.
HOWEVER...
The way Kennedy was handed in this story was frustrating. She treated Liam like shit tbh. I mean Liam treated her like shit also, but this dude has PTSD. I get that she had to call him out on his bullshit, and that is totally understandable. BUT, this guy needs you emotionally and physically. He doesn't need you running away and ranting every five seconds about how much of a fuck up he is. Kennedy whined about being alone for 5 years, yet what about Phil? Like, sis, you had a man to comfort you. You had your whole family to comfort you. This man had no one, but the memories of your love together and you give him that bullshit? Like, I barely couldn't finish the book...I just dropped it around Christmas day when they were celebrating Mackenzie birthday.
He has changed so much FOR YOU, and yet you can't change? I mean, seriously? I'm even surprised Liam changed that quickly given that he only had one session and she didn't tell him straight up about the pregnancy scare when she saw him. Like, I get it she was scared. I would be scared too. But, she is forgiven way too quickly. It's just ridiculous.
The rest of the characters got on my nerves. I couldn't stand them. Especially, Harper and Eric. Ugh, don't get me started on those two...Harper is the worst female protagonist sister I have ever encountered.
Paul? I mean the way Paul was feeling throughout the book was valid. I mean lol homegirl played him for 5 years. Only to find out her dead ex-husband is suddenly alive. And then Kennedy had the audacity to kick him out of his own house. I mean, hell, I would be bitter too.
Alexa? She's a bitch. That's all. Just your average stereotypical, manipulative female.
All the other characters are not important or are annoying.
Not surprised by this book. That's all I have to say.
December 10, 2016
3·5 Star Rating
Near the ending of this storyline became unbelievable to me, only because I am a conspiracy theorists, for over seven years, now, so with the knowledge of whistle-blowers they normally are unknown or have to be on the run under the grid for years if not for their entire life or speak on their experiences at the end of their life (near to death). So what Kennedy did to get her husband Liam back to her, seemed unrealistic as she and Liam would of got them both killed or missing. But I also understand this is a Romance book with HEA story, that's for the reason this story had to play out this way, but it did leave me feeling; with raised eyebrows and (really!), o......k. Also there were small editing mistake, which is very unusual for Sienna Mynx, but nothing to serious that would put you off enjoying the story, plots or characters in this book. I did not really like Kennedy as she seemed very needy even after her growth away from Liam for the five years apart, I really didn't see the independent, self-reliance, free thinking woman in Kennedy, she seemed to live, only for Liam, and the things she disagreed with Liam about, seemed immature about, on the other hand Liam seemed to be more a grown up, with him compromising his wants and desire then Kennedy, the importance of xmass, and showing off, as being united as a family, seemed very unrealistic, naive and she came across at times as a very self-centred, selfish little girl, not a woman who was made to grow up, resilient with pain and understanding of the predicament that her husband, Liam's been thru. Sienna Mynx is still one of my favourite authors and I would recommend this book! To my friends, family and anyone else who needed to read a contemporary book.
Near the ending of this storyline became unbelievable to me, only because I am a conspiracy theorists, for over seven years, now, so with the knowledge of whistle-blowers they normally are unknown or have to be on the run under the grid for years if not for their entire life or speak on their experiences at the end of their life (near to death). So what Kennedy did to get her husband Liam back to her, seemed unrealistic as she and Liam would of got them both killed or missing. But I also understand this is a Romance book with HEA story, that's for the reason this story had to play out this way, but it did leave me feeling; with raised eyebrows and (really!), o......k. Also there were small editing mistake, which is very unusual for Sienna Mynx, but nothing to serious that would put you off enjoying the story, plots or characters in this book. I did not really like Kennedy as she seemed very needy even after her growth away from Liam for the five years apart, I really didn't see the independent, self-reliance, free thinking woman in Kennedy, she seemed to live, only for Liam, and the things she disagreed with Liam about, seemed immature about, on the other hand Liam seemed to be more a grown up, with him compromising his wants and desire then Kennedy, the importance of xmass, and showing off, as being united as a family, seemed very unrealistic, naive and she came across at times as a very self-centred, selfish little girl, not a woman who was made to grow up, resilient with pain and understanding of the predicament that her husband, Liam's been thru. Sienna Mynx is still one of my favourite authors and I would recommend this book! To my friends, family and anyone else who needed to read a contemporary book.
January 22, 2019
Sweet Romance...yeah right!!
Throttle says it's a "Sweet Military Romance", but I didn't find much "sweetness" anywhere in this tale. This sat in my Library for months as I have a tendency to purchase book after book but take the time to read the newer purchases while letting older ones just sit.😊
Before Sunrise is one depressing gritty bleak tortuous read, well at least for me. But it grabbed my attention and held it from start to finish.
Kennedy & Liam were a couple that should not have been. She was too young and there was just so much pain, ugliness and one mistake after another made by everyone for years. But the H & H fight to get past it and rise up out of the cluster..to fix broken souls, hearts and erase some of those dumb mistakes.
There's an amazing portrayal of Special Ops/Covert Military missions..the danger, camaraderie and the politics involved. Liams "brothers" Vasquez and Eric are the real deal and all of the supporting characters make for an interesting tale that kept me glued despite my frustrations with so much asinine behavior.
It's a Hodge-podge of trauma, grief, lies, manipulations, immaturity, betrayal, mental-health, forgiveness, healing and love. Oh..And way too heavy handed on the sex scenes. But the stars do come out and there is a hopeful HEA, it's just one rough road to get there. Whew...😏
Throttle says it's a "Sweet Military Romance", but I didn't find much "sweetness" anywhere in this tale. This sat in my Library for months as I have a tendency to purchase book after book but take the time to read the newer purchases while letting older ones just sit.😊
Before Sunrise is one depressing gritty bleak tortuous read, well at least for me. But it grabbed my attention and held it from start to finish.
Kennedy & Liam were a couple that should not have been. She was too young and there was just so much pain, ugliness and one mistake after another made by everyone for years. But the H & H fight to get past it and rise up out of the cluster..to fix broken souls, hearts and erase some of those dumb mistakes.
There's an amazing portrayal of Special Ops/Covert Military missions..the danger, camaraderie and the politics involved. Liams "brothers" Vasquez and Eric are the real deal and all of the supporting characters make for an interesting tale that kept me glued despite my frustrations with so much asinine behavior.
It's a Hodge-podge of trauma, grief, lies, manipulations, immaturity, betrayal, mental-health, forgiveness, healing and love. Oh..And way too heavy handed on the sex scenes. But the stars do come out and there is a hopeful HEA, it's just one rough road to get there. Whew...😏
November 13, 2025
Good
I read this story years ago and recently bought it far my kindle. This author is gifted, her stories are fully developed. Storyline and plot was on point. Character development was on point. Sex scenes were hot. Liam and Kay met and fell in love as young people. Against the objections of her parents, especially her mother, they marry. Liam entered the Navy to provide for his family. On a mission he became a POW, but the Navy declared him dead. Life moved on his wife married another man who was raising his daughter. Phil, Kay's second husband, was kinda a butt. I couldn't really feel bad for him cause he knew what it was. Kay loved Liam! Love he came back she quickly choose Liam. Kay was so strong and sweet but at the same time she was a little weak. I wanted her to give Liam the business after he lost it in her bedroom. I wanted her go lose it with her mother! Her mother did too much. At that Christmas day dinner I wanted her to flip the table over on Phil and Alexa. She wasn't demonstrative enough far me. Overall this was a very good read.
I read this story years ago and recently bought it far my kindle. This author is gifted, her stories are fully developed. Storyline and plot was on point. Character development was on point. Sex scenes were hot. Liam and Kay met and fell in love as young people. Against the objections of her parents, especially her mother, they marry. Liam entered the Navy to provide for his family. On a mission he became a POW, but the Navy declared him dead. Life moved on his wife married another man who was raising his daughter. Phil, Kay's second husband, was kinda a butt. I couldn't really feel bad for him cause he knew what it was. Kay loved Liam! Love he came back she quickly choose Liam. Kay was so strong and sweet but at the same time she was a little weak. I wanted her to give Liam the business after he lost it in her bedroom. I wanted her go lose it with her mother! Her mother did too much. At that Christmas day dinner I wanted her to flip the table over on Phil and Alexa. She wasn't demonstrative enough far me. Overall this was a very good read.
May 23, 2017
Fabulous!!!!!!
I have given this book five stars as it was well written. The twists and turns just kept me captivated. It allowed the reader to have a little insight in how PTSD and the effects it has on people. All the characters intertwined beautifully. Liam was so strong yet vulnerable. He finally accepted he needed help and we all went on the journey with him. Great writing Sienna. It would be good to have a follow on book about Eric and Harper.
I have given this book five stars as it was well written. The twists and turns just kept me captivated. It allowed the reader to have a little insight in how PTSD and the effects it has on people. All the characters intertwined beautifully. Liam was so strong yet vulnerable. He finally accepted he needed help and we all went on the journey with him. Great writing Sienna. It would be good to have a follow on book about Eric and Harper.
October 14, 2021
Before Sunrise
The story you told is my of Liam and Kennedy it was beautiful and heart felt I love it , it made me cry ,but it also made me smile. That is my story I started out like Kennedy too , I feel like you read my mind Thank you for that Beautiful story.
The story you told is my of Liam and Kennedy it was beautiful and heart felt I love it , it made me cry ,but it also made me smile. That is my story I started out like Kennedy too , I feel like you read my mind Thank you for that Beautiful story.
May 10, 2017
Military love
A really good story about Liam and Kennedy and their trials and tribulations to have their life, love, and happy ever after!
A really good story about Liam and Kennedy and their trials and tribulations to have their life, love, and happy ever after!
July 17, 2019
It was a good read. There were twist, turns and angst. 3. 5 stars
April 3, 2020
Unputdownable!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This novel gutted me, made me mad, made me cry, made me laugh. It was life and love and family all rolled into one. Liam and Kay's journey is an unforgettable read. One of the best books I've read in a long time. Ten stars and counting.
This novel gutted me, made me mad, made me cry, made me laugh. It was life and love and family all rolled into one. Liam and Kay's journey is an unforgettable read. One of the best books I've read in a long time. Ten stars and counting.
December 26, 2020
This is another keeper by this incredible new favourite author of mine!
All the 5 Stars is for the hero!
All the 5 Stars is for the hero!
February 2, 2024
Great Read
New author for me, I will be reading more of her books. Well written and captivating. I would recommend it
New author for me, I will be reading more of her books. Well written and captivating. I would recommend it
April 29, 2012
First and foremost, I did purchase this novel initially from Amazon but the formatting was defective on my Kindle Fire so I returned it and purchased it from Smashwords where the formatting was perfect.
This is a very steamy novel but above all, it is a love story and the writing was beautiful and kept me up for three days to see what happened between Kennedy and Liam. I have fallen in love with all these stories about the military and their wives so I highly doubt this will be the last one I read. I have also purchased Come Back To Me, The Grunt (The Lonely Heart Series) and Sand. It is so easy to get caught up in all the rhetoric about how we are fighting terrorists and forget the families left behind, the lives destroyed and the havoc war wreaks on our servicemen, and women's lives.
I suppose it is even more poignant as I live near Nellis Air Force Base and I have interacted with military personnel so I know what is realistic and how they behave. I must say all the novels I have read about the military so far have been very accurate and this one is no different.
So why not five stars? There was a lot of unnecessary drama in this novel which got in the way of a very good story. There were also a couple of plot holes which were closed up a little too pat and I would have preferred some explanation. There also seemed to be other characters with too much screen time when I thought this was the Kay and Liam show. I didn't get anything out of Harper or her parents or all the side-stories and found myself flipping past those areas of the book.
Overall, I was very pleased with this author and have ordered another four novels by her so she didn't turn me off in the least bit.
If you like stories with steamy love scenes and military personnel as well as stories which deal with very difficult issues then you will enjoy this. It is intense at times and it is not just a light-hearted Harlequin romance.
This is a very steamy novel but above all, it is a love story and the writing was beautiful and kept me up for three days to see what happened between Kennedy and Liam. I have fallen in love with all these stories about the military and their wives so I highly doubt this will be the last one I read. I have also purchased Come Back To Me, The Grunt (The Lonely Heart Series) and Sand. It is so easy to get caught up in all the rhetoric about how we are fighting terrorists and forget the families left behind, the lives destroyed and the havoc war wreaks on our servicemen, and women's lives.
I suppose it is even more poignant as I live near Nellis Air Force Base and I have interacted with military personnel so I know what is realistic and how they behave. I must say all the novels I have read about the military so far have been very accurate and this one is no different.
So why not five stars? There was a lot of unnecessary drama in this novel which got in the way of a very good story. There were also a couple of plot holes which were closed up a little too pat and I would have preferred some explanation. There also seemed to be other characters with too much screen time when I thought this was the Kay and Liam show. I didn't get anything out of Harper or her parents or all the side-stories and found myself flipping past those areas of the book.
Overall, I was very pleased with this author and have ordered another four novels by her so she didn't turn me off in the least bit.
If you like stories with steamy love scenes and military personnel as well as stories which deal with very difficult issues then you will enjoy this. It is intense at times and it is not just a light-hearted Harlequin romance.
May 23, 2025
My books arrived today and as soon as I got home from work I threw on my pj's and settled down for a great read. I had the pleasure of reading one of Sienna Minx’s books for the first time last Saturday it was La Famiglia and instantly I was hooked and wanted more. This book did not disappoint. If you are not a fan of romance-this book is not for you. if you don't love a real world romance that is still a tear jerker do not pick this book up! I read it from cover to cover and still craved more. What a great and powerful story! I have friends in the military that are serving and this book hit home for me. Set after 9/11 it really looks at the sacrifices made by our soldiers as well as their spouses and family. Before Sunrise is an amazing story of love and faith. I cried like a baby and could not put it down. Sienna has an amazing affinity for making her characters jump off the pages and feel like couples you know or she makes you remember how you felt when you first fell in love! I love how spirited yet endearing the kids in her romances are they are such funny little scene stealers. I am 100% a fan and I cannot wait to read my other 2 books tomorrow when they arrive on my doorstep. It is nice to see such a talented writer-I have not loved an IR romance or more importantly just a romance novel so much since I read The Grunt. I cannot choose which one I love more, but if you read and like one you must read the other one and fall in love! They are very different but I like that the characters in both books are very real world and they have their problems but love works hard to conquer it all. Hopefully the love story is coming for Harper and Eric?
December 10, 2012
Kennedy is married to Liam and is pregnant when he leaves on a covert mission. The op goes wrong and all his buddies return while Liam is presumed dead. Five years later, he's rescued. Why did it take our government that long to gather information of his detention and then send a team in to rescue him? Especially since they did not have a body which would be proof positive the man had been killed and not MIA. In the years her husband is missing, Kennedy is pursued by a man who is crazy about her. The year before Liam is found, she marries Phil, the other guy. Up until Phil learns Liam is alive, he has basically walked in the dark as far as Kennedy is concerned. And when Liam is back, allows Kennedy's mother to encourage him to continue pursuing her daughter despite his knowing how Kennedy truly feels, even after the baby scare. What distracted me was Liam's attitude, that macho 'I know I'm sick but I can deal while making everyone else miserable'. Kennedy's mother loves Phil and tries to sabotage Kennedy's reunion with Liam, I'm guessing because a white man from the wrong side of town isn't good enough for her daughter. And there's the plot to have Liam silenced because he knows too much about the op that went wrong. In the end, Kennedy has to save him. If not for the mother's belligerent disdain for Liam and the female officer who was way over the top with her desire for Liam and her ability to fabricate things to get him from Kennedy, and whinny Phil, I would have liked this book more.
July 3, 2014
I felt like I've been watching a movie while reading this book. This story was well written. Struggle. Hurt. Pain. Forgiveness. Love. All wrapped up in one. I enjoyed the flashed backs because it give us an insight as to how Liam and Kennedy came about, how their lives started, and the obstacles they faced at the time because of her age and how they made it as a couple in the beginning. Liam's return after 5 yrs being a POW was heartwarming. But even though everyone was happy for his return, it was hard to see him get out of control (fight) when certain situations arise. Kay and Liam has been apart for five yrs but that still didn't stop the connection that they had. Yes there were things to be fixed especially with their daughter involved but their love for each other was strong. It never lacked in anyway even when others in their lives tried to cause them to separate. Kennedy fought for her soldier boy till the end. Great read.
P.S. What's the word with Harper and Eric? I mean come on Sienna. All you left us with was they were going out for dinner. Wish they can get a story.
P.S. What's the word with Harper and Eric? I mean come on Sienna. All you left us with was they were going out for dinner. Wish they can get a story.
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