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The Vacant Chair
The Civil War has torn Brianna Taylor’s family apart and made her a widow. Determined to ease the suffering of the wounded crowding the Union hospitals and honor the memory of the man she loved, she embarks on a career as a nurse. But then he arrives—a patient who makes her feel alive again in spite of her resolve to stay detached.
Captain Justin Thompson understands the cost of war all too well, yet he felt compelled to fight for the Union his father died defending. Wounded at Cold Harbor and left to die at a military hospital, he owes his life to Brianna, who seems determined to guard her professional boundaries despite his best efforts to breach them. Just as he’s winning the battle for her heart, he’s forced to return to the front of a cruel war that could very well separate them forever.
Captain Justin Thompson understands the cost of war all too well, yet he felt compelled to fight for the Union his father died defending. Wounded at Cold Harbor and left to die at a military hospital, he owes his life to Brianna, who seems determined to guard her professional boundaries despite his best efforts to breach them. Just as he’s winning the battle for her heart, he’s forced to return to the front of a cruel war that could very well separate them forever.
375 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
18 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,805 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 22, 2013
Wonderful, romantic and a heartbreaking tale of love loss and newly found. Set in the 1800's during the Civil War; Kaylea does a great job in setting the vivid scenes showing both the tender and harsh sides associated with the atrocities of war.
This showcases a different facet to Kaylea Cross' writing, as this being her first historical romance, and let me tell you that it's a beauty. To her fans she's well known for her great military romantic suspense and whilst this may not be as fast paced as her other books, the old fashion romance makes up for it in spades. The love scenes are beautifully written and her alpha male heroes never fail to make my toes curl. Enjoy!
This showcases a different facet to Kaylea Cross' writing, as this being her first historical romance, and let me tell you that it's a beauty. To her fans she's well known for her great military romantic suspense and whilst this may not be as fast paced as her other books, the old fashion romance makes up for it in spades. The love scenes are beautifully written and her alpha male heroes never fail to make my toes curl. Enjoy!
June 7, 2013
4.5 Love this author, thought she did great on her first historical!
June 5, 2013
Originally published at The Rookie Romance Blog.
I'll be honest, I don't know a whole lot about the American civil war. But Kaylea Cross paints such a vivid picture of life at the time. I learnt a lot, and it all felt so accurate and detailed, but it was never boring.
I was very intrigued by the blurb and started reading this story with eagerness. Although, in retrospect, I should not have started reading at night because it was almost impossible to put down!
Brianna and Justin meet briefly when she is on her way to the depot hospital in White House Landing, when she has problems with her wagon. Justin stops to help Brianna and her friend, the sparks are flying, but they part ways. Then Justin is brought to Brianna's hospital with a very serious injury. It's not long before Justin slips under her skin, despite the distance she tries to maintain. Before long they're falling in love, but when they're separated again, will it be permanently, or will they be happily reunited?
Brianna and Justin are both very likable from the outset, and they had a great instantaneous connection. Brianna is so determined to help the wounded men, and she is very compassionate and kind, the perfect nurse. She also has hidden pain, from the loss of her husband. She's such a strong woman though, she perseveres through any hardships and will do anything for the people she loves.
Justin is very charming and handsome, but he's also extremely loyal, kind and protective. I loved his relationship with his brother, Mitch. They were sweet and you could feel how close they are and how important family is to him. Justin suffers so much in this story, and it was so emotional watching him struggle and then seeing how Brianna helped him to heal. Their romance is passionate and poignant, as they struggle to hold on to happiness in such a turbulent and dangerous time.
I was swept straight into this heart-wrenching, emotional journey and I had no choice but to love every minute. There was a scene (no spoilers so I can't be specific) where I literally had to put my kindle down and have a minute or two to compose myself, I was just a sobbing mess! It's just written so beautifully and I enjoyed every word!! I couldn't recommend this enough.
*I received a review copy from Lit Connect, for my honest review. Thank you!
I'll be honest, I don't know a whole lot about the American civil war. But Kaylea Cross paints such a vivid picture of life at the time. I learnt a lot, and it all felt so accurate and detailed, but it was never boring.
I was very intrigued by the blurb and started reading this story with eagerness. Although, in retrospect, I should not have started reading at night because it was almost impossible to put down!
Brianna and Justin meet briefly when she is on her way to the depot hospital in White House Landing, when she has problems with her wagon. Justin stops to help Brianna and her friend, the sparks are flying, but they part ways. Then Justin is brought to Brianna's hospital with a very serious injury. It's not long before Justin slips under her skin, despite the distance she tries to maintain. Before long they're falling in love, but when they're separated again, will it be permanently, or will they be happily reunited?
Brianna and Justin are both very likable from the outset, and they had a great instantaneous connection. Brianna is so determined to help the wounded men, and she is very compassionate and kind, the perfect nurse. She also has hidden pain, from the loss of her husband. She's such a strong woman though, she perseveres through any hardships and will do anything for the people she loves.
Justin is very charming and handsome, but he's also extremely loyal, kind and protective. I loved his relationship with his brother, Mitch. They were sweet and you could feel how close they are and how important family is to him. Justin suffers so much in this story, and it was so emotional watching him struggle and then seeing how Brianna helped him to heal. Their romance is passionate and poignant, as they struggle to hold on to happiness in such a turbulent and dangerous time.
I was swept straight into this heart-wrenching, emotional journey and I had no choice but to love every minute. There was a scene (no spoilers so I can't be specific) where I literally had to put my kindle down and have a minute or two to compose myself, I was just a sobbing mess! It's just written so beautifully and I enjoyed every word!! I couldn't recommend this enough.
*I received a review copy from Lit Connect, for my honest review. Thank you!
October 20, 2015
If I could give more than 5* for this story it would be 10 *.
Vacant Chair is one of the best historical romance books that I have ever read. I am impressed by Kaylea's Cross love for details and historical accuracy.
Th story was set in in the 1800's during the Civil War and brings together two people in the most impossible and improbable times that maybe in another lifetime would have never met.
After her husband died at the beginning of the war and seeing that there was a desperate need of help Brianna becomes a nurse with the help of a young doctor. She is a nurse in the depot hospital in White House Landing.
Justin was a caption in the Union Army - a Wolverine and on his way to combat when he briefly met Brianna. Sparks were flying around them but they didn't get much time together.
When Justin is wounded Brianna steps in and takes care of him even though a doctor didn't give him much chances of survival.
Brianna's dedication is what Justin needed to get better.
I loved the way the story slowed down around the characters allowing them to slowly get to know each other and feelings to grow.
When Justin gets better and is sent home to heal together with his brother both characters are faced with separation and their feelings. They promise to find each other after the war.
What follows is a beautiful love story growing steady even though Justin and Brianna are separated.
Their story was romantic, heartbreaking, sweet in times of war. I loved their letters are how they kept in touch.
I couldn't put the book down until they had their happy ending.
Kaylea Cross did an amazing job in setting, describing the vivid scenes showing the war, the harsh environment of those times and the atrocities of war.
I would say that nobody describes better than KC combat actions. Again I felt I am there seeing the events unfolding.
The love scenes between Justin and Brianna are some of the sweetest that KC wrote. They just flowed with the story.
I was impressed with the amount of research that Kaylea Cross did to be able to bring to light such a beautiful story.
A MUST READ story if you love historical romance or not. I highly recommend this book.
Vacant Chair is one of the best historical romance books that I have ever read. I am impressed by Kaylea's Cross love for details and historical accuracy.
Th story was set in in the 1800's during the Civil War and brings together two people in the most impossible and improbable times that maybe in another lifetime would have never met.
After her husband died at the beginning of the war and seeing that there was a desperate need of help Brianna becomes a nurse with the help of a young doctor. She is a nurse in the depot hospital in White House Landing.
Justin was a caption in the Union Army - a Wolverine and on his way to combat when he briefly met Brianna. Sparks were flying around them but they didn't get much time together.
When Justin is wounded Brianna steps in and takes care of him even though a doctor didn't give him much chances of survival.
Brianna's dedication is what Justin needed to get better.
I loved the way the story slowed down around the characters allowing them to slowly get to know each other and feelings to grow.
When Justin gets better and is sent home to heal together with his brother both characters are faced with separation and their feelings. They promise to find each other after the war.
What follows is a beautiful love story growing steady even though Justin and Brianna are separated.
Their story was romantic, heartbreaking, sweet in times of war. I loved their letters are how they kept in touch.
I couldn't put the book down until they had their happy ending.
Kaylea Cross did an amazing job in setting, describing the vivid scenes showing the war, the harsh environment of those times and the atrocities of war.
I would say that nobody describes better than KC combat actions. Again I felt I am there seeing the events unfolding.
The love scenes between Justin and Brianna are some of the sweetest that KC wrote. They just flowed with the story.
I was impressed with the amount of research that Kaylea Cross did to be able to bring to light such a beautiful story.
A MUST READ story if you love historical romance or not. I highly recommend this book.
May 4, 2020
Very different from her other books
I am writing this review for those who don't normally read historical romance (like myself). I don't really like the genre, for a few reasons. The books tell both history and the story, so they tend to drag on and on over long periods of time. Most historical romances play of in depressing times of history, and are filled with tradegy.
I get that many people love that, and that is great. For this reason I ratedbthe book a 4, because I cannot blame it if I don't like the genre. It is well written and the characters are likeable. I actually enjoyed it a lot till about one third in, but then then it turned true to the genre.
I bought it as I like the author and it had good reviews. But it is not at all similar to her other books and the reviews were written by readers very different from myself (which is fine).
Everyone talks about steamy love scenes, bit it is pretty similar to most contemporary books. I agree with some that the last section was unnecessary and it actually stole the book's climax.
So not my cup of tea.
I am writing this review for those who don't normally read historical romance (like myself). I don't really like the genre, for a few reasons. The books tell both history and the story, so they tend to drag on and on over long periods of time. Most historical romances play of in depressing times of history, and are filled with tradegy.
I get that many people love that, and that is great. For this reason I ratedbthe book a 4, because I cannot blame it if I don't like the genre. It is well written and the characters are likeable. I actually enjoyed it a lot till about one third in, but then then it turned true to the genre.
I bought it as I like the author and it had good reviews. But it is not at all similar to her other books and the reviews were written by readers very different from myself (which is fine).
Everyone talks about steamy love scenes, bit it is pretty similar to most contemporary books. I agree with some that the last section was unnecessary and it actually stole the book's climax.
So not my cup of tea.
February 11, 2025
Sweet, sometimes sad, very satisfying.
December 6, 2017
One of the best historical romance I have read. I love that civil war genre and kaylea cross did an amazing job. Hope that she will have a new historical book coming up soon. I can't wait.
November 13, 2019
One for the history books
Loved this heart-wrenching story. The Revolutionary war destroyed a lot, families and towns were hit the hardest. Despite all that Brianna lost, she was able to rebuild her life. Justin "lost" his family to war, but finding Brianna he won back so much more.
Kaylea Cross out did herself with this amazing story.
Loved this heart-wrenching story. The Revolutionary war destroyed a lot, families and towns were hit the hardest. Despite all that Brianna lost, she was able to rebuild her life. Justin "lost" his family to war, but finding Brianna he won back so much more.
Kaylea Cross out did herself with this amazing story.
May 13, 2013
Originally posted on What I'm Reading
Last night I decided to start The Vacant Chair by Kaylea Cross. I really wasn't feeling like reading, so I had to put the book down. I'm kind of glad I did, because this book demanded my full attention. I don't say this to often, but I couldn't put The Vacant Chair down today. I had to finish it. A stellar read. I'm not kidding. Normally, I don't go towards Civil War time frame books. Let's be honest, I tend to read a lot of Regency or Victorian, but this was amazing. Seriously, worth the time.
First off, LOVED the story! We first meet Brianna Taylor who happens to be a widow during the Civil War. After she lost her husband she decided to help the cause by becoming a nurse. She could have wallow in herself pity and said, "Oh poor me, I lost my husband." No; she didn't. All she cared about was improving the conditions in these makeshift hospitals. What a strong heroine! I love that she put everyone else's needs before hers.
By a chance encounter, the hero Captain Justin Thompson happens to help Brianna and her friend out. Which is good thing, because the time came when he needed help and she was there to save him. So, the attraction begins while he was recuperating from his injuries.
Honestly, I can go on and on about how great The Vacant Chair is. Truly not a story you want to miss. I was mesmerized by the story from the beginning to the end. Plus, I think the Civil War setting was perfect for this story. You get a great sense that war is an ugly thing, but at the same time good things can happen. What a great romance! You see how the relationship is built between Brianna and Justin. Yes, a great read! So, if you are looking for a captivating story set in the Civil War, please read The Vacant Chair, because it's marvelously written.
Copy provided through Lit Connect
Last night I decided to start The Vacant Chair by Kaylea Cross. I really wasn't feeling like reading, so I had to put the book down. I'm kind of glad I did, because this book demanded my full attention. I don't say this to often, but I couldn't put The Vacant Chair down today. I had to finish it. A stellar read. I'm not kidding. Normally, I don't go towards Civil War time frame books. Let's be honest, I tend to read a lot of Regency or Victorian, but this was amazing. Seriously, worth the time.
First off, LOVED the story! We first meet Brianna Taylor who happens to be a widow during the Civil War. After she lost her husband she decided to help the cause by becoming a nurse. She could have wallow in herself pity and said, "Oh poor me, I lost my husband." No; she didn't. All she cared about was improving the conditions in these makeshift hospitals. What a strong heroine! I love that she put everyone else's needs before hers.
By a chance encounter, the hero Captain Justin Thompson happens to help Brianna and her friend out. Which is good thing, because the time came when he needed help and she was there to save him. So, the attraction begins while he was recuperating from his injuries.
Honestly, I can go on and on about how great The Vacant Chair is. Truly not a story you want to miss. I was mesmerized by the story from the beginning to the end. Plus, I think the Civil War setting was perfect for this story. You get a great sense that war is an ugly thing, but at the same time good things can happen. What a great romance! You see how the relationship is built between Brianna and Justin. Yes, a great read! So, if you are looking for a captivating story set in the Civil War, please read The Vacant Chair, because it's marvelously written.
Copy provided through Lit Connect
September 19, 2023
Amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, Brianna Taylor finds herself not only a widow but also separated from her family. Driven by a deep desire to alleviate the suffering of wounded soldiers and to honor her late husband's memory, she embarks on a journey to become a nurse. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Captain Justin Thompson arrives at the Union hospital where she works.
Captain Thompson, a soldier who has seen the harsh realities of war firsthand, feels a strong connection with Brianna, despite her attempts to maintain emotional distance from her patients. As their paths cross and their connection deepens, Brianna finds herself torn between her professional duties and the growing affection she feels for Justin. Just when it seems they might find love amid the chaos of war, duty calls Justin back to the front lines, threatening to separate them once more.
I found the story to be quite engaging overall. While there was a certain part towards the end that might have been unnecessary, it's possible the author wanted to provide more insight into the real-life historical context.
Brianna's character is truly remarkable. Her resilience and determination shine through, especially in the face of the numerous hardships she's had to endure, often alone. The loss of nearly everyone she holds dear only seems to fuel her determination even more.
On the other hand, Justin's unwavering sense of duty is truly admirable. His commitment to his responsibilities adds depth to his character and reflects the sacrifices many individuals made during that challenging period in history.
Although there were moments when the story seemed to slow down a bit, the author's meticulous attention to historical detail was commendable. The narrative accuracy was impressive, and the way the author managed the passage of time within the story was handled skillfully.
Captain Thompson, a soldier who has seen the harsh realities of war firsthand, feels a strong connection with Brianna, despite her attempts to maintain emotional distance from her patients. As their paths cross and their connection deepens, Brianna finds herself torn between her professional duties and the growing affection she feels for Justin. Just when it seems they might find love amid the chaos of war, duty calls Justin back to the front lines, threatening to separate them once more.
I found the story to be quite engaging overall. While there was a certain part towards the end that might have been unnecessary, it's possible the author wanted to provide more insight into the real-life historical context.
Brianna's character is truly remarkable. Her resilience and determination shine through, especially in the face of the numerous hardships she's had to endure, often alone. The loss of nearly everyone she holds dear only seems to fuel her determination even more.
On the other hand, Justin's unwavering sense of duty is truly admirable. His commitment to his responsibilities adds depth to his character and reflects the sacrifices many individuals made during that challenging period in history.
Although there were moments when the story seemed to slow down a bit, the author's meticulous attention to historical detail was commendable. The narrative accuracy was impressive, and the way the author managed the passage of time within the story was handled skillfully.
June 11, 2013
As you may know by now I am a huge history geek and so when the opportunity to review The Vacant Chair, a civil war romance, came around I lept at the chance. I am extremely glad I did. While a work of fiction the accurate historical detail is astounding.
The hero of The Vacant Chair is Justin Thompson a captain in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry known as the Wolverines. Justin and his brother Mitch are both injured and end up in a Union army hospital where a beautiful nurse he met in passing is working, Brianna.
While she helps to restore his health they fall in love.
Breanna is a widow who saw her first husband die at the beginning of the Civil War in appalling conditions in an army hospital because of that she dedicates herself to becoming a nurse and saving as many young men as she can. Brianna because of her dedication saves Justin's life when he is wounded and brought to her hospital.
This romance follows some of the ugliest fighting and situations of any war in this countries history. The detail is rich and descriptive as well as moving and heartbreaking. Ms. Cross brings us into the war and into the lives of not only Justin and Breanna but of their families as well. The gripping tale of long distance love during a time of war and the anticipation and worry are written in a way that you can feel it along with the characters in the story.
While this does have some steam it doesn't reach what I would consider erotic and is done well so it flows with the story and doesn't feel like the author added it to make the book racy. It is very well done. Overall I must say this is well worth your time to read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The hero of The Vacant Chair is Justin Thompson a captain in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry known as the Wolverines. Justin and his brother Mitch are both injured and end up in a Union army hospital where a beautiful nurse he met in passing is working, Brianna.
While she helps to restore his health they fall in love.
Breanna is a widow who saw her first husband die at the beginning of the Civil War in appalling conditions in an army hospital because of that she dedicates herself to becoming a nurse and saving as many young men as she can. Brianna because of her dedication saves Justin's life when he is wounded and brought to her hospital.
This romance follows some of the ugliest fighting and situations of any war in this countries history. The detail is rich and descriptive as well as moving and heartbreaking. Ms. Cross brings us into the war and into the lives of not only Justin and Breanna but of their families as well. The gripping tale of long distance love during a time of war and the anticipation and worry are written in a way that you can feel it along with the characters in the story.
While this does have some steam it doesn't reach what I would consider erotic and is done well so it flows with the story and doesn't feel like the author added it to make the book racy. It is very well done. Overall I must say this is well worth your time to read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2013
There is only one word to describe this book and that is AWESOME!!!
This book was so out of my usual genre, preferring Contemporary Romance, Erotica, New Young Adult, but having read all of Kaylea Cross's other books (Military Romance and Paranormal), I bought this the day of release as well and I loved it too bits and didn't want it to end. This is a full length novel, but I could have carried on and on.
The novel is set during the American Civil War so you also get a bit of a history lesson. Not too much to bore someone who isn't interested in the War, but enough to give you an idea about it, and one thing you can guarantee is that it will all be fact, as Ms Cross has been praised in previous books for her factual content.
Both characters, Justin and Bree are loveable right from the beginning and you can feel the attraction between them. Their first meeting is short and the second so much longer, because Justin is Bree's patient in the hospital. I so wish she'd given him a proper sponge bath lol.
Once Justin is released from the hospital they separate yet again, but finally come together (make sure you have a fan handy), but it still isn't easy sailing for them both and of course there are a few more, fan needed, scenes.
This was my first historical romance book that I've read in years and I really really really hope that Ms Cross write more of these. Maybe Morgan and Cahill?????
The author has a wonderful style of writing and I only hope in future years, to be able to write as well as she does.
Thank you for an amazing read and I can't wait for the next one!!!
This book was so out of my usual genre, preferring Contemporary Romance, Erotica, New Young Adult, but having read all of Kaylea Cross's other books (Military Romance and Paranormal), I bought this the day of release as well and I loved it too bits and didn't want it to end. This is a full length novel, but I could have carried on and on.
The novel is set during the American Civil War so you also get a bit of a history lesson. Not too much to bore someone who isn't interested in the War, but enough to give you an idea about it, and one thing you can guarantee is that it will all be fact, as Ms Cross has been praised in previous books for her factual content.
Both characters, Justin and Bree are loveable right from the beginning and you can feel the attraction between them. Their first meeting is short and the second so much longer, because Justin is Bree's patient in the hospital. I so wish she'd given him a proper sponge bath lol.
Once Justin is released from the hospital they separate yet again, but finally come together (make sure you have a fan handy), but it still isn't easy sailing for them both and of course there are a few more, fan needed, scenes.
This was my first historical romance book that I've read in years and I really really really hope that Ms Cross write more of these. Maybe Morgan and Cahill?????
The author has a wonderful style of writing and I only hope in future years, to be able to write as well as she does.
Thank you for an amazing read and I can't wait for the next one!!!
January 24, 2015
I loved this book! I have read everything Kaylea wrote and decided to read this while taking a history class as a complimentary read. I never expected to be drawn in and laugh and cry and feel like I was living everyday next to a woman working as a nurse/doctor in a field hospital during the civil war. I grew to understand how much more complicated the entire situation was emotionally for the women who lived through this time. Women who loved men on both sides and worried day and night. Families torn apart because of a difference in opinion on the issue of slavery and where they owned property. What was considered an acceptable philosophy for those that did not agree but were afraid to stand for what they believed. Powerful, Passionate and profound that is what this story is. A must read for any historical romance reader!!!!
June 1, 2013
This was one of the most beautifully written books I have read. The Civil War background, for this historical, represents such a sad time for our country! An ugly war with brother against brother! That being said, what an awesome story! I laughed and cried and fell in love right along with Brianna. I was broken hearted when the book ended - because I so wanted more! I now go and listen to the song The Vacant Chair and relive the book all over again. It is proudly displayed on my KEEPER list! Highly recommend for all lovers of historical books or romance books.
June 18, 2013
Kaylea Cross has written a story with the perfect blend of history, romance and character. Her characters come alive on the page. By the end of the book Brianna and Justin felt like close friends. The historical elements are astoundingly detailed as well - but they don't overwhelm the story. This book has it all. I highly recommend it to readers of any genre.
January 5, 2015
This is one of the best novels I have had the pleasure to read in a long time. A real page turner, it is packed with a perfect blend of romance, history, adventure and has a riveting storyline. I highly recommend it to those who love historical fiction.
May 1, 2013
WOW once again Kaylea did it, a winner! I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Even today I keep thinking about Justin and Breanna. This is a 10 star and a MUST read. You rock girl !
May 9, 2013
Another brilliant read by the awesome Kaylea Cross.
June 7, 2013
Really Really enjoyed this read. I cried reading a couple of scenes!! I would highly recommend this book.
November 17, 2015
Closer to 3 1//2 stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews