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Aftermath: Guts and Glory
When the brother he idolized is killed in action in Afghanistan, Kyle Barrett is rocked to his core. With his only confidant gone, Kyle struggles to deal with the loss, while fighting to keep his hidden sexuality a secret from his parents. If only he didn’t have to face them alone.
Army veteran, Ryder Bishop has returned from his final tour in Iraq, when severe PTSD forces him to seek help through a new counseling program back home in Texas. Just when Ryder thinks he’s reached the end of his rope, he meets Kyle, and their lives take a remarkable turn.
Can the grieving brother and damaged soldier find the peace they so desperately need? Or will they become statistics when the aftermath of war hits too close to home?
They might have shipped the soldier home, but his demons have come with him.
Be Warned: m/m sex, rimming, and food play.
Army veteran, Ryder Bishop has returned from his final tour in Iraq, when severe PTSD forces him to seek help through a new counseling program back home in Texas. Just when Ryder thinks he’s reached the end of his rope, he meets Kyle, and their lives take a remarkable turn.
Can the grieving brother and damaged soldier find the peace they so desperately need? Or will they become statistics when the aftermath of war hits too close to home?
They might have shipped the soldier home, but his demons have come with him.
Be Warned: m/m sex, rimming, and food play.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2013
6 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Tyler Robbins
14 books62 followersTyler Robbins is the pen name of author Robin Badillo, who lives in a small Texas town and is the mother of four nearly grown kids, two boys and two girls.
Tyler enjoys stepping out of her comfort zone and pushes the envelope on the stories she writes every chance she gets. She hopes her readers are just as thrilled as she is with the chances she’s taking.
Always the optimist, Tyler is a firm believer that grey hair is merely God’s graffiti!
Tyler enjoys stepping out of her comfort zone and pushes the envelope on the stories she writes every chance she gets. She hopes her readers are just as thrilled as she is with the chances she’s taking.
Always the optimist, Tyler is a firm believer that grey hair is merely God’s graffiti!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 16, 2013
4.25*
This was at times a very sad, touching and difficult book to read, but it was also hopeful, positive and it left me with both tears and a smile.
Both Kyle and Ryder are at the beginning of a journey. A journey of grieving and anger, mourning and healing and then of course slowly moving towards hope and love.
Kyle grieves for his brother Wade, his idol and best friend and it seems he has to deal with it alone.
Ryder is also trying to come back from the hell the war has unleashed on his thoughts.
He doesn't sleep and when he does it's full of nightmares and fear, he's in counseling and wants to move on and get better.
This quote sums up both of these young men's place in time at the beginning of this story:
“His darkness needed space. Space to breathe, space to settle, and space to eventually die out … if that was even possible.”
They meet and form a friendship, at first it is based on sexual attraction, even if Ryder refuses to act on it. Kyle is a virgin and Ryder is reluctant to change that.
I have to say, I really appreciated that the soldier is not in the closet, he is not hiding his sexuality, right from the start, that part goes to Kyle, even if it doesn't play as huge an issue as the blurb lead me to believe.
The difference in the two men's families is huge, even if Ryder is away from them, he knows they love and accept him.
I saw Kyle's impressions of his parents, as cold and distant. There really is very little interaction with them, without Wade, Kyle does seem to be isolated, at least until Ryder enters his world.
Once Ryder and Kyle do move on to a sexual relationship it is hot and heavy and frequent, and despite Ryder trying to be all tough and distant, he really is such a sweetheart and I loved the gift he gives to Kyle at the end.
There are some very nice side characters Ressa, who is Wade's girlfriend and a very nice female character and actually I found all the supporting characters to be just that, supportive and understanding.
There was a bit of drama that at first I wasn't sure about, but the longer I thought about it the more I understood it.
I shed a few tears during this book, Kyle really made Wade feel present in this story, I liked him and felt sad for his loss of life and for all the young men and woman he represents.
I think this book shows well, that even of you are back from the war ( or whatever battle each one of us might be fighting) that doesn't mean it's over. The demons and weight of it all is still there and just because the wounds aren't visible doesn't mean they are any less painful. But watching Ryder and Kyle and even Kyle's parents and Reesa's progress left me hopeful and happy for them.
I would love to see more of these guys and what the future holds for them.
This was at times a very sad, touching and difficult book to read, but it was also hopeful, positive and it left me with both tears and a smile.
Both Kyle and Ryder are at the beginning of a journey. A journey of grieving and anger, mourning and healing and then of course slowly moving towards hope and love.
Kyle grieves for his brother Wade, his idol and best friend and it seems he has to deal with it alone.
Ryder is also trying to come back from the hell the war has unleashed on his thoughts.
He doesn't sleep and when he does it's full of nightmares and fear, he's in counseling and wants to move on and get better.
This quote sums up both of these young men's place in time at the beginning of this story:
“His darkness needed space. Space to breathe, space to settle, and space to eventually die out … if that was even possible.”
They meet and form a friendship, at first it is based on sexual attraction, even if Ryder refuses to act on it. Kyle is a virgin and Ryder is reluctant to change that.
I have to say, I really appreciated that the soldier is not in the closet, he is not hiding his sexuality, right from the start, that part goes to Kyle, even if it doesn't play as huge an issue as the blurb lead me to believe.
The difference in the two men's families is huge, even if Ryder is away from them, he knows they love and accept him.
I saw Kyle's impressions of his parents, as cold and distant. There really is very little interaction with them, without Wade, Kyle does seem to be isolated, at least until Ryder enters his world.
Once Ryder and Kyle do move on to a sexual relationship it is hot and heavy and frequent, and despite Ryder trying to be all tough and distant, he really is such a sweetheart and I loved the gift he gives to Kyle at the end.
There are some very nice side characters Ressa, who is Wade's girlfriend and a very nice female character and actually I found all the supporting characters to be just that, supportive and understanding.
There was a bit of drama that at first I wasn't sure about, but the longer I thought about it the more I understood it.
I shed a few tears during this book, Kyle really made Wade feel present in this story, I liked him and felt sad for his loss of life and for all the young men and woman he represents.
I think this book shows well, that even of you are back from the war ( or whatever battle each one of us might be fighting) that doesn't mean it's over. The demons and weight of it all is still there and just because the wounds aren't visible doesn't mean they are any less painful. But watching Ryder and Kyle and even Kyle's parents and Reesa's progress left me hopeful and happy for them.
I would love to see more of these guys and what the future holds for them.
July 27, 2013
While I really, really enjoyed this book, it was a tough one to read because of the subject matter. BOTH MCs were suffering through serious issues of loss and PTSD which made for some hardcore angst that put the romance firmly in the backseat. Hey, I'm all about the angst, but this one had me hoping for a splash of the paranormal to get these boys to smile just a little bit! But once the romance got going, it was lovely and perfect and the HEA was glorious and wonderful. But Ms. Robbins sure did put these two Texas cuties through their paces to get there!
Absolutely recommended to all lovers of military boys and angst and passionate, hot sex. This one is right up your ally! Enjoy!
Absolutely recommended to all lovers of military boys and angst and passionate, hot sex. This one is right up your ally! Enjoy!
September 15, 2013
What's that heart? You would like to be placed back in my chest?
This book is aptly named, and sure to provide a firm punch to the gut with it's breath taking storyline and characters. With a deep sense of grief in multiple ways, the reader is able to delve into the lives of Kyle of Ryder. More then just watch them, we get to feel with them, too, from the complicated feelings of loss to the suffering that comes as a result of war.
‘All gave some, some gave all.’
I tend to stay away from books that involve PTSD, as the line of work I'm going to in the future is actually military psychology. I'm always afraid that I'll be faced with glaring inaccuracies that will ruin the book for me, and while not perfect, Aftermath: Guts and Glory did a good job of putting into words just a few of the things that soldiers suffer.
Furthermore, I can go either way when it comes to things that waver on the side of "instant-love" and in this, the more quicker steps to that phase of love really made sense. At a time when both men are dealing with such traumatic things, they have each other to cling onto, and the bond happens fast, and for me was believable in quite a poetic way.
I'm also not one to tear up when reading, but there were at least two parts in this where I did. And many others where I felt like the life was just being sucked out of me, and a dark shadow just hung over me.
Despite it's deep sadness, this book is far more than just a tale of grief. The author winds in a sense of hope and love. It's sure to rip out your heart, but it's all worth it in the end.
This book is aptly named, and sure to provide a firm punch to the gut with it's breath taking storyline and characters. With a deep sense of grief in multiple ways, the reader is able to delve into the lives of Kyle of Ryder. More then just watch them, we get to feel with them, too, from the complicated feelings of loss to the suffering that comes as a result of war.
‘All gave some, some gave all.’
I tend to stay away from books that involve PTSD, as the line of work I'm going to in the future is actually military psychology. I'm always afraid that I'll be faced with glaring inaccuracies that will ruin the book for me, and while not perfect, Aftermath: Guts and Glory did a good job of putting into words just a few of the things that soldiers suffer.
Furthermore, I can go either way when it comes to things that waver on the side of "instant-love" and in this, the more quicker steps to that phase of love really made sense. At a time when both men are dealing with such traumatic things, they have each other to cling onto, and the bond happens fast, and for me was believable in quite a poetic way.
I'm also not one to tear up when reading, but there were at least two parts in this where I did. And many others where I felt like the life was just being sucked out of me, and a dark shadow just hung over me.
Despite it's deep sadness, this book is far more than just a tale of grief. The author winds in a sense of hope and love. It's sure to rip out your heart, but it's all worth it in the end.
July 29, 2013
5 star and so worth the wait. Ya’ll know I’m a huge fan and have been waiting patiently for this book. It was angsty and heartbreaking, but in between all that was determination and love so much Love Ryder’s family is awesome. And wow the scene with Kyles family was soo good. I cried yes I’m a sap like that. The sex was yeah I’ll say it YUMMY goodness. Ryder holding out and Kyle’s 1st time ahh to be a fly on the wall. I’m sad I’ll now have to wait, who knows how long for Ms. Robbins next book.
July 30, 2013
Wow! Really loved this book. Super sexy, sweet love story, heartbreaking conflict and there was a scene where I seriously gasped and was so scared about what would happen. Great read.
January 21, 2023
This wasn't my thing at all. To the author's credit, the best part was the in-depth exploration of combat PTSD and I think this is the most well rounded depiction of it I've come across. Unfortunately, the romance fell flat for me and I felt the story was part erotica and part gay fiction but none of it was enjoyable.
As I said, the best part was how the author dealt with PTSD. Ryder's PTSD was very complex and impacted every aspect of his life. He had nightmares, flashbacks (which sometimes combined with sleepwalking), anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms. The first part of the story is an in-depth look at how Ryder is going about managing his PTSD and I love that the author included many different options. Ryder attends both group and solo therapy and readers get to see what benefits he gets from each, which was really interesting. There's a discussion about possible medications he might want to try to help him sleep and I appreciated that the psychiatrist wanted him to start out with over the counter meds that come with milder side effects instead of jumping into the hardcore meds that might cause other problems. It was also interesting that the nature of Ryder's PTSD and his combat training meant he unintentionally posed an extreme danger to himself and also others. He would sleepwalk while having flashbacks/nightmares and he would think he's still in Iraq. If Ryder encountered people during his sleepwalking/flashback, he would either think they're enemies or his fellow soldiers and he'd react accordingly. It was impossible for anybody around him to know what side Ryder would think they're on during one of these episodes, which made the situation dangerous. Add in his combat training and his ability to get his hands on a gun while in that condition and it was even more dangerous but also terrifying for the people around Ryder.
Unfortunately, I disliked everything else about the story. Kyle may have been grieving over his brother but that wasn't turned into an important plotline. Instead, Kyle was just Ryder's sex buddy. There was zero chemistry between them and Kyle's main attraction to Ryder is sexual. Ryder's hot and Kyle is a horny 20 year old virgin who is desperate to have sex so that means he pursued Ryder relentlessly and his main objective is to have sex with him as often as possible. This means nearly every single scene they have together involves sex and that happens in nearly every chapter. As for Ryder, he tells Kyle multiple times that having sex is a good distraction from his various issues and since Kyle is eager to have as much sex as possible, that suits Ryder just fine. But that's not a relationship.
In addition, the scenes where Ryder and Kyle could have interacted outside of the bedroom and actually developed an emotional bond didn't involve them interacting with each other. Oddly enough, both Ryder and Kyle go to a local community center that has many support/social activities for vets and other people impacted by war but they barely interact with each other. Instead, their scenes involve side characters. Because of this, the emotional progress that both characters made didn't involve the other person and that meant their relationship continued revolving purely around sex.
Part of the reason the author did this is because they wanted to hide Ryder's PTSD from Kyle so when , Kyle would be confused. But that wasn't necessary IMO. Whether or not Kyle knew about it, the situation would still be terrifying so the dramatic impact of it would be the same. Having Ryder not tell Kyle about his PTSD emphasized that Ryder never took their relationship seriously.
But having Ryder attack Kyle also emphasized that these guys won't last as a couple. Kyle is young, naïve, his thoughts revolve around sex 24/7 and his main conflict in the story is worrying over how his parents will react to learning he's gay (). His feelings for Ryder are clearly just puppy love and I was embarrassed on his behalf when he declares that he's 'in love' with Ryder, since he clearly isn't. They don't know anything about each other, Ryder doesn't trust Kyle enough to share any important information with him and Kyle doesn't have the maturity or life experience to deal with something as complex as Ryder's PTSD. Honestly, Kyle was just way too young for this type of relationship and despite only being 4 years younger than Ryder, they were so far apart in terms of everything important that I never believed they would last.
Overall, I didn't like the romance in the story and in fact, I don't think this really qualifies as a true romance. It felt more like gay fiction at times and erotica at others.
As I said, the best part was how the author dealt with PTSD. Ryder's PTSD was very complex and impacted every aspect of his life. He had nightmares, flashbacks (which sometimes combined with sleepwalking), anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms. The first part of the story is an in-depth look at how Ryder is going about managing his PTSD and I love that the author included many different options. Ryder attends both group and solo therapy and readers get to see what benefits he gets from each, which was really interesting. There's a discussion about possible medications he might want to try to help him sleep and I appreciated that the psychiatrist wanted him to start out with over the counter meds that come with milder side effects instead of jumping into the hardcore meds that might cause other problems. It was also interesting that the nature of Ryder's PTSD and his combat training meant he unintentionally posed an extreme danger to himself and also others. He would sleepwalk while having flashbacks/nightmares and he would think he's still in Iraq. If Ryder encountered people during his sleepwalking/flashback, he would either think they're enemies or his fellow soldiers and he'd react accordingly. It was impossible for anybody around him to know what side Ryder would think they're on during one of these episodes, which made the situation dangerous. Add in his combat training and his ability to get his hands on a gun while in that condition and it was even more dangerous but also terrifying for the people around Ryder.
Unfortunately, I disliked everything else about the story. Kyle may have been grieving over his brother but that wasn't turned into an important plotline. Instead, Kyle was just Ryder's sex buddy. There was zero chemistry between them and Kyle's main attraction to Ryder is sexual. Ryder's hot and Kyle is a horny 20 year old virgin who is desperate to have sex so that means he pursued Ryder relentlessly and his main objective is to have sex with him as often as possible. This means nearly every single scene they have together involves sex and that happens in nearly every chapter. As for Ryder, he tells Kyle multiple times that having sex is a good distraction from his various issues and since Kyle is eager to have as much sex as possible, that suits Ryder just fine. But that's not a relationship.
In addition, the scenes where Ryder and Kyle could have interacted outside of the bedroom and actually developed an emotional bond didn't involve them interacting with each other. Oddly enough, both Ryder and Kyle go to a local community center that has many support/social activities for vets and other people impacted by war but they barely interact with each other. Instead, their scenes involve side characters. Because of this, the emotional progress that both characters made didn't involve the other person and that meant their relationship continued revolving purely around sex.
Part of the reason the author did this is because they wanted to hide Ryder's PTSD from Kyle so when , Kyle would be confused. But that wasn't necessary IMO. Whether or not Kyle knew about it, the situation would still be terrifying so the dramatic impact of it would be the same. Having Ryder not tell Kyle about his PTSD emphasized that Ryder never took their relationship seriously.
But having Ryder attack Kyle also emphasized that these guys won't last as a couple. Kyle is young, naïve, his thoughts revolve around sex 24/7 and his main conflict in the story is worrying over how his parents will react to learning he's gay (). His feelings for Ryder are clearly just puppy love and I was embarrassed on his behalf when he declares that he's 'in love' with Ryder, since he clearly isn't. They don't know anything about each other, Ryder doesn't trust Kyle enough to share any important information with him and Kyle doesn't have the maturity or life experience to deal with something as complex as Ryder's PTSD. Honestly, Kyle was just way too young for this type of relationship and despite only being 4 years younger than Ryder, they were so far apart in terms of everything important that I never believed they would last.
Overall, I didn't like the romance in the story and in fact, I don't think this really qualifies as a true romance. It felt more like gay fiction at times and erotica at others.
October 7, 2017
I am usually drawn to stories that involve either active or inactive military men and particularly ones who are dealing with our current efforts overseas. I am a huge supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and will always fight for our military personnel. The description for this book interested me and I couldn't wait to jump in and meet Kyle and Ryder. The author is new to me so I was also intrigued to read a new perspective.
Kyle broke my heart. I couldn't even begin to imagine how I would have felt if that was my older brother who died fighting for his country. I mean, you're supposed to be proud that he defended his country, and you are, but you're also devastated and want to know "why him"? Kyle and Wade were so close and Kyle worshipped his older brother. I could relate to his anger, pain, sorrow and grief. The fact that his relationship with his parents was shaky, at best, before his brother died, isn't helping Kyle's loneliness. It was easy to fall for Kyle.
Ryder has spent eight months trying to deal with what he witnessed in Iraq. His physical injuries are doing well but it's the PTSD that he is struggling with. After going round and round with the VA hospital he finally gets the referral he needs for a therapist even though in his heart of hearts Ryder thinks it's all a waste of time. He doesn't want to go home to where his family is, doesn't want to be a burden. Ryder needs space to breathe, to come to terms with his head. I fell for Ryder immediately.
On the night of Wade's funeral, Kyle, escaping the house, goes to the basketball court and meets Ryder for the first time. They play some one on one and each leave knowing they'd like to get to know each other better. Meeting up, accidentally, at the community center puts them back into each other's sphere which inevitably leads to them discovering how the military has impacted both their lives. The fact that Kyle has no experience with sex brings the situation a lot closer to reality. Or, it did for me. The author's descriptive and well written prose reminded me of what it felt like to be intimate for the first time and how scary parts of it were.
This story far exceeded my expectations. It is beautifully written and deals with the horrors of war, the innocence of first love, the struggle to stay sane when your mind won't stop remembering, and the beauty of healing. I loved it. The author did an amazing job of looking at the devastation PTSD can, and does, cause. I will read more from this author because she has completely captured my attention and I want to explore her stories again and again.
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Pubishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kyle broke my heart. I couldn't even begin to imagine how I would have felt if that was my older brother who died fighting for his country. I mean, you're supposed to be proud that he defended his country, and you are, but you're also devastated and want to know "why him"? Kyle and Wade were so close and Kyle worshipped his older brother. I could relate to his anger, pain, sorrow and grief. The fact that his relationship with his parents was shaky, at best, before his brother died, isn't helping Kyle's loneliness. It was easy to fall for Kyle.
Ryder has spent eight months trying to deal with what he witnessed in Iraq. His physical injuries are doing well but it's the PTSD that he is struggling with. After going round and round with the VA hospital he finally gets the referral he needs for a therapist even though in his heart of hearts Ryder thinks it's all a waste of time. He doesn't want to go home to where his family is, doesn't want to be a burden. Ryder needs space to breathe, to come to terms with his head. I fell for Ryder immediately.
On the night of Wade's funeral, Kyle, escaping the house, goes to the basketball court and meets Ryder for the first time. They play some one on one and each leave knowing they'd like to get to know each other better. Meeting up, accidentally, at the community center puts them back into each other's sphere which inevitably leads to them discovering how the military has impacted both their lives. The fact that Kyle has no experience with sex brings the situation a lot closer to reality. Or, it did for me. The author's descriptive and well written prose reminded me of what it felt like to be intimate for the first time and how scary parts of it were.
This story far exceeded my expectations. It is beautifully written and deals with the horrors of war, the innocence of first love, the struggle to stay sane when your mind won't stop remembering, and the beauty of healing. I loved it. The author did an amazing job of looking at the devastation PTSD can, and does, cause. I will read more from this author because she has completely captured my attention and I want to explore her stories again and again.
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Pubishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 4, 2013
4.75 stars. This is a wonderfully-paced love story about two men who are dealing with the aftermath of war. Kyle's brother was killed by an IED in Afghanistan, and Ryder is afflicted with PTSD after his time in Iraq. These two meet on a basketball court, and the attraction is instantaneous, but the connection between them is fostered when they meet again at the local community center, which is hosting various activities for survivors of the wars. Throughout the novel, we see two things: (1) the manner in which Kyle processes his grief and the manner in which Ryder, with the help of therapists, is trying to navigate his PTSD; and (2) the gradual development of their relationship, as well as Kyle's slow but steady progress toward a willingness to be open about his sexuality and come out to his parents. Conflict arises from an expected direction -- Ryder's refusal to tell Kyle about his night terrors and his PTSD -- and it is resolved in a somewhat cliched fashion, but those two things do not significantly mar the storytelling in this novel. It's a lovely story that I devoured within a matter of hours.
September 3, 2013
3.5
This is the first time that I've read a book by this author, but it won't be the last - It is not because this author has written a polished book without any errors, but because she has the capacity of writing an emotional tale without beating you over the head with an overwhelming amount of angst. I do appreciate the fact that she tackled a multitude of serious issues and balanced them with warm, charming characters, some witty, fun banter and an amount of hot sexy scenes. It's also a patriotic book, and the feeling of small town USA shines out loud and clear. Some of the issues, like PSTD, are tackled deeper -others not as much, but even through the rose-colored lenses, the heart of this story made me laugh, cry, smile, and finally sigh. As a reader, I can't ask for more.
This is the first time that I've read a book by this author, but it won't be the last - It is not because this author has written a polished book without any errors, but because she has the capacity of writing an emotional tale without beating you over the head with an overwhelming amount of angst. I do appreciate the fact that she tackled a multitude of serious issues and balanced them with warm, charming characters, some witty, fun banter and an amount of hot sexy scenes. It's also a patriotic book, and the feeling of small town USA shines out loud and clear. Some of the issues, like PSTD, are tackled deeper -others not as much, but even through the rose-colored lenses, the heart of this story made me laugh, cry, smile, and finally sigh. As a reader, I can't ask for more.
July 27, 2013
Really heartfelt, and painfully emotional story. But...don't let that fool you. Tyler brings the heat and the niceness. Along with the love story, Tyler takes us behind the scenes, showing us what our loved ones in the Armed forces bring back with them, both seen and unseen. She also thrusts the reader inside the lives of the families left behind in the bloodied aftermath. It's not a pretty sight or read, but a necessary one.
August 8, 2013
It's widely believed your soul-mate is the person who mends your broken heart by giving you theirs, and in the case of Ryder and Kyle, no truer words were said. I really, really, really loved their story.
February 1, 2015
Oh Lord, this book just kinda gutted me. I didn't think it would but the beginning was so freaking painful. So much better than I was expecting with what felt like real love, real grieving and real pain. And this is just their beginning. I'd love a follow up for this one.
July 25, 2013
My favourite Tyler Robbins book so far.
August 5, 2013
This was such a heartbreaking and powerful story. Cried so many times but loved the story.
September 17, 2013
Aftermath: Guts and Glory By Tyler Robbins *****
When the brother he looked up to is killed in action in Afghanistan, Kyle Barrett is devastated. Just as he thinks his life is over, his brother dead and his sexuality deeply hidden in the closet away from friends and family. He becomes emotionally reborn when he meets Army veteran, Ryder Bishop.
Bishop is dragging around his own baggage. Just back from his final tour in Iraq with a severe case of PTSD, he is forced into counseling. Just as he thinks that his life will never be normal again he meets Kyle Barrett and thinks that perhaps there lives will never be the same again. Can both men let go of the past and build on a future together, or will they forever be haunted by the ghosts of there pasts?
I really enjoyed this book. For me the best thing about it was the complex relationship between the two men. I like how the author built such a wonderful story about these two men as they help each other overcome such great obstacles on the way to there happily ever after. This book was so good I would definitely recommend it. A must read!
Adriana D'Apolito
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
April 14, 2014
Overall, this is a good book. I really like this author. The handling of PTSD was considerably appropriate and the main characters are very likeable. The ending gave me pause, though. It wasn't bad--but it wasn't as high quality as the rest of the book, in my opinion. I would have much preferred the author expand the ending; what's there now seems a bit rushed and overly dramatic/convenient. That's the only reason this is a 4 star instead of 5. More like a 4.25. But as I said, this is a good book and totally worth the read.
I will definitely read this author again.
If you like this subject matter, I'd further recommend Kendall McKenna's Final Line. Another great story about the affects of PTSD, with a m/m romance, of course.
I will definitely read this author again.
If you like this subject matter, I'd further recommend Kendall McKenna's Final Line. Another great story about the affects of PTSD, with a m/m romance, of course.
August 7, 2013
Tyler Robbins once again makes me laugh, cry, makes me about to shuck my kindle and then makes it all better lol. I have yet to read a book of hers that I haven't loved this one included. Guts and Glory takes you on an emotional ride and really makes you empathize with those who have served and the families of service men and what they go through without leaving the country. Oh and did I mention the smoking hot sex with very hot men. This is definitely worth reading. Keep them coming Tyler I need more!!!!!!
January 19, 2015
Sweet/bittersweet story of trying to move forward in life. Poor Ryder - poor Kyle. Both characters are going through so much, but they just can't stay away from each other. Ryder is so sweet and patient. He tries to do the right thing and wait until he is better, or at least feeling as if he is getting better before he jumps headlong into a more than friends relationship with Kyle (even though he wants it from the start). Kyle hurting from the loss of his brother only gets a reprieve from his loss when he's with Ryder.
July 29, 2013
This story of love, and redemption has quickly become one of my favorites this summer. Tyler tells a beautiful story of love and loss and what happens to those left behind or those trying to forget. Ryder and Kyle will quickly steal your heart in this heartwarming story. You laugh, love and cry with these characters. I would highly recommend this book.
August 15, 2013
4.5 stars. Loved it, even though it didn't escape some corniness towards the end. The PTSD aspect was really not as heavy as the blurb implied, and the erotic scenes were hawt!!! Definitely recommend!
September 19, 2013
4.5 stars--A beautiful story about the effects of war on our soldiers, their families and friends with a lovely coming-of-age romance thrown in.This was a very emotional, very steamy read. Highly recommended!
June 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this book that not only had a great love story but also brought to light what happens to some soldiers and their families as they deal with the emotional scars that wars leave. It was sweet and touching and sexy all at the same time. Great read!
July 26, 2013
Amazing book!!!
July 31, 2013
A WONDERFUL STORY, I CRIED FOR WHAT RYDER, AND KYLE WENT THROUGH. A GOOD BOOK. A MUST READ.
August 5, 2013
3.5 stars. Nicely written, if a little flowery at times. Lots of little SpaG errors, though, that should have been picked up with even the most basic edit.
September 10, 2013
This is a definite 'MUST READ'!
You'll be hooked from beginning to end!
You'll be hooked from beginning to end!
August 5, 2013
wow what an emotional ride that was. My heart goes out to all our service men and women, and those who have left, you keep us safe at such a cost.
August 11, 2013
Very good book. Believable characters and situations.
October 3, 2013
4,5 stars. i cried like a baby for every person in this book, but it was awesome.
August 24, 2013
41/2 stars. Book made me FEEL.....
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