What do you think?
Rate this book
Bitterthorn, Texas #2
Starting from Scratch
Christmas is the perfect time to start from scratchLieutenant Sully Jax saved his unit during an IED attack, but he couldn't save his marriage. He can't even remember it. Recovered from his injuries, he's come home to the family and friends he knows-and an ex-wife who's a stranger to him.Lucy Crabtree was heartbroken last Christmas when Sully announced his plan to go on one last tour of duty, and devastated when he asked for a divorce after he awoke in the hospital with no memory of her. She's finally moving on from her hurt and from losing the man she loved more than anything, and her cookie-baking business is taking off just in time for the holidays. But now Sully's back, and she can't deny she still loves him. But how can she trust her heart to someone who breaks it every time she sees him?Sully might not remember Lucy, but something inside won't let her go. With every bite of her cookies, he finds a new love for Lucy, and he soon realizes he wants to rebuild his life…with her by his side.36,000 words
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
25 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 28, 2021
Loved this angsty little gem!
Sully and Lucy married young and full of love. He decided to enlist to help pay for his schooling. Years later and he's still in the forces until he gets too close to a bomb and barely survives. Lucy was there for him until he forces her away and asks for a divorce. He has retrograde Amnesia and can't remember her at all. She is devastated.
Lucy is just as shell shocked as Sully but without the support that Sully enjoys. He returns to town with a hero's welcome, and she has to leave her home. But all's not hunky dory with the vet. For one, he craves cookies like a junkie needs a fix. For another, he just can't seem to stay away from his ex wife... who just happens to be a baker.
The story starts the day he returns to town after a year of rehab. Then finishes a week later on Christmas. So no more wasted time once they see each other again. Except now Lucy is the one reluctant to open her heart again, and Sully has to chase her and prove his love. He has to earn her trust after so thoroughly crushing her faith... for years.
And he does.
It would have been 4 stars because I was a little underwhelmed with his reason for giving her the worsts Christmas present ever the year before.
But then I added a star after reading the epilogue on the author's website. She would have included it in the book, but for the page count requirements.
http://stacygail.blogspot.com/p/snipp...
Safety is good
Sully and Lucy married young and full of love. He decided to enlist to help pay for his schooling. Years later and he's still in the forces until he gets too close to a bomb and barely survives. Lucy was there for him until he forces her away and asks for a divorce. He has retrograde Amnesia and can't remember her at all. She is devastated.
Lucy is just as shell shocked as Sully but without the support that Sully enjoys. He returns to town with a hero's welcome, and she has to leave her home. But all's not hunky dory with the vet. For one, he craves cookies like a junkie needs a fix. For another, he just can't seem to stay away from his ex wife... who just happens to be a baker.
The story starts the day he returns to town after a year of rehab. Then finishes a week later on Christmas. So no more wasted time once they see each other again. Except now Lucy is the one reluctant to open her heart again, and Sully has to chase her and prove his love. He has to earn her trust after so thoroughly crushing her faith... for years.
And he does.
It would have been 4 stars because I was a little underwhelmed with his reason for giving her the worsts Christmas present ever the year before.
But then I added a star after reading the epilogue on the author's website. She would have included it in the book, but for the page count requirements.
http://stacygail.blogspot.com/p/snipp...
Safety is good
December 13, 2013
This one really didn't work for me. At the start the dialogue was way too exposition-y, but then I was distracted from the writing by my hatred of the male MC.
What a jackass. The so-called redemption didn't work for me at ALL. Maybe it's because I'm not American, but I really didn't like the 'soldiers do whatever they feel they have to and it's up to the little woman to cope with it and make things work' theme of the book. Sully was an ass. And if he couldn't talk to his wife about his emotional pain, then the marriage was broken well before his injury. Having one little letter fix all that? No.
I liked the setting, and I mostly liked the heroine (except for when she was spouting her rah-rah-support-the-soldiers-no-matter-what nonsense). I thought the pacing was good, up to the end, which felt like it wrapped up too quickly (but maybe that's because I wasn't buying the relationship so I didn't want the story to wrap up at all, not until the FMC had found someone better!)
What a jackass. The so-called redemption didn't work for me at ALL. Maybe it's because I'm not American, but I really didn't like the 'soldiers do whatever they feel they have to and it's up to the little woman to cope with it and make things work' theme of the book. Sully was an ass. And if he couldn't talk to his wife about his emotional pain, then the marriage was broken well before his injury. Having one little letter fix all that? No.
I liked the setting, and I mostly liked the heroine (except for when she was spouting her rah-rah-support-the-soldiers-no-matter-what nonsense). I thought the pacing was good, up to the end, which felt like it wrapped up too quickly (but maybe that's because I wasn't buying the relationship so I didn't want the story to wrap up at all, not until the FMC had found someone better!)
May 28, 2021
Re-read alert
I just read this again and it was angsty and dad. Why did I give it five stars?I did not feel that way upon re-read! More like a three. Sully was silly and stupid. What he did to the h was cruel and i just hated it she was amazing and yes at the end he redeemed himself somewhat but why? I just wish he had never divorced her in the first place. But thank goodness of His fiction. And amnesia tropes stink.
I just read this again and it was angsty and dad. Why did I give it five stars?I did not feel that way upon re-read! More like a three. Sully was silly and stupid. What he did to the h was cruel and i just hated it she was amazing and yes at the end he redeemed himself somewhat but why? I just wish he had never divorced her in the first place. But thank goodness of His fiction. And amnesia tropes stink.
October 7, 2020
Girl, just no
I had the hardest time actually finishing this. I get you love him, but love yourself too sis. The back and forth was understandable, he WAS her husband, to a point but GIRL make him work for it! A Christmas tree and an old letter ain’t enough for me.
I had the hardest time actually finishing this. I get you love him, but love yourself too sis. The back and forth was understandable, he WAS her husband, to a point but GIRL make him work for it! A Christmas tree and an old letter ain’t enough for me.
April 1, 2020
One second... let me fan myself first!
Ufff this book had one of the steamiest love making scene I’ve ever read and loved. What makes it more beautiful is the underlying love hero and heroine had had for each other.
I was expecting a small town smut love story and what I got is an angst filled, love seasoned, beautifully written love story with so lovable characters. I loved the way story unfold and I now have a clearer picture of what military family goes through each and every moment.
If you love a good second chance romance without any cheating this is the book for you!
Recommended.
Ufff this book had one of the steamiest love making scene I’ve ever read and loved. What makes it more beautiful is the underlying love hero and heroine had had for each other.
I was expecting a small town smut love story and what I got is an angst filled, love seasoned, beautifully written love story with so lovable characters. I loved the way story unfold and I now have a clearer picture of what military family goes through each and every moment.
If you love a good second chance romance without any cheating this is the book for you!
Recommended.
March 13, 2020
Okay Wow...
This little short was so good. I don't know if I'm extra emotional right now or what but I think I cried almost the whole book. What an emotional take on second chance love. Really great.
This little short was so good. I don't know if I'm extra emotional right now or what but I think I cried almost the whole book. What an emotional take on second chance love. Really great.
October 20, 2020
You can't help but feel for the heroine, she's the real hero in this tale. I like that the H finally understands what he's put her through though to get a really satisfactory ending we would've seen him woo her and try and make up for some of the pain she went through.
October 23, 2013
I adore to read the books about kick ass hero's from the war. The action, drama and look behind the lines of fire as always been a favorite to me, and when the author take the time to go behind the lives of those that serve it is even better than all the action bom'bs and gunfire.
Yet there are not enough reads focusing on the lives of the men and woman who put it all on the line to protect others. Therefore I was simply delighted to be offered the chance to read a book that takes a look into the lives of men and the life after war.
This read Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail is about the life of Sullivan and Lucy. Wounded in action he returns home but has no memory of his life with Lucy, he asks for a divorce and it seems the happy ever after is no longer. But the miracle of Christmas might just save them both.
I loved the emotion in this read, it was so touching and powerful it was as if I could grab both characters and bang them both over the head to let them see that it is neither one's fault, and simply a test of life and how strong their love can be to withstand tragedy. A truly sweet, romantic and sensual read.
" Can their love be found in the memories from the past" 5/5 star review
Yet there are not enough reads focusing on the lives of the men and woman who put it all on the line to protect others. Therefore I was simply delighted to be offered the chance to read a book that takes a look into the lives of men and the life after war.
This read Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail is about the life of Sullivan and Lucy. Wounded in action he returns home but has no memory of his life with Lucy, he asks for a divorce and it seems the happy ever after is no longer. But the miracle of Christmas might just save them both.
I loved the emotion in this read, it was so touching and powerful it was as if I could grab both characters and bang them both over the head to let them see that it is neither one's fault, and simply a test of life and how strong their love can be to withstand tragedy. A truly sweet, romantic and sensual read.
" Can their love be found in the memories from the past" 5/5 star review
July 26, 2023
Was gonna rate this 2⭐️ but I read the extended epilogue and tbh it somehow made it worse. Sully is such a selfish character and while Lucy made me sad because of what she’s been through, she was such a doormat sometimes.
1 star for the smut, it was nicely written
1 star for the smut, it was nicely written
November 5, 2013
An Emotional & Honest Love Story
This love story is filled with raw emotions of the life changing affects serving in the military has on a family. It is extremely well written. I was unprepared for the sadness that blanketed the first half of the book. Perhaps this research should be turned into a resource guide for military wives – it was much more than a typical romance that sweeps you away from your daily chores. No spoilers here but indeed it was a Merry Christmas after all. NetGalley and Carina Press provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This love story is filled with raw emotions of the life changing affects serving in the military has on a family. It is extremely well written. I was unprepared for the sadness that blanketed the first half of the book. Perhaps this research should be turned into a resource guide for military wives – it was much more than a typical romance that sweeps you away from your daily chores. No spoilers here but indeed it was a Merry Christmas after all. NetGalley and Carina Press provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2025
Really good for how short it was. An injured soldier returning from overseas with retrograde amnesia. He didn't remember his wife and decided to cut ties and ultimately divorced her. The story was them coming together and finally getting the HEA they deserved. Really liked both characters. They had a very real relationship and struggle. He does get his memory back in the end, but not all of them. The most important being he remembered how much he loved the h Lucy. They were really passionate. Even though at first he didn't remember her, he felt drawn to her. Great story, and good writing. With only a couple of editing mistakes.
Completely safe for the safety squad.
I wanted to mention this book isn't free and it's combined with another author's work of a similar story though no amnesia. This story is longer than 95 pages.
Completely safe for the safety squad.
I wanted to mention this book isn't free and it's combined with another author's work of a similar story though no amnesia. This story is longer than 95 pages.
February 14, 2019
I enjoyed this second chance romance, it was sweet. Sully and Lucy are recently divorced due to Sully's memory loss and injury from a military accident. The couple has been divorced for six months when the story starts.
For a short novel the story was surprisingly emotional, there was just enough angst without being overwhelming and sad. The book isn't as detailed as I'd like, but it was well developed considering the length. Overall I enjoyed it, I liked seeing the couple reconnect and find love again.
3.75 Stars
For a short novel the story was surprisingly emotional, there was just enough angst without being overwhelming and sad. The book isn't as detailed as I'd like, but it was well developed considering the length. Overall I enjoyed it, I liked seeing the couple reconnect and find love again.
3.75 Stars
June 23, 2024
i thought i liked the plot.... BUT the actual book didn't give it justice 😭😭😭 like sure it will satisfy u with angst but i dont think it's enough??? it's very underwhelming in that sense. sully has been told so many times he was essentially a "bad" husband but he keeps shrugging it off 😭 like ik he lost his memories but he should work twice as hard ESPECIALLY bc of that
andddd lucy is a military wife i really love her. i think she saved this book for me bc she was very straightforward and not so fragile despite having been thru so much in this book :(
andddd lucy is a military wife i really love her. i think she saved this book for me bc she was very straightforward and not so fragile despite having been thru so much in this book :(
December 1, 2013
OMG so good!!! Tears and all.
I was lucky enough to be approved by the publisher for a review copy from NetGalley. Starting from Scratch was the first book I’d read by Stacy Gill, and it won’t be my last.
Let me just say, you will need a box of tissues when reading this book. Seriously, you have been warned (I was warned in advance as well). Starting from Scratch was a beautiful story that made me feel so many emotions. My heart broke for Lucy as I watched Sully not remember any of their past, yet seem to need to be near her. I seriously was mad at Sully for much of the book, for all that he was putting Lucy through. I understood he had no control over his memory loss, but I connected with Lucy so quickly in this story, I wanted her to find happiness again.
I loved the chemistry between Lucy and Sully from the very beginning. Even with Sully’s memory loss, he couldn’t seem to stay away from her. The sparks flew when they were in the same room and Sully seemed to get more flashbacks of his past each day. I loved Lucy and Sully (or Sullivan as Lucy calls him) as a couple and was routing for them as a couple from the very beginning.
I loved Stacy Gill’s voice in this book. She pulled every single emotion imaginable out of me. Any book that makes me laugh, ugly cry, and cheer is a winner for me. I can’t wait to read more books from Ms. Gill in the future.
I was lucky enough to be approved by the publisher for a review copy from NetGalley. Starting from Scratch was the first book I’d read by Stacy Gill, and it won’t be my last.
Let me just say, you will need a box of tissues when reading this book. Seriously, you have been warned (I was warned in advance as well). Starting from Scratch was a beautiful story that made me feel so many emotions. My heart broke for Lucy as I watched Sully not remember any of their past, yet seem to need to be near her. I seriously was mad at Sully for much of the book, for all that he was putting Lucy through. I understood he had no control over his memory loss, but I connected with Lucy so quickly in this story, I wanted her to find happiness again.
I loved the chemistry between Lucy and Sully from the very beginning. Even with Sully’s memory loss, he couldn’t seem to stay away from her. The sparks flew when they were in the same room and Sully seemed to get more flashbacks of his past each day. I loved Lucy and Sully (or Sullivan as Lucy calls him) as a couple and was routing for them as a couple from the very beginning.
I loved Stacy Gill’s voice in this book. She pulled every single emotion imaginable out of me. Any book that makes me laugh, ugly cry, and cheer is a winner for me. I can’t wait to read more books from Ms. Gill in the future.
November 26, 2025
Starting from Scratch is an amazing story of a sacrifice made by army wife Lucy Crabtree. She looses her husband due to a head trauma during service to his country and their heart breaking reunion.
The attraction between Lucy and Sully is undeniable, but how would you feel if your husband didn't remember you and has forgotten everything about your relationship. Could you open your heart again?
Emotionally jarring, Starting from Scratch gripped me from the first few pages and held on tight till the very end. I laughed and cried right along side Lucy. Stacy Gail masterfully captures the many sacrifices and supports the spouses, of men and woman in service to our country, must provide. Of course this is a fictional tale, but their paths are not an easy one to face...Gail vividly creates the picture of the strength and courage of heroes who must stay behind when their loved ones are sent off to defend our country.
Starting from Scratch is a beautiful, moving, romance...a perfect Christmas happily ever after read.
I received this ARC copy of Starting from Scratch from Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication November 21, 2013.
The attraction between Lucy and Sully is undeniable, but how would you feel if your husband didn't remember you and has forgotten everything about your relationship. Could you open your heart again?
Emotionally jarring, Starting from Scratch gripped me from the first few pages and held on tight till the very end. I laughed and cried right along side Lucy. Stacy Gail masterfully captures the many sacrifices and supports the spouses, of men and woman in service to our country, must provide. Of course this is a fictional tale, but their paths are not an easy one to face...Gail vividly creates the picture of the strength and courage of heroes who must stay behind when their loved ones are sent off to defend our country.
Starting from Scratch is a beautiful, moving, romance...a perfect Christmas happily ever after read.
I received this ARC copy of Starting from Scratch from Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication November 21, 2013.
October 28, 2013
Good gravy! Stacy Gail knows how to deliver an emotional punch to the gut. Wow. I spent a good quarter of this book teary-eyed and sniffly. And considering how I refuse to acknowledge that I'm a crier, that says a lot.
The push and pull of Lucy and Sully's relationship was hard. His amnesia is particularly painful because it's Lucy he can't remember. Her stubborn courage in trying to pretend like everything's a-okay when she's screaming on the inside got to me. I admired Lucy. I liked her. Her pain at loving someone who couldn't remember her was vivid and heartbreaking.
Which isn't to say that Sully's issues were any less compelling. Not being able to remember someone who used to be such a huge part of his life bothers him. He's drawn to Lucy despite not remembering, but it's really Lucy's pain at being forgotten that laid me low here.
Beautifully written and sweetly romantic as Sully tries to rediscover his past with Lucy as she tries to hide from it. Have a box of tissues nearby when you read this one. You'll need it.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
The push and pull of Lucy and Sully's relationship was hard. His amnesia is particularly painful because it's Lucy he can't remember. Her stubborn courage in trying to pretend like everything's a-okay when she's screaming on the inside got to me. I admired Lucy. I liked her. Her pain at loving someone who couldn't remember her was vivid and heartbreaking.
Which isn't to say that Sully's issues were any less compelling. Not being able to remember someone who used to be such a huge part of his life bothers him. He's drawn to Lucy despite not remembering, but it's really Lucy's pain at being forgotten that laid me low here.
Beautifully written and sweetly romantic as Sully tries to rediscover his past with Lucy as she tries to hide from it. Have a box of tissues nearby when you read this one. You'll need it.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Cried a lot reading this. I am one of those that just feel everything I read. Deeply. Maybe because I'm a Marine Mom and my son's tour really got to me a lot so I just took this story to heart. Glad by the end it all worked out but it sure was a rough tear filled road. There was a moment that I actually gasped in shock/pain for the heroine. Some words hurt deep. The sweetness for this book came in the form of the cookies ..the love story became sweet by the end. Written passionately and flowed extremely well I do intend to continue on with this series.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Cried a lot reading this. I am one of those that just feel everything I read. Deeply. Maybe because I'm a Marine Mom and my son's tour really got to me a lot so I just took this story to heart. Glad by the end it all worked out but it sure was a rough tear filled road. There was a moment that I actually gasped in shock/pain for the heroine. Some words hurt deep. The sweetness for this book came in the form of the cookies ..the love story became sweet by the end. Written passionately and flowed extremely well I do intend to continue on with this series.
October 13, 2013
This holiday novella is as devastating as it is romantic, with an ending sweet enough to rival the most decadent dessert. Truly a fabulous read that will get the season off to a perfect start when it releases on 21 November!
edited
October 14, 2013Edited for 2013 holiday military duology Gifts of Honor
June 22, 2017
Title: Starting From Scratch - Bitterhorn, TX Book 2
Author: Stacy Gail
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 11-21-2013
Pages: 95
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Military, family
ISBN: 9781426897474
ASIN: B00EFPO5KM
Reviewed For NetGalley and Carina Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25
Amnesia, Injury and loss; that is what awaits Lieutenant Sully Jax when he returns home after his final tour. His wife is devastated, especially when he sees her as a stranger and asks for a divorce. She has worked hard to rebuild her life. Then abruptly he is back and endangering her heart all over again.
We forget the price our military and their families pay to protect us and we tend to forget. This poignant love story will touch you in so many ways. It is well written with believable characters. The touches of humor keep it lighter so that you will laugh and smile. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EFPO5KM/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Stacy Gail
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 11-21-2013
Pages: 95
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Military, family
ISBN: 9781426897474
ASIN: B00EFPO5KM
Reviewed For NetGalley and Carina Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25
Amnesia, Injury and loss; that is what awaits Lieutenant Sully Jax when he returns home after his final tour. His wife is devastated, especially when he sees her as a stranger and asks for a divorce. She has worked hard to rebuild her life. Then abruptly he is back and endangering her heart all over again.
We forget the price our military and their families pay to protect us and we tend to forget. This poignant love story will touch you in so many ways. It is well written with believable characters. The touches of humor keep it lighter so that you will laugh and smile. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EFPO5KM/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
December 20, 2023
Stacy GailStarting from Scratch
The book only have a very few pages. there is no elaboration of story like you stretch a elastic. the story evolve around the LUCY CRABTREE and lieutenant SULLY JAX . THE characters where in love and married . The male lead had gone for his job on the previous year christmas which made the female lead very heartbroken . and the male lead came back with severe injuries and which caused to his memory loss and he forgotton about that he was married and he divorced her. AND THE STORY BEGINS HERE .
even though the male lead is angsty but the story plot was missing that interesting where the readers will be thinking what will be happening next. It doesnt made me curious or involved like other stories.
The book only have a very few pages. there is no elaboration of story like you stretch a elastic. the story evolve around the LUCY CRABTREE and lieutenant SULLY JAX . THE characters where in love and married . The male lead had gone for his job on the previous year christmas which made the female lead very heartbroken . and the male lead came back with severe injuries and which caused to his memory loss and he forgotton about that he was married and he divorced her. AND THE STORY BEGINS HERE .
even though the male lead is angsty but the story plot was missing that interesting where the readers will be thinking what will be happening next. It doesnt made me curious or involved like other stories.
October 13, 2024
Packed quite a punch for a novella. That lump in my throat nestled in there for most of the book! So much you have to read between the lines when the story is this short, but the author exquisitely detailed what needed to be to pull it off. You sure felt for the heroine and blasted the hero with fiery darts all the way through. It was also cool that the hero being injured and having to recover from a whole lot of things was still made to confront what happened with his wife and not skirt around it or make excuses for it.
July 31, 2024
This story is short but sweet. It packed in the Tropes and elements that I love like 2nd chance romance, angst and steamy love scenes. The story of Sully and Lucy's divorce was bittersweet but their reunion and Sully's redemption arc was perfectly described.
November 22, 2013
I'm glad I paid attention to the blurb on this one otherwise I would have received quite a surprise. Contrary to the whimsical cover, this is no light and fluffy second chance holiday romance with all the issues swept aside by Christmas cookies and the spirit of Christmas. This is the 'barely there' chance for two very broken people and how high the cost of service to country can be for not just the soldiers, but for the ones they leave back home. After closing the cover on this one, I have to say that I was still reeling and raw from how deeply this story affected me. Good stuff for certain.
Lt. Sully Jax, the hero who saved his unit from an IED attack and took the hit himself causing him to experience Retrograde Amnesia, has finally come home as the town's favorite son. Lucy Crabtree, formally loving wife to said hero, thought she could handle it.
It has been almost a year since Sullivan destroyed her hopes of new home, starting a family and a beautiful Christmas when he inexplicably re-upped his enlistment without even mentioning the possibility to her. She had taken out her frustration and pain by sending him back to war with silence and no 'I love you' on her lips even though she was choking on the possibility that she loved him so much more than he did. Then to have him return home alive but different poured on the regrets. Not only did he have no memory of her, but the sight of her sent him into screams of terror and volatile actions. He served her divorce papers and she signed them because she would do what it took to make him heal and have peace of mind, but it hurt beyond anything. Now though... yeah, she was still in such pain that it made her nearly physically ill.
Sully comes home hoping to pick up the pieces of his life. He is almost healed and has back most of his memories. All, but the ones of the most lovely woman he knows, his ex-wife. He couldn't possibly chain her to him as he is so he let her go and she obviously want it too since she signed the divorce papers without giving him an argument. If he thought it would be easy to move on since he has no memory of her, just seeing Lucy break into a smile that warmed his heart and knowing it was for another man told him otherwise. And what was this craving he had for sweets all of a sudden. He can't get enough of Lucy's Christmas cookies nor of being near Lucy who smells just like the sweets she bakes. He wants to start over- start everything from scratch with his ex-wife.
Lucy has no idea what to do with Sullivan's renewed interest especially when she remembers all and he remembers nothing. She loves him beyond hope and he didn't love her enough to choose her over his enlistment. She just can't do all this again no matter what he does to her heart rate or the expression in his eyes.
This story isn't for the faint of heart or those who need their fairy tale ending. I'm not saying that it doesn't end on a high note; I'm just saying that its high only in comparison to how low things go to get there. This one stung my eyes with tears and gripped my heart tightly. The angst in this book is the real stuff.
My sympathies were equally divided as to liking the characters and wanting them to find happiness, but I found myself really connecting with the heroine, Lucy, because of girl empathies.
I never once blamed Sully for how things went down nor did I blame her for doing what she had to do which left me in a quandary. I wanted them to get their second chance, but I also understood what it would take for that to happen and they kept swinging between protecting what was left of their hearts and lashing out in hurt. Lucy did this more than Sully. Most of the pain he cause during the story was unintentional, but he did have a knee-jerk response near the end that made me groan out loud with frustration.
Despite the high emotional level this story hit, it is still very sensual. These people never lost the physical connection and that is pretty much the thread their chances is dangling by.
The story also has really neat secondary characters in the form of the family that owns the bakery where Lucy works, her friend Coe and Sully's dad Lowell. These people pretty much keep the story grounded from the fog of emotions. I would love to get a story about Coe now. He was such a good friend to Lucy. He said the hard stuff and made her remember to take care of herself.
The setting is the holidays in a small town and this backdrop is thrumming in the background where it is there and weaves through everything, but it stays firmly in the background.
All in all, it was an amazing story that I can recommend to those who enjoy their holiday/military romances, but don't like them easy.
PS. The story ends without an epilogue, but the author did write one and it along with another deleted scene can be read for free at the author's website. DO NOT read until after the book has been read.
http://stacygail.blogspot.com/p/snipp...
My thanks to Netgalley for providing the book for review purposes.
Lt. Sully Jax, the hero who saved his unit from an IED attack and took the hit himself causing him to experience Retrograde Amnesia, has finally come home as the town's favorite son. Lucy Crabtree, formally loving wife to said hero, thought she could handle it.
It has been almost a year since Sullivan destroyed her hopes of new home, starting a family and a beautiful Christmas when he inexplicably re-upped his enlistment without even mentioning the possibility to her. She had taken out her frustration and pain by sending him back to war with silence and no 'I love you' on her lips even though she was choking on the possibility that she loved him so much more than he did. Then to have him return home alive but different poured on the regrets. Not only did he have no memory of her, but the sight of her sent him into screams of terror and volatile actions. He served her divorce papers and she signed them because she would do what it took to make him heal and have peace of mind, but it hurt beyond anything. Now though... yeah, she was still in such pain that it made her nearly physically ill.
Sully comes home hoping to pick up the pieces of his life. He is almost healed and has back most of his memories. All, but the ones of the most lovely woman he knows, his ex-wife. He couldn't possibly chain her to him as he is so he let her go and she obviously want it too since she signed the divorce papers without giving him an argument. If he thought it would be easy to move on since he has no memory of her, just seeing Lucy break into a smile that warmed his heart and knowing it was for another man told him otherwise. And what was this craving he had for sweets all of a sudden. He can't get enough of Lucy's Christmas cookies nor of being near Lucy who smells just like the sweets she bakes. He wants to start over- start everything from scratch with his ex-wife.
Lucy has no idea what to do with Sullivan's renewed interest especially when she remembers all and he remembers nothing. She loves him beyond hope and he didn't love her enough to choose her over his enlistment. She just can't do all this again no matter what he does to her heart rate or the expression in his eyes.
This story isn't for the faint of heart or those who need their fairy tale ending. I'm not saying that it doesn't end on a high note; I'm just saying that its high only in comparison to how low things go to get there. This one stung my eyes with tears and gripped my heart tightly. The angst in this book is the real stuff.
My sympathies were equally divided as to liking the characters and wanting them to find happiness, but I found myself really connecting with the heroine, Lucy, because of girl empathies.
I never once blamed Sully for how things went down nor did I blame her for doing what she had to do which left me in a quandary. I wanted them to get their second chance, but I also understood what it would take for that to happen and they kept swinging between protecting what was left of their hearts and lashing out in hurt. Lucy did this more than Sully. Most of the pain he cause during the story was unintentional, but he did have a knee-jerk response near the end that made me groan out loud with frustration.
Despite the high emotional level this story hit, it is still very sensual. These people never lost the physical connection and that is pretty much the thread their chances is dangling by.
The story also has really neat secondary characters in the form of the family that owns the bakery where Lucy works, her friend Coe and Sully's dad Lowell. These people pretty much keep the story grounded from the fog of emotions. I would love to get a story about Coe now. He was such a good friend to Lucy. He said the hard stuff and made her remember to take care of herself.
The setting is the holidays in a small town and this backdrop is thrumming in the background where it is there and weaves through everything, but it stays firmly in the background.
All in all, it was an amazing story that I can recommend to those who enjoy their holiday/military romances, but don't like them easy.
PS. The story ends without an epilogue, but the author did write one and it along with another deleted scene can be read for free at the author's website. DO NOT read until after the book has been read.
http://stacygail.blogspot.com/p/snipp...
My thanks to Netgalley for providing the book for review purposes.
June 27, 2018
Oh the feels.
I normally do not like Second chance at love stories but this one worked for me.
I normally do not like Second chance at love stories but this one worked for me.
March 17, 2020
A very sweet romance.
August 6, 2021
it only bad thing about it was I found it too short.
October 10, 2022
I’m was surprised with how much I liked this one! Military, amnesia, second chance romance. I wanted to hate the H at times, but it really was a tough situation for both of them.
skip-dont-bother-have-look-it
July 24, 2023Note to self : just skip it and all the series
December 17, 2023
3.5
Ending was rushed and she forgave him too easily but entertaining read
Ending was rushed and she forgave him too easily but entertaining read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews