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Fragile Bonds
"Without trust, we have nothing."
These are the words which have haunted Melanie Erickson for six years. When she walked out of the house Xavier Ross bought as their forever home, she thought she was closing that door permanently, but fate had other plans.
Xavier Ross tried to keep everyone at a distance until Melanie came into his life. The more he tried to fight his feelings for her, the more he fell in love. One rash decision fractured the trust that was essential to their relationship.
Six years later, she is the last person he expects to see walk through his front door. Will Xavier and Mel be able to learn to trust one another again so they can fulfill a dying woman’s wish?
These are the words which have haunted Melanie Erickson for six years. When she walked out of the house Xavier Ross bought as their forever home, she thought she was closing that door permanently, but fate had other plans.
Xavier Ross tried to keep everyone at a distance until Melanie came into his life. The more he tried to fight his feelings for her, the more he fell in love. One rash decision fractured the trust that was essential to their relationship.
Six years later, she is the last person he expects to see walk through his front door. Will Xavier and Mel be able to learn to trust one another again so they can fulfill a dying woman’s wish?
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First published April 20, 2014
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About the author
Sloan Johnson
26 books836 followersSloan Johnson is a big city girl trapped in a country girl’s body. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields while surrounded by concrete and glass.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
April 26, 2014
This was one of those books where, from the moment I heard about it, I couldn't stop thinking about the it and I just had to read it. In a way, you could call it a second chance romance with several twists but it was a little more complicated than that. Here, I'll tell you what it's about and you can see for yourself...
The only man that Melanie had ever loved was the same man who broke her heart and the same man she walked away. Not only had she and Xavier been in love, but their relationship was more than just romantic because he was also her Dom. But a rash decision and a series of unfortunate circumstances broke them apart... Now, six years later, he's married with a four-year-old little boy and his wife, Alyssa, is dying with only a short time left to live so they bring in a nurse to care for her... and it's Melanie!!
OMG.
Since I absolutely adore finding storylines I've never read before, I totally jumped at this one!
I loved the complexity of the situation. Melanie was now faced with working in the home she once lived in with her first love and caring for his dying wife while surrounded by the memories of their time together and the "what ifs" of the future they never had. Then there was Xavier, faced with the only two women he'd ever loved -- one of whom a part of him had never stopped loving even after all the heart break, and the other one being the mother of his child who he'd grown to love after having his heart broken. And finally there was Alyssa -- that strong woman determined to live every moment even as her body grew weaker each day, trying to find a way to keep her boys happy even after she was gone.
There are a few things I want to say upfront: there is no cheating. This also is not a BDSM book despite the fact that he used to be her Dom (that was their past, not their present). Also, it's not really a love triangle either (or at least, coming from a person who dislikes triangles, this situation didn't bother me at all). Xavier did love both Melanie and Alyssa, but differently. They represented different parts and different times in his life. When circumstances took his first true love away from him, he spiralled downward, but eventually he did learn to love the woman with whom he shared a child despite the unconventional start to their marriage. But, he and Melanie had the kind of love where no matter what happened in their lives, a part of him would always belong to her. Despite that though, he really was a genuinely good man. He'd made his fair share of mistakes in the past but his heart had always been in the right place and regardless of his feelings for Melanie, he did love his wife and would respect their vows no matter what.
"There was a time when Melanie was the most important person in my life. She was my world. And then everything we shared crumbled. Deep in my heart, I know that there will always be a place where Melanie resides, but I can't allow that to come to the surface because Alyssa and Jacob are my life now. The bond that will never be severed with Melanie has to remain a secret because I will never do anything that will hurt them."
I have to admit that I went into this book expecting to dislike, or at least resent Alyssa simply based on what she represented in the story. As a romance reader, she was the one standing between the two people I was naturally rooting for but, just like Melanie, I soon found it was impossible. She was too sweet, too strong, too caring. I really loved her too.
And Jacob. That little four-year-old angel tugged at all my heart strings and I really felt that he brought a raw honesty to the story. He was too young to fully understand what was going on but old enough to be aware of the huge impact it was making on his life. Seeing him with Xavier was especially heart breaking because they were both suffering the loss together. How do you explain to a little boy that his mother isn't going to be there any more?
"For now, I need to focus on helping him create a lifetime of memories."
*sniff*
The story was told in alternating perspectives. There were also little pieces of the past incorporated here and there in the form of memories -- usually just a little paragraph or two at a time -- and while this storytelling manner can sometimes be distracting, I actually really liked the way it was done here and felt it enhanced the story more than anything.
Xavier and Mel's original break up was also explored and I think the toughest part of all was that there was no specific point of blame. They both made mistakes and both paid the price.
"There is so much I've fucked up when it comes to you and I'm not sure you'll ever know how much I regret my decision."
But for me, the crux of this whole book could be boiled down to this one line....
"I think that everyone has that one person in their lives that can affect them, even if it's been twenty years and they separated on bad terms, and Xavier is mine."
... when I read that line, tears sprang to my eyes because I really feel that is fundamentally true. I believe in that. I believe in the kind of love that even the worst heart break and betrayal can't ever change. And that was the kind of love that Melanie and Xavier had.
"We have something special. Crazy and complicated, but what we share is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. Not twice, once."
This book was really more than just a romance. It was about everything -- love, loss, healing, regret, lost moments, final moments, life, death, and second chances. I felt like the fears, worries, and conflicts experienced by the characters were understandable and more than anything their healing came through building back a trust that had been broken down over years of misunderstanding, betrayal, and hurt and rediscovering a love that had never truly gone away.
"I love you, Melanie. I know I said that to you before and then hurt you, but I need you to know this time will be different."
I genuinely enjoyed this book but in the interest of full honesty, I'll say that I did have a few issues here and there... there were a few editing errors in the book that threw me a little, and one scene in the middle of the book that we didn't actually get to see but that I would have liked to have experienced along with the characters. Another thing was that, as much as I enjoyed it, I also did find it a little predictable. In many ways, that was a good thing because there was nothing that ever happened that made me disrespect the characters or their decisions in any way, but at the same time, nothing ever shocked or surprised me and I think I would have just wanted the overall emotional impact to have been a little stronger. Don't get me wrong, it was an emotional read though -- I felt very connected to the characters and my heart was invested in the story -- but I think that (given the set up), I would have wanted to have been pushed over the emotional edge just a little bit more. The flip side of that though is that I think this would be a great read for someone who wants a quiet, emotional story that won't fully rip their heart out.
I have no idea what to rate it. I'm struggling with putting a number to this because I really felt a wide range of things over the course of the book but I think I'll settle for 4 stars.
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January 21, 2018
This one has been on my Kindle for ages, so I decided to read it after it was mentioned in a group on GR. Loved the blurb but found the book to be a total let down.
OMG this book! It drove me loopy and my blood pressure through the damn roof. Xavier is a selfish, self absorbed arsehole. Melanie is a doormat and that, right there, is a huge NO for me! The story went round and round in circles with not much happening except for them spending a great deal of wiping tears from their faces. For. Reals. 🙄 Whether this was supposed to invoke feelings of sympathy for these eejits or not I don't know but no sympathy here. Nope. 😒
I didn't get the BDSM realtionship that they had for 4 years before they split, yet didn't continue in that life separately or together. What the what? Surely if you're in that lifestyle you don't just pick up and drop it wily nily? Bizarre! 😖
2 stars.
OMG this book! It drove me loopy and my blood pressure through the damn roof. Xavier is a selfish, self absorbed arsehole. Melanie is a doormat and that, right there, is a huge NO for me! The story went round and round in circles with not much happening except for them spending a great deal of wiping tears from their faces. For. Reals. 🙄 Whether this was supposed to invoke feelings of sympathy for these eejits or not I don't know but no sympathy here. Nope. 😒
I didn't get the BDSM realtionship that they had for 4 years before they split, yet didn't continue in that life separately or together. What the what? Surely if you're in that lifestyle you don't just pick up and drop it wily nily? Bizarre! 😖
2 stars.
July 29, 2016
What an emotional read! Solid 4 stas!
Alyssa is dying of leukemia. When a hospice companion nurse is hired to assist her in her final months of life, her husband Xavier is blown away by the woman who was hired for the job...Melanie.
Mel and Xavier have a past...he was her Dom and their relationship ended ubruptly. Six years later their paths collide again. Melanie is a devoted nurse and vows to keep their history quiet and do right by Alyssa. What she didn't bank on is her rapid attachment to the entire family...including their four-year old son Jacob. Xavier is torn in letting Mel stay but Alyssa seems to love her and his first priority is his wife and making her final months as happy as possible..making memories for them to carry through their lifetime.
Let me put it out there first and foremost- the is NO CHEATING in this book. Not even emotional. I put Alyssa in my casting because she was such a strong character and an intrigal part of the story even if we know how her story ends.
Xavier was not a perfect man. He made mistakes by Alyssa in their early years together but he loves his wife first and foremost. He hasn't been the most present dad either...that he plans to change also.
Not gonna lie, the book is emotional. You will likely cry. I actually did well through Alyssa's battle in the end stages of life but the very end of the book made me cry. Fragile Bonds is a journey of a family and second chances at love in the aftermath of loss. This is not smut. Not in the least.
The one issue that I didn't really feel fit for me was the Xavier being Melanie's Dom in their previous relationship. He didn't fit that character type at all nor was he in that type of relationship with Alyssa nor Melanie in the end. I just don't think it was needed I guess. A puzzle piece that didn't fit their story.
Secondary characters in this book were also endearing and I hope she's setting us up for a second book for Braydon. Braydon is Xavier's brother and is a HUGE support for their family. I also loved the sweet little boy who lost his mom...Jacob. The author did a stellar job not making this book all hearts and flowers. It was a mix of sadness, grief, hope, and love of family.
The plot was foreseeable. There was little we didn't see coming so towards the 80% mark I got a bit bored as there was no real climax and resolution towards the end like we typically see... Just a gradual healing and growth in love for all characters.
Looking forward to more from this author.
And I thank you!
April 22, 2014
Cover- 5/5
Storyline – Intense and Emotional
Romance- Sweet and Endearing
Heat Factor- There is minimal heat it is more an emotional connection
Drama – Emotional and my heart ached a lot when I was reading this
Tears- Bawled my bloody eyes out!
At the time I read Fragile Bonds I was going through some emotional upheaval myself so when I was reading it those emotions were projected onto my feeling for this story and I want to tell Sloan what an amazing job she did writing this book, the emotions and the feelings in this book are spot on. To have to care for someone that is dying has to be one of the cruellest but yet fulfilling of jobs there is. I should know I have done it…. Twice…
Sloan’s word hit me in the heart I think she wrote it with just enough drama so that it was never overly done and you as the person reading the book could totally relate to it.
All the characters in this book are wonderfully written and developed so you feel what they are going through.
I think what got to me most is this book is so real and this story could be anyone.
This book is more than a romance it is an emotional experience and one I highly recommend everyone take.
Don’t be scared to feel, just read it.
Storyline – Intense and Emotional
Romance- Sweet and Endearing
Heat Factor- There is minimal heat it is more an emotional connection
Drama – Emotional and my heart ached a lot when I was reading this
Tears- Bawled my bloody eyes out!
At the time I read Fragile Bonds I was going through some emotional upheaval myself so when I was reading it those emotions were projected onto my feeling for this story and I want to tell Sloan what an amazing job she did writing this book, the emotions and the feelings in this book are spot on. To have to care for someone that is dying has to be one of the cruellest but yet fulfilling of jobs there is. I should know I have done it…. Twice…
Sloan’s word hit me in the heart I think she wrote it with just enough drama so that it was never overly done and you as the person reading the book could totally relate to it.
All the characters in this book are wonderfully written and developed so you feel what they are going through.
I think what got to me most is this book is so real and this story could be anyone.
This book is more than a romance it is an emotional experience and one I highly recommend everyone take.
Don’t be scared to feel, just read it.
April 21, 2014
Oh man! What a Charlie-Foxtrot (my newly acquired military slang) of a story this is....and it's brilliant!
This is a true love story, with some of the strongest characters in it I have come across in a long time - not in terms of personality but in terms of morals and old fashioned values. They have more integrity that I fear I would have were I in this situation.
I'm not one to put any stock in fate but couldn't help be drawn in by the premise that "everything happens for a reason".
Let's start with Melanie, a young woman who had her heart broken and has struggled to recover and rebuild herself. A selfless young woman who has devoted her life to caring for people who are at the end of their lives, the terminally ill. How she copes with her latest assignment, to care for the wife of the man who left her heart shredded, is beyond admirable!
Then there's Xavier. At first I thought he was a hard, cold, detached man but I soon came to realise that along with holding onto a lifetimes' worth of guilt over how he's treated his wife, he's also still deeply in love with his first love, the one that got away. The poor man finds himself torn between his feelings for two women - he's in love and loyal to his wife but never quite got over Melanie.
Now Alyssa....Wow! She is a strong woman! She has stuck with a man who has, at times, treated her appallingly and who, at least to begin with, was still in love with another woman. Alyssa is selfless and at the darkest moments of her life, is able to put her pain and heartache aside to look to the future and see what would be best for others.
This book flowed beautifully. It drew me in and forced me to invest emotionally, leaving me utterly drained at times - but in a good way. It had me crying in sorrow and shouting in frustration and wanting to handout a fair few slaps.
I highly recommend this book - 5 stars from me.
This is a true love story, with some of the strongest characters in it I have come across in a long time - not in terms of personality but in terms of morals and old fashioned values. They have more integrity that I fear I would have were I in this situation.
I'm not one to put any stock in fate but couldn't help be drawn in by the premise that "everything happens for a reason".
Let's start with Melanie, a young woman who had her heart broken and has struggled to recover and rebuild herself. A selfless young woman who has devoted her life to caring for people who are at the end of their lives, the terminally ill. How she copes with her latest assignment, to care for the wife of the man who left her heart shredded, is beyond admirable!
Then there's Xavier. At first I thought he was a hard, cold, detached man but I soon came to realise that along with holding onto a lifetimes' worth of guilt over how he's treated his wife, he's also still deeply in love with his first love, the one that got away. The poor man finds himself torn between his feelings for two women - he's in love and loyal to his wife but never quite got over Melanie.
Now Alyssa....Wow! She is a strong woman! She has stuck with a man who has, at times, treated her appallingly and who, at least to begin with, was still in love with another woman. Alyssa is selfless and at the darkest moments of her life, is able to put her pain and heartache aside to look to the future and see what would be best for others.
This book flowed beautifully. It drew me in and forced me to invest emotionally, leaving me utterly drained at times - but in a good way. It had me crying in sorrow and shouting in frustration and wanting to handout a fair few slaps.
I highly recommend this book - 5 stars from me.
April 21, 2014
Wow I ugly cried this whole book...soo emotional!!
Melanie lost the love of her life when Xavier left her. 6 years later she is a hospice caregiver and her assignment is none other than Xaviers dying wife Alyssa ,she doesnt turn away but takes the job.
The one woman she wants to not like becomes a dear friend and she adores their son Jacob all the while ignoring Xavier so Aylssa doesnt discover who she is.
I dont want to give much more away but Alyssa is an amazing woman with unbelievable strength and this is an amazing love story with soooo much emotion , keep kleenex in hand!! Can not wait to read more from this author...what an amazing story.
Melanie lost the love of her life when Xavier left her. 6 years later she is a hospice caregiver and her assignment is none other than Xaviers dying wife Alyssa ,she doesnt turn away but takes the job.
The one woman she wants to not like becomes a dear friend and she adores their son Jacob all the while ignoring Xavier so Aylssa doesnt discover who she is.
I dont want to give much more away but Alyssa is an amazing woman with unbelievable strength and this is an amazing love story with soooo much emotion , keep kleenex in hand!! Can not wait to read more from this author...what an amazing story.
April 24, 2014
I really felt I was going to love this book, but I didn't. Everything happened too soon and too fast.
I didn't get Xavier at all. How could he stay with a woman he disliked that much just because she was pregnant with his child ? I mean it's not like he was forced to do it (the story didn't take place on the 19th century). That went completely against his domineering attitude.
And all the side story with Stacey was too childish.
I didn't get Xavier at all. How could he stay with a woman he disliked that much just because she was pregnant with his child ? I mean it's not like he was forced to do it (the story didn't take place on the 19th century). That went completely against his domineering attitude.
And all the side story with Stacey was too childish.
October 22, 2014
I'm blown away!
April 29, 2014
ARC RECEIVED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
It is a fine line between love and hate, and Melanie and Xavier are toeing that line.
After an argument, Melanie and Xavier who are planning their "together forever", split up a with miscommunications and misunderstandings, seem to be separated forever.
6 years down the track, their lives come back together through the illness of Xavier's wife.
Alyssa Ross has had to live up to "the one that got away and broke his heart" since she first met Xavier. Even on her death bed, she can feel the tension between Melanie and Xavier, and it does not take much for her to realise who Melanie is, as hard as Melanie and Xavier try to hide it from her (not in a bad way though).
The emotions flow off the page in Fragile Bonds. The love, the hate, the sadness, the confusion. It is the first time that I have read a book with this kind of storyline, and I may have shed a tear or two as I was reading.
It is a story about love and loss, forgiveness and redemption, second chances.
As sad as the base story line is, the love between Xavier and Melanie is one that cannot be stopped. After all the years apart, the bad feelings between them, they have always loved each other.
As we learn more about Xavier and Alyssa, I really didn't like him for a while. He was such an asshole to her for no other reason than that she was not Melanie. I know why she stuck with him, but how she didn't throttle him, or at least walk away I don't know.
Jacob is the reason she hung around, and he really is a scene stealer. He made me laugh, he made me cry. So many things for a 4 year old boy trying to understand about his dying mother.
I did like the changes we see in Xavier. He goes from standoffish with his son to his son being his entire world. I also loved the attachment that forms between Melanie and Jacob.
We get the back story as to why Xavier and Melanie originally broke up. That was pretty devastating when we get to the heart of it.
I loved that Melanie and Xavier didn't just jump right back into their relationship. Even though his wife knew that he always loved her, I would have been disappointed if they had just fallen back right in where they had left off. Watching both Xavier and Melanie deal with the guilt they feel, how they feel they are betraying Alyssa by moving forward.
There are some pretty great secondary characters in Fragile Bonds. Melanie's "gay husband" Tyler is great. No matter what his feelings are about Xavier, he is all for Melanie finding happiness. Xavier's brother Braydon I wanted to strangle at the beginning but that didn't last long.
And then there is Melanie's best friend Stacey. There are no words for what I feel for her ~~ and what i felt for her was nothing good! I am not a violent person, but this one person made me want to hurt them! You will have to read to find out why I despised her so, but you will know when you get to it!
While there are hints of light BDSM through the back story, that is not what Fragile Bonds is about. It is about ordinary people dealing with extraordinary loss. It is about mending broken hearts. It is about earning back trust.
I dare you not to shed a tear or two whilst reading Fragile Bonds. Whether tears of sadness or tear of happiness, I am sure you will feel the urge to cry at some stage.
It is a fine line between love and hate, and Melanie and Xavier are toeing that line.
After an argument, Melanie and Xavier who are planning their "together forever", split up a with miscommunications and misunderstandings, seem to be separated forever.
6 years down the track, their lives come back together through the illness of Xavier's wife.
Alyssa Ross has had to live up to "the one that got away and broke his heart" since she first met Xavier. Even on her death bed, she can feel the tension between Melanie and Xavier, and it does not take much for her to realise who Melanie is, as hard as Melanie and Xavier try to hide it from her (not in a bad way though).
The emotions flow off the page in Fragile Bonds. The love, the hate, the sadness, the confusion. It is the first time that I have read a book with this kind of storyline, and I may have shed a tear or two as I was reading.
It is a story about love and loss, forgiveness and redemption, second chances.
As sad as the base story line is, the love between Xavier and Melanie is one that cannot be stopped. After all the years apart, the bad feelings between them, they have always loved each other.
As we learn more about Xavier and Alyssa, I really didn't like him for a while. He was such an asshole to her for no other reason than that she was not Melanie. I know why she stuck with him, but how she didn't throttle him, or at least walk away I don't know.
Jacob is the reason she hung around, and he really is a scene stealer. He made me laugh, he made me cry. So many things for a 4 year old boy trying to understand about his dying mother.
I did like the changes we see in Xavier. He goes from standoffish with his son to his son being his entire world. I also loved the attachment that forms between Melanie and Jacob.
We get the back story as to why Xavier and Melanie originally broke up. That was pretty devastating when we get to the heart of it.
I loved that Melanie and Xavier didn't just jump right back into their relationship. Even though his wife knew that he always loved her, I would have been disappointed if they had just fallen back right in where they had left off. Watching both Xavier and Melanie deal with the guilt they feel, how they feel they are betraying Alyssa by moving forward.
There are some pretty great secondary characters in Fragile Bonds. Melanie's "gay husband" Tyler is great. No matter what his feelings are about Xavier, he is all for Melanie finding happiness. Xavier's brother Braydon I wanted to strangle at the beginning but that didn't last long.
And then there is Melanie's best friend Stacey. There are no words for what I feel for her ~~ and what i felt for her was nothing good! I am not a violent person, but this one person made me want to hurt them! You will have to read to find out why I despised her so, but you will know when you get to it!
While there are hints of light BDSM through the back story, that is not what Fragile Bonds is about. It is about ordinary people dealing with extraordinary loss. It is about mending broken hearts. It is about earning back trust.
I dare you not to shed a tear or two whilst reading Fragile Bonds. Whether tears of sadness or tear of happiness, I am sure you will feel the urge to cry at some stage.
April 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, and I think anyone who has read Sloan Johnson's stories, will feel the same way. My favorite Sloan book is Unexpected Angel- and boy was it a hot one! Fragile Bonds I loved for totally different reasons. And while it's a love story, to me it was so much more than that. It seemed like a second chance romance from the blurb, and those are my favorite kinds of books. But it ended up being that and then some.
Melanie has only ever loved one man in her life, and he broke her damn heart into a million pieces, and she walked away from him. Xavier and Melanie were in love, but it was complicated-he was her Dom. But some crazy things happened and a brash decision ended their relationship. Melanie is a nurse and she devotes her life to caring for the terminally ill- little did she know many years after she and Xavier parted ways, that she would be the nurse caring for his wife, Alyssa, in her final days.
Melanie was confronted with working in the home that she lived in years ago, with her first love and his dying wife. And the whole time she was surrounded by memories of all the time they spent together, and the possibilities on their future. I have no clue how Melanie did that. How she didn't just walk in to see Alyssa and Xavier- and their son, and then immediately walk back out. I have never actually read a book with a story line like this, and to say I was intrigued was an understatement.
Then there was Xavier, with the two women he had loved in his life- one whom he never seemed to really get over, and one he had learned to love, but was dying. He was a good man, and although this sounds bad, it was never a love triangle to me, there was never any cheating- because he loved them both in different ways. After the downward spiral of emotion he went on, after Melanie left him; he could say that the love of his life was gone.
"There was a time when Melanie was the most important person in my life. She was my world. And then everything we shared crumbled. Deep in my heart, I know that there will always be a place where Melanie resides, but I can't allow that to come to the surface because Alyssa and Jacob are my life now. The bond that will never be severed with Melanie has to remain a secret because I will never do anything that will hurt them."
And finally there was Alyssa- what a strong character! Trying to live with a terminal illness, and making sure her family was going to heal after she was gone. All the parts of this story with her in it, had me crying. I went into the book, when I met Alyssa, hating her, simply on the fact that I felt like Melanie belonged with Xavier. But I totally enjoyed her! Damn Sloan for making me love all the characters!
And Jacob? Their son? He was only four and too young to understand what was happening to his mother. But he was still aware that something was going on.
I loved this story, and I will continue to be a Sloan Johnson fan for life!
May 18, 2014
AMAZING!!!! My full review will come soon when I have composed myself some more. Right now I'll leave it at just WOW
extended review now that it is released
OK so it took me a while to write this review because I had to collect myself more than once I might add. Every time I thought I was ok and would be able to get through it I started crying again. This story was so emotional and AMAZING. 5+ stars doesn't even come close to being enough. I seriously thought about changing my star ratings for this one. It has strong character and I'm not talking just the male or just the female. Nope it has 2, yep TWO strong females and .....well just all the characters are strong and loving and sweet. I just couldn't decide who I loved the most. It had love, friendship, compassion, sadness and happiness all in it. I new I was in trouble by chapter 1.
Melanie was strong and caring. She was able to deal with things in a way that made everyone love her even when they wanted to hate her. She had an inner strength that grabbed a hold of you and said listen to me and do what I say but I'm going to just let you think it is all your idea and I am just along or the ride. She is beautiful, smart, and funny. She was the last person Xavier thought he wanted to see but the best person for him and his family.
Xavier was a strong man or at least he wanted everyone to think he was but he was scared and didn't have a clue as to what he was going to do with his son. He showed that you can love two people and not betray either. Although he tried to be mean and push everyone away he new when he needed help and asked. He could be cold but he also was loving and sweet when he wanted to be. I loved that Sloan let him be a (oh I don't know) softer man. He was strong and sexy but he learned the hardest way that you have to just trust and let yourself go sometimes and not live in your head.
There are other side characters that were strong in their own ways. Some were nice and I loved a lot then some were well not so nice. You will know who when you read it. To sum it all up I laughed , I cried, then cried some more, then smiled and swooned and cried some more. Over all it was very well written and different in so many ways from any story I have read. Seriously bumped some on my favorite list and is now tied for first place.
extended review now that it is released
OK so it took me a while to write this review because I had to collect myself more than once I might add. Every time I thought I was ok and would be able to get through it I started crying again. This story was so emotional and AMAZING. 5+ stars doesn't even come close to being enough. I seriously thought about changing my star ratings for this one. It has strong character and I'm not talking just the male or just the female. Nope it has 2, yep TWO strong females and .....well just all the characters are strong and loving and sweet. I just couldn't decide who I loved the most. It had love, friendship, compassion, sadness and happiness all in it. I new I was in trouble by chapter 1.
Melanie was strong and caring. She was able to deal with things in a way that made everyone love her even when they wanted to hate her. She had an inner strength that grabbed a hold of you and said listen to me and do what I say but I'm going to just let you think it is all your idea and I am just along or the ride. She is beautiful, smart, and funny. She was the last person Xavier thought he wanted to see but the best person for him and his family.
Xavier was a strong man or at least he wanted everyone to think he was but he was scared and didn't have a clue as to what he was going to do with his son. He showed that you can love two people and not betray either. Although he tried to be mean and push everyone away he new when he needed help and asked. He could be cold but he also was loving and sweet when he wanted to be. I loved that Sloan let him be a (oh I don't know) softer man. He was strong and sexy but he learned the hardest way that you have to just trust and let yourself go sometimes and not live in your head.
There are other side characters that were strong in their own ways. Some were nice and I loved a lot then some were well not so nice. You will know who when you read it. To sum it all up I laughed , I cried, then cried some more, then smiled and swooned and cried some more. Over all it was very well written and different in so many ways from any story I have read. Seriously bumped some on my favorite list and is now tied for first place.
April 18, 2014
“Fragile Bonds” by Sloan Johnson
5 out of 5 stars
Are you looking for a tale of love gone wrong? What about a story of redemption? If so, this one is for you! Melanie has been nursing a broken heart for six years. Try as she might, she just can’t get over Xavier. Burying herself in her college studies and then building her career, Melanie has convinced herself that she’s moved on. As a hospice, at-home nurse, she provides end of life care and allows her patients to consume her world. When she realizes that Xavier’s wife, Alyssa, is her new patient, Melanie’s carefully crafted life comes crashing down around her. Will she be able to keep her personal and professional lives separate or will the pull from Xavier prove too strong?
I have to start with Alyssa. She is the true heartbeat of this story. She’s feisty, fun, and determined not to let the cancer ravaging her body keep her down. It would be easy for her to lie in her bed and let it rob her of the last months of life she has left…but that’s not Alyssa. She wants to live each day to its fullest, unafraid to make new friends along the way, all the while creating as many memories with her family that she can. The relationship she builds with Melanie is a true testament to sisterhood and her dying wishes showcase what an amazing woman she was. I was inspired by her selflessness and love. Even though this book is about Melanie and Xavier’s journey, for me, Alyssa was the star.
Johnson has crafted a poignant look at family and how we can choose who that includes. It’s a story about love that was once lost but found again on new terms. It’s about growing up and becoming a better person. It’s about facing down pain and loss and coming out on the other side of heartbreak. And it’s about finding healing where you’d least expect it.
This isn’t just a love story; it goes so far beyond that. Buy this book, read it, and then tell all your friends about it. You will be moved and maybe just a little bit changed for having read it. I look forward to what Sloan Johnson has to offer next.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Shannon, My Secret Book Spot
5 out of 5 stars
Are you looking for a tale of love gone wrong? What about a story of redemption? If so, this one is for you! Melanie has been nursing a broken heart for six years. Try as she might, she just can’t get over Xavier. Burying herself in her college studies and then building her career, Melanie has convinced herself that she’s moved on. As a hospice, at-home nurse, she provides end of life care and allows her patients to consume her world. When she realizes that Xavier’s wife, Alyssa, is her new patient, Melanie’s carefully crafted life comes crashing down around her. Will she be able to keep her personal and professional lives separate or will the pull from Xavier prove too strong?
I have to start with Alyssa. She is the true heartbeat of this story. She’s feisty, fun, and determined not to let the cancer ravaging her body keep her down. It would be easy for her to lie in her bed and let it rob her of the last months of life she has left…but that’s not Alyssa. She wants to live each day to its fullest, unafraid to make new friends along the way, all the while creating as many memories with her family that she can. The relationship she builds with Melanie is a true testament to sisterhood and her dying wishes showcase what an amazing woman she was. I was inspired by her selflessness and love. Even though this book is about Melanie and Xavier’s journey, for me, Alyssa was the star.
Johnson has crafted a poignant look at family and how we can choose who that includes. It’s a story about love that was once lost but found again on new terms. It’s about growing up and becoming a better person. It’s about facing down pain and loss and coming out on the other side of heartbreak. And it’s about finding healing where you’d least expect it.
This isn’t just a love story; it goes so far beyond that. Buy this book, read it, and then tell all your friends about it. You will be moved and maybe just a little bit changed for having read it. I look forward to what Sloan Johnson has to offer next.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Shannon, My Secret Book Spot
April 25, 2014
Melanie and Xavier were lovers way back when. Xavier bought a house for them, then through Melanie out when she disobeyed and lied to him.
Years later Melanie is knocking on the door to the house that was once hers to be the hospice nurse for a terminal patient. She knows what this address is, just doesn't know yet who the patient is. She finds it is her lover's wife, the woman he married after he dumped Melanie, dying of leukemia. In probably a huge conflict of interest that would never happen in real life, Melanie decides that her lover and son, and the dying wife need her more than Melanie needs to keep her distance from her ex-lover. The son bonds quickly with Melanie but her lover is now totally committed to his current wife and wishes more than anything she could beat her illness.
I don't want to spoil large portions of this story. But I will say that there were still some feelings between Melanie and the ex-lover, but it was totally platonic and never, ever acted upon while the wife was alive.
After the wife passes, a lot of angst, second guessing and feelings start to develop. Trying to keep the interests of the son first and foremost, it is difficult to reconcile him needing an "alive" mom, Melanie's feelings about being a second choice in life for both of them, and the lover's still guilty and buried feelings of love that he still has for Melanie. And, a big twist happens when Melanie learns of a betrayal by supposedly her best friend that might have changed all of their lives a long time ago.
This was a touching story, somewhat of a tear jerker, especially from the perspective of the boy. I don't think I ever got over Melanie deciding to work in "her" house with the former love of her life caring for his new wife while she died. It was a tad unbelievable. but, it was a good read and I read it in one sitting.
Years later Melanie is knocking on the door to the house that was once hers to be the hospice nurse for a terminal patient. She knows what this address is, just doesn't know yet who the patient is. She finds it is her lover's wife, the woman he married after he dumped Melanie, dying of leukemia. In probably a huge conflict of interest that would never happen in real life, Melanie decides that her lover and son, and the dying wife need her more than Melanie needs to keep her distance from her ex-lover. The son bonds quickly with Melanie but her lover is now totally committed to his current wife and wishes more than anything she could beat her illness.
I don't want to spoil large portions of this story. But I will say that there were still some feelings between Melanie and the ex-lover, but it was totally platonic and never, ever acted upon while the wife was alive.
After the wife passes, a lot of angst, second guessing and feelings start to develop. Trying to keep the interests of the son first and foremost, it is difficult to reconcile him needing an "alive" mom, Melanie's feelings about being a second choice in life for both of them, and the lover's still guilty and buried feelings of love that he still has for Melanie. And, a big twist happens when Melanie learns of a betrayal by supposedly her best friend that might have changed all of their lives a long time ago.
This was a touching story, somewhat of a tear jerker, especially from the perspective of the boy. I don't think I ever got over Melanie deciding to work in "her" house with the former love of her life caring for his new wife while she died. It was a tad unbelievable. but, it was a good read and I read it in one sitting.
April 23, 2014
I was gifted this book in return for an honest review.
5 out 5 Stars!!!
This has got to the best Contemporary Romance I gave read in a long time! This is story of a heartbreaking tale of two people and they're journey to a second chance. I bawled my eyes out throughout the book. I love how I was able to be pulled into the story and feel everything that the characters felt. It is very well written.
Melanie is a hospice nurse assigned to care for the dying wife of Xavier. Xavier is the only man she's ever loved and broke her heart 6 yrs earlier. She puts aside her feelings and forms a bond with the family during the time she is caring for the dying woman, Alyssa. She is so admirable in how selfless her character is.
Xavier, now thrust into being a hands-on and single parent, struggles with guilt over his past with Melanie and with feeling like he's betraying the memory of his dead wife.
There's little 4yr old Jacob, son of Alyssa and Xavier, who helps to bridge the gap between Melanie and Xavier and brings them closer.
I most definite recommend this amazing story!
5 out 5 Stars!!!
This has got to the best Contemporary Romance I gave read in a long time! This is story of a heartbreaking tale of two people and they're journey to a second chance. I bawled my eyes out throughout the book. I love how I was able to be pulled into the story and feel everything that the characters felt. It is very well written.
Melanie is a hospice nurse assigned to care for the dying wife of Xavier. Xavier is the only man she's ever loved and broke her heart 6 yrs earlier. She puts aside her feelings and forms a bond with the family during the time she is caring for the dying woman, Alyssa. She is so admirable in how selfless her character is.
Xavier, now thrust into being a hands-on and single parent, struggles with guilt over his past with Melanie and with feeling like he's betraying the memory of his dead wife.
There's little 4yr old Jacob, son of Alyssa and Xavier, who helps to bridge the gap between Melanie and Xavier and brings them closer.
I most definite recommend this amazing story!
April 25, 2014
3.5 Stars
I'm seeing a lot of people rave about this book and I hate to say that I didn't love it. Fragile bonds wasn't bad by any standards but I didn't feel that engaged with the characters or the emotions I was supposed to be feeling. I actually felt more towards the wife Alyssa since she had the raw deal out of the bunch. The Stacey plot was childish and I didn't like how Xavier's brother was so unsupportive of his brothers grief but rather tried to push him and Melanie together. Also, why throw a past BDSM relationship at all? Was it to show how strong Mel is? Overall I wasn't really feeling this book. Well written but just not for me.
Sidenote, Xavier's son was adorable.
I'm seeing a lot of people rave about this book and I hate to say that I didn't love it. Fragile bonds wasn't bad by any standards but I didn't feel that engaged with the characters or the emotions I was supposed to be feeling. I actually felt more towards the wife Alyssa since she had the raw deal out of the bunch. The Stacey plot was childish and I didn't like how Xavier's brother was so unsupportive of his brothers grief but rather tried to push him and Melanie together. Also, why throw a past BDSM relationship at all? Was it to show how strong Mel is? Overall I wasn't really feeling this book. Well written but just not for me.
Sidenote, Xavier's son was adorable.
April 6, 2014
I cried. From start to finish. Like a flipping baby.
I haven't had that happen in a very long time. The plot line is refreshing, with the backstory of end of life care, with hints of BDSM strewn in.
Your heart breaks for Xavier and Jacob, while they deal with unimaginable hurt.. At the same time you get a glimpse of what broke up Melanie and Xavier in the first place, and oooooooooohhhh not cool.
In short, I cried. I laughed. I wanted to throat punch someone (read it and you will know who).
I haven't had that happen in a very long time. The plot line is refreshing, with the backstory of end of life care, with hints of BDSM strewn in.
Your heart breaks for Xavier and Jacob, while they deal with unimaginable hurt.. At the same time you get a glimpse of what broke up Melanie and Xavier in the first place, and oooooooooohhhh not cool.
In short, I cried. I laughed. I wanted to throat punch someone (read it and you will know who).
April 26, 2014
I really liked the plot of this story, but i thought it got boring after Alyssa died. I was surprised by the ending - i thought she would have been pregnant in the end and having their own child. I just thought Sloan Johnson sent too much time on when they were trying to work things out (should I or shouldn't be with him). Like most books I read, there could have been a better ending. Also Sloan never fully explained what kind of relationship they had before, e.g. the kinky part.
April 22, 2014
An epic roller coaster of emotion about life, love and forgiveness.
Read
April 23, 2014made me ugly cry
it was so emotional and such a beautiful story! I fell in love with the characters and the story!! it's a must read!!!!
it was so emotional and such a beautiful story! I fell in love with the characters and the story!! it's a must read!!!!
April 26, 2014
*****An EMOTIONALLY, HEARTBREAKING, GUT WRENCHING 5 Star Review*****
Let me just start off by saying I was hooked from just the description of the book itself. When I read the description I just knew I had to buy and read it right away.
Okay, so going into this book I knew I was going to need:
1. A Box of Tissues
2. 600mg of Ibuprofen
I first want to congratulate Sloan Johnson on writing such a beautifully written and emotionally tragic story. I was not only immediately pulled in but emotionally invested from the beginning. Sometimes I felt as if I was going through the pain with them. I had to sometimes step away from the book and gather myself because I felt as though I need to pick my heart up of the floor cause it had just been ripped from my chest and tossed to the ground. I didn't stay away for long though...
With that being said here's my review...
Melanie Erickson is a home care nurse who deals with her patients in the last stages of death. When here next assignment is to be a companion to Alyssa Ross who has stolen Xavier Ross and the life she always wanted. Six years ago she walked away from her forever home, broken. Only for fate to swoop in and have her return to the home that was once her forever.
At first when Melanie showed up on Xavier's front porch he question her ability to care for his wife Alyssa properly given their past. He loved his wife and son Jacob very much and only wanted the best for her while she was dying.
Melanie wanted to hate Alyssa but she grew to love her in the few months she had left. She tried to not become emotionally attached to any of her patients knowing that they will eventually pass on, but she knew it would be different this time around.
While Xavier is doing everything to keep Alyssa in her bed, Melanie is trying to let her live the rest of her life to the fullest.
Love sometimes gets in the way and mucks things up. Xavier and Melanie find out truth to why things ended between them that left them feeling like they had no closure.
Before Alyssa passes on she has one last wish for Melanie and Xavier.
My heart was literally breaking for him. You could feel his pain. He didn't want to move on from what he had with Alyssa. He was used to always being in control of every aspect of his life and now he felt as if he had no control at all.
You do get a little of Alyssa's POV which had me in tears the whole time. I was mopping them up off the floor. I probably had to put the book down at least 5 times so I could actually read the words in front of me. I loved that Sloan included that into the story.
After Alyssa's death Xavier just wanted to push everything away while Melissa wanted to keep her promise to Alyssa but also wanted to give Xavier and Jacob the space they needed.
Xavier struggled with his feelings for Melanie not wanting to betray Alyssa.
The bond that Jacob and Melanie was amazing and you could just feel the love she had for all of them. Even though she had struggles of her own.
Sloan made you feel everything they were feeling and its amazing that I felt this way throughout the whole book. Every tear each character shed, I was shedding them right with them.
This isn't a BDSM book and there is no cheating. Yes, Xavier used to be Melanie's Dom and something happened 6 years ago to break what they had. There are flashbacks in the story that tell you what occurred.
I will say this though I really, really wish there was more about who they used to be. I felt like I was left hanging as to why was submissive then. It was hinted that Melanie was going through stuff at the time when she was his Sub.
WOW what an AMAZING EMOTIONAL read. I didn't want there story to end and would love a prequel to see more of how their relationship was before or a sequel to see how much the characters have grown. This is a drop everything your doing and just READ THIS BOOK NOW kind of read.
Let me just start off by saying I was hooked from just the description of the book itself. When I read the description I just knew I had to buy and read it right away.
“Without trust, we have nothing.”
Okay, so going into this book I knew I was going to need:
1. A Box of Tissues
2. 600mg of Ibuprofen
I first want to congratulate Sloan Johnson on writing such a beautifully written and emotionally tragic story. I was not only immediately pulled in but emotionally invested from the beginning. Sometimes I felt as if I was going through the pain with them. I had to sometimes step away from the book and gather myself because I felt as though I need to pick my heart up of the floor cause it had just been ripped from my chest and tossed to the ground. I didn't stay away for long though...
With that being said here's my review...
Melanie Erickson is a home care nurse who deals with her patients in the last stages of death. When here next assignment is to be a companion to Alyssa Ross who has stolen Xavier Ross and the life she always wanted. Six years ago she walked away from her forever home, broken. Only for fate to swoop in and have her return to the home that was once her forever.
At first when Melanie showed up on Xavier's front porch he question her ability to care for his wife Alyssa properly given their past. He loved his wife and son Jacob very much and only wanted the best for her while she was dying.
Melanie wanted to hate Alyssa but she grew to love her in the few months she had left. She tried to not become emotionally attached to any of her patients knowing that they will eventually pass on, but she knew it would be different this time around.
While Xavier is doing everything to keep Alyssa in her bed, Melanie is trying to let her live the rest of her life to the fullest.
Love sometimes gets in the way and mucks things up. Xavier and Melanie find out truth to why things ended between them that left them feeling like they had no closure.
Before Alyssa passes on she has one last wish for Melanie and Xavier.
“I don't want a second chance with her. I want you...”
My heart was literally breaking for him. You could feel his pain. He didn't want to move on from what he had with Alyssa. He was used to always being in control of every aspect of his life and now he felt as if he had no control at all.
You do get a little of Alyssa's POV which had me in tears the whole time. I was mopping them up off the floor. I probably had to put the book down at least 5 times so I could actually read the words in front of me. I loved that Sloan included that into the story.
After Alyssa's death Xavier just wanted to push everything away while Melissa wanted to keep her promise to Alyssa but also wanted to give Xavier and Jacob the space they needed.
Xavier struggled with his feelings for Melanie not wanting to betray Alyssa.
“Part of me hates myself for feeling the way I do.”
The bond that Jacob and Melanie was amazing and you could just feel the love she had for all of them. Even though she had struggles of her own.
Sloan made you feel everything they were feeling and its amazing that I felt this way throughout the whole book. Every tear each character shed, I was shedding them right with them.
This isn't a BDSM book and there is no cheating. Yes, Xavier used to be Melanie's Dom and something happened 6 years ago to break what they had. There are flashbacks in the story that tell you what occurred.
“I'm not the submissive girl I used to be. That girl died on the living room floor six years ago.”
I will say this though I really, really wish there was more about who they used to be. I felt like I was left hanging as to why was submissive then. It was hinted that Melanie was going through stuff at the time when she was his Sub.
WOW what an AMAZING EMOTIONAL read. I didn't want there story to end and would love a prequel to see more of how their relationship was before or a sequel to see how much the characters have grown. This is a drop everything your doing and just READ THIS BOOK NOW kind of read.
December 13, 2015
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
I knowingly went into this book prepared to ugly cry. Was I stupid? Probably.. I will say this is not a BDSM book (despite the former Dom/sub relationship). There is no triangle and there is no cheating. This story will fucking destroy your heart at times but it's damn beautiful.
"Without trust, we have nothing."
Melanie finds herself not moving an inch starring at a little boy on the front porch of a former life. She has been hired to care for Alyssa Ross who is terminally ill. Alyssa so happens to live in the house Melanie lived in six years ago with the man she still loves. 35 year old Xavier questions his ability to care for his wife. Melanie is having a difficult time seeing how the house looks basically EXACTLY the same as when she picked everything for it. Good hell. I held my breath when Melanie met Alyssa for the first time. Unknown the both women, Xavier listened in.
Xavier decides it's in everyone's best interest that his former relationship with Melanie stays hidden. Xavier and Alyssa eventually married because she got pregnant with Jacob. Xavier did not start to love her until she was first diagnosed. As time goes by Melanie gets extremely close to to Alyssa. Obviously the professional line has been blurred. Melanie has not told her friend Stacey about working for Xavier (she never liked them together). Xavier's brother Braydon comes for Christmas and almost blows the secret up. Alyssa always wanted to take a cruise with Jacob so after she receives more devastating news, the four of them ship out.
SON. OF. A. BITCH. Stacey is responsible for keeping Xavier from Melanie.. He called and called but Stacey told him he Melanie wanted nothing to do with him. Oh and the horrible part. Stacey wrote a letter (on behalf of Xavier) to Melanie that crushed her heart. Good hell. The bitch doesn't even deny it when Melanie confronts her. Alyssa's last few says SUCKED. I mean you know it's coming but fuck it sucks.. I was sobbing when she told Melanie she knew who she was to her husband and asked her to take care of her boys.
"I think everyone has that one person in their lives that can affect them, even if it's been twenty years and they separated on bad terms, and Xavier is mine."
Xavier took off with Jacob to the East coast after Alyssa died. Melanie finally quit her job that was slowly sucking the life out of her. She decides to take a road trip and after a week or so Xavier invites her to where and Jacob are staying. Melanie spends two weeks with the boys away from real life. She convinces Xavier he needs to go back. She takes charge and moves them into an apartment (in her complex). Jacob has a nightmare about his mom leaving him and he is inconsolable. Braydon gets Melanie and she rushes over in her sleep ware to calm down Jacob. Melanie becomes a fixture at their apartment.
"I love you Melanie. I know I said that to you before and then hurt you, but I need you to know that time will be different."
Jacob's first birthday without his mom. Xavier is feeling guilty and Melanie is trying to make it perfect for Jacob. That night she stays over for the first time. Jacob tells her his birthday wish came true because she stayed. Oh wait though! If that didn't make you cry the part when Jacob asks if she can be his mom he can see. Good fucking hell. I understood when both Xavier and Melanie had their doubts but thankfully they come together. Xavier gives Melanie back the necklace he took all those years ago. She moves in with her boys she loves so much.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone
POV - Melanie, Xavier and Alyssa
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
I knowingly went into this book prepared to ugly cry. Was I stupid? Probably.. I will say this is not a BDSM book (despite the former Dom/sub relationship). There is no triangle and there is no cheating. This story will fucking destroy your heart at times but it's damn beautiful.
"Without trust, we have nothing."
Melanie finds herself not moving an inch starring at a little boy on the front porch of a former life. She has been hired to care for Alyssa Ross who is terminally ill. Alyssa so happens to live in the house Melanie lived in six years ago with the man she still loves. 35 year old Xavier questions his ability to care for his wife. Melanie is having a difficult time seeing how the house looks basically EXACTLY the same as when she picked everything for it. Good hell. I held my breath when Melanie met Alyssa for the first time. Unknown the both women, Xavier listened in.
Xavier decides it's in everyone's best interest that his former relationship with Melanie stays hidden. Xavier and Alyssa eventually married because she got pregnant with Jacob. Xavier did not start to love her until she was first diagnosed. As time goes by Melanie gets extremely close to to Alyssa. Obviously the professional line has been blurred. Melanie has not told her friend Stacey about working for Xavier (she never liked them together). Xavier's brother Braydon comes for Christmas and almost blows the secret up. Alyssa always wanted to take a cruise with Jacob so after she receives more devastating news, the four of them ship out.
SON. OF. A. BITCH. Stacey is responsible for keeping Xavier from Melanie.. He called and called but Stacey told him he Melanie wanted nothing to do with him. Oh and the horrible part. Stacey wrote a letter (on behalf of Xavier) to Melanie that crushed her heart. Good hell. The bitch doesn't even deny it when Melanie confronts her. Alyssa's last few says SUCKED. I mean you know it's coming but fuck it sucks.. I was sobbing when she told Melanie she knew who she was to her husband and asked her to take care of her boys.
"I think everyone has that one person in their lives that can affect them, even if it's been twenty years and they separated on bad terms, and Xavier is mine."
Xavier took off with Jacob to the East coast after Alyssa died. Melanie finally quit her job that was slowly sucking the life out of her. She decides to take a road trip and after a week or so Xavier invites her to where and Jacob are staying. Melanie spends two weeks with the boys away from real life. She convinces Xavier he needs to go back. She takes charge and moves them into an apartment (in her complex). Jacob has a nightmare about his mom leaving him and he is inconsolable. Braydon gets Melanie and she rushes over in her sleep ware to calm down Jacob. Melanie becomes a fixture at their apartment.
"I love you Melanie. I know I said that to you before and then hurt you, but I need you to know that time will be different."
Jacob's first birthday without his mom. Xavier is feeling guilty and Melanie is trying to make it perfect for Jacob. That night she stays over for the first time. Jacob tells her his birthday wish came true because she stayed. Oh wait though! If that didn't make you cry the part when Jacob asks if she can be his mom he can see. Good fucking hell. I understood when both Xavier and Melanie had their doubts but thankfully they come together. Xavier gives Melanie back the necklace he took all those years ago. She moves in with her boys she loves so much.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone
POV - Melanie, Xavier and Alyssa
May 23, 2014
Wow, I need to take a deep breath. And blow my nose due to the snot bubbles that have risen while reading the epilogue. I just finished Fragile Bonds by Sloan Johnson. There are many thoughts racing through my head. Let me see if I can get a handle on this and express to you just how much I loved this story.
I had to take a few breaks while enjoying this read, mainly due to very watery eyes. Sloan has such a natural way of making you FEEL every word she writes. It seems to come so naturally, so easily, and then BAM! you are blown away at the pure poetry on the page. Her writing has such a way of affecting your heart, making you think, making you struggle while trying to connect to the characters. Let me explain that. Xavier, the main man hunk-a-dunk in Fragile Bonds is kind of an ass. He is so conflicted. That’s it, the PERFECT word to describe him. He is conflicted about his past being shoved in his face in the present. He is conflicted about what type of parent he is and what type he knows he should be. He is at a crossroads in his life, having to say goodbye to his wife, due to cancer. The Big C word. Yep, grab the tissues. When the story begins, Alyssa, Xavier’s wife, is already terminal. They only have a few months left together and a nurse is hired to make sure the transition into death is as comfortable as possible. In walks Melanie. She just happens to be Xavier’s ex-fiance. Yep. He just happens to still reside in the home that he bought for him and Melanie, with his current wife, on her death bed. Yep. Head –>explosion. Let me just let that sit for a moment.
Admittedly, Xavier was not a good husband and not really a good father either. He was still hung up on the demise of his wayward relationship with Melanie to ever really commit to Alyssa. This being said, towards the end, he did love her and was completely broken up about the inevitable end of her life.
Melanie is a strong, confident woman who is an end of life nurse. She knew she was walking into a potential disaster when she took Alyssa’s case, due to recognizing the last name and the address (eek). However, something compelled her to go for it. Do you believe in second chances? I know I do mainly because of how my love life has played out, but I think that Melanie does as well. She may not have worked it all out in her head how things would go, but she was drawn to seeing Xavier again, and thank goodness she did. She is not the same Melanie that loved Xavier before. It’s been six years, and she has grown into her own person. This will prove to be the BEST thing for their budding relationship.
Of course, the first half of this book will pull at those heart strings. Writing and reading about death is never fun or easy. It is a part of everyone’s life and when it’s executed correctly, can be quite beautiful. Sloan makes Alyssa’s death beautiful. There are some very special moments there.
What makes the story even more complicated, is Jacob, the five year old rambunctious son to Alyssa and Xavier. He has to manage being a child and the death of his mommy. There are some very sweet moments where his child-like wonder makes you smile and your heart warm. He is larger than life, racing through the lives of adults surrounding him. His innocence is endearing. His love for Brody, Melanie’s doggy is so sweet, it reminds you that dogs can help with grief. These are the happy moments that help balance the tragedy in the story.
Fragile Bonds is a gorgeous story of conflicted love, and the bonds that we struggle to hold on to. Having doubts in life is common; working them out and still making decisions you can live with is often difficult. Xavier and Melanie both struggle and conquer these doubts. They hang on to those fragile bonds that held them together for over six years and finally build a life they can be happy with, together.
5 ENORMOUS smooches
~Nicole
Red Cheeks Reads
I had to take a few breaks while enjoying this read, mainly due to very watery eyes. Sloan has such a natural way of making you FEEL every word she writes. It seems to come so naturally, so easily, and then BAM! you are blown away at the pure poetry on the page. Her writing has such a way of affecting your heart, making you think, making you struggle while trying to connect to the characters. Let me explain that. Xavier, the main man hunk-a-dunk in Fragile Bonds is kind of an ass. He is so conflicted. That’s it, the PERFECT word to describe him. He is conflicted about his past being shoved in his face in the present. He is conflicted about what type of parent he is and what type he knows he should be. He is at a crossroads in his life, having to say goodbye to his wife, due to cancer. The Big C word. Yep, grab the tissues. When the story begins, Alyssa, Xavier’s wife, is already terminal. They only have a few months left together and a nurse is hired to make sure the transition into death is as comfortable as possible. In walks Melanie. She just happens to be Xavier’s ex-fiance. Yep. He just happens to still reside in the home that he bought for him and Melanie, with his current wife, on her death bed. Yep. Head –>explosion. Let me just let that sit for a moment.
Admittedly, Xavier was not a good husband and not really a good father either. He was still hung up on the demise of his wayward relationship with Melanie to ever really commit to Alyssa. This being said, towards the end, he did love her and was completely broken up about the inevitable end of her life.
Melanie is a strong, confident woman who is an end of life nurse. She knew she was walking into a potential disaster when she took Alyssa’s case, due to recognizing the last name and the address (eek). However, something compelled her to go for it. Do you believe in second chances? I know I do mainly because of how my love life has played out, but I think that Melanie does as well. She may not have worked it all out in her head how things would go, but she was drawn to seeing Xavier again, and thank goodness she did. She is not the same Melanie that loved Xavier before. It’s been six years, and she has grown into her own person. This will prove to be the BEST thing for their budding relationship.
Of course, the first half of this book will pull at those heart strings. Writing and reading about death is never fun or easy. It is a part of everyone’s life and when it’s executed correctly, can be quite beautiful. Sloan makes Alyssa’s death beautiful. There are some very special moments there.
What makes the story even more complicated, is Jacob, the five year old rambunctious son to Alyssa and Xavier. He has to manage being a child and the death of his mommy. There are some very sweet moments where his child-like wonder makes you smile and your heart warm. He is larger than life, racing through the lives of adults surrounding him. His innocence is endearing. His love for Brody, Melanie’s doggy is so sweet, it reminds you that dogs can help with grief. These are the happy moments that help balance the tragedy in the story.
Fragile Bonds is a gorgeous story of conflicted love, and the bonds that we struggle to hold on to. Having doubts in life is common; working them out and still making decisions you can live with is often difficult. Xavier and Melanie both struggle and conquer these doubts. They hang on to those fragile bonds that held them together for over six years and finally build a life they can be happy with, together.
5 ENORMOUS smooches
~Nicole
Red Cheeks Reads
April 28, 2014
Angela's 5 Star Review
This was such a beautifully, written, and emotionally tragic story. It deals with a dreadful word and disease Cancer. It will leave your emotions all over the place, not only will you laugh, you'll definitely do the "ugly cry", and toss your e-reader across the room. So sit back grab a glass of wine or bottle if needed, and a box of Kleenex.
"Without trust, we have nothing."
Melanie Erickson is a home care nurse who deals with patients in the last stages of their lives. She's also a very strong, brave courageous woman. Six years prior Melanie lost the love of her life Xavier Ross, he left her with a broken heart and she has never fully recovered the loss. Her next assignment is to take care of Alyssa Ross none other than the wife of her true love Xavier. Melanie has her reservations for taking this assignment, can she face him again, can she put her feelings aside and care for his dying wife. Melanie being the woman she is accepts it.
Alyssa Ross is the true heroine in this story not only is she suffering from a terrible disease that is about to take her life, she's trying to be strong for her husband and sweet little boy Jacob.
Alyssa by all means is not a naïve woman, she knows she was second best to Xavier's first love the one who broke his heart. She's moved past that and accepted it, one could say she endured all of this for her son because she wanted him to have a mommy and daddy. Alyssa has one wish before she passes for Melanie and Xavier, like I said Alyssa is not naïve.
Xavier Ross the husband, father, x-lover, whom I wanted to dislike but just could not. In the past he didn't treat his wife the way she deserved, but eventually he did come to love and care for her. As the story does progress you'll get a better understanding on what was going on in his mind. Xavier does do everything in his power to make sure his dying wife is comfortable, loved, and cared for the way she should be, even if it means ignoring Melanie and keeping his feelings for her buried.
"I don't want a second chance with her. I want you."
Jacob Ross, Xavier and Alyssa's 4 year old son, I absolutely fell in love with him he makes you laugh, cry, and at times I wanted to reach into my kindle and give him a big hug. Jacob was most definitely the scene stealer in the book. Jacob was to young to fully understand the meaning of death and what was happing to his mommy, but smart enough to understand the impact it would have on his and his daddy's life. The one constant person for him in his life during this has been Melanie, the bond the two of them form will melt your heart.
"I want a mommy I can see and you told me I can't see her anymore. And you stayed last night, so you're my mommy that I can see."
Xavier and Melanie's break up will be explored further in the story, and you'll realize not only are they at fault, but Melanie's best friend Stacey. I have a few choice words for her BITCH being one the others not so nice to write, you will have your own I'm sure.
Fragile Bonds is told in alternating perspectives, Melanie, Xavier, and yes you get a little glimpse of what's going on in Alyssa's mind.
I could go but I'll stop now I don't want to repeat myself or spoil it for anyone, I want the readers to experience this beautiful story for themselves.
"I think that everyone has that one person in their lives that can affect them, even if it's been twenty years and they separated on bad terms, and Xavier is mine."
"We have something special, crazy and complicated, but what we share is a once in a lifetime kind of love. Not twice, once."
This was such a beautifully, written, and emotionally tragic story. It deals with a dreadful word and disease Cancer. It will leave your emotions all over the place, not only will you laugh, you'll definitely do the "ugly cry", and toss your e-reader across the room. So sit back grab a glass of wine or bottle if needed, and a box of Kleenex.
"Without trust, we have nothing."
Melanie Erickson is a home care nurse who deals with patients in the last stages of their lives. She's also a very strong, brave courageous woman. Six years prior Melanie lost the love of her life Xavier Ross, he left her with a broken heart and she has never fully recovered the loss. Her next assignment is to take care of Alyssa Ross none other than the wife of her true love Xavier. Melanie has her reservations for taking this assignment, can she face him again, can she put her feelings aside and care for his dying wife. Melanie being the woman she is accepts it.
Alyssa Ross is the true heroine in this story not only is she suffering from a terrible disease that is about to take her life, she's trying to be strong for her husband and sweet little boy Jacob.
Alyssa by all means is not a naïve woman, she knows she was second best to Xavier's first love the one who broke his heart. She's moved past that and accepted it, one could say she endured all of this for her son because she wanted him to have a mommy and daddy. Alyssa has one wish before she passes for Melanie and Xavier, like I said Alyssa is not naïve.
Xavier Ross the husband, father, x-lover, whom I wanted to dislike but just could not. In the past he didn't treat his wife the way she deserved, but eventually he did come to love and care for her. As the story does progress you'll get a better understanding on what was going on in his mind. Xavier does do everything in his power to make sure his dying wife is comfortable, loved, and cared for the way she should be, even if it means ignoring Melanie and keeping his feelings for her buried.
"I don't want a second chance with her. I want you."
Jacob Ross, Xavier and Alyssa's 4 year old son, I absolutely fell in love with him he makes you laugh, cry, and at times I wanted to reach into my kindle and give him a big hug. Jacob was most definitely the scene stealer in the book. Jacob was to young to fully understand the meaning of death and what was happing to his mommy, but smart enough to understand the impact it would have on his and his daddy's life. The one constant person for him in his life during this has been Melanie, the bond the two of them form will melt your heart.
"I want a mommy I can see and you told me I can't see her anymore. And you stayed last night, so you're my mommy that I can see."
Xavier and Melanie's break up will be explored further in the story, and you'll realize not only are they at fault, but Melanie's best friend Stacey. I have a few choice words for her BITCH being one the others not so nice to write, you will have your own I'm sure.
Fragile Bonds is told in alternating perspectives, Melanie, Xavier, and yes you get a little glimpse of what's going on in Alyssa's mind.
I could go but I'll stop now I don't want to repeat myself or spoil it for anyone, I want the readers to experience this beautiful story for themselves.
"I think that everyone has that one person in their lives that can affect them, even if it's been twenty years and they separated on bad terms, and Xavier is mine."
"We have something special, crazy and complicated, but what we share is a once in a lifetime kind of love. Not twice, once."
May 16, 2014
This story had me from the first word. I can’t express how truly beautiful this story is. It is not just a story but an experience that pulled on my emotions and gutted me in the saddest of ways and then with the power of love put my heart back together. Llike the title of the book my heart remained Fragile because this story can’t put your heart back together is can only mend it. This is a story that is going to make you feel, if you do not feel something from reading this story you may have to be checked by a doctor and make sure your heart is still in your chest. I tried putting myself in the position of the character and asking myself if I would be strong enough to do what Melanie did. I honestly do not think I could not because I am selfish but I know my own limits and my heart could not take it. The heart and soul of this character is astounding and it truly takes a special person to handle this situation pushing past how much pain it would cause her and still be there for this family.
The past history that Melanie and Xavier have was intense and it is a love that never really died. It was stubbornness, miscommunication, and immaturity that tore these two apart when they were younger. I hate that it happened to them but ultimately I believe it was meant to happen this way. It made them who they are today and I do not think the relationship would have survived if they stayed together in the past. Life took them in different directions but then circle back to each other. I just wish it had not be at the expense of another.
They did struggle with those past feelings throughout most of this story and I believe the author really did an astonishing job towing the line of those emotions and how the characters acted on it. Nothing was taken lightly and it was done with such integrity. I was rooting for this couple but always with a heavy heart.
There is a little boy named Jacob in this story; he is Xavier son and he is a scene stealer and you will cry your eyes out. (Tissues are needed in abundance)There were times that I could not even see the words through by tears. There is also another character in this story and I wished that I did not love her but I really did. Alyssa was ultimately the star of this story and the love she showed was the greatest love of all.
This story is a romance, but I feel it is not just a romance of two people but a romance of a family and life; all the characters in this story are part of this romance. I loved the concept of this story. I mean it with conviction when I say it can’t compare to other books I have read. I have this weird thing when I read certain books; I have mentioned it before and this book did it to me. When a book is really intense and emotionally charged I tend to read in a whisper in my head. This book is so beautifully written.
I hope everyone reads this story and I hope the reader will look deep into the story and not just the surface of it. There is a deep meaning in this book that words really can’t convey. This book is pure feeling and I want everyone to feel it too. I think there is no right or wrong in how or when someone should love and be happy and time should not play a factor. Life is too short in the world we live in today and we should snatch up any amount of happiness we can and as quick as we can. That circle of life I mentioned before might just be a small circle.
The past history that Melanie and Xavier have was intense and it is a love that never really died. It was stubbornness, miscommunication, and immaturity that tore these two apart when they were younger. I hate that it happened to them but ultimately I believe it was meant to happen this way. It made them who they are today and I do not think the relationship would have survived if they stayed together in the past. Life took them in different directions but then circle back to each other. I just wish it had not be at the expense of another.
They did struggle with those past feelings throughout most of this story and I believe the author really did an astonishing job towing the line of those emotions and how the characters acted on it. Nothing was taken lightly and it was done with such integrity. I was rooting for this couple but always with a heavy heart.
There is a little boy named Jacob in this story; he is Xavier son and he is a scene stealer and you will cry your eyes out. (Tissues are needed in abundance)There were times that I could not even see the words through by tears. There is also another character in this story and I wished that I did not love her but I really did. Alyssa was ultimately the star of this story and the love she showed was the greatest love of all.
This story is a romance, but I feel it is not just a romance of two people but a romance of a family and life; all the characters in this story are part of this romance. I loved the concept of this story. I mean it with conviction when I say it can’t compare to other books I have read. I have this weird thing when I read certain books; I have mentioned it before and this book did it to me. When a book is really intense and emotionally charged I tend to read in a whisper in my head. This book is so beautifully written.
I hope everyone reads this story and I hope the reader will look deep into the story and not just the surface of it. There is a deep meaning in this book that words really can’t convey. This book is pure feeling and I want everyone to feel it too. I think there is no right or wrong in how or when someone should love and be happy and time should not play a factor. Life is too short in the world we live in today and we should snatch up any amount of happiness we can and as quick as we can. That circle of life I mentioned before might just be a small circle.
April 25, 2014
I had to stop and think about this book before I could sit down and write the review. This has been quoted as a second chance romance, but I think that is really too simple of a term for this book. This is a story of second chance romance, but it is also a story of grief, growth, and acceptance; acceptance of what life has given you and what your choices do to your life.
I went into this book, blind, thinking it was going to be some sort of love triangle, and even though it was in a sense, it wasn't at all in the stereotypical "love triangle" storyline. It was much more an emotional triangle playing with these characters.
There are so many pieces to this story that taken separately have a different impact than looking at the story as a whole. Part of this story I had trouble relating and connecting to the characters. And that may be because they were themselves going through a transformation within the book. This story is more of a journey. A story where we are working through the lives of Melanie and Xavier. Although I did feel their bond with the relationship they developed I didn't feel the connection they had before. Their initial relationship was a confusing mystery to me. The Dom/Sub relationship was not something I could associate with either of these characters and that may be part of the reason I had a hard time accepting their initial feelings for one another.
This story touched on a lot of issues and I believe did a good job being sensitive to the needs of someone grieving; grieving a mother, spouse and a friend.
Now we did get to meet the brother Braydon and I loved him! I'm wondering if maybe there will be a book for him in the future. He was a kindhearted, loving brother who I believe has a story to tell... Fingers crossed this wasn't the last we see of Braydon.
"I'm not sure I will ever understand what I did to deserve a second chance with you, but I will thank God every night that I have this time."
I went into this book, blind, thinking it was going to be some sort of love triangle, and even though it was in a sense, it wasn't at all in the stereotypical "love triangle" storyline. It was much more an emotional triangle playing with these characters.
"I need to make Mel understand that she's the woman consuming my mind. And more importantly, she deserves to be the woman I go out of my way to make happy every single day."
There are so many pieces to this story that taken separately have a different impact than looking at the story as a whole. Part of this story I had trouble relating and connecting to the characters. And that may be because they were themselves going through a transformation within the book. This story is more of a journey. A story where we are working through the lives of Melanie and Xavier. Although I did feel their bond with the relationship they developed I didn't feel the connection they had before. Their initial relationship was a confusing mystery to me. The Dom/Sub relationship was not something I could associate with either of these characters and that may be part of the reason I had a hard time accepting their initial feelings for one another.
This story touched on a lot of issues and I believe did a good job being sensitive to the needs of someone grieving; grieving a mother, spouse and a friend.
"You can't change what happened. But you can make sure Jacob has what he needs in his life. And seeing as you love her and I know she loves both of you, I think you'd be doing everyone, Alyssa included, a disservice to ignore that because of your own hang-ups created by the past."
Now we did get to meet the brother Braydon and I loved him! I'm wondering if maybe there will be a book for him in the future. He was a kindhearted, loving brother who I believe has a story to tell... Fingers crossed this wasn't the last we see of Braydon.
April 26, 2014
I have been a Sloan Johnson fan since I finished Unexpected Angel. Although Fragile Bonds is not as full on heat as Unexpected Angel it is subtly woven throughout the story. However, the story makes up for the subtle heat level with a high-octane emotional tear-jerker. Depending on what e-reader device you have, you will need a book of tissues around 31-33%. The story broke my heart. The characters in this story were real and their emotions were raw. You will get no cardboard characters with this one. Alyssa, although a secondary character in reality, was the star of the show for me. Her fight. Her grit. Her intelligence. And, her compassion totally won me over...which is why 31-33% hit me so hard. I totally appreciated Xavier and Melanie in their roles. They never crossed the line until it was free and clear for them to do so. Melanie love and respected Alyssa like the true friend that she was...not like her skanky friend Stacey who deserved a good swift kick to her lady junk. Little Jacob was such a sweetheart and he broke my heart as well because no child should have to endure so much grief. But, his connection with Melanie was strong and sweet that I was so happy to get to the end of the story to see Xavier, Melanie, and Jacob's life together.
I totally and 100% recommend this story to anyone looking for a contemporary romance that contains a story that will break your heart and heal it all in the same book.
I totally and 100% recommend this story to anyone looking for a contemporary romance that contains a story that will break your heart and heal it all in the same book.
December 31, 2016
Fragile Bonds by Sloan Johnson
*was gifted a copy by the author in exchange for and honest review
FRAGILE BONDS by Sloan Johnson is a must read. I just have to tell you that I love Sloan Johnson. I had just recently found her as an author and she never has disappointed me. She has a way with her charters and storytelling that is sublime. I could not wait to get my hands on her books.
FRAGILE BONDS is a different kind of love story with many, many layers. First you have a story of a first love lost. Then a story of finding love in something you never saw. Then the story becomes a tale of a love story of friendship, plus love of a child and finding a second chance. Did you get all that? I know, right!! I thought, “What am I reading “and it is so much and so intense and yet it all works. I found myself crying like a baby, then mad and fussing at my kindle, and then crying again but for all the right reasons. To say this tale is a roller coaster of a ride on the emotion level is the understatement of the year.
In the beginning I had a true hate for Xavier and thought he was a jerk but as the story goes along and I saw how he tries to be a good man, change and grow up, I found him enduring. I loved Alyssa from the moment I met her and Melanie is the chick we all want as our best friend. Oh, and Jacob, what a little love is he. The characters all invoke feelings and I bonded with them all.
The only thing, I did not like about the story was there were glimpses of the past between Melanie and Xavier that either I wanted more or less of. I could not decide. ALL IN ALL, I really enjoyed FRAGILE BONDS and would recommend it.
FRAGILE BONDS by Sloan Johnson Receives 4 out of 5 Platypires!!!
TEXAS HUGS AND HAPPY READING!!!
*was gifted a copy by the author in exchange for and honest review
FRAGILE BONDS by Sloan Johnson is a must read. I just have to tell you that I love Sloan Johnson. I had just recently found her as an author and she never has disappointed me. She has a way with her charters and storytelling that is sublime. I could not wait to get my hands on her books.
FRAGILE BONDS is a different kind of love story with many, many layers. First you have a story of a first love lost. Then a story of finding love in something you never saw. Then the story becomes a tale of a love story of friendship, plus love of a child and finding a second chance. Did you get all that? I know, right!! I thought, “What am I reading “and it is so much and so intense and yet it all works. I found myself crying like a baby, then mad and fussing at my kindle, and then crying again but for all the right reasons. To say this tale is a roller coaster of a ride on the emotion level is the understatement of the year.
In the beginning I had a true hate for Xavier and thought he was a jerk but as the story goes along and I saw how he tries to be a good man, change and grow up, I found him enduring. I loved Alyssa from the moment I met her and Melanie is the chick we all want as our best friend. Oh, and Jacob, what a little love is he. The characters all invoke feelings and I bonded with them all.
The only thing, I did not like about the story was there were glimpses of the past between Melanie and Xavier that either I wanted more or less of. I could not decide. ALL IN ALL, I really enjoyed FRAGILE BONDS and would recommend it.
FRAGILE BONDS by Sloan Johnson Receives 4 out of 5 Platypires!!!
TEXAS HUGS AND HAPPY READING!!!
November 24, 2014
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2014/...
Rating: 4.5 stars
Grab a box of Kleenex, because you'll need it! My heart is trying to calm itself after this highly emotional journey. My heart was aching from the pain and suffering. My heart tried smiling at the bonds Melanie formed with Alyssa and Jacob but I was in constant worry of the 'what ifs' and 'what happens when' questions. My heart felt like it was being ripped out of my chest hearing the love and devotion being spoken through Alyssa's thoughts and words. She's left her mark in my heart, that's for sure. Learning to trust, forgive, and move forward are the lessons I learned from this journey. Xavier is the most devoted family man, warm hearted, and closet sensitive man...which are just a few reasons of what make him an incredibly sexy man! Jacob is the sweetest bundle of happiness and I feel like I know him while wanting to comfort him at the same time. Sloan was spot on with the age appropriate questions he asked and concerns he had regarding his mom and the rest of this novel. To say I built a connection with this family would be an understatement. I felt as though I was a part of this family. It was hard to accept the ending of this book because I didn't want to say goodbye. Grab some Kleenex, give this a try and find your next crush!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Grab a box of Kleenex, because you'll need it! My heart is trying to calm itself after this highly emotional journey. My heart was aching from the pain and suffering. My heart tried smiling at the bonds Melanie formed with Alyssa and Jacob but I was in constant worry of the 'what ifs' and 'what happens when' questions. My heart felt like it was being ripped out of my chest hearing the love and devotion being spoken through Alyssa's thoughts and words. She's left her mark in my heart, that's for sure. Learning to trust, forgive, and move forward are the lessons I learned from this journey. Xavier is the most devoted family man, warm hearted, and closet sensitive man...which are just a few reasons of what make him an incredibly sexy man! Jacob is the sweetest bundle of happiness and I feel like I know him while wanting to comfort him at the same time. Sloan was spot on with the age appropriate questions he asked and concerns he had regarding his mom and the rest of this novel. To say I built a connection with this family would be an understatement. I felt as though I was a part of this family. It was hard to accept the ending of this book because I didn't want to say goodbye. Grab some Kleenex, give this a try and find your next crush!
April 27, 2014
Where do I begin? This is such a great story, the writing is ... in a word AMAZING! The story of Xavier, Melanie, and Alyssa will touch your heart like no other. The compassion that is shown in dealing with some of the most personal and sensitive topics is truly amazing. The depth of the story will at times bring you to your knees with emotion that usually is shown in real life situations not on the pages of books. Every character in this story (and there aren't many) is so well developed, so well thought out, so very necessary to the story that it reads as true life would be told. I fell hard for this story, I cried, I laughed but never once did I become bored or wonder "what if, instead of" like we all do when reading. This book is absolute perfection. I was so sad to see it end. The strength of the characters is what life would be for all of us in the same situation. I bought this book on a whim, so glad I did, I'll be reading more by this author very soon!!!! I'm not writing a review that retells the story, you need to read this for yourself, be ready for the emotions this one will bring up, the book is so worth the investment of time.
April 27, 2014
This was a very emotional read! It is not a steamy read by any means. It is packed with emotion. Xavier is a man that made many mistakes when he was younger especially with his first and only true love. He is suffering because even though he married his current wife for reasons that had nothing to do with love, the fact that she is dying leaves him feeling heart broken anyway. He realizes that he did grow to care for her and even love her. He feels a lot of regret over his treatment of her throughout their short time together at this point and who wouldn't? She's dying. Having Melanie come back in his life was a shock to say the least. He realizes his feelings for her not only not went away, but during her care of his current wife, seeing her now - how much she has grown and her tremendous strength has him falling even deeper. As I said before, this is a very emotional story and one that I loved. I am a sucker for second chance romances as well as children being in stories. Jacob didn't disappoint. He was the sweetest little boy ever! This story will melt your heart!
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