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Nate survived countless attacks on his Marine platoon while in Afghanistan, but one undying thought kept him safe -- the knowledge that Ella was waiting for him.

Ella marked off the days until Nate’s return by writing letters to him, knowing that once he was safely home, they would fulfill their promise to live each day to its fullest.

Theirs was a love that would endure separation...even in the wake of a tragic accident.

Although now apart, Ella is given reason to believe in ghosts when Nate’s presence visits her and remains her lover. But when another man enters her life, Ella struggles to give herself over to a new love and maintain her bond to Nate’s ghost.

A romantic ghost story and love triangle tied to one woman’s need to...Believe.

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First published March 8, 2014

15 people are currently reading
262 people want to read

About the author

Mia Fox

21 books403 followers
Hi, I’m Mia Fox, a Los Angeles-based romance author.

I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from U.S.C. followed by my Masters Degree in Professional Writing, also from U.S.C.

Before writing full time, I worked as an entertainment publicist. That career inspired my satirical chick-lit novel, “Alert the Media.”

I travel to England regularly to visit family. My trips inspired my latest contemporary romance novel, "Bourton Bridge."

When not writing, you can find me with my nose buried in a book, experimenting with cooking, or in a yoga studio. I live in Los Angeles with with my husband, three children, and our unruly dogs, Bean and Oliver.

If you're interested in advanced book release news and giveaways, simply sign up for my newsletter here:
https://miafox.net/newsletter/

You can also find me on...

http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Fox/e/B00CX...
http://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-fox
http://www.facebook.com/MiaFoxBooks
http://pinterest.com/miafoxbooks/
https://x.com/MiaFoxBooks

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5 stars
27 (58%)
4 stars
9 (19%)
3 stars
8 (17%)
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1 (2%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Gabby.
82 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2016
This was by far my most favorite story by Mia Fox. It has all the components of a full-length novel and it tugs at your heart strings with its powerful imagery. You will find yourself immediately falling in love with Nate and Ethan, and even Ella. This story is quite unique and I don't remember reading anything like it before.

My only concern was the pacing of the story. It seems to make a big shift somewhere in the middle and it's hard for me to follow it. Overall, it's a short read that will leave you wanting more.

**I received the ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
931 reviews26 followers
February 18, 2014
In my opinion, this has been Mia's best book yet. Very emotional. Nate and Ella have a strong connection even in death. It takes visits from Nate and unexpected support and friendship from Ethan to get Ella back to a somewhat happy place in her life. The end happened quite abruptly, leaving it wide open for the second book. So anxious to see what happens next for Ella!
Profile Image for a_tiffyfit.
759 reviews112 followers
March 12, 2014
I think this is my favorite Mia Fox story, yet. Not only did it make your heart stop from the very beginning with a bomb scare in Afghanistan, but it then made your heart tighten up as you quickly realize Nate & Ella are not getting their happily ever after. It just isn't in the cards for them.

Nate & Ella's conversations will make you smile; they are so comfortable with one another, there is an ease and compatibility in their conversations that is very sweet. When she wakes up in the hospital, I felt so much sympathy for her, especially because, for whatever reason, she held back giving him an answer.

I wasn't quite sure what to make of Nate's reappearance and their interactions after. I'm a paranormal romance junkie and I was all for some kind of PNR, but this is a contemporary romance and as Nate started to explain how his happiness is tied to Ella's....awwwwwwwwwww.

I wanted to cry when I reached the cliffhanger. While it is really soon after Nate's death, you can't deny the similarities and the possibility of a HEA for Ella, Nate, and Ethan. OMG where is book 2?
Profile Image for Tracy O’Sing.
327 reviews35 followers
October 27, 2014
I received this book for an honest review.
This was my first book by Mia Fox, definitely not my last.

What a wonderful albeit emotional love story with a paranormal twist. A love story that doesn't look like it's going to have the perfect happily ever after... The author created wonderful characters and I found myself falling in love with Nate and how even in death he couldn't imagine leaving Ella alone to deal with depression, heartache or loss, he encourages her to form a friendship with Ethan, this friendship helps Ella come to terms with her loss but does spending time with Ethan mean she loses Nate or is there a connection?
I loved how the author had short chapters each from the 3 main characters perspectives, and I really enjoyed the dialogue between Nate and Ella they really did love each other. The story was a quick read but contained everything you expect in a full length novel. I wanted to cry when I reached the cliffhanger ending!
What comes next for Ella, Nate and Ethan will Ella get her happily ever after?
Can't wait to read the next book in the series...
Trust, Chasing Shadows book Two...
Profile Image for Jessica.
503 reviews
March 9, 2014
Believe is a contemporary read with a touch of paranormal, since it has the ghost/spirit element to it. The characters are fun and relatable. I love both Nate and Ethan. It has a good mix of emotion and humor, and when it ended, it had me wanting more. I really enjoyed this short novella from Mia Fox and look forward to the next novella in the series.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
184 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2020
I love a book about a military man, especially a Marine. Nate is a Marine, and Ella is his girlfriend. A tragic accident happens, and Ella starts seeing Nate in a way one could never imagine. This book has a totally different take on ghosts and their presence. It was a bit difficult to wrap my head around at first, but Ms. Fox writes it very believably. I love the connection between Nate and Ella and how it surpasses reality.
This story had me wrecked and in tears. It takes a great author to bring such emotion from the pages of a book. After finishing this story, I had to get the next book in the series. This does have a cliffhanger ending, but I knew going into this story that it did. I can't wait to read Trust next!
239 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2017
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and have chosen of my own volition to post this review.

A tale of loss and healing. How one woman lives through one of the toughest things possible (loosing a loved one in a tragic accident). Is she crazy, or is her loved one still nearby? This tale weaves a bit of mysticism in with reality. How does one move one from this type of loss?

I read this book in one sitting, because it was that good!
190 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2017
Loss and finding your way

I loved the story she'd many tears. You feel the tragic loss and the unfairness. The struggle to move on and learn to move ahead when your life feels over. The love that was lost and the hope that you didn't true loss the connection. Many emotions to work through and the guilt felt for see sunshine when you can't begin to believe you will g get through with your heart is so torn apart.
Profile Image for Lori Shankle.
440 reviews
May 31, 2018
What a great refreshing read!..Such a twist on the regular romance book. Cannot wait ( and didn't either) to read Trust book two! Definitely will recommend this book!!
889 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2025
The Unexpected

Nathan survived the war in Afghanistan only to die due to a deer crossing the road. Ella was depressed deeply until she met Ethan
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
August 14, 2016
My first encounter with this author, and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity. Starting with a punch in the gut scene that will have you alternating between shaking and rushing to see what next, the story plays your emotions like a finely tuned harp. And while the emotional intensity may scare some readers, Fox manages to mix in some quiet moments where readers can take a breath and process the events, and prepare for the next.

Much of the story is told from Ella’s point of view: a great loss and the struggle to move on and forward when your heart’s desire is to have the one you love returned is a situation that everyone can relate to: whether or not their loss was a final one. Mixing in the twists from sweetly forward motion in the everyday to the heart-stopping losses and tragedies Ella’s POV is strong and distinct, giving a true sense of her struggle.

Nate, for his part is utterly adorable, and his conversations and feelings for Ella are clear and present, even when his physical presence is less so. The addition of a love across time, space and circumstance serves to reinforce the beliefs of many who understand that feelings don’t always go away when people are absent.

Character driven rather than a wholly action packed plot, readers will not suffer for lack of activity: emotionally this ride drags you forward over many bumps and twists, all while providing the unique perspective of seeing events unfold from the character’s eyes. Readers should be aware that this story isn’t yet complete: it does end with a cliffhanger which may frustrate some. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters as they learned to move forward through their insecurities, losses and dreams.

I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Profile Image for Renee Rearden.
Author 2 books79 followers
September 2, 2014
Sometimes, life is too good to believe…or so we tell ourselves when we’re afraid of losing something or someone we love.

Ella knows all about the depth of her love and commitment for Nate. He’s her perfect partner. His keen intelligence and sense of humor match her snarky wit. His physical strength and military skills make her feel safe. His toned, hard toned body drives her wild with desire and leaves her sated with satisfaction.

They are the perfect couple.

Until tragedy strikes and Nate is ripped from Ella’s world. She is forced to deal with her grief in ways others view as necessary and helpful…and on their timetable. Her memories of Nate fill her dreams and make her question what is real.

When she’s forced to see a psychologist about her emotional state, conflicting emotions tear her heart apart. She is trapped between the past and a possible future and is unsure how she’ll ever resolve her emotional dilemma.

First, the cover for believe is absolutely beautiful. Danger, innocence, love and the mystical all jump off the page. Ella and Nate’s relationship are defined by this perfect representation.

I had more trouble with the progression of Ella’s emotional grief (in less than a month) to a new love interest. I understand each person has their own way of coping with loss so no judgment. Just a personal observation.

My second issue is with the psychologist. Ella’s position was precarious. When he realized he had a conflict, if he really cared about Ella, he’d have put her interests above his own and a new doctor would have stepped in. That would have been more believable. The story could have continued with the same result, just one with integrity-driven actions by someone in a position of trust.

That having been said, I am looking forward to reading Trust and seeing how Ms. Fox pulls things together.

*author ecopy provided
Profile Image for Olga Miret.
Author 44 books250 followers
March 22, 2014
Romance, Grief and a Love that Survives Everything.
I came across ‘Believe’ through a sample posted in Wattpad and the beginning of the story hit me like a bomb. The different voices, the changes in rhythm and twists and surprises and the transitions form sweetness and everyday life to tragedy made me want to keep reading.
‘Believe’ is the first in the ‘Chasing Shadows Series’ but rather than starting slowly and building up the tension, we hardly have time to get to know the characters before we are thrown into emotional turmoil and deep waters.
Ella suffers a huge loss and the author shows great skill at capturing, through inner dialogue, the depth of sadness and desperation she experiences. Despite her sister’s attempts at restoring normality and comforting her, Ella wants her boyfriend, Nate, back. And it seems he does not want to leave her either.
Is this love beyond death? Or a manifestation of grief? Ethan, the therapist/resident assigned to her case when she finally collapses, has issues of his own. What will their meeting do for both of them? Is it fate?
The story is gripping and intriguing and the writing vivid, sensual and focused on the internal workings of the minds of the characters. As a reader I found it difficult not to empathise and share the feelings of the characters, their doubts and insecurities, and also their excitement.
I recommend ‘Believe’ to readers who enjoy an emotional rollercoaster and being thrown into the internal universe of the characters. Only one word of warning. The book ends up on a cliffhanger and I know some readers find that frustrating. Personally, I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of the novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tnt Reviews.
308 reviews9 followers
July 22, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hmm... How to describe this book? I was very excited to read it. The synopsis pulled me in. I was intrigued. It was heart wrenching. I knew something bad was going to happen. I just didn't know when. My heart broke for both Ella and Nate. This was a very emotional book. It dealt with the high of a perfect love and the low of the most heart breaking loss. I wasn't sure if Ella would pull through her grief. I was very confused in the middle of the book. All of a sudden Ella's in the hospital with a possible suicide attempt. What? Wait a minute. Did I miss something? I didn't understand what happened. I think that could have had a little more explanation. Not the fact that she ended up in the hospital but how she got there. One minute she's in the shower with Nate and the next she's in the hospital. It was a little confusing. This is where Ethan comes into the picture. He's Ella's doctor. He feels the need to save Ella. At this point I'm not sure what I think of Ethan. Is he transferring his guilt of not being able to save his girlfriend on to Ella? Can they put their guilt and grief aside and start a new relationship?

Overall, this was a good story. It dealt with some real issues. Grief, prescription abuse, a possible suicide attempt. It was very well-written, easy-to-read, and fast-paced. One more thing, I hated Ella's sister. I think she just needed to leave Ella alone.

3.5 Bombs
Reviewed by Tracy
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews35 followers
March 21, 2014
Series: Chasing Shadows #1
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance / Contemporary
Received from: Evatopia Press (in exchange for an honest review)
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect

This is the first book in a new series by Mia Fox. They do need to be read in order.

Nate has survived multiple tours in Afghanistan and each time he returned home to his girl, Ella. During one of these visits home, after their regular Sunday morning date run in the mountains, Nate’s life is ended in a tragic car accident. In her grief, Ella turns to his spirit. The question is - do you believe in ghosts or do you believe she believes as a coping mechanism?

This was the first book I picked up after completing the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY trilogy by E.L. James. At about 25%, I posted on Facebook a thank you to Mia Fox for releasing this book. I called it a balm to my literary soul. I have not changed my mind.

I loved this novella of ghosts and destiny. It was very well-written with relatable, believable characters. I have lost several people very near and dear to me (a child, a brother, and my best friend). I would love to spend time with each of them again. I think anyone who has experienced a significant loss could relate to the overwhelming desire to spend just a few more hours with their person. Mia has taken that desire and developed a story of passion, friendship, and love. I am looking forward to continuing this story in TRUST.
Profile Image for Nicole.
219 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2014
I receive a complimentary copy of the book from Evatopia Press for an honest review

I really liked the concept and the plot of the story although it was somewhat predictable. When the book was given to me I didn't really knew what to expect or what it was about and decided not to look into it to be surprised: And I was!

For such a short story I really liked the play with the POV from the different characters: Nathan, Ethan and Ella. I thought that it was going to end since the story was pretty short so I didn't expect that cliffhanger. God! it really left me hanging! I think this was a good call because I was kind of dissapointed that it was going to end soon and by the amount of pages left it was meant to be rushed.

The story was not perfect but I really loved it. Something that I would have liked was a little more background or depth regarding the characters but, considereing the length of the story It was understandable that some of the details were left out or unecessary since there were lots of things you could infer from each of the characters personalities.

I can't wait for the next installment and see what happens next or if more depth is brought into the story.
Profile Image for Emmanuelle.
367 reviews
September 1, 2014
I don't often read straight up romance novels, usually preferring fantasy, sci-fi and dystopian books. This, however, was a great read. It was short went the story was gripping. The plot is rather simple, depicting Ella's emotional recovery after a tragic accident. As she struggles to come to terms with her new reality that is life, her stubbornness causes her to be brash and take risks, which is seen by her family and doctors as detrimental to her health.

The author did a great job of create a love story amidst sorrow. I can't wait to get started on "Truat", book 2 of the Chasing Shadows series.
Profile Image for Prismseven.
450 reviews13 followers
August 1, 2014
I received a copy of this short story in exchange for a honest review. This story was an enjoyable read about a young couple whose love survived during the extended amount of time being separated due to military duty. When the couple finally get to be together they are hit by tragedy as the male is killed during a car accident. The female main characters goes through extensive grief and starts seeing her lovers ghost. Things start to get more interesting as she starts falling for her counselor.
Profile Image for Marilyn Ortega.
74 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2014
“Complimentary copy provided by the author for an honest review”.

This is such and emotional romantic story.
It is a story where love transcends even in death.
The main charaters in this story will capture your heart and make you wonder just how close are the ppl we have loved and lost next to us, do they they help us move on inways we can't understand. I recommend this book highly to anyone looking for a true love story that go above and beyond one's imagination.
Profile Image for Rabsaris Flores.
39 reviews
March 31, 2014
I receive this copy for an honest review I'm not good at giving reviews but this book is amazing an emotional to. I cry a lot lol but the story is incredible and to see how love is beyond death is pretty amazing. This book makes you think about the love ones you have and appreciate them more. So go check out this amazing book don't miss out .
Happy reading.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
August 12, 2016
This book was good but it was a bit emotional. I loved it though. Ella and Nates story had me in tears.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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