Two weeks before the most dangerous mission of my life I met the woman of my dreams.Then my life—and the Humvee I was in—got blown to hell. Up until then, I'd been married to the Marines with no regrets. Being unattached meant I could do my job without distractions. I didn’t have to worry if a girl was stepping out when I was on a year-long tour overseas, nor consider making a wife a widow every time I went on a dangerous mission. What a cruel twist of fate that the moment I no longer wanted to be single, I found myself disfigured and missing a limb. Yeah, Ashley and I had professed our feelings for each other before I got on that plane, but she fell in love with a man who was whole. That man's gone. I ended things so she didn't have to. So when I'm finally cleared to return to San Diego to start therapy, she's the last person I wanted to see. But there she was, looking more beautiful than ever, holding a baby girl with blue eyes. Blue eyes that looked an awful lot like mine.
USA Today and Amazon best-selling author, Tess Summers is a former business woman and teacher who always loved writing but never seemed to have time to sit down and write a short story, let alone a novel. Now battling MS, her life changed dramatically, and she has finally slowed down enough to start writing all the stories she'd been wanting to tell, including the fun and sexy ones! Married over twenty-five years with three grown children, Tess is a former dog foster mom who ended up failing and adopting them instead. She and her husband (and their six dogs) split their time between the desert of Arizona and the lakes of Michigan, so she's always in a climate that's not too hot and not too cold, but just right!
When Tess Summers contacted me asking to read and review ‘Sloane: San Diego Social Scene, I knew I needed to give it a read! One of my 2024 goals was to read more books out of my comfort genre, so this allowed me to dabble in a military romance!
Ashley and Sloane started their relationship as pen pals but eventually grew into more. While their relationship flourishes into more, they have to really fight for each other and their relationship. Sloane goes through so much and he pushes Ashley away, understandably so. The characters are written with so many human aspects that you start to feel for them.
With that being said, I loved the writing and the plot, but this read just wasn't for me. It had nothing to do with Tess Summers or the plot, I just couldn’t get into the book as much as I wanted to.
Pen pals, Ashley and Sloane, have a night to remember when he comes homes on leave. Their shenanigans get them in a predicament that Sloane doesn’t quite know about during this deployment. Fast forward, Sloane is recovering from an injury from his deployment and learning how to be mobile again. Ashley just so happens to be his physical therapy assistant out of all the PTAs in San Diego. I went into this blind and enjoyed their story. There was an accidental pregnancy, and forced proximity, which is one of my fav tropes. Please check trigger warnings before reading as there are mentions of sensitive topics. This book is art of a series, but can be read as a standalone. This was alos a new to me author and I will be checking out her future works. Thanks to the author for this free eARC.
Their story started out with pen pal letters between Ashley and Sloane. He was a deployed marine and she was participating in a letter program, sending letters and care packages. They connected and began a long distance love affair by mail, and finally got to meet when he gets to come home for a week. He struggled with whether it was right to continue their relationship, after professing their love, knowing he was being deployed on a dangerous mission he may not return from. When he gets critically injured, he brutally cuts her out of his life. He rejects her calls, returns her letters, and then says cruel words to her to get her to give up on him. It’s not until his daughter is 6 weeks old that he even learns about her existence when Ashley is assigned to be his physical therapist.
His struggles were written remarkably well. Oh, you will hate his actions. But his struggles, his conflicts are believable as something an injured serviceman would face. Surprisingly what I struggled with more was Ashley’s actions. I felt like she was pretty weak. She gave in way way way too quickly. Every. Single. Time. Like so quickly it ruined things for me.
He did not have to grovel. At all. He did a “oh wow. I didn’t read any of your letters cuz I’m an asshole, so it’s not my fault I didn’t know I’m a dad” and said a few major asshole things afterwards. And then she decided she was horny and he was there so why not be friends with benefits?? But that’s it! Because that makes total sense. FWB with someone you have history with- what could go wrong? Someone you’re also being paid to treat and live with, in a house with other wounded veterans. Not awkward or inappropriate at all. 🙄🤦🏻♀️
Not only is there zero grovel after either of the times he leaves her (because just once isn’t enough- he dies it twice), they jump instantly into having sex after both times. But WITHOUT a condom (even when he had them right there) because “I’m breastfeeding, it’s more effective than birth control “ 🙄🙄 First off, it’s not. Secondly she got pregnant ON birth control. How stupid are you??
He did ultimately put in the work on getting his head out of his rear, but AFTER he left her the second time. After he actually abandoned his baby and said he would terminate his rights. I respect that he did the work to get physically and mentally healthy. And then eventually he started writing her letters to try to restart their relationship back at the beginning. But I felt like Ashley just accepted everything too quickly every single time.
They obviously get their HEA, and I’m glad about it. I do feel like he eventually put in the work and earned his HEA too. So there’s that. I’m definitely interested in some of the side characters stories, and look forward to seeing Callahan and Dr Jeff.
I read this book in 1.5 days, I could not put it down. I have read other military stories when the enlisted person gets hurt. But this was very realistic, with the wounded warriors program, VA, and the transitional home that vets go to , in order to learn how to become independent, productive individuals in society. Sloane was a guy that had it all, looks, women falling at his feet but no girlfriend, till he Ashley became his pen pal. Ashley was a PT at the local VA in San Diego. She was actively involved in Military Angels organization that wrote letters and care packages to military personnel far from home. They began to write to each other weekly. But it turned into more often and Ashley sent her letters to Sloane in pink envelopes.
Sloane was coming home and requested Ash to come to the military base to meet him. His friends who were his family were there too. They met and Sloane kissed her in front of his friends. They spent a week together and found out they had a lot in common both being from the same area.
Sloane was a captain in the Marines and until he met Ash he was unattached. He had been a lifer in the military. Then he was asked to go on a very dangerous mission which he may or may not come back from. He did not feel it fair to Ash to ask her to wait for him and he told her so.
As it turned out his Humvee he was in, was blown apart and 1 of his subordinates was killed. Sloane was badly injured. He spent time in Germany and then San Antonio trying to recover from his injuries. He did not want to see anyone including Ash. This story portrayed the emotional, physical and mental anguish that injured military personnel go through. How they have no choice but to come to grips with their new reality which for so many takes time. It highlights the physical effort they go though in PT in order to try to assimilate back into society. The military is not given enough credit for the sacrifices they make for our freedom.
Ashley is devastated when Sloane refuses to talk or see her during his recovery. During the early part of their estrangement, she finds out she is pregnant with Sloane's baby. She writes to him to tell him that she is having his baby. He got the letter but never opened it. Ash has the baby. She lands herself a job as a PT person at at a home for transitional vets. As it turns out Sloane is one of them. He is shocked to see with with a baby that looks like him. There is a love hate relationship between Sloane and Ash as they navigate this dance of life that includes a baby.
I enjoyed reading this book with the rich characters and the realistic reality of the military when soldiers are injured.
This was a sexy and an emotional read! Tessa weaves a tough story, a man who was at the prime of his life received quite a blow to not only his body, but to his ego as well. She is a therapist who has a soft heart despite so many let downs. These two have a very, very tough relationship and have life changing events that can cripple anyone. Together they are steamy and captured your heart. Then...
He had fallen in love with her letters. A lonely Marine who had looked forward to his pen pal's letters and gifts finally meets his girl in the flesh and is overjoyed that she feels the same. They fall for one another and then he is sent back. The job nearly wrecked all of him, and what was left wrecked her heart as she tried to tell him about their child.
The Military life isn't for the weak. Not for the solider and not for his or her friends and family back home. That was tough in itself, the distance. Then the things that can occur mentally and or physically. It can change several lives and relationships. Therapy should definitely be put out there no matter the challenge that now lies ahead. For perhaps all parties. I believe needed his head checked much earlier in the game. He was working at his physical therapy while he should have received mental help as well. And she was so level headed about her and her pain and her baby. Yes, her baby. She kept it together but also still should have maybe talked it out with someone professionally. And by it I mean his treatment of her and then finding out he caused himself time from his daughter. I can't blame her for wanting the physical from the man she loved and trying not being able to stay away. But she is far better than I. He walked away. Twice. He is blessed, BLESSED I tell you, that they ended up together as soon as they did. I get his side, I really do. But she is someone you love and he didn't work to get her back. And the fact that he walked AFTER meeting his child with her? AGAIN?! Oh, no. I understand the challenges he faced and the emotions tied to it-but he honestly just did whatever he wanted and it took a few short paragraphs for his head to leave the dark place it had been stuck in. I want me some GROVELING. It helps. She deserved it and was a saint in comparison to his ways. He needed to do more to truly earn his family back. They do love one another, but it was so needed. A great read and a lot of steam. I absolutely adored their little girl and their dog Tank and their reactions to everyone! An emotional read with some great characters!
+++ Wonderful serious love story This entire story is filled with wonderful characters. Sloane Davidson is a dedicated Marine lifer. For nineteen years he has served his country and guided his men. His unit is currently stationed in the Mideast and mail calls bring smiles to the faces of these warriors so far from home, including Sloane. He has a special pen pal who has become very important to him, and he can’t wait to meet Ashley Youngman. Ashley lives in San Diego same as Sloane. When he arrives home for a short stay, he asks Ashley to meet him with his friends at the airport, and WOW, how Sloane greets her is so beautiful and sexy. They are perfect for each other. The few days they spend together coupled with the months of letters pouring their hearts out to each other confirm they have what it takes to become more serious. BUT… Sloane is heading back to lead a very dangerous mission and he’s not sure he’ll make it home again. Sadly, the mission goes belly up and Sloane must learn a new life and he’s having a hard adjustment period. When an alpha warrior can’t do anything for himself, he feels worthless. Sloane feels he is less of a man and rejects Ashley. Ashley is an assistant Physical Therapist working at the VA, so she understands what is happening in Sloane’s life, but she has needs too and nothing she tries is working to bring Sloane back to her and their baby. I love Ashley. She is caring and uplifting for her military-injured patients. She gives so much to others and Ashley deserves love in return. It’s very difficult to read when Sloane rejects her when he rejects everything. It must be so difficult for a warrior to be so badly injured and to have his mission end so badly. This story will be one I will reread in the future; it’s just that good. I received an ARC copy of this story from Bookfunnel, and these are my thoughts. Linda
Sloane Davidson always signs up his entire company with Military Angels, an organization that sends letters and care packages to the military when they are deployed. Sloan is paired up with a woman named Ashley Youngman. He writes back to her and soon they are sending almost daily letters and are opening up to one another. It turns out they are both from San Diego.
Sloane is supposed to come home for Thanksgiving and wants Ashley to meet him at the tarmac with the rest of the families and friends. Her birthday is also around Thanksgiving, so Sloane is hoping to take her out for a birthday dinner while he is home. Ashley is worried because she was born with a birthmark on her face from her temple to under her right eye. She has never kept a boyfriend once they see the birthmark. She is hoping Sloane still wants her to meet him after he gets the picture of her.
Sloane is summoned back early to the base in San Diego. His friend Ryan Kennedy calls Ashley to ask if she can still meet Sloane when he gets off the transport plane. Ryan warns her that he will probably only be in town for maybe five days before being shipped back out. Ashley isn’t prepared to meet him but doesn’t want to disappoint him. They end up having a great time together and know they want to be together. Sloane tells Ashley not to wait for him since he doesn’t know when he will be back.
Sloane goes on this dangerous mission and his Humvee gets blown up. He loses one man and he is severely injured. He pushes everyone away but especially Ashley.
These two definitely had a bumpy road ahead of them. Add in that they are both independent, stubborn people and you knew the sparks would fly.
I loved all the stories that I read in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ahhhh! Such an interesting and addictive read! I highly recommend planning your time because once you start reading, it’s hard to put it down. :)
With excitement, I began reading this story, fully aware of the enjoyment I would experience - just like the rest of the San Diego Social Scene series. This journey turned out to be an unexpected rollercoaster of emotions. It was impossible not to get caught up in Sloane and Ashley’s relationship and empathize with her emotions when he deployed again after their passionate and steamy time together (and everything that comes after).
This story has several views on a military deployment and how friends and loved ones support a soldier. There were moments in this story that were both inspiring and heartwarming. The other parts were seriously frustrating. Although I didn’t enjoy the situation Sloane had to recover from, his stubbornness and pride didn’t help either, but I did like the path he took to better himself. I found his transformation to be just what I had hoped for, and I felt content with the HEA for this couple.
This book had me hooked from start to finish. It’s easy to connect with and enjoy the characters I already love from past parts of the storyline, as well as this new couple. Understanding the details from earlier books made reading this one more enjoyable, which is why I suggest following the series in order. I flew through these pages and was done before I knew it. I am absolutely going to go back and give this series another read! So good!
This book is a must-read and I’m eagerly awaiting the next story!
I was fortunate to receive a free copy of this one and happily leave my review.
Sloane Davidson is a Captain in the Marines and married to his job. He doesn't do relationships because of his job and that way he has no distractions. While on deployment to the Middle East he starts getting letters from Ashley Youngman from the Military Angels. She sends letters, packages containing food and other items. It gives him something to look forward to.
Ashley works in the Physical Therapy department at the VA. She's a PT assistant working toward her degree. She's been part of the Military Angels for a while and has enjoyed writing to Sloane. They have shared more with each other than some of their family and have gotten really close. So when he is brought home for a couple days for a meeting with the higher ups he asks her to be there to welcome him home along with his friends which she does. They spent the whole time together and both fell into love.
Knowing he was going back to the Middle East for a dangerous mission he told her not to wait for him which she refused to do. His Humvee got blown up and he was severely injured. He wanted to see no one, especially Ashley and ended it with her. Little did he know she was carrying his child.
5 stars Ashley and Sloane have so much chemistry and are so good together. This story is so emotional and gives you views on what our military personnel and their families go through. This story I couldn't put down. Parts were really hard, it's such a great read. Looking forward to Lainey and Adam's story.
They "met" when she was his assigned penpal while he was deployed overseas. He looks forward to getting her pretty pink letters and packages, and finds someone in her that he can connect with thru letters. When he is preparing to come home for a brief leave he asks her to meet him. She is nervous, self conscious about seeing him in person and trying to prepare herself that despite the chemistry they have on paper, they might be better as just friends in person. When they meet, he makes it clear that she is the total package to him, and he doesn't want to friend zone. They have a fantastic but brief leave together, looking forward to a future when he returns from deployment. He is injured and thinks that she would be better off without him..It is a life changing event and they have to figure out if what they had can make it through and be a forever thing. The character development was excellent, for the main characters as well as the supporting staff. You have a strong sense of the physically but also of their personalities and emotions. This also deals strongly with physical identity and self image, mental health and catastrophic life changing events. It is done really well and doesn't feel gratuitous. This was a gentle tribute to wounded warriors and their struggles as well as those of their families. There is also a bonus chapter if you sign up for the newsletter that gives you a sweet look into the future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn't put this book down and finished it in just over 24 hrs. When I say that this book grabbed my attention from the very start, I am not exaggerating. It had me from the teaser before the table of contents. I was hooked and couldn't get enough.
Sloane and Ashley's story was one hell of a rollercoaster ride. It gave me all the feel and I was there for it. I mean, I cried throughout most of the book. Sloane and Ashley's chemistry flew off the pages and set fire to everything around me. Their undeniable chemistry reminded me of mine and my husband's. If you know what I mean, you know just how lucky you are. I know I sure do. The way Tess wrote their story was beautiful. Nobody is perfect, but these two were perfectly imperfect. Gawh, I loved them so much.
Since I hate spoilers in reviews, I won't go into detail about their journey. It's definitely one you will want to discover on your own. I know I did!
Now, I haven't read the rest of this series, and that was okay. Tess does a fantastic job introducing the characters fro. The other books so you don't feel lost. I will definitely be going and reading the rest of the series because the little snippets that were in here were so much fun.
This book is absolutely a 5 ⭐️. It held me captive from the beginning and didn't let me go. And the bonus chapters? They were exactly what I needed so I could leave these characters, knowing they were good. Tess, you did a phenomenal job!
I would rate this a 4.5 stars. This was an emotional read that definitely made me feel for the characters and what they were doing through. While I didn’t hate Sloane for some of the choices he made, I did want to shake him sometimes-he was so stinking stubborn. He went through a major tragedy/event and we don’t always make the best decisions after something like that happens. He certainly didn’t. Ashley was such an amazing woman. So strong and loving and forgiving. She went through so much as well and when Sloane popped back into her life unexpectedly she handled it so much better than I think I would have. And while I don’t think she forgave too easily-after all working with wounded vets she is very aware of what Sloane would have gone through physically and emotionally, I think she trusted a bit quicker than I personally thought she should have. Sloane had already shown multiple times that it wasn’t the depths of his love she couldn’t trust, but the consistency of that love. But that is very much a personal feeling. I do love how we went on both of their journeys and how while it took a bit, Sloane finally got the help he needed to really be able to move forward after his accident. It was a beautiful, steamy story about how true love never really goes away and how it really is what’s inside that counts. Definitely recommend and will reread. I did receive an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Sloane by T. Summers is part of the San Diego Social Scene. Sloane is a Marine and married to his job. Not his job, it's his calling. That changes when he's gravelliy wounded and has to start over. Coming to San Diego for therapy, he's in for the surprise of his life. A beautiful second chances military romance with a twist. No spoilers here, only so much, I'm a huge sucker for oops baby stories. Blurb: Two weeks before the most dangerous mission of my life I met the woman of my dreams.Then my life—and the Humvee I was in—got blown up. Up until then, I'd been married to the Marines with no regrets. Being unattached meant I could do my job without distractions. I didn’t have to worry every time I went on a dangerous mission. What a cruel twist of fate that the moment I no longer wanted to be single, I found myselfmissing a limb. Yeah, Ashley and I had professed our feelings for each other before I got on that plane, but she fell in love with a man who was whole. I ended things so she didn't have to. So when I'm finally cleared to return to San Diego to start therapy, she's the last person I wanted to see. But there she was, looking more beautiful than ever, holding a baby girl with blue eyes. Blue eyes that looked an awful lot like mine.
While this book is part of a series it can ve read as a stand alone. Sloane is an Marine that is deployed. Ashley works at the VA with disabled veterans. When Sloane and Ashley are paired as pen pals they instantly hit it off. When Sloane comes home for for a brief break, they take their relationship to the next level. When Sloane is given a dangerous mission, he starts to distance himself from Ashley before he leaves. While on mission Sloane is badly injured and disfigured. He harshly pushes Ashley away and abandons her when she needs him the most. When Sloane is shipped back stateside, he is unknowingly partnered with Ashley as his physical therapist. It is then he finds out why Ashley desperately wanted to talk to him. Ashley was heartbroken when Sloane pushed her away and is afraid of letting him back in. Sloane has demons he must deal with inoder to get back his woman and family. This book was brilliantly written and it had me reaching for tissue on more than one occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another compelling story from Tess that had me captivated from the start. Sloane and Ashley start out as platonic friends, via being pen pals. Sloane is a captain in the Marines and Ashley is a physical therapist, Sloane's Angel. what starts as cordial letters turns into much more and when the opportunity arises for them to meet when Sloane is stateside on a short leave, brings on the fireworks with these two. The feelings grow fast and deep and of course Sloane has to return to his company and danger. While Ashley promises to wait, she soon has much more to take care of besides hoping Sloane returns home safe and sound. Things don't always go as hoped for and Sloane does come home but is dealing with devastating battlefield injuries. Sloane and Ashley do fight through the pain and reach their happily ever after but the road along the way has plenty of ups and downs. I enjoyed this story very much and loved these two characters and so happy to reconnect with a few other favorite characters once again.
Tess continues to draw her readers in and Sloane is no exception. Sloane is a captain in the Marines. He and Ashley 'meet' when she is assigned Sloane as her penpal while he is deployed. They exchange letters and she sends him care packages which gives him continued strength during his time overseas. He is called back to San Diego and learns he is being assigned to a dangerous mission that has many dangers. He is hurt on this mission and due to the depth of his injuries, pulls away from Ashley. He no longer wants to be in a relationship with her and breaks up with no explanation. Unknown to him, she is pregnant and they eventually have a daughter. This book is their story of finding their way back to each other and includes many of the original characters in the San Diego Social Scene books. You will feel sorrow, laugh and cheer as they work through their problems to find a way back to love. Such a good book and we're left with a tease on the next two in the series. I simply can't wait!
Sloane by Tess Summers is an emotional rollercoaster of a romance that will take your heart on quite the ride.
This is a story that will get you in your feels for a plethora of reasons…you’ll fall head over heels, your heart will break, you will feel deep seated anguish & finally, your heart will heal with happiness.
This is a part of the San Diego Social Scene but this is the first book I’ve read & it can easily be read as a standalone.
Sloane is great for fans of… 💚 Military Romance 💚 Pen Pals 💚 Disability Representation
I enjoyed the author’s writing & it felt like an important story to tell. I did not expect to feel so many emotions but this was quite the journey. Both of the characters went on quite the adventure & it was a lovely & realistic feeling romance.
It is a different perspective of disability representation with a person that’s recently disabled. It is a rollercoaster of emotions with pain physically from all the surgeries/recovery mixed with the mental & emotional aspect of a life upheaval. This a story that resembles life in that it is messy & imperfect but I liked that it felt true to form.
Massive thanks to the author for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
This was very emotional and heartbreaking. Sloane met Ashley before he was deployed. It was magical and their chemistry was electric. They continued with writing to each other and stay in touch until he met with an accident. He is disfigured and had missing limbs. He thought he was too damaged for her and she won't like him the same. So he makes a decision for both of them and ends it. Refusing to read further letters and missing out on an important news. I really felt heartbroken for Ashley. She was now a single mum and trying to give her daughter the best life she could.. Now living in facility where she is a Physical Therapist Assistant. This is where Sloan is a patient now. When he sees the little girl with his eyes, he has no doubt who she is. Will Sloane put away his anxiety and fear and be part of his daughter's life? Can he let Ashley back in his? Their journey is a very emotional one and it is worth the slow burn. The spice was perfect for these two and their situation. Please read triggers as it is sensitive at some parts.
As usual, an unput downable book by Tess. It is part of a series, but does very well as a stand alone. It mentions characters from previous books, giving enough information to be able to read as a stand alone, but on the other hand, left you totally wanting to know more about these characters (fortunately for me, I had already read - with great enjoyment - the previous books 😀). Anyway, despite the fact I think they probably got VERY serious earlier than the norm, which is a little unbelievable and that Ash is way too nice to be totally believable, the thoughts and doubts both Sloane and Ash have are totally relatable and believable. All in all, a really good read. New characters were introduced, and left enough questions regarding them to want Tess to write more books with their stories. The only few things not making this 5 star for me, are the couple of things mentioned plus, for me, I felt the sex scenes made me blush a bit too much (however, it’s easy enough just to skim read those parts 🤣)
This is the first San Diego Social Club book I’ve read & I didn’t feel lost for not reading the previous books. In this military romance, Sloane is deployed overseas & is paired with a pen pal named Ashley, who quickly becomes so much more. Is their love a fleeting, shallow love, or is it the real thing? What I loved about this story: watching the MCs meet in person for the first time and yet know so much about each other; I love watching characters struggle without a lot of angst—they’d be okay without each other but their world is so much brighter with them in it! The myriad of other characters—I felt like I could keep up because the author did a great job of making connections for new readers like me. Sloane & Ashley’s emotions were presented in a way that felt realistic & so many feelings—strong, intense, I became so invested in their story. Am happily going to read the rest of this series.
Sloane wasn't the book I expected it to be. What it's not is gratuitous sex with a limp storyline. What it is, is a deep, thoughtful love story. It tackles love and lust head on with some sizzling sex scenes. What happens next is a study in mental health and how strong a person needs to be to handle the awful events that the Universe delivers to you. Sloane thinks he's strong - after all, he's a marine. But guilt of survival and fear of rejection leads him to make the worst decision of his life: not to read the letters Ashley sends him. One in particular. Ashley is stronger and wiser than Sloane. With a child to care for, she offers Sloane the chance to be involved. But he ignores her letter, so he's unaware of this new startling situation. I loved these characters. I loved the friends and other veterans who step up to support both of them. And I enjoyed the way the author guides the reader through their traumas and tribulations to their HEA. (Read as an ARC. Views my own.)
This story starts out sweet and full of spice. Then the emotions start bombarding you and I wasn't sure I could push through and finish but I am so glad I did. Ashley is so strong and so determined to be happy and be a good mom. I love how she dusts herself off and gets things done. Sure it takes a while but she keeps moving. I love her friend Tammy and I like Sloane's friends, especially Maddie and Grace. Sloane has such a hard time overcoming his fears after his accident. I was worried he wasn't going to be able to pull it off, but thankfully he worked hard on himself and became the hero he was always meant to be despite his childhood and his trauma as a soldier. The writing is strong and well crafted. The baby and the cute dog add to the reality of the story. I love the concept of the Wounded Warrier Beach House for rehab.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So beautiful, well written and a tear jerker! I even shed tears,Ashley had such a big heart and so kind,Sloane was he-man ,he know that he cared for her when they met the first time but he couldn't handle it when he got hurt badly and kick her to the curb so to speak and almost didn't get a chance to even know his baby.He was very stubborn man but someone needed to kick him in the seat of his pants or he was going to loss Ashley and baby Millie.Finally those two were able to be a family!Please read this story,it's so heartwrenching,for two people to have so many dreams and hope but almost lose it over being so stubborn and don't think they have a chance to be a couple Sloane feels like a broken man and that he Thinks Ashley wouldn't care for him now!
Sloane and Ashley. Hes a career marine and she was his pen pal. When he comes home on a visit they meet and want a real relationship. When he finds out about his next mission he pushes her away not wanting her to be hurt if he doesnt return. While deployed hes injured badly and he makes the decision to never see her again so all her letters are unopned even the last letter that would change his like. When returning to the states he needs an physical theripist and that would be Ashley. They have a rocky road and this book has such good world and charecter building and the secondary charecters are woven into the story so well. Grab tissues and drinks because you wont be able to put it down and there are laughs as well but a tear jerker for sure. Love it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was Sloane and Ashley’s story. Two weeks before the most dangerous mission of his life he met the woman of his dreams. Then his life—and the Humvee he was in—got blown up. Up until then, he’d been married to the Marines with no regrets. Being unattached meant he could do his job without distractions. He didn’t have to worry if a girl was stepping out when he was on a year-long tour overseas, nor consider making a wife a widow every time there was a dangerous mission. What a cruel twist of fate that the moment he no longer wanted to be single, he found himself disfigured and missing a limb. Ashley and him had professed their feelings for each other before he got on that plane, but she fell in love with a man who was whole. That man's gone. So he ended things so she didn't have to. When he was finally cleared to return to San Diego to start therapy, she's the last person he wanted to see. It was an emotional roller coaster for me. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
I loved this book on so many levels. On the surface it is your typical love story when penpals become so much more. Letters sent by snail mail offer opportunities to get to know people on a different level.
When they finally meet in person, Ashley is nervous that Sloane will not be attracted to her because of her birthmark which does not impact him at all. Yet, when he is injured while deployed he questions her ability to look past his scars and believes she is better off without him.
Their journey and growth to be able to trust in each other and become a family brought just the right amount of drama (and tears) to this story. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading others in this series.
480 pages of: Marine and Physio, pen pals, falling hard, deployment, life changing events, surprise pregnancy, unopened letters, best friends, found family, unique opportunities, a shed load of grovelling and Tank.
This book has all the feels! Pen pals that fall head over heels, then life throws a curve ball or two! I love the dynamic between Ashley and Sloane. They go through many ups and downs as a couple and otherwise. I think the way Sloane deals with things is written so well, capturing the emotions many of us couldn’t even begin to comprehend. And I loved how the story came together! The side characters have me very much intrigued too so I might need to take a little look at Tess’s other books. Definitely a recommended read from Tess Summers.
Incredible Wrenching Military Romance This is a very well written heartwrenching military romance that I could not put down. It started out as a sweet Hallmark Romance, but quickly turned when Sloane is serious hurt while he is on deployment. He turns away from everyone especially Ashley as he recovers from his emotional, mental and physical injuries. She deserves someone that she can count on. Not a broken man like him. Ashley has her own complex issues, but her sweet disposition is so caring, real and strong. Sloane and Ashley’s story is brimming with chemistry and emotion. Definitely worth the read. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
This story was a bit heart wrenching for me. Sloan and Ashley met and get together but he doesn't plan on making it a permanent relationship because he believes that since he's in the Marines, it wouldn't be fair to the woman. He leaves and is involved in a tragic incident, which makes him even more determined to not get involved with anyone. Back home to recover, Ashley shows up with a surprise for him. The story was emotional and at times, brought me to tears. Will Sloan believe he can make a relationship work with Ashley? Will she keep trying or finally give up? You NEED to read this book. It's so good and I honestly couldn't put it down!