Familiar Ground

by Michelle Lynn

ad·dic·tion noun ə-ˈdik-shən, a-
: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something or do something
: an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something

Leah and Adam have never met.
However, they live parallel lives.
Lives plagued by addiction.

When a tragic, but common demon, surfaces between their siblings, Leah and Adam’s worlds collide, never to be the same again.

Adam loses his sister forever.
Leah’s brother returns.
Both gain a niece, neither knew existed.

Now they face an obstacle to raise a niece together while Leah’s brother struggles to free himself from the grip of drug addiction, and as Adam’s family grieves for the sister and daughter they lost.

A commonality is discovered.
Deep wounds begin to heal.
Lines blur as their lives entwine.

This is a standalone novel.

For Mature Audiences. 18+ only

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2014

About the author

Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.

She loves all thing romance and cries at happy endings!

Visit her at www.michellelynnbooks.com

Reviews

[Aestas Book Blog]

I like the sound of this one! I'm definitely intrigued :)



This one sounds really different and I can't wait to read it! It has an "addiction" theme but this one is different in that it's not the main couple who are addicted, it's their siblings. And THEY are brought together when his sister dies and her brother returns (battling his addiction)... leaving them both with a niece neither of them knew existed. I'm very intrigued!

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 3 out of 5]

06/12/2014 --

Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 2 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character Development = 3.5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
283 pages

You know .. this is the second book by this author and based on the synopsis; the story concept, she should have blown my socks off. I love what she tries to do, but she falls a bit short. Why? Hmmm... EMOTION. She pulls nothing out of me as the reader.

Addiction is near to my heart. I really liked how the author tried to work this and portray it realistically. She did a fair job, but this is a highly emotional issue. For the people with the addiction and their loved ones. We saw it in the story. She told us about it, but we don't FEEL it. Nothing.

Based on this, I have to give it 3 stars. A shame because it could have been GREAT.

Hope you enjoy this one.

Happy Reading!!

[Polly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I wish I could say I loved or hated this book but really I just felt "meh" the whole time.

Leah has a boyfriend for 40% of the book and 5 days after breaking up with him BAM her and Adam say I love you.




Then the whole payback debt storyline?




Overall it just wasn't for me.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmm, I'm debating whether I can get away with submitting a review that simply says "Read this book! Read this book! Read this book! Read this book!" Just a few paragraphs of that. Maybe in different languages, to keep it interesting? Ha, I know! I'll do like those pictures you see on Facebook all the time and hide a slightly different word or sentence in there, just to see who is paying attention. I'll get into why below but basically what I'm trying to say is that Familiar Ground is a good book. A great book. An awesome book. And you if you read it, I'm pretty sure you'll agree with me.

When her brother shows up on her doorstep for the first time in months, Leah Thomas assumes he's there for the same thing that always brings him back into her life. Money to support his drug habit. This time, however, it's something different. After years of abuse, Shane has finally decided to clean up his act. The reason? His three year old daughter, Dani. The little girl has just lost her mother to drugs and he doesn't want her to lose her father too. Leah didn't even know the toddler existed, yet now she's responsible for her. For Adam McAllister, news of his sister's death from a drug overdose is heartbreaking but not wholly unexpected. What is unexpected is the sweet baby girl she left behind. While Shane struggles to overcome his addiction, Leah and Adam are left to take care their shared niece and in doing so, find themselves becoming closer. Their lives become entwined by more that just Dani - in each other, they find someone that understands the grip of addiction, the pain of seeing a loved one waste away and the fear that those they love can be taken too soon.

It takes a special talent to write a book about a harrowing subject like drug addiction and loss and make it touching and affecting but not depressing. Michelle Lynn has done that. Familiar Ground covers both the fear and pain of losing someone but makes it about the connection between the two people who are experiencing it, rather than the actual event. Blended with the terror is a healthy (and much needed) dose of hope. Little Dani, the innocent child caught up in the bad decisions of her parents, represents that hope. She brings two broken families together. She's the bridge between Leah and Adam and she's all the more beautiful because of it. The love they share for her, their desire to see her whole and settled is a genuine link between them. From that foundation their story grows and it feels like a natural progression. The conclusion of the book (I can't get into it without spoilers but it's a little suspenseful) had the potential to be melodramatic but I think it works. The little pinch of tension keeps the story from becoming too neat. And it allowed for some light-hearted moments that solidify the new connections between this formerly fractured family. This book moved me without breaking me - no ugly crying here, just a few gentle tears and some reflection on how differently one's life could turn out. In case I haven't made it clear, what I'm saying is, please read this book. Read this book! Read this book! Read this book!

This is a standalone book, no cliffhanger.

~ Review by Beth

[Emma Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a Beta copy of this book in return for an honest review ,,, here it goes

This is a standalone book and it is the story of Leah and Adam ,,, these are two tortured souls, having to deal with secondhand addiction ,,, both of their siblings have been addicted to drugs ,,, neither Leah nor Adam know one another but are brought together through circumstances out of their control

Adam has been checking out a girl for a while now ,,, he's not a stalker, although I might like to examining the term stalker a little closer before making my mind up fully on that one lol ;) ,,, he has admired from afar, drawn to her, her looks and her way she carries herself ,,, never making a move ,,, never being noticed in return ,,, until his friend copes and eyeful and chants a few words in her direction which the girl doesn't take too kindly to and very firmly puts the friend in his place

When she does this she notices Adam ,,, the guy is one of the hottest guys she's ever seen ,,, she pulls her eyes away and carries on with her day

Addiction is an awful thing ,,, it effects so many not just the user ,,, this book highlights all of this and the surrounding consequences of such behaviour ,,, Adams sister unfortunately loses her life to her addiction ,,, leaving behind her boyfriend and child ,,, the boyfriend that happens to be Leah's (the girl) brother ,, the child that know ones is aware of until her mothers death ,,, Leah's brother knows that now is the time to get clean ,,, for himself and for his child, Dani, she's lost her mum and he does to want her to lose her father too

In order to get clean he will need help ,,, the only person he could ask and trust is his sister Leah ,,, and grants her temporary custody until he gets clean and get his baby girl back and give her the life she deserves

Dani is the factor that brings Adam and Leah together ,,, she's a character that will melt your heart and you'll love her :) ,,, she'll put a smile on your face

You'll get ups and downs of addiction from all angles ,,, there is additional people involved in this story that you'll not be impressed with but given the nature of the story are a key part in it :(

You'll also get the little that shines through all of the bad stuff which is the relationship that forms between Leah and Adam ,, their bond, connection is noticeable on their meeting ,,, these two have experienced different things in life but stuff that's on the same lines too ,,, offering both an understanding and acceptance of their circumstances as well as their previous actions gives them such a strong connection ,,, connecting in ways the others wouldn't understand because of their siblings ,,, and their need to protect the little blessing known as Dani

Through all of this hardship they have experienced will their be light at the end of the tunnel? Can Shane (Leah's brother) finally get clean and straight? Will Adams family forgive him? Will Leah and Adam be able to give into the urge to be with the other without fear of reprocussion for Dani? Will they finally rid drugs and all that comes with it once and for all?

Well give it a go and enjoy people it's a gooden :)

Recommended read :)

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off strong, but lost me somewhere along the way. It fell flat and didn't feel genuine to me in certain parts.

Leah and Adam were brought together by their two drug addicted siblings that had a little girl, Dani. Somehow these drug addicts, that consistently ask their brother and sister for money, were able to keep their 3 year old daughter a secret. Pretty unbelievable if you ask me. Leah is left to take care of Dani, while her brother attends rehab. Adam steps in to help and falls for Leah. It wasn't exactly insta-love, but it was pretty darn close.

I wasn't a fan of the ending either. Both families have struggled with the aftermath of drug addiction, but Adam decides to sell drugs? What?!?!

3/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some potential but ended up being very flat to me. Insta love, Adam calling Leah angel, daisy, etc got old really quick. I skimmed a lot and it dragged most of the book. I almost didn't finish it but I hate doing that. I really almost stopped when (spoiler) Leah got beat up and they way Adam fixed it was to start dealing drugs. Yes this whole book was about how addiction and drugs can mess up your family and you willing sell???

[Karrie Mellott Puskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Leah are brought together by a remarkable young lady Dani. But why they are brought together is a tear jerker. Adam and Leah are siblings to drug addicts. Unfortunately for one of them the one sibling lost their life. (I'm not one for spoilers so bare with me).
Adam and Leah are raising their niece together while their sib is in rehab. They have to adjust to their everyday life since their niece has come into their lives. In the meantime, Leah's boyfriend can't get used that Leah now had Dani and he is getting upset bc it's interfering with their relationship. During all of this Adam makes to known to Leah he finds her attractive. At this point, I want Adam! He is yummy!
Spoiler Alert right here:
After Jason and Leah's relationship had dissolved Adam steps his game up. Going to rehab to visit said sib Adam and Leah no longer fight their desire for each other. Sparks ignite!
Dani gets to spend time with her grandparents while her surviving parent is in drug rehab. The parent is worried that the grandparent will want custody of Dani. But Leah and Adam reassure this parent as long as the grandparents can be part of Dani's life it won't happen.
Just when Adam and Leah get to have their first official date their world is turned upside down!
Can this parent stay sober for their child? Will Adam and Leah be able to have a relationship? One click this book!

[вιвℓισρнιℓια {кιηgѕℓєу & ѕøяєη ƒσяєνєя}]

ad·dic·tion noun ə-ˈdik-shən, a- 
: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something or do something 
: an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something 


Leah and Adam have never met. 
However, they live parallel lives. 
Lives plagued by addiction. 


When a tragic, but common demon, surfaces between their siblings, Leah and Adam’s worlds collide, never to be the same again. 


Adam loses his sister forever. 
Leah’s brother returns. 
Both gain a niece, neither knew existed. 


Now they face an obstacle to raise a niece together while Leah’s brother struggles to free himself from the grip of drug addiction, and as Adam’s family grieves for the sister and daughter they lost. 


A commonality is discovered. 
Deep wounds begin to heal. 
Lines blur as their lives entwine. 


For Mature Audiences. 18+ only please

Sounds so good ;)

[Emilee]

DNF at 57%. I just couldn't. I loved the premise of this book but it seriously let me down. I've tried 3 times to keep going but I can't. Just an example of what isn't working for me, the first time the male MC meets his niece he cannot stop talking about the female MC and how hot she is. Let's not forget about how he's been watching her pass by his construction site near her campus every day for a month. You know, just a coincidence.

[Lustful Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

BETH'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW **

**Complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review**

Familiar Ground is a beautiful heartbreaking story that from such a horrible tragic situation comes a love between two people, the love we dream and hope of having some day, a love where two soul mates that were brought together.

People who have never had an addiction do not understand how hard it can be – Payne Stewart


There truly is no truer statement than that, but what is also true, people who have never had a loved one or family member with an addiction do not understand how hard it can be on them as well. To be a loved one standing on the sidelines watching someone you love become someone you no longer know but cannot help, it truly one of the hardest struggles in life. This is so very true for both Leah and Adam, with their siblings, Leah`s brother Shane and Adam`s sister Cassi. Both Leah and Adam have spent years trying to help their siblings with their addiction. Telling them every time they beg for money this is the last time, but when they call again, they never turn them away. It’s their blood, their only sibling, they just want them to be that person they once were so how can they turn their back on them. Leah and Adam had so much in common even though the never knew each other, until one day when Cassi`s addiction came to a tragic end, leaving heartache for both families as well as a little girl without a mother and a father who was an addict.



Leah, not knowing she had a niece, finds her brother on her doorstep looking for her help, but this time it`s not money he is asking for, he is asking her to take his little girl and look after her so he can go get the help he needs to get cleaned up. Her brother tells her she has an uncle, Cassi`s brother Adam that will help out with her. Adam has been eyeing a young university student for weeks now that he is taken with from the moment he first saw her. He soon finds out this beautiful girl is none other than Leah, the aunt that is looking after his niece Dani. These two become fast friends and a great support to each other but there is always something more between them, more than the heartache and struggles they share. The only issue is Leah has a boyfriend, Jason, who she has been with a year and a half. Although, she cannot deny her feelings for Adam and she can`t stop thinking about him even though she is with Jason, her safety net.



This is a great story of two people brought together by tragedy, one that has forever changed their lives but has also helped them deal with losing their only sibling to a horrible addiction, feeling partly responsible for it, and not being able to help or bring that person they love back. It`s a bond only they truly know and understand, and the love for a sweet innocent little girl helps bring them closer together



Overall, Familiar Ground is a great read and I loved how in depth the story goes into the addiction storyline and how you see that it not only affects the addict but how it also affects the families that have to stand by and helplessly watch. I love that such a great love developed between these two all because of what they struggled with and the love they shared for Dani. This was my first book I read by Michelle Lynn and definitely won`t be my last.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

ad·dic·tion noun ə-ˈdik-shən, a-
: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something or do something
: an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something

FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I've just found one of my top twenty reads of this genre!!!

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!

Words cannot even begin to express how much I loved Familiar Ground. I want to tuck it away under my pillow and have sweet dreams of Adam McAllister.



(And if you read the story, you'll understand why I just used this gif =P)

No, really.

Leah and Adam are faced with a life changing challenge. After Adam tragically loses his sister Cassi and Leah's brother struggles to get his act togehter, they are both presented with some shocking news...they have a three year old niece, Dani.

Adam & Leah both work together to take care of Dani while fighting so many emotions:

Anger.
Distrust.
Hate.
Angst.
Lust.
Want.
Need.
Betrayal.
Self sacrifice.
Love.
Internal battles.

And so, so, so, much more!

Adam (and yes the man is an anomaly) promises to always be there for Leah and Dani - and he does that, over and beyond!!

Leah gives up so much to take care of her niece, doing it in hopes of her brother Shane getting his act together.

Honestly, this story really just had me from the very first sentence down to "The End" of the last page.



HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Familiar Ground is a completely unique story. I found it to be very interesting and different from all the other books out there! Especially if you are tired of the same storied being told over and over again.

Adam has just lost his sister to drugs. He is devastated, He has tried so hard to help her over and over.
Nothing seemed to work. He eventually tried tough love, and now she is gone and he never got to say good bye.
Leah has a brother who shows up out of the blue one day with a little girl in tow. Leah's brother begs her to watch his daughter while he goes off to rehab. Leah is shocked. She never even knew that her niece existed and now she is going to care for her full time while her brother in in rehab for a few months. After seeing her niece Dani, she can not say no. This little girl has just lost her mother and if Leah doesn't help, Dani could lose her father as well.

Leah soon learns that Adam is Dani's niece and would love to help out with Dani as well as get to know her. Adam will warm your heart the way he is with Dani. He insatiably loves the little girl as if she is his own.
Meanwhile, Leah and Adam get to spend time together as well. It is sweet that they are like a little family. The three of them are all getting to know about each other. Leah and Adam are slowly falling in love with each other. A few weeks ago neither of them knew the other exhausted and now they can not fathom spending time apart.

There is a connection between Adam and Leah because of their sibling's addiction that only people in that situation can understand. It made their love come easy because they already knew a great deal about the other's past and present.
Besides the love story, I thought the story about the struggle with addiction was brilliantly told. Sometimes people forget that with someone battles with addiction, everyone suffers.

I am a big Michelle Lynn fan and this book did not disappoint..

[Shanean · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that moment when you watch an author go from great to fabulous to phenomenal. Well author Michelle Lynn just did it and she did it with Familiar Ground. I have read all of Michelle’s books which I love dearly. While doing this I have watched her grow and master her talent and let me tell you this lady has talent. She has upped her game and stepped outside of her comfort zone with Familiar Ground. The is so new and different from her I can’t help but get excited at how well she did with the subject matter. She made it so real for me with the deep emotional drama and the in your face facts of life. It just blew me away. I couldn’t get enough of these characters and took every step with them on their journey to happiness, love and finally a clean start.

To simply say "go read this book" is not enough. You HAVE to read this book!!! This is not just another romance or dysfunctional family. This is a beautiful story of heartache, love, loss, addiction and recovery. You won't just be cheering for the aunt and uncle to make it, you will be hoping with all your heart for the love of a little girl and the recovery of her father.

So much went into these characters and you will get so much out of them.
To not read this book would be a book crime and your misfortune, because this book could only enrich your kindle or bookshelf. It has mine and I am so blessed that I got the chance to read and review it for author Michelle Lynn.

[Danielle Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of Familiar Ground in exchange for an honest review...and I must give it 5 STARS!

Michelle Lynn is awesomely talented as showcased in her newest novel, Familiar Ground. She managed to capture a host of emotions with the themes of the book--love, loss, family, forgiveness and above all romance. Addiction may have brought Adam and Leah together (and threatened to tear them apart). But addiction to their story is what kept me glued to my iPad!

[SoBeA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhere between 2.5 and 3.5 stars. While it was pretty well written, IMO, I was never really sucked in....I actually put it down a few times before I actually finished it. Having said that, I did like her writing style, with both the H and h's pov's, so I think I'll probably giver her other titles a chance.

Eta a pet peeve of mine: the kid, supposedly 3 years old, acts much older IMO....grrrr...

[Michelle Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'S LIVE!!!

[Lauren-Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before reading this book:
oooh, this books sounds so good! I really want to read it.

After reading this book:
I loved the first 70% of the book but than the author lost me :-(
So sad because I really really hated the rest.

[Melissa Rolka · Rating 5 out of 5]

c

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

********** Contain Some Spoilers**********

I’ve read this book multiple times since I purchased it back in 2014 but have never posted a review so here goes. I really enjoyed this book. Both Leah and Adam younger siblings are dr*g addicts. They’ve dealt with everything that entails over the years, and only seeing them when they need money. One night Adam receives a call from Shane, Leah’s brother and Cassi’s partner that he needs to come to the hospital and that Cassi overdosed. Cassi and Shane have been together for about four years, and its the first time that Adam even heard about Shane. I loved seeing the moment that both Adam and Shane bonded over their loss and love of Cassi. Little do Leah and Adam know that Cassi and Shane have a three year old daughter Dani that they’ve kept secret from both of them, as they were worried that she’ll get taken off them if they ever found out but since Shane is going away to get clean, so Dani doesn’t lose another parent and Shane asks Leah to look after her for a month. For a college student its bloody hard but she’s managing the best she can, but Shane agreed to let Cassi’s brother know about Dani and gave Leah his details. I loved the moment Leah and Adam met for the first time, as they’ve seen each other around college, since Adam is on a construction site that Leah walks past everyday. They both took notice of each other and I loved how Leah put Adam’s pigheaded friend Marcus in his place, for the crude thing he said to her. You can feel their instant chemistry.

Leah has a boyfriend Jason, whose a possessive d*ckhead and feels threatened by Adam when her meets him. He also tries to fob Dani off to Adam so he and Leah can spend the night together, and Dani and Adam have just met so she’s not comfortable. He didn’t even say hello to Dani. Both Leah and Adam are shocked at the suggestion. I loved how Adam and Leah bonded over their experiences with their siblings, as they finally had someone to talk to that wont judge them. I loved seeing Dani slowly connect with Aunty Leah, Uncle Adam and her grandparents (her mum Cassi and Uncle Adam’s parents). I enjoyed the slow build romance between Leah and Adam, with their flirty banter and the s*xual chemistry just adds to it. When Leah and Jason break up, things heat up pretty quickly between Leah and Adam. I do think that they said I love you really fast but I suppose they’d been getting to know each other, while spending time with Dani for months before they started dating. The family rehab pulled on my heartstrings that’s for sure. You can feel Adam’s anger, some of which is directed at Shane but most of it directed at Cassi for making stupid decisions that lead to her dy*ng alone of a h*roin overd*se, as well as some guilt at himself. You can also feel how much Shane loved Cassi and the pain he was going through having to recount what happened the night that Cassi OD’d. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Tamsyn in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book and author to everyone.

[Trish Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Familiar Ground. I have so much to say and so many feelings in my head I need to get down. This was such a freakin emotional read. Holy moly I was NOT expecting to feel all of these crazy emotions. Reading the synopsis I knew this was gonna be a good one. I didn't think I would be crying the all the way through.

Just with Chapter 1 alone, I was saddened by the event that was taking place. Adam, a "hot" construction worker, is dealing with the loss of his younger sister. Poor Cassi was a drug addict and overdosed on drugs and now Adam is putting his sister 6 feet under, having to watch his parents bury their daughter. It is such a tragedy.



Now we have Leah; a college student and dance instructor. Her brother Shane also a drug addict was dating Cassi and he is now in rehab after dealing with Cassi's death. But before he leaves for rehab, he leaves Leah with his 3 year old daughter Dani to care for. And guess what, Leah had NO idea cute little Dani even existed. This poor innocent child who was subjected to drugs and unfit parents and who knows what else. And now everybody's lives are about to be rearranged and changed forever.

This is where Adam and Leah meet. Leah needs help raising Dani and calls upon Cassi's brother for assistance. Leah has no idea when she has to meet the "uncle" for the first time, she's meeting Adam, the construction worker that she sees from time to time on her walks to school. The drop dead gorgeous construction worker is Dani's uncle and now they need to co-parent this child together.

In a nut shell, Adam and Leah form a quick bond because they have so much in common; they have dealt with siblings with major drug addictions. They use this familiar ground as a form a communication and bond in such a beautiful way during such a hard time in their lives. And is happens quickly. But its not just the bonding, its the chemistry; the sexual chemistry.

Truthfully, as much as I want to talk about Adam and how he is drawn to Leah, and how much he's been pining for her, wanting her, its the connection with this little girl that really gets me. Adam and Leah are forced to become interim parents and share responsibly. And to see two people who know nothing about children and parenting put their lives on hold to care for this little girl is endearing. This book had me in tears a number of times. It tore open my heart.

"We're bonded forever by a little blonde haired girl, and I won't risk losing Dani for whatever this is between me and Leah."

Its just reality, and the words on the page felt so real. All my emotions were just raw. Only 20 percent into reading this and my eyes are consistently welling up. It is the kind of story you NEVER want to stop reading. And I didn't stop. I just read and read until my eyes were bleeding. I was glued to my iPad.



And these characters are so real and caring and go through such craziness. Problem is with Adam and Leah, they are afraid to get intimate because God for bid it doesn't work; how will Dani handle it? And when Leah's brother gets out of rehab, what is to happen? Will be relapse? Will Leah and Adam have to change their live around to make room for Dani?

You just fall in love with this HOT man, all he ever wants is to make his new found niece so happy, all the while he's falling in love with Leah. And he needs to find a happy medium. So many different issues they need to battle before any kind of relationship develops, and they are so confused on how to make it all work.

"I'm not sure what I want. I just feel so damn lost-lost in the world and so alone." She backs up and places her head in her hands.

"Adam, I don't think I've ever felt my body respond to someone like it does yours. No one has ever understood what I go through, the trials of enabling an addict. " Her eyes fill with determination. "I need you."

And the love between these two is just too much. I felt their connection so deeply. It was just all real emotions. I think maybe its Adam, and the thing he says to Leah that were melting me. And their love making was breathtaking.

"That was incredible. So fucking incredible."

I laugh. "Yes, it was."

"Sorry, you were probably expecting something romantic." His face falters slightly before that devilish smile reappears.

"When I say incredible, I mean you. You know that, right?" His thumb brushes across my lips. "For the first time in my life, words can't reflect what I'm feeling." He picks up my hand and kisses my palm.

"You've brought so much into my life. Thank you, Leah."

And just when it can't get any more emotional the book just takes this turn and the angst had me jumping out of my seat. Literally!!!

This was such a great story, its heart felt, heart breaking, heart warming and heart mending. All of those things packed nicely into another amazing book by Michelle Lynn. This book had my attention from Chapter 1 until the very last word. So of course Familiar Ground gets my 5 HOLLAS!!

[Stefanie Kral · Rating 5 out of 5]

✯✯5 Heart Breaking Stars!✯✯


Two people with drug addicted siblings who now have one connection...Dani, a niece they didn't know until one week earlier.

Well, I'm going to start off by sounding like a broken record. But, Michelle Lynn has done i t to me again!! I am serious when I say that every story gets better then the last. But, this isn't like the rest of her books. Not only is this a story about 2 people meeting, falling in love and all that good/bad mushy stuff. That's in there but the reason they meet and everything in between in nothing that I have read before.

Adam and Leah have never met. Yet, they life the exact same life. Both Adam's sister & Leah's brother are addicted to drugs. They'll disappear for weeks, months on end. To show up knocking on their apartment door looking for a hot shower, good meal and most importantly money for their fix. Both Adam & Leah are at their wits end. They tell them they are done helping them, they just can't do it anymore. They never thought that the next time there was a knock on the door that their lives would truly be changed forever!!

Leah gets the shock of a lifetime when her brother knocks on her door again. This time he doesn't want money. His girlfriend died of a drug overdose and he is left with Dani. Their daughter. He tells Leah he needs to finally get clean & he only has her to watch Dani. He leaves her the number of Adam. Dani's uncle. Adam is just as floored by this whole situation as well.

Leah & Adam have no idea how this is going to work. Leah is deathly afraid Adam & his parents are going to try and take Dani away from her. But, she also knows she can't go to school & work and take care of Dani alone. And, her boyfriend wants nothing to do with her niece. So, for the sake of Dani she agrees to let Adam help.

Adam can not believe that his nieces aunt is the same girl he has noticed at school. The beautiful woman who makes his inside race every time he sees her. He also can't believe her brother is the reason his sister was dead. Adam also can't believe he has a beautiful niece he didn't know existed. He has to figure out how he's going to deal with all this.

"I can most definitely assure you I am not gay, it just so happens the woman I want is already taken and I'm not one to share."

They all get into a routine rather quickly. Leah & Adam never thought they could fall in love with this beautiful little girl so quickly. They also can't see themselves without her in their lives. Dani is the most adorable, loving, caring little girl. She trusts both her aunt & uncle. But, there is something about her & Adam that literally made my heart melt every time they were together. Dani gets Adam wrapped around her little finger rather quickly. It def upsets Leah a little. But, she keeps trying.

Overtime, Adam Leah and Dani get into a routine. Leah brings Dani to daycare. Adam picks her up. They all have dinner. Do bath & story time. Then, Leah & Adam talk before he goes home and they do it all again. Yet, when they are apart they are constantly thinking about each other. Even when Leah's with her boyfriend which is getting less & less. Adam is always in her mind.

The whole situation is hard. There always seems to be the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about.Leah can not imagine what Adam is going through with loosing his sister. She knows how she felt all those times she thought she'd loose her brother. Adam is angry. How is he supposed to handle dealing with Leah's brother when he finally comes home. What he really needs is closure of how his sister died.

Have I mentioned how adorably cute Dani is yet?! Because, I love her. I could say that over & over again. And, it wouldn't be enough.

"You've brought so much into my life. Thank you, Leah."

Leah & Adam finally give into temptation after Leah cuts her boyfriend loose. He was a real tool to begin with! They fall rather quickly for each other. They totally understand each other in a way not many people would. It's nice that they have each others shoulders to lean on.

When I tell you Michelle did such an excellent job at making you feel for both Adam, Leah & Shane (Leah's brother). Adam's parents are also a big part as well. Their hearts are broken at the loss of their only daughter. Yet, with Dani around she helps heal everyone as best as possible. Michelle made you feel it all. The pain. The anger. The sadness. The hope. The healing. The what-ifs.

"I know, but I'll be here for you. I know we barely know each other but we're kind of kindred spirits you know."

This was nothing that any of them expected. Yet, they all made it work the best and only way they knew how. It wasn't easy. Parts were painful. But, it was totally worth the read. Love & family is what gets them through the worst parts of everything.

Michelle hit another grand slam in my book. This is a hard touchy subject for some people. Yet, Michelle did an excellent job hitting the nail on the head. I did everything from laugh, cry, yell & scream. I held my breath at times. Thank you Michelle for giving me Adam, Leah & the cutie Dani.

If I believed in reincarnation I would believe that Adam and I were soul mates who found each in every life. We've been joined together by something more powerful then ourselves. It may not have been love at first sight for me but I fell for him so fast and so hard it might as well could have been.

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review by Jen Skewes

Familiar Ground is about addiction and the effects that it has on those close to the person who is addicted. But what I loved about this story is the uniqueness to it. This is a love story but not about two people who are fighting a drug addiction. It is about two people who love someone who is addicted and how they found each other through their siblings addiction.

Adam loved his sister and has always wanted what was best for her. When she needed him he was there for her, mostly for financial purposes. But in the end he could not save her and part of him feels that her death is his fault. That he could have done more to help her. Leah has had to deal with the same feelings of guilt that Adam has. Her brother is also addicted to drugs and she has done her best to give him what he needs. She has been there when he needed money or a place to stay.

When you have a sibling who is addicted to drugs, like Adam does, the one thing you dread in life is that one phone call. That one call that can destroy you and your family. Unfortunately Adam did get that call and while he wanted so much to blame Shane, her boyfriend he knew that his sister was to blame for her choices. Adam soon learns that he has a niece who he never knew anything about. He had seen his sister on and off when she would come to him needing something. But she never told him she had a daughter. It is through his niece that he meets Leah, the woman that he has had his eye on for the past month, but yet knew nothing about her.

Leah’s brother Shane and Adam’s sister had a daughter together. Shane needs to get clean for himself and his daughter. He needs to be the father that she deserves. So he asks his sister Leah to take care of his daughter while he goes to rehab. Just like Adam, Leah had no idea that she had a niece. But she is more than happy to help her brother in his journey to sobriety. Leah and Shane have no family, it is just the two of them. Well there is also her boyfriend Jason, but he was quite the jerk so we really do not need to mention him. So Leah reaches out to Adam for help with taking care of their niece Dani and this is how their love story begins.

Leah and Adam share a common bond, not only were both their siblings addicts but their siblings were in a relationship that neither one of them knew about and they also share the same love for their niece, Dani. There is no denying the physical attraction between the two of them. But right now Dani is what is important, plus Leah is still with her boyfriend. As time goes by and these two spend more time together they realize that feelings are starting to surface. They are both falling for each other but afraid to be together because in the end if things don’t work out what will that mean for Dani? She has grown to love her Aunt and Uncle and has become attached to them. With two parents who are addicted to drugs, Dani’s life was not the best. She loves her father so much, but losing a mother and not really understanding at that age why is tough for a little girl. But she begins to come out of shell with Leah and Adam. She begins to live like a child should live, by laughing playing and having fun. Adam and Leah have to do what they feel is best for Dani. Will Adam and Leah be able to keep things platonic or will they give into their feelings for each other?

I loved Adam and Leah together. First of all Adam is just sexy and sweet and loveable. The love he has for Dani and the relationship they have together will just melt your heart. I am such a sucker for a cute guy taking care of a child and Adam is just adorable with Dani. Leah was a great hero and I loved her. Her and Adam were so good together. They understood each other, they both had that common bond because of their siblings and Dani, but it was so much more than that. It was like it was just meant to be with them. Familiar Ground is certainly a love story but it also deals with the heavy topic of addiction and what effect it has on family. We see addiction from a different perspective, the family. We see how the guilt eats away at them, how at times they feel helpless and at the same time how it can bring two families together. Michelle Lynn has done a wonderful job with this story. I laughed and cried right along with these characters. I simply fell in love with Dani. She is such a sweet and amazing little girl. Definitely a must read!

[Melinda ~ Twinsie Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book by the Author for an honest review.

I loved this story although it was not your normal love story of boy meets girl falls in love and lives happily ever after. This has heart ache, death, dealing with drug addicted family members, and realizing love.

Leah and Adam do not know each other however; they lead the same life in a way. Both have siblings that are addicted to drugs and only come back into their lives when they need money for more drugs. Each one of them waits for that dreaded phone call telling them they need to identify the body of their sibling. Only one night it is Adam that gets that call from his sister’s boyfriend, Shane. From this point on Adam blames Shane for Cassi’s overdose.

Shane drops a bomb shell on the entire family. Shane and Cassi have been keeping a secret from the family for 3 years and her name is Dani. Shane drops Dani off at Leah’s one night asking her to take care of her for a month so that he can go to rehab and get his act together for Dani.

Leah is a college student who is always there to help her brother out and this is no different. She has to change her life to take care of her amazing 3 year old niece. It causes a strain on her current relationship with her boyfriend, Jason. Jason wants nothing to do with Dani which causes more of a strain on their relationship.

When Adam and Leah meet fort the first time, Adam is pleasantly surprised when he realized who Leah was and Leah was a little put off when realizing she saw Adam at the construction site at the college. Leah continually fights the feelings she has for Adam and Adam is convinced he will prove they can make it work but on her terms. However, they are tossed together once again when Shane asks Leah to drop everything and come to the family meeting. This is where things begin to change for everyone again. Once Shane is out of rehab his past comes back for him and Leah and Adam gets pulled in their own way.

I loved that there was no huge drama in the book between Adam and Leah. The patients and love Adam has for Dani is heartwarming. I loved Adam’s Dad you can tell he is an overbearing look out for my kid’s kinda dad. Adam sets up a day were he will be gone and he has his friend Marcus keep Leah’s mind off things. This is one of my favorite scenes one because I have a thing for Marcus and two the things Adam does to remind Leah he loves her I have so many AWWW moments. Did I say I had a thing for Marcus finding him so interesting and wanting to know more about his story? What do you say Michelle Lynn how about it…Marcus?

The Epilogue lover and sucker that I am…I loved the epilogue we’re able to see a family moving on and forward but still a family.

Some of my Favorites:

“What if—,” I begin, but he quickly interrupts me.
“You can’t do that, Leah. Believe me, I know how hard what I’m about to tell you is—just live, and if he fails, deal with it. If you waste your time consuming your every thought with ‘what if’, you’ll never enjoy you own life.”

Adam has a special connection with Dani that I can’t seem to match with her. He gets her to uncontrollably laugh and smile in a matter of a couple hours; whereas, I still struggle to get Dani to giggle. I’m not sure why I’m surprised, Adam brought just as much of a comforting sense to me as well. There’s no pressure, no expectations, no judging with him. He is who he is, and he takes everyone else as they are with no criticism or opinions.

“I’ll always be here, Leah. No matter what happens, you have me.”

We’ve already played two games of Monopoly. I’m not bragging or anything, but I did beat him, which may have made me slightly smug and pissed Marcus off entirely. The best moment of my night.

I hate to admit it, but Adam was right having Marcus keep me company. His annoying behavior has distracted me most of the night. It turns out he’s not only annoying; he’s pretty damn funny, too. His affinity for his friendship with Adam is clear as day.

[Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and beautiful. Finding strength in so much darkness. Finding love under less than normal circumstances. The hope for the future is in the hands of so many people, but two lives will never be the same. One has said goodbye, one has said good luck, both unprepared for the surprise left behind in the wake of the tragedy. Both knowing each other on a completely different level. Both completely stealing my heart for the love of a little girl.

Addiction is a pretty powerful subject for any book but to make it into this story is just inspiring. When Leah’s brother shows up at her door asking her for the ultimate favor so he can get himself clean, she wants to have faith. She wants to believe that he will do it this time. But this favor is a lot bigger than she could have ever expected or imagined. The favor, her brother wants her to take care of his daughter. His daughter that Leah didn’t even know he had. The child’s mother, dead. The same demons that Leah’s brother is fighting is what ended the life of this little one’s mom.

Now, she is taking a chance and meeting the uncle. The uncle Adam, who lost his sister to a tragic addiction, is just learning he too has a niece. And knowing that her mother is no longer around to care and protect her, but was she ever really around to do those things? So when Adam and Leah meet for the first time, it is all in the interest of this child. This child who needs to be protected and loved and care for, probably unlike she has ever been protected and cared for before.

But this little girl is only the starting point. She is the glue that is going to keep Adam and Leah linked. But it is more than this little girl. There is an instant chemistry between the two of them and it doesn’t matter how hard they fight it. Ok, so it’s a little awkward because Leah has a boyfriend… and well Adam’s friends at work are pigs… But there is so much between the two of them. They can relate to each other in ways no one else can ever understand. They have a common connection, though not the best of binding ties, the understand the battle and loss of addiction.

This book had my emotions all strung out for everyone to take a swing at. I wanted to hug the characters and love on them. Just when you think the story is going the right direction, something hits the fan and it is not pretty. You want angst, you want drama, you want crazy I-want-to-throw-my-reading-device? You want this book. When I said it had my emotions, I meant all of them. I was happy, I was sad, I was angry, I was content, I wanted to scream, I was stunned into silence. I am in awe of how many emotions this book really took from me.

Powerful and poingnent, I was moved and I wanted so much for these characters all to come out in the end smiling. But of course, things in the book don’t aways play out the way I expect them, so I found myself holding my breath until the very end. Hoping for love, expecting loss, clinging to hope.

Michelle Lynn has become one of my favorite authors and that just grows and grows with each book I read, but this one just tore me to pieces and then fit the pieces of the heart back together. I was moved beyond believe. These two people are too young to have this kind of tragedy in their lives, but here they are facing every bad thing and doing it while learning how to be an aunt and uncle for the first time. It took a lot for me to understand this situation and take it all in, the emotions of this book left me breathless. But Michelle Lynn does such an amazing job with a very difficult subject, a torn family and the love of a little girl. This book is touching and moving and a definate 5-star read!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story, couldn't put it down!

[Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would enjoy this book as I have other books by Michelle Lynn , but I had no clue I would be crying in the opening pages of the damn book ! If you do not relate and feel a connection with Adam right from the start then the book obviously is not for you. His story of lose is heartbreaking and the raw emotion and description of those moments he shares with Shane and also his parents are just devastating. As we go on and get Leah's story it is just as heartbreaking in a different way. With no family to help her out she takes on her greatest challenge in the form of a beautiful little 3 year old girl named Dani. Again if Dani doesn't have you wrapped around her finger there is no hope for you !


I loved Leah and Adam as individuals , I could connect with them and felt they both had great emotion and also great personalities. Leah is going to school , working at a dance studio and now raising her niece. Her college boyfriend Jason is more wrapped up in the party life than he is in the adult life so their relationship is strained as soon as Dani steps into the picture. Of course this makes me dislike Jason. Leah soon realizes that she needs more than he is willing to give when Dani is in the picture so she leaves him.
Adam is working construction , he lives on his own , spends time with his family and is still trying to deal with his sisters death. His one ray of sunshine is this girl he watches each day from his job site. Imagine the surprise when he goes to meet his niece for the first time and Leah ends up being the aunt and girl !! Adam quickly rearranges his life to spend more time getting to know his niece and Leah, also helping to smooth the way for his parents to get to know their granddaughter.


Their immediate friendship is beautiful , I love reading about their adventures with Dani. They really are doing a great job with her. Both Leah and Adam go back and forth about their relationship being more than what it is. There is a serious pull between the two of them but the connection of their families makes it almost impossible to overcome. When it finally becomes too much they decide to give into their desires and take their relationship to new heights.


Throughout the story we get glimpses into Shane's rehabilitation , the struggles Adam has with Shane and people of his sisters past. We learn more about Leah's past and her struggles with her brother. We sadly learn of Dani's first 3 years of life and of course all the pieces leading up to her moms death. In the end you have a beautiful story of healing ! I really appreciated the efforts made by Adam and Leah to help Dani and Shane heal and get back to one another. There are a few twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat ! I would definitely recommend this story to anyone looking for a heartfelt read with some drama , hot sex ,tons of love , plus the cutest little 3 year old ever !!

[Sakura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Thomas has always been the one her brother Shane counted on when he needed money to score drugs. His doorstep visits were always the same and resulted in Leah bailing him out of a situation. Then one day the visit gets switched up. Instead of asking for money, he asks her to take care of his little girl while he checks in to rehab and begins cleaning up his act.

Adam McAllister has tried to help his sister get clean, but her addiction to drugs was too deep. So much so that it caused her death. There’s so much about his sister that he never knew and the biggest secret she kept from him was her daughter, Dani.

Leah’s 3 year-old niece and Adam’s niece Dani are one in the same. Neither having any experience with a toddler, they join forces to give her the best and happiest life possible. The more time they spend together, the closer they get. They have one of the biggest commonalities that only they can really understand.

This book had it’s heartbreaking moments what with having topics like death and addiction, but it also contained love and hope which lightened the story completely. Plus, something beautiful came from darkness in the form of a gorgeous little girl.
Dani was such a miracle and honestly the best thing that could have happened to both of the families. She not only brought Adam and Leah together, but the families as well.

The addiction and drug world was written well and pretty accurately. There was a payback scenario in the book that was spot on with the kind of things that happen amongst drug users/dealers. It did seem a bit much only because it caught me by surprise and wasn’t expecting the second part of it. But it’s fiction so c’est la vie!

The romance was also written wonderfully. The love between Adam and Leah wasn’t instant, but rather a slow development from like/lust to deep, meaningful love. They certainly had an instant connection. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that they were both in the same boat. They knew what the other was going through and feeling.
Leah does start off having a boyfriend and stays with him for about a quarter of the book, but that entire time, she realizes he’s not really the one for her. And at the same time, she’s also noticing Adam more and more and sorting out the feelings and doubts surrounding their relationship. So when they finally give in to their feelings, the quick "I love you’s" were understandable. The love was slowly growing in silence and once they tossed their worries aside, the love eventually had room to thrive.

Great stand alone with no cliffhanger.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review. This has in no way affected my review/opinion.

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I received this book from the author for an honest review.

Sooo I am a giant fan of Michelle's. I love all her stuff. I love the world and characters she builds. I love that her men are always ready to have the girl who seems to be the one who is gun shy about the relationship. I love the guys show unbelievable patients and persistance to get the woman they love. I love the woman are strong but yet flawed like WE real woman are. I mean, I love fiction, but I like to read REAL life situations as well. This book is a defo real life situation that many families are touched by.

Adam and Leah meet due to a sad, yet soon discover, happy time. Leah's brother ,Shane, and Adam's sister , Cassi, are addicts who manage to raise a child together for 3 years without either family discovering. It is not until the death of Cassi that this is discovered. Shane dumps his daughter on Leah who will do anything to help her brother try and get clean. She then meets Dani's other family and BOOM insta attraction to Uncle Adam.

Now Adam is stunned silent when he sees that Auntie Leah is the hottie from the college he has been watching and hoping would notice him. But Leah is too focused and too involved with her boyfriend Jason to look else where....Also I need to add that Jason is a DB...ok that is off my chest!!

Leah and Adam make a great start to a friendship even though Adam is really trying to impress Leah. The two form a quick bond and their attraction is very thick. Leah makes some life changes to help her with Dani and WHAM Adam and her are together. Now I know some people will doubt that after 3 weeks being with someone you could be in "love with them" but they bonded over alot of intense emotions and similar situations that I feel it can happen. Hey I met my husband and knew after date number one, he was THE ONE!!!

Now when we are waiting for Shane to get outta rehab , Adam and Leah are ready enjoying a night "without Dani" (Wink Wink) and BOOM DRAMA happens....Now this part of the story is when I kinda lost my emotional attachment to the characters. The shocking twist at the ending 20% wasnt something I saw coming and it was a defo interesting twist but it felt a bit rushed?????
The epilogue was amazing as I always know I will get from Michelle. This epilogue lets you see where everyone is and how everyone is doing. Sid Shane make it through Rehab? How is Dani doing? How are Adam and Leah? What is their family dynamic now? I would really love to see more from these characters. i mean Shane was a grear character but I gotta say...Marcus....I want more Marcus!!!