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In Service #1
Sinking Ships
Ashley has grown content with her life. Her husband is in the United States Coast Guard but has been assigned a land unit. Which means more time with him and no chance of danger. But then he gets bad news. He's been put on special duty assignment that will mean months of deployment in various open waters. Because he's in the Coast Guard, Ashley assumes that nothing can go wrong.
Waterways have been under attack from pirates of all kinds in the past years. Travis's cutter is destined for waters where they have been seen and there's no telling what his ship will encounter.
Left alone with her memories of their life together Ashley will face the toughest deployment separation yet. Will a lifetime of memories be enough to keep her and Travis from falling apart?
Waterways have been under attack from pirates of all kinds in the past years. Travis's cutter is destined for waters where they have been seen and there's no telling what his ship will encounter.
Left alone with her memories of their life together Ashley will face the toughest deployment separation yet. Will a lifetime of memories be enough to keep her and Travis from falling apart?
Unknown Binding
First published March 23, 2015
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Ostrow
131 books253 followersLexi Ostrow has been in love with the written word since second grade when her librarian started a writing club. Born in sunny southern California she's spent time in various places across the country and can't wait to settle down somewhere in the French Quarter when she's able too.
Lexi has been a writer ever since the second grade in some form or another. Getting her degree in creative writing and her master's in journalism she couldn't wait to get a chance to put her fantasies down on paper. Her debut novel, Torn Between Two Worlds is something that was simmering in her mind since middle school and she's so grateful to put it out into the literary world. From paranormal romance to thriller there isn't a genre she doesn't love to spend her time reading or writing.
Reading and writing are her first loves but her passion for shopping, love for yummy food and her love for all her many pets. She hopes to one day help other readers fall in love with writing as she did.
Lexi has been a writer ever since the second grade in some form or another. Getting her degree in creative writing and her master's in journalism she couldn't wait to get a chance to put her fantasies down on paper. Her debut novel, Torn Between Two Worlds is something that was simmering in her mind since middle school and she's so grateful to put it out into the literary world. From paranormal romance to thriller there isn't a genre she doesn't love to spend her time reading or writing.
Reading and writing are her first loves but her passion for shopping, love for yummy food and her love for all her many pets. She hopes to one day help other readers fall in love with writing as she did.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 24, 2015
Have you ever wondered about how our soldiers and their spouses handle a deployment? The loss of each other and trying to cope with work and an everyday life?
Lexi Ostrow’s new series; In Service gives us a small glimpse into this. It is a very short insight, true but a very realistic one none the less.
The emotions in this short story is very raw and I couldn’t help but to get pulled into the story. I could feel every emotion that was running through Ash’s head, from learning about the deployment to the end of it. Her fears, her hope, joy and relief. This is something that have always caught me off guard with Lexi and her writing – the rawness of her emotion, that she can drag you so much into her stories that you forget everything around you.
Travis been in the navy since he was twenty-two and Ash known him almost as long. For the past three years there’s been no deployment, Travis’ been home and the little family have thrived. Three weeks ago everything changed – Travis got the call for a deployment and Ash now have to prepare herself and her two little boys for what is coming. In Sinking Ships we follow how both Ash and Travis each handle this deployment. I like that we don’t just get one POV, but two.
I’m not sure if I said it before, but I loved reading this short story. Loved it. Every single page. Even though I would LOVE to get more into detail, especially with the end… I won’t. I have this non spoiler policy. It’s seriously killing me, but I won’t do it.
If you like Lexi’s writing, I’m positive that you’re going to love Sinking Ships. I know I did and I can’t wait to read more from her – I have a few of her books on my kindle right now.
Lexi Ostrow’s new series; In Service gives us a small glimpse into this. It is a very short insight, true but a very realistic one none the less.
The emotions in this short story is very raw and I couldn’t help but to get pulled into the story. I could feel every emotion that was running through Ash’s head, from learning about the deployment to the end of it. Her fears, her hope, joy and relief. This is something that have always caught me off guard with Lexi and her writing – the rawness of her emotion, that she can drag you so much into her stories that you forget everything around you.
Travis been in the navy since he was twenty-two and Ash known him almost as long. For the past three years there’s been no deployment, Travis’ been home and the little family have thrived. Three weeks ago everything changed – Travis got the call for a deployment and Ash now have to prepare herself and her two little boys for what is coming. In Sinking Ships we follow how both Ash and Travis each handle this deployment. I like that we don’t just get one POV, but two.
I’m not sure if I said it before, but I loved reading this short story. Loved it. Every single page. Even though I would LOVE to get more into detail, especially with the end… I won’t. I have this non spoiler policy. It’s seriously killing me, but I won’t do it.
If you like Lexi’s writing, I’m positive that you’re going to love Sinking Ships. I know I did and I can’t wait to read more from her – I have a few of her books on my kindle right now.
August 15, 2017
Deployments suck. It's the truth. They suck for the couple. They suck for the kids. They suck for the pets. Deployments suck.
I should know, I'm a military brat turned Navy wife turned Navy wife with kid and pets. It sucks. However, noawdays I don't have to worry about deployments because he's fixing to leave. I still remember what it was like. And it sucked.
Sinking Ships by Lexi Ostrow is a military contemporary romance about an already married couple dealing with life in the midst of a deployment. You can tell that Ostrow knows her stuff because I felt exactly what Ashley felt during deployments. I could understand her pain and loneliness. Though my husband hasn't mentioned how he was emotionally on his end, I would like to think it is something akin to the male lead in Ostrow's story.
The book is more like a novella and is very quick to read. I was able to finish it within an hour or two. The writing is simple, easy to get into, and does pull the reader to the story. I've experienced this before with Ostrow's steampunk romances and I'm glad the same voice could be employed in her contemporary works.
The story is mostly comprised with flashbacks and the individual characters' thoughts during the deployment. You see how the two fall in love and witness the length of emotion they go through. It was short, heartwarming, and had a twist that makes you pause in breath.
I should know, I'm a military brat turned Navy wife turned Navy wife with kid and pets. It sucks. However, noawdays I don't have to worry about deployments because he's fixing to leave. I still remember what it was like. And it sucked.
Sinking Ships by Lexi Ostrow is a military contemporary romance about an already married couple dealing with life in the midst of a deployment. You can tell that Ostrow knows her stuff because I felt exactly what Ashley felt during deployments. I could understand her pain and loneliness. Though my husband hasn't mentioned how he was emotionally on his end, I would like to think it is something akin to the male lead in Ostrow's story.
The book is more like a novella and is very quick to read. I was able to finish it within an hour or two. The writing is simple, easy to get into, and does pull the reader to the story. I've experienced this before with Ostrow's steampunk romances and I'm glad the same voice could be employed in her contemporary works.
The story is mostly comprised with flashbacks and the individual characters' thoughts during the deployment. You see how the two fall in love and witness the length of emotion they go through. It was short, heartwarming, and had a twist that makes you pause in breath.
May 8, 2015
This is the first piece of work I have read by Lexi Ostrow and it won't be my last. I will have to check out her other books. This short story is about 30 pages and it was a fast read with lots of action.
Ashley is not looking forward to her husband going on another deployment and this time it's a year. Travis has been in the Coast Guard just as long as they have been together but they are never easy and it's been a few years since his last one so she was used to having her husband around her and their two kids.
The story goes quickly over the course of a year and has flashbacks of their time together. They have a wonderful relationship and even through the mail, it is spicy and sweet. They get to have phone calls at ports but most communication is emails and handwritten letters.
Ashley is seems very nervous about this deployment even after 10 years of going through them. Is there a reason why she feels this way? Does Travis make it home?
I thought this couple was just so cute. After all the years together they are still hot for each other and have a great bond.
Quotes:
Three weeks since one of her worst fears came back to haunt her.
“Make me forget, Travis.”
The letter was short and simple, and it made her eyes shimmer with tears.
Ashley is not looking forward to her husband going on another deployment and this time it's a year. Travis has been in the Coast Guard just as long as they have been together but they are never easy and it's been a few years since his last one so she was used to having her husband around her and their two kids.
The story goes quickly over the course of a year and has flashbacks of their time together. They have a wonderful relationship and even through the mail, it is spicy and sweet. They get to have phone calls at ports but most communication is emails and handwritten letters.
Ashley is seems very nervous about this deployment even after 10 years of going through them. Is there a reason why she feels this way? Does Travis make it home?
I thought this couple was just so cute. After all the years together they are still hot for each other and have a great bond.
Quotes:
Three weeks since one of her worst fears came back to haunt her.
“Make me forget, Travis.”
The letter was short and simple, and it made her eyes shimmer with tears.
March 31, 2015
I’m so thrilled to have read this story from Lexi Ostrow! I have read all of her paranormal and steampunk works and I have loved them to pieces! It’s great to know that this author, at least, can step outside of her comfort zone and nail it completely!
This story is short and sweet and follows the lives of Ashley and Travis. Travis is a US Coast Guard who hasn’t had a deployment for three year… until now. The story entails the more private side of being a military wife. The emotion was so real and raw in this book, I wouldn’t doubt for a second that Lexi knew the feelings well to be able to bring them to life with such realism on the page.
I usually find with shorter stories that I am left wanting more. More description, more interaction, more everything. It’s the mark of a great author that with this story I didn’t feel that need. Lexi certainly packs a punch with her stories and this one is no different.
This is the perfect romance to get your hands on if you are looking for something sweet, something sensual, something military and something utterly gut wrenching.
This story is short and sweet and follows the lives of Ashley and Travis. Travis is a US Coast Guard who hasn’t had a deployment for three year… until now. The story entails the more private side of being a military wife. The emotion was so real and raw in this book, I wouldn’t doubt for a second that Lexi knew the feelings well to be able to bring them to life with such realism on the page.
I usually find with shorter stories that I am left wanting more. More description, more interaction, more everything. It’s the mark of a great author that with this story I didn’t feel that need. Lexi certainly packs a punch with her stories and this one is no different.
This is the perfect romance to get your hands on if you are looking for something sweet, something sensual, something military and something utterly gut wrenching.
March 24, 2015
It is so good to be able read a author that has the ability to write in different styles as this author shows in this novel. This is short,sweet but packed full of goodness. Experience a strong relationship between two-Ashley and Travis who have been married awhile with children with him being in the coast guard. She is no stranger to the side of the life and what it entails to be a wife of a service man, strong commitment and love deeply a big factor. When deployment comes experience in a real way how these two handle the time apart and the memories that come with it. Also though this author will wrench your heart to your throat as the unthinkable happens so close to the finish. When a author can pull that much that fast from a reader you have a gem for sure in your hands. Read for yourself if this author leaves you sinking or if she can save you emotional turmoil you experience just as Ashley does and come out from it. Received a copy for a honest review.
March 21, 2015
Ash feels good about how life has been treating her until her husband Travis gets a one year deployment with the Coast Guard. All of a sudden worry sets in, longing for days to pass slower as the date of departure arrives. With departure there comes a longing for contact that both Travis and Ash can only get through with memories of their love and time together.
Following both characters on the long journey of deployment, mixed with erotic passion and lust fills the pages of this short story. There is a depth of emotion in the story that can be hard to capture by Lexi Ostrow manages it. Well written and definitely worth the read.
I enjoyed the insight into how both parties handle the stress of serving and deployment. The story flowed well between character pov's and present day and memory. My only complaint is that I want more, hence the ☆☆☆☆ rating. I could read about their lives, present in deployment and memories of time gone by, for well over 300 pages.
Following both characters on the long journey of deployment, mixed with erotic passion and lust fills the pages of this short story. There is a depth of emotion in the story that can be hard to capture by Lexi Ostrow manages it. Well written and definitely worth the read.
I enjoyed the insight into how both parties handle the stress of serving and deployment. The story flowed well between character pov's and present day and memory. My only complaint is that I want more, hence the ☆☆☆☆ rating. I could read about their lives, present in deployment and memories of time gone by, for well over 300 pages.
March 24, 2015
Sinking Ships is a military romance that reads and feels true to life. As a military wife I often avoid military romances, because I’m taken out of the stories by inaccuracy or clichés. Ms. Ostrow did neither with this one. Though it’s a novella, this story packs a real punch.
We follow Ashley and Travis though their daily lives. The glimpses into life for both the service member and the spouse ran me through a number of emotion. It’s sweet, scary, sensual, and exciting! What’s meant to be a normal tour on the ship turns into anything but, when pirates threaten to take it over. I don’t want to ruin the story, but suffice to say you’ll be turning the pages.
I felt the passion, loyalty, and love between Travis and Ashley as they weathered storms, and went the extra mile to keep that flame burning as time passed. This is the perfect romance to curl up with and get lost in.
We follow Ashley and Travis though their daily lives. The glimpses into life for both the service member and the spouse ran me through a number of emotion. It’s sweet, scary, sensual, and exciting! What’s meant to be a normal tour on the ship turns into anything but, when pirates threaten to take it over. I don’t want to ruin the story, but suffice to say you’ll be turning the pages.
I felt the passion, loyalty, and love between Travis and Ashley as they weathered storms, and went the extra mile to keep that flame burning as time passed. This is the perfect romance to curl up with and get lost in.
March 25, 2015
A beautifully written novella about a husband and a wife and their children during a period of deployment in the Coast Guard.
The author writes with great intensity and clarity when it comes to the relationship between Ashly and Travis before and during his time of deployment. She allows the reader to see how this time period affects the families who are at home and the men and women who are deployed. She writes with such detail that the reader is able to empathize and understand how each person is feeling during these times, the ups and downs, as well as the fear and joy.
This is a very well written novella the reader will fall in love with immediately, leaving the reader wanting more from the author in regard to these characters. A short but well packed story that I would highly recommend.
The author writes with great intensity and clarity when it comes to the relationship between Ashly and Travis before and during his time of deployment. She allows the reader to see how this time period affects the families who are at home and the men and women who are deployed. She writes with such detail that the reader is able to empathize and understand how each person is feeling during these times, the ups and downs, as well as the fear and joy.
This is a very well written novella the reader will fall in love with immediately, leaving the reader wanting more from the author in regard to these characters. A short but well packed story that I would highly recommend.
March 24, 2015
Sinking Ships is the story about a married couple who is struggling with being separated due to the husband's deployment in the USCG. The love between Ashley and Travis felt so honest and real. The characters shared the type of love that every one of us secretly wishes for. The love scenes were the perfect mixture of sweet and steamy. This story made me laugh, it made me cry, and it pulled at my heart strings. I would not only like to thank the author for creating this wonderful story, but I'd like to thank each and every one of the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our country safe. They do an amazing job and their sacrifice does not get the recognition that it deserves. I highly recommend this book and plan on reading more stories from this talented author.
May 10, 2015
Sinking Ships (In Service Series Book 1)
Such a good story... Will Travis and Ashley's memories be strong enough to help them through deployment in dangerous waters? Some of their memories are so scorching hot that they affect both Travis and Ashley. Lexi Ostrow gives us a look into the lives of service families and how deployment affects everyone. Using dual point of view and flashbacks we experience the loneliness of both Ashley and Travis. Lexi speaks from personal experience as her husband is in the USCG. Her writing style gives voice to the loneliness and love her characters feel. This is a quick read under two hours but so well written you will be completely satisfied.
Such a good story... Will Travis and Ashley's memories be strong enough to help them through deployment in dangerous waters? Some of their memories are so scorching hot that they affect both Travis and Ashley. Lexi Ostrow gives us a look into the lives of service families and how deployment affects everyone. Using dual point of view and flashbacks we experience the loneliness of both Ashley and Travis. Lexi speaks from personal experience as her husband is in the USCG. Her writing style gives voice to the loneliness and love her characters feel. This is a quick read under two hours but so well written you will be completely satisfied.
May 23, 2015
I read this short book and enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. When I first started to read it I was captured by Ashley and Travis. He is in the Coast Guard and he shows his wife how much he loves her through out the book even during his deployment that he is on. It shows you what people go through when their significant other is on deployment and what kind of fears you can have. I enjoyed being able to also see the glimpses into the past of what happened and what keeps them moving forward through the deployment. It was a great book and full of love. Can not wait to read the next book by Lexi, this was the first book I have ever read by her and will be reading more of her books in the future. Great job.
June 5, 2015
Will Their Memories Be Enough?
Such a good story... Will Travis and Ashley's memories be strong enough to help them through deployment in dangerous waters? Some of their memories are so scorching hot that they affect both Travis and Ashley. Lexi Ostrow gives us a look into the lives of service families and how deployment affects everyone. Using dual point of view and flashbacks we experience the loneliness of both Ashley and Travis. Lexi speaks from personal experience as her husband is in the USCG. Her writing style gives voice to the loneliness and love her characters feel. This is a quick read under two hours but so well written you will be completely satisfied.
Such a good story... Will Travis and Ashley's memories be strong enough to help them through deployment in dangerous waters? Some of their memories are so scorching hot that they affect both Travis and Ashley. Lexi Ostrow gives us a look into the lives of service families and how deployment affects everyone. Using dual point of view and flashbacks we experience the loneliness of both Ashley and Travis. Lexi speaks from personal experience as her husband is in the USCG. Her writing style gives voice to the loneliness and love her characters feel. This is a quick read under two hours but so well written you will be completely satisfied.
January 28, 2015
Coming from experience, with a significant other in the military, it is hard to go through life when your loved one is deployed in unpredictable circumstances. Lexi was able to grasp the struggles girlfriends and wives face with their men being deployed in unknown places. The relationship between Ashley and Travis brought struggles, love, and passion. The ups and downs the couples endures will bring a reader into a roller coaster of emotions. A short read that will sum up a life experience of any military couple. I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review
February 20, 2015
As a veteran and former military spouse this book is amazing. You get the insight of just how hard it can be on a family when a loved one is deployed. The love story is great, the flashbacks allow you to see how much they love each other. I had to keep reading reading and find out what happened next. Great book.
April 18, 2015
This is a sweet story of a couple dealing with deployment and how they make it through the day.
I don't want to give away more than that but I recommend you pick up this book and read it because I found it to be sweet and touching and while not all books can have happy endings, I'm glad this one did.
I don't want to give away more than that but I recommend you pick up this book and read it because I found it to be sweet and touching and while not all books can have happy endings, I'm glad this one did.
March 8, 2015
As a CG SO going through a deployment this really hit home. I loved the way Ms. Ostrow went from flashbacks to present day. I tend to steer away from Novella's but this one was top of the list for me.
March 9, 2015
Was a sweet story of love away from home. A life of what Military couples can encounter. I enjoyed it.
August 9, 2015
Short and worth it
Loved it despite it only being 32 pages. Hot sex and happy horny characters. Love the big tough guy hero. Nice quick read. Great for sitting by the pool.
Loved it despite it only being 32 pages. Hot sex and happy horny characters. Love the big tough guy hero. Nice quick read. Great for sitting by the pool.
November 14, 2019
For a short read, this story packed quite a punch.
September 28, 2015
Wow. I didn't know what to expect when I agreed to review this book, but I absolutely loved it. It was amazing.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews