Firefighters and best friends, Dylan and Roy, face death on a daily basis. Now they face death personally when Roy is diagnosed with a terminal disease.
Lana, a nurse, becomes the strength Dylan needs when everything is crashing down around him. Will he have the courage to push past the unknown?
When the life he has known goes up in flames will the love of his life rise out of the ashes?
Hey, I'm Elison. I am the author of the Loveland Fire Series. Courage that Counts and Rebuilding Trust are available now on Amazon. I live in the Midwest with my husband, our sassy mini me, and a naughty dog named Murray. Most of my time is spent stalking cover models and blogging about amazing books that I have read. I love being emotionally gutted by a book and you can more often than not find me up late crying over one. This may be why Courage that Counts has been known to emotionally shred the reader. If you enjoy an emotional read then try my books. Warning have tissues on hand.
I struggled with this book. It is well written but I am not sure if I can describe it as normal romance as a huge part of the plot is about the friendship of the two man and the romance is basically second to that. Still it is very emotional and well written and my issues might be only just that -MINE- so enjoy that book ...
Courage that counts By Elison Grace Reviewed by Wendy for YOUR NEXT HOT READ "very emotional" get your tissues ready This super debut novel was emotional and heartwarming at The same time, superb writing, and it had me hooked within the first few pages Roy and Dylan are work colleagues at the same fire station, but Ryan and Dylan are like brothers, they work together, socialise together, and above all else they was there for each other, Roy received some unwelcome bad news about his health after being ill for a few weeks, When Roy tells Dylan about his illness Roy asked Dylan to be there for him and is family, to help them when times got hard, Dylan cannot turn down his brother and agrees to be there every step of the way for him and his family, But as Roy's illness goes from bad to worse and Dylan realises that it's too much for Him to bare, On one occasion when it is too much for Dylan He walks out on Roy and escapes to the peace and quiet of the cafeteria in the hospital, That's where Dylan meets Lana , Lana is a Oncology nurse and Knows just what Dylan is going through, she has to deal with patients and their families on a daily basis, she starts chatting to Dylan about Roy and tells them she knows exactly what they going through and if he wanted help she would gladly help him through it, As time goes on Dylan and Lana fall in love and are there for Roy and his family every step of the way, But can Dylan and Lana survive when Dylan's world gets torn apart??? I totally love this book and I am so pleased that Elison ask me to read it, and give her a review, I cried, I laughed, and I would recommend this book, it's a fabulous five stars from me and it is well worth every single one, I'm really looking forward two Carrie and Cory's story too !!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review
I picked and requested this book for a review because I liked the cover and I didn't even read the storyline. And this book really surprised me. Emotional, touching, especially for someone like me that have faced the struggle and the pain to see the one I loved to be consumed and taken away for an incurable cancer. I cried, a lot, at every page. I felt a real connection with Michelle and Dylan. It takes courage to stay strong, to be the rock for someone else and survive after the storm. And in the middle of Hell there is the love story between Lana and Dylan, and it's like a piece of Paradise. And when Dylan went for his memorial tattoo for his best friend Roy, I cried all day long, because I did the same (in memory of my brother) a few weeks ago. I felt deeply connected with all the characters. When you're in the middle of the storm you feel desperate, helpless and alone. But if you look around you, you'll always find your “rock”.
“...nobody can be strong all of the time. I know you are going to fall apart and so am I. We need to fall apart together that way we have each other to hold up the broken pieces so we can get through this.”
Sometimes I felt so shaken that I needed to close the book for a moment, to work through my feelings.
“That's what sucks about death, the living are all a little demaged by the loss and there's nothing anyone can do about it. We all knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier to handle.”
The story and the wrinting is simple and it is this simplicity in telling a story so sad and touching that makes this book so beautiful.
“What Roy and Michelle had, even though it ended before they were ready was the most amazing love. It was epic, tragic, and magical. If it was a love story, it would span the ages. I don't know that there is a love out there that could be as amazing as the love between the two of them, but I would like to try to find a love like that.”
I loved how the author highlighted the concept that we need to build goods memories of the people we love because they'll be the goods memories to help us to overcome the sadness and the void.
“That tattoo Dylan has is for him to look at and remember your daddy. I know sometimes it can be sad when you miss him, but the way to make yourself happy is to remember all of the good times you shared with him. All of the happy memories are important to hold onto and share.”
The end of the book seemed to me a little bit rushed, but left me with the curiosity to read about Carrie and Cory.
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from Stephanie's Book Reports in exchange for an honest review.
***5 stars for Courage that Counts by Elison Grace!! This is the first book in the Loveland Fire series, and it is both heart wrenching and heart warming!
Whew! I am emotionally drained! This book had me "ugly crying", and I was only 5% into reading it!
Roy and Dylan both work at the local fire station, and they are as close as real brothers. When Roy reveals that he has terminal cancer, he makes Dylan promise to be the rock for him and his family. Dylan does his best to remain strong, but no one can be strong 100% of the time. It is during one of his moments of weakness that he meets Lana. Lana is an Oncology nurse, so she deals with the emotional fallout caused by the effects of cancer. One of my favorite quotes from the book is made by Lana. She says this to Dylan: "I also know that you have taken on the responsibility of being the rock for everyone else. Let me tell you, Sir, that I also know a rock can only take so much pressure before it crumbles". Lana soon becomes a god send to Dylan, Roy, and Roy's family. It doesn't take long for Dylan and Lana to fall in love, but can a love that is creating during one of the most difficult times in life really last?
I must say that Elison Grace has hit a home run with this debut novel. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to. I will warn you- you better have the tissues ready and maybe even a stiff drink because you will surely need them. Congrats to this author for creating such a great and touching read.
PS. Elison, be sure to check your mail for my therapy bill. :)
I am in Love with this story. Dylan and Roy have been best friends since the minute then met at the Fire House. They are morr then Friends they are Brothers and when Roy and his family need a backbone Dylan promises to be that for them, but who will be his back bone when dealing with his brother's life being taking away to soon. Lana is a Nurse with some much compassion and she enters into his life just when he needs. A relationship starts and it all clicks but when Dylan faces the loss and can't get pass he runs. Two people that were meant to be together but have obstacles to get over, when they do can they have that HEA everyone wants. Grab this book up and feel all the emotions they go through.
What a great heartfelt story! Get the tissues ready. This story will hit close to home for so many people. The detail in how each character is feeling is amazing! I can't wait to see this author grow as she continues with her dream! The sex scenes are pretty hot too!
This book absolutely gutted me, one Kleenex after another, I just could not stop crying.
For Dylan and Roy, best friends from the minute Dylan walks into the station on his first day of work, till the very end of it all, that is when Roy is diagnosed with cancer, they are there for each other.
Spending so much time at the hospital with Roy, Dylan meets Lana, a nurse at the hospital, and over time they form a bond and then start dating. The relationship is going great till Roy dies when all Dylan can see when he is with Lana is all the hurt and pain and suffering that he went through with Roy and he pushes her away. Was the best thing that ever happened for Dylan right in front of him with Lana, and by pushing her away did he destroy everything they had going for them.
Will Dylan be able to get past all the pain of losing Roy and see what was right in front of him with Lana or is it too late????
Courage that Counts, Loveland Fire Series Book One, Elison Grace Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews Genre: New Adult, Romance Well, I was unsure about this read, a romance book where one of the main characters is dying? A brave move, and I wasn't sure it would work. I've read a handful of ones with death as a major theme over the years and some were excellent and the others a fail for me. Throw in that this is a debut book for Elison and I really didn't know what to expect.
I found the romance part a bit slow to begin, and of course death is so hard on everyone involved. Roy is happy with his life, loves his job, has some great friends and adores his wife Michelle and their two girls. And then comes the huge bombshell that changes everything. I felt for them, when I was 36 and in a similar position, great job, good friends, loving husband and three teens I also was diagnosed with cancer that was likely to be terminal. It really does change everything, you become a patient, and its easy to lose the person you are. I was luckier than Roy, and 20 years on I'm still here, but poor Roy goes through some traumatic treatments and every-ones life revolves around his disease, the daily hospital visits and the hoping against hope that things will work out. Along the way Lana comes in and she and Dylan soon hit it off. Then of course their romance also becomes part of the tragedy and suffers from the after effects...that was heart breaking but I understood why it happened. The death and funeral - that was so well written, felt so real I actually had tears - its a good read that can do that. Michelle and the kids were great characters, so realistic. Roy - I so felt for him, empathized and understood his frustration when things looked bad. How he coped when told there was no more to be done I can't know - as I said I was luckier - and I can't imagine how anyone faces that kind of thing. Differently for all I guess. I remember feeling for the doc who told me the chemo hadn't worked and that I need my leg amputated, thinking how hard for them when the have to deliver bad news. For so many staff we do seem to be people they care for and when things don't go well they get upset too - that came over really well in the book. I loved the connection between Lana and Dylan, the way she integrated into the family too, and when it all fell apart I so felt for both of them, Lana especially. There simply wasn't anything she could do, it was something dylan needed to work through and that was really sad seeing them both distressed. the book is told mainly from Dylan's POV but there are chapters from Lana too so we get an insight into the thoughts of both of the. Its not all doom and gloom either, there are lots of lighter moments, romantic dates, the firemen's calendar and the fundraising party, all of those served to balance the dark theme. Overall its a fun read, not a long one but packed with intensity, and some searingly sensual encounters between Lana and Dylan. It's not quite a five from me but a very well deserved Four. Stars: Four, a terrific first book. I'm looking forward to Cory and Carrie next, he's got some great promise! ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Check it out, another book review! This thrilling erotic romance is a true indie gem. I found I enjoyed this book. I normally don't got for something with erotica in it, however there was more of a storyline than other books I've read, so i felt like I was reading a book over a dirty magazine. The passion and love between the characters is awesome! I feel like I am right in the mix of things, as our main character looses his best friend. And who doesn't love a fire fighter??? I totally loved this book and will be talking to all my friends about it! You should totally check it out as well and find out what it is you're missing out on! Click the link to find out more about this awesome book!
"...courage. Courage to put aside my heartbreak to get them through their own."
***I volunteered to write this review as part of a book reviewing group.***
5 emotionally heart wrenching stars!!! This is the first I've read of Elison Grace. Be WARNED...this book should come with an "ugly cry" warning. Not even finishing the first chapter, I knew I was in for some serious heartbreak. Courage that Counts is a story of "the most amazing love...epic, tragic, and magical." When the tragedy strikes, all are left "a little damaged." Bonds will be tested as memories surface. Go on one man's journey of finding love and experiencing loss. Can he dig down deep to find the "Courage" to accept "that life does go on?"
I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
This book is an UGLY Cry book so be warn, you will need a box of Kleenex for sure.
This story had me in tears from the beginning to the end. It is such an emotional book. I personally read this at a time I should have been reading an uplifting book, as this book deals with cancer and June is a month of heartache for my family regarding cancer.
This book is also heartwarming at the same time.
Roy and Dylan are firefighters in the same house. They are very close, like brothers, they do a lot together both at the firehouse and outside of work. They are a true family not by blood but by choice. Roy gets some devastating news that is going to change the lives of his family.
Dylan meets Lana at the hospital that Roy is getting treatment from. She is an Oncology nurse. Dylan is trying to be strong and hold all together because Roy asked him to when he confided in him about being terminally sick. Lana tells Dylan she will be his rock because he needs to let go sometimes.
Dylan and Lana start seeing each other a little bit, but can it last through everything going on? Can they both overcome the loss and the grief to find a way to make it work?
Great Debut Book! I look forward to reading more in this series and more in general. Thank you so much for sharing writing with us readers.
When Elison Grace said you will need Kleenex when you read this book she was not kidding. Oh my this story was so heartbreaking but yet filled with new love. I was in tears from the beginning to the end. I just couldn’t put this book down.
Roy and Dylan are firefighters. They have been partners for about the last 5 years. When Roy hasn’t been feeling good he goes to the doctor and gets some devastating news. He comes to his best friend and partner to let him know he’s terminally ill. Roy needs to know that Dylan will be there if and when he can’t for his wife and 2 little girls.
While taking Roy to treatments Dylan is having a hard time keeping himself together. One day a beautiful nurse came up and sat at his table and started talking she wanted him to open up but being a tough firefighter he didn’t want to lose it in front of a stranger. So Lana kept coming back to let him know that she is there for him when he is ready.
They both feel the spark when around each other but is this the time to venture into the unknown. Can they get past the grief of a friend dying to start something new?
This book is just amazing. I can’t say enough good things about this story. Having gone through something similar myself the author really nails the description of the emotion each characters felt during each stage of the book. This story flowed amazingly and had great character development. I can’t wait to read what the author comes up with next.
Roy faces loosing his best friend and he is not ready to face this challenge when it seems like everything is falling on him to be strong. He starts to run only to come face to face with Lana. Lana is a nurse and is use to dealing with death and illness. She is full of hope and full of life sometimes she feels like she herself doesn't always add up. She hopes she can bring joy to her patients and most of all Roy and his friends. OMG where do I even begin with the book. When the author puts in the description grab tissues you know its going to be a good book. In this case this book is excellent. It really tugs at your heart and it gets to the heart of the matter while dealing with some deep issues. It deals with loss, love and finding hope. The chemistry will pop out of the book and storyline is well and amazingly written. I really give books five stars but if I could I would give this book so much more. This book does have adult situations in it and I would not recommend for anyone under 18. This is a powerful short love story that is amazing and you will find yourself having a hard time putting it down.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
I absolutely love Dylan and Lana's story. There are some heartbreaking moments in the story and I did cry, however it is a lovely story about the full spectrum of life.
This made me cry, I had tears running down my face and a huge lump in my throat. A very hard subject to cover and do with such amazing sensitivity to all characters and still do it justice. I don't want to give to much away so not spoil it for any one wanting to read it so I will say that if you want a book that digs deep into your emotions, gives you anguish and hope. Inspiration and love, a way to see beyond the bad, then I would say this is for you. We do get some lighter moments to give some relief to breathe. I loved especially the party for Roy's fundraising, it was described so well I could picture the scene clearly. This was the only one in this series I have read and I did it through a reviewers group, I had almost left the group before I got this book but I am so pleased I didn't miss out. Well worth reading.
Dylan receives heartbreaking news from his best friend Roy & makes a promise to have Roy's back & be there for him, his wife and 2 lil girls. As he helps his friend through tragedy, Dylan meets Lana, who helps hold him together and gives him the strength to keep his promise.
I love this story, the characters were well written, the funeral made me feel as if I were there & it was for my best friend. The ugly crying was abundant but there was more than sadness & loss...there was laughter & love, friends & family, and 2 of the sweetest lil girls you'll want to hug & hold! I cannot wait to read the next in this series!
This was a great debut novel by Ellison Grace! The emotions of the story were very well written and the characters were lovable. I wanted to smack Dylan a few times, but I did understand his pain and where he was coming from. However, you still want to get in his face and say hey, I have been there, don't do it this way! There are happy, sad, heartbreaking, funny, and hot scenes in this one. Ellison gives you a little bit of everything. But keep the tissues handy! You are going to need them! Can't wait to get Carrie and Cory's story!
I read this through Netgalley for an honest review. This debut novel had me crying from the start and then would have me smiling through the tears and laughing. I could not stop reading. Roy and Dylan are best friends and firefighters. When Roy finds out he has cancer he asks Dylan to take care of his wife and young daughters. As Dylan is going through this he meets the love of his life but screws things up. Can they make it work? There is swearing and sex scenes just as a warning but the big warning is that you will need kleenex.
Grace got my tears, especially writing about rituals. While the main characters didn't exactly do instalove, they also didn't require much (and we as readers weren't told much other than it happened). My biggest issue, admittedly as an ex-copy editor, was the continuous misuse of mainly homonific (yup, invented that) words. I was bawling when I ran across the word spelled "balling," and stopped crying. But this is a warm story that tugs at the heartstrings.
Heartstrings get pulled in so many directions with this book. Finding love when you're going through your best friends' diagnosis of cancer makes the timing difficult and intense. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this story! Warning: you will need tissues! A good story about friendship and love and the heartbreak that sometimes go with it! Elison Grace is a new to me author and I am glad I found her! I will read more from this author! Highly recommend!
Beautifully written novel that will touch your heart. Well written story with great characters. I cannot wait to read more from this author. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this story – it goes shows all the emotions from different points of views and that even while there is loss that love can be found. The story deals with so much and shows how the different character’s cope with the news and the cancer, also including how hard it is on the family unit. The emotions that Dylan goes through with the loss of his best friend, being in love and being the strength for everyone are shown throughout the story. The story show the strength of the emotions that Dylan was dealing with after Roy’s death when although he loves Lana, he still pushed her away. Dylan and Roy are best friends and when Roy tells Dylan that he has cancer he also asks Dylan to be his families strength when he can’t and when he is gone. While taking Roy to his treatments, he meets Lana and she becomes his strength, after needing to spend more time with Lana and invites her to the Fireman’s Calendar Event. Lana is supportive and realises that Dylan needs to spend as much time as he can with Roy and he’s family, so gives him the space he needs, although Roy’s wife Michelle invites Lana to a family game night, and Dylan and Lana go to Dylan’s house to release the built up sexual tension they have. The story show the strength of the emotions that Dylan was dealing with after Roy’s death when although he loves Lana, he still pushed her away. These two have so much going on and so many emotions that they have to struggle to get through everything to get their HEA. Can’t wait to read more of the Loveland Fire Series