Nomi J. Avery is a German author living in rural Ontario. A passionate long-time romance reader, she’s dreamed of becoming a published author since she was a little girl. A life-long dream that was finally fulfilled with the release of her Despite It All Duet.
When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and exploring the rugged Canadian backcountry, and sampling delicious foods. She has a weakness for tortured heroes, morally gray men, and mute MMCs.
If you asked her what her idea of a perfect day is, her answer would be to curl up in bed with a good book, a family-sized tray of sushi, and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio.
There are some connections that time and distance simply can't erase. When Maddox returns to the town he has spent years avoiding, the last thing he expects is to find Dee still capable of making him feel something he thought he'd lost. Whole Together explores what happens when two people with unfinished feelings get a second chance, while one of them is struggling to adjust to a life he never expected to have.
Maddox and Dee have an immediate history that gives their relationship an interesting emotional foundation. Their connection isn't simply about attraction, although there is certainly plenty of chemistry between them. There is also the weight of everything that happened between them and the years they spent apart.
Maddox's storyline adds considerable emotional depth to the romance. After a horrific ordeal leaves him dealing with both physical and emotional consequences, he has to figure out what his future looks like now that his high-risk career is behind him. His uncertainty about whether Dee could still want him makes his journey particularly vulnerable.
Dee, meanwhile, finds herself caught between wanting to support Maddox and wanting something more from him. Her attempt to convince herself that she can simply be his friend creates plenty of emotional tension, especially when the attraction between them refuses to disappear.
The romance works particularly well because neither character can simply step back into the relationship they might once have had. They have both changed, and Maddox especially has to learn how to navigate a life that looks completely different from the one he imagined. Watching them work through those changes gives the story its emotional heart.
The chemistry between Maddox and Dee keeps the romantic side engaging, while Maddox's recovery and adjustment provide an additional layer beyond the relationship itself. The story balances the emotional struggles with the rekindling of their connection, creating a romance focused on second chances, healing, and finding a new sense of purpose.
As the second book in a trilogy of interconnected standalones, Whole Together can be read as part of a larger world while still focusing on its own central couple and their journey.
Overall, Whole Together is an emotional second-chance romance about two people who never completely let go of each other. Maddox and Dee's story combines undeniable chemistry with vulnerability, healing, and the difficult process of learning to embrace a future that looks nothing like the one they originally imagined.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR for providing me with an ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Second Chance Romance | Rekindled Romance | Forced Proximity | Friends to Lovers | Emotional Healing | Love After Loss | Hurt/Comfort | Military/High-Risk Career | Returning Home | Romantic Suspense
ARC review - thank you so much Nomi J. Avery for this privilege!
4 ⭐ 2.75 🌶️
What a great emotional read. If you are looking for a book packed with plot twists, this isn't the one for you. Whole Together is a slow-paced read, perfect for truly delving into the impact of trauma and how to overcome it. I found that Nomi was able to set an example of healthy communication, while also demonstrating the distinction between supporting a loved one and falling into the role of savior. Guilt, grief, the loss of a sense of self, PTSD, addiction, and therapy—all of those themes were handled really well.
After the first book, I was really looking forward to reading the love story between Dee and Maddox. Not only were we treated with a great flashback (IYKYK), but we also got to learn more about the past of these characters I love. It was great to see Charlie and Cole again and get a glimpse of the continuation of their story. I know our favorite coffee owner and military are pretty hot—both individually and for each other—but I found that aspect a bit too prominent at times. They managed to show what it is to choose the other person without hesitation and place their trust in them, what it means to be whole together. Nomi J. Avery piqued my curiosity about a potential sequel, especially regarding Jackson and Spencer.
3.25⭐ Whole Together is book 2 in the interconnected Resilience Series. It picks up not long after Healing Together ends and follows Dee and Maddox.
This is a love story that tackles several heavy topics: trauma from being captured behind enemy lines, PTSD, life as an amputee, loss of career and family, addiction, and foster care. The author approaches all of this with care and nuance.
I love the premise of this series, but the author’s storytelling style just doesn’t click with me. The emotions are mostly told instead of felt, so even when the story got heavy, I never quite connected the way I wanted to.
Dee and Maddox had an instant connection in book 1 and after avoiding her for nearly 2 years, Maddox is confronted with his feelings as he deals with all his trauma. Dee fell for Maddox that first night, but now her brother is back in town with his own problems
The story follows these two as they love each other through all the ups and downs of their personal struggles. The story stays fairly steady until the 3rd act when the plot picks up fiercely and all the trauma they each thought they had overcome comes crashing back in a very dangerous way.
Just like Healing Together, it had everything I usually love on paper, but it stayed a bit surface level.
I really enjoyed Dee and Maddox and actually liked this book more than the first. I just wish things didn’t resolve so easily. Both seemed overly communicative, even with hard topics, and it didn’t feel realistic for their situations. A little more hesitation or inner conflict would have added depth. The plot felt too even when there was room for more angst, and several moments were summarized rather than lived, which pulled me out of the story.
I did love the found family and healing arcs, the emphasis on doing the hard work of recovery, and the mental health representation. The foster care theme coming full circle was a lovely touch, and Ollie was the sweetest little kid.
This is a book for someone who likes a slow to medium paced book that delves into tough subjects, emotional baggage, and a few intense, high stakes moments along the way.
What an awe inspiring story! One that Nomi wrote well and with respect to the many aspects within this story. All the characters had their own demons to slay, from Dee, her brother Jackson to Maddox. Maddox and Dee's story continues on from Book 1, as the call comes in that he has gone MIA. Held for 9 weeks in captivity before his team could find and extract him, even they thought he was lost to them. Found, barely alive, Maddox comes to in hospital with his best friend, Cole by his side. Given the news that he had made it out alive, but missing a lower limb, sets Maddox on a road of despair and loathing. #mentalhealthmatters His whole live revolved around being his Teams leader. He built his life around being a Military man. And now he had to accept that he would not be returning back to his former life. Dealing with nightmares, PTSD, and the non acceptance of being an amputee, Maddox had a lot of Therapy in his future. All these topics were handled with respect and care as Nomi navigated her way into putting into words the topics that many returned soldiers dealt with on a daily basis. Then there comes Dee. She was so happy that Maddox had been found, and she accepted him for who he was on the inside. Disregarding that he was a new amputee, she set about making sure he was settled and ok once discharged from hospital. Maddox and Dee had left their previous encounter open for interpretation. He had made no effort to contact her for two years and she had finally moved on with a new man in her life, Tim. Maddox accepted his fate as to not having Dee in his life once again, but Dee had other plans! It is true love when two people come together once again, as two halves make a whole = Whole together. Maddox needed Dee in his life just as she needed him. A beautiful reconnection and second chance at love for them both. Then we meet Olly, a 10 year old who gives Maddox a run for his money. He also has been dealt with loss in his short life but still had that bubbly personality and sense of positivity about him. He certainly lightened some of the content within this story. As Dee helps her brother, Jackson to get over his addiction, this adds another dimension to the story and sets us up for Book 3 in this amazing series. I loved that Cole and Charlie also play a big part in this story as the birth of their twin girls also puts focus on what Dee and Maddox want for their future. An overall great read that does tug at your heart strings as Dee, Maddox and Jackson all help each other to heal and recover from their individual trauma.
I AM EMOTIONALLY DESTROYED IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY 😭😭 Whole Together completely grabbed my heart and refused to let go. Maddox and Dee had me hooked from the beginning because the history, the unresolved feelings, the longing and all that tension between them??? HELLOOOO I was EATING IT UP.
Maddox absolutely broke my heart. Watching him try to figure out who he is after everything he’s been through and adjust to a life he never planned for himself was so emotional. He’s carrying so much, physically and emotionally, and I just wanted to wrap him up and tell him he was still worthy of love and happiness. 🥺 And Dee!!! I LOVED HER. She’s strong but vulnerable, guarded but still willing to show up for Maddox when he needs her most. The way she supports him while also dealing with her own feelings for the man who basically ghosted her had me screaming at my kindle 😂
THE PINING. THE TENSION. THE SECOND CHANCE FEELING. THE EMOTIONAL HEALING. ALL OF IT.
I loved watching these two slowly find their way back to each other and realizing that being “whole” doesn’t necessarily mean going back to who you were before. Sometimes it means accepting who you are now and finding someone who loves that version of you too. 😭❤️
And the chemistry between Maddox and Dee was absolutely FIRE. Every time they were together I was just waiting for one of them to finally crack because the tension was practically crawling off the page. Their relationship felt emotional, messy, complicated and REAL, and I loved every second of it.
Nomi J Avery absolutely delivered on the angst and feels with this one. I laughed, I hurt, I swooned, I wanted to shake these two a few times 😂 and by the end I was sitting there with that stupid happy feeling because THEY DESERVED THIS.
Such a beautiful story about finding yourself again, learning to live with what life has handed you, and letting someone love you through the messy parts. Maddox and Dee completely stole my heart and I was NOT prepared to give it back.
Another heart-wrenching, trauma-heavy story by this author, and I loved it.
Definitely check your trigger warnings because this one has some really intense moments. I had to put the book down a few times just to work up the courage to keep going.
I love the way she builds her characters. I come from a military family, have known plenty of addicts, and have dealt with enough of my own unrelated trauma to know that everyone is carrying something. I really liked that this story showed how trauma can shape people in completely different ways through each character's journey.
Seeing Dee & Mads find their way back to each other was perfect. Mads with his dark humor, Dee with her sweet heart... perfection.
My only wish is that we'd gotten more of Evelyn, Ollie, and Mads together and had gotten to see that relationship grow more in real time instead of just hearing in a quick paragraph that they'd been spending time together. That may just be me being greedy because I loved this story, but I think actually seeing more of those moments would've made the emotional payoff even better.
Overall, great story, great character growth, and such an emotional read. If you want something that'll make you cry while keeping you on the edge of your seat, read this series.
Side thoughts on next in series as I was reading…Early on, when I read about Jackson & Abby, I thought, "Okay, that's definitely who the next book is about." Then Gabe showed up and I was like, "Wait... never mind. Is it Gabe & Jackson?” Then I started wondering, "Hold up... what if it's Jackson, Gabe, & Abby?!" And then in the end Spencer popped back up, so I convinced myself he’s definitely getting the next story.
Of course, I read the author's note, so now I know what's coming next…and I'm soooo here for it.
“I was drawn to you because I liked who you are. This doesn't have to change you. You're still the same person, Maddox. You just have to find a new purpose and give that guy a chance to find his footing in a world he no longer understands.” • Whole together is the second book in the “The resilience series” here you’ll find:
🌲Age gap ✨Found family 💚Mutual healing 🏡Small town
First of all, thank you Nomi J for the ARC!
After finishing Healing Together, I was so curious about Maddox sorry since what happened to him at the end of the first book!
Dee is such a strong and independent character, and the chemistry between her and Maddox is obvious from the very beginning. I loved seeing them find their way back to each other, especially because their relationship is full of emotions, healing, and growth.
My heart truly ached for Maddox and everything he had to endure. Watching him slowly heal and rediscover himself throughout the book was one of my favorite parts of the story. I also loved the softer side of him that we got to see thanks to Ollie, Cole, Charlie, and the twins.
The relationship between Dee and Maddox was beautiful, but if I had to find one flaw, I think things moved a little too quickly at times. I would have loved a slower development, especially when it came to Maddox processing his feelings for Dee. Some parts felt a bit rushed, and a few extra chapters would have made everything even more emotional.
One of my favorite aspects of this series continues to be the found family trope. The bond between all these characters is truly special, and seeing them support each other through everything makes these books even more beautiful.
Overall, this is a story about love, trauma, healing, and finding your way back to the people who feel like home.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the second book in this series. Maddox and Dee were already scene stealers in the first book, so I was excited to finally get their story. While you can absolutely read this as a standalone, I do think reading the first book makes the emotional moments hit even harder.
Maddox's world is turned upside down after the events of the first book, and watching him navigate everything that follows completely broke my heart. His journey with self-identity, self-esteem, and self-acceptance was the emotional core of this story, and Nomi handled it beautifully.
Then we have Dee. She's strong, resilient, and endlessly selfless, yet beneath that strength lies someone carrying her own fears of abandonment and questions about her self-worth. I loved watching her journey just as much as Maddox's. One of my favourite parts was seeing the glimpses of her relationship with her brother, Jackson. It added another layer to her character that I really appreciated.
What I loved most about Maddox and Dee together was how they became a safe place for one another. They accepted each other's flaws, challenged the stories they believed about themselves, and reminded one another that their worth wasn't defined by their past or their insecurities - Whole Together.
In doing so, they helped each other begin building a new identity beyond their grief and trauma. Their love felt patient, genuine, and so beautifully earned. As always, Nomi found a way to tug at my already fragile heartstrings.
And then there's Ollie. Every scene with him brought so much warmth, humour, and sweetness to the story. I honestly couldn't get enough.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I would have loved a deeper exploration of Dee's relationship with Jackson and her grief surrounding her siblings. While I understand that much of her healing had already happened before the story began, I couldn't help wanting to spend more time with those parts of her journey. And, selfishly, I would have happily taken more scenes with Maddox, Dee, and Ollie together because they were such a joy to read.
Finally... that setup for Jackson's book? Nomi, I am so ready. I cannot wait.
Whole Together is Book 2, and it's a story that becomes even more meaningful if you've read Book 1, Healing Together. Maddox is the charming soldier who stole my heart in the first book when he dropped everything for Cole and did whatever it took to protect Cole and Charlie. Dee, Charlie's best friend, has her world turned upside down by Maddox, and I absolutely loved them together.
In the present day, we see trauma catch up with Maddox. Although it sets him back, he faces it with banter and, of course, the occasional whining. Even when he loses himself for a while, his friendship with Cole refuses to let him drown. Dee completely blew me away with her huge heart as she opened it once again to help heal and stand beside Maddox.
Watching Maddox slowly pull himself back together while nightmares tear him apart breaks your heart. His healing comes through love, friendship, and one very special little boy who shines through the darkness and gently leads Maddox back into the light. I honestly couldn't get enough of him.
Throw in family drama that adds another layer to the story, along with danger that keeps you on edge, and you have a beautiful balance of emotion and suspense. I loved that it wasn't all doom and gloom or endless angst. Instead, it's about learning to cope, finding hope, and slowly letting life and love lead the way.
I also loved the many different characters we get a glimpse of and can't wait to read their stories.
Whole together is book 2 in the Resilience series and picks up soon after Healing Together. This is part of an interconnected series and can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend book 1. You will fall in love with Cole and Charlie.
At the end of Healing Together I could have cried when he call came in the Maddox had gone missing.
You got to know him and his dimpled grin throughout Healing Together. Also, Dee the tough as nails spunky Cafe owner. Dee and Maddox had chemistry from the moment their eyes met.
My heart hurt for what Maddox had gone through.To see his strength and growth through out the book was inspiring. The relationship between Dee and Maddox gets even hotter once they come back together. Things did move a little fast for me. I wish there was a little more of a slower build for Maddox to come to terms on his feelings for Dee. It just felt a little rushed.
I loved Ollie, and the role he played in Maddox's recovery. Seeing Cole, Charlie, and the twins gave us that softer side of Maddox.
The found family aspect in this series is just everything. The relationships that these characters have is something everyone wants in their life at on point or another.
This is a love story full of emotion, trauma, and healing. I highly recommend this one for your TBR!
First i have to point out that she handled all the sensitive subjects-dissability, learning to live with an amputation, ptsd, therapy and recovery with such care and respect. Yes my eyes watered a few times - or as Mads says, someone must be chopping onions close by!
Back to the strory we originally met Dee and Maddox in Healing together and although this book can be read as a standalone i highly recommend reading healing together first as its also an amazing book.
Since then i have been patiently (?) awaiting this book and it did not dissapoint, Maddox is such a raw character and had my heart bleeding for him from the first page and his emotional growth and resilience is so special to read and Dee with her fiesty mouth and badass girl attitude was his perfect match.
There is a lot of teary moments but also a lot of swoon moments and laughing out loud at the witty comments and internal thoughts and of course as in Nomi’s style some on the edge suspense!
I adored seeing Cole and Charlie again and getting to know Dee's brother but from all the side characters 10 year old Ollie stole the show completly and i was just what everyone needed, the resilience and attitude of a beautiful strong child is just amazing!
Nomi writes beautifully and i stayed up way past my bed time to read! So excited for the next book 👀👀👀
First off, a HUGE thank you to Nomi J. Avery! I absolutely loved the first book, and I think I loved the second just a tad bit more!! I was so excited when I saw the book in my inbox!
This book had me laughing, but also made my heart break just a tad, for Dee's brother. There was so much character growth on Madd's part. And I'm so glad he decided to listen to those around him. I loved the dynamic between Maddox and Dee, their banter, their support of each other. I really enjoyed this book.
Dee, she has had so much thrown at her in her life, and she continues to move on, letting it help shape her but in a good way. She has such a kind heart, and just an all around good nature about her. With a side of sass.
Maddox, you stubborn, swoon worthy man. Even after 2 years of knowing you wanted her, you wanted to protect her from possibly losing you while on active duty. But you also didn't want to lose her. But gosh you really stepped up to the plate.
Ollie is a 10 year old boy, and he was such a bright light for Mads, and such a sweet young boy that life has not dealt a very nice hand of cards to. But he continued to be a happy and outgoing kid.
-First Person POV: Dual -Age Gap -Small Town -Disability Rep -Hurt/Comfort
My oh my. What a fantastic job Nomi J. Avery has done yet again. This is book 2 in The Resilience series. It picks up almost directly where we left off but this time it’s Maddox and Dee’s story. I absolutely loved them. They’re both so head strong in a way that it’s hard to explain. Maddox has gone through so much in his life. Especially in the recent events. He perseveres though and proves that he’s as strong as he keeps saying he is. Dee has also gone through her own stuff. But time and time again she bounces back and also shows how amazing she is. The two of them together and so cute. They mold so well to each other and it really puts into perspective how far someone will go for the person they love. The writing style that Nomi J. Avery has is what keeps me coming back for more. It’s so descriptive but also heartwarming. Check the TW’s prior to reading. Other wise I highly recommend:)
Seriously, there are so many traumatized people in this small town! 😂 But I say that with nothing but affection, because Nomi J. Avery has a way of pulling you so deeply into her characters' pain, hope, and healing that you can't help but become invested.
I'll admit I was a little worried that Maddox's healing journey wouldn't resonate with me as much as his absolute badassery did in book one. I shouldn't have doubted it. Pairing him with Ollie absolutely melted my heart🥹 Watching their intertwined healing journeys alongside Dee's and her brother's made this story so much more than just a romance. I was absolutely bawling over many scenes.
By the final chapters, I was so glad for an HEA because every single one of these characters had fought so hard to earn one. I kind of like that there wasn't this third act conflict with Dee and everything moving so fast too!
You don't have to read Healing Together (book 1) to fully enjoy Whole Together, but I recommend it as it's a great read and gives you more of Cole & Charlie's backstory.
Maddox and Dee go thru so much pain and agony from chapter one. Maddox endured the worst torture that it was hard to read because everything he went thru it was awful. Dee had her own heartache from losing her mom and taking in her recovery addicted brother who in the past stole from her for his next fix. When Maddox returns from being a prisoner to the most vile human beings. Spoiler they get what they gave. Maddox did lose a leg due to the torture they put him thru. Dee was there for him from the start never judging him just loved him for who he was. Maddox was very depressed and tried to push his loved ones away but Dee wasn’t having it. In comes sweet sweet Ollie to get Maddox and Dee on the path of happiness. Who knew such a young boy who endured a lot of loss and always saw the positive in life. This book will gut you at first but they do get their happily ever happy ever after they so deserve. I can’t wait to read more from Nomi.
I really love this series. It’s a perfect small town romance. Let me tell you, Maddox may be in my top ten book boyfriends and I read 100’s of books a year. He’s the perfect mix of funny, charismatic, thoughtful, and brooding. The way he treats all the important people in his life is just swoon worthy. I really loved Dee as well, she really embodies the definition of positive attitude. She is so mature and that was exactly what Maddox needed. I love a romance novel that navigates real life problems while making you laugh and cry with the main characters. Nomi did such a phenomenal job, in my opinion, with handling mental health, addiction, and going through life with a sudden disability. You definitely will not regret reading this series if you love a good wholesome romance with a dash of suspense.
I loved the first book in The Resilience Series by Nomi and I loved this second one even more ❤️
I had been craving Maddox and Dee’s story ever since we first met them and it did not disappoint!
We’re left on a cliffhanger at the end of book one when Maddox goes MIA, and book two picks up with him in hospital after barely surviving 9 weeks of torture, waking up to the news that the doctors have had to partially amputate his leg.
Dee is trying to navigate her own ups and downs, managing a thriving business and dealing with her recovering addict brother coming back into town, whilst simultaneously attempting to avoid thinking about Maddox, and the single night they shared together months ago.
Now both of them are in the same place for the foreseeable future, with Maddox’s future plans irrevocably changed, could they find it in themselves to give their smouldering connection a chance to really catch on fire?
These characters have my whole heart, and I adored how they grew side-by-side throughout the book - it was also lovely to catch up with Charlie and Cole from the first novel 🥰
Whole Together is out tomorrow (31/07/2026) and if you’re in the market for a small town romance, I can’t recommend this series enough!
From the very first chapter, this story had my heart. Maddox and Dee are two beautifully written characters whose lives have been shaped by unimaginable loss and trauma. Dee is still carrying the grief of losing her twin sister, while Maddox is forced to rebuild his life after losing both his leg and the career he'd worked toward for years. Their second-chance romance adds another layer of emotion, especially knowing their connection began with a one-night stand years earlier. The unresolved feelings, undeniable chemistry, and gradual healing between them made every moment feel meaningful. Watching them learn to lean on one another through pain, grief, and hope was incredibly rewarding. A heartfelt story filled with resilience, healing, and a love that proves even broken hearts can find their way back together. 4.5 stars.
I loved how vulnerable and authentic this book was in its portrayal of trauma. It didn’t romanticize or oversimplify the healing process. The emotional honesty made the story feel incredibly powerful and relatable, adding so much depth to all the characters and their journey.
The chemistry between Dee & Maddox was incredible. If you read the first book in this series, you already know how they had a strong chemistry from the get go 🔥
BUT, one of my favourite character in this book was Ollie. He brought so much positivity, joy & life. For a 10 years-old boy, he was a huge inspiration to Maddox. Their chemistry was awesome!
Releasing July 31, 2026!!!
A huge thank you to Nomi for giving me this ARC 🫶 this is another incredible book!
Oh Wow! Nomi has done it again! What an emotional roller coaster this book was! Such a beautiful story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time!! I truly love Maddox and Dee and their love story. After the horrific start the book where I cried buckets it was just lovely to see the hope for these two and watch everything unfold. I don't think there could be anyone more perfect for eachother! But can we take a moment to appreciate the true star of the show, Ollie! It's one thing to write with care about what happend to Maddox, but to write about a child in that way is something else. This book was written so spectacularly! This is another one of Nomi's that will stay with me.
This is book 2 in the Resilience Series, and it picks up soon after Healing Together. It follow Maddox and Dee, and deals with some heavy topics in a wonderful, and in as light as possible way.
I love how strong Nomi writes her female characters, and how she describes trauma and the healing that goes into the aftermath. Maddox is dealing with some serious issues, as is Dee, and their connection, communication, and their desire to work through the struggles really shines through in book 2.
I really hope book 3 gives Jackson's back story, but I will patiently wait for it.
If you want a meaningful read, with heart, humor, and some spice added in, give the Resilience Series a go. You won't regret it.
This is book 2 of The Resilience Series, and just as I fell in love with book one I fell in love with book two. Personally though they are interconnected I feel you could read them as standalones but reading them together I felt made more impact for me in the setup of the book, and because you are already familiar with Maddox and Dee the emotional moments hit harder. I loved this book, it deals with a lot of trauma of different kinds, and I like that it covers alot and allows more people to connect in a personal way.I am beyound excited for book 3 and am looking forward to it. I love the way she writes and how she doesnt stray away from the hard topics. Definately worth a read!!! its so good!
Whole Together is the second book in The Resilience Series, picking up right where Book 1 leaves off. This installment follows Dee and Maddox as they navigate a love story that's equal parts fiery chemistry and heartfelt tenderness. Watching these two heal from their pasts while finding strength in each other makes for an emotional, deeply satisfying romance. Their journey is authentic, inspiring, and filled with the kind of love that feels truly earned.
The story also tackles several difficult topics—including foster care, addiction, and limb loss—with sensitivity, grace, and respect. While these themes are handled thoughtfully, it's still a good idea to check the trigger warnings beforehand if any of these subjects may be difficult for you.
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*
Rating: 4⭐️ Spice: 🌶️
I enjoyed this, but i found myself not enjoying it as much as book 1, and that’s okay.
Dee and Maddox pick up shortly after Healing Together ends, and it covers some heavy topics, including PTSD, living with an amputation, addiction, foster care, and losing one’s career.
I found that the book flowed really well, up until the second half. It just really seemed like there was a lot thrown in at once, almost enough to make me question if the author was going to pull off a massive third act breakup and end on a cliffhanger.
That said, the tension between them was palpable, and Maddox had feelings for Dee the entire time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ugh... can we all have a Maddox in our lives? I loved him in Healing Together, but this book made me fall for him even more. He's the biggest teddy bear, even if he definitely has a dangerous side when heneeds to. Watching him let his guard down and be so vulnerable with Dee was one of my favorite parts ofthe story.
And Dee is such a sweetheart. She has such a huge heart, and after everything she's been through in such a short time, she deserved someone who made her feel truly safe. Maddox was exactly that person.
What I loved most was that the healing wasn't one-sided. Dee helped Maddox open up and heal just as much as he helped her. They were exactly what each other needed, and watching them find that together made this such a heartwarming read.
Ok ok I can’t get enough! I have been reading Nomi’s books before the first one was ever even published and what can I say, SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE’S DOING!!!
Dee and Maddox are a love story I was waiting to have happen! Their presence in the first book has me patiently waiting for their own story and when I say it didn’t disappoint I mean it.
I don’t want to give to much away because the book hasn’t been released yet but a wounded soldier and his best friends best friend uh this is truly a story you don’t want to miss!
The next book in the series I hope is just as good and I can’t wait to see all the characters come together.
Thank you for a handful of wonderful books and don’t ever stop! Keep them coming!!!
I honestly don't know if my heart can tell you all that it went through in this book. I have loved Maddox and Dee both since I first met them and was over the moon for their story to be told. I loved them individually, Maddox charmed my pants off upon introduction and Dee proved to be an amazing friend, and now, I absolutely love them together, they just fit. I felt all of the feels with their story. I laughed so much and I swooned so hard. My heart. Oh my word, I'm pretty sure at one point my heart was going to beat out of my chest. The things that Nomi J Avery can do to my heart. The fact that she can bring me to tears (fyi- I am not a book crier).. This book is such an amazing read. Read it as a standalone, if you must, but I suggest reading Healing Together first to get the full picture and fullest appreciation for the friendships that exist between Maddox, Dee, Cole and Charlie. But either way, just read this!
These two knew all about trauma and needed to heal, but Maddox more than anyone after escaping captivity. Maddox is down on himself believing his missinh limb is the end of finding his person, but he can't seem to forget Dee. Their explosive chemistry was undeniable enough that both of them were still reliving that night years later.
Dee and Maddox do some healing together and spicy times. Little Ollie was a great addition on the road to Maddox's physical therapy because if Ollie lost a leg and continued on, so could Maddox.
This was such an amazing story. I loved Dee and Maddox so much. The trauma and conversations, his adjustment to civilian life, was written so well, with such depth, that it felt totally real. This story touched on a sensitive topic and weaved it throughout this story in a fashion that felt like you were right there with them. Facing those surges, feeding that loss. Dee and Maddox had such real and raw conversations. But at the Dave time there was a beautiful lightness and sweetness to this story. Let’s flip the coin one more time to include how hot this was as well. This story blended so many aspects perfectly throughout this story and I loved every minute of it.
Whole Together by Nomi J. Avery absolutely wrecked me... and then slowly put my heart back together. It’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with grief, healing, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to fall in love. The love, support, and unwavering friendships reminds us that sometimes the family we choose is exactly what we need to help us heal. This isn't just a romance… it's a story about learning to live again, taking chances, and realizing that even after the darkest seasons, hope can still find its way in.