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Vivid
Merrick Thatcher went through a hell that no one could possibly imagine. He fought to protect his country, his family, and the men standing at his side, but it wasn't just being a soldier overseas that changed him. He watched his friends die in front of him, felt indescribable pain, and lost his sight in the very same moment.
Badly injured, blind, and angry, he's done with war, but now he’s fighting his own battle. So, he’s waiting for it to end, spending his days and nights in a thick darkness no light can penetrate. Until Grace walks into his life and his broken eyes open to a woman that changes everything for him.
A story about two flawed souls finding love amidst the grief. A love that shines vividly, even in the dark, and discovering that sometimes being broken is how the light gets in.
For readers 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual situations.
Badly injured, blind, and angry, he's done with war, but now he’s fighting his own battle. So, he’s waiting for it to end, spending his days and nights in a thick darkness no light can penetrate. Until Grace walks into his life and his broken eyes open to a woman that changes everything for him.
A story about two flawed souls finding love amidst the grief. A love that shines vividly, even in the dark, and discovering that sometimes being broken is how the light gets in.
For readers 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual situations.
ebook
First published October 11, 2015
35 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Wilde
14 books410 followersI live in Morgan, Utah with my husband, beautiful daughter, and a couple of spoiled pups. If I'm not deeply involved in writing my next book, then I'm probably reading in the safety and quiet of my closet. I love yoga – which I now practice regularly – playing hide and seek with my daughter (only to have my hiding spots revealed by one of the pups), and I love Fruit by the Foot, Twizzlers and Peace Tea. These are great ways to bribe me into revealing secrets about what's to come.
I have an unhealthy obsession with Supernatural, The Walking Dead, and The Big Bang Theory. I also enjoy talking about them, so if you like them, too, come find me.
Writing has become an enormous part of my life and every book I write holds a special place in my heart. If you read one of my books, I hope you have the same experience.
I have an unhealthy obsession with Supernatural, The Walking Dead, and The Big Bang Theory. I also enjoy talking about them, so if you like them, too, come find me.
Writing has become an enormous part of my life and every book I write holds a special place in my heart. If you read one of my books, I hope you have the same experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
November 7, 2015
Ignore those who say just get over it.
Healing is a process.
ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.
5 #ISeeYou STARS
Grace and Merrick .. ♥
Talk about game changer! WOW .. I'm still at a loss of words. For the past few months I was in a #ReadingFunk and couldn't get out of it. It was hard to pick up a book and FINISH it. Then the ever so talented Jessica Wilde had gifted me with an #ARC and I knew that this would be the answer! I could NOT put it down. My eyes were burning with the amount of tears I shed and my heart was hurting for Merrick. What AN incredible story. I've read novels with the similar circumstances but they don't hold a candle to this one.
Move over Grace cause I would gladly play nurse for Merrick. Whatta hunk! Grace has always had a crush on Merrick however he nevernoticed her. After high school she had moved away and he had gone off to the war. Now she's back years later as is Merrick. They both have had a rough couple of years. Circumstances have insured that Grace will help with Merrick's recovery process (LUCKY GRACE). Merrick may be blind although his other senses have only heightened. One phrase that I kept in mind before reading was "Love is blind and lovers cannot see" .. and that was pretty accurate with this novel. This story was truly beautiful and just goes to show that not all of them are "perfect" in the conventional sense. I HIGHLY recommend this novel.
Vivid Jessica Wilde
Healing is a process.
ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.
5 #ISeeYou STARS
Grace and Merrick .. ♥
I couldn't stop thinking about her
and Ididn't wantto.
She brought me piece without even trying.
My whole life has changed
Since you came in, I knew back then
You were that special one ..►♫
Talk about game changer! WOW .. I'm still at a loss of words. For the past few months I was in a #ReadingFunk and couldn't get out of it. It was hard to pick up a book and FINISH it. Then the ever so talented Jessica Wilde had gifted me with an #ARC and I knew that this would be the answer! I could NOT put it down. My eyes were burning with the amount of tears I shed and my heart was hurting for Merrick. What AN incredible story. I've read novels with the similar circumstances but they don't hold a candle to this one.
You're not broken.
A little scratched up, maybe.
Move over Grace cause I would gladly play nurse for Merrick. Whatta hunk! Grace has always had a crush on Merrick however he never
She won.
I didn'teven seeit coming.
Just a few words out of her mouth
and I was basically her bitch now.
But we're stronger together than we ever
were apart. And I want you, because I know,
right here that you're the one for me.
Vivid Jessica Wilde
December 18, 2018
3.75 stars
Beautiful love story. Well written.
Touched my heart.
The only thing that bothered me - the hero was neighbors with the heroine, they went to school together, but he couldn't remember her at all, even her hair color. But they were neighbors and their parents were friends, so how couldn't he remember anything. Was she so plain for him?
I believed in their love and HEA.
But above mentioned fact didn't sit well with me.
Beautiful love story. Well written.
Touched my heart.
The only thing that bothered me - the hero was neighbors with the heroine, they went to school together, but he couldn't remember her at all, even her hair color. But they were neighbors and their parents were friends, so how couldn't he remember anything. Was she so plain for him?
I believed in their love and HEA.
But above mentioned fact didn't sit well with me.
Read
January 24, 2022𝗱𝗻𝗳 @𝟱𝟱%
the amount of shame i feel for dnf'ing this book is unparalleled. to make matters worse, apparently everyone and their mom loved this one.
so - i’m just gonna hide in my shame corner. it’s dark, gloomy, and obviously what i deserve.
the amount of shame i feel for dnf'ing this book is unparalleled. to make matters worse, apparently everyone and their mom loved this one.
so - i’m just gonna hide in my shame corner. it’s dark, gloomy, and obviously what i deserve.
"I just think you need to take your own time," I added a little breathlessly. "Just remember you aren't alone, no matter how long it takes."
March 29, 2017
Merrick Thatcher came back from war a shell of his former self. Physically scarred and emotionally broken.
Grace Samuelson move back to her parents home after a loss. She's a nurse and completely desperate to keep busy. Merrick's Mom hired her to be his homecare nurse.
First, I thought the H was a d*ick for not noticing the h. He doesn't even know what she looks like. They were neighbors for f*cks sake and they even went to the same school. Their houses were built close together and the empty space between their rooms was only EIGHT FEET. I am really pisssed at him with this. It makes me wonder if he would have given her any attention at all if he's not blind. Did he redeem himself in my eyes? Yes. But I am still holding a grudge. (sue me)
Their journey together in moving forward even with the weight of loss truly moved me. And reading them fall in love along the way is like the icing on a cake. But it is Grace's strength and faith I really admire.
"I may be broken and damaged, but with you, I've never felt more complete."
"I am not worthy of you. Not yet. But I'm going to be. I'll do my best to fight the monsters we face and I'll stop being afraid of the dark. Because with you, there's always light."
Grace Samuelson move back to her parents home after a loss. She's a nurse and completely desperate to keep busy. Merrick's Mom hired her to be his homecare nurse.
First, I thought the H was a d*ick for not noticing the h. He doesn't even know what she looks like. They were neighbors for f*cks sake and they even went to the same school. Their houses were built close together and the empty space between their rooms was only EIGHT FEET. I am really pisssed at him with this. It makes me wonder if he would have given her any attention at all if he's not blind. Did he redeem himself in my eyes? Yes. But I am still holding a grudge. (sue me)
Their journey together in moving forward even with the weight of loss truly moved me. And reading them fall in love along the way is like the icing on a cake. But it is Grace's strength and faith I really admire.
"I may be broken and damaged, but with you, I've never felt more complete."
"I am not worthy of you. Not yet. But I'm going to be. I'll do my best to fight the monsters we face and I'll stop being afraid of the dark. Because with you, there's always light."
October 19, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book! Grace and Merrick have both been through so much and are fantastic characters. I loved the build-up in this book! I was hooked from the first page and didn't want this book to end. There were moments that made me cry, a few laughs and lots of swooning. Grace and Merrick are dealing with different kinds of grief, they are each damaged in different ways but are able to find comfort in each other. I loved this book - it's a top pick of 2015 for me and has one of my favorite epilogues ever! Highly recommend!
August 14, 2016
5stars
We are all broken, that's how the light gets in. – Ernest Hemingway
Loved this book, such an emotional and beautiful story.I felt so much for both Merrick and Grace.
I just love these kind of story, it wasn't just a love story. Vivid was a story of healing, courage, forgiveness and redemption.
It portrayed two people's struggles to overcome traumatic events in their lives.
"We both have our issues, Grace. But we're stronger together than we ever were apart. And I want you, because I know, right here," I stated, lightly pounding the spot over my heart, "that you're the one for me."
Merrick Thatcher is back home from Iraq after suffering terrible injuries physically and mentally. He since became a very bitter and angry man.
Grace Samuelson has moved back to her parents again after suffering a traumatic loss. She is hired to be Merrick nurse to help him adjust to his new life.
Grace she was an amazing character, she was sweet and giving but also strong and tough when she needed to be.
"Being scarred by something so horrible isn't the same as being ruined. You can only ruin yourself, Merrick, and that kind of destruction doesn't leave any visible scars."
Together, they developed a truly beautiful love story.
I loved every page of it, and was sad to see it end!
October 27, 2015
3.5 stars.
Not perfect but an enjoyable read. Stupid climax though.
Not perfect but an enjoyable read. Stupid climax though.
September 22, 2015
I just finished Vivid and I just loved it! This about a scarred and blinded veteran named Merrick. He is bitter, mad at the world and more so at himself. He feels like it was his fault that he couldn't protect his men. He's alive when others are not. He takes his anger and pain out on everyone. The only thing that can make him cope is the girl next door that sings to him. This blocks out all the pain to where he doesn't even want to think about it. But he does need help, so his mother hires a nurse to help take care of him since he will not let anyone else. He doesn't expect Grace, the neighbor to be his nurse. What a complete shock. Trust me, he tries to be his snarly self to her, but she has a stronger will than he could ever imagine. He cannot help but want to be near her. She is his light when he sees dark.
"But she terrified me. The way I felt when she was close had become a drug. One I couldn't imagine giving up".
Grace is such a sweetheart. Dont let her sweet disposition fool you. She is dealing with heartache to, of the worse kind. But she understands what Merrick is going through. She believes she can help this broken, scarred man.
"The man underneath all that tough skin, scarred skin - was still a human being. He wanted peace just like the rest of us. It was just a little harder to come by these days".
She falls for him though. It was accidental. It rushed through her before she knew it but she has some insecurities that she will have to get past. At the end of the day, they will need each other to overcome it all.
I really looked forward to reading this. I had hoped I would get picked because there were limited books that Jessica was giving out. I am so glad that I got picked. Even if I didnt, it is worth the price that she sets to read it. It was beautifully written. I felt like I was there with Merrick on the battlefield, with Grace when she was going through her turmoil. They just had so much depth and vulnerability to me that made them more relatable. I hurt when they hurt. I cried when they cried. I laughed when laughing was needed. I also loved the secondary characters, felt that they didnt overshadow Merrick and Grace's story and brought a sweetness that made it all more enjoyable. Would love to see Mitch and Micah (Merrick's brothers) get their own story. How awesome would that be if we got to see their happily ever after.
Grab it when you can, trust me, you will not want to put it down.
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
Story 5
Sex 4
Overall 5
"But she terrified me. The way I felt when she was close had become a drug. One I couldn't imagine giving up".
Grace is such a sweetheart. Dont let her sweet disposition fool you. She is dealing with heartache to, of the worse kind. But she understands what Merrick is going through. She believes she can help this broken, scarred man.
"The man underneath all that tough skin, scarred skin - was still a human being. He wanted peace just like the rest of us. It was just a little harder to come by these days".
She falls for him though. It was accidental. It rushed through her before she knew it but she has some insecurities that she will have to get past. At the end of the day, they will need each other to overcome it all.
I really looked forward to reading this. I had hoped I would get picked because there were limited books that Jessica was giving out. I am so glad that I got picked. Even if I didnt, it is worth the price that she sets to read it. It was beautifully written. I felt like I was there with Merrick on the battlefield, with Grace when she was going through her turmoil. They just had so much depth and vulnerability to me that made them more relatable. I hurt when they hurt. I cried when they cried. I laughed when laughing was needed. I also loved the secondary characters, felt that they didnt overshadow Merrick and Grace's story and brought a sweetness that made it all more enjoyable. Would love to see Mitch and Micah (Merrick's brothers) get their own story. How awesome would that be if we got to see their happily ever after.
Grab it when you can, trust me, you will not want to put it down.
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
Story 5
Sex 4
Overall 5
October 12, 2015
Just let me say a few things before we get into the good parts.
This is a full length, stand alone.
Some of you may need tissues.
You will not want to put this book down. Make sure you don't have anywhere to be for 20 hours.
Merrick is mine. Back off!!
I hope my review does this book justice.
In this book we have Grace. She's just been through a traumatic experience. I'm glad it's one that as a mommy, I've never personally have to deal with. She's broken. She also is probably at one of the lowest points in her life.
Usually with characters like that, I roll my eyes and say, "get over it!!"
Nope. Not this time.
She was just written so well. She did her suffering on the inside. She was so strong and put others first on the outside. No pity parties here.
Then we have Merrick *sigh* If at any time ever the title 'Beautifully Broken' was ever for a specific person, it's Merrick.
He is a soldier, I could say was, but everyone knows that once you sign up, it's for life. You have your family and you have your brothers. He was injured badly during his last tour of duty, he came out alive, but he was also so dead inside. He just couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel figuratively, and also literally. He just has so much emotion going on. Some good, and other times your heart will break for him.
Through a convenience that isn't a cheesy, roll your eyes type, Grace ends up Merrick's nurse. And things just take off. You have the sparks, the plot, the emotion. I couldn't put this book down once I started. They have such a beautiful story to tell and you just have to listen.
To anyone who's ever liked to read books that are so realistic, and deal with every day emotions... You MUST have this book.
I don't want to give anything away, because I want you to read and experience it for yourself. The editing is almost flawless, and the story flows from page one. This is my first book by Ms. Wilde and I can't wait to try more.
I'm going to make this review personal for a minute. My husband was in the Marines for 6 years and over in Iraq, and my son is going to the National Guard. For me reading this, I'm also saying and praying, please don't let me as a mother go through what these characters had to endure.
And to anyone who is, prayers and God Bless You all!!
This is a full length, stand alone.
Some of you may need tissues.
You will not want to put this book down. Make sure you don't have anywhere to be for 20 hours.
Merrick is mine. Back off!!
I hope my review does this book justice.
In this book we have Grace. She's just been through a traumatic experience. I'm glad it's one that as a mommy, I've never personally have to deal with. She's broken. She also is probably at one of the lowest points in her life.
Usually with characters like that, I roll my eyes and say, "get over it!!"
Nope. Not this time.
She was just written so well. She did her suffering on the inside. She was so strong and put others first on the outside. No pity parties here.
Then we have Merrick *sigh* If at any time ever the title 'Beautifully Broken' was ever for a specific person, it's Merrick.
He is a soldier, I could say was, but everyone knows that once you sign up, it's for life. You have your family and you have your brothers. He was injured badly during his last tour of duty, he came out alive, but he was also so dead inside. He just couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel figuratively, and also literally. He just has so much emotion going on. Some good, and other times your heart will break for him.
Through a convenience that isn't a cheesy, roll your eyes type, Grace ends up Merrick's nurse. And things just take off. You have the sparks, the plot, the emotion. I couldn't put this book down once I started. They have such a beautiful story to tell and you just have to listen.
To anyone who's ever liked to read books that are so realistic, and deal with every day emotions... You MUST have this book.
I don't want to give anything away, because I want you to read and experience it for yourself. The editing is almost flawless, and the story flows from page one. This is my first book by Ms. Wilde and I can't wait to try more.
I'm going to make this review personal for a minute. My husband was in the Marines for 6 years and over in Iraq, and my son is going to the National Guard. For me reading this, I'm also saying and praying, please don't let me as a mother go through what these characters had to endure.
And to anyone who is, prayers and God Bless You all!!
February 1, 2016
Five Stars
Loved this. Emotionally packed and well written. Full review to come.
Loved this. Emotionally packed and well written. Full review to come.
October 12, 2015
Vivid is Jessica Wilde's 8th book and it is awesome!
Merrick Thatcher is a man who has seen the worst side of life and that is war, and watching his brothers in arms be killed right in front of him. He has lived though being blown out of a vehicle being set on fire his whole left side burned and his left hand needing many surgeries to be usable again. His left leg was broken in multiple places and had to be put back together with many surgeries and rods. On top of feeling indescribable pain, he loses his vision. Now he is back home blind in a wheelchair and staying in his old family home-alone! It is not that his family won't help him-his mother goes everyday to help and he waits for days to take a shower, he does not want his mom to help him in that way and other ways as well. His Mother is beside herself and decides the only thing to do is hire a nurse.
Grace Samuelson lives next door and has had her share of heart break, and did not talk to anyone for a year after she lost the only thing in the world she wanted. Her Mother, like Merrick's mother and their families all care about their children -it matters not how old they are, Grace's mom went, helped her pack up and brought her home and told her to get a job and start living again, she was too young to give up.
One night Grace is in her room and she hears yelling really loud, and her mother tells her Merrick is back and that he was hurt in the war and is in a wheelchair and blind, and mad at the world. Grace does not understand why her mom thinks Merrick is being unreasonable and then she hears how badly he really is treating his mom. It bothers her, so she lays down on her bed and starts singing to herself, for comfort, songs she even made up for someone else, and Merrick hears it and quits yelling. He realized this
"I wouldn't have believed it if I wasn't experiencing it for myself. Her voice took my pain away from my body until all I could do was listen. All I could hear was her voice. Not all the aching in my limbs or the hollow in my head. Just her"
He felt peace.
His mother hires a nurse for Merrick and he can't believe it is Grace the girl next door with the voice. He gets angry and tells them both to get out. His mom calmly showed Grace where everything was, and all info she needed.
After 3 days he wheels into the kitchen and Grace said to him, "Good morning Merrick you reek". He smiled to himself and she told him to get ready to shower that he would get no food if he did not shower. Score one for her! Grace continues to make changes in his life that really help him and he and Grace start talking and getting to know each other.
Slowly but surely Merrick is getting back the use of his hand and he gets to start using crutches, but the pain is still almost more than he can bear, his life is lived in a haze of pain only he can feel but do nothing about. Grace on the other hand is still sad but doing the best she can. One night after she finally gets back in touch with her friend since childhood and they are drinking, she comes home with Grace and Grace finally opens up to her crying so bad about what happened why she lost touch with everyone and her soul searing loss and the aftermath. Merrick is in his room which is only 8 feet away from grace's room and he hear's it. He may not have been able to see Grace but he could feel her pain.
Merrick wishes he could see Grace as he grew up around her but never paid attention to her and now she is the most important part of his life! Just like he is so into her, she is into him as well. Suddenly he has to figure out how to be a better man for her to see him, not realizing she saw him a long time ago when they were young! His whole family sees it, Grace's family sees it, so when are they going to see it?
1 Will Grace and Merrick have a happily ever after?
2 Will Grace come to terms with her loss and be able to heal herself?
3 Will Merrick ever be able to see again?
4 Will Merrick finally get in touch with all his men that he saved and quit dwelling on the ones he could not?
5 When Merrick has bad dreams, will he finally share with Grace what life was life in Iraq instead of holding it inside making him sick?
6 Can Merrick and Grace both get back their self confidence?
This book was so well written I know you will enjoy it. There is a lot of emotional, physical, and sexual angst. The characters are all well developed, and there is a wonderful cast of supporting characters that just give the book even more depth. I love the dialog between the characters, but mostly I love the way the author develops them into people that though damaged inside, realize that they can be so much more if they just give themselves a chance. The plot is great, keeps moving at a good pace so the book is never dragging, and I love the way that even though the subject of loss is so bad for these characters, she finds a way for them to be not just broken but also happy and funny at times too with their thoughts and actions, that in between all the angst there is joy as well.
This is an awesome book that brings to light the way that so many of our troops come home; maimed, broken, sad, unable to cope and scarred inside where we may not see it as well as on the outside, and it breaks my heart. I know we all know great young men and women who go off to war as children really, to support their country-our country and come back broken. It brings to light the grueling lives they now have to face at home with PTSD, and some of them do not have families willing to sacrifice for them.
I gave this book 5***** VIVID stars, because it is an awesome book.
Take the time to look into Jessica's other 2 stand alone novels and her series:
1 Our Time a stand alone
2 Every One of Me a stand alone
3 Leverage First book of Brannock Series
4 Conned book two of Brannock Series
5 Missing Book 3 of Brannock Series
6 Protector Book 4 of Brannock Series
7 Ricochet (Rise and Fall Book 1)
Thank you Jessica Wilde for writing a book that made me feel when I read your books for the first time and continue to do so!
Merrick Thatcher is a man who has seen the worst side of life and that is war, and watching his brothers in arms be killed right in front of him. He has lived though being blown out of a vehicle being set on fire his whole left side burned and his left hand needing many surgeries to be usable again. His left leg was broken in multiple places and had to be put back together with many surgeries and rods. On top of feeling indescribable pain, he loses his vision. Now he is back home blind in a wheelchair and staying in his old family home-alone! It is not that his family won't help him-his mother goes everyday to help and he waits for days to take a shower, he does not want his mom to help him in that way and other ways as well. His Mother is beside herself and decides the only thing to do is hire a nurse.
Grace Samuelson lives next door and has had her share of heart break, and did not talk to anyone for a year after she lost the only thing in the world she wanted. Her Mother, like Merrick's mother and their families all care about their children -it matters not how old they are, Grace's mom went, helped her pack up and brought her home and told her to get a job and start living again, she was too young to give up.
One night Grace is in her room and she hears yelling really loud, and her mother tells her Merrick is back and that he was hurt in the war and is in a wheelchair and blind, and mad at the world. Grace does not understand why her mom thinks Merrick is being unreasonable and then she hears how badly he really is treating his mom. It bothers her, so she lays down on her bed and starts singing to herself, for comfort, songs she even made up for someone else, and Merrick hears it and quits yelling. He realized this
"I wouldn't have believed it if I wasn't experiencing it for myself. Her voice took my pain away from my body until all I could do was listen. All I could hear was her voice. Not all the aching in my limbs or the hollow in my head. Just her"
He felt peace.
His mother hires a nurse for Merrick and he can't believe it is Grace the girl next door with the voice. He gets angry and tells them both to get out. His mom calmly showed Grace where everything was, and all info she needed.
After 3 days he wheels into the kitchen and Grace said to him, "Good morning Merrick you reek". He smiled to himself and she told him to get ready to shower that he would get no food if he did not shower. Score one for her! Grace continues to make changes in his life that really help him and he and Grace start talking and getting to know each other.
Slowly but surely Merrick is getting back the use of his hand and he gets to start using crutches, but the pain is still almost more than he can bear, his life is lived in a haze of pain only he can feel but do nothing about. Grace on the other hand is still sad but doing the best she can. One night after she finally gets back in touch with her friend since childhood and they are drinking, she comes home with Grace and Grace finally opens up to her crying so bad about what happened why she lost touch with everyone and her soul searing loss and the aftermath. Merrick is in his room which is only 8 feet away from grace's room and he hear's it. He may not have been able to see Grace but he could feel her pain.
Merrick wishes he could see Grace as he grew up around her but never paid attention to her and now she is the most important part of his life! Just like he is so into her, she is into him as well. Suddenly he has to figure out how to be a better man for her to see him, not realizing she saw him a long time ago when they were young! His whole family sees it, Grace's family sees it, so when are they going to see it?
1 Will Grace and Merrick have a happily ever after?
2 Will Grace come to terms with her loss and be able to heal herself?
3 Will Merrick ever be able to see again?
4 Will Merrick finally get in touch with all his men that he saved and quit dwelling on the ones he could not?
5 When Merrick has bad dreams, will he finally share with Grace what life was life in Iraq instead of holding it inside making him sick?
6 Can Merrick and Grace both get back their self confidence?
This book was so well written I know you will enjoy it. There is a lot of emotional, physical, and sexual angst. The characters are all well developed, and there is a wonderful cast of supporting characters that just give the book even more depth. I love the dialog between the characters, but mostly I love the way the author develops them into people that though damaged inside, realize that they can be so much more if they just give themselves a chance. The plot is great, keeps moving at a good pace so the book is never dragging, and I love the way that even though the subject of loss is so bad for these characters, she finds a way for them to be not just broken but also happy and funny at times too with their thoughts and actions, that in between all the angst there is joy as well.
This is an awesome book that brings to light the way that so many of our troops come home; maimed, broken, sad, unable to cope and scarred inside where we may not see it as well as on the outside, and it breaks my heart. I know we all know great young men and women who go off to war as children really, to support their country-our country and come back broken. It brings to light the grueling lives they now have to face at home with PTSD, and some of them do not have families willing to sacrifice for them.
I gave this book 5***** VIVID stars, because it is an awesome book.
Take the time to look into Jessica's other 2 stand alone novels and her series:
1 Our Time a stand alone
2 Every One of Me a stand alone
3 Leverage First book of Brannock Series
4 Conned book two of Brannock Series
5 Missing Book 3 of Brannock Series
6 Protector Book 4 of Brannock Series
7 Ricochet (Rise and Fall Book 1)
Thank you Jessica Wilde for writing a book that made me feel when I read your books for the first time and continue to do so!
December 31, 2015
Vivid is my first Jessica Wilde book. I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of her before and then one of my most trusted book friends just raved about this book. So of course I dropped what I was reading and immediately got sucked into the world of Merrick and Grace.
It took about three paragraphs into the prologue to realize I was going to love this book. It's the best feeling to start reading something new and just click with the story. I won't rehash the synopsis but the basic storyline is Merrick, a wounded vet has moved back to his hometown with emotional and physical scars. Grace, the girl next door who had a crush on him all throughout childhood is now his homecare nurse. Merrick never notice her before and now that he's blind, he can immediately see how beautiful she is. Oh... the irony!
And Grace is seriously beautiful. On the outside, she is described as being relatively attractive (something she grew in to) but it's her heart that I loved. She's tough, sweet and so very kind. And though Merrick is kind of a jerk, the dual POV really helps the reader know the struggles he is having and it doesn't take long to fall in love with him as well.
The two have more in common than Merrick realizes and as he allows Grace into his world, she becomes his light. But with all of their problems, it will not be an easy road for either of them.
I found the character development to be my favorite thing about this story. Even the side characters are great and I'd love to read more about Micah and Mitch, Merrick's brothers. This book is a stand alone and has a little something for everyone. There are parts that made me chuckle, parts that made me tear up a bit (though I never flat out cried), sexy times, sweet times, and everything in between! I loved the message of hope, survival and celebrating inner beauty.
So a definite recommendation!
It took about three paragraphs into the prologue to realize I was going to love this book. It's the best feeling to start reading something new and just click with the story. I won't rehash the synopsis but the basic storyline is Merrick, a wounded vet has moved back to his hometown with emotional and physical scars. Grace, the girl next door who had a crush on him all throughout childhood is now his homecare nurse. Merrick never notice her before and now that he's blind, he can immediately see how beautiful she is. Oh... the irony!
And Grace is seriously beautiful. On the outside, she is described as being relatively attractive (something she grew in to) but it's her heart that I loved. She's tough, sweet and so very kind. And though Merrick is kind of a jerk, the dual POV really helps the reader know the struggles he is having and it doesn't take long to fall in love with him as well.
The two have more in common than Merrick realizes and as he allows Grace into his world, she becomes his light. But with all of their problems, it will not be an easy road for either of them.
I found the character development to be my favorite thing about this story. Even the side characters are great and I'd love to read more about Micah and Mitch, Merrick's brothers. This book is a stand alone and has a little something for everyone. There are parts that made me chuckle, parts that made me tear up a bit (though I never flat out cried), sexy times, sweet times, and everything in between! I loved the message of hope, survival and celebrating inner beauty.
So a definite recommendation!
March 28, 2016
4.5 stars
The perfect recipe:
10 oz grumpy, injured soldier
6 oz nurse
50 oz sexual tension
A whole load of issues - mix thoroughly and bake for 300 pages or so.
I think you can tell that I enjoyed this book and I lost myself within its pages for just over a day. I have to be honest and say it isn't totally original in terms of concept but there were unique differences that made it undpredictable. Both the characters of Merrick and Grace were well developed and had real depth. They warred, they sizzled, they shared and they were friends.
I was impressed by Jessica Wilde's writing. I hadn't heard of her prior to seeing a couple of friends read the book over Christmas but I am glad I did. Both the cover and the title fit the book so perfectly. There is talent between the pages of this book and I'm off to recommend it to some of my book friends.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
The perfect recipe:
10 oz grumpy, injured soldier
6 oz nurse
50 oz sexual tension
A whole load of issues - mix thoroughly and bake for 300 pages or so.
I think you can tell that I enjoyed this book and I lost myself within its pages for just over a day. I have to be honest and say it isn't totally original in terms of concept but there were unique differences that made it undpredictable. Both the characters of Merrick and Grace were well developed and had real depth. They warred, they sizzled, they shared and they were friends.
I was impressed by Jessica Wilde's writing. I hadn't heard of her prior to seeing a couple of friends read the book over Christmas but I am glad I did. Both the cover and the title fit the book so perfectly. There is talent between the pages of this book and I'm off to recommend it to some of my book friends.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
October 15, 2015
Maybe it's me, but it felt pretty predictable, and just turned out to be an average read. Nothing new to write home about.
October 14, 2015
I've never read a book by Jessica Wilde that I didn't love and Vivid was no exception. It sucked me in from the prologue and took me on such an emotional journey that I couldn't put it down until Merrick and Grace got the HEA they deserved.
Merrick and Grace both had their own personal demons that they had to work through. Merrick with his injuries, his new disability, and dealing with the aftermath of everything that he witnessed while he was overseas. And Grace is dealing with a loss of her own and her inability to realize her own self worth. To say they had a rough journey would be an understatement but they were able to help each other overcome their obstacles.
Merrick was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, which is totally understandable given everything he's been through, but I loved that Grace didn't let him walk all over her. She let him have his space when he needed it and pushed him in her own way and I think that helped forge their bond even more.
Now when I say this book took me on an emotional journey I'm talking ugly crying one minute and happy tears the next, not to mention the sappy smile I had on my face when Merrick and Grace would banter and flirt. Watching Merrick open up and become the guy that Grace remembered was probably the highlight of this one for me. Not to mention the heartbreakingly beautiful moments when Grace was there to help Merrick through his nightmares.
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed by how some things played out towards the end but that didn't stop me from absolutely loving this book. Vivid has easily become one of my favorite reads and I highly recommend it! I can't wait to see what Jessica Wilde comes up with next!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Merrick and Grace both had their own personal demons that they had to work through. Merrick with his injuries, his new disability, and dealing with the aftermath of everything that he witnessed while he was overseas. And Grace is dealing with a loss of her own and her inability to realize her own self worth. To say they had a rough journey would be an understatement but they were able to help each other overcome their obstacles.
Merrick was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, which is totally understandable given everything he's been through, but I loved that Grace didn't let him walk all over her. She let him have his space when he needed it and pushed him in her own way and I think that helped forge their bond even more.
Now when I say this book took me on an emotional journey I'm talking ugly crying one minute and happy tears the next, not to mention the sappy smile I had on my face when Merrick and Grace would banter and flirt. Watching Merrick open up and become the guy that Grace remembered was probably the highlight of this one for me. Not to mention the heartbreakingly beautiful moments when Grace was there to help Merrick through his nightmares.
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed by how some things played out towards the end but that didn't stop me from absolutely loving this book. Vivid has easily become one of my favorite reads and I highly recommend it! I can't wait to see what Jessica Wilde comes up with next!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
re-read, 4 stars
Re-read,4 stars this time
Great story, but not 5
Thank you very mucho for this book! I've really enjoyed read it, and re-read 1 week after :)
You've got a Presente from God, your words son magical, your stories touching every cell of my soul. Thank you very much
Waiting for more
With love from Spain
Re-read,4 stars this time
Great story, but not 5
Thank you very mucho for this book! I've really enjoyed read it, and re-read 1 week after :)
You've got a Presente from God, your words son magical, your stories touching every cell of my soul. Thank you very much
Waiting for more
With love from Spain
October 16, 2015
I knew the moment I seen this blurb that i just had to read Vivid!! It completely grabbed my attention and I honestly was checking my kindle everyday for it to pop up! So the day finally came and everything in my life seized to exist! I was wothout a shadow of a doubt locked into this book! I could not put it down once I started and honestly I did not want it to end.
Merrick and Grace have now moved their way into my favorite characters of all time! I do not even know where to begin, without giving anything away! The two of them have been through so much it would make anyones head spin. I literally could feel my heart beating out of chest for them. It has been a long time since a book has left me an absolute utter reeling mess!!
I laughed, I cried, I may have dropped a few choice words here and there, but the emotions this book takes you on is truely one of a kind. Jessica has a superb way of writing where it makes you feel you are actually on the same ride as the characters. This is for sure one of those reads that will stay with me. And yes I will be rereading it many times!!!
I would 100% recommend this amazing book to anyone and everyone. It is a story about moving on and learning to live again! These 2 beautiful characters will capture your head and your heart and leave you a sappy mess!!! I loved every moment of this book and truely looking forward to what Jessica has to come in the future!!!
Merrick and Grace have now moved their way into my favorite characters of all time! I do not even know where to begin, without giving anything away! The two of them have been through so much it would make anyones head spin. I literally could feel my heart beating out of chest for them. It has been a long time since a book has left me an absolute utter reeling mess!!
I laughed, I cried, I may have dropped a few choice words here and there, but the emotions this book takes you on is truely one of a kind. Jessica has a superb way of writing where it makes you feel you are actually on the same ride as the characters. This is for sure one of those reads that will stay with me. And yes I will be rereading it many times!!!
I would 100% recommend this amazing book to anyone and everyone. It is a story about moving on and learning to live again! These 2 beautiful characters will capture your head and your heart and leave you a sappy mess!!! I loved every moment of this book and truely looking forward to what Jessica has to come in the future!!!
October 17, 2015
We are all broken, that's how the light gets in.
Sigh. That was just wholeheartedly beautiful. I was so moved and the emotions grabbed me. The anger, hurt and despair of Merrick was palpable. Grace's heart ache and sadness hidden well. A journey to overcome both struggles was profound.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and here that seemed to ring true. But to truly see or change one's perception is never easy. We don't always see beyond what is in front of us until until one is made to. I loved seeing the changes in these two people and their growth. Finding their peace and happiness is so great to see.
Grace had such a huge heart and that's why her pain ran as deep. Her compassionate nature is what drew people to her. Merrick had a strong personality, that was what he knew to lead and to loose that was hard. Merrick needed that, kindness but also someone to push. Together I think that balance was achieved. inspiring change in one another.
I truly enjoyed the author's writing, full of heart and meaning. It is really vivid in description, you can see the story unfold. The characters are rounded out in a way you know and understand them. With this sort of character driven book that is important and much appreciated. This is my first Jessica Wilde book but it won't be my last.
Sigh. That was just wholeheartedly beautiful. I was so moved and the emotions grabbed me. The anger, hurt and despair of Merrick was palpable. Grace's heart ache and sadness hidden well. A journey to overcome both struggles was profound.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and here that seemed to ring true. But to truly see or change one's perception is never easy. We don't always see beyond what is in front of us until until one is made to. I loved seeing the changes in these two people and their growth. Finding their peace and happiness is so great to see.
Grace had such a huge heart and that's why her pain ran as deep. Her compassionate nature is what drew people to her. Merrick had a strong personality, that was what he knew to lead and to loose that was hard. Merrick needed that, kindness but also someone to push. Together I think that balance was achieved. inspiring change in one another.
I truly enjoyed the author's writing, full of heart and meaning. It is really vivid in description, you can see the story unfold. The characters are rounded out in a way you know and understand them. With this sort of character driven book that is important and much appreciated. This is my first Jessica Wilde book but it won't be my last.
February 15, 2024
"Finding the beauty in the ugly, the good in the bad, the light in the dark. this one tiny thing; it was for me. It was a reminder that life doesn't have to be clean and perfect to be beautiful."
I really enjoyed this sweet, emotional story about two broken people trying to move on. Wounded heroes are my weakness and from page one Merrick stole my heart, but it was Grace's quiet strength that made me really adore this book. These two couldn't have been more perfect for each other. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. 4 Stars!
Reread 2/11/24
"She saw someone who would protect her and fight for her. Someone who would love her in spite of any flaws she thought she had. It didn't matter what was in front of her, because I was standing behind her. That's how she knew I was the one."
I will never not be a rereader. I love discovering books all over again. Sometimes it works and I fall in love all over again and other times I realize my reading tastes have changed and what did work once, doesn't. I'm happy to say my reread of VIVID worked. I first read this back in 2016 and while yes, my reading taste have changed, I am still a hopeless romantic and a sucker for wounded characters.
Triggers listed below
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TW: PTSD, loss of a child (stillborn) off page
I really enjoyed this sweet, emotional story about two broken people trying to move on. Wounded heroes are my weakness and from page one Merrick stole my heart, but it was Grace's quiet strength that made me really adore this book. These two couldn't have been more perfect for each other. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. 4 Stars!
Reread 2/11/24
"She saw someone who would protect her and fight for her. Someone who would love her in spite of any flaws she thought she had. It didn't matter what was in front of her, because I was standing behind her. That's how she knew I was the one."
I will never not be a rereader. I love discovering books all over again. Sometimes it works and I fall in love all over again and other times I realize my reading tastes have changed and what did work once, doesn't. I'm happy to say my reread of VIVID worked. I first read this back in 2016 and while yes, my reading taste have changed, I am still a hopeless romantic and a sucker for wounded characters.
Triggers listed below
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TW: PTSD, loss of a child (stillborn) off page
February 29, 2016
He is a war hero, physically and emotionally damaged. She has been his neighbor nearly all their lives. He has never noticed her, until now.
Merrick's circumstances require more help than his family can get him to take which results in Grace, homecare nurse and neighbor, being hired to help him recuperate and learn how to live with his major life changes.
He doesn't want to need anyone but, soon comes to see that Grace is just what he needs in his life.
As he learns to live again with Grace's help, he also knows that Grace is carrying the weight of loss herself. He just doesn't know why.
Needing each other is something neither of them saw coming. Not all scars are visible. Healing comes with time, patience, and the love and support of those around you. Both Merrick and Grace learn this. The way forward may be more than fuzzy but, it certainly can be seen with more than just our eyes.
As her books tend to do, Ms. Wilde touches on some hard subjects in this book. It's an emotional, well written book. You will fall in love with these characters, with their strengths and weaknesses. Loved this book!!
Merrick's circumstances require more help than his family can get him to take which results in Grace, homecare nurse and neighbor, being hired to help him recuperate and learn how to live with his major life changes.
He doesn't want to need anyone but, soon comes to see that Grace is just what he needs in his life.
As he learns to live again with Grace's help, he also knows that Grace is carrying the weight of loss herself. He just doesn't know why.
Needing each other is something neither of them saw coming. Not all scars are visible. Healing comes with time, patience, and the love and support of those around you. Both Merrick and Grace learn this. The way forward may be more than fuzzy but, it certainly can be seen with more than just our eyes.
As her books tend to do, Ms. Wilde touches on some hard subjects in this book. It's an emotional, well written book. You will fall in love with these characters, with their strengths and weaknesses. Loved this book!!
September 22, 2015
Merrick blew me away! The struggles he faced were seemingly insurmountable, but with the help of Grace (love that name), he overcame. He was blind, but he could "see" Grace clearly. She truly was beautiful inside and out. "We are all broken, that's how the light gets in. – Ernest Hemingway" Jessica that is a beautiful quote for a touching book! I loved this story! 5 stars!
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review***.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review***.
July 30, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Grace is hurting. After suffering through a terrible personal loss and then being dumped abrupt, she is emotionally exhausted and returns home to live with her parents. After returning home she realizes that her neighbor is none other than the one guy that never noticed her growing up, Merrick Thatcher.
Merrick has been badly injured. He's in a wheelchair. He's blind. He suffers from PTSD. Has nightmares. He's angry at the world. He's pretty much insufferable to be around and his family doesn't know what to do anymore. His mother can't seem to get through to him, but she does have one more idea on how to help him. That idea? She has hired a home healthcare nurse to help Merrick through his recovery and that nurse is Grace. He is definitely not happy that he has to have someone take care of him and makes it hard on Grace, but she doesn't give up.
I loved Grace. She had her own demons to deal with, but she was committed to helping Merrick. Yes, it was her job, but it was so much more than that. The last line of the below excerpt pretty much says it all. She never once saw Merrick as damaged. Yes he was injured, but he was not as damaged as he thought he was and Grace helped him realize that.
"Now, let's remove your shorts."
I couldn't stop the words from leaving my mouth, and no matter how childish it sounded, I needed to know. "How disgusted are you? On a scale of one to ten."
She sighed and moved my arm aside so she could reach the waist of my shorts. "That's not a very good joke, Merrick."
"I'm not joking, Grace."
She stopped moving, but stayed close to me. I could feel her quick breaths on the skin of my chest. It was doing things to me that I hadn't felt in a long time.
I must be coming down with something. A fever maybe?
"There is no need for a scale because I'm not disgusted. You're scarred, Merrick, not ruined."
"They're the same thing."
"They aren't," she snapped.
I dropped my head, hoping my eyes were close to meeting hers or at least her face. "Then why does it feel like they are?"
Her small hand touched my cheek, the warmth from her fingers making me ache for more. She cupped my scarred jaw before running her fingers back, behind the damaged skin of my ear. I couldn't breathe. I didn't want to. Not if it meant the moment would be over. Her gentle fingers followed the scarring up to my eye and over my brow. Her touch felt intimate, but more compassionate than anything else.
She hummed softly as her fingertips drifted back down to the scruff on my jaw. "It feels like they're the same because you haven't healed yet. Feels like your life is over because you've lost so much, and it hurts to even breathe." Her hand cupped my cheek again, and I wondered if this was her idea of being professional, because I'd double the pay if it was.
"Grace..." I breathed.
"Being scarred by something so horrible isn't the same as being ruined. You can only ruin yourself, Merrick, and that kind of destruction doesn't leave any visible scars."
I wanted to say something, anything that would make her see me as something other than a damaged man, but I couldn't think of anything. Maybe it was because she didn't really see me that way at all.
But here's the thing: From the moment Grace returned home, Merrick started to heal. He just didn't realize it. One of their first interactions was when Merrick heard Grace singing from her bedroom next door. She overhears him fighting with his mother and to combat the awkwardness, she starts to sing. Merrick hears her and immediately stops fighting. He finds that her voice calms him and throughout the book that is something Grace does to help Merrick when he needs it. His recovery was a long and difficult one, but Grace was there to help him anyway she could.
There were a lot of sweet moments (I highlighted A LOT of stuff) in this book and those times when Grace sang to Merrick were among the sweetest. But for me, there is a scene where Merrick "sees" Grace for the first time. While they grew up living next door to each other, he has no recollection of what Grace looks like. He goes to her one night and uses his hands to "see" her face. Despite all his anger and frustration, Merrick could be quite gentle, especially with Grace. I definitely cried while reading that.
The author has given us such a beautiful book. It's a story about healing (physically and emotionally), moving on and living. Both Grace and Merrick went through situations that almost destroyed them and they fought their way back...together. Grace was there to support Merrick and help him through everything and their relationship was built on so much more than just their physical attraction to each other. I liked that the early stages of the relationship was more about getting to know one another. Of course there are stumbling blocks (some bigger than others) the way, but thanks to their love for each other, Merrick and Grace manage their happily ever after.
If you follow me on any social media, you may have noticed that I have been posting about this book. Teasers. Countdown to the release. Talking about how much I freaking love this book. Because I do. I absolutely LOVE it. It's one of the best I have read this year. I've said it before, but one of things I like best about doing this blog is discovering new (at least to me) authors. Jessica Wilde is one of those authors. After reading the synopsis my curiosity was piqued. I've read plenty of books about people in the military. Books about soldiers who were injured, but this one felt different. It's an emotional read. I cried a lot and pretty much felt all the feelings. Keep the kleenex handy because you will need it.
October 11, 2015
http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
My Review: (ARC provided)
4.5 stars!
First I want to point out how wonderful I think it is that Jessica is donating fifty percent of her sales the fifteenth through the rest of the month to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. I really loved this book, it made me feel good. Yes it's somewhat bittersweet at times but the message is beautiful.
Sometimes when I read I don't care for the H or h but still enjoy the book, well this wasn't the case, not at all. I loved the heroine, I want to be friends with her, she was a selfless person and truly good and kind. The hero although comes across unlikable I couldn't help but love him too. I had a soft spot for him from the beginning and knew there was more to his broodiness. I feel he had every right to be angry. He may have taken it out on the people he loved the most but that's reality; don't we all do that? This is such a heartwarming story and even though I knew where it was headed it didn't take anything away from me.
Merrick (H) has been to hell and back he's lost his sight, and is wheel chair bound for the time being. Grace (h) is broken herself, not fully healed and moving back home with her parents for a while. She is hired as Merrick's nurse, she's always had a crush on her neighbor and he's never seen her. Now that she's back and helping him heal literally and figuratively he wants nothing more than to be able to see her, but he's lost his chance. She soothes him with her voice and soon the relationship is headed into a territory Grace shouldn't go, being that he is her patient. Can they both heal? And will Grace risk her job to take the leap to be with Merrick?
I can't imagine what it would be like to go through what either one of them did. Jessica does a good job of capturing it and making me believe. This book isn't overly angsty or melodramatic. It's touching and I think very true to life of someone that had to go through this. The only thing I wished is for him to remember her. I wanted so bad for a memory to click or something to trigger it. This book was very well done and I commend Jessica on it, I'm sure it wasn't an easy one to write.
HEA? (1)go to blog if you want to know.
My Review: (ARC provided)
4.5 stars!
First I want to point out how wonderful I think it is that Jessica is donating fifty percent of her sales the fifteenth through the rest of the month to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. I really loved this book, it made me feel good. Yes it's somewhat bittersweet at times but the message is beautiful.
Sometimes when I read I don't care for the H or h but still enjoy the book, well this wasn't the case, not at all. I loved the heroine, I want to be friends with her, she was a selfless person and truly good and kind. The hero although comes across unlikable I couldn't help but love him too. I had a soft spot for him from the beginning and knew there was more to his broodiness. I feel he had every right to be angry. He may have taken it out on the people he loved the most but that's reality; don't we all do that? This is such a heartwarming story and even though I knew where it was headed it didn't take anything away from me.
Merrick (H) has been to hell and back he's lost his sight, and is wheel chair bound for the time being. Grace (h) is broken herself, not fully healed and moving back home with her parents for a while. She is hired as Merrick's nurse, she's always had a crush on her neighbor and he's never seen her. Now that she's back and helping him heal literally and figuratively he wants nothing more than to be able to see her, but he's lost his chance. She soothes him with her voice and soon the relationship is headed into a territory Grace shouldn't go, being that he is her patient. Can they both heal? And will Grace risk her job to take the leap to be with Merrick?
I can't imagine what it would be like to go through what either one of them did. Jessica does a good job of capturing it and making me believe. This book isn't overly angsty or melodramatic. It's touching and I think very true to life of someone that had to go through this. The only thing I wished is for him to remember her. I wanted so bad for a memory to click or something to trigger it. This book was very well done and I commend Jessica on it, I'm sure it wasn't an easy one to write.
HEA? (1)go to blog if you want to know.
August 31, 2016
A Memorable Gem
I was looking for an emotional, yet not angsty read with some sexiness thrown in this past week and a friend mentioned that I should try Vivid by Jessica Wilde. Once I read the synopsis, I downloaded the book immediately. I had not heard of this author before, and after reading it, I have been scouring her other books. This book was a hidden gem for me that I devoured in only 48 hours.
Vivid is a truly beautiful love story about two people who have suffered greatly from emotional and physical scars, and feel as if they will never feel whole again. It takes them turning to the other to heal and watching this journey unfold just lifted my heart. This book is gripping, emotional and uplifting. There were times I laughed, cried and hurt for these characters. The character development is what makes this book fantastic. Written in dual POV, the reader understands their fears, suffering and how much despair they have endured. However, these two feel a sense of calmness when they are around each other - like they are a balm to each other's soul. They understand one another even though they have experienced events which very different. There is a sense of hope and that happiness can be within their gasp, both individually and together, throughout the book.
Merrick is a war veteran who has been injured in Iraq and is blind. Grace has moved home to her parents' house after a traumatic life event to get back on her feet and is looking for work as a home healthcare nurse. She becomes Merrick's nurse and takes care of him. Merrick has a hard time to adjusting to life injured and has turned away from his family. It takes Grace's gentle firmness and beautiful singing voice to reach Merrick. He realizes that Grace seems to know what he needs and then begins to understand it's because she's suffered loss too.
This book is full of some wonderful, insightful quotes. It's a good reminder to us all that even when things in our life change that make us feel like all hope is lost, we still can find happiness - that the suffering makes us who we are and that we can overcome it even if it takes us a while. It's truly such a wonderful, uplifting book and I wanted to hug my kindle after I finished. I highly recommend this hidden gem if you like emotionally uplifting romances where the characters overcome trials and tribulations. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
One of my favorite quotes: "We both felt broken and scattered, but we wanted to the other together more than we wanted to fix ourselves."
I was looking for an emotional, yet not angsty read with some sexiness thrown in this past week and a friend mentioned that I should try Vivid by Jessica Wilde. Once I read the synopsis, I downloaded the book immediately. I had not heard of this author before, and after reading it, I have been scouring her other books. This book was a hidden gem for me that I devoured in only 48 hours.
Vivid is a truly beautiful love story about two people who have suffered greatly from emotional and physical scars, and feel as if they will never feel whole again. It takes them turning to the other to heal and watching this journey unfold just lifted my heart. This book is gripping, emotional and uplifting. There were times I laughed, cried and hurt for these characters. The character development is what makes this book fantastic. Written in dual POV, the reader understands their fears, suffering and how much despair they have endured. However, these two feel a sense of calmness when they are around each other - like they are a balm to each other's soul. They understand one another even though they have experienced events which very different. There is a sense of hope and that happiness can be within their gasp, both individually and together, throughout the book.
Merrick is a war veteran who has been injured in Iraq and is blind. Grace has moved home to her parents' house after a traumatic life event to get back on her feet and is looking for work as a home healthcare nurse. She becomes Merrick's nurse and takes care of him. Merrick has a hard time to adjusting to life injured and has turned away from his family. It takes Grace's gentle firmness and beautiful singing voice to reach Merrick. He realizes that Grace seems to know what he needs and then begins to understand it's because she's suffered loss too.
This book is full of some wonderful, insightful quotes. It's a good reminder to us all that even when things in our life change that make us feel like all hope is lost, we still can find happiness - that the suffering makes us who we are and that we can overcome it even if it takes us a while. It's truly such a wonderful, uplifting book and I wanted to hug my kindle after I finished. I highly recommend this hidden gem if you like emotionally uplifting romances where the characters overcome trials and tribulations. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
One of my favorite quotes: "We both felt broken and scattered, but we wanted to the other together more than we wanted to fix ourselves."
November 23, 2015
How am I supposed to review this story while I'm so overwhelmed??? I have so many feelings that I want to share with you but can't find the right words to describe them...
Vivid by Jessica Wilde - wow wow wow! what this book made me feel - it's beyond words!
I have a soft spot for soldiers, being an Israeli , it's kind of a national soft spot.
In Israel we all join the Army at the age of 18 and serve our country for 2-3 years. I know what is like to connect with the ones that serve with you - The connection is so strong. It's brotherhood, or in my case, sisterhood.
This is what Vivid is all about and this is why I feel all this feelings.
5 super shining stars for a perfectly written story about loss, hope and survival.
Merrick Thatcher is a soldier with all his heart and soul. He joined the army after he finished high school and never left, until one horrible attack in Iraq forced him to take a break. And by "taking a break" I mean – changed his life completely. He was seriously injured and even lost his sight.
From the most active person he has always been, he now sits in a wheel chair and totally blind. The only things he can see, are the pictures and nightmares that are still hunting him every day and every night.
Asking for help is not an option while regret, frustration and anger are the only feelings he can live with – until he meets Grace…
Grace has also been through hell after losing her child and the one who was supposed to be by her side. She is strong and by being his homecare nurse, she starts breaking Merrick's protective walls. Her singing becomes his medicine and his feelings for her are the reason he keeps trying and never gives up on his recovery.
Their attraction for one another is so strong, that even though Merrick can't see anything, he can feel her in any way possible.
Together they learn how to heal Merrick's scars – internal and exterior – and do it with so much honor and grace for the ones who lost their lives on the battle field.
Any other words I will write here, won't do justice to this AMAZING story! Jessica wrote it perfectly – she told the story and made sure that every word went straight to our hearts.
I laughed, I cried, I was extremely horny (Merrick is a god!!!) but most of all –
I never wanted it to end!
Thank you Jessica for sharing with us Grace & Merrick's special journey!
Vivid by Jessica Wilde - wow wow wow! what this book made me feel - it's beyond words!
I have a soft spot for soldiers, being an Israeli , it's kind of a national soft spot.
In Israel we all join the Army at the age of 18 and serve our country for 2-3 years. I know what is like to connect with the ones that serve with you - The connection is so strong. It's brotherhood, or in my case, sisterhood.
This is what Vivid is all about and this is why I feel all this feelings.
5 super shining stars for a perfectly written story about loss, hope and survival.
Merrick Thatcher is a soldier with all his heart and soul. He joined the army after he finished high school and never left, until one horrible attack in Iraq forced him to take a break. And by "taking a break" I mean – changed his life completely. He was seriously injured and even lost his sight.
From the most active person he has always been, he now sits in a wheel chair and totally blind. The only things he can see, are the pictures and nightmares that are still hunting him every day and every night.
Asking for help is not an option while regret, frustration and anger are the only feelings he can live with – until he meets Grace…
Grace has also been through hell after losing her child and the one who was supposed to be by her side. She is strong and by being his homecare nurse, she starts breaking Merrick's protective walls. Her singing becomes his medicine and his feelings for her are the reason he keeps trying and never gives up on his recovery.
Their attraction for one another is so strong, that even though Merrick can't see anything, he can feel her in any way possible.
Together they learn how to heal Merrick's scars – internal and exterior – and do it with so much honor and grace for the ones who lost their lives on the battle field.
Any other words I will write here, won't do justice to this AMAZING story! Jessica wrote it perfectly – she told the story and made sure that every word went straight to our hearts.
I laughed, I cried, I was extremely horny (Merrick is a god!!!) but most of all –
I never wanted it to end!
Thank you Jessica for sharing with us Grace & Merrick's special journey!
November 12, 2015
Vivid was such a beautiful real story! 6+++++ stars for me!
Merrick is back from war, he's trying to survive even though at times he doesn't want to keep going. He's injured and blind, but being blind doesn't take away the visions he can't get away from. Watching his men being killed, injured, and unable to save them all. He can't stop seeing it, and he tortures himself over it.
Merrick is a beautiful, beautiful, HOT, man that knows what he wants, and also broken......
I'm not going to put spoilers here, so I'm going to keep it straight. He meets Grace, and she changes everything for him. He helps him to "see" even though he's blind. She helps him to want to survive, to keep fighting for him, for his family.
Vivid was such an inspiring story, although it isn't a real story, while reading it, you can't help but to get lost in it like it really did happen. Jessica has a way with putting you there, while it's taking place. Feeling Merrick's and Grace's emotions. Although I haven't been through it myself, she seemed to have hit spot on with dealing with PTSD. I can't imagine what soldiers go through coming home after being away for so long, and not just coming home, but also being injured. The pain and suffering the families see also. My heart dropped in this story so many times. it was a heartfelt story filled with laughter, heartache, crying, suffering, you name it, I felt it. There were so many personal moments, I just felt like since Merrick couldn't see, the descriptions...... They made everything that much clearer while reading. Describing what Merrick was feeling while "seeing" with his hands.
Jessica was spot on with Vivid. It was told from Duel POV's, the whole story flowed flawlessly. I never got lost asking myself what just happened here. Grace and Merrick connected so well together. I felt myself connecting with Grace and Merrick, and on some situations, found myself in their shoes. I suggest EVERYONE pick this one up. If you are looking for a GOOD romance. GET THIS!
Merrick is back from war, he's trying to survive even though at times he doesn't want to keep going. He's injured and blind, but being blind doesn't take away the visions he can't get away from. Watching his men being killed, injured, and unable to save them all. He can't stop seeing it, and he tortures himself over it.
Merrick is a beautiful, beautiful, HOT, man that knows what he wants, and also broken......
I'm not going to put spoilers here, so I'm going to keep it straight. He meets Grace, and she changes everything for him. He helps him to "see" even though he's blind. She helps him to want to survive, to keep fighting for him, for his family.
Vivid was such an inspiring story, although it isn't a real story, while reading it, you can't help but to get lost in it like it really did happen. Jessica has a way with putting you there, while it's taking place. Feeling Merrick's and Grace's emotions. Although I haven't been through it myself, she seemed to have hit spot on with dealing with PTSD. I can't imagine what soldiers go through coming home after being away for so long, and not just coming home, but also being injured. The pain and suffering the families see also. My heart dropped in this story so many times. it was a heartfelt story filled with laughter, heartache, crying, suffering, you name it, I felt it. There were so many personal moments, I just felt like since Merrick couldn't see, the descriptions...... They made everything that much clearer while reading. Describing what Merrick was feeling while "seeing" with his hands.
Jessica was spot on with Vivid. It was told from Duel POV's, the whole story flowed flawlessly. I never got lost asking myself what just happened here. Grace and Merrick connected so well together. I felt myself connecting with Grace and Merrick, and on some situations, found myself in their shoes. I suggest EVERYONE pick this one up. If you are looking for a GOOD romance. GET THIS!
September 28, 2015
5 out of 5 stars
I love a book that once you start reading it you can’t put it down. It pulls you in and keeps your attention until the very end. Jessica Wilde has an amazing way of writing. She really knows how to tell a story and keep you attention during the whole book. Vivid was such a well-written book, and it held a lot of details. As a military wife and a Military brat, I love military books. I tend to get a little picky with them just because my whole life has been military. There was nothing that I could get picky about Vivid. It’s a strong, solid book with amazing character.
Grace and Merrick are both fighting a darkness that’s inside of them.
Grace lost a lot the year before. She is now at the point she needs to learn to trust again and open herself up to be loved. I loved Grace. She is such a strong character with a will to help Merrick. She doesn’t give up when times get tough she stays by Merrick’s side as he recovers. You can see the love she has for him, and she holds it tight and doesn’t let it go.
Merrick was also a strong character. He is overcoming a lot. He was hurt fighting in the war, and now he is back home recovering. His recovery is long and painful, but he doesn’t give up. I felt so bad so Merrick, he was such a funny but serious character. At first you get his serious side but later on he shows us the man he was before he was hurt, and the War took over his life.
Overall I loved every word and every minute of this book. Jessica Wilde is such an amazing author and she truly writes for her readers. She creates books that are magical and make you want to live in their world. I would highly recommend Vivid it will be going on my to re-read bookshelf. Just go one click it up. I bet you won’t be disappointed.
I love a book that once you start reading it you can’t put it down. It pulls you in and keeps your attention until the very end. Jessica Wilde has an amazing way of writing. She really knows how to tell a story and keep you attention during the whole book. Vivid was such a well-written book, and it held a lot of details. As a military wife and a Military brat, I love military books. I tend to get a little picky with them just because my whole life has been military. There was nothing that I could get picky about Vivid. It’s a strong, solid book with amazing character.
Grace and Merrick are both fighting a darkness that’s inside of them.
Grace lost a lot the year before. She is now at the point she needs to learn to trust again and open herself up to be loved. I loved Grace. She is such a strong character with a will to help Merrick. She doesn’t give up when times get tough she stays by Merrick’s side as he recovers. You can see the love she has for him, and she holds it tight and doesn’t let it go.
Merrick was also a strong character. He is overcoming a lot. He was hurt fighting in the war, and now he is back home recovering. His recovery is long and painful, but he doesn’t give up. I felt so bad so Merrick, he was such a funny but serious character. At first you get his serious side but later on he shows us the man he was before he was hurt, and the War took over his life.
Overall I loved every word and every minute of this book. Jessica Wilde is such an amazing author and she truly writes for her readers. She creates books that are magical and make you want to live in their world. I would highly recommend Vivid it will be going on my to re-read bookshelf. Just go one click it up. I bet you won’t be disappointed.
December 29, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review for UIBB. Review by Joy
Another beautiful story from Jessica Wilde. I loved Merrick and Grace’s story from beginning to end.
Merrick Thatcher has served and sacrificed for his country with no regrets. His only regret after returning home is the burden he feels he is to his family. He’s angry and frustrated and when it comes to making his feelings known there’s no holding back. My heart hurt for Merrick. He’s been through and lost so much that he’s stuck somewhere between guilt and hopelessness.
Grace Samuelson’s life has been devastated in ways that can only be described as unfair. She’s experienced tremendous loss at such a young age. She makes a difficult decision to return home to find her bearings. To find some solid ground where she can decide how to move on.
I loved how this story came together! Merrick and Grace’s relationship starts so innocent. And even though Merrick is hard to handle in the beginning Grace never backs down. She manages to learn to handle Merrick’s mood swings and ugly behavior and in some instances she even gives it back to him! She realizes what he needs in order to start moving on. His injuries will heal but there are still long term effects that he will need to adjust to. Grace helps him in ways that make him as self-sufficient as he can possibly be all while helping him to maintain some dignity. And I adored that about Grace. I just can’t say enough about this beautiful story about a soldier coming home shrouded in darkness only to find light with an amazing woman he realizes he can’t live without!
Another beautiful story from Jessica Wilde. I loved Merrick and Grace’s story from beginning to end.
Merrick Thatcher has served and sacrificed for his country with no regrets. His only regret after returning home is the burden he feels he is to his family. He’s angry and frustrated and when it comes to making his feelings known there’s no holding back. My heart hurt for Merrick. He’s been through and lost so much that he’s stuck somewhere between guilt and hopelessness.
Grace Samuelson’s life has been devastated in ways that can only be described as unfair. She’s experienced tremendous loss at such a young age. She makes a difficult decision to return home to find her bearings. To find some solid ground where she can decide how to move on.
I loved how this story came together! Merrick and Grace’s relationship starts so innocent. And even though Merrick is hard to handle in the beginning Grace never backs down. She manages to learn to handle Merrick’s mood swings and ugly behavior and in some instances she even gives it back to him! She realizes what he needs in order to start moving on. His injuries will heal but there are still long term effects that he will need to adjust to. Grace helps him in ways that make him as self-sufficient as he can possibly be all while helping him to maintain some dignity. And I adored that about Grace. I just can’t say enough about this beautiful story about a soldier coming home shrouded in darkness only to find light with an amazing woman he realizes he can’t live without!
September 23, 2015
A year later Grace is still struggling with the loss of her baby and then the baby's father Jason leaving her at the same time. She is doing her best to keep it together but some days are hard. Merrick was full of anger. Struggling with his disabilities and scars from the war over seas. He takes it out on everyone around him. If he had his way he wouldn't even get out of bed. Hearing his neighbor singing one night calms him. He wishes he could remember her name or even what she looks like. When Grace is hired as Merrick's home caregiver, she doesn't put up with his attitude. Merrick slowly finds himself coming to look forward to Grace being there. He knows he will never have a chance with her. Who wants a man scarred and blind.
This is one of those reviews I don't want to give to much away but yet I want to say so much. The book drew me in from the first page and it is an amazing journey of two broken people struggling with what life has thrown at them. There might be anger, there might be depression but each day they wake up determined to make it through that day. Along the way they find each other and it makes the journey all that much sweeter, and maybe a little easier to know you aren't the only one out there. The emotional rollercoaster ride of this book is exhausting, but a fantastic ride. I wish I could give it more then 5 stars. It is definitely a book that can honestly be read over and over. I received and arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those reviews I don't want to give to much away but yet I want to say so much. The book drew me in from the first page and it is an amazing journey of two broken people struggling with what life has thrown at them. There might be anger, there might be depression but each day they wake up determined to make it through that day. Along the way they find each other and it makes the journey all that much sweeter, and maybe a little easier to know you aren't the only one out there. The emotional rollercoaster ride of this book is exhausting, but a fantastic ride. I wish I could give it more then 5 stars. It is definitely a book that can honestly be read over and over. I received and arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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