What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Him Back
After escaping an abusive relationship, Chesney Ward fights to take back control of her life. She longs to leave behind her troubled past, but she craves more than what her small town has to offer.
Freedom.
Adventure.
Love.
The Air Force provides the escape she needs.
After arriving at her first duty station, Chesney meets Staff Sergeant Zane Thomas, a Special Forces airman. He is used to exercising control in his life, which she doesn’t mind. However, she has no idea she’s getting more than she bargained for.
Zane thinks no woman could ever make him want to settle down. That is until he meets Chesney, a small-town girl with a big heart. Her Southern accent and honey-brown eyes make him forget how to breathe.
Over time, their lives will change, and they will be forced to part ways.
When Zane reappears many years later, Chesney’s life is turned upside-down. Not only is she faced with sharing a life-altering secret with him, but she is also given a second chance to rekindle what they once had years ago.
Will Chesney be able to love him back to her, or is Zane too broken to be saved?
Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to some explicit language and mature themes.
Freedom.
Adventure.
Love.
The Air Force provides the escape she needs.
After arriving at her first duty station, Chesney meets Staff Sergeant Zane Thomas, a Special Forces airman. He is used to exercising control in his life, which she doesn’t mind. However, she has no idea she’s getting more than she bargained for.
Zane thinks no woman could ever make him want to settle down. That is until he meets Chesney, a small-town girl with a big heart. Her Southern accent and honey-brown eyes make him forget how to breathe.
Over time, their lives will change, and they will be forced to part ways.
When Zane reappears many years later, Chesney’s life is turned upside-down. Not only is she faced with sharing a life-altering secret with him, but she is also given a second chance to rekindle what they once had years ago.
Will Chesney be able to love him back to her, or is Zane too broken to be saved?
Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to some explicit language and mature themes.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2015
129 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Kris Nacole
5 books43 followersKris Nacole is a romance author with Limitless Publishing. She grew up in a small town in North Carolina, but currently resides in Knoxville, TN. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, playing piano, volunteering, and spending time with her family.
She's a hopeless romantic who thinks there’s nothing better than seeing your imagination come to life in order to tell an amazing love story.
Over the years, she has traveled the world and visited many fascinating places. She spent three years living in England, and those were some of the best years of her life. Her writing is inspired by many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
In 2012, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Keiser University with a BA in Health Services Administration and earned her MBA shortly after.
She's a hopeless romantic who thinks there’s nothing better than seeing your imagination come to life in order to tell an amazing love story.
Over the years, she has traveled the world and visited many fascinating places. She spent three years living in England, and those were some of the best years of her life. Her writing is inspired by many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
In 2012, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Keiser University with a BA in Health Services Administration and earned her MBA shortly after.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 31, 2017
2 Stars
Overall Opinion: I really do hate giving such a low rating, but his was really hard to get through. I ended up skimming the last few chapters because at that point I'm sorry to say that I really didn't care what happened. I found the h to be annoying. There were parts of the book that I don't understand why they were part of their story because they really weren't needed (the prologue with her ex detailing the abuse she went through, the girl the H used for sex consistently before the h, an attempted attack on the h, etc.). I was reading the sample as a .99 book, but when it came time to purchase (and I didn't notice until it was too late) it jumped up to 3.99, and frankly I just don't think it was worth that. I know I sound really cheap, but with how many books I read -- I expect a good read for that amount. If it was .99 I would've been ok with the loss more I think.
Storyline: This is Chesney and Zane's story. They meet when Chesney gets her first assignment in the Air Force in England, and he is running an initiation meeting. They are instantly attracted, but Zane is a manwhore who doesn't do relationships (or even let the woman sleep in his bed after sex) and is reluctant to start anything with Chesney because he can tell she would want more. He is still intrigued by her, and after a good bit of hot/cold they give a relationship a shot. They fall in love and then something happens that splits them apart . 8 years later, they meet again and realize that they still love each other and find their HEA.
Here are some doozy spoilers, so click at your own risk...
POV: This alternated between Chesney and Zane's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I skimmed a lot at the end because I was over it.
H rating: 2 stars. Zane. He was a jerk at times and he was stupid for not giving them a chance before they were separated.
h rating: 1 star. Chesney. She cried all the time, she was borderline doormat (leaning towards doormat side IMO), when she got riled up she was just plain annoying, she wasn't honest with the H, and I just really disliked her (obviously by my rant). I don't think I've ever given a h such a low rating before.
Sadness level: Low. There were some major heavy themes, but I found myself not invested enough to really get effected by them.
Heat level: Moderate/low. Some sexy times, but kind of meh.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: They had a HEA, but by that time I was majorly skimming so I couldn't tell you if I was satisfied with it.
Worth the $?: No. Again...if it was .99 maybe -- but at 3.99, No.
Overall Opinion: I really do hate giving such a low rating, but his was really hard to get through. I ended up skimming the last few chapters because at that point I'm sorry to say that I really didn't care what happened. I found the h to be annoying. There were parts of the book that I don't understand why they were part of their story because they really weren't needed (the prologue with her ex detailing the abuse she went through, the girl the H used for sex consistently before the h, an attempted attack on the h, etc.). I was reading the sample as a .99 book, but when it came time to purchase (and I didn't notice until it was too late) it jumped up to 3.99, and frankly I just don't think it was worth that. I know I sound really cheap, but with how many books I read -- I expect a good read for that amount. If it was .99 I would've been ok with the loss more I think.
Storyline: This is Chesney and Zane's story. They meet when Chesney gets her first assignment in the Air Force in England, and he is running an initiation meeting. They are instantly attracted, but Zane is a manwhore who doesn't do relationships (or even let the woman sleep in his bed after sex) and is reluctant to start anything with Chesney because he can tell she would want more. He is still intrigued by her, and after a good bit of hot/cold they give a relationship a shot. They fall in love and then something happens that splits them apart . 8 years later, they meet again and realize that they still love each other and find their HEA.
Here are some doozy spoilers, so click at your own risk...
POV: This alternated between Chesney and Zane's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I skimmed a lot at the end because I was over it.
H rating: 2 stars. Zane. He was a jerk at times and he was stupid for not giving them a chance before they were separated.
h rating: 1 star. Chesney. She cried all the time, she was borderline doormat (leaning towards doormat side IMO), when she got riled up she was just plain annoying, she wasn't honest with the H, and I just really disliked her (obviously by my rant). I don't think I've ever given a h such a low rating before.
Sadness level: Low. There were some major heavy themes, but I found myself not invested enough to really get effected by them.
Heat level: Moderate/low. Some sexy times, but kind of meh.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: They had a HEA, but by that time I was majorly skimming so I couldn't tell you if I was satisfied with it.
Worth the $?: No. Again...if it was .99 maybe -- but at 3.99, No.
Want to read
November 3, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/3/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Chesney longs to leave her troubled past behind…
After leaving an abusive relationship, Chesney Ward craves more than her small town has to offer. Seeking escape and adventure, she joins the military, but when she arrives at her first duty station in England, she meets Zane, a sergeant with secrets of his own.
Zane thought no woman would ever make him want to settle down…
Staff Sergeant Zane Thomas, a Special Forces airman, has had his heart put through the wringer. His ex-girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend, and he’s been acting the playboy ever since. Then he meets Chesney during a briefing and is immediately drawn to the small town girl with a big heart. Her southern accent and honey-brown eyes make him forget how to breathe.
A passionate encounter leads to more than either bargained for…
Chesney and Zane finally give in to each other, then Zane learns he will be deployed immediately for a year-long assignment. Their new relationship shatters, and he is reminded of why he didn’t want anything serious in the first place. When Zane’s deployment ends, he returns home, but Chesney is gone.
After a long search, Zane locates Chesney, and they have a chance to reconnect and try to rekindle what they once had. But Chesney is faced with sharing a life-altering secret—and the real reason she left England without a proper goodbye.
With PTSD and lies endangering their future, will Chesney be able to love him back, or is Zane too broken to be saved?
Blurb:
Chesney longs to leave her troubled past behind…
After leaving an abusive relationship, Chesney Ward craves more than her small town has to offer. Seeking escape and adventure, she joins the military, but when she arrives at her first duty station in England, she meets Zane, a sergeant with secrets of his own.
Zane thought no woman would ever make him want to settle down…
Staff Sergeant Zane Thomas, a Special Forces airman, has had his heart put through the wringer. His ex-girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend, and he’s been acting the playboy ever since. Then he meets Chesney during a briefing and is immediately drawn to the small town girl with a big heart. Her southern accent and honey-brown eyes make him forget how to breathe.
A passionate encounter leads to more than either bargained for…
Chesney and Zane finally give in to each other, then Zane learns he will be deployed immediately for a year-long assignment. Their new relationship shatters, and he is reminded of why he didn’t want anything serious in the first place. When Zane’s deployment ends, he returns home, but Chesney is gone.
After a long search, Zane locates Chesney, and they have a chance to reconnect and try to rekindle what they once had. But Chesney is faced with sharing a life-altering secret—and the real reason she left England without a proper goodbye.
With PTSD and lies endangering their future, will Chesney be able to love him back, or is Zane too broken to be saved?
May 14, 2015
This book had me on the edge of the seat! The highs and lows you experience with the characters, and you become connected with them that you are trying to figure out what is going to happen next. There are many scenes that I was able to see so vividly. The flow of the book is great and I love how it is setup between the characters. I hope this turns into a movie because I would love to see how the scenes I recreated in my mind actually turn out. I wonder if there is a possibility of another book revolving around one of the other characters and tying the stories together.
September 2, 2016
Hero(s) rating: 4.25 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
Other woman/men drama:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Love Him Back gutted me and brought me back to life. My lord...Chesney & Zane's crazy, crazy love story really left me with a major book hangover (could also be because I stayed up till 1am to finish the book)...
This book delivers a strong message about love, love lost, PTSD, second chances, blended families and just a kick ass happily ever after.
Just take my word for it, read it. You may hate it, you may be okay with it or you could be so emotionally twisted yet captivated by what unfolds before your eyes.
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
Other woman/men drama:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Love Him Back gutted me and brought me back to life. My lord...Chesney & Zane's crazy, crazy love story really left me with a major book hangover (could also be because I stayed up till 1am to finish the book)...
This book delivers a strong message about love, love lost, PTSD, second chances, blended families and just a kick ass happily ever after.
Just take my word for it, read it. You may hate it, you may be okay with it or you could be so emotionally twisted yet captivated by what unfolds before your eyes.
October 19, 2016
I am clearly in the minority when it comes to rating this book.
What I liked:
I do enjoy stories about servicemen, probably because I have so much admiration for their dedication and loyalty (and possibly because they are ever-so-HOT!). I thought the storyline was good, although the execution wasn't top notch.
What I didn't like:
The writing didn't flow, it felt quite disjointed for the most part, and I felt a disconnect with characters. For someone who had gone through horrific abuse, I wouldn't have known had it not been for the Prologue, there weren't many signs of her abusive past. The first time it seemed to affect her was near the end when Zane was having a nightmare and he grabbed her, scaring her (which was a little OTT in my books). I honestly thought this book would feature her lack of confidence, her being scared to enter another relationship, and Zane protecting her and showing her men weren't all like her ex. To me, Chesney came across as quite confident and wanton.
The initial relationship between Zane and Dylan was odd. .
Some of the protocol used was a little questionable (I stand to be corrected). I was always under the impression that deployed soldiers were not allowed to let family know exactly when they were leaving a war zone, or country at war, to return home, but Chesney said she received an email telling her Zane was safely out of Afghanistan and on his way home.
I was disappointed that the kids didn't play a bigger role in the story. On Zane's return, Chesney stayed with him in the UK until he moved back to the States (I think it was about three weeks or more), and then Zane also took Chesney back to the UK on a special occasion, again without the kids. They were also a blip on the wedding day, mentioned only briefly.
Overall, an okay read, not a book that excites me, though.
What I liked:
I do enjoy stories about servicemen, probably because I have so much admiration for their dedication and loyalty (and possibly because they are ever-so-HOT!). I thought the storyline was good, although the execution wasn't top notch.
What I didn't like:
The writing didn't flow, it felt quite disjointed for the most part, and I felt a disconnect with characters. For someone who had gone through horrific abuse, I wouldn't have known had it not been for the Prologue, there weren't many signs of her abusive past. The first time it seemed to affect her was near the end when Zane was having a nightmare and he grabbed her, scaring her (which was a little OTT in my books). I honestly thought this book would feature her lack of confidence, her being scared to enter another relationship, and Zane protecting her and showing her men weren't all like her ex. To me, Chesney came across as quite confident and wanton.
The initial relationship between Zane and Dylan was odd. .
Some of the protocol used was a little questionable (I stand to be corrected). I was always under the impression that deployed soldiers were not allowed to let family know exactly when they were leaving a war zone, or country at war, to return home, but Chesney said she received an email telling her Zane was safely out of Afghanistan and on his way home.
I was disappointed that the kids didn't play a bigger role in the story. On Zane's return, Chesney stayed with him in the UK until he moved back to the States (I think it was about three weeks or more), and then Zane also took Chesney back to the UK on a special occasion, again without the kids. They were also a blip on the wedding day, mentioned only briefly.
Overall, an okay read, not a book that excites me, though.
May 18, 2015
I received an eARC of Love Him Back. It was absolutely incredible. It hooked me from the very beginning. I went through many emotions while reading this amazing love story. I was happy, sad, angry, shocked, and so much more. It had me laughing in some parts and crying in others. As I was reading I could envision the characters and what they were going through. It is a powerful story that had me wanting more! It was very well written. I can't wait to read more of Kris Nacole's work. This is a great breakout book for her!
June 7, 2017
I love the twists, turns and suspense in this delicious book. However, it's not fair when a woman makes her soul- mate pay for the abuse of an ex-lover. The first time Ian beat Chesney should have been the last time, as well as Ian's final day on earth. But nope she stayed until she couldn't take it anymore. And then she ran away and joined the Air Force where she met Zane, her Commanding Officer and the healer of her heart. Awesome story!
May 13, 2015
I just finished this book, Love Me Back and i must say....its an awesome book! When I was reading it, I could actually see the characters and it all played out so even and it had a great flow to it! I went from laughing one mintute to crying to next. I love how this ended...makes me wonder if there will be another??
July 23, 2015
Review to come on:
December 2, 2015
A fantastic military romance - great characters and beautifully written.
Check out my full video review here: https://youtu.be/f_IbVOZlfAA
Check out my full video review here: https://youtu.be/f_IbVOZlfAA
January 26, 2020
Could have been awesome
This book could have been so good. Unfortunately the middle section of the story ruined the whole thing. I had to force myself to finish it. Take out the part starting with the heroine getting angry when the hero gets deployed, to the part where he tracks her down six years later and immediately forgives her for never telling him about his son and it would be a great story where you sympathize with and root for the characters. As it is now I ended up hating her and did not really want her to have a happy ending. That section of the story ruined him for me too.
This book could have been so good. Unfortunately the middle section of the story ruined the whole thing. I had to force myself to finish it. Take out the part starting with the heroine getting angry when the hero gets deployed, to the part where he tracks her down six years later and immediately forgives her for never telling him about his son and it would be a great story where you sympathize with and root for the characters. As it is now I ended up hating her and did not really want her to have a happy ending. That section of the story ruined him for me too.
November 8, 2015
Kris Nacole's debut novel "Love Him Back" had the balance of emotion and desire a romance reader would devour in a heart beat. This story brings to light the struggles of an abusive relationship, but counters it with a future love that dampened my own eyes. I would recommend this novel to many military wives/girlfriends just to give them that spark of hope.
Kris Nacole adds a tender touch to her love scenes and an accurate account of military life. Absolutely a great first read for any newbie romance readers!
Kris Nacole adds a tender touch to her love scenes and an accurate account of military life. Absolutely a great first read for any newbie romance readers!
August 4, 2015
Excellent read from start to finish! The author was so fluid with her descriptive writing, that I, as the reader, was able to actually see the scenes play out in my mind. One of my favorite things when reading, is when the author gives us different points of views from characters. It was enjoyable to read both points of view from Chesney and Zane! I am absolutely looking forward to reading more from this author!
May 17, 2015
I love this book!! It's very well written and the characters were very well developed. I connected very well with the characters, I was hooked from the first page. This is a great debut novel for Kris Nacole. This is one book that I will be able to read again and again. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone and I look forward to reading the next book by this author.
May 15, 2015
I received an advance eARC of Love Him Back. I was very impressed with this book and how well written it is. It hooked me from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I loved the chemistry between the main characters! I look forward to reading more from this author!
August 26, 2015
What an emotional roller coaster! Kris Nacole is very good at creating characters and her hero Zane, what a man!
A good story and characters, I could see it so clearly as they laughed and cried and kissed and made up.
A good story and characters, I could see it so clearly as they laughed and cried and kissed and made up.
August 25, 2015
This book sucked me in from the prologue. I laughed, cried, and felt the same emotions as the characters. The characters were easy to relate to and it helped me to connect to the characters and their triumphs and struggles. This book was very well written and I would recommend it to anyone.
September 8, 2015
This is the best book I have read in a long time! I read it all in one day if that says anything! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys romance along with military life. I would be so happy if one day it was turned into a movie!
September 11, 2015
This book was great. I loved how the author touched on the subject of PTSD and how it effects the individual and family.
September 21, 2021
This is simply a love story like no other, full of every emotions you can think of. Pages jump out at you...i could not put it down. Love all the characters as well as the lengthy plot... I only wished i had a box of tissues at hand. Lol. The only thing that i wanted to know, but was not in the novel was which air base they were stationed at in the UK. Woodbridge would of been the one to use as many American personal was stationed there years ago, but unlikely now, and it is far away from London so would not add up with the time to get to London and back by bus in a short amount of time. Non of the others would be close enough either to make that short distance. Any way i enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to reading more from the author.
November 12, 2017
Love Him Back
Thank you for this wonderful story Kris Nacole. I enjoyed reading this story. I haven't given out many give star reviews. This one touched me in so many different ways. First love a great military romance. And the ups and downs that affect those who serve and suffer from PTSD was shown with great compassion. Being a job combative vet, I haven't been touched with what those who have. But my heart goes out to them and their families who all love through it.
This love story was about two service members who met, loved and lost. Only to reunite once more. And wee able to work out that they can grow through the troubles together. And become a healthy family.
Thank you for this wonderful story Kris Nacole. I enjoyed reading this story. I haven't given out many give star reviews. This one touched me in so many different ways. First love a great military romance. And the ups and downs that affect those who serve and suffer from PTSD was shown with great compassion. Being a job combative vet, I haven't been touched with what those who have. But my heart goes out to them and their families who all love through it.
This love story was about two service members who met, loved and lost. Only to reunite once more. And wee able to work out that they can grow through the troubles together. And become a healthy family.
September 2, 2018
This was, for me, one of those love stories that could not be put down! It was not a story of abuse in a relationship as I thought with the prologue. It was, instead, a story of survival. Survival from abuse, survival from a despicable war, survival from PTSD. Zane fought his attraction and ultimate love of Chesney and drove her away. 9 years later they reconnect and get their hea. Not, however, without many obstacles in between.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it!
November 15, 2018
Faith
This book hits on three most challenging issues we face today with our friends and family. The problems continue to hurt a lot of people, but for some reason they feel they are alone.
This book hits on three most challenging issues we face today with our friends and family. The problems continue to hurt a lot of people, but for some reason they feel they are alone.
July 29, 2024
Great story
This story has strength, danger,suspence, and a lot of patients, keeping you turning the pages to read what happens next until the very last page,looking forward to reading more books from this author
This story has strength, danger,suspence, and a lot of patients, keeping you turning the pages to read what happens next until the very last page,looking forward to reading more books from this author
April 15, 2019
I loved this book. The way Chesney, fought to get her selves together and fought for what she wanted was beautiful. I could not stop reading.
I am surely going to checkout more books of this writer.
I am surely going to checkout more books of this writer.
October 18, 2020
Love him back
Oh my god I loved it,it made me cry ,it made me laugh .and it made my heart hurt .would definitely recommend anyone to read it.
Oh my god I loved it,it made me cry ,it made me laugh .and it made my heart hurt .would definitely recommend anyone to read it.
February 2, 2021
Amazing story
I loved this story. It’s full of emotion and covers some really serious subjects which were written into story perfectly. !!.
I loved this story. It’s full of emotion and covers some really serious subjects which were written into story perfectly. !!.
October 11, 2021
I love this story. This story is full of love, heartbreak, anger, frustration and happiness all in one. I definitely recommend this story.
Want to read
February 26, 2017I loved this book. Was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Very good portrait of military romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews