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Blaze of Glory #1
Imperfect
US Special Forces, Staff Sargeant Ethan Stone, lives by one mantra “fight or die”.
The army is his life, his men are his family. So when an injury sends him home from Afghanistan, the nightmares of what he’s witnessed can no longer be kept at bay. The alcohol he drowns himself in every night only sinks him further into depression’s abyss. Waking after one of his benders, Stone is greeted by a tiny, knife wielding firecracker and one destroyed bar.
Saddles, was meant to be her escape. A new start away from an abusive relationship and a way to fulfill her daddy’s dying wish. But all the bar has brought Shannon is debt collectors and pushy buyers threatening to destroy her. The last thing she needs is a handsome, angry soldier to distract her.
All he wanted, was to pay for the damages. But when she refuses there is only one thing he can do. But when a familiar face from his past changes everything, can they learn to work together?
Will they find salvation in each other’s arms?
The army is his life, his men are his family. So when an injury sends him home from Afghanistan, the nightmares of what he’s witnessed can no longer be kept at bay. The alcohol he drowns himself in every night only sinks him further into depression’s abyss. Waking after one of his benders, Stone is greeted by a tiny, knife wielding firecracker and one destroyed bar.
Saddles, was meant to be her escape. A new start away from an abusive relationship and a way to fulfill her daddy’s dying wish. But all the bar has brought Shannon is debt collectors and pushy buyers threatening to destroy her. The last thing she needs is a handsome, angry soldier to distract her.
All he wanted, was to pay for the damages. But when she refuses there is only one thing he can do. But when a familiar face from his past changes everything, can they learn to work together?
Will they find salvation in each other’s arms?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2015
113 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Cherry Shephard
28 books157 followersCherry is an Australian author with an unhealthy obsession for Jason Momoa and Jared Leto.
Her tastes are more than a little eclectic, and you can often find her reading (or writing) a variety of fiction styles, from romance, to whodunit? and even thriller and young adult.
Cherry believes that her unique flair for writing several genres makes her an author for all audiences.
Her tastes are more than a little eclectic, and you can often find her reading (or writing) a variety of fiction styles, from romance, to whodunit? and even thriller and young adult.
Cherry believes that her unique flair for writing several genres makes her an author for all audiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 8, 2015
I finish this book in just a day, so the pacing was quite good and the plot was rather engaging for me. The reason I can't rate this any higher is due to the swift relationship development between the hero and the heroine and some drama was being glossed over.
Shannon is a woman who got off an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend and went back hometown to tend to her late father's bar.
Ethan Stone is a drunk war vet who suffered from PTSD. The surprising part of Stone is he isn't a brooding jerk, he mostly is a drunk-ass jerk who is quick with his fist. I like the fact that this is the first time I actually read about a desperate drunk that have problem recovering.
Stone got into a bar fight at Shannon's place and then he was put into work by his friend's Keets as payback for Shannon. It didn't take long for them both to get in between the sheets. Honestly, due to Shannon's past, I thought it will take longer to get into her pants.
I admire the fact that Shannon want to help Stone to get better and be there for him. So I understand why Stone will fall for this woman. But as for why would Shannon care so much about Stone while barely knowing him? I don't get it. He reminds me of her ex, with his drinking and bar fights. I thought she should be more caution. Honestly, he is not such a great catch. He was basically a mess.
Meanwhile, we have an sudden appearance of Stone's son and a shocking revelation about the truth behind Shannon's father's death. Stone's son, Zeke is an angle that I wish the author could explore more on it. I always love reading on father-son relationship.
Overall, I think as per the title, is an Imperfect story for me, but nonetheless it was quite an interesting quick read.
Shannon is a woman who got off an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend and went back hometown to tend to her late father's bar.
Ethan Stone is a drunk war vet who suffered from PTSD. The surprising part of Stone is he isn't a brooding jerk, he mostly is a drunk-ass jerk who is quick with his fist. I like the fact that this is the first time I actually read about a desperate drunk that have problem recovering.
Stone got into a bar fight at Shannon's place and then he was put into work by his friend's Keets as payback for Shannon. It didn't take long for them both to get in between the sheets. Honestly, due to Shannon's past, I thought it will take longer to get into her pants.
I admire the fact that Shannon want to help Stone to get better and be there for him. So I understand why Stone will fall for this woman. But as for why would Shannon care so much about Stone while barely knowing him? I don't get it. He reminds me of her ex, with his drinking and bar fights. I thought she should be more caution. Honestly, he is not such a great catch. He was basically a mess.
Meanwhile, we have an sudden appearance of Stone's son and a shocking revelation about the truth behind Shannon's father's death. Stone's son, Zeke is an angle that I wish the author could explore more on it. I always love reading on father-son relationship.
Overall, I think as per the title, is an Imperfect story for me, but nonetheless it was quite an interesting quick read.
February 4, 2017
Please, this book is ridiculous on so many levels I'm thinking it should be removed from circulation... Harsh, yes, but still true.
Let's see, as a minor issue, there seem to be serious timing issues with all the past happenings. From what I can tell, this book is set in 2015ish (give or take a year). The h is clearly stated as 29yo now and that she took off with her (soon to be abusive) boyfriend at 19. And yet she remembers watching 9/11 unfold with her abusive boyfriend asleep near by. And now your just saying I've got the present date wrong aren't you... Well, the H clearly states that he was pre army in 9/11 and insisted on enlisting after that. Now his dying wife - oh yeah, did I forget to mention he'd married young and she filed for divorce when he enlisted, but they never did the paperwork - anyway, dying wife, shows up to drop off their 14yo son, who she never told the H about. So yeah, timing issues. Plus, the dying wife and single mother of this boy shows up, drops him off and leaves to go back to palliative care... and there's really no further mention of her again. The kid doesn't talk to her, or want to see her. And she obviously doesn't give a fuck that she just dropped a emotionally struggling teen off with a mentally unstable drunk!
Next, we have the seriously traumatized and (literally) tourtured ex-soldier who is suffering from nightmares, PTSD, and alcoholism (to name the clearly defined issues). But don't worry, well inside three weeks and he is cured of all three and marrying someone he barely knows because she needs money, and I'm not sure he has more than 3 'conversations' (and I use that term lightly) with the kid that was dumped on his doorstep. He's more interested in getting his wick wet, so much so that on the kids second night, he shows up drunk, has a go at him for not talking, and let's a woman he barely knows (this ones just a side character, not the h) take him home and keep him for over a week... Granted, he is trying to dry out in this time, but his first action on succeeding is to fuck the h and take her out to dinner, where he proposes so that she will take his money (I'll get to this bit soon). Then, next day, he goes to the bar (it's the h's, and a main scene for the book) to check on it and his friend... but not to see his kid. I'm pretty sure the only reason they had more contact is cause the h ran in to the kid and bribed him home.
The h... What can we say, country girl has her 19yo head turned by a city biker and runs off with him. He quickly turns abusive in a sadistic way and she spends 9-15yrs (given the timing mess, and by the sounds, she left him over a year before the 'now') under his thumb instead of leaving, even after she finds out he's a drug dealer, abusive and she's pretty sure a murderer. But she finally gets her shit together after her dad dies and decides to leave him. So, what do you think an abused woman would do who has been living under his rules and punishments for years? I mean, there's the scene where he beats her just for going for a walk down the river without his permission... Would she leave while he was out? NO... she packs and waits for him to come home to tell him she's going and then is surprised when he says you're not going and beats her again. And moving on, she's a abuse and rape victim of years... but second day and she's ready to fuck this guy who may be her friends buddy, but he is obviously a drunk with anger issues.
Bad guys... guess what, one of them just happens to be the local town gossip! Of course. So add the town gossip who's been pressuring her to sell the bar, to the drug dealing abusive sadistic ex (who apparently let her walk away and never came after her, even tho she'd inherited from daddy), and throw in his creepy little boss (fat monopoly man) too. Turns out daddy (gotta say, adults still working on 'daddy this and daddy that' bugs me) tried to see her after almost a decade and but the sadist fobbed him off, but not before he loaned him 200k of the fat monopoly mans money to 'do up' the very much not done up bar. After A YEAR, gossip, brings monopoly man into to see the girl to say daddy owes us big, and you have to sell cheap or pay... and true to form, this brainless book has the equally brainless h asking pretty much no questions and going gee wiz, really, daddy owed money, oh my. When she finds out it was all under the table, she doesn't bother to look into the monopoly man, or the gossip, or go to the police, she just sits on her thumb and fucks the asshole drunk for the entire two week grace period they give her.
Anyway, enter the 'I've known you 5 minutes, you're all sorts of fucked up, and have a grieving kid to get to know, but I'll marry you for your money wedding' two weeks after they met... Yes, two weeks. But wait there's more... cops show up and arrest her at the reception for the murder of the girl she's pretty sure her ex killed. So, asshole H, moans no, don't take her, and then goes home and gets drunk while she's sitting in jail in her wedding dress. Yes, yes he did. Anyway, kids throws a tanty and kicks his ass into gear... Does he call the station? A lawyer perhaps? No, he goes to the nightclub an hour away where he happened to run into the sadist ONCE, but yes, he finds him, sitting all cozy with the gossip and the fat monopoly man, and proceeds to get the sadist to spill his guts (yes, it's so stupid, she doesn't even bother writing the actual event, just the howdy and then the 'so this happened' later). So, the hardened criminal sadist, with his boss sitting beside him spills about killing the girl, tricking the dad and loaning him dirty money... AND... Yep, killing the dad when he couldn't pay up!
And just to clear that up, the dad was faithfully still riding the beloved horse he got the h for her 12th birthday since she left town, which got spooked by hunting dogs and when daddy fell off, they ripped out his throat... but that kind of thing happens every day right! No questions about that death. She of course can't face riding any more, but the kid likes the idea, so they bond over him learning (in a day or two) on the horse she thinks is traumatized from her dads attack... While she's stuck in a wheel chair, with a convenient, not quite broken leg, but can't use it for 2 months so she 'has' to move in with the asshole drunk who has a new kid to deal with.
So now, we are free of all trauma, vices, ex's, charges and debts... Oh, they each think, the other hasn't realized that with no debt, they no longer need to be married to me! Woe is me, they both think, I don't want the other one to figure that out... so they fuck... Yay, they both think, annulments off the table when the other one finally has an intelligent thought (there's been no evidence of ANY IQ in this book todate, so I won't hold my breath). Yes, this is really how this part of the story goes. But the light bulb moment actually turns out to be 'oh, I love you', 'oh, I love you too', kisses! TWO AND A HALF WEEKS PEOPLE!
And yes, kids stoked to have a new step mum and 'a month later' they are all getting ready to head to Hawaii... No need to spare a thought for dying mum. Time to move the fuck on!
Let's see, as a minor issue, there seem to be serious timing issues with all the past happenings. From what I can tell, this book is set in 2015ish (give or take a year). The h is clearly stated as 29yo now and that she took off with her (soon to be abusive) boyfriend at 19. And yet she remembers watching 9/11 unfold with her abusive boyfriend asleep near by. And now your just saying I've got the present date wrong aren't you... Well, the H clearly states that he was pre army in 9/11 and insisted on enlisting after that. Now his dying wife - oh yeah, did I forget to mention he'd married young and she filed for divorce when he enlisted, but they never did the paperwork - anyway, dying wife, shows up to drop off their 14yo son, who she never told the H about. So yeah, timing issues. Plus, the dying wife and single mother of this boy shows up, drops him off and leaves to go back to palliative care... and there's really no further mention of her again. The kid doesn't talk to her, or want to see her. And she obviously doesn't give a fuck that she just dropped a emotionally struggling teen off with a mentally unstable drunk!
Next, we have the seriously traumatized and (literally) tourtured ex-soldier who is suffering from nightmares, PTSD, and alcoholism (to name the clearly defined issues). But don't worry, well inside three weeks and he is cured of all three and marrying someone he barely knows because she needs money, and I'm not sure he has more than 3 'conversations' (and I use that term lightly) with the kid that was dumped on his doorstep. He's more interested in getting his wick wet, so much so that on the kids second night, he shows up drunk, has a go at him for not talking, and let's a woman he barely knows (this ones just a side character, not the h) take him home and keep him for over a week... Granted, he is trying to dry out in this time, but his first action on succeeding is to fuck the h and take her out to dinner, where he proposes so that she will take his money (I'll get to this bit soon). Then, next day, he goes to the bar (it's the h's, and a main scene for the book) to check on it and his friend... but not to see his kid. I'm pretty sure the only reason they had more contact is cause the h ran in to the kid and bribed him home.
The h... What can we say, country girl has her 19yo head turned by a city biker and runs off with him. He quickly turns abusive in a sadistic way and she spends 9-15yrs (given the timing mess, and by the sounds, she left him over a year before the 'now') under his thumb instead of leaving, even after she finds out he's a drug dealer, abusive and she's pretty sure a murderer. But she finally gets her shit together after her dad dies and decides to leave him. So, what do you think an abused woman would do who has been living under his rules and punishments for years? I mean, there's the scene where he beats her just for going for a walk down the river without his permission... Would she leave while he was out? NO... she packs and waits for him to come home to tell him she's going and then is surprised when he says you're not going and beats her again. And moving on, she's a abuse and rape victim of years... but second day and she's ready to fuck this guy who may be her friends buddy, but he is obviously a drunk with anger issues.
Bad guys... guess what, one of them just happens to be the local town gossip! Of course. So add the town gossip who's been pressuring her to sell the bar, to the drug dealing abusive sadistic ex (who apparently let her walk away and never came after her, even tho she'd inherited from daddy), and throw in his creepy little boss (fat monopoly man) too. Turns out daddy (gotta say, adults still working on 'daddy this and daddy that' bugs me) tried to see her after almost a decade and but the sadist fobbed him off, but not before he loaned him 200k of the fat monopoly mans money to 'do up' the very much not done up bar. After A YEAR, gossip, brings monopoly man into to see the girl to say daddy owes us big, and you have to sell cheap or pay... and true to form, this brainless book has the equally brainless h asking pretty much no questions and going gee wiz, really, daddy owed money, oh my. When she finds out it was all under the table, she doesn't bother to look into the monopoly man, or the gossip, or go to the police, she just sits on her thumb and fucks the asshole drunk for the entire two week grace period they give her.
Anyway, enter the 'I've known you 5 minutes, you're all sorts of fucked up, and have a grieving kid to get to know, but I'll marry you for your money wedding' two weeks after they met... Yes, two weeks. But wait there's more... cops show up and arrest her at the reception for the murder of the girl she's pretty sure her ex killed. So, asshole H, moans no, don't take her, and then goes home and gets drunk while she's sitting in jail in her wedding dress. Yes, yes he did. Anyway, kids throws a tanty and kicks his ass into gear... Does he call the station? A lawyer perhaps? No, he goes to the nightclub an hour away where he happened to run into the sadist ONCE, but yes, he finds him, sitting all cozy with the gossip and the fat monopoly man, and proceeds to get the sadist to spill his guts (yes, it's so stupid, she doesn't even bother writing the actual event, just the howdy and then the 'so this happened' later). So, the hardened criminal sadist, with his boss sitting beside him spills about killing the girl, tricking the dad and loaning him dirty money... AND... Yep, killing the dad when he couldn't pay up!
And just to clear that up, the dad was faithfully still riding the beloved horse he got the h for her 12th birthday since she left town, which got spooked by hunting dogs and when daddy fell off, they ripped out his throat... but that kind of thing happens every day right! No questions about that death. She of course can't face riding any more, but the kid likes the idea, so they bond over him learning (in a day or two) on the horse she thinks is traumatized from her dads attack... While she's stuck in a wheel chair, with a convenient, not quite broken leg, but can't use it for 2 months so she 'has' to move in with the asshole drunk who has a new kid to deal with.
So now, we are free of all trauma, vices, ex's, charges and debts... Oh, they each think, the other hasn't realized that with no debt, they no longer need to be married to me! Woe is me, they both think, I don't want the other one to figure that out... so they fuck... Yay, they both think, annulments off the table when the other one finally has an intelligent thought (there's been no evidence of ANY IQ in this book todate, so I won't hold my breath). Yes, this is really how this part of the story goes. But the light bulb moment actually turns out to be 'oh, I love you', 'oh, I love you too', kisses! TWO AND A HALF WEEKS PEOPLE!
And yes, kids stoked to have a new step mum and 'a month later' they are all getting ready to head to Hawaii... No need to spare a thought for dying mum. Time to move the fuck on!
March 12, 2016
Yikes. Not good. 0 to 60 in 10 seconds. No story / character development and to be honest the hero was a douche. His primary concern should have been sorting himself out and caring for his son was had just lost his mother. Instead his son gets shipped off to a friends whilst he concentrates on beer and wooing his crush. I defo didn't pick up any romantic chemistry between the two and there appeared to be no sense of time. They seemed to marry within 2 weeks of having met. Nah, this book wasn't for me.
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August 16, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (8/16/2018)!💝
Blurb:
US Special Forces, Staff Sargeant Ethan Stone, lives by one mantra “fight or die”.
The army is his life, his men are his family. So when an injury sends him home from Afghanistan, the nightmares of what he’s witnessed can no longer be kept at bay. The alcohol he drowns himself in every night only sinks him further into depression’s abyss. Waking after one of his benders, Stone is greeted by a tiny, knife wielding firecracker and one destroyed bar.
Saddles, was meant to be her escape. A new start away from an abusive relationship and a way to fulfill her daddy’s dying wish. But all the bar has brought Shannon is debt collectors and pushy buyers threatening to destroy her. The last thing she needs is a handsome, angry soldier to distract her.
All he wanted, was to pay for the damages. But when she refuses there is only one thing he can do. But when a familiar face from his past changes everything, can they learn to work together?
Will they find salvation in each other’s arms?
Blurb:
US Special Forces, Staff Sargeant Ethan Stone, lives by one mantra “fight or die”.
The army is his life, his men are his family. So when an injury sends him home from Afghanistan, the nightmares of what he’s witnessed can no longer be kept at bay. The alcohol he drowns himself in every night only sinks him further into depression’s abyss. Waking after one of his benders, Stone is greeted by a tiny, knife wielding firecracker and one destroyed bar.
Saddles, was meant to be her escape. A new start away from an abusive relationship and a way to fulfill her daddy’s dying wish. But all the bar has brought Shannon is debt collectors and pushy buyers threatening to destroy her. The last thing she needs is a handsome, angry soldier to distract her.
All he wanted, was to pay for the damages. But when she refuses there is only one thing he can do. But when a familiar face from his past changes everything, can they learn to work together?
Will they find salvation in each other’s arms?
October 11, 2015
After reading the synopsis of this book, I just had to read it. It only took me a day to read the book from start to finish, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I was hoping I would. There were parts I really liked about this story, and others not so much. But just like with every book, not everyone is going to love the same thing.
I really liked Shannon AFTER she left her abusive relationship. Though I would have like to see how she found herself after she left that relationship. She was a meek woman with her ex, but when you see her next, she’s this strong woman who is determined to take care of herself.
Ethan Stone is a ruggedly handsome, broken solider. He’s a drunk who can’t seem to get over what he experienced during his tour of duty (which considering what he’d seen, is totally understandable). After he causes a fight in Shannon’s bar, he’s now the new bartender (which probably isn’t the best idea for an alcoholic)
I enjoyed the characters, but the relationship between Shannon and Ethan, I would have liked more depth. First they can’t stand each other, and then next thing you know, their ripping each other’s clothes off. They don’t really know each other and don’t really spend any time together, but they’ve fallen hard for each other. I would have liked to see their relationship develop a little more before the I love you’s start popping out.
As I said, there were some good things about this book, but I wish there was just more. I think that if the author went more in depth with the characters (especially Zeke, Stone’s son, who just comes out of nowhere) this story would have been better. As always, don’t let my review stop you from reading this book though, just because it wasn’t my favorite, doesn’t mean it won’t be yours!
**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
I really liked Shannon AFTER she left her abusive relationship. Though I would have like to see how she found herself after she left that relationship. She was a meek woman with her ex, but when you see her next, she’s this strong woman who is determined to take care of herself.
Ethan Stone is a ruggedly handsome, broken solider. He’s a drunk who can’t seem to get over what he experienced during his tour of duty (which considering what he’d seen, is totally understandable). After he causes a fight in Shannon’s bar, he’s now the new bartender (which probably isn’t the best idea for an alcoholic)
I enjoyed the characters, but the relationship between Shannon and Ethan, I would have liked more depth. First they can’t stand each other, and then next thing you know, their ripping each other’s clothes off. They don’t really know each other and don’t really spend any time together, but they’ve fallen hard for each other. I would have liked to see their relationship develop a little more before the I love you’s start popping out.
As I said, there were some good things about this book, but I wish there was just more. I think that if the author went more in depth with the characters (especially Zeke, Stone’s son, who just comes out of nowhere) this story would have been better. As always, don’t let my review stop you from reading this book though, just because it wasn’t my favorite, doesn’t mean it won’t be yours!
**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
October 24, 2015
Not gonna lie, there were parts of this that were trying to read. I live this daily, so it hit very close to home. This was my Cherry popper, and I loved it. No regrets.
PTSD is very trying at best and deadly at it's worst. I think Cherry did an excellent job with her portrayal of it.
This was a nice story of two broken people getting whole.
Can't wait to see where this series goes.
*ARC provided in exchange for my honest opinion.
PTSD is very trying at best and deadly at it's worst. I think Cherry did an excellent job with her portrayal of it.
This was a nice story of two broken people getting whole.
Can't wait to see where this series goes.
*ARC provided in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 12, 2017
This was my first book by this author and while sadly I can't give it anymore than my current rating, it hasn't put me off wanting to read more by her.
I really loved the beginning of the story and thought that it had so much potential but I felt that it didn't live up to that potential. There was too many story lines going on, and I would have preferred if the author had stuck to a couple of those ideas and developed her characters a lot more rather than to include everything. I wanted to connect to Shannon and Stone, but I feel like the really interesting parts to their stories were rushed over. Maybe I will learn more about them in the next book?
I really loved the beginning of the story and thought that it had so much potential but I felt that it didn't live up to that potential. There was too many story lines going on, and I would have preferred if the author had stuck to a couple of those ideas and developed her characters a lot more rather than to include everything. I wanted to connect to Shannon and Stone, but I feel like the really interesting parts to their stories were rushed over. Maybe I will learn more about them in the next book?
December 29, 2017
Good!
This was the first book I've read by this author, but I can't wait to read book 2. From the opening pages this book hooks you in. The story, the characters, their trouble past, it is really enjoyable and touching at the same time. Shannon and Stone are probably a match made in heaven because of their past, and it takes two troubled souls to heal one another. I look forward to book 2. ☺
This was the first book I've read by this author, but I can't wait to read book 2. From the opening pages this book hooks you in. The story, the characters, their trouble past, it is really enjoyable and touching at the same time. Shannon and Stone are probably a match made in heaven because of their past, and it takes two troubled souls to heal one another. I look forward to book 2. ☺
September 18, 2015
I have had the privilege to receive and ARC of this book and I must say…..
FUCKING EPIC WORK.
Ethan Stone a gorgeous, muscular, tall, and possessive man, has been out of the US Special Forces for a few months. But still severely suffers from what he was put through. He is damaged. He is lost, scared and feels all alone. His only friend that helps his struggles, is alcohol. But soon he will find that Alcohol will not help him any more. But maybe a beautiful some by the name of Shann will.
Shannon Harper, a beautiful, strong, stubborn women, who has been given control over her late daddy’s bar, Saddles. Has been beaten down in life by a disgusting, emotional & physical abuser name Troy. Shannon has proven her strength by not just surviving the thrashings she received from Troy. But got on a bus and left his control. If only he had forgotten her…..
Not only does Shann struggle with memories of her past, but has now been threaten by another man that her daddy owed money too. A man that has only given her weeks to find a lot of money. Money she does not have. What will she do???? This I will leave you to find out for yourself.
This book made me laugh, cry and my heart ache so so bad for them. (It was still thudding in my chest for a good 30 minutes after I had finished).
But most of all, I was sucked into each characters story of which really made me Feel so much. Feel the bad, the good, the great and the downright sinfully naughty. Yes. Have fresh panties at the ready.
This book is about struggles that so many real life people deal with daily. So it is very easy to relate to these characters. You can’t help but struggle to put the book down. You just want to know how they survive. What they do. And trust me when I say, what every you think will happen along the way. Cherry has found ways of surprising you.
I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone (18 & over)
Love Love LOVED IT
FUCKING EPIC WORK.
Ethan Stone a gorgeous, muscular, tall, and possessive man, has been out of the US Special Forces for a few months. But still severely suffers from what he was put through. He is damaged. He is lost, scared and feels all alone. His only friend that helps his struggles, is alcohol. But soon he will find that Alcohol will not help him any more. But maybe a beautiful some by the name of Shann will.
Shannon Harper, a beautiful, strong, stubborn women, who has been given control over her late daddy’s bar, Saddles. Has been beaten down in life by a disgusting, emotional & physical abuser name Troy. Shannon has proven her strength by not just surviving the thrashings she received from Troy. But got on a bus and left his control. If only he had forgotten her…..
Not only does Shann struggle with memories of her past, but has now been threaten by another man that her daddy owed money too. A man that has only given her weeks to find a lot of money. Money she does not have. What will she do???? This I will leave you to find out for yourself.
This book made me laugh, cry and my heart ache so so bad for them. (It was still thudding in my chest for a good 30 minutes after I had finished).
But most of all, I was sucked into each characters story of which really made me Feel so much. Feel the bad, the good, the great and the downright sinfully naughty. Yes. Have fresh panties at the ready.
This book is about struggles that so many real life people deal with daily. So it is very easy to relate to these characters. You can’t help but struggle to put the book down. You just want to know how they survive. What they do. And trust me when I say, what every you think will happen along the way. Cherry has found ways of surprising you.
I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone (18 & over)
Love Love LOVED IT
December 31, 2015
Love and a drowning man…
Sergeant Ethan Stone had felt compelled to join the army, to fight for his country and the citizens in it. When he returned home years later he was a broken man, living one bottle at a time. When Shannon returns home it is to escape a different kind of hell, to regroup, to rebuild. When the two meet, sparks fly right away but they both resist the attraction and each other. Is love worth this fight?
“And maybe his kiss did leave me breathless, with a none-too-unpleasant tingling. But there is absolutely no way I’m attracted to him.
Shannon and Ethan are both grieving though definitely in different ways. Ethan can’t see past the bottom of the bottle while Shannon is trying to keep it all together by being as responsible as she can. I couldn’t help but feel for these two lost souls who were obviously damaged by their experiences but still trying to get through each day. With their mutual friend Keets running interference between them, he provides a supportive, caring buffer that guides them both together and to healing.
“Do you have any idea what you fucking do to me?”
If the personal issues these two are dealing with aren’t enough, there is even more drama and hardship to come. To say things come out of left field to challenge them is an understatement and dealing with them is either going to push them harder into their shells or help break them out of it. The plot twists were interesting but the story seemed to stretch a bit thin in spots as so much was happening at once.
The story was engaging with interesting characters and plot turns that has me looking forward to more in the series.
December 10, 2015
Imperfect
“I'm the strong soldier, yet here I am crying like a bitch”
This book was fantastic, heartbreaking and inspiring all rolled into one!
Shannon and Stone are two broken people struggling with living such tortured pasts in both completely different ways.
They have both suffered so much but together they helped to mend each other and find happiness and love from what was a heated first encounter when Stone enters Shannon’s Bar and defends a female co-worker. Stone slowly starts to chip away the wall protecting Shannon’s heart proving to her he just may be her prince deserving of her love and trust. . The torture Stone endured and witnessing the events that haunted him with that young girl is slowly eased by Shannon’s love and help to get him through.
Zeke has suddenly be left with a father he has never met or know (Stone).
He is so lost and feels so alone when suddenly handed over to Stone from his mother who is dying; he is silent and scared not talking but forms a strong bond with Shannon.
Finally Shannon is free to find love again with Stone only for her past - Troy -to frame her for a drug deal murder gone wrong which destroys her on her wedding night....
“But he stays with me through it all. He's my rock. He's my Stone”
Fantastic read, I would recommend this book to anyone. <3 <3
“I'm the strong soldier, yet here I am crying like a bitch”
This book was fantastic, heartbreaking and inspiring all rolled into one!
Shannon and Stone are two broken people struggling with living such tortured pasts in both completely different ways.
They have both suffered so much but together they helped to mend each other and find happiness and love from what was a heated first encounter when Stone enters Shannon’s Bar and defends a female co-worker. Stone slowly starts to chip away the wall protecting Shannon’s heart proving to her he just may be her prince deserving of her love and trust. . The torture Stone endured and witnessing the events that haunted him with that young girl is slowly eased by Shannon’s love and help to get him through.
Zeke has suddenly be left with a father he has never met or know (Stone).
He is so lost and feels so alone when suddenly handed over to Stone from his mother who is dying; he is silent and scared not talking but forms a strong bond with Shannon.
Finally Shannon is free to find love again with Stone only for her past - Troy -to frame her for a drug deal murder gone wrong which destroys her on her wedding night....
“But he stays with me through it all. He's my rock. He's my Stone”
Fantastic read, I would recommend this book to anyone. <3 <3
June 7, 2016
Stone is a man with a troubled military past who is trying to move on with his life. It's a long hard road but he will get there.
Shannon is a woman escaping a brutal relationship, mourning the death of her father and owner of Saddles a local Texas bar.
When these two meet the fireworks most definitely explode. Yes they have their fair share of fights and misunderstandings, but it is the building of their friendship that is the main crux of this story.
Stone must deal with his past causing him untold nightmares, but he must also deal with a secret that has been kept from him for years - a secret that will change his entire life.
Stone's best friend Keets, is a highlight in this book. He's straight forward and doesn't let Stone get away with anything. I look forward to reading more about Mr Keets.
Congrats Cherry on your book. It was enjoyable.
Shannon is a woman escaping a brutal relationship, mourning the death of her father and owner of Saddles a local Texas bar.
When these two meet the fireworks most definitely explode. Yes they have their fair share of fights and misunderstandings, but it is the building of their friendship that is the main crux of this story.
Stone must deal with his past causing him untold nightmares, but he must also deal with a secret that has been kept from him for years - a secret that will change his entire life.
Stone's best friend Keets, is a highlight in this book. He's straight forward and doesn't let Stone get away with anything. I look forward to reading more about Mr Keets.
Congrats Cherry on your book. It was enjoyable.
October 13, 2015
Reviewed for 2 Girls Who Love Books
I'm not really sure what to say about this book. Looking at the cover and reading the synopsis, I was really interested in the book but starting the book it didn't pull me in. My attention was easily pulled away!
Ethan Stone is a drunk ex US Special Forces, he drinks to bury what he has seen in the Army. But really he is just a drunk. There's nothing that pulls you into him and makes you like him.
Shannon is running from her ex boyfriend who was very abusive. I thought she got away quite easily.
I did like the storyline. There was a bit of mystery and it wasn't predictable like I thought. We have a face from Ethan's past come back with a big shocker and find out the truth to Shannon's fathers death.
All in all it was a OK read!
I'm not really sure what to say about this book. Looking at the cover and reading the synopsis, I was really interested in the book but starting the book it didn't pull me in. My attention was easily pulled away!
Ethan Stone is a drunk ex US Special Forces, he drinks to bury what he has seen in the Army. But really he is just a drunk. There's nothing that pulls you into him and makes you like him.
Shannon is running from her ex boyfriend who was very abusive. I thought she got away quite easily.
I did like the storyline. There was a bit of mystery and it wasn't predictable like I thought. We have a face from Ethan's past come back with a big shocker and find out the truth to Shannon's fathers death.
All in all it was a OK read!
October 8, 2015
***arc gifted to leave an honest review***
This was my first book by Cherry, but definitely won't be my last. I really enjoyed this one, both main characters were flawed & each had their own demon & fear to overcome. Their story was told so wonderfully, you really got invested in the characters. Really looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Thank you for giving me an early copy!!
This was my first book by Cherry, but definitely won't be my last. I really enjoyed this one, both main characters were flawed & each had their own demon & fear to overcome. Their story was told so wonderfully, you really got invested in the characters. Really looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Thank you for giving me an early copy!!
March 20, 2018
Can't say I liked the male character I thought he was a totally jerk was hoping he would redeem himself towards the end but I still hated him. I can't read a book when I don't like the main character
March 13, 2016
5 Stars
Loved this book. I loved the storyline, the characters, the writing was great and the sex was hot stuff!
Loved this book. I loved the storyline, the characters, the writing was great and the sex was hot stuff!
October 10, 2017
I love a story where the characters have interesting backstories. Stone and Shannon definitely meet that category. There were times I wanted to shake them into reality and to speak up about their past. I especially felt for Zeke
There were even points where I was laughing .
Overall, a very great story and I look forward to exploring more of Cherry Shephard's books
There were even points where I was laughing .
Overall, a very great story and I look forward to exploring more of Cherry Shephard's books
June 18, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️ imperfect
FYM attending author - first time read of Ms. Shephard's work.
Something about the pacing seemed off to me. Like the story was much long and had been condensed losing its flow.
Did not find myself vested in the characters or story.
FYM attending author - first time read of Ms. Shephard's work.
Something about the pacing seemed off to me. Like the story was much long and had been condensed losing its flow.
Did not find myself vested in the characters or story.
May 12, 2017
It was...okay. I struggled with the PTSD suddenly going away and some of the character developments seemed forced.
June 4, 2017
Great read! I love that it was a little different than most of the love at first sight books that I have read. It offered a little more drama than your norm!
January 29, 2018
Heartwarming
A great storyline about the struggles of abusers and the tragic of our warrior soldiers. How unconditional love can cure anything. A touching story..
A great storyline about the struggles of abusers and the tragic of our warrior soldiers. How unconditional love can cure anything. A touching story..
February 5, 2018
This book is interesting and has a great pace, he starts to remember things and trys to see what is true and what isnt. Really good read
September 10, 2018
This is an extremely well written book that deals with the every day trauma of dealing with PTSD.. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
other-tbr
January 14, 2022Status: unread
Rating:
Review:
My Library Notes:
[ kindle doc ]
Rating:
Review:
My Library Notes:
[ kindle doc ]
February 5, 2017
This was a fun and quick read. There were a few twists and turns that were unexpected.
April 2, 2016
Title: Imperfect
Author: Cherry Shephard
Series: Blaze of Glory Book 1
Release Date: October 11, 2015
Genre(s): Military Romance, 911 References
Page Count: 325 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 4
Blurb:
". . . What a tragic yet beautiful story of two damaged souls" - T. Supple
". . . Miss Shephard’s book covers so many struggles that soldier’s face in real life . . . My heart quite literally ached for each character as the story progressed . . . Will bring you to your knees in tears and beaming from ear to ear."
- Saints & Sinners Books
". . . it is very easy to relate to these characters. You can’t help but struggle to put the book down. You just want to know how they survive. What they do." - K. Crees
". . . This book has real heart, emotions, sadness, love, loss . . . Shan and Stone are such great characters because of their realness . . . Their chemistry is off the charts, I loved this book!"
- Love Infinity Book Blog
US Special Forces, Staff Sergeant Ethan Stone, lives by one mantra “fight or die”.
The army is his life, his men are his family. So when an injury sends him home from Afghanistan, the nightmares of what he’s witnessed can no longer be kept at bay. The alcohol he drowns himself in every night only sinks him further into depression’s abyss. Waking after one of his benders, Stone is greeted by a tiny, knife wielding firecracker and one destroyed bar.
Saddles, was meant to be her escape. A new start away from an abusive relationship and a way to fulfill her daddy’s dying wish. But all the bar has brought Shannon is debt collectors and pushy buyers threatening to destroy her. The last thing she needs is a handsome, angry soldier to distract her.
All he wanted, was to pay for the damages. But when she refuses there is only one thing he can do. But when a familiar face from his past changes everything, can they learn to work together?
Will they find salvation in each other’s arms?
****PLEASE NOTE**** Book details below says this book is 190 pages, this is incorrect. The book is approximately 325 pages and is full length.
Review:
This is the first book of a very emotional series. In this first book we find two very broken people. Shannon rebuilding her life after she finally had the courage to leave a man that abused her, sexually, physically, and emotionally. Taking over the family bar, she is able to put up the walls that will keep her from letting another man hurt her again.
US Special Forces, Staff Sergeant Ethan Stone has returned from Afghanistan suffering from physical injuries as well as PTSD. Spending his time drinking to the point of oblivion trying to escape the voices in his head. After destroying Shannon’s bar in a fight, he tries to make amends by working off the damages. Since this is a romance I guess you know that there is an attraction between these two broken individuals. Just as Stone starts to get his life in order, ghosts from his past as well as Shannon’s make an unwelcome appearance.
The plot of this story is emotional and heart wrenching. These two people have suffered so much. It makes you wonder how people can overcome so much heartache. The chemistry between Stone and Shannon is undeniable. The pacing is a little erratic at times, the story seems to skip over some things. This may be because I received an ARC copy which may not have had the final edit. The ending of this book can be viewed as a standalone book. However the story does continue, opening the story to other characters that we have met or heard about. These characters start so low that they can only grow and get stronger.
PLOT 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY 5 Stars
PACING 4 Stars
ENDING 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 4 Stars
Find this book on Goodreads
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
September 18, 2018
Interesting concept
Interesting characters
An insight into the effects of PTSD
I enjoyed this book
Interesting characters
An insight into the effects of PTSD
I enjoyed this book
February 28, 2017
I really liked it. I wanted to beat the crap outta troy and that effie witch. I can't believe what she did. Glad she got what happen to her. And I will never understand what any soldiers goes thru during war. I have respect for them and all they do. I'm glad that Stone and Shannon worked everything out and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 21, 2015
I’m going to start off by saying, I licked Stone first and he is mine. Sorry, Mischelly ;)
Cherry Shephard has delivered a story that will tear at your heartstrings and soak your panties all at the same time. Stone is the kind of damaged man that you want to just hug. His life has been a series of heartbreaks one after another. His intentions for joining the US Special Forces are honorable, but those around him don’t fully understand his need to fight for his country. The nightmares of his time there affect him deeply as most soldiers would admit themselves. His life crumbles around him until another damaged soul lands in his path.
Shannon is a beautifully haunted soul. She has fought and scrapped for everything good in her life. Inheriting her father’s bar provides her with a chance to escape her life and re-build it the way she wants to live. Yet, life as a bar owner has it ups and downs especially when her father left more than just the bar behind. Darkness creeps back into her life just when she meets a guy who needs help and love far greater than any man she’s ever met before. The feelings and attraction to this handsome stranger rock her world in more than one way.
Yet, life has an unexpected way to kick you in the teeth just when you finally find peace. Darkness never stays settled for long and both Stone and Shannon are thrown back into the cross hairs.
Miss Shephard’s book covers so many struggles that soldier’s face in real life. PTSD is real and for her to cover this topic in such a truthful manner honestly floored me. Some authors may sugar coat or detract from the seriousness of the condition, but Shephard left nothing out. She took Stone to a dark place that is realistic to the truth of PTSD.
My heart quite literally ached for each character as the story progressed. Stone and Shannon both have their problems, but together what they are faced with is far from easy. Shephard will bring you to your knees in tears and beaming from ear to ear. This book is amazing and should be at the top of your TBR pile. Congratulations, Cherry Shephard. This book is amazing!
Cherry Shephard has delivered a story that will tear at your heartstrings and soak your panties all at the same time. Stone is the kind of damaged man that you want to just hug. His life has been a series of heartbreaks one after another. His intentions for joining the US Special Forces are honorable, but those around him don’t fully understand his need to fight for his country. The nightmares of his time there affect him deeply as most soldiers would admit themselves. His life crumbles around him until another damaged soul lands in his path.
Shannon is a beautifully haunted soul. She has fought and scrapped for everything good in her life. Inheriting her father’s bar provides her with a chance to escape her life and re-build it the way she wants to live. Yet, life as a bar owner has it ups and downs especially when her father left more than just the bar behind. Darkness creeps back into her life just when she meets a guy who needs help and love far greater than any man she’s ever met before. The feelings and attraction to this handsome stranger rock her world in more than one way.
Yet, life has an unexpected way to kick you in the teeth just when you finally find peace. Darkness never stays settled for long and both Stone and Shannon are thrown back into the cross hairs.
Miss Shephard’s book covers so many struggles that soldier’s face in real life. PTSD is real and for her to cover this topic in such a truthful manner honestly floored me. Some authors may sugar coat or detract from the seriousness of the condition, but Shephard left nothing out. She took Stone to a dark place that is realistic to the truth of PTSD.
My heart quite literally ached for each character as the story progressed. Stone and Shannon both have their problems, but together what they are faced with is far from easy. Shephard will bring you to your knees in tears and beaming from ear to ear. This book is amazing and should be at the top of your TBR pile. Congratulations, Cherry Shephard. This book is amazing!
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