What do you think?
Rate this book
Till Death Us Do Part
The fateful day Mimi Marcus has dreaded begins with a phone call... The wife of a U.S. Marine, Mimi spent countless nights worried that her husband Joel would fall in the line of duty. He had fought valiantly and served his country with honor. That’s exactly what they tell her when they deliver the news—Joel was taken by the enemy in Afghanistan. Her husband is dead. In desperate need of closure, Mimi travels to the one place Joel still has ties—The Marcus Ranch in Texas, inherited by his handsome younger brother Austin. New beginnings are only an illusion... The closer Mimi grows to the Marcus family, the more she considers it home. But when suspicions of Joel’s past surface, Austin refuses to disclose family secrets—even to his brother’s widow. It’s only by accident she uncovers evidence of Joel’s tainted past. Devastated by his lies and betrayal, she slowly opens up to Austin, and together they unfold layers of pain and grief. Mimi is sure she’ll never love again, but is Austin the man to prove her wrong? Then the unthinkable happens… Just as Mimi finds new hope in a future with Austin, Joel returns home from war. Enraged, traumatized, and teetering on the edge of insanity, Joel confesses to a history of deception, revealing yet another secret—this one too terrible to forgive. In an awful twist of fate, Joel proves marriage vows are made to be honored. No matter what.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2015
71 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Slough
8 books178 followersCristina Slough is a fiction writer.
Her latest novel Saving Grace will be released on 1st March 2023.
Her latest novel Saving Grace will be released on 1st March 2023.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 29, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
This book isn’t what I expected. And I don’t mean that in a mean way.
The beginning was a little bumpy, but over all, it was all there and pretty cohesive.
For an author debut, this book tugged at my heartstrings. I can’t imagine what goes on in the head of a military spouse and their significant other. It cannot be easy.
Getting into Mimi’s head and witnessing the shock, the pain, the anguish or losing her husband and also the pain and confusion she feels when she learns later that he was after all alive was intense. My heart felt heavy for her.
Then add on top, the chilling fact that her husband is not the stand up man she thought he was. That was pretty mind-boggling and alarming.
AND, since that Mimi has now moved on from her husband and is dating his brother-- after reaching out to the latter, believing that her hubby was deceased—and therefore embarking on a relationship with that other. It was pretty up and up to see how everything unfolded.
In some ways, I feel that this book was about finding your inner strength, finding your center and standing on your own two feet when you feel your world crumbling down. It was about love, friendship, forgiveness, rediscovery, and ultimate sacrifice.
The ending, wah, that was definitely not how I thought it would end. It was unexpected.
Certainly, not your typical book ending, that’s for sure!
This book isn’t what I expected. And I don’t mean that in a mean way.
The beginning was a little bumpy, but over all, it was all there and pretty cohesive.
For an author debut, this book tugged at my heartstrings. I can’t imagine what goes on in the head of a military spouse and their significant other. It cannot be easy.
Getting into Mimi’s head and witnessing the shock, the pain, the anguish or losing her husband and also the pain and confusion she feels when she learns later that he was after all alive was intense. My heart felt heavy for her.
Then add on top, the chilling fact that her husband is not the stand up man she thought he was. That was pretty mind-boggling and alarming.
AND, since that Mimi has now moved on from her husband and is dating his brother-- after reaching out to the latter, believing that her hubby was deceased—and therefore embarking on a relationship with that other. It was pretty up and up to see how everything unfolded.
In some ways, I feel that this book was about finding your inner strength, finding your center and standing on your own two feet when you feel your world crumbling down. It was about love, friendship, forgiveness, rediscovery, and ultimate sacrifice.
The ending, wah, that was definitely not how I thought it would end. It was unexpected.
Certainly, not your typical book ending, that’s for sure!
not-interested-no-thanks
April 2, 2016Non-HEA book disguised as a romance book.
No thank you.
No thank you.
November 5, 2023
The premise of this book was promising but the story (for me) didnt deliver. The book is wordy and at time over descriptive. The plot is and one that we have read probably several times but what didnt work for me was the over emotion. There was just too much and the ending but just eye rolling over the top.
No romance.
No HEA.
Not for me.
No romance.
No HEA.
Not for me.
06-reasons
September 16, 2016Please note that this is my personal opinion and in no way whatsoever is it to be taken at face value. Different strokes and all that.
This is a very promising story and it isn’t written badly. The writing style isn’t for me and it comes over as way too jilted and choppy. Unfortunately today I also tried to start it for the second time and it just isn't sucking me in grabbing me and saying read me, read me. I know that this book can’t be written in entertaining way but it is really depressing. I love emotional and I go do sad but I can’t do depressing. There is the whole I lost my husband part which is tragic but if you are caught up on someone that much is it believable to hook-up with the brother? II knew this beforehand when reading the blurb but the beginning is hard and out of fairness to the author it just wouldn’t be right to read it, rate it and review it. I wish the author all the best for the future.
Book received in exchange for a honest review.
This is a very promising story and it isn’t written badly. The writing style isn’t for me and it comes over as way too jilted and choppy. Unfortunately today I also tried to start it for the second time and it just isn't sucking me in grabbing me and saying read me, read me. I know that this book can’t be written in entertaining way but it is really depressing. I love emotional and I go do sad but I can’t do depressing. There is the whole I lost my husband part which is tragic but if you are caught up on someone that much is it believable to hook-up with the brother? II knew this beforehand when reading the blurb but the beginning is hard and out of fairness to the author it just wouldn’t be right to read it, rate it and review it. I wish the author all the best for the future.
Book received in exchange for a honest review.
avoid-like-the-plague
April 2, 2016No HEA. Author doesn't write romance. http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/2016/04/do-we-always-need-to-have-hea-in-romance.html
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2016
1.5 stars
my review has some spoilers...
I don't even know where to start with this book.
Right from page one I was hit with the writing style of this book. It felt like I'm being told what to read instead of the story just unfolding naturally.
I think that's why this book was kind of slow for me. It took me awhile to get into.
Another thing I wasn't feeling was all the 9/11/ Afghanistan war talk.
Yes... I was expecting a little about it. But overall it just kind of killed the mood of the book for me. When names and places were mentioned. I semi checked out.
And I think it just came down to the writing style.... How it was all told.
Because at times in this book just felt like details overload.
Why do we need to know what kind of hair flattener Mimi uses? Or how she pairs her outfit. Or just how Austin cooks his meal.
Little details like that always feels to me like filler.
As I kept reading it was starting to feel like one of those If it wasn't one thing it was another thing in this book.
And I felt like that the most with poor Austin! He got the raw end of the deal with EVERYTHING in this book!
Right from the start Mimi was so wishy washy about Austin. Yes she was grieving. But I felt she jumped too quickly with Austin. He was a straight rebound for her I felt.
And after everything Austin had been through because of his brother. I just felt so bad for him! Because I truly felt Mimi could have really set him back and brake him emotionally.
The insta love going on in this book was just too dang fast!!
Austin was saying I Love you to Mimi in only a week! Maybe 2 weeks tops of knowing each other. And at least one of those weeks she was still grieving the death of her husband!
I think it would have been more believable if they have spent more time together getting to know each other and letting all their walls come down. Let it all unfold naturally.... them coming together and falling in love.
Because... the way she picked Austin I felt wasn't right.
At times this book was so chaotic.
Joel being pronounced dead by the military.
Mimi falling off the horse.
The secret about Jake
The whole Austin storyline
The car accident
Joel coming back into the picture.
And the topper for me was the whole Meg thing!! It was kind of weird. And it almost felt like it was thrown in at the last minute for added drama.
I mean... Why?!
Then to come find out it happened more than once!!!!!
I was kind of done by this point! I was so pissed!
Then we have Joel's whole new personality! He totally just came unglued.
Yeah... I just wasn't feeling it.
The ending... I hated it! I mean. Really!
Huhhh....
I really wished I had known this book wasn't going to end in a HEA.
Maybe I wouldn't have minded if I just wasn't so irritated by all the other stuff going on in this book.
Like I said earlier in my review....Poor Austin! He didn't deserve the ending he got. I felt after everything Joel put Austin through... He should have gotten a different ending.
Overall... This book just wasn't for me.
*ARC provider for an honest review*
my review has some spoilers...
I don't even know where to start with this book.
Right from page one I was hit with the writing style of this book. It felt like I'm being told what to read instead of the story just unfolding naturally.
I think that's why this book was kind of slow for me. It took me awhile to get into.
Another thing I wasn't feeling was all the 9/11/ Afghanistan war talk.
Yes... I was expecting a little about it. But overall it just kind of killed the mood of the book for me. When names and places were mentioned. I semi checked out.
And I think it just came down to the writing style.... How it was all told.
Because at times in this book just felt like details overload.
Why do we need to know what kind of hair flattener Mimi uses? Or how she pairs her outfit. Or just how Austin cooks his meal.
Little details like that always feels to me like filler.
As I kept reading it was starting to feel like one of those If it wasn't one thing it was another thing in this book.
And I felt like that the most with poor Austin! He got the raw end of the deal with EVERYTHING in this book!
Right from the start Mimi was so wishy washy about Austin. Yes she was grieving. But I felt she jumped too quickly with Austin. He was a straight rebound for her I felt.
And after everything Austin had been through because of his brother. I just felt so bad for him! Because I truly felt Mimi could have really set him back and brake him emotionally.
The insta love going on in this book was just too dang fast!!
Austin was saying I Love you to Mimi in only a week! Maybe 2 weeks tops of knowing each other. And at least one of those weeks she was still grieving the death of her husband!
I think it would have been more believable if they have spent more time together getting to know each other and letting all their walls come down. Let it all unfold naturally.... them coming together and falling in love.
Because... the way she picked Austin I felt wasn't right.
At times this book was so chaotic.
Joel being pronounced dead by the military.
Mimi falling off the horse.
The secret about Jake
The whole Austin storyline
The car accident
Joel coming back into the picture.
And the topper for me was the whole Meg thing!! It was kind of weird. And it almost felt like it was thrown in at the last minute for added drama.
I mean... Why?!
Then to come find out it happened more than once!!!!!
I was kind of done by this point! I was so pissed!
Then we have Joel's whole new personality! He totally just came unglued.
Yeah... I just wasn't feeling it.
The ending... I hated it! I mean. Really!
Huhhh....
I really wished I had known this book wasn't going to end in a HEA.
Maybe I wouldn't have minded if I just wasn't so irritated by all the other stuff going on in this book.
Like I said earlier in my review....Poor Austin! He didn't deserve the ending he got. I felt after everything Joel put Austin through... He should have gotten a different ending.
Overall... This book just wasn't for me.
*ARC provider for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2016
Review by Jen Hagen
“Hold on to this memory. Right here, right now.”
Joel is getting ready for his deployment to Afghanistan. This will be his second tour, and the first as a married man. Mimi and Joel have been married a month, and understandably she is a little nervous for Joel to leave her side, but even in her worst nightmares she never thought he wouldn’t come back. Joel was taken prisoner in a foreign country and declared dead. Mimi is lost…looking for direction…when she decides to visit the family ranch where her husband spent his years growing up.
Joel never spoke fondly of his brother, Austin. There was a discord in the family stemming from years ago and the blame game weighed heavily on their familial separation. Now when Mimi is looking for closure in Joel’s death, she wants to go to the place that holds so many memories of him --- the family ranch where Austin resides. It is here where she finds secrets of the man she married.
“You really don’t know who you married, do you?”
Mimi felt her heart stop. Her mouth felt dry and suddenly she couldn’t find the words she needed.
Mimi is discovering not only did she not know the guy she married, she really doesn’t like him. The secret he was harboring was vile. Austin is helping Mimi adjust to this new-found information, and Austin is also accepting the fact that he is attracted to his brother’s widow.
“Stay as long as you need to so you can deepen the image of your perfect military boy, but when you’re done, you’re best off going home and starting over.”
Just when Mimi is gaining strength from her grief and betrayal, she finds herself once again knocked on her bottom with the knowledge that Joel is alive. Joel knows that by now Mimi has probably unearthed his secrets. He is going to have to work hard to earn Mimi’s forgiveness. Austin doesn’t even have to work hard – he is just naturally a good guy tackling burdens at a young age when nobody else was willing to step up to the plate. Betrayal versus goodness. Mimi knows the final decision in her heart but yet it may not be in her hands.
“By the way you are looking at me right now, it’s like I’ve already lost you.”
This was a well-rounded story told from all character points of view in third person. I enjoyed the military aspect of the story and I especially enjoyed the love interest of the brother stepping in.
“Hold on to this memory. Right here, right now.”
Joel is getting ready for his deployment to Afghanistan. This will be his second tour, and the first as a married man. Mimi and Joel have been married a month, and understandably she is a little nervous for Joel to leave her side, but even in her worst nightmares she never thought he wouldn’t come back. Joel was taken prisoner in a foreign country and declared dead. Mimi is lost…looking for direction…when she decides to visit the family ranch where her husband spent his years growing up.
Joel never spoke fondly of his brother, Austin. There was a discord in the family stemming from years ago and the blame game weighed heavily on their familial separation. Now when Mimi is looking for closure in Joel’s death, she wants to go to the place that holds so many memories of him --- the family ranch where Austin resides. It is here where she finds secrets of the man she married.
“You really don’t know who you married, do you?”
Mimi felt her heart stop. Her mouth felt dry and suddenly she couldn’t find the words she needed.
Mimi is discovering not only did she not know the guy she married, she really doesn’t like him. The secret he was harboring was vile. Austin is helping Mimi adjust to this new-found information, and Austin is also accepting the fact that he is attracted to his brother’s widow.
“Stay as long as you need to so you can deepen the image of your perfect military boy, but when you’re done, you’re best off going home and starting over.”
Just when Mimi is gaining strength from her grief and betrayal, she finds herself once again knocked on her bottom with the knowledge that Joel is alive. Joel knows that by now Mimi has probably unearthed his secrets. He is going to have to work hard to earn Mimi’s forgiveness. Austin doesn’t even have to work hard – he is just naturally a good guy tackling burdens at a young age when nobody else was willing to step up to the plate. Betrayal versus goodness. Mimi knows the final decision in her heart but yet it may not be in her hands.
“By the way you are looking at me right now, it’s like I’ve already lost you.”
This was a well-rounded story told from all character points of view in third person. I enjoyed the military aspect of the story and I especially enjoyed the love interest of the brother stepping in.
Read
January 4, 2016I had to DNF this one at 30% in. The writing style of the author and I just didn't mesh. I even did the worse thing possible, skipped to the end to see if I could push through, but that made it even easier for me to say "forget it.".
May 6, 2016
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Till Death Us Do Part is Cristina Slough's debut novel, so I really had no idea what to expect here. While I did think that this story had potential, ultimately this one wasn't for me. The blurb really caught my attention, but between the story and writing style this book wasn't what I had been expecting at all. I think that there are some readers that will enjoy this story, and it is very possible this one was just not for me personally.
Mimi and Joel have just been married, and they know that as soon as the honeymoon is over Joel will deploy to Afghanistan. Though Joel promises to come back to her, Mimi soon receives word that Joel is dead. Needing to find closure, Mimi heads to Texas where Joel's estranged brother Austin lives. Soon Mimi grows closer to Austin, and she learns that Joel isn't the man she thought he was. Just as Mimi is finally ready to move on with her life, Joel returns and her world is once again turned upside down. But not only is Joel back from the dead, he has a secret that will shatter everything he and Mimi once had.
I don't want to get into the characters too much here, because I don't want to spoil everything for those that might be interested in reading this book. But just as Mimi learned that Joel wasn't who she thought he was, the reader does as well. While I found some of it to be believable, some of it wasn't believable for me. The man he was later on in the book was so different from the man we first met, and while I do think part of that was real, there were some things that just felt completely out of character. I liked Mimi well enough, but I didn't feel connected to her. While I was interested to see what would happen, I just didn't feel fully invested in her story. Same with Austin. I liked him and there was so much more to the story than we had been lead to believe from Joel, but I never truly felt like I was in this one. It felt as though I was removed completely and as though I was an outsider looking in. I wanted to really feel emotionally connected here, and I just wasn't able to. I think part of that was the writing style. It just wasn't for me and often felt choppy. I think that because it was so choppy it was hard for me to get into the story as I might have been able to otherwise.
The other thing that bothered me was the ending. I won't go into details or spoil anything, but as much as I struggled throughout the book I had really been hoping for an ending that would have made that struggle worth it. For me, this ending wasn't that at all. It wasn't satisfying and I was really disappointed with how things turned out. I respect the author and her vision, but personally had I known the way things would go I would never have started this book. To me it wasn't a romance, and it honestly felt like a lot of what happened here was done for shock value. It just didn't fully ring true to me with the rest of the book, and I wish that I had known ahead of time and saved myself the time. I do think that there are readers out there that will enjoy this story, and if it sounds like something you are interested in, you should give it a shot. Just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean that it won't be for everyone.
**Review Copy Provided by Book Enthusiast Promotions**
Till Death Us Do Part is Cristina Slough's debut novel, so I really had no idea what to expect here. While I did think that this story had potential, ultimately this one wasn't for me. The blurb really caught my attention, but between the story and writing style this book wasn't what I had been expecting at all. I think that there are some readers that will enjoy this story, and it is very possible this one was just not for me personally.
Mimi and Joel have just been married, and they know that as soon as the honeymoon is over Joel will deploy to Afghanistan. Though Joel promises to come back to her, Mimi soon receives word that Joel is dead. Needing to find closure, Mimi heads to Texas where Joel's estranged brother Austin lives. Soon Mimi grows closer to Austin, and she learns that Joel isn't the man she thought he was. Just as Mimi is finally ready to move on with her life, Joel returns and her world is once again turned upside down. But not only is Joel back from the dead, he has a secret that will shatter everything he and Mimi once had.
I don't want to get into the characters too much here, because I don't want to spoil everything for those that might be interested in reading this book. But just as Mimi learned that Joel wasn't who she thought he was, the reader does as well. While I found some of it to be believable, some of it wasn't believable for me. The man he was later on in the book was so different from the man we first met, and while I do think part of that was real, there were some things that just felt completely out of character. I liked Mimi well enough, but I didn't feel connected to her. While I was interested to see what would happen, I just didn't feel fully invested in her story. Same with Austin. I liked him and there was so much more to the story than we had been lead to believe from Joel, but I never truly felt like I was in this one. It felt as though I was removed completely and as though I was an outsider looking in. I wanted to really feel emotionally connected here, and I just wasn't able to. I think part of that was the writing style. It just wasn't for me and often felt choppy. I think that because it was so choppy it was hard for me to get into the story as I might have been able to otherwise.
The other thing that bothered me was the ending. I won't go into details or spoil anything, but as much as I struggled throughout the book I had really been hoping for an ending that would have made that struggle worth it. For me, this ending wasn't that at all. It wasn't satisfying and I was really disappointed with how things turned out. I respect the author and her vision, but personally had I known the way things would go I would never have started this book. To me it wasn't a romance, and it honestly felt like a lot of what happened here was done for shock value. It just didn't fully ring true to me with the rest of the book, and I wish that I had known ahead of time and saved myself the time. I do think that there are readers out there that will enjoy this story, and if it sounds like something you are interested in, you should give it a shot. Just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean that it won't be for everyone.
**Review Copy Provided by Book Enthusiast Promotions**
Want to read
August 3, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/3/2018)!💝
Blurb:
The fateful day Mimi Marcus has dreaded begins with a phone call...
The wife of a U.S. Marine, Mimi spent countless nights worried that her husband Joel would fall in the line of duty. He had fought valiantly and served his country with honor. That’s exactly what they tell her when they deliver the news—Joel was taken by the enemy in Afghanistan. Her husband is dead.
In desperate need of closure, Mimi travels to the one place Joel still has ties—The Marcus Ranch in Texas, inherited by his handsome younger brother Austin.
New beginnings are only an illusion...
The closer Mimi grows to the Marcus family, the more she considers it home. But when suspicions of Joel’s past surface, Austin refuses to disclose family secrets—even to his brother’s widow. It’s only by accident she uncovers evidence of Joel’s tainted past. Devastated by his lies and betrayal, she slowly opens up to Austin, and together they unfold layers of pain and grief.
Mimi is sure she’ll never love again, but is Austin the man to prove her wrong? Then the unthinkable happens…
Just as Mimi finds new hope in a future with Austin, Joel returns home from war. Enraged, traumatized, and teetering on the edge of insanity, Joel confesses to a history of deception, revealing yet another secret—this one too terrible to forgive.
In an awful twist of fate, Joel proves marriage vows are made to be honored.
No matter what.
Blurb:
The fateful day Mimi Marcus has dreaded begins with a phone call...
The wife of a U.S. Marine, Mimi spent countless nights worried that her husband Joel would fall in the line of duty. He had fought valiantly and served his country with honor. That’s exactly what they tell her when they deliver the news—Joel was taken by the enemy in Afghanistan. Her husband is dead.
In desperate need of closure, Mimi travels to the one place Joel still has ties—The Marcus Ranch in Texas, inherited by his handsome younger brother Austin.
New beginnings are only an illusion...
The closer Mimi grows to the Marcus family, the more she considers it home. But when suspicions of Joel’s past surface, Austin refuses to disclose family secrets—even to his brother’s widow. It’s only by accident she uncovers evidence of Joel’s tainted past. Devastated by his lies and betrayal, she slowly opens up to Austin, and together they unfold layers of pain and grief.
Mimi is sure she’ll never love again, but is Austin the man to prove her wrong? Then the unthinkable happens…
Just as Mimi finds new hope in a future with Austin, Joel returns home from war. Enraged, traumatized, and teetering on the edge of insanity, Joel confesses to a history of deception, revealing yet another secret—this one too terrible to forgive.
In an awful twist of fate, Joel proves marriage vows are made to be honored.
No matter what.
December 29, 2015
☆.•*´¨`*•• 4.5 Stars •☆.•*´¨`*••
There was just something about this book that drew me in. I was perusing the Tasty Book Tours site and kept coming back to it and so I signed up. The premise intrigued me and had me a bit frightened. I was certain that there could be nothing but heartache in this read. That is mostly true, but not entirely (but mostly it is true). There is A LOT of drama in this story - characters aren't who they seem. I believe we are meant to love Mimi, but she makes some questionable choice that lead to ending you won't forget.
At the center of the story are Mimi and Joel Marcus, Austin and Jake Marcus, and Mimi's friend Meg. Each and every character has a story here. But really, this is Mimi's life we are following and we are promptly plunged into the life of a young wife contemplating life as newlywed living without her husband due to the war in Iraq. Slough does an amazing job capturing that feeling of the desperation of a military wife with a husband deployed.
Initially the story goes back and forth in time, introducing us to Mimi and she reflects on being with and without Joel. We learn a bit about Joel and Mimi through their honeymoon and all I could feel was their love and adoration. When Mimi's world implodes, and Joel is declared dead in combat, her grief seems never ending. Mimi seeks closure and decides that showing up on the family ranch in Texas, meeting the brother that Joel hasn't spoken with in years, is the way to achieve this...huh???
Mimi's whole entire world then changes when she meets Joel's brother Austin. All of the sudden I'm not sure I like where this is going. I'm not entirely convinced this would make sense to most people (showing up on the doorstep at a ranch in the middle of Texas to see a brother your dead husband hasn't spoken to in years...), but I get its a plot device a great way to move the story in a new direction. From the synopsis we know Joel has a secret and Austin is the keeper of this secret....and I'm now suspicious (of Austin) and a little disappointed (in Mimi). I'm wondering if this is because if we know too much from the blurb? Remember, the dead husband isn't really dead and he truly loves his wife. So I think I read the story, observing Mimi and Austin interacting, knowing what's to come. The "uh-oh" is sitting in the back of my mind. I think having that information influenced my reading experience and I wonder if that's on purpose...
At this point I have to stop and say that Slough wrote a fabulous story that made me feel, feel, feel- so very, very much. The twists and turns in the plot, taking Mimi and her friend Meg to the family ranch conjured up all kinds of feelings and misgivings. I can't write much more about the story without sounding like I'm judging Mimi. After all, I'm supposed to like Austin, right? Mimi does. I'm supposed to trust Meg right? Mimi does. I'm NOT supposed to root for the returning husband, because Mimi doesn't,?? Arghhhh!! But the thing is that by the end of the story I realize that I don't think Mimi is a very good judge in character.
Till Death Us Do Part is cleverly plotted and will drag you're heart through the ringer, whether you have the same reaction to the train wreck that becomes Mimi's life or not. I have paragraphs drafted questioning Mimi's actions and feelings about Austin and Joel but I'm putting all that aside. But really, what did she think would happen??? I may be totally off in what I feel. My takeaway may not be the same as others and I honestly don't expect it to be. But any story that invokes this type of emotion from me, days after I finished it, is a read I'll recommend and hope you have your own unique take on it.
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There was just something about this book that drew me in. I was perusing the Tasty Book Tours site and kept coming back to it and so I signed up. The premise intrigued me and had me a bit frightened. I was certain that there could be nothing but heartache in this read. That is mostly true, but not entirely (but mostly it is true). There is A LOT of drama in this story - characters aren't who they seem. I believe we are meant to love Mimi, but she makes some questionable choice that lead to ending you won't forget.
At the center of the story are Mimi and Joel Marcus, Austin and Jake Marcus, and Mimi's friend Meg. Each and every character has a story here. But really, this is Mimi's life we are following and we are promptly plunged into the life of a young wife contemplating life as newlywed living without her husband due to the war in Iraq. Slough does an amazing job capturing that feeling of the desperation of a military wife with a husband deployed.
Initially the story goes back and forth in time, introducing us to Mimi and she reflects on being with and without Joel. We learn a bit about Joel and Mimi through their honeymoon and all I could feel was their love and adoration. When Mimi's world implodes, and Joel is declared dead in combat, her grief seems never ending. Mimi seeks closure and decides that showing up on the family ranch in Texas, meeting the brother that Joel hasn't spoken with in years, is the way to achieve this...huh???
Mimi's whole entire world then changes when she meets Joel's brother Austin. All of the sudden I'm not sure I like where this is going. I'm not entirely convinced this would make sense to most people (showing up on the doorstep at a ranch in the middle of Texas to see a brother your dead husband hasn't spoken to in years...), but I get its a plot device a great way to move the story in a new direction. From the synopsis we know Joel has a secret and Austin is the keeper of this secret....and I'm now suspicious (of Austin) and a little disappointed (in Mimi). I'm wondering if this is because if we know too much from the blurb? Remember, the dead husband isn't really dead and he truly loves his wife. So I think I read the story, observing Mimi and Austin interacting, knowing what's to come. The "uh-oh" is sitting in the back of my mind. I think having that information influenced my reading experience and I wonder if that's on purpose...
At this point I have to stop and say that Slough wrote a fabulous story that made me feel, feel, feel- so very, very much. The twists and turns in the plot, taking Mimi and her friend Meg to the family ranch conjured up all kinds of feelings and misgivings. I can't write much more about the story without sounding like I'm judging Mimi. After all, I'm supposed to like Austin, right? Mimi does. I'm supposed to trust Meg right? Mimi does. I'm NOT supposed to root for the returning husband, because Mimi doesn't,?? Arghhhh!! But the thing is that by the end of the story I realize that I don't think Mimi is a very good judge in character.
Till Death Us Do Part is cleverly plotted and will drag you're heart through the ringer, whether you have the same reaction to the train wreck that becomes Mimi's life or not. I have paragraphs drafted questioning Mimi's actions and feelings about Austin and Joel but I'm putting all that aside. But really, what did she think would happen??? I may be totally off in what I feel. My takeaway may not be the same as others and I honestly don't expect it to be. But any story that invokes this type of emotion from me, days after I finished it, is a read I'll recommend and hope you have your own unique take on it.
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2015
This story felt a little slow moving and difficult to get into at first, but the more I read, the more engrossed I got. And as the story progressed, I literally had a hard time putting it down until I finished. And, what a finish!
Brit Mimi met and married an intense U.S. Marine named Joel Marcus while he's in England. After a short honeymoon, he's sent back to Afghanistan.
When Mimi gets the call that every military wife dreads and finds out Joel was taken by the enemy and killed during a mission, her life spirals out of control. She receives brief condolences from her brother-in-law in Texas, and takes it as a sign that she should visit her husband's childhood home and learn more about his past. She really only knows that Joel became a marine after 9/11 and left his family's ranch in Texas, leaving his mom and younger brother running the ranch all those years ago. Now it's only his brother, Austin, and his son who live on the ranch and Joel and Austin had been estranged for years. In fact, Mimi had never even met Joel's brother because he didn't come to their wedding.
Mimi's best friend offers to travel to Texas with her and even though they find Austin less than welcoming initially, Mimi begins to feel at home in Texas and she adores Austin's son, Jake. But most of her questions about Joel's childhood go unanswered and Mimi begins to suspect that her fabulous hero of a husband wasn't all he seemed. And over time she finds herself growing closer and closer to Austin and Jake. Austin seems reluctant to talk about his brother, only explaining that he was never even invited to Mimi and Joel's wedding.
As time goes by and her friend returns to England, Mimi chooses to remains in Texas. She and Austin develop a relationship, neither really wanting to move too quickly because, after all, Austin is her husband's brother and there is his young son, Jake, to be concerned about. But though Austin reminds her of Joel in looks, Mimi slowly realizes that Austin might just be a much better man.
Just when their relationship is beginning to blossom, word arrives that Joel, though severely injured, is alive and will be well enough soon to return to Texas. Austin is torn about what to do and Mimi is horrified that her feelings for her husband have changed so drastically. I can't really say too much about the rest of the book without revealing too much, other than to say the ending and what leads up to it is startling and unexpected.
This is definitely not your lighthearted romance and if you're looking for a happily ever after, this is not the book for you. But it is a fascinating look at relationships, deals realistically with some of the ramifications of war and is suspenseful, to boot. I think this author will be one to watch.
See more reviews like this at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
Brit Mimi met and married an intense U.S. Marine named Joel Marcus while he's in England. After a short honeymoon, he's sent back to Afghanistan.
When Mimi gets the call that every military wife dreads and finds out Joel was taken by the enemy and killed during a mission, her life spirals out of control. She receives brief condolences from her brother-in-law in Texas, and takes it as a sign that she should visit her husband's childhood home and learn more about his past. She really only knows that Joel became a marine after 9/11 and left his family's ranch in Texas, leaving his mom and younger brother running the ranch all those years ago. Now it's only his brother, Austin, and his son who live on the ranch and Joel and Austin had been estranged for years. In fact, Mimi had never even met Joel's brother because he didn't come to their wedding.
Mimi's best friend offers to travel to Texas with her and even though they find Austin less than welcoming initially, Mimi begins to feel at home in Texas and she adores Austin's son, Jake. But most of her questions about Joel's childhood go unanswered and Mimi begins to suspect that her fabulous hero of a husband wasn't all he seemed. And over time she finds herself growing closer and closer to Austin and Jake. Austin seems reluctant to talk about his brother, only explaining that he was never even invited to Mimi and Joel's wedding.
As time goes by and her friend returns to England, Mimi chooses to remains in Texas. She and Austin develop a relationship, neither really wanting to move too quickly because, after all, Austin is her husband's brother and there is his young son, Jake, to be concerned about. But though Austin reminds her of Joel in looks, Mimi slowly realizes that Austin might just be a much better man.
Just when their relationship is beginning to blossom, word arrives that Joel, though severely injured, is alive and will be well enough soon to return to Texas. Austin is torn about what to do and Mimi is horrified that her feelings for her husband have changed so drastically. I can't really say too much about the rest of the book without revealing too much, other than to say the ending and what leads up to it is startling and unexpected.
This is definitely not your lighthearted romance and if you're looking for a happily ever after, this is not the book for you. But it is a fascinating look at relationships, deals realistically with some of the ramifications of war and is suspenseful, to boot. I think this author will be one to watch.
See more reviews like this at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
April 12, 2016
ARC provided via Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
You can find more of my reviews at Carlene Inspired.
Mimi Marcus spends her days in London, working and spending time with family, while she waits for her US Marine husband, Joel Marcus, to come home from deployment. They're each other's whole world and Joel's promised he will be coming home. Except, he's captured and killed and Mimi is left with nothing to connect with his memory. She embarks on a journey to get to know the husband she has lost, starting in Texas with his younger brother, Austin, the sibling he's been estranged from for years. Once there she finds that nothing is as it seems, starting with why the two siblings haven't spoken in years. Underneath the surface, she's found secrets and lies in Joel's past, a man she's starting to think she never really knew. Austin, however, is everything Joel wasn't and when they recognize their attraction for one another, everything changes. Joel is alive however and his return is not one of happiness. With a lifetime of secrets between them, Mimi must choose between brothers, between the lies that tie them all together and the marriage vows she made to Joel.
Mimi's character was everything I could want from a broken-hearted Military widow and more. The experiences and thoughts she had made the story come to life to me, I felt like I could understand her and connect to her in ways I don't often with other Military novels. The emotions are heavy and I found myself hurting for her, especially once she discovers her husband is not the good man she thought he was. I enjoyed her determination to learn more about her husband, traveling across the country to see the family he had left, even if she'd never met them before. I loved the shock value of Mimi finding out that everything about her husband's past is opposite of what she'd heard. There are some twists that Cristina Slough threw in there that totally messed with my head and I understood how Mimi began to question everything she ever knew. Like Mimi did, in the midst of emotional despair people often turn to others with their feelings, and watching Mimi and Austin fall for each other felt so real. On top of the story, there was so much more to this book about love, honesty, and finding hope when everything seems lost.
The premise of Till Death Us Do Part sucked me in, however the writing kept me constantly considering putting the book down and walking away. With multiple POV's and changing tense, it was incredibly hard to keep the characters and the story line in order. The book changes from past to present tense, and while it's distinct, the characters we see in the past do not feel like the same characters from the present. Especially Joel once returned from deployment, I felt like there should have been some hint in the past of just how off the rail he could be. It also didn't read like a romance, the entire book is emotionally heavy from start to finish, and while there is promise of hope and love, it isn't a light-hearted HEA many readers like to reach for. I enjoyed the general book, from start to finish, but there are more twists and surprises than I would generally want in any book.
If you are looking for a suspenseful Military romance, Till Death Us Do Part might be just the book for you. While it's emotionally heavy and you won't ever expect what happens, it's a realistic look at a woman suffering a major loss and finding her way through the pain. It's an intricately weaved tale of love, deceit, and honesty. While it may break you in two at times, Cristina Slough's debut shows promise and once you get into the story, you won't want to stop.
You can find more of my reviews at Carlene Inspired.
Mimi Marcus spends her days in London, working and spending time with family, while she waits for her US Marine husband, Joel Marcus, to come home from deployment. They're each other's whole world and Joel's promised he will be coming home. Except, he's captured and killed and Mimi is left with nothing to connect with his memory. She embarks on a journey to get to know the husband she has lost, starting in Texas with his younger brother, Austin, the sibling he's been estranged from for years. Once there she finds that nothing is as it seems, starting with why the two siblings haven't spoken in years. Underneath the surface, she's found secrets and lies in Joel's past, a man she's starting to think she never really knew. Austin, however, is everything Joel wasn't and when they recognize their attraction for one another, everything changes. Joel is alive however and his return is not one of happiness. With a lifetime of secrets between them, Mimi must choose between brothers, between the lies that tie them all together and the marriage vows she made to Joel.
Mimi's character was everything I could want from a broken-hearted Military widow and more. The experiences and thoughts she had made the story come to life to me, I felt like I could understand her and connect to her in ways I don't often with other Military novels. The emotions are heavy and I found myself hurting for her, especially once she discovers her husband is not the good man she thought he was. I enjoyed her determination to learn more about her husband, traveling across the country to see the family he had left, even if she'd never met them before. I loved the shock value of Mimi finding out that everything about her husband's past is opposite of what she'd heard. There are some twists that Cristina Slough threw in there that totally messed with my head and I understood how Mimi began to question everything she ever knew. Like Mimi did, in the midst of emotional despair people often turn to others with their feelings, and watching Mimi and Austin fall for each other felt so real. On top of the story, there was so much more to this book about love, honesty, and finding hope when everything seems lost.
The premise of Till Death Us Do Part sucked me in, however the writing kept me constantly considering putting the book down and walking away. With multiple POV's and changing tense, it was incredibly hard to keep the characters and the story line in order. The book changes from past to present tense, and while it's distinct, the characters we see in the past do not feel like the same characters from the present. Especially Joel once returned from deployment, I felt like there should have been some hint in the past of just how off the rail he could be. It also didn't read like a romance, the entire book is emotionally heavy from start to finish, and while there is promise of hope and love, it isn't a light-hearted HEA many readers like to reach for. I enjoyed the general book, from start to finish, but there are more twists and surprises than I would generally want in any book.
If you are looking for a suspenseful Military romance, Till Death Us Do Part might be just the book for you. While it's emotionally heavy and you won't ever expect what happens, it's a realistic look at a woman suffering a major loss and finding her way through the pain. It's an intricately weaved tale of love, deceit, and honesty. While it may break you in two at times, Cristina Slough's debut shows promise and once you get into the story, you won't want to stop.
August 17, 2016
I'm kind of surprised by the mixed reviews this book received; I really enjoyed this story line! It takes a strong writer to have a reader move from loving to hating and then to sort of understanding a main character. That's exactly how I felt about Joel. I loved him in the beginning of the book: he was so kind and loving towards Mimi, his reasons for being a marine were heartfelt and he adored the ground she walked on.
But then Mimi travels to Texas and meets Joel's brother Austin and his son Jake. This is where I began to hate Joel. The secrets he kept from Mimi, the lies and his actions towards Austin left no room for redemption in my mind. However, then we get Joel's points of view as he is struggling. The only thing that keeps Joel holding on is Mimi and his love for her. This is where I started having mixed feelings about Joel.
There were a few things I didn't care for in the book, but I don't think they necessarily took away from the story.
But then Mimi travels to Texas and meets Joel's brother Austin and his son Jake. This is where I began to hate Joel. The secrets he kept from Mimi, the lies and his actions towards Austin left no room for redemption in my mind. However, then we get Joel's points of view as he is struggling. The only thing that keeps Joel holding on is Mimi and his love for her. This is where I started having mixed feelings about Joel.
There were a few things I didn't care for in the book, but I don't think they necessarily took away from the story.
December 22, 2015
I have been given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The prologue of this book is very well written. The descriptions of 9/11 in particular are very accurate and bring the details of that day back to me. The first couple of chapters are quite choppy, so you have to stick with it as it does bounce from scene to scene. I wasn't sure I was going to stick with the book at this point, but there was something telling me to carry on. Once the story reaches the part where the main character, Mimi is told that her husband is dead the scene changes even out this is when I really became drawn into the story.
The events that led Mimi to go to Texas to meet with her estranged brother Austin are extremely emotive and well done. It soon becomes clear why Mimi becomes involved with the gorgeous Austin.
There were parts of the book that left me feeling short of breath because of the emotion involved. This is not a story for somebody looking for a HEA, but certainly one for on your edge of your seat emotional roller coaster. I LOVED this book!
The ending took my breath away. I hope Hollywood picks this up because it would make a phenomenal movie.
The prologue of this book is very well written. The descriptions of 9/11 in particular are very accurate and bring the details of that day back to me. The first couple of chapters are quite choppy, so you have to stick with it as it does bounce from scene to scene. I wasn't sure I was going to stick with the book at this point, but there was something telling me to carry on. Once the story reaches the part where the main character, Mimi is told that her husband is dead the scene changes even out this is when I really became drawn into the story.
The events that led Mimi to go to Texas to meet with her estranged brother Austin are extremely emotive and well done. It soon becomes clear why Mimi becomes involved with the gorgeous Austin.
There were parts of the book that left me feeling short of breath because of the emotion involved. This is not a story for somebody looking for a HEA, but certainly one for on your edge of your seat emotional roller coaster. I LOVED this book!
The ending took my breath away. I hope Hollywood picks this up because it would make a phenomenal movie.
Read
February 9, 2016Guest Review by Tammy Cole
The premise of the book was so intriguing to me and I love a good military book so I was super excited to read this. The whole plot line was intriguing, but I felt the author really lost momentum in the last half of the book. The big secret that was huge, but the way she portrayed one of the men to me seemed really off from the way he was portrayed in the beginning. I did finish this book, but was honestly disappointed in not only the ending but the writing style as well.
The premise of the book was so intriguing to me and I love a good military book so I was super excited to read this. The whole plot line was intriguing, but I felt the author really lost momentum in the last half of the book. The big secret that was huge, but the way she portrayed one of the men to me seemed really off from the way he was portrayed in the beginning. I did finish this book, but was honestly disappointed in not only the ending but the writing style as well.
April 13, 2024
If I could I’d give it 0 stars.
Probably the worst book I’ve read all year. Writing was abysmal and disconjointed. Mimi was a stupid h’s name (sorry to all Mimi’s out there). The POVs from her parents? Weird. Austin and the other guy had no personalities. I skimmed through most of it, which I’m glad I did and I’m glad I never got emotionally invested in these characters because in the end, both Hs die in a murder-suicide. Fucks sake bro. Im tryna read romance here. Can we not???
Waste of my time. Seriously. This is what I get for not reading reviews before jumping in. This had such a good premise. I love a good H’s brother forbidden romance. Sad waste of a good trope.
Probably the worst book I’ve read all year. Writing was abysmal and disconjointed. Mimi was a stupid h’s name (sorry to all Mimi’s out there). The POVs from her parents? Weird. Austin and the other guy had no personalities. I skimmed through most of it, which I’m glad I did and I’m glad I never got emotionally invested in these characters because in the end, both Hs die in a murder-suicide. Fucks sake bro. Im tryna read romance here. Can we not???
Waste of my time. Seriously. This is what I get for not reading reviews before jumping in. This had such a good premise. I love a good H’s brother forbidden romance. Sad waste of a good trope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2019
Beautiful Journey that'll wreck you completely
I'm feeling so wrecked and devastated after just finishing this book. Broke my heart and so many feels. This book was truly a journey. Life is not always what we expect. The twists and turns in this story had my head spinning and the ending was just the cherry on the cake. 😭😭😭😭. Yet this is a beautiful book as the writing will make you cherish each and every word and make you feel so many feels and will end up with you all over the place. Even though this one broke my heart, I loved this one. ♥️♥️
I'm feeling so wrecked and devastated after just finishing this book. Broke my heart and so many feels. This book was truly a journey. Life is not always what we expect. The twists and turns in this story had my head spinning and the ending was just the cherry on the cake. 😭😭😭😭. Yet this is a beautiful book as the writing will make you cherish each and every word and make you feel so many feels and will end up with you all over the place. Even though this one broke my heart, I loved this one. ♥️♥️
December 14, 2016
Heartwrenching
Not all stories have a happily ever after. This one left me sad but hopeful. Looking through my library for a light read I accidentally opened this one and was captured from the first sentence. Does one really ever know the person they married is the question that begs an answer. Its the one that is constantly asked throughout.
Not all stories have a happily ever after. This one left me sad but hopeful. Looking through my library for a light read I accidentally opened this one and was captured from the first sentence. Does one really ever know the person they married is the question that begs an answer. Its the one that is constantly asked throughout.
July 3, 2020
Powerful story about life!
Mimi is lead to believe her husband is dead. She visits her brother in law in Texas. Mimi becomes closer to Austin, than Joel. Lies Joel told tear apart his marriage. Joel's anger gets the best of him in the end. Sad story, but realistic. Deals with love, life, death, infidelity, and PTSD.
Mimi is lead to believe her husband is dead. She visits her brother in law in Texas. Mimi becomes closer to Austin, than Joel. Lies Joel told tear apart his marriage. Joel's anger gets the best of him in the end. Sad story, but realistic. Deals with love, life, death, infidelity, and PTSD.
January 8, 2017
This book will take you on a wild ride. From happiness to heartache to happiness then heartache again. Prepare to feel so many emotions while reading. Then the end. WHAT!?!?!?
A great romantic read that is full of angst. Ms. Slough will keep you guessing on what will happen next.
A great romantic read that is full of angst. Ms. Slough will keep you guessing on what will happen next.
September 25, 2021
Totally awesome…WOW!!!
This book will make you think! I couldn’t stop reading…but the end will make you all have all kinds of emotional triggers…I’m totally recommending this book to the world of readers.
This book will make you think! I couldn’t stop reading…but the end will make you all have all kinds of emotional triggers…I’m totally recommending this book to the world of readers.
November 3, 2023
I don't know how I feel about this book. The premise sounded good but it did not turn out that way. The ending was awful and to me could have went a different way but then again I am not an author. Others I am sure liked this book and please read it for yourself. As for myself not my cup of tea.
August 3, 2024
Good story
This story has danger,suspence, heartache, sorrow, and a little bit of romace, keeping you turning the page to read what happens next until the end, looking forward to reading more books from this author
This story has danger,suspence, heartache, sorrow, and a little bit of romace, keeping you turning the page to read what happens next until the end, looking forward to reading more books from this author
July 22, 2025
Till Death Us Do Part
This is really an awesome book and I highly recommend that you read it and. Never expected the ending though. Looking forward to reading more by Cristina Slough.
This is really an awesome book and I highly recommend that you read it and. Never expected the ending though. Looking forward to reading more by Cristina Slough.
December 11, 2018
The last chapter, of just one page, I think ruined the whole book that I’d just sat and read. Too much of an abrupt ending. Quite disappointed.
April 18, 2019
I love this book, taking twists and turns it made me cry a few times.
The history of the characters is developed with love and compassion
Recommend this highly
The history of the characters is developed with love and compassion
Recommend this highly
December 26, 2020
What a read
Tollety different you nailed it so many twists and turns the story goes one way then another sold hook line then it changes direction brilliant
Tollety different you nailed it so many twists and turns the story goes one way then another sold hook line then it changes direction brilliant
February 21, 2022
Ladies get your Kleenex out. It pulls out your heart strings.
February 23, 2022
Wished
This book is one that you should read its short but well written. I wish I could say I enjoyed the ending but I cried. Enjoy
This book is one that you should read its short but well written. I wish I could say I enjoyed the ending but I cried. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews