I really enjoyed this one. It brought up so many feelings and emotions for people who struggle with issues after returning from war zones. But it also dealt with the fact that these people don't want pity, or to accept help, even if they need it.
The responsibility the character feels for her circumstances and the dichotomy of people thinking she is a hero, while she feels like she has done very un-heroic things that no one would want to hear about, is palpable. Then add in she is living in a more conservative area, where the conservative values have her looked down upon for her being a lesbian. There's so many deep themes and layers to take in with this book, that I am still reeling. I really think it's Rhavensfyres best work.
Ransom is such a damaged yet still strong character after the hardships she has been through and seen in war. She suffers with PTSD and lives her life swallowing down all emotions, and not truly living. Just existing. She is departed from life and reality, and people, because she thinks it's easier, and she can't get hurt that way, plus she doesn't have to be responsible for others, either. Living on a huge farm estate with a sanctuary for deer she oversees, and only going to town once a week for canned soup and peanut butter and jelly for sandwiches, is just fine to her.
Victoria had the opportunity to know Ransom before she was shipped off. It's been 3 years since their first encounter before her deployment, and it breaks her heart to see the confident chivalrous woman she never got over, be so shut down and broken, and unwilling to even remember their beautiful weekend together, because even remembering the good causes her pain.
You really feel the connection between the two, and the frustration from Victoria (who is a therapist that became disillusioned with social services, and is being stalked) at trying to get through to the stubborn Ransom. Victoria herself is stubborn, too though. But she knows when to push, and not to push. But she isn't perfect either. She gets upset, sulky, and mad, and lets Ransom know it.
Ransom isn't all sexy brooding either, she shows her playful and relaxed side too, in taunting Victoria with her discomfort at the situation of being stuck in the middle of "podunk" town as she calls it.
Both have sizzling chemistry in the bedroom, and out of it. But the connection they have emotionally and the trust they build in sharing their 'damage' with eachother is at the forefront.
I liked that even in the ending, although it's wonderfully happy in it's romantic ever after - it's clear Ransom still has work to do in order to grow and maintain that relationship, and accept help, to be challenged in her new goals in life with re-entering society. I love that they both find community and purpose in the town and eachother.
A highly recommended read, that just left me quite taken. On kindle unlimited.