Solace

by Sierra Riley

"I feel safe with you."

“It’s not safe for anyone to be around me.”

Shane Carter couldn’t wait to see his daughter after returning home from Afghanistan. Even though the scars he collected overseas ran deep, her light always brought him through the darkness. But when his ex-wife denies him the chance, those scars bleed into every part of his life and Shane is forced to admit he needs help.

“You can’t fool me. I know who you really are.”

Aaron Hayes thought he’d found the perfect career as a service dog trainer. Until he realized speaking to crowds was part of the job description. He’s never felt safe in a crowd, but one-on-one? That’s a different story. And when a handsome and troubled veteran needs his help training a service dog, Aaron doesn’t hesitate.

“You’re the only one who sees me.”

Shane tries his best to keep Aaron at a distance, even though his attraction to the man is undeniable. Convinced a quick fling will get it out of his system, he seduces Aaron. But he soon realizes he’s the one falling under Aaron’s spell. As Aaron starts to become his light in the darkness, Shane fears their future together--or lack thereof. If he can't even win back his own daughter, how is he ever going to fend off his demons long enough to find solace with Aaron?

Solace is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, LGBT, Disability, Adult

286 pages, ebook

First published May 9, 2016

About the author

Sierra Riley was born and raised in a small town where she spent all her time reading under trees before she moved to the Bay area to pursue her own love story.

She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.

When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.

Reviews

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

After my initial love of Sierra Riley's Guardian, I haven't had a lot of luck with her other books. She whips them out every two weeks and each story seems the same as the last, except for the character's names and occupations. I had decided that I wasn't a good match for her books after getting the formula out of my system with Guardian but this blurb sucked me in and I had to give it a go.

As I expected, this was the same book as the others, with different character names and jobs. The difference here were:

1. The military aspect with PTSD and a service dog was RIGHT up my interest ally.

2. The sex was weak! Not many scenes and very tame compared to the other books. There was even *gasp* fade-to-black sex!

So, while I didn't enjoy this book for the romance, I am going to give it 3 stars. Ms. Riley included a wonderful epilogue complete with links about service dogs and how they can help you and how you can help them. I am 100% on-board with that.

Epilogue
Paws For Hope is based on the many wonderful not-for-profit organizations across the country that provide a much-needed service for US veterans by matching them with rescue dogs who would otherwise be euthanized. This cause is near and dear to my heart, and I strongly believe these organizations deserve more recognition for the lives they save, both human and canine.

While I can't list every organization here, I'd like to list a few that I found in my research. You can click any of the links below to learn more, and I encourage you to search for local organizations in your own community:

Healing4Heroes - http://www.healing4heroes.org/
Shelter to Soldier - http://www.sheltertosoldier.org/
Pets for Vets - http://www.petsforvets.com/
Paws and Stripes - http://www.pawsandstripes.org/
Canine Angels - http://canineangelsusa.org/

Galley copy of Solice provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Tanu Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, as I did all the other books I've read by the author. But there was something that kept me from loving it. I can't pinpoint it to something concrete, but if I have to make a guess, it probably has something to do with the personalities of the MCs... Even though their characters were described amazingly well, I just couldn't connect to them as I've done with the MCs of the other books.

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I really liked this sweet romance ! ***
We have tall, well built, tattooed, blue eyed, Shane,

a Military Vet suffering from PTSD. He's home and wants to spend time with his daughter,
( she's so adorable) but he needs to get his issues under control. His best friend, Denise, suggests a "service" dog to help intervene with his panic.

Slim, brown eyed, Aaron trains the dogs at Paws for Help, and the guys are pulled toward each other. They pick out a dog at the shelter, and Aaron volunteered to train with him in his spare time. BC- Buttercup is a yellow lab and perfect for Shane.

She's a natural, so smart, and "senses" his needs right away, and has his back. Shane tells Aaron about his experiences overseas, his fears, his needs, and Aaron helps train the dog, and the guys get closer. Shane is flirting big time, and the feelings are mutual. Their smexy times are super hot. A few things are happening at once, with custody concerns, Aaron's public speaking, etc. I can't tell you everything, now can I ?


These two are perfect for each other, they "fit" ! They can rely on each other.
We got all the elements that make a great tale.
This is a marvelous feel good M/M romance ! Amazing epilogue !!
ENJOY !!
===============
a generous free copy for an honest review
==================================

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What can i say about this book? I loved it. It tugged at my heart and I read it in one night. Then, of course I would be angry for reading to fast after the glow died down. A vicious circle. We have two MC's: Aaron and Shane; both with battles of their own. Aaron has crippling social anxieties in speaking in front of people and with people in general due to his father's verbal abuse in a guise to "help" Aaron. Shane, a vet, home after a dishonorable discharge and on going PTSD that therapy had not helped in the past plus being denied visitation with his daughter that kept him sane while deployed. I love the way Sierra Riley writes. The secondary characters were likable, they added to the story, the flashbacks flowed with the story of why Shane needed help with his PTSD and with Aaron; his boss wanting to retire, upped his anxiety. Lyrics from a song "Jet Airliner" ..you have to go through hell to get to heaven fits Aaron and Shane. Each were fighting their own hell, formed a friendship that ended with a slice of heaven. Yes, they had ups and downs; no smooth sailing: but it was an enjoyable, entertaining read. I was enlightened on the use of service dogs for vets with PTSD. The only pet peeve ( and it may just be me) I have with Sierra Riley is her use of the "prologue". I like the unfolding of the story with out any hints. I would recommend this to anyone. A re-read is definite!

**********
I was given ARC from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased review.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not going to make my reread bookshelf. Both MC's struggling with mental health issues. That's rough going in the emotional dept.
Then author chose to save the sexual shenanigans for the second half of the book, frustrating both the characters and this reader. Even then, the hotness was scarce and sometimes off-page. Uh-uh, nope.
Worst mistake, when one MC says "I'm not gay, I just fooled around with guys while I was in the military." Oh No You Didn't!

I did love the "issues" that were dealt with: helping Veterans, assistance dogs, mental health needs, Fathers not deserving to be cut-off from their children post divorce, but this was more about them and less about the relationship, imho.

[Jenny Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead!!!
And a ridiculously hot cover!
I loved loved loved LOVED this one!!
I've been a sucker for Sierra Riley lately... But this one... sigh... I loved it.

I'm also a sucker for a wounded soldier story as my latest book was all about it. I love the "hidden injuries" that people don't get to see and so many don't understand and then you get a book like this that opens you up to the possibility that people... just because you can't see their turmoil doesn't mean they don't have any.

Shane, dishonarably discharged and suffering from PTSD has one thought when he comes back into town after being away; getting to his daughter. He know's that he messed up the last time he'd been with her, getting into a situation where his PTSD triggered a anger episode while out with her and although he didn't hurt her, he did scare her pretty bad; making his ex wife, his daughter's mother hesitant about letting him alone with her. Which is understandable. At first I didn't get her letting her new boyfriend call the shots like he did but I couldnt blame her for not putting her daughter first. She wasn't hateful or callous, she knew her daughter loved her daddy and didn't want to keep him away but sometimes, life just sucks and things are hard.... I couldn't blame her for that..... That's what pushed Shane into getting "help". He knew therapy didn't help but at the insistence of his best friend, Denise; he looked into getting a service dog.... That's where he met Aaron.

Aaron had some problems of his own. Public anxiety and speaking in front of ....well pretty much anyone it seemed like. his boss though, and the closest thing he thought of as a father was retiring and wanted to pass the reigns of his organization of training and matching Service Dogs to people who needed them. He done really good with the animals and tended to spend more time with them than with actual people but a trip to the VA for a presentation to introduce some vets to service dogs, he'd met Shane... I've gotta admit, I understood Shane, I really did; but I hated how Aaron seemed to get his feelings hurt sometimes becuase Shane didn't understand that lable's were lame and his feelings he had towards Aaron were valid and not just a distraction. I really felt for Aaron too because I could see where he'd gotten so much confidence at the help from Shane and his service dog. The whole progress was so real and it really sucked me in from the beginning.

Of course, there were some hard times, some bumps in the road but it wasn't agnsty and hard to read, it wasn't a rollercoaster even though I did feel everything Aaron felt and I really found myself not only relating to Shane but understanding so much of stuff I never thought about.... I loved their whole journey, i loved how real and genuine it was and i love how it ended... if there was ever another couple I'd love to read more of, it'd be these two.
I absolutely adored this story and I can't wait to read more!

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out promising, but I wound up skimming a lot in the second half, and by the end, I just wasn't in love with this like I have been with her/their other books. Of course, we now know that this author is really multiple people all writing bits and pieces, so the stories that I love from this author are probably written by different people than the ones I didn't enjoy as much.

Anyway, I think my problem with this story was that the seriousness of the conflicts - Shane and his PTSD and family issues, Aaron and his fears, just seemed to be touched on a surface level, if that makes sense, and solved too easily and quickly all of a sudden at the end. It just didn't seem to go in depth enough or something. Also? Shane was a dick for most of the story as far as his treatment to Aaron, how can you fall in love with a guy that treats you like that and can only have the guts to talk to you through a VR game and texting? However, I commend taking on the subject matter and also the program of a dog training service for people with disabilities and also vets. And I adored Buttercup!

I received this in exchange for an honest review.

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this. The idea with the service dogs and the help for the veteran Shane was awesome and very good implemented. You recognized the author did a great research, I also liked her links at the end of the book. Very helpful and so the honesty was even more palpable. :3

I think Solace is one of the better books by the author, she had a minor downfall in a few books before but this is as good as Guardian and Someday, my two favourite books of the author. :3
I was a bit surprised but not annoyed or would say it's a disadvantage but there was little sex in the book compared to the other ones... I liked it but I guess sometimes I was also a bit confused but not in a bad way. xDD

I enjoyed the jurney with Shane, Aaron, Buttercup (what a lovely dog) and Shane's daughter Becca. Such charming person. :3

Totally worth of 5 out of 5 stars. <3

[Amanda Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Sierra Tiley. Good for a quick, light read.

[Leaundra]

DNF at 30 percent. I just couldn't get into it. I've enjoyed Sierra Riley's books, some more than others. It's probably me not the book.

[Sharon Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love will bring you out of the darkness
First, I have to say that I loved that the core of this story was about Vets and the trials they face after combat, I also applaud the nod to some of the organizations that strive to help them by any means! This was a sweet romance and I loved the characters Shane (our vet) and Aaron (a dog trainer) and of course Buttercup! Shane has one thought upon returning from Afghanistan, to see his daughter, however his ex-wife (and her new boyfriend) refuse based on his issues (crowds tend to cause Shane to revert to feeling like he is in a combat situation and fall into extreme defensive measures, usually violent ones). Aaron suffers from extreme social anxiety, bad enough that he cannot function in crowds preferring to work with dogs than people. The non-profit Paws for Hope is Aaron’s happy place, Richard the director his substitute father (his real father gave him a lifetime of humiliation and disowned him when he came out). Shane and Aaron meet when Aaron tries to give a speech at the VA about how service dogs can help vets. Aaron notices Shane in the back and is intrigued, unfortunately, Aaron suffers an anxiety attack and is unable to finish the speech. Escaping the crowed himself, Shane finds Aaron and tries to engage him in conversation, surprising himself Aaron finds he is able and wants to talk with Shane. When Aaron and Shane work out an agreement to train a service dog for Shane they become very close but stresses with his daughter, self-doubt and self-loathing, and questions of his sexuality lead Shane to nip their budding love. Aaron finds strength and confidence in his hope for Shane, coming through for Shane in a most unexpected way. Shane finally realizes all the progress he had made was due to Aaron and the solace he gave him, now can he get him back. I love Sierra’s writing and think this may be my new favorite! Definitely recommend it!

[Lisa1269 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely absorbing…
This book clawed its way under my skin and didn’t let go, not even after I turned the last page. In turns both heartwrenching and heartwarming, Shane and Aaron’s journey completely absorbed me. Delving into the very weighty subject of PTSD, this book manages to stay uplifting without being dismissive of the significant and long-term damage endured by members of the military. Sierra Riley immerses readers in Shane’s frustration and hopelessness, without miring them in graphic flashbacks, but doesn’t leave us in the darkness, the very core of the plot is a reminder that we have more options than we might realize to help with our burdens. Shane’s issues are real, and he pays a very hefty price for his reluctance to deal with them, being denied access to his daughter, the guiding light that kept him focused. No price is too much to be reunited with her however, and he turns to Aaron, a service dog trainer, to help him take the steps necessary to reclaim what’s left of his life. Aaron is not without his own issues, struggling with social anxiety and a debilitating fear of public speaking, also searching for the thing that will help him overcome issues stemming from his overbearing father. There’s a beauty in the way that these men learn to understand each other, while Aaron teaches Buttercup how to help Shane, unwittingly or not, Shane was teaching Aaron how to help himself. There’s a sort of comfort to these two, their struggles aren’t about their faith in each other, but their lack of faith in themselves. The attraction between them won’t be denied though, and it doesn’t take long to reach the combustion point. I loved the chemistry between Shane and Aaron, once again Sierra Riley has offered readers a steamy but sweet tale of the strength that comes from finding sanctuary in the person you love.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Amanda at WickedGoodReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed this story in that I am pretty sure that I have not read a book about a vet with PTSD or the issue of service animals. So, I am assuming all information provided was researched. It was believable for the most part (the parts of the training, etc)
Shane is an army vet who upon returning home after a dishonorable discharge finds that the struggle to manage may be a tad difficult. He has a daughter, but his ex is scared to let him have her because of a past incident that happened while she was in his care.
Aaron is a man who works with service animals and basically suffers from social anxiety. So basically, ya, these two should get along just fine.
However, Shane can be an ass because he's afraid. And Aaron is just a scared but sweet guy.
So, in the end, after a bump in the road due to Shane being an ass all ends well.

*******
One thing I will say, this is my third Sierra Riley book and I do wonder how she (they) can produce them as quickly as they do and still maintain a decent book. Each book I have received is an ARC and all have been formatted and edited well, so that's not the problem. But sometimes I feel that maybe the book was produced to quickly? But then I read a post on their Facebook page which does explain this, in that they are a team, not just one person. So, basically, I can see how a team could produce assuming that it's not just one person sitting there typing all day everyday. I mean, we all know there are other authors out there who work as teams and produce smaller books on a regular basis, sometimes they are good, sometimes they are not. So I hope that people will at least continue to give this author team a chance because I feel that the books will only get better as they get into their grove more....anyway, just some of my thoughts for what they are worth.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[L Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free copy provided for an honest review.

I think this is the first Sierra Riley book I've read. I did like it. Aaron has a fear of crows and speaking in public, but gets along well with dogs and other animals. Shane has a severe case of PTSD and it has cost him the one thing he holds dear in this world and what keeps him going, his daughter. Shane and Aaron meet at the V.A, one an optimist, the other a pessimist. These two men take what they know of the world and as they try to adjust their perceptions they grow their relationship, but discover whether or not that is actually enough.

Shane is a very gruff masculine and dominant man. I really would have liked to see him be more sensitive, because Aaron is portrayed as "that" kind of character feminine, weaker, submissive, whatever. It gets old after a while when that's the case in so many M/M romances. Aaron is afraid of speaking in front of people and when his boss want to pass on his business to him, Aaron doesn't know if he's capable of it because of this fear. He uses Shane's training as a case study and a platform to breakaway from his fears.

The two of them play a little bit with the flirting. But, Shane's fear of hurting Aaron with his nightmares keep him away, even though he keeps coming back for more. The story is really sweet. There's very low drama, or maybe she tries hard for there to be drama that there's really just poorly placed events in the plot. His wife's current boyfriend is a dick. He is all hot air trying to posture as top dog, when he really isn't. We also get mentions of his ex and daughter and see them, but the story focuses mostly on Aaron and Shane that their lives seem one dimensional.

Overall it was a really good book, sweet, steamy, but if you're looking for a high intensity and romance book, this isn't it. It is still a good read.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I wasn’t as enamored by this story as others by Ms. Riley, even though I have a love for service dogs. The biggest drawback was the blatant error of someone who is dishonorably discharged having access to the VA. Every time I read that, I cringed. I'm not even in the military and knew this, easily verifying the information with a friend who is. There were a few other issues, or more like questions throughout the text that made me wonder just how much the author really knew about what she was writing.

Shane has been discharged from the military for misconduct He's got a nasty temper that he's unable to control when he's angry or feels threatened. It's gotten him into trouble in the past and is what ultimately led to his divorce from his wife and the separation from his daughter. But he's not homosexual, even though while he served he fucked other servicemen. (Yeah, I expect they'll be some blow back from this by other readers.) And the ball got dropped on the tattoos too. No tats are to be visible on the neck, and why, why, why wasn't Aaron touching them more...?

Aaron, on the other hand, is fighting his own internal struggles. He panics in situations where he's placed front and center. It manifests itself in anxiety, shortness of breath, and stuttering. But he works with service dogs everyday. (So, why doesn't he have his own????)

The two men help each other overcome their individual issues, and find that when they strive for a common goal together they come out winners. Aaron is able to do some public speaking, and Shane is granted partial custody of his daughter. And they fall in love...HEA.

The one area I liked best was the less explicit sex. There was just a nice lead in, an emotional connection, and then we were eased out of the scene.

[Jodi Ciorciari-marinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that I totally go into. I am really enjoying reading Sierra's books lately and enjoy that they are coming out so quickly. Who cant help but fall in love with Shane. He is a damaged tattooed x soldier. He came home and found that he couldn't see his daughter. He was told by his best friend to seek help for his PTSD. Thru Aaron he found help with a service dog. Love the name of the dog,Buttercup, coming from Shane.Aaron has his own issues with people and the two of them help each other. The chemistry is definitely there between these guys. I love the way they communicate with each other sometimes when they cant talk face to face. There is the conflict but it was very believable and works out in the end. They fall in love with each other and find they are a great team together. My heart broke for these 2 broken men but in the end you can see then working together to be better and Shane gets his daughter back too which was icing on the cake..Received an ARC from author for an honest review. Reviewed for Alpha Book Club.

[Eloise Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

* ARC received in exchange for an honest review *.
Shane is what you'd expect when reading about a troubled vet suffering from PTSD he's sweet, kind, sexy and has a heart of gold but due to his time in Afghanistan he's closed off from everyone except his little girl Becca and his friend Denise a former vet herself that is until an altercation with his ex's boyfriend forces him to find an alternate means of therapy where he meets Aaron who has just as many issues as Shane just of a different nature, together they help each other to work on these many problems as Shane learns to train his service dog Buttercup while slowly both men start to see each other as more than colleagues, another sweet yet sexy MM romance I enjoyed reading.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

They See Each Other

An ARC was given to me for an honest review. Aaron is an excellent dog trainer but he can't talk in front of an audience. Shane just got home from Afghanistan and all he wants to see is his daughter. But due to an incident before he deployed for the last time his ex-wife is making it difficult. These two meet when he get desperate to do anything to see his daughter. This is an entertaining and interesting read. Enjoy I did.

[Pati · Rating 1 out of 5]

Total waste of my money. Not researched and too generalized. Sorry for this short review. I wrote a long specifically detailed review but for some reason GRs only posted "Total waste of my money." Let's see if they leave this one intact.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lazy. I am being lazy. I reviewed Guardia, Firewall and Solace, by Sierra Riley, in the same post. So, yeah, I am being extra lazy. Short reviews here

[Elithanathile · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just okay for me. True rating: 2.5 stars.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Pianisuparse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'I love real characters with real issues and flaws. Both these MCs faced major ones and I loved the way they worked together to confront them' stars.

[Pebbles1374 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[namericanwordcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because there are multiple authors in the writing here, it is hard to know exactly what you are going to get in terms of voice.

I like that this book looks hard at PTSD and how scary it can be for loved ones. Aaron's ex wife isn't painted as a demon and I really value that aspect of the book.

Shane's and Aaron's romance is a bit off as their motives are rough and tumble and love elements are late coming though they are here.

Buttercup the dog is amazing, of course.

[Kelli D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I enjoyed this book, it wasn't spectacular, lovin every minute, can't put it down but it was pretty good. Wished for more background memories from both MC's for why they turned out the way they did, the author touched on it but I didn't get the full effect of it so left me wanting mire in their character build. But overall a nice clean read.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful characters in a deep story. Both main characters dealing with the effects of trauma and learning to help each other. This is a truly remarkable book with the main "bad guy" actually being himself. Great job.

[melek · Rating 5 out of 5]

shane needs help and aaron is the one to give it. With the help of an service dog. who helps ex veterans, in this case shane who has a problem and who wants help and also help see his daughter. But can these 2 mix business with pleasure.

[年上 控 · Rating 2 out of 5]

CP本来很好，可惜化学反应跟我对不上，感觉不到位

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sierra Riley’s books are hit or miss for me. This one didn’t really grip me although the blurb sounded great. I can’t even really explain it - it was ok, but not more than that.