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The Smell of Rain
Air Force Lieutenant and military interpreter Chrys Safis lost her leg fighting alongside Kurdish forces in Syria. Once back home in DC, her fiancée leaves, her military career ends, and her faith in humanity evaporates. With prescription drugs and alcohol her only relief from the pain, Chrys is on her way to becoming a statistic.
That is until the State Department calls and offers her an important assignment—to serve as a diplomatic liaison and interpreter for a Turkish national living in exile. Reyha Arslan, a wise and elegant woman with a tragic past, shows Chrys that there’s still beauty to embrace and reason to hope despite the world’s cruelty. With Reyha’s help, Chrys’s broken spirit starts to heal and she learns that the most significant love is often the shortest lived.
That is until the State Department calls and offers her an important assignment—to serve as a diplomatic liaison and interpreter for a Turkish national living in exile. Reyha Arslan, a wise and elegant woman with a tragic past, shows Chrys that there’s still beauty to embrace and reason to hope despite the world’s cruelty. With Reyha’s help, Chrys’s broken spirit starts to heal and she learns that the most significant love is often the shortest lived.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
15 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 28, 2018
4.5 Stars. This is a tough book to read. I knew it was going to be depressing, so I kept putting off reading it. I finally felt up to tackling it today. I’m glad I read it, it is extremely well written. This book is going to win a Goldy and probably some other awards. It’s that good, it’s just that it breaks your heart. And while it is depressing at times it is about love and hope. This book is real, and smart and deep. It will absolutely affect you and it’s the kind of book you should read even though it is hard.
I usually write long reviews, but I’m a bit at a loss for words. My suggestion is to get a box of tissues and give this one a read. It’s going to make you feel, but it's worth it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
I usually write long reviews, but I’m a bit at a loss for words. My suggestion is to get a box of tissues and give this one a read. It’s going to make you feel, but it's worth it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
April 5, 2018
This is a beautiful and heart-breaking love story but it’s not a romance. Chrysanthi Safis returns from Syria broken – physically, mentally and emotionally. Part of her leg has been aputated, her body is scarred and she’s in pain. The beer and pills help her sleep a little but they don’t take away the nightmares. Her partner of seven years is at a loss because Chrys won’t allow her close to her and they no longer even share a room. Even though she’s fluent in numerous languages, her military career overseas is over.
Across the ocean in England, exile Reyha Arslan witnesses her assistant and good friend blown apart by a car bomb. She’s no stranger to losing a loved one as her husband, controversial Turkish MP, was assassinated six years previously. When she arrives in the US, she is to address the United Nations in an attempt to fulfil her husband’s work and the State Department insists on providing her with a liason and interpreter. What Chrys sees is a beautiful, elegant and dignified woman and finds she is unable to refuse the position, although she’s not really given a choice.
As much as there were times I struggled to like Chrys with her bitterness and rage, her pain, hallucinations and loss of control are so well-described that I found I couldn’t dislike her either. Her battle to bring herself back to any kind of enjoyment of life is powerfully expressed. Reyha has her own difficult past but her expression of it is so different from Chrys’. She’s the lightness to Chrys’ darkness which highlights how differently people experience trauma and tragedy.
Reyha’s life is in danger and their days are spent surrounded by security agents with the constant threat combined with Chrys’ paranoia keeping a strong thread of tension going. Chrys’ weekly group therapy sessions add another whole set of characters to the mix.
I’ve read a number of novels where the main character has had some trauma or returned from conflict area with injuries and PTSD but I don’t think I’ve read any quite as good as this. Chrys wasn’t given any easy-outs or nice characteristics to make her more likeable. I haven’t read a book that has emotionally engaged me and dragged me in quite as much as this did in a long time. It’s horrible and beautiful, amusing and sad, gentle and traumatic.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Across the ocean in England, exile Reyha Arslan witnesses her assistant and good friend blown apart by a car bomb. She’s no stranger to losing a loved one as her husband, controversial Turkish MP, was assassinated six years previously. When she arrives in the US, she is to address the United Nations in an attempt to fulfil her husband’s work and the State Department insists on providing her with a liason and interpreter. What Chrys sees is a beautiful, elegant and dignified woman and finds she is unable to refuse the position, although she’s not really given a choice.
As much as there were times I struggled to like Chrys with her bitterness and rage, her pain, hallucinations and loss of control are so well-described that I found I couldn’t dislike her either. Her battle to bring herself back to any kind of enjoyment of life is powerfully expressed. Reyha has her own difficult past but her expression of it is so different from Chrys’. She’s the lightness to Chrys’ darkness which highlights how differently people experience trauma and tragedy.
Reyha’s life is in danger and their days are spent surrounded by security agents with the constant threat combined with Chrys’ paranoia keeping a strong thread of tension going. Chrys’ weekly group therapy sessions add another whole set of characters to the mix.
I’ve read a number of novels where the main character has had some trauma or returned from conflict area with injuries and PTSD but I don’t think I’ve read any quite as good as this. Chrys wasn’t given any easy-outs or nice characteristics to make her more likeable. I haven’t read a book that has emotionally engaged me and dragged me in quite as much as this did in a long time. It’s horrible and beautiful, amusing and sad, gentle and traumatic.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
May 6, 2018
Chrys Safis is a broken soldier struggling to carry on while haunted by the ghosts of her comrades on the field of battle. She is her own worst enemy, failing at therapies offered to counteract her PTSD and help her move on. She loses the love of her life and cannot pull herself out of her survivor’s guilt. She is not easy to like. When she is asked to act as an interpreter for a Rehya Arslan, a Turkish national in exile who will be speaking at the United Nations she reluctantly agrees.
This is a hard, powerful read. You can feel Chrys’s despair, feel her hopelessness and feel her guilt and anger. It takes a strong woman like Rehya to show her the fights worth fighting for and to give her a glimmer of hope in the stark reality of modern warfare. This book felt very real and certainly well researched with mentions of Armenian atrocities and Syrian battles with the Daesh. I loved the conversations held while touring Washington landmarks or sitting on the balcony of their suite. I could almost smell the cloves in Rehya’s cigarettes and sense the strength of character both women possess. As wonderful as their attraction and budding feelings for one another are for the reader the author does not hold back with her foreshadowing of things to come.
You know what’s coming but you can’t look away. My kind of read, powerful, emotion-filled and dramatic. Well done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpre...
This is a hard, powerful read. You can feel Chrys’s despair, feel her hopelessness and feel her guilt and anger. It takes a strong woman like Rehya to show her the fights worth fighting for and to give her a glimmer of hope in the stark reality of modern warfare. This book felt very real and certainly well researched with mentions of Armenian atrocities and Syrian battles with the Daesh. I loved the conversations held while touring Washington landmarks or sitting on the balcony of their suite. I could almost smell the cloves in Rehya’s cigarettes and sense the strength of character both women possess. As wonderful as their attraction and budding feelings for one another are for the reader the author does not hold back with her foreshadowing of things to come.
You know what’s coming but you can’t look away. My kind of read, powerful, emotion-filled and dramatic. Well done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpre...
June 13, 2018
I'm not sure how to review this book. It touched so many places within me I can't even describe my emotions. The ending of the book is inevitable but it still left me asking why? But then again I found it uplifting.
This is an extremely hard hitting powerful book. One that didn't only bring tears to my eyes but actually made me cry. It is very thought provoking. I'm guessing this book will elicit many different reviews. Some good, some bad. But to really appreciate and understand you really need to read it. Yes it does get depressing but there were many reasons for joy.
It doesn't deal with just one tragedy but several.
Some people say heroes are born, others that heroes are created. But the heroes of this book was because who they were and what was important to them. For that alone they are heroes throughout the world. Yes, this is a book and yes, it is fiction. But all fiction has some truth in the writing.
Give it a go. Just be prepared for the odd tear and gentle smile that happens unexpectedly. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
This is an extremely hard hitting powerful book. One that didn't only bring tears to my eyes but actually made me cry. It is very thought provoking. I'm guessing this book will elicit many different reviews. Some good, some bad. But to really appreciate and understand you really need to read it. Yes it does get depressing but there were many reasons for joy.
It doesn't deal with just one tragedy but several.
Some people say heroes are born, others that heroes are created. But the heroes of this book was because who they were and what was important to them. For that alone they are heroes throughout the world. Yes, this is a book and yes, it is fiction. But all fiction has some truth in the writing.
Give it a go. Just be prepared for the odd tear and gentle smile that happens unexpectedly. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
August 31, 2022
This was so heartbreakingly beautiful.
I absolutely loved how confronting it was too. How MacElvee whether she intended to or not, challenged the reader to think way beyond their comfort level. It's brilliant.
I absolutely loved how confronting it was too. How MacElvee whether she intended to or not, challenged the reader to think way beyond their comfort level. It's brilliant.
September 3, 2018
This story owns my heart!
I have so many beautiful thoughts about this touching story. Chrys's journey toward healing and reconciling who she was with who she has become has brought out all of my emotions all at once. I laughed and cried as Reyha and Chrys shared so much love and they opened their hearts and embraced each other's pain in a way that many people are not able to do. This is the first book I have read from this author and I know that this would not be the last one because I am anxious to read another story from this wonderful author.
I have so many beautiful thoughts about this touching story. Chrys's journey toward healing and reconciling who she was with who she has become has brought out all of my emotions all at once. I laughed and cried as Reyha and Chrys shared so much love and they opened their hearts and embraced each other's pain in a way that many people are not able to do. This is the first book I have read from this author and I know that this would not be the last one because I am anxious to read another story from this wonderful author.
September 4, 2022
4.5 stars
This was a very emotional book and a very tender love story. Lots of PTSD angst and turmoil throughout the story and eventually it is overcome. I especially liked the ending.
This was a very emotional book and a very tender love story. Lots of PTSD angst and turmoil throughout the story and eventually it is overcome. I especially liked the ending.
May 3, 2018
Hands down brilliant. I loved this book so much.
Chrys Safi arrives back from Syria broken and battered, missing her leg below the knee. She's living in a dark place that she can't seem to climb out of. She's pushing her partner of 7 years away and falling back on self-destructive behaviour. That is until she receives a special assignment translating and acting as a liaison for Reyha Arslan. Through friendship and tough love Chrys slowly begins to heal. The two women find kindred spirits in one another, and somewhere along the way something like love begins to blossom.
I loved the meeting of minds between Reyha and Chrys - the way they could switch between languages is the most intimate and sensual thing I've ever read with a couple. Sometimes one language just doesn't have the feelings you want to convey so being able to switch though so many languages and to meet someone of your own intellectual abilities is the purest meeting of hearts and minds ever.
This book definitely has it's tough parts - theres some alcohol and prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide. But its also a gorgeous story about healing and finding hope and goodness in the dark places when all you can see is darkness. I even loved the ending, I really loved it. There is always hope and happiness to be found even out of heartbreak and pain.
Cameron MacElvee is an extremely talented writer. This story is rich and warm and draws you in with the vivid storytelling. The characters are fantastic, they're intelligent, they're strong, and they're flawed but they're likeable and relatable and I found myself connected and invested with each of them.
This is my first book by the author and I know it won't be the last. I will be buying this in paperback the first chance I get. I adored this so much. I will recommend this book to anyone.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chrys Safi arrives back from Syria broken and battered, missing her leg below the knee. She's living in a dark place that she can't seem to climb out of. She's pushing her partner of 7 years away and falling back on self-destructive behaviour. That is until she receives a special assignment translating and acting as a liaison for Reyha Arslan. Through friendship and tough love Chrys slowly begins to heal. The two women find kindred spirits in one another, and somewhere along the way something like love begins to blossom.
I loved the meeting of minds between Reyha and Chrys - the way they could switch between languages is the most intimate and sensual thing I've ever read with a couple. Sometimes one language just doesn't have the feelings you want to convey so being able to switch though so many languages and to meet someone of your own intellectual abilities is the purest meeting of hearts and minds ever.
This book definitely has it's tough parts - theres some alcohol and prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide. But its also a gorgeous story about healing and finding hope and goodness in the dark places when all you can see is darkness. I even loved the ending, I really loved it. There is always hope and happiness to be found even out of heartbreak and pain.
Cameron MacElvee is an extremely talented writer. This story is rich and warm and draws you in with the vivid storytelling. The characters are fantastic, they're intelligent, they're strong, and they're flawed but they're likeable and relatable and I found myself connected and invested with each of them.
This is my first book by the author and I know it won't be the last. I will be buying this in paperback the first chance I get. I adored this so much. I will recommend this book to anyone.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2022
I got an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This was not an easy read. A storyline that is nakedly gritty, dealing with PTSD, the military and a lead character unable to cope with life as a survivor from war, and the loss of a limb. Ms. MacElvee has written the characters of Chrys and Rehya so cleverly - they grab you and drag you along for the ride in what is ultimately a sad romance. Kudos to the author.
Recommended with 4.5 stars
Purchased a hardcopy in 2022.
This was not an easy read. A storyline that is nakedly gritty, dealing with PTSD, the military and a lead character unable to cope with life as a survivor from war, and the loss of a limb. Ms. MacElvee has written the characters of Chrys and Rehya so cleverly - they grab you and drag you along for the ride in what is ultimately a sad romance. Kudos to the author.
Recommended with 4.5 stars
Purchased a hardcopy in 2022.
April 19, 2018
This could have been a great romance novel if not for the shitty ending. The emotional intimacy explored was just perfect and really trumped most lesfic fan favorites, Melissa Brayden for example whose stories while fun are shallow and not exactly satisfying. However! all that emotional intimacy was for naught with that horrible ending. After reading this I said to myself "this was written by someone who was a lit major in college or someone somehow affiliated with literature at an entry level" and lo and behold Cameron teaches literature....at a community college. I say this because this book clearly follows the theme of "great literature needs to be pain porn" as well as it name dropped a lot of entry level 'great american literature & whatever.' Its obvious the author had 'greater' intentions for this book and the romance was just a means to an end. The plot was mostly political and a little preachy at times about social issues. I actually cringed when Chrys said something about Americans whining about rape culture when women in third world countries are actually being raped. You can probably tell by now that I'm a bitter about this book. But I absolutely hate romance novels with unhappy endings, especially when its not necessary. So I write this as a warning to people who are of the same mind DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU DON'T LIKE UNHAPPY ENDINGS
I'm still giving this book 4 stars because the characters are interesting and for 90% of the book the romance was great until the shitty ending.
I'm still giving this book 4 stars because the characters are interesting and for 90% of the book the romance was great until the shitty ending.
May 12, 2018
Very well written and very dark emotional romance. A deeply troubled female veteran is drawn out of her ptsd by an older, wiser previously damaged women. This story is a strong reminder of the abuse of women throughout the world. Although the story is dark and sad it somehow is uplifting and not depressing. The ending leaves you with a positive outcome. I congratulate the author for somehow managing that with her skillful writing.
November 23, 2022
3 stars
Good, but not exactly my cup of tea. Just can't quite pit my finger on the reason why, but it has probably something to do with some of the heavier topics. I prefer a bit lighter stuff for my free time reading.
Definitely well written, but not exactly light reading.
Good, but not exactly my cup of tea. Just can't quite pit my finger on the reason why, but it has probably something to do with some of the heavier topics. I prefer a bit lighter stuff for my free time reading.
Definitely well written, but not exactly light reading.
January 15, 2022
3,5 stars
"The Smell of Rain" is a powerful book about war veteran Chrys Safis and Turkish national Reyha Arslan who lives in exile.
After Chrys returns from Syria physically and emotionally broken, she is suffering from PTSD. When the State Department offers her an assignment to serve as a diplomatic liaison and interpreter for Reyha, her life changes.
It was hard for me to like Chrys because of the way she treated Mary and how self-destructive she was at times. I did feel for her though for what she's been through, but I still just couldn't warm up to her until the very last chapter.
Reyha is a very interesting character. She's strong, wise and has a great sense of humor. Despite all the horrible things that have happened to her and the cruelty of the world she remains positive and hopeful and helps Chrys to heal.
I like the ending of the story. It's sad because of Reyha's death, but also beautiful because Chrys is healing and back in Syria to work together with a group of women and surprisingly Mary is back in the picture, too.
There were a few things that bothered me a bit. The ending felt a bit rushed and there's a big gap before the epilogue (18 months). I was also left with a few unanswered questions, for example how did the man who killed Reyha always find her so quickly? It was indicated that it might have been an inside job. Did I miss something?
Overall, this was an interesting read. It might not be for everyone since it's emotional and dark at times.
"The Smell of Rain" is a powerful book about war veteran Chrys Safis and Turkish national Reyha Arslan who lives in exile.
After Chrys returns from Syria physically and emotionally broken, she is suffering from PTSD. When the State Department offers her an assignment to serve as a diplomatic liaison and interpreter for Reyha, her life changes.
It was hard for me to like Chrys because of the way she treated Mary and how self-destructive she was at times. I did feel for her though for what she's been through, but I still just couldn't warm up to her until the very last chapter.
Reyha is a very interesting character. She's strong, wise and has a great sense of humor. Despite all the horrible things that have happened to her and the cruelty of the world she remains positive and hopeful and helps Chrys to heal.
I like the ending of the story. It's sad because of Reyha's death, but also beautiful because Chrys is healing and back in Syria to work together with a group of women and surprisingly Mary is back in the picture, too.
There were a few things that bothered me a bit. The ending felt a bit rushed and there's a big gap before the epilogue (18 months). I was also left with a few unanswered questions, for example how did the man who killed Reyha always find her so quickly? It was indicated that it might have been an inside job. Did I miss something?
Overall, this was an interesting read. It might not be for everyone since it's emotional and dark at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2018
I picked this book up immediately finishing MacElvee's first book. MacElvee does an excellent job of making her readers feel the story. Chrys goes through a lot and grows a great deal during this book. Kind of a roller coaster of emotions, and it may be difficult for some to read. Don't let that stop you though. I wasn't sure I would like this one as much as MacElvee's first book, but I was very surprised I liked it just as much. This book is different from her first, sad but kind of beautiful too. I cried huge fat tears more than once during this book. This is a hard book to review because it isn't like most books you will read. It has romance, but isn't a romance. It has heartbreak but really isn't a tragedy. It has so much to read. Just after reading two books by this author I know I will pick up anything she writes. Can't wait for the next. Hope to see the audiobook version of both books soon.
November 1, 2018
Standing ovation on this book. I'm sad and happy at the same time. It's hard to describe my feelings. So very well written. It's a must read.
April 8, 2018
I have to be honest, I was not sure about this book based on the description. Furthermore, I am not a big romance reader but I absolutely loved this book. Couldn't put it down. I was very impressed by the wisdom this book brought me. The twists and happiness amid Chrys' struggle. I think every person wishes for someone/a mentor like this in their life. I wish to live with the atttidue Rehya portrayed and saved many quotes from this book. I saw the ending coming based on the novels Rehya picked out for Chrys. I think her point is very valid - it's the impermanence of things in life life that make us appreciate their beauty. I rarely read anything aside from murder-mystery but would unreservedly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
April 8, 2018
...she learns that the most significant love is often the shortest lived. This is the line that captivated me throughout this entire emotional rollercoaster of a story. This read was so pure and heartbreaking because you know tragedy and sadness is coming but you are unsure when and how. Chrys Safis has a women that cares deeply for her as she struggles to recovery from her mental and physical injuries. Although Mary is there and Chrys loves her, it is not enough. Reyha Arslan is capable of great love and caring. Although Reyha has her own issues, her steadfast and patient support of Chrys is so beautiful. Reyha is strong and demanding but also caring and thoughtful. These women need each other to not only deal with day-to-day life but to heal. I was swept away with the emotion of the story and the goodness in people during very difficult mental and physical challenges.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
March 8, 2019
Gosh! I gave it 4*? That was generous - it was slow, a little preachy and to be honest a little difficult to finish - but I did! A better book looking back on it - like climbing a mountain, it is all about the internal satisfaction of "Hey, I've done that! (read this!)" rather than the experience itself.
April 24, 2018
This book was given to me by NetGalley and Bold Strokes books in exchange for an honest review. This is the author's second novel, and I was impressed with her growth as a writer. This novel surpasses the first in every way imaginable: the plot is more complex; the characters are more fully developed; the pace is evened out; the prose is cleaner and smarter. I expected a "nice lesbian fiction" story. I got so much more. If anyone reads this as anything but a hero's journey, she should likely reread. As with all hero's journeys, the greatest battle is with the Self, and battle the protagonist does. To be fair, she suffers from PTSD, so without empathy or compassion, she could be easy to dislike. How we react to our challenges, which voices we choose to listen to, which stories we accept create our future. Chrysanthi's relationship with Reyha is a small, yet central necessary condition that teaches a lot about healing. Their love is the pudding in which the proof resides. Their relationship is an echo of the intense fragility of the finite human experience Also not to be missed are the author's feminist sensibilities; within this book are history lessons and observations about women's places and roles in a world that is overtly threatening to them. MacElvee definitely admires and applauds the YPJ, female Kurdish fighters who have long fought ISIL. Yes, the book has many tragedies we must deal with, and all of which we won't like, but the ending is open to possibilities, and Rehya literally rains down her approval at the novel's end. The book is also, I think, a commentary not only about our current political climate, but the necessity of fighting for who we will ultimately be. If this book doesn't make you "wage hope," and fuel your ""philotimo" maybe nothing will.
April 12, 2018
This book was given to me by NetGalley and Bold Strokes books in exchange for an honest review.
Talk about one of the most beautifully written and devastating books I have read in a long time.. Lets start at the beginning you have really a love story between a translator and the VIP woman she is translating for, although it doesn't really seem like Reyha need a translator, just someone to hang out with and see the sights. They fall in love very slowly ( for a book in this genre). You have a military injury that drives Chrys to be a really horrible person in the beginning and middle of the book, but she redeems herself by the end. You have Reyha who selflessly gives her life for literally no reason I can discern. Reyha seems a bit selfish, making someone fall in love with you just so that you die? I liked that they brought Mary back in the end and left it open ended. It kind of mirrors the book they were reading with Countess Olensky. Chrys ended up going back for her true love and hopefully things will work pout for them. Ultimately a happy ending but it was so tragic it took a lot out of me to finish it.
This book was tragic, heart wrenching and thoroughly engrossing. I will be recommending this to people because I loved it that much.
Talk about one of the most beautifully written and devastating books I have read in a long time.. Lets start at the beginning you have really a love story between a translator and the VIP woman she is translating for, although it doesn't really seem like Reyha need a translator, just someone to hang out with and see the sights. They fall in love very slowly ( for a book in this genre). You have a military injury that drives Chrys to be a really horrible person in the beginning and middle of the book, but she redeems herself by the end. You have Reyha who selflessly gives her life for literally no reason I can discern. Reyha seems a bit selfish, making someone fall in love with you just so that you die? I liked that they brought Mary back in the end and left it open ended. It kind of mirrors the book they were reading with Countess Olensky. Chrys ended up going back for her true love and hopefully things will work pout for them. Ultimately a happy ending but it was so tragic it took a lot out of me to finish it.
This book was tragic, heart wrenching and thoroughly engrossing. I will be recommending this to people because I loved it that much.
May 9, 2018
This story was about Chrys who suffered from severe PTSD, which was caused when a bomb exploded and tore through her body, while serving in the military in Syria. Chrys is pulled out of her retirement to become a companion for 5 months to Rehya, a Turkish Diplomat, visiting the US. Reyha, a former teacher, is intelligent, beautiful, a gentle spirit and patient. Chrys is explosive, depressed, over medicated and thinks she is deformed beyond anyone being able to love her. With the friendship and trust formed between the two Rehya helps Chrys overcome her struggles. The bond that forms between them gets both through the very dark times in each other's lives and gives Chrys the strength and means to follow through on her dreams. This book showed the very real struggles PTSD causes as well as the atrocities that occur to women and young girls in other countries. It was a very deep novel that had tears streaming down my face at times. Kudos to Cameron for addressing these very real subjects! I was given this book free through Net Galley for my review.
September 13, 2023
I was hooked right away and couldn’t put it down. I read till 3:30 in the morning and got up to finish at 6:15. I was taken in by the writing and felt as though I could feel the pain and joy of the main characters. Not many times have my emotions been so affected so quickly. I longed to finish, I longed for the characters to be happy and the book to last forever. Too many feelings for this early in the morning. I’m going to see what other books this author has written so I can read them. I highly recommend this book.
June 13, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t expect a whole lot when I picked this one up. Some romance, lots of melodrama, and a quick, engrossing read. Well, I got all of those things and so much more. Excuse me as I mop up my face while typing out this review.
I was so invested in these characters. Their struggle. Their anger. Their pain. But mostly, their hope. Their ability to go on in a “shit hole” (MacElvee’s words, but I have used them many time), and their ability to love and spread joy in a world so full of pain and unfairness.
I laughed and cried and laughed while crying. The chemistry between Chrys and Reyha is great. The buildup is such a slow burn but it’s done very well. I was halfway through at bedtime the other night and really wanted to power through about five more hours to finish and was bummed when I put it down.
The banter is awesome, particularly when things get a bit lost in translation. I snapped a photo of this line and sent it to a friend,
“‘Reyha swatted at her. “Now you are wearing big sassy britches.’
Chrys gurgled on her water and laughed. ‘Wearing what? I think you got your idioms mixed up there, lady.’
‘To wear big sassy britches is not a saying?’
Chrys laughed again. ‘It’s wearing sassy pants or being too big for your britches. Both of which have probably described me on occasion.'”
I just finished this book, so I am likely to have more developed and better digested thoughts as I let it sit for a while, but I wanted to ride the fangirl wave while I’m still reeling from finishing up. In short, I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t wait to finish it, and I didn’t want it to end all at once.
I didn’t expect a whole lot when I picked this one up. Some romance, lots of melodrama, and a quick, engrossing read. Well, I got all of those things and so much more. Excuse me as I mop up my face while typing out this review.
I was so invested in these characters. Their struggle. Their anger. Their pain. But mostly, their hope. Their ability to go on in a “shit hole” (MacElvee’s words, but I have used them many time), and their ability to love and spread joy in a world so full of pain and unfairness.
I laughed and cried and laughed while crying. The chemistry between Chrys and Reyha is great. The buildup is such a slow burn but it’s done very well. I was halfway through at bedtime the other night and really wanted to power through about five more hours to finish and was bummed when I put it down.
The banter is awesome, particularly when things get a bit lost in translation. I snapped a photo of this line and sent it to a friend,
“‘Reyha swatted at her. “Now you are wearing big sassy britches.’
Chrys gurgled on her water and laughed. ‘Wearing what? I think you got your idioms mixed up there, lady.’
‘To wear big sassy britches is not a saying?’
Chrys laughed again. ‘It’s wearing sassy pants or being too big for your britches. Both of which have probably described me on occasion.'”
I just finished this book, so I am likely to have more developed and better digested thoughts as I let it sit for a while, but I wanted to ride the fangirl wave while I’m still reeling from finishing up. In short, I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t wait to finish it, and I didn’t want it to end all at once.
July 2, 2018
This book was a great read. It's about a Veteran, Chrys, who suffers from losing her leg in combat. She's pushing everyone away and struggles with her new life until she get a new task in life - a high clearance assingement to be Reyha's assistent for her visit in the USA.
Both women are strong, Beautiful and hurt in different ways. This is a lovestory that touches so many perspectives. It's dramatic, it's loveable, it's sad and it's fighting for a better world.
This book is really well written and the last chapter was so … amazing! I had to take my Kindle down with a tight feeling in my throat - something rarely happened in the last months. So thank you, Cameron MacElvee and BoldstrokesBooks, for this great story. I just adore it.
Both women are strong, Beautiful and hurt in different ways. This is a lovestory that touches so many perspectives. It's dramatic, it's loveable, it's sad and it's fighting for a better world.
This book is really well written and the last chapter was so … amazing! I had to take my Kindle down with a tight feeling in my throat - something rarely happened in the last months. So thank you, Cameron MacElvee and BoldstrokesBooks, for this great story. I just adore it.
April 8, 2018
I have to be honest, I was not sure about this book based on the description. Furthermore, I am not a big romance reader but I absolutely loved this book. Couldn't put it down. I was very impressed by the wisdom this book brought me. The twists and happiness amid Chrys' struggle. I think every person wishes for someone/a mentor like this in their life. I wish to live with the atttidue Rehya portrayed and saved many quotes from this book. I rarely read anything aside from murder-mystery but would unreservedly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
October 8, 2018
This was beautiful and terrible and heartwrenching and very fucking frustrating in places all at once. I feel like all my emotions just got steamrolled. Heartbreak is inevitable, indeed.
April 30, 2018
There was something about this book that just didn’t ring true for me. I just couldn’t invest myself into the characters enough to care what happened to them.
November 16, 2022
A well written story that will stay with me for a long time.
May 15, 2018
This book... I was a little concerned about reading it... but I am glad that I did. I enjoy a deep read, one that tugs on the heart strings. While I don’t want them tugged as hard as this one did it was just too good to stop reading. It makes you feel every emotion you could think of. It was well written and the story flowed really well. Considering it covered a lot of ground, I don’t feel like I missed some of the story or that it was rushed. It’s a different kind of HEA, not one that you would typically expect. I definitely recommend reading this book. 5 Stars.
May 13, 2018
Cameron MacElvee hits all the feels with this poignant book. The emotions evoked through the two main characters are genuine. The issues that are addressed are also very important because they are what drive the two women and develop their characters. This is definately not a light beach read but a deep, well thought out novel that will hopefully leave you with lots to think about. Well worth the emotional rollercoaster.
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