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McPherson Brothers #2
The Soldier
When a roadside bomb detonates and costs Adam McPherson part of his leg, he's determined that it's not going to cost him his career. He's a soldier, period. He has no back-up plan, no desire to be anything other than career military...until Winnie Cuthbert bursts into his bedroom and suddenly Adam thoughts take a different turn.
Winnie has loved Adam for as long as she can remember and, despite the fact that she knows he will be leaving again as soon as he's cleared to return to active duty, she's not going to miss her chance with the guy who has always owned her heart.
Winnie has loved Adam for as long as she can remember and, despite the fact that she knows he will be leaving again as soon as he's cleared to return to active duty, she's not going to miss her chance with the guy who has always owned her heart.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
68 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 28, 2009
What a lovely, romantic, friends-to-lovers story (*sigh*). Something about this one just pushed all my sentimental buttons, and although there wasn't anything really sad about this book, I found myself tearing up towards the end. Probably because I really, really loved the characters, and I wanted them to have the HEA they both deserved. I think the fact that the characters had a real rapport, and an established 10 year relationship as friends is what made everything about this book work for me. Their dialogue seemed natural and the way they reacted to each other just seemed to 'fit'.
In a nutshell, the story is about Adam McPherson, Special Forces soldier and brother of Levi McPherson (Letters from Home), who is back in small town Bethel Bay, SC recovering from an injury suffered while serving in Iraq. Months ago, a roadside bomb went off which forced the amputation of Adam's lower leg. Since being fitted with a prosthesis, Adam is hell-bent on returning to Iraq, since his whole identity is wrapped up in being a 'soldier'. That's all he's wanted all his life, and he can't imagine what he'd do with himself if he can't be an active duty soldier.
Winnie Cuthbert, bakery shop owner, is the girl who refuses to give up on him. Winnie's loved Adam for over 10 years, and everyone in the small town is aware of it, even Adam. But Winnie knows where Adam stands, that his career comes first, and he has no desire to get involved with her since he can't commit to her and doesn't want to hurt her. Winnie's been content to be his good friend, and they have a friendly, competitive relationship (she's a tomboy) but doesn't want to push for more since she feels by doing that she'd risk rejection. And if Adam flat out rejected her, then she'd lose all hope that one day he would finally see her as more than a friend.
Winnie is unaware that lately Adam has been seeing her in a different light. He starts having fantasies about what it would be like to be with his sexy best friend, even though he can't let himself actually do that, since he's sure he'll be leaving for Iraq in a couple of weeks. And he won't use Winnie that way. She deserves someone who would be in it for the long haul, and he's just not that man. But damn it, the thought of any other man being with his Winnie is driving him mad...
Eventually Winnie can't take it anymore, makes the first move, Adam submits, and yee-haw, it's off to the races! Oh, the things they do with powdered sugar and almond icing... Winnie knows that Adam will be leaving shortly, but is there any chance she can get him to include her in his future?
I loved both selfless Winnie and good guy Adam, loved the story telling, loved the love scenes (which bordered on the erotic--boy, these "Blazes" can get hot!), loved the ending...just everything worked for me. This was just a wonderful little afternoon read--highly recommended. 5 stars.
In a nutshell, the story is about Adam McPherson, Special Forces soldier and brother of Levi McPherson (Letters from Home), who is back in small town Bethel Bay, SC recovering from an injury suffered while serving in Iraq. Months ago, a roadside bomb went off which forced the amputation of Adam's lower leg. Since being fitted with a prosthesis, Adam is hell-bent on returning to Iraq, since his whole identity is wrapped up in being a 'soldier'. That's all he's wanted all his life, and he can't imagine what he'd do with himself if he can't be an active duty soldier.
Winnie Cuthbert, bakery shop owner, is the girl who refuses to give up on him. Winnie's loved Adam for over 10 years, and everyone in the small town is aware of it, even Adam. But Winnie knows where Adam stands, that his career comes first, and he has no desire to get involved with her since he can't commit to her and doesn't want to hurt her. Winnie's been content to be his good friend, and they have a friendly, competitive relationship (she's a tomboy) but doesn't want to push for more since she feels by doing that she'd risk rejection. And if Adam flat out rejected her, then she'd lose all hope that one day he would finally see her as more than a friend.
Winnie is unaware that lately Adam has been seeing her in a different light. He starts having fantasies about what it would be like to be with his sexy best friend, even though he can't let himself actually do that, since he's sure he'll be leaving for Iraq in a couple of weeks. And he won't use Winnie that way. She deserves someone who would be in it for the long haul, and he's just not that man. But damn it, the thought of any other man being with his Winnie is driving him mad...
Eventually Winnie can't take it anymore, makes the first move, Adam submits, and yee-haw, it's off to the races! Oh, the things they do with powdered sugar and almond icing... Winnie knows that Adam will be leaving shortly, but is there any chance she can get him to include her in his future?
I loved both selfless Winnie and good guy Adam, loved the story telling, loved the love scenes (which bordered on the erotic--boy, these "Blazes" can get hot!), loved the ending...just everything worked for me. This was just a wonderful little afternoon read--highly recommended. 5 stars.
July 3, 2009
Adam and Winnie caught my attention when I read Letters from Home, the previous book in this series, and I'm happy to say their book didn't disappoint me. This was a very enjoyable and believable friends-to-lovers story. :)
Adam could have been a little less narrow-minded about his "shortcomings" - hey, if he was good enough to go back to his military career, why wouldn't he be good enough for Winnie? - but he was the ultimate nice guy and I really liked him. And Winnie was just what the doctor ordered to shake him out of his self-pity. She had been in love with him for a decade and wasn't afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, but she was no pushover. If only Adam hadn't taken so long to realize he loved her too...
My only "problem" with this book was the ending, it felt a bit rushed. I understand that Adam was "a determined and focused man of action" - he was "The Soldier", ha! - and once he decided he didn't want to live without Winnie, he set everything in motion right away, but I thought she caved too fast. I didn't want to see him grovel or anything like that - after all, he did nothing wrong - but she deserved "more" after having waited for him for so long. Or maybe I just didn't want the story to end? ;)
Adam could have been a little less narrow-minded about his "shortcomings" - hey, if he was good enough to go back to his military career, why wouldn't he be good enough for Winnie? - but he was the ultimate nice guy and I really liked him. And Winnie was just what the doctor ordered to shake him out of his self-pity. She had been in love with him for a decade and wasn't afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, but she was no pushover. If only Adam hadn't taken so long to realize he loved her too...
My only "problem" with this book was the ending, it felt a bit rushed. I understand that Adam was "a determined and focused man of action" - he was "The Soldier", ha! - and once he decided he didn't want to live without Winnie, he set everything in motion right away, but I thought she caved too fast. I didn't want to see him grovel or anything like that - after all, he did nothing wrong - but she deserved "more" after having waited for him for so long. Or maybe I just didn't want the story to end? ;)
March 21, 2013
Opening Line:"Adam McPherson hovered in that murky place between awareness and sleep, clinging desperately to the dream."
I’ve really been enjoying Rhonda Nelson’s Uniformly Hot series from Blaze. They’re uncomplicated, sexy little reads, with relatable, fun characters and a charming small town draw. Here with The Soldier we return to Bethel Bay South Carolina for Army Ranger Adam McPherson’s story.
We first met Adam in (Letters from Home) which was his brother Levi’s (very good) story. Injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq, Adam returned home missing half his leg and struggling to accept his new limitations. The only thing keeping him going these days is his resolve to return to active duty as soon as he’s fit enough and leave this small town behind. Adam is a soldier and always will be, unfortunately now it’s sometimes all he can do just to get out of bed, his body may be on the mend but his psyche is struggling to catch up.
Enter Winnie Templeton, she runs the local bakery, is a bit of a jock and has been in love with Adam since, well… forever. She can see that he’s struggling and slowly retreating into himself so she issues a challenge knowing that the competitor in him will come out swinging.
Before long Adam is helping coach a teen girl’s baseball team and talking freely about his prosthetic leg. Winnie also gets him swimming, running, flirting and finally noticing what’s been in front of him all along. How could he not have “seen” her before? And because this is Blaze it doesn’t take long for our couple to hit the sheets, the bakery counter and Winnie’s life long ambition of Bethel Bay’s lover’s lane.
Of course from the moment our couple enter into the love zone there’s a time limit on their affair because Adam is determined to return to Iraq and there’s simply no future for a career soldier and a small town girl.
I much as I enjoyed this story I have to mention how off putting it was to watch the heroine practically begging for the hero to notice her. From the start it was a very unequal coupling. I mean Adam had known his whole life that Winnie had feelings for him and kept rejecting her, and even when he finally “noticed” her it felt a bit like; oh well Winnie’s here and she’s offering so I might as well sleep with her. I felt sorry for Winnie who had loved Adam forever and never been able to find anyone else. You could tell that their future wouldn’t include any of her plans they’d be going or doing whatever Adam decided.
Still this is a fast paced easy read that I’ve probably put too much thought into. Cheers
I’ve really been enjoying Rhonda Nelson’s Uniformly Hot series from Blaze. They’re uncomplicated, sexy little reads, with relatable, fun characters and a charming small town draw. Here with The Soldier we return to Bethel Bay South Carolina for Army Ranger Adam McPherson’s story.
We first met Adam in (Letters from Home) which was his brother Levi’s (very good) story. Injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq, Adam returned home missing half his leg and struggling to accept his new limitations. The only thing keeping him going these days is his resolve to return to active duty as soon as he’s fit enough and leave this small town behind. Adam is a soldier and always will be, unfortunately now it’s sometimes all he can do just to get out of bed, his body may be on the mend but his psyche is struggling to catch up.
Enter Winnie Templeton, she runs the local bakery, is a bit of a jock and has been in love with Adam since, well… forever. She can see that he’s struggling and slowly retreating into himself so she issues a challenge knowing that the competitor in him will come out swinging.
Before long Adam is helping coach a teen girl’s baseball team and talking freely about his prosthetic leg. Winnie also gets him swimming, running, flirting and finally noticing what’s been in front of him all along. How could he not have “seen” her before? And because this is Blaze it doesn’t take long for our couple to hit the sheets, the bakery counter and Winnie’s life long ambition of Bethel Bay’s lover’s lane.
Of course from the moment our couple enter into the love zone there’s a time limit on their affair because Adam is determined to return to Iraq and there’s simply no future for a career soldier and a small town girl.
I much as I enjoyed this story I have to mention how off putting it was to watch the heroine practically begging for the hero to notice her. From the start it was a very unequal coupling. I mean Adam had known his whole life that Winnie had feelings for him and kept rejecting her, and even when he finally “noticed” her it felt a bit like; oh well Winnie’s here and she’s offering so I might as well sleep with her. I felt sorry for Winnie who had loved Adam forever and never been able to find anyone else. You could tell that their future wouldn’t include any of her plans they’d be going or doing whatever Adam decided.
Still this is a fast paced easy read that I’ve probably put too much thought into. Cheers
May 8, 2016
Adam has returned to his parents house in his home town of Bethel Bay, to recouperate after an injury sustained during a tour of duty in Iraq, that has resulted in the loss of the lower part of one of his legs. Depressed, he takes to his bed until longtime friend, Winnie, turns up in his bedroom to rouse him from his funk. Winnie is coaching a young, female softball team and talks Adam into agreeing to help her. Just before Adam shipped out to Iraq he realised he was attracted to Winnie, but since he's planning on going back into the Army and feels he is no longer the man he once was, he knows they can never happen. Winnie, on the other hand, has been in love with Adam since high school.
This was an ok, quick read. I didn't take to the female lead, Winnie. She's been in love within Adam for over a decade and idolises him. It feels slightly creepy and takes away from the romance of them falling for eachother. There are numerous times when she laments how she will be in love with him always or never want anyone else despite the fact that he never showed any interest in her other than randomly getting turned on when she hugs him goodbye before he leaves for the tour of duty where he ends up injured. Adam is pretty likeable. He's a typical hot, male lead who's a little damaged and fails to realise that he can have his career and a relationship too (imagine that). Some of the writing is cheesy. I've read another book by Rhonda Nelson that I liked better as it was a little more humorous and the leads were more equal. Winnie's obsession with Adam, coupled with his brother and best friend's encouragement to get them together, made it feel as though he was being manipulated into it, which obviously want the intention! Not a bad book and decent writing, just not that great.
This was an ok, quick read. I didn't take to the female lead, Winnie. She's been in love within Adam for over a decade and idolises him. It feels slightly creepy and takes away from the romance of them falling for eachother. There are numerous times when she laments how she will be in love with him always or never want anyone else despite the fact that he never showed any interest in her other than randomly getting turned on when she hugs him goodbye before he leaves for the tour of duty where he ends up injured. Adam is pretty likeable. He's a typical hot, male lead who's a little damaged and fails to realise that he can have his career and a relationship too (imagine that). Some of the writing is cheesy. I've read another book by Rhonda Nelson that I liked better as it was a little more humorous and the leads were more equal. Winnie's obsession with Adam, coupled with his brother and best friend's encouragement to get them together, made it feel as though he was being manipulated into it, which obviously want the intention! Not a bad book and decent writing, just not that great.
August 28, 2011
I really like Rhonda Nelson and her books, but she could have done a better job with this book. It's a companion piece to "Letter's from Home." In this book, its about the younger brother of the main character from "Letter's from home." It's the same plot, same ideas, and some of the same things were said in this book as her previous one. The other thing that got to me was that in every other chapter there were three or four paragraphs about how the main character Adam, couldn't be with the main female character. I skipped about 20 pages re-reading that in every other chapter. The best part was the ending.
August 3, 2010
Enjoyable and readable contemporary romance, with pretty hot sex scenes. A bit of an unusual aspect is that the hero is dealing with having lost part of a leg during the war in Iraq. That gives him plenty of insecurity to temper the alpha male qualities you'd expect of a career military officer hero.
Another unusual aspect is that the hero gets the Point of View for some of the scenes that would more traditionally be in the heroine's perspective.
Definitely worth checking out.
Oh and the cover. Worth keeping for the cover alone! :D
Another unusual aspect is that the hero gets the Point of View for some of the scenes that would more traditionally be in the heroine's perspective.
Definitely worth checking out.
Oh and the cover. Worth keeping for the cover alone! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2009
Not a horrible story, just not good enough to keep my attention. Too many good books out there to waste time on a bad one. ;-)
January 25, 2021
Entertaining and sexy romance
4 stars
Being a soldier is in Adam McPherson's blood until a horrific roadside bomb takes away part of his leg and his career. At home and injured, Adam knows he wants to get back into the army but doubts and fears haunt him.
Winnie Templeman has been in love with Adam for years and she's determined to make sure he heals and she knows just how to go about it. Her sexual healing method is guaranteed to get Adam back on track but will it be enough to keep them together?
This book follows on from Letters from Home which dealt with Adam's brother and Winnie's best friend. It's probably okay not to have read the first book but I do think that it might give you more background into this story if you have.
This story is very focussed on the developing relationship and love between Adam and Winnie. The pair are perfect for each other and I loved the relationship between them. There is plenty of heat in the story and it's interesting, exciting and sexy.
Although the book deals with some real and serious issues, it never feels heavy or bogged down in melodrama. Rather it is a page turning, romantic story that will leave you with a smile on your face. 4 stars.
December 18, 2018
This is the second book in the series.
I've read the first book and then this one awhile ago.
If you want to read what the book is about, read the blurb above the reviews.
From what I can remember, the plot was good and the hero was very stubborn. The heroine, who had a crush on the hero for awhile, knew the hero since childhood. When he's sent home to recover, he wasn't doing so well.
She decided to take him under her wing to get him better. However, it wasn't until she started to make it known she wanted him, then things got better for him. He started to participate in life and not just live through it.
The plot was good and it kept things moving. However, the heroine could do things for her friend but it got a bit old with the crush and doing things on more of a man/woman level with her insecurities. While realistic, she had major problems getting past it.
The hero had just as many problems getting past the thought of not going back until he was cleared. This I could understand as many SEAL go through this discovery over time.
Overall, not a bad story but the whining of the heroine did get on my nerves, which affected my rating.
I've read the first book and then this one awhile ago.
If you want to read what the book is about, read the blurb above the reviews.
From what I can remember, the plot was good and the hero was very stubborn. The heroine, who had a crush on the hero for awhile, knew the hero since childhood. When he's sent home to recover, he wasn't doing so well.
She decided to take him under her wing to get him better. However, it wasn't until she started to make it known she wanted him, then things got better for him. He started to participate in life and not just live through it.
The plot was good and it kept things moving. However, the heroine could do things for her friend but it got a bit old with the crush and doing things on more of a man/woman level with her insecurities. While realistic, she had major problems getting past it.
The hero had just as many problems getting past the thought of not going back until he was cleared. This I could understand as many SEAL go through this discovery over time.
Overall, not a bad story but the whining of the heroine did get on my nerves, which affected my rating.
September 19, 2017
Just when I thought this book got a bit boring, it changed course and became not boring. lol. I rather enjoyed this one a little more than the last one except for the boring part.
Excellent read. Recommend highly.
Excellent read. Recommend highly.
November 3, 2016
Setting: Bethel Bay, South Carolina – his parent’s home, his bedroom, her bakery shop, the beach/shore,
Theme:
Life getting in the way of plans made; love giving new direction;
Characters:
Adam McPherson: lost the lower part of his leg in Iran, is healing, getting fit & used to an excellent prosthesis; eager to get back to the lines; depressed and finding it difficult to get out of bed after his brother and his best friend (his brother’s bride) left to his new assignment in Germany; a year earlier, at sendoff party, he got his customary hug from Natalie, and then from Winnie… but this time, he felt differently with the hug… and wanted more…and has spent the last year fantasizing about Winnie – which also makes it hard (hard, get it) to be around her now; and he is suffering a bit of insecurity about being enough of a man for her;
Winnie Cuthbert: since high school, they’ve been friends and friendly competitors – challenging each other in running, swimming, pool, etc. She has mooned over Adam for 10 years, but has not let that affect their friendship; with advice from Natalie, she shouldn’t show her concern for Adam’s recovery in her sad eyes… which leads Winnie to challenge him, treat him like before… and after Natalie leaves, to be the one to get him out of bed – with a request that he help coach her girl’s softball team… and when she reads more physical interest in his eyes, she is eager to capitalize on it – even knowing he’s going back.
Levi & Natalie Rowland-McPherson: his special forces brother, and his best friend since forever and now his brother’s bride;
Summary:
With his father’s support, his mother’s wish he not go back but her support, and his dream set in stone, Adam has every expectation of returning to his old post in Iran (2 more months in this tour). Since Levi and Natalie left, he’s having trouble motivating himself to get out of bed… and he has a meet with the army in 2 weeks for his assessment and assignment; Winnie shows up, and invites him to take the place of her injured co-coach… and he does…
And they start spending time together… and share a few kisses… and she gets up the nerve to invite her into her bed – knowing it is for a short time… and at first he says no… but then he says yes (after Natalie calls)… and their first time with sex is in her bakery… behind the bakery display… and then on her work table, with strategic placement of powdered sugar and …
And they have a pretty marvelous 3 days… and she lets slip an I love you… and she lets him go with hardly a tear… and he goes, and they tell him they have him in mind to counsel others in the same boat as him after his current tour… and he realizes that he wants this new direction in his career… and he wants a life with Winnie… and returns to her to marry her in the 2 days before he ships out… ahhh
Memorable Scenes:
‘He’d either go back and do what he’d been trained to do, or be reassigned in some other capacity, still military, but only a shadow of the career he’d wanted and worked so hard for.’
‘Winnie Cuthbert had been right under his nose for the past ten years, a fellow athlete, partner in crime, peer and friend. And , though she’d always had a thing for him, he’d never been remotely attracted to her until she’d hugged him goodbye at his and Levi’s going-away party. That simple, innocuous touch had sizzled through him like a blast from a lightning bolt. In that instant, as crazy as it sounded, Winne had gone from simply being “a girl” to The Girl.’
‘Adam jerked upright and immediately pulled his injured leg under the sheet. Her chest ached. As if she cared, Winnie thought. How could she look at him and not be grateful for the sacrifice he’d made? Did she mourn his leg? Regret that he’d lost it? Yes. But she was too thankful for his service, for his sacrifice to ever be anything other than humbled. Why couldn’t he see that? Did he honestly think so little of her?’
At softball practice, he’s throwing batting practice… and noticing people noticing his prosthesis… and one girl calls out to him that he’ll get used to it… she has two different colored eyes, and knows what she is talking about.
‘She doubted that Adam had ever considered a contingency plan because there’d never been any other option He set a goal, developed tunnel vision and saw it through.’
‘His fingers twined unexpectedly through hers and the sensation was so bittersweet she struggled to focus. His hand was big and warm, calloused and curiously soft. It utterly engulfed hers and the sensation left her feeling protected. Safe.’ ‘Her fingers were still entwined with his, soft but strong, and he had the oddest sensation of homecoming, of being anchored instead of drifting aimlessly.’
After building a sand castle with the princess in the tower, and the prince on the drawbridge to rescue her… “See,” he said, as though it wasn’t a big deal, as though he hadn’t just shared a major revelation at all. “The princess saves the prince in this story.” He nodded once and gve the castle another once-over. “It’s perfect now.”
Theme:
Life getting in the way of plans made; love giving new direction;
Characters:
Adam McPherson: lost the lower part of his leg in Iran, is healing, getting fit & used to an excellent prosthesis; eager to get back to the lines; depressed and finding it difficult to get out of bed after his brother and his best friend (his brother’s bride) left to his new assignment in Germany; a year earlier, at sendoff party, he got his customary hug from Natalie, and then from Winnie… but this time, he felt differently with the hug… and wanted more…and has spent the last year fantasizing about Winnie – which also makes it hard (hard, get it) to be around her now; and he is suffering a bit of insecurity about being enough of a man for her;
Winnie Cuthbert: since high school, they’ve been friends and friendly competitors – challenging each other in running, swimming, pool, etc. She has mooned over Adam for 10 years, but has not let that affect their friendship; with advice from Natalie, she shouldn’t show her concern for Adam’s recovery in her sad eyes… which leads Winnie to challenge him, treat him like before… and after Natalie leaves, to be the one to get him out of bed – with a request that he help coach her girl’s softball team… and when she reads more physical interest in his eyes, she is eager to capitalize on it – even knowing he’s going back.
Levi & Natalie Rowland-McPherson: his special forces brother, and his best friend since forever and now his brother’s bride;
Summary:
With his father’s support, his mother’s wish he not go back but her support, and his dream set in stone, Adam has every expectation of returning to his old post in Iran (2 more months in this tour). Since Levi and Natalie left, he’s having trouble motivating himself to get out of bed… and he has a meet with the army in 2 weeks for his assessment and assignment; Winnie shows up, and invites him to take the place of her injured co-coach… and he does…
And they start spending time together… and share a few kisses… and she gets up the nerve to invite her into her bed – knowing it is for a short time… and at first he says no… but then he says yes (after Natalie calls)… and their first time with sex is in her bakery… behind the bakery display… and then on her work table, with strategic placement of powdered sugar and …
And they have a pretty marvelous 3 days… and she lets slip an I love you… and she lets him go with hardly a tear… and he goes, and they tell him they have him in mind to counsel others in the same boat as him after his current tour… and he realizes that he wants this new direction in his career… and he wants a life with Winnie… and returns to her to marry her in the 2 days before he ships out… ahhh
Memorable Scenes:
‘He’d either go back and do what he’d been trained to do, or be reassigned in some other capacity, still military, but only a shadow of the career he’d wanted and worked so hard for.’
‘Winnie Cuthbert had been right under his nose for the past ten years, a fellow athlete, partner in crime, peer and friend. And , though she’d always had a thing for him, he’d never been remotely attracted to her until she’d hugged him goodbye at his and Levi’s going-away party. That simple, innocuous touch had sizzled through him like a blast from a lightning bolt. In that instant, as crazy as it sounded, Winne had gone from simply being “a girl” to The Girl.’
‘Adam jerked upright and immediately pulled his injured leg under the sheet. Her chest ached. As if she cared, Winnie thought. How could she look at him and not be grateful for the sacrifice he’d made? Did she mourn his leg? Regret that he’d lost it? Yes. But she was too thankful for his service, for his sacrifice to ever be anything other than humbled. Why couldn’t he see that? Did he honestly think so little of her?’
At softball practice, he’s throwing batting practice… and noticing people noticing his prosthesis… and one girl calls out to him that he’ll get used to it… she has two different colored eyes, and knows what she is talking about.
‘She doubted that Adam had ever considered a contingency plan because there’d never been any other option He set a goal, developed tunnel vision and saw it through.’
‘His fingers twined unexpectedly through hers and the sensation was so bittersweet she struggled to focus. His hand was big and warm, calloused and curiously soft. It utterly engulfed hers and the sensation left her feeling protected. Safe.’ ‘Her fingers were still entwined with his, soft but strong, and he had the oddest sensation of homecoming, of being anchored instead of drifting aimlessly.’
After building a sand castle with the princess in the tower, and the prince on the drawbridge to rescue her… “See,” he said, as though it wasn’t a big deal, as though he hadn’t just shared a major revelation at all. “The princess saves the prince in this story.” He nodded once and gve the castle another once-over. “It’s perfect now.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2017
Awww..
This was an awesome story with the other brother Adam. So stubborn with his own personal issues. Still another excellent book by Rhonda Russell.
This was an awesome story with the other brother Adam. So stubborn with his own personal issues. Still another excellent book by Rhonda Russell.
January 26, 2019
Proofreading required
The characters and plot of this novel are original and the dialogue is so natural that in spite of the proof reading errors, made quite an enjoyable read.
The characters and plot of this novel are original and the dialogue is so natural that in spite of the proof reading errors, made quite an enjoyable read.
March 7, 2020
5+ Star's
I would recommend this book and series to adults that enjoy stories that are laugh out loud funny, steamy, and oh so romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
I would recommend this book and series to adults that enjoy stories that are laugh out loud funny, steamy, and oh so romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
May 8, 2020
Not a cliffhanger.
May 22, 2021
Won't say it's, a bad book, just not into all the.... Details😂
November 24, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 Stars
I’m really happy to share another of my favorite military hero books today. We met Adam McPherson and Winnie Cuthbert in Letters From Home. We know that Winnie has had a crush and in her words been “in love” with Adam for years. Adam has had some strong feelings for Winnie for about the last year but since losing part of his leg in the war he’s feeling like he’s not whole. Not to mention he has no intentions of leaving the military so he feels he doesn’t have anything to offer her.
I adore these two together. They’ve been competitive since high school. Winnie is a top notch athlete and she has always loved challenging Adam at anything. She’s had a hard time dealing with his injury, because she’s well aware how it makes him feel. After his brother and their best friend marry and leave town, she sees Adam diving into a funk and she decides to pull him out of it. Winnie is such an awesome woman, she just dives in and does everything she can to help Adam. While it infuriates him, he knows she’s doing it because she cares. He responds because he finds himself being jealous of another guy in her life. However, he still keeps her at arm’s length.
This is a fun book to read because they take one step forward and two back over and over. Adam resisting and Winnie finally determined to have him even if it’s only for a little while. I admire the fact that Adam knows he’s going to hurt her and he tries really, really hard to resist but in the end he is a man so he gives in. Their time together is sweet, hot, and worth the wait for both of them. Winnie goes into this thinking she’ll be able to change his mind about a lot of things but in the end, she realizes that she must let him go despite how much it hurts. She’s a very strong character throughout this book and that makes me like her even more.
I don’t want to say anymore and ruin the book for you, but I will say that the ending is pretty damn phenomenal and every time I read it, I cry tears of happiness. I’ve read most everything Rhonda has written but I’ll admit that Letters From Home and The Soldier are two of my favorites because I adore the characters in these books so much. Women who refuse to give up hope for the men they love and men who realize they can’t live without their women. I hope you enjoy these two books as much as I have over the years!
4 Stars
I’m really happy to share another of my favorite military hero books today. We met Adam McPherson and Winnie Cuthbert in Letters From Home. We know that Winnie has had a crush and in her words been “in love” with Adam for years. Adam has had some strong feelings for Winnie for about the last year but since losing part of his leg in the war he’s feeling like he’s not whole. Not to mention he has no intentions of leaving the military so he feels he doesn’t have anything to offer her.
I adore these two together. They’ve been competitive since high school. Winnie is a top notch athlete and she has always loved challenging Adam at anything. She’s had a hard time dealing with his injury, because she’s well aware how it makes him feel. After his brother and their best friend marry and leave town, she sees Adam diving into a funk and she decides to pull him out of it. Winnie is such an awesome woman, she just dives in and does everything she can to help Adam. While it infuriates him, he knows she’s doing it because she cares. He responds because he finds himself being jealous of another guy in her life. However, he still keeps her at arm’s length.
This is a fun book to read because they take one step forward and two back over and over. Adam resisting and Winnie finally determined to have him even if it’s only for a little while. I admire the fact that Adam knows he’s going to hurt her and he tries really, really hard to resist but in the end he is a man so he gives in. Their time together is sweet, hot, and worth the wait for both of them. Winnie goes into this thinking she’ll be able to change his mind about a lot of things but in the end, she realizes that she must let him go despite how much it hurts. She’s a very strong character throughout this book and that makes me like her even more.
I don’t want to say anymore and ruin the book for you, but I will say that the ending is pretty damn phenomenal and every time I read it, I cry tears of happiness. I’ve read most everything Rhonda has written but I’ll admit that Letters From Home and The Soldier are two of my favorites because I adore the characters in these books so much. Women who refuse to give up hope for the men they love and men who realize they can’t live without their women. I hope you enjoy these two books as much as I have over the years!
November 8, 2010
First, let me say that I am a new Rhonda Nelson fan. I read The Renegade and quickly devoured the Men Out of Uniform backlist, then moved on to the rest of her backlist. I have read them all in a week and 1/2. I LOVE her characters. All of 'em. Strong women, alpha men who love said women... Strong love stories, believable conflicts and quirky turns of phrase make Ms. Nelson's books come alive.
"The Soldier" has all of the good, plus some. I just loved Winnie and Adam. Winnie is such a strong, independent woman. She is competitive, outspoken and owns her own business. Adam, though, is her Achilles' heel. She longs for him, yearns for him for years, but is afraid. Even though she knows that he knows she has feelings for him, she is afraid to lay it on the line for fear of being rejected. She prefers to allow them both to ignore her feelings and maintain their friendship. In one scene, she is sharing how much she envies her best friend, Natalie(from "Letters From Home")who's other best friend happens to be Adam, the closeness Natalie shares with the man she so desperately loves. That scene was so heartfelt and real, it broke my heart for Winnie.
Adam has come to realize he is attracted to Winnie, but feels like it is pointless to pursue her when he wants nothing more that to resume his career in the Army. He is a Ranger who lost part of his leg in a bombing in Iraq. He is home to recuperate, but has not really dealt with the emotional aspects of being an amputee. He is wallowing until Winnie kicks his hindparts verbally, challenging him to get himself moving again.
These two really just click so well, and compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses. Adam finally gives in, and Winnie is determined to enjoy him for as long as she has him, and not ask for more. Their story is, by turns, both heartbreaking and joyful. I cried several times, for both Winnie and Adam.
I just adored this story, and the characters who populate it. Ms. Nelson's writing is such that this reader "sees" the story unfolding rather than words on a page. Also, I have been known to skim rather than actually read from time to time. I have learned not to do that with Ms. Nelson's books, lest I miss an unexpected laugh out loud line, or a unique point of view. Her books are worth slowing down for, and savoring.
"The Soldier" has all of the good, plus some. I just loved Winnie and Adam. Winnie is such a strong, independent woman. She is competitive, outspoken and owns her own business. Adam, though, is her Achilles' heel. She longs for him, yearns for him for years, but is afraid. Even though she knows that he knows she has feelings for him, she is afraid to lay it on the line for fear of being rejected. She prefers to allow them both to ignore her feelings and maintain their friendship. In one scene, she is sharing how much she envies her best friend, Natalie(from "Letters From Home")who's other best friend happens to be Adam, the closeness Natalie shares with the man she so desperately loves. That scene was so heartfelt and real, it broke my heart for Winnie.
Adam has come to realize he is attracted to Winnie, but feels like it is pointless to pursue her when he wants nothing more that to resume his career in the Army. He is a Ranger who lost part of his leg in a bombing in Iraq. He is home to recuperate, but has not really dealt with the emotional aspects of being an amputee. He is wallowing until Winnie kicks his hindparts verbally, challenging him to get himself moving again.
These two really just click so well, and compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses. Adam finally gives in, and Winnie is determined to enjoy him for as long as she has him, and not ask for more. Their story is, by turns, both heartbreaking and joyful. I cried several times, for both Winnie and Adam.
I just adored this story, and the characters who populate it. Ms. Nelson's writing is such that this reader "sees" the story unfolding rather than words on a page. Also, I have been known to skim rather than actually read from time to time. I have learned not to do that with Ms. Nelson's books, lest I miss an unexpected laugh out loud line, or a unique point of view. Her books are worth slowing down for, and savoring.
July 3, 2012
Although I managed to read this book right to the end, it didn't excite me. For me, there weren't any real surprises in it, the text often changes viewpoint between the two main characters, causing you to always know what each of them are thinking nearly all the time. So whenever one of them thinks something, you then change viewpoint, and hear them say what they were thinking - no surprises, you knew about it a couple of pages ago! This happens with important plot points, like what's going to happen at the end of the book. The male character thinks what he's going to do, then says it to another supporting character, then eventually acts it out and says it to the main character at the end. I would like the writer to hold back a little information, and a little more "show don't tell" what characters are thinking and feeling. I understand we need a little internal dialogue with each character, but sometimes we can see by their actions. Imagine this was a TV series, a screenplay, when you cannot hear what the characters are thinking: there would be so much more surprise, you wouldn't already know things several times over before they are shared between the characters.
Another thing that irked me about this book, was some of the phrases. Without giving too much away, the male character said about THREE times over that he was so happy he wanted to beat his fists on his chest! And even added at one time that he wanted to run around the outside of the house, urinating at each corner! Only that the neighbours might think that odd! Personally I found it very odd that he would want to do that - he is not an ape or any other kind of terratorial animal wanting to mark his territory! I could understand if this was a Mills & Boon Nocturne, where the male character are werewolves, but even they don't have the urge to do that! They appear more human, and normal.
Overall, I think you can tell I disliked this book. It wasn't diabolical, I managed to finish it, but it had no excitement or surprise about it. I prefer to be surprised and not forced fed the same information 2 - 3 times in the book.
Another thing that irked me about this book, was some of the phrases. Without giving too much away, the male character said about THREE times over that he was so happy he wanted to beat his fists on his chest! And even added at one time that he wanted to run around the outside of the house, urinating at each corner! Only that the neighbours might think that odd! Personally I found it very odd that he would want to do that - he is not an ape or any other kind of terratorial animal wanting to mark his territory! I could understand if this was a Mills & Boon Nocturne, where the male character are werewolves, but even they don't have the urge to do that! They appear more human, and normal.
Overall, I think you can tell I disliked this book. It wasn't diabolical, I managed to finish it, but it had no excitement or surprise about it. I prefer to be surprised and not forced fed the same information 2 - 3 times in the book.
August 21, 2012
The Soldier is a follow on from Letters from Home and is Adam and Winnie's story. Both characters were introduced in the predecessor. Everyone knows that Winnie has always been in love with Adam since High School, but no one knows that Adam has secretly held a torch for Winnie since that long time ago when she said goodbye to him before going of to Combat.
Adam is desperate to get back to his men in Iraq and falls into a depressed state after his brother and his best friend move to Germany. Winnie can't stand seeing Adam inactive and does everything in her power to get him up and moving. If she can't follow her heart and love him openly, she is going to make sure that he gets to do what he loves best and that is be in the Special Forces.
This is a great story and I'm glad we didn't have to wait long for this continuation. Ms. Nelson has again written a story with likeable characters that the reader cares about and enjoy the sexy, funny easy enjoyable read. I will definitely be looking out for other books written by Ms. Nelson.
Adam is desperate to get back to his men in Iraq and falls into a depressed state after his brother and his best friend move to Germany. Winnie can't stand seeing Adam inactive and does everything in her power to get him up and moving. If she can't follow her heart and love him openly, she is going to make sure that he gets to do what he loves best and that is be in the Special Forces.
This is a great story and I'm glad we didn't have to wait long for this continuation. Ms. Nelson has again written a story with likeable characters that the reader cares about and enjoy the sexy, funny easy enjoyable read. I will definitely be looking out for other books written by Ms. Nelson.
January 28, 2013
Adam McPherson, Special Forces, is home recovering after losing part of his leg in Iraq; he intends to return to active duty as soon as possible. Winnie Templeman has had a crush on him her whole life and she intends to help Adam with his recovery even knowing that he will leave her. However, as time goes on, the mutual attraction between them grows and Adam isn't sure that he wants to leave his hometown behind.
Unfortunately, this book is heavy on the sex and light on what Adam had to go through in his recovery. It had an opportunity to really help those wounded soldiers who are recovering but I feel it glossed over their problems. I'm a fan of this author's books and looked forward to reading it but it let me down. The fact that it's from Harlequin Blaze shouldn't have been a deterrent to fully embracing the premise.
Unfortunately, this book is heavy on the sex and light on what Adam had to go through in his recovery. It had an opportunity to really help those wounded soldiers who are recovering but I feel it glossed over their problems. I'm a fan of this author's books and looked forward to reading it but it let me down. The fact that it's from Harlequin Blaze shouldn't have been a deterrent to fully embracing the premise.
September 1, 2010
This was very different to the Mills and Boon I've usually read. Very sexy, a few hot sex romps and I actually liked that a lot of it was from the hero's point of view.
Interesting flaw with the hero. Adam's been injured in Iraq and is recovering, dealing with one leg just below the knee having been amputated. He's stuck on his career mission, doubting his worth to Winnie, who gave him the kick out of bed he needed.
He's suffering with insecurities about him being 'whole' and wanting to prove himself as a soldier.
This book was sent to me by a friend... and she wants it back because of the cover. Hmmm.... Nah, of course she can have it back - after I've drooled over it a few times.
Interesting flaw with the hero. Adam's been injured in Iraq and is recovering, dealing with one leg just below the knee having been amputated. He's stuck on his career mission, doubting his worth to Winnie, who gave him the kick out of bed he needed.
He's suffering with insecurities about him being 'whole' and wanting to prove himself as a soldier.
This book was sent to me by a friend... and she wants it back because of the cover. Hmmm.... Nah, of course she can have it back - after I've drooled over it a few times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2014
Chose to read this for the Memorial Day weekend for its American soldier theme. Adam has come back from the Iraq war with a portion of his leg having been amputated. Winnie has known and loved him ever since high school and wants him to finally notice her after all this time. Once she finally gets his attention, then he has to choose between her and his career, and he'd rather choose the career. This story made me cry at times and the whole cupcake sub-story line was really cute. I could almost give it 5 stars, but military men aren't exactly my favorite heroes because I don't like guns or war.
August 5, 2016
This is a second book. I believe the first book is Letters from Home. I really liked this book because it is one of those friends to lovers books. I love how Winnie works on Adam after he comes back injured. I did appreciate reading the whole process that Adam has to go through to get his artificial leg. I thought that was really interesting. There are many books that will just say that the hero came back and as a prosthetic, but doesn't really even touch on all the difficulties they go through as they adjust to it. I thought that was pretty cool.
May 25, 2010
Interesting because it's mostly from Adam point of view and it's not the usual man hear me roar point of view. Winnie is also a bit atypical because she is definitely not the damsel in distress.
So Adam lost part of his leg in Iraq, he is home recuperating after almost a year of surgery, getting used to his new leg and is getting ready to return to duty. This is the story of two friends who love each other enough to not let go. Yes, it's a bit teary, a bit cliché but it was unusual enough for me to enjoy.
So Adam lost part of his leg in Iraq, he is home recuperating after almost a year of surgery, getting used to his new leg and is getting ready to return to duty. This is the story of two friends who love each other enough to not let go. Yes, it's a bit teary, a bit cliché but it was unusual enough for me to enjoy.
March 15, 2012
I read the book about the main character's brother first and it was so good, I had to buy this one right away and read it the same night. The characters are amazing and Rhonda Nelson's handling of touchy topics which could really overpower the "fun" of the story is truly masterful. She doesn't play down the wounds the hero has, but also shows that life after being wounded can be wonderful again.
The book is fun, hot, and incredibly well written. Nice quick read.
The book is fun, hot, and incredibly well written. Nice quick read.
January 27, 2017
B481 Jul2009 uniformly Hot! Adam McPherson, Special Forces has returned to his parents home. A road side bomb left him injured and with the lose of one leg below the knee. Winnie Templeman has loved him for years and forces him to get out of bed and back to living, she refuses to let him mope.
I like the way she made him face himself, no sympathy. Good ending with a twist.
I like the way she made him face himself, no sympathy. Good ending with a twist.
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July 27, 2011I appretiate the fact that Adam is a little bit of an untraditional hero. As always Rhonda's writing is spot on and a wonderful little escape from reality:)
April 6, 2012
This book was fabulous. Great character building, A favourite friends to lovers trope. The hero's injuries are not down-played at all.
October 14, 2012
Cute Quick Read. Good follow up to "Letter From Home"
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