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Former Navy SEAL Aaron Hammond has no idea how he wound up at Hathaway House, Texas. Nor does he particularly care. All he can see is his anger. Anger at the betrayal that destroyed his physical body and at the loss of the future he wanted but that he’ll never have now. He’s a cripple, less than half a man, and all he can look forward to is a half life, alone with himself and his pain.

Dani Hathaway runs Hathaway House with her father, an ex-military man nicknamed the Major, and she knew Aaron and his brother SEAL Levi in another life. Levi was a good friend to her through her difficult teen years, but it was Aaron who caught her eye more than a decade ago. When she heard what happened to him, she moved heaven and earth to get him to Hathaway House, where she could help him regain his health and return him to the man he used to be.

Old feelings resurface as Dani continues to push Aaron to acknowledge that his life is not over, and that, if he chooses, he can find both love and a future at Hathaway House.

Welcome to Hathaway House. Rehab Center. Safe Haven. Second chance at life and love.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2019

1581 people are currently reading
657 people want to read

About the author

Dale Mayer

925 books1,646 followers
Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
Profile Image for Jane.
315 reviews
August 20, 2019
This book moved waaaaay too slowly. I’m not even talking about the love bits; even though the h acknowledges her attraction, I think it took until nearly 60% for them to actually look at each other and say, “Yeah, it might be nice.” Way too much about the setting, etc. - I like the idea, but this is a romance novel, not a how-many-horse-stalls novel.

There was also next to no action. I wondered if the book was trying to position itself as a “clean” story, but oddly enough, it was sprinkled with curse words. Which makes no difference to me, but it would be a huge turnoff for people who look for clean romances.
Profile Image for Kristine.
393 reviews
March 16, 2020
A sweet story. Not a lot of relationship development for a romance. It seems like it may be trying to set the stage for the other sequels in the series and maybe we will get more in those. Definitely would consider a clean romance.
Profile Image for Glenda.
741 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2019
It was a good book concerning healing for veterans. Not enough romances, but the work Hathway House seem to do for people and animals was good.
Profile Image for Eve.
920 reviews20 followers
July 7, 2021
Alright lads, we need to have a chat about this one. This was just so...ugh. It wasn't bad per se, it just felt like there was nothing to it, we only saw everything surface level. That's not always a bad thing but in this case, it just felt like they were trying to do something that just didn't work at all.

This book felt like it kept throwing things at us: war, disability, betrayal, abuse and other such things. That's okay, I like things that can deal with some tough topics. The issue here was that we just didn't. For example, This could have been a really interesting storyline to dive down but instead we heard about it like twice with no details at all, then she shouts about it to Aaron as if she's just said some mindboggling thing. It just felt weird and misplaced and just not dealt with very well.

A reoccurring theme in this book is also the fact that the two main characters liked each other when they were young. This was cool, something could have been done with it. Issue was that we never actually saw anything. Why did they like each other? How well did they get to know each other? It felt like we were being told every two seconds "omg they liked each other back then" but there was nothing to back it up. I wanted to be shown.

Idk, I feel like I'm not articulating myself very well here, it just felt as though there was no substance whatsoever in this book and that's just a real shame.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,078 reviews207 followers
July 26, 2019
Nobody does beloved alpha wounded warriors like Mayer, and I love the SEALs of Honor series, but I was about 30% in before I made the connection that our hero, Aaron, was THAT Levi’s brother. Aaron has been wounded in combat and just isn't healing the way he should in the veteran's hospital. An anonymous donor makes it possible for him to go to Hathaway House, a wonderful facility with a terrific track record of treating veterans. It just happens to be run by Aaron's childhood crush, Dani Hathaway, who was his brother Levi’s best friend.

Aaron is wounded more than physically with his back injuries and leg amputation. He’s haunted by betrayal from his brother in arms and estranged from his only remaining family, his brother, Levi. Then there are the psychological aspects that often accompany combat and combat injuries. Hathaway House is the perfect place for him to heal and rehabilitate, if he'll just get out of his own way. But Dani's tough love approach and the amazing rescue animals begin to work their magic on Aaron, and Aaron's interaction with these special animals are some of the most beautiful, special scenes in the book.

I’m head over heels for this new series, and Aaron's story is a fantastic start! His story is one of vindication, healing and redemption and an inspiration to read. Mayer has a way of bringing the reader into the story, and I felt every bit of Aaron's pain, disillusionment and frustration, then cheered as his resolve and determination to take charge of his life took hold. His story is devastating and heartbreaking, poignant and tender, and triumphant and uplifting, and I can’t wait to see Hathaway House work its magic on more wounded souls! If you like strong military heroes who’ve lost their way find healing, new beginnings and a happily ever after, you’ll love Aaron and Dani's story!

*I read an early edition of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.
Profile Image for Kate Anders.
Author 2 books24 followers
October 12, 2019
Sweet romance

I kinda knew when I got this book that it was going to be a sweet romance, which honestly, is rarely my cup of tea. That being said this book did have a couple of things going for it: military hero, family dynamics, and a whole host of animals (I super love animals in books).
So Dani is our heroine and she is beyond likable. She runs a rehab facility for injured vets, and it’s both massive and top of line. She works her bum off to take care of the people who come to her for help, she lives and breathes this job. She’s both kind and caring but also patient. A lot of the people who come to her have a lot of anger to work through but she’s great with everyone. She also has a huge spot of animals, one of the floors of her facility is actual and animal rehab, which helps not just the animals but the people there too. Seriously there really wasn’t anything I didn’t like about her.
Our hero, Aaron is a little less likable. Obviously he has some anger to work through, not just the injury itself but the betrayal that caused the injury. I gave him some latitude given his situation, but it seems like every time he lashed out it was at Dani, and it just started to make me angry.
As for the storyline, it was well written, and I like how much each characters family played a role in the book as well. But the book was just too sweet, that’s honestly my problem with these sweet/wholesome romances, they just don’t read as real life at all. Life is hard and messy, and people talk a certain way or act a certain way, especially a house full of recovering vets. It was a quick read for me, but definitely not a reread.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,105 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2019
This is the first book in the Hathaway House series of books by Dale Mayer to which I have not read before this book. This read for me was entertaining but was a bit lacking in the speed and depth of the romance for my liking. I love the premise of the series of a facility/veteran's hospital for the rehabilitation of both military personal and for animals.

Aaron was wounded more than just physically he is haunted by the betrayal of one of his brother in arms. Aaron has had a slow recovery from his back injuries and leg amputation as something is stopping him from complete recovery. He has been as for a new program for his recovery and ends up at Hathaway House. They have a great reputation but Aaron is not expecting his childhood crush Dani Hathaway to be at the reception desk when he arrives. Dani was his brother Levi’s best friend at school and the girl he never thought he was good enough for.

Dani is keeping some secrets that she must to protect someone who needs it the most. Does Aaron even remember her from their school days? She differently remembers him as the boy that didn't see her as anything more than his brothers best friend. Now her goal is to help Aaron to completely recover and get let go of what he has experienced in the past.

I just love the interaction between characters and the animals during this book. A great book for the price so give it a go.
1,012 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2020
Angsty

Lot of drama packed in a quick read. The two main characters seemed a little awkward together for people who knew each other when they were young. The concept of the house is awesome and something that we should have in real life more of to help our veterans.
Profile Image for Mavi Santacruz.
203 reviews20 followers
January 2, 2020
Healing and trusting again.

How fast can a person recover? I guess it was six months he was there. (That's fast) I understood Aaron demons' and Dani was such a strong woman despite everything she went through herself. Nothing serious, short and sweet.
995 reviews5 followers
January 19, 2020
Entertaining

A rehab center for people as well as animals is a fine concept. The difficulties of acceptance when facing major physical changes creates a good story. There is a bit of redundancy that lowers the rating though.
18 reviews
September 15, 2019
Great story, I wanted more hear

The Hathaway house and the concept behind it is an awesome idea. Not enough heat for a slow burn book for me. Loved the characters and story.
222 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2019
When Aaron arrives at Hathaway House, George tells him “Welcome. Right now you hate it. You want to be anywhere else but here. However, in a couple weeks, you’ll never want to be anywhere else.” This begins Aaron's journey to recovery. Aaron has to overcome his physical and mental trauma. The Navy doesn't believe his story and believes he is at fault for the explosion that killed 2 members of his team. Aaron has to learn that help is not the same as charity, and accepting help is what he needs to heal. While recovering Aaron also needs to figure out what he wants to do with the next chapter of his life. If you’re familiar with the Heroes for Hire series, there's an appearance from Levi who is Aaron's half-brother. Levi helps to find proof his brother has been telling the truth. Aaron had known Dani since he was a kid, but didn't think she even noticed him. Now they get to know each other and rekindle the chemistry from years ago. At the end of the book it’s Aaron telling the new arrival “Welcome. Right now you hate it. You want to be anywhere else but here. However, in a couple weeks, you’ll never want to be anywhere else.”



I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judi.
69 reviews
July 23, 2019
Aaron is a wounded Navy SEAL who needs the people and environment at Hathaway House to heal his physical and emotional injuries, including some he has carried since his youth. Dani and her father (The Major) have created a haven here for both Veterans and animals who need a special place to put bodies, minds and hearts back together.

It is a shock for Aaron to see Dani, a girl from his teens, who runs the day to day operations. Private benefactors donate to sponsor residents and pay operational costs. Aaron's sponsor is anonymous though their connection is as thick as blood. Past and present soon collide, resulting in a page turner you can't put down.

The cast of characters includes some favorites from Dale Mayer's SEALs of Honor/Heroes For Hire series . Hathaway House has already won a place in this reader's heart!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dita.
1,135 reviews13 followers
July 28, 2019
I'm a big fan of Dale Mayer 's suspense and paranormal series and this new series is all about romance and I love it, yup it's difference but I love it a lot.
This one is an emotional heartwarming romance mixed with second chance romance. Aaron's healing journey with Dani's help is not easy, no smooth sailing here, so many ups and downs, so many storms to get through. The frustrations are so real, I can feel all their emotions, all the anger. I got teary at some parts, but thank goodness there are plenty of love that warm my heart.

If you're looking for a heartwarming romance, this book is definitely it.
Profile Image for Bev Walkling.
1,461 reviews50 followers
August 19, 2023
Inspiring rehab story

This is the first book in what I am sure will be an inspiring series. I loved the concept of a rehab centre for wounded warriors that also includes a rehab section for animals. It would be nice if a place like this were available for all with injuries that need such a place. Aaron's injuries are not just physical but have a huge emotional component. When administrator Dani, who has known him and loved him for years, reaches out to him, her job is cut out for her. It won't be an easy one! This was a quick but enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Missy Wilkerson.
109 reviews
April 12, 2020
Great read

I loved this story. It shows ghost ow we all need help sometimes in our lives and it is okay to accept it. Also how can you not love this love story.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
July 30, 2019
This book became a favorite from the very first chapter. It contains all of my favorite things. We have animals, and not just any animals, rescued ones as well as family owned. Then we have Aaron, an injured Navy SEAL one who would not be returning to duty. The administrator of Hathaway House, Dani, knows Aaron, on a personal level from a very long time ago, so that gives us the possibility of a second chance at love.

Now Aaron is angry, not only because his career is done, but because of the way it ended. No one believed him and he has been blamed for the 'accident' that caused his injuries, injury to two others the death of two of his team, and other person there considered MIA. All this anger and the depression has stalled his healing. He needs to find peace of some sort to move forward.
Dani has to keep some secrets from him, the most important who is funding his stay. The focus has to be on getting Aaron's emotional and physical injuries back on the healing path.

The path here isn't much different than other places with the exception of the animals. There's medical treatments, physical therapy and of course the therapist. For Aaron a big thing would be the animals.

When Aaron inadvertently mentions the events of the day he was injured, Dani knows the only one who can help is Levi but she can't actually tell him. I loved that Levi called at that moment of indecision for her. Yes you read this right, apparently Levi is Aaron's brother, and who better to investigate and clear Aaron's reputation.

I teared up when Levi shows up with Ice and Slade. He wants clarification of some rumors he's heard. This also keeps Dani in the clear for sort of telling Levi.

I loved every single page of this book as Aaron works toward healing, and the long ago crush takes on new life, as he and Dani get to know each other as adults. The animals stole my heart, dogs, cats, horses they are all in here too.

So much emotion, with laughter, tears and lots of family and romantic love.

I really can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Baca Buku.
571 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2019
Fast read. Didn't really get into the personalities of the characters.
2,336 reviews
November 22, 2020
4.5 stars

Major plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.

This was a very pleasant surprise for me because this wasn’t my typical romance read, yet at the same time I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t romance heavy book, though there was romance in it, but done on a lighter scale. This story was more about healing and learning how to live life again. It was about emotional growth and development. There was a lot of great intimacy building between Dani and Aaron as they learned to heal together over past traumas that they both endured in their lives and how it brought them together. It was a joy to see that progress and growth as the book progressed. I really enjoyed seeing Aaron’s healing process both emotional and physical.

I loved seeing bond with the animals like Helga, who was also missing a leg. They were some of the cutest scenes ever. It helped Aaron lot in his process of recovering of seeing a dog having to overcome his injury, yet being able to give love and receive love, which was parallel of what Aaron could do in his life. I think Aaron biggest lesson from Helga that was awesome to see. Dani helped as well as she supported him through the process as they got reacquainted and closer to one another as he healed.

What the great thing was that Aaron and Dani had a past. In fact they both had crushes on each other, but never went there was because of Dani’s best friend Levi, who was Aaron’s brother, and the conflict that would present. They already had this tension between them that was never satisfied, but could be in the present while Aaron was healing at Dani’s rehab center. They really had a sweet and loving relationship. I loved they gave each other strength in times of need. They just provided great support to one another. They had some really special moments together. Could there have been more? Sure. Could it have been a little sexier? Yes, but that wasn’t the point of the story. I appreciated that. It was just a sweet and feel good romance that warmed my heart.

I also enjoyed the development of the relationship between Levi and Aaron, who had been estranged for many, many years. This brought them together and got them closer again after all they had been through. It was nice to see that transformation. It was bumpy ride, but they got there in end.

What surprised me though was that Aaron was younger than Levi. I was expecting it to be the other way around especially since Levi and Dani were best friends. I’m not totally positive if Dani and Levi were the same age or if Levi was older, but the general vibe I got was that they were the same age. So, would make Dani the older woman in their relationship. I haven’t read a lot of those types of relationship before. So, that was very interesting in a very good way.

I also really liked the whole resolution with what happened to Aaron while he was a Navy SEAL and what caused his injury. It added a little something extra to the story. It upped the stakes as well as explained why Aaron wasn’t healing like it should have been. I liked what Aaron decided to do after he got the settlement. It was really a full circle moment that was just really sweet. I loved that was in there.

Overall, even though this was tamer and less romance heavy than I’m usually used to, I still throughly enjoyed it while I was reading it. I was very satisfied by it. I liked the characters. I liked storyline. I liked whole healing process of both Aaron and Dani. I loved all the animals at this rehab center. I definitely fell in love with Helga. They just really hurt yet touched my heart over all the had been through and how that even though they were injured could still live happy and loving lives. I loved how the animals paralleled to Aaron’s own healing, and how he could identify with them. They really were a great example to Aaron. I liked that Aaron and Dani had previous crushes on each that went unrequited while they were teens. It really just was a great basis for their relationship that could be build into something more. They were really connected as they supported each along the way. It was sweet and lovely to see. It was just enjoyable. Could have been longer and go into more detail? Of coarse. I always want more, but it still hit me in good spot that warmed me from the inside out. That was a wonderful feeling.












This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bks43v3r.
392 reviews
September 13, 2021
2, 2 1/2 Stars

I believe this is the third book in the Hathway series that I have read. I read the second book (Brock) first. I also read another one but it must have been pretty forgettable because I can't recall which one it was even after going over some of the summaries. Since a lot of the books follow the same template, (injured vet goes to Hathaway House to heal and falls in love with a staff member there) it was hard to distinguish one from the other. I doubt this book (Aaron) will stay with me either.

I found the writing to be pretty simplistic. It was not very descriptive. Characters are a little one dimensional; only described physically in the most generic and basic way (hair/eye color given, tall, slim, broad etc.). I'm not even sure how old the MCs are, but figured they were in their late 20s since Aaron enlisted right out of high school and was in the Navy for 10 years.

There were a few things in the story that did not make sense to me. So, the MCs knew each other pretty well when they were teenagers (so at least mid to late teens). Then they meet again after ONLY ten years and aren't supposed to recognize each other immediately? I could see if it had been 20 years and/or something had caused their appearance to alter significantly (disfigurement etc.). Their names alone should have done it. Especially considering how smitten they claimed to be with each other back then. Okay, whatever. I will go with it. Aaron's treatment was skimmed over pretty much. No problem there for me either. I would have liked to know what type of amputee he was. (Above or below knee?) It wasn't mentioned. I have read several books which featured a MC who was an amputee and it was always brought up. Again, things were described in this book very superficially. Even the relationship or lack thereof between Aaron and his brother Levi. They were estranged for YEARS before seeing each other again.... And it was treated like nothing. Well it was just handled in a odd way--for me.

To me Aaron was kind of a jerk. He was a jerk to Dani at times. He was a jerk to his brother, Levi. The reason for them being estranged and for so long seemed pretty foolish--I couldn't figure it out really. Aaron never even touched based with Levi when he had been seriously injured. That seemed pretty cold to me. Levi on the other hand, immediately did all he could for his brother after he was injured or needed help. So quite the contrast. I know Aaron was going through some things since being injured and Cain's betrayal and all (I am not totally heartless here) but I couldn't even really find the underlining appeal for Dani. But it's a romance so they have to fall in love, right? Dani was okay. She gave Aaron a lot of slack and forgiveness. The romance was so-so. If they hadn't had the history (not that there was anything really back then), which the story relied on heavily, I really couldn't see what brought them together.

Lastly, when did Aaron become a prosthesis designer? That came out of left field. It was a plot device to provide him with financial resources (since that was a hang up for Aaron). I think this is the last book for me.

Content: This is a clean-ish romance. No sex (though desire was expressed), ogling, or groping. Just kissing which was described as passionate. There was some cursing. Some characters got pretty angry at times but no violence. However, MC suffered from a previously very physically (and emotionally) abusive relationship.
Profile Image for CVZ.
285 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2019
An Unparalleled Series Set In A Utopia Of Sorts Known As Hathaway House

This is my first read by author Dale Mayer and I have to say it was an enjoyable, uplifting, and inspirational story. I’m looking forward to continuing with all the books in this series. Hathaway House is such a unique concept in the rehabilitation of wounded warriors. ALL wounded soldiers deserve this type of facility, but the reality is that services for many are subpar to say the least. That is what makes this series so special. The generosity and dedication of Dani and her father to have this vision and see it through to not only create a facility to fully serve the wounded warriors but also add a safe haven and rehabilitation center for wounded and abused animals is totally awe inspiring. I love the healing benefits for both animal and humans as the connection is formed between both on a daily basis. Touching!

What I would have liked to see to make the start to this series a 5 star read is a little more depth to the story. More in depth backgrounds to the main characters lives, and possibly more interaction with some other residents at Hathaway House that would have influenced Aaron’s recovery. Also Aaron’s ability to create prosthetics was woefully understated. There definitely needed to be more time devoted to this skill set of his prior to the conclusion of this story. This could all have been remedied by adding more pages to the book. Under 200 pages to any book makes it difficult to create a complete, satisfying story. I also would have liked to read a more graphic, steamy love scene when Aaron and Dani became a couple. For me, that helps to really “feel” their bond and relationship! I love passion!!!!

This story helps readers understand the importance of the mind and body connection in the physical healing of wounds and injuries. Healing is delayed and hampered when one struggles with unresolved, serious issues and injustice. All the characters in this story associated with Hathaway House were likable and created a cohesive team all working for the good of the residents. Refreshing! The conclusion was satisfying and ended with a segue to entice readers to continue with book 2, Brock’s story. All in all a recommended story.
60 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2019
Healing, the First Step

In this, the first book of Dale Mayer’s Hathaway House series, we meet some of the residents and staff of Hathaway House, a top-of-the-line rehabilitation facility in Texas run by Dani Hathaway and owned jointly by Dani and her father, nicknamed the major. A sprawling ranch-like atmosphere where traumatized humans and animals whose recoveries seemed stalled were treated by the best professionals with the best therapeutic equipment and knowledge bases, Hathaway House had a very expensive price tag; but thanks to Dani’s hard work and contacts, they were able to treat up to four patients through donor support. When Aaron arrived, Dani was put into a difficult situation because the donor supporting his costs insisted on remaining anonymous.
Aaron Hammond, whose older half-brother is co-owner of Legendary Security (Heroes for Hire series), struggled his whole life to live up to Levi’s strength and reputation, made even more difficult by Aaron’s attraction to Levi’s high school girlfriend. Even though Aaron knew they’d broken up, Dani would always be his brother’s girl, and thus off-limits to pursue his feelings for her. She didn’t seem to recognize him when he arrived at Hathaway House that first day, which added to the depression he already felt and the obstacles to his recovery. Dani’s anguish at having to keep a secret from him and respecting the professional taboo of relationships between staff and patients provided some pretty interesting interactions between them.
I love, love, love that the SEALs we meet in all of the Mayer series are like family in that they continue to help each other. Aaron is an incredible first step in this new series of amazing books. Don’t miss any of the Hathaway House stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,066 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2020
Excellent book about rehab for seevere injuries

Aaron has a few problems.
First, his best friend went rogue & killed 2 of the 4 guys in his group, badly wounding him. Yet, the military doesn't believe him and instead, blames him for being "careless" with the explosives that were his responsibility.
Second, he has lost his leg & rehab is TOUGH. He is facing.a possible back surgery, possible stump revision before he can get a decent prosthesis, and multiple fittings for his prostheses...plus the long haul it will take to get this done.
Third, he used to be a playboy type.
His brother and the current director of the rehab facility are best friends. Aaron and she had a crush on each other, and neither has had a stable relationship in the interim. His brother protected the director, with whom he was best friends, from him unril he got his life figured out.
Also, he wanted to be a veterinarian, but when his mom died, he went into the military instead. Now they don't want him; he would be a liability in a combat unit and he is not cut out for a desk job.
He has an issue with charity. His VA benefits don't cover his stay at this rehab. His brother has paid on the condition of anonimity.
His brother agrees to look into the former best friend who abandoned his unit to death and dismemberment to get high pay as a mercenary.
So, what will he find out? Will the military believe him? What will he do when he finds out about his brother oaying for his stay? Will he be able to go to school for his veterinary degree? And are the prosthetics he designs good enough to be approved for general use or is he wasting his time, tinkering with an old hobby?
For that, you need to read this sweet & clean romance that doesn't shy away from physical attraction, but doesn't cave in to it either.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
September 23, 2020
My review today is on the Romance, Hathaway House: Aaron. This is book one in the Hathaway House series. I really enjoyed this book and I know you will too. It's well written and heart warming. Wounded warriors are close to my heart and I enjoyed reading about a woman that dedicated herself to helping these men and women.

Aaron Hammond is sent to Hathaway House to heal. He has lost a leg and has injured his back. He doesn't seem to be making the progress he should. His brother (they are estranged) is secretly paying for his care. The woman running the facility is an old friend of both of the brothers but she was a secret crush for Aaron. Now he finds her again when he is only have a man. Aaron is full of anger and betrayal which is holding him back.

Dani Hathaway helped her father when he came back from the war injured. Her father had given up but she fought for him. They started really small but now gave the best care to wounded warriors of any facility. She is thrilled to see Aaron as she once cared deeply for him. She is determined to help him heal. The only problem is trying to keep Aaron from finding out about his brother footing the bill. (he has more than his share of pride) Can she find out what is eating at him and keeping him from healing?

A difficult journey to find healing in this broken soul. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan and not for evil. He can make a way where there is no way. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,896 reviews41 followers
July 21, 2019
For me it is understandable that strong brave men who are injured protecting their country can be brought as low as it is possible to get, their only way to try to stand tall again is to do it themselves,.true or false it is all.they have left of themselves. To accept help or charity as they feel that's what it is just proves they are worthless. This is the mindset for these men and it takes strong will and understanding to get through those tough barriers, love can also help. This new series from Dale Mayer is based at a special rehabilitation hospital, it has a whole lot more going for it than just treating injuries in humans. It has an almost magical sound in the descriptions, very calming surroundings. Aaron has already been betrayed, knocked down by his past and latterly the military, they have let him down big time and now he trusts no one. Dani.knew this would be a hard battle to win and at times it seems she will be the loser, a helping hand and some hard won trust may just be the turning point. Every new series I think won't be as good as the last, every single time Dale just blows it out of the water,.how she manages to keep juggling so many series all equally as good and not drop the ball I do not know, but she does. Exceptional story that had me gripped throughout and I cannot wait for the next book,.bring it on!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews23 followers
July 1, 2020
The story of a wounded soldier and the challenges he meets whilst hoping for a recovery in a rehabilitation centre full of caring people.

Aaron is badly injured during his time in Afghanistan. The circumstances in which his injury takes place isn't what one would expect. It's bad enough having to cope with the pain of the injury itself, but the circumstances that caused it makes him even angrier.

Dani runs a rehabilitation centre within an idealistic environment with all the facilities required for wounded warriors to heal, physically and mentally.

It's centred mainly around the facilities, and the development of the relationship between Aaron and Dani is heartfelt. They have known each other in the past, but not in the way they wanted. He now feels that he hasn't got much of the a future to look forward to. He is angry and bitter at times, understandably so. He has been badly hurt by someone he trusted. Dani is understanding and patient. His progress is slow to begin with, mainly through his own hurt. Will he overcome everything that's happened and realise that he has a bright future in front of him?

I like the idea of nursing wounded animals in the rehabilitation centre. The portrayal of Aaron is quite touching and Dani's ability to understand and persevere is admirable. It's a poignant story about the hopelessness and helplessness of the effects of veterans coming back from war. A very good read.
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