Former Navy SEAL Brock Gorman has been at Hathaway House for more than a month with minimal improvement to either his physical or mental health. An vehicle accident on base two months ago caused major hip, back, and shoulder injuries that and took away any chance he had of ever going on a mission again. Making it through BUD/S training and into the SEALs teams was the crowning glory of Brock’s life. Now it’s gone. Why try to get better when he has nothing left to live for?
Physiotherapist Sidney Morning has been away from Hathaway House for nine months of specialized training. When she returns, there’s Brock. And, while she loves the tough cases, he might be more than she can handle. He’s big. He’s strong. He’s stubborn. He’s gorgeous. And he’s not making the efforts needed to get better. But, if Sidney can get under his skin and force him to jumping hurdles he’s not interested in jumping, she can help him see that there are things which still make life worth living.
Sparks fly as Sidney and Brock fight their own emotions and each other, pushing Brock where he needs to go… If they are lucky, he might find both healing and love at Hathaway House.
Welcome to Hathaway House. Rehab Center. Safe Haven. Second chance at life and love.
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.
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
Oh, Ms. Mayer, I was looking forward to Brock and Sidney’s story, but wow, what a boring book!!! When I read a romance novel of any kind, it is the relatability of the characters which are fully developed that is essential for me to have that satisfying “feel” for the story. There was literally nothing about the story that captivated me. Here’s why. •The sophomoric writing is more suited for an elementary school student than an adult. •We never got any background story on either character. Why did Brock’s accident occur on base? Was he responsible? Was anyone else injured? What happened to Sidney in her previous failed relationship? •When characters fall in love, there needs to be a developing relationship throughout the story in order to make the relationship believable for the reader. We were not given any of that. A little kiss and time together as patient and therapist doesn’t cut it. • At the conclusion of this story, the reason that Brock realized Sidney was for him, is a moment I paused and said....... “Really???”
In the real world, people have a right to privacy and we, as outsiders are not privy to information unless people care to share. The beauty of stories is that talented authors transport readers into the characters world and we are granted insight into their thoughts and feelings, struggles, fears, joy and life experiences that are uniquely theirs. This is what makes for a memorable read. I am beginning to realize that this series is considered a “clean romance,” without explicit sex. I can deal with that if at least the illusion of romance was written into the story. I CAN use my imagination. I read both book 1 and 2 at present and will attempt book 3 because I bought it in advance. Hoping for a much better read.
Side note: I am NOT one of those disgruntled readers that enjoys bashing a book. I am an avid reader of the romance genre and enjoy reviewing the stories I’ve read. Thankfully, the various authors I am a true fan of have given me hours of truly enjoyable and memorable reads. They have also been rewarded with 4 and 5 star reviews as a result. I am honest and write my reviews accordingly.
Brock Gorman had been a SEAL and was injured as part of a vehicle accident on the base in the US two months ago which caused major hip, back and shoulder injuries. The accident took away from him any chance of going on any more missions which were his everything. He has been at Hathaway House for more than a month and year there has been minimal improvement - after all - why should he try to get better when he has nothing to live for? Sidney Morning is a physiotherapist at Hathaway House and is returning after being away for nine months getting some specialised training. Having been told about Brock, she loves tough cases and just hopes he is not more than she can handle. After all, he is big, strong, stubborn as hell, and, absolutely gorgeous. He might not be making an effort to get better but Sidney is determined to get under his skin and force him to do all the work he needs to do to recover - she just needs to make sure she can make him understand that there are things that make life worth living. Sparks start to fly as they both start to fight each other and their own emotions. Can they be lucky and find their own healing and even love?
This was a great story that kept me captivated in the story of their battles of wills and emotions as they worked through all of the problems. I liked the turning points they seemed to pass through as part of their shared and separate journeys to enlightenment. Well written and very enjoyable.
Brock isn't making progress, he's plateaued with his therapy and he really needs to get out of his own head.
Sidney has been away doing some specialized training. It's been nine months and she's glad to be back. She loves tough cases, so Dani has given her Brock. She's also assigned her Andrew who is scheduled to be discharged soon.
Now tact isn't one of Sidney's strong points and she pretty much lets Brock have it right from the start. Ultimatums and cursing are the theme of the day.
With Brock on the right path again, Sidney does an evaluation on Andrew. What she finds is disturbing, his core muscles haven't been worked enough to support the bigger ones. Now Marsha, a fellow physiotherapist, is angry with her and that's going to be uncomfortable for everyone.
I love the dynamic here, the interactions with the animals in the vet clinic and Dani's horses are so healing for both staff and patients.
As Brock interacts more and his friend Cole gets admitted, things also evolve with his relationship with Sidney. Although that too is tempered by Marsha's gossiping.
A heartwarming, emotional, a bit frustrating, fun and romantic read.
I'm off to read Cole, then I'll be caught up on this series and have to wait impatiently for the next book.
I enjoyed the story line of Brock and Sidney and I like the concept in this series of having an animal care centre/sanctuary as part of a medical therapy centre and how the 2 are intertwined.
The attraction between Brock and Sidney I can understand but the development went from attraction to kiss to declaring their love for each other. I needed a little bit more of something to fully engage with this romance. The book is quite short and maybe another chapter or 2 would have given me something.
Brock was more of a short story than a book. I loved Sydney and Brock but there were so many areas not developed. The book should have been called "Sydney"
Following Aaron’s success in Book 1, Brock arrived at Hathaway House feeling angry and less worthy of help than his fellow rehab patients whose injuries occurred during deployment on foreign soil. HH staff assigned to his team were at a loss at how to reach him, and his unmotivated attitude, doing precisely what was asked of him but not taking any opportunities to move beyond that level, coupled with his snarkiness had pretty much blown all of them off by the time Sidney returned from several months of advanced training in physiotherapy. Her fresh eyes and determination to jumpstart his motivation to work harder to reach his best, Sidney hit the ground running and challenged him to either participate or transfer out. Their workouts progressed, each matching the other cussword for cussword, until Brock found himself exceeding the old limits, tired and sore, pleased with what he’d accomplished. His respect for Sidney grew and as did their attraction to each other.
Knowing the challenges that Dani and Aaron experienced as their relationship blossomed, contrary to Dani’s own administrative policy of non-fraternization between staff and patients, Brock and Sidney try not to appear obvious in their feelings. However, when Sidney discovers a weakness in an about-to-be-discharged patient, she is the brunt of some bad attitude during another physiotherapist’s negativity.
In a nutshell, Dale Mayer’s Hathaway House series a big hit with me. SEALs are more than the big, burly, badass warriors that most people believe they are. This series shows how hard they have to work to keep themselves fit, how devastating it can be to feel less than their best, and how attitude toward life and love can shape their post-active-duty lives. Well done!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found this story uplifting, the character goes from being despondent and depressed to being quite empowered once he starts noticing progress with his health and motivated to not just keep going but improve. Learn new skills and a new start, the love side of things obviously helps but a lot of it is having the right therapists or medical staff for the patient and understanding the best way to get maximum results. These stories have a certain amount of grit, the issues being dealt with and the people themselves are vulnerable, so finding a balance between being to focussed on romance to health isn't easy, and keeping it feeling real as well all plays a part. I love the realistic plot that is in this, the tough ex seal injured in life changing way just trying to figure out a way forward different from that he expected and wanted. The devastation they feel at the loss of a career they loved and of feeling abandoned by that very thing because they can't continue with it. I can imagine that along with the pain is something that any injured military would feel and battle with. I am loving the idea of a recuperation place with all the therapy and care needed with the bonus of animals also dealing in many cases with similar injuries, a beautiful scenery that has the added calming benefits, I think there should be some of these in the real world. I am loving the whole concept and the characters, they arnt larger than life or perfect, they have flaws and make mistakes, so I can identify with them. Fabulous new series and one I will be continuing having already pre ordered as many as available.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Former Navy SEAL Brook Gorman comes to Hathaway House after being badly injured in a car accident stateside, not in battle as he would have preferred. He has been there for about a month with not much progress. He has issues and things to work through but he won't let anyone help. His surly attitude has kept most at bay. No one particularly want to deal with him. Enter physiotherapist Sidney Morning and well she is about to shake things up!
Sidney has been away at school, honing her skills for 9 months and she is ready to kick ass. She is assigned to Brook because he has been through everyone else. She is honest, brash, and tells it like it is with a bit of a badass attitude. Brook doesn't know what he is about to endure.
Sidney and Brook come up against some obstacles in their growing relationship and some of these obstacles threaten their relationship. They will have to work hard to find the happiness they both deserve.
This was a sweet story and a fast read. I like the romance part of it and it's eye opening to realize that while this is fiction that people actually can be injured like these characters. I love that Hathaway House heals both people and animals and the cast of animals is as complex and sweet and the characters in the book. What a truly wonderful place Hathaway House is. I can only hope that a place like that really exists in the world.
Book 2 In Dale Mayers new series, Hathaway House. These are G rated, anyone can read. Feel the emotion of the wounded warriors, the emotion of the staff. The fine line they walk trying to make sure the wounded have everything they need, but entice them to do for themselves. The emotional and mental as well as the physical. I don't know if I am still in love with Aaron that I didn't do Brock justice, or if Brocks personality and mine just didn't click. But hey he has straight shooting, tell it like it is, Sidney in his corner. She laid it out there, but didn't lose compassion. In this one we meet few more therapists and learn that people are the same everywhere, i.e. hurt feelings and office politics Just as I was ready for Marsha to disappear, Sidney grabbed the bull by the horns and dealt with it. Her willingness to explore all avenues and step back and check her self make her top notch. When we found out Brocks area of expertise my first thought was hey, put him to work there. Another book that makes you feel and care. Thank you for the arc Dale Mayer, Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.
In Book 1 of Dale Mayer's new series, Aaron, we learned that Hathaway House is a special place of healing for people and animals. People whose lives have been dedicated to others and who come together as patients or healers.
Former Navy SEAL Brock Gorman was terribly injured in a stateside accident, leaving him to struggle with the physical and emotional changes he now faces. His recovery may hinge on his ability to deal with his new reality.
Physiotherapist Sidney Morning has just returned to staff duties after a break for further education in her field of medicine. The time away has left her with a feeling of distance from her beloved haven and questions which need answers.
As Brock and Sidney work together for his recovery in the magical setting of Hathaway House, they may find answers they both need in each other. A story that will warm readers' hearts long after the last page is turned.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brock by Dale Mayer Hathaway House Series Book Two Brock Gorman is frustrated. He's not healing. He's a man used to using his big mitts for working...not laying around on a bed. He has all kinds of preconceived ideas about his new therapist at the first meeting. He quickly finds out he was completely wrong by the second one.
Sidney Morning has just returned to Hathaway House after nine months of schooling. Her boyfriend decided to dump her at the start of school, so it's good to be home again. Around the people who are like family. Only, her first day doesn't go so well.
This series takes place at Hathaway House in Texas. A place started by a father and daughter to help injured military men. And a veterinary clinic downstairs. The men and animals help each other with healing. Since Dani, the owner, found love with a patient...the doors have opened up for more romance. https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Another emotion packed story in this series. Brock has made improvements in his physical condition, although he has plateaued in part due to the realization that he will not be able to go back to being a SEAL. He has gone through a number of phsiotherapists at Hathaway House - until he meets his match with Sidney.
Sidney has just returned after 9 months away furthering her education. It was interesting seeing her interactions with Brock and how she changed her handling of him based her observations and his situation.
As Brock and Sidney spend more time together, the attraction between them grows stronger. But can Sidney remain detached enough that his therapy doesn't suffer. There is so much more in this story - interactions between the different members of the staff, Brock coming to terms with his future now that he can no longer be a SEAL, and how Brock can be a good friend to Cole without setting Cole's progress back.
Brock has worked with many physiotherapists at Hathaway House without making much progress. Brock a former SEAL, hasn't seen a good reason to exert himself. After nine months of advanced training, Sidney has returned to her job at Hathaway House as a physiotherapist. The director gives Sidney her toughest case, Brock, for a new approach. Sidney works him harder than Brock has worked before, but Brock starts to respect and appreciate Sidney. Both Brock and Sidney need healing and help each other as they grow closer. I received a free copy of this book from the author through Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this new series. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, but you miss a good book if you skip the first one. I recommend this book and series.
Brock was in the military when he injured during an accident stateside. He has a lot of muscle damage. After four months at Hathaway House he has stopped improving.
Sidney, a physiotherapist at Hathaway House, has just returned after completing a nine month specialized training course ready to take on the hardest patients. Brock is at the top of her list.
Their meeting is like a head-on collision. Sidney tells Brock he has to put more effort into his healing or he will be transferred out of Hathaway House. She is pleasantly surprised when he shows up for therapy.
An enjoyable love story with some complications along the way which are resolved with some policy changes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brock’s story is book two in the new series, and it’s amazing! The way the medical / rehab team works with the men in this series is so professional and touching all at the same time.
To work through the pain and issues with confidence would be so hard to do, and Hathaway House is magical with the approach to healing body and mind.
There a lot of amusing parts in the story, and the animals to cuddle.. what a concept.
You will find yourself in tears, or near tears in other parts of the story. So much love for this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hathaway House take critically injured men and women and their dedicated team use their many skills to heal them not only physically but also emotionally.
This time Brock is the patient and Sidney is tasked with helping him regain as much of his previous physical well-being as possible. Sparks fly and the chemistry between them is incredible. Finally Brock has someone to live for.
How they tackle this is written as always with great skill and empathy making this a beautiful and enjoyable story.
Brock received his wounds not on his tours of duty but at stateside. Hathaway House is the place he is sent but he is not healing. Sydney is a physiotherapist returning from specialized training to Hathaway House. They meet and Brock finds out what he really can do as Sydney takes not prisoners. The wounded animals also help in Brock's journey to find himself. A wonderful book, the second of a new series. This is a book for all ages. Bravo!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Back to Hathaway House for the story of another military who is in despair due to an accident.
After his accident Brock thought that his future looked really bleak. He kept himself to himself, doing what he had to do during his stay at the rehabilitation centre. Sydney has returned from a training course and rearing to go.
The premise of the story was really good, but the character development was lacking in certain areas. Although it was a touching story, some of the content was haphazard. Nevertheless a fair read.
I love reading books by Dale Mayer. They have such a feelgood way about them, that when you finish reading you have a smile on your face and you feel a little more optimistic. Reading a lot since Covid hit and at 72, it has brightened my day to read as I used to when I was younger, I have realised how much I still love to read and how much I still want to feel that life can still be good. So with all my heart THANKYOU, to all the writers out there who give us an escape from our world into a nicer place
The story is to be a sweet romance. There needs to be depth for both characters. So much is missed, and we only get a surface view of these characters.
There is more depth to the mental revelations with these men in their healing process than depth to any romance.
The facility is great, and how they help people with their recovery from their injuries is wonderful.
Brock is waiting for his friend Cole to arrive at the facility, and there is more bonding with them than there is between Brock and Sydney.
The 2nd book in this series is, as I knew it would be, even better than the first. This time we are dealing with professional issues as much as rebuilding our wounded hero. Sidney finds herself crossing a professional line as she falls for her isolated, grumpy client. We all know it happens but it is nice to see how such a straight shooter deals with all the problems of such a relationship. Nicely done!
Brock and Sidney are perfect for each other, they are both strong willed and focused but also have their faults and you get to see the turmoil Brock goes through to see its up to him to push himself to get better as well as realise he isn't the old pre injury Brock but a new and improved Brock that has a new lease on life as well as the chance to be with the girl who is his perfect match. I admit after reading this one I dove straight into the next book about Cole!
The Hathaway House series follows the recovery of seriously injured soldiers, their physical recovery is hampered by their emotional recovery and coming to terms with their new capabilities. Their relationships with the staff and the role played by the animals in the veterinary clinic also on the property makes for some heart wrenching and heart warming stories. I really enjoy this series and this book with Brocks story was very enjoyable.
Hathaway House Box Set #1-#3 was a delightful read set in a beautiful verdant Texas location with recovering animal and human patients. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the developing story as these strong men healed and sought comfort in the tranquil setting with friendly, furry companions. It's also a plus that attraction to members of the staff and patients developed into lasting romances. Good Read!!!!
The second story in this series just gets better. Introducing Brock a man facing many changes that he didn't think he would as a result of being home. Sidney learning to grow, stay true to herself and supportvall around her. Together they take you on an everyday journey in moving on. Together they are unstoppable bringing you a loving, moving story.
Easy to say but hard to find when you can no longer trust your body to hold you up, your mind to show you the truth and not twist things or even trust that you have a future worth living. If you cannot trust yourself, what hope do you have of trusting anyone else? Fortunately for Brock Sidney explodes into his life, her larger than life, confident personality leaves him reeling, giving him no choice but to stop wallowing and start fighting. Fighting for himself, for a future and for them. This is an emotional book with both Brock and Sidney learning a lot about themselves, watching their emotional growth both individually and as a couple is sweet, surprising, heart breaking and steamy. The first three books in this series were all released together, I have read all three and for me this is the best one so far! As with most series the individual books are stand alone but there are also ongoing background plots that continue throughout, so reading them all in order is suggested. This series is quite different from others by Dale Mayer, but book one in the series is free, so try it now!
I loved this book. I don't know which book is my favorite so far. I have read the first two books. I just love Aaron, Brock. I love how they meet someone special in the book. If I could give these book a ten ⭐ would in a heartbeat. I would recommend this book and author to everyone. These are good clean books. I didn't want to put these books down.
Hathaway House is a magical place. Not only is there healing going on, there are animals that they get to spend time with. Brock was hurt on US soil in an accident. He is having a hard time dealing with that. Sidney is back after being away training. Sidney has taken over Brock's therapy. The more time they spend together, feelings develop. Will the feelings be real or just gratitude?
Loved this story. It shows you the heartbreak wounded warriors go through when they don't have the military anymore. And the therapist who are there to help them get to the other side. And a blooming love story to boot. received this book for an honest review.