What do you think?
Rate this book
Cookies #2
Grounded
A chance encounter.
A passionate night.
An intense connection.
When medical student Shane Sanford and RAF pilot Greg Becker meet the air between them sizzles with mutual attraction. There’s nothing holding them back as they give in to their desire. But once their paths lead them into a different direction, neither of them can forget the intense connection they’d shared.
When fate brings them together again a year later, they have a choice to make: try and make a long-distance relationship work or let this be a one-night stand again.With war, tragedy and fear standing in their way, can Shane and Greg overcome the challenges life keeps throwing their way?
Is their bond strong enough to survive?
Is love enough?
A passionate night.
An intense connection.
When medical student Shane Sanford and RAF pilot Greg Becker meet the air between them sizzles with mutual attraction. There’s nothing holding them back as they give in to their desire. But once their paths lead them into a different direction, neither of them can forget the intense connection they’d shared.
When fate brings them together again a year later, they have a choice to make: try and make a long-distance relationship work or let this be a one-night stand again.With war, tragedy and fear standing in their way, can Shane and Greg overcome the challenges life keeps throwing their way?
Is their bond strong enough to survive?
Is love enough?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2019
14 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Teodora Kostova
27 books452 followersTeodora Kostova writes romance where every heartbeat matters. She’s an award-winning, bestselling author, a linguist fluent in four languages, and a Creative Writing graduate with a weakness for broken characters who kiss slow and love loudly. When she’s not writing, she’s probably watching anime, trying to score tickets for a musical, or analysing a friend’s natal chart over strong coffee.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 26, 2019
*3.5 stars*
Such a hard review to write. I enjoyed this book a lot and I was this close to round up but there are important things that hold me back.
Pros
-The story spans a 5 year period. We get to see how the MCs met, their ups and downs, their break ups and their reconnection through the years. I do think that the story needed some tightening, maybe another round of editing but I tend to like longer stories and I didn’t get bored at all, so…
-The tension. There is intensity, relationship angst, jealousy, heartbreak and separation periods and I eat all that with a spoon. Oh and add a few surprises down the road.
-Right amount of smexy times. Scorching hot!
-The connection. I really felt that these two characters formed a strong bond.
-Very nice epilogue.
Cons.
Don’t read any further if you don’t want to be spoiled, please.
In the end, I blame it all on war because it fucks up people and relationships beyond repair. It’s hard to dream about the future and it’s definitely hard to not try to guard yourself enough. But seriously Shane. Dude. NOT COOL.
Overall, despite my niggles, I still liked the story and I recommend it, especially for the fans of the author. I'm hoping for a story about Evan next.
This a sequel to Cookies but can be read as a standalone.
Such a hard review to write. I enjoyed this book a lot and I was this close to round up but there are important things that hold me back.
Pros
-The story spans a 5 year period. We get to see how the MCs met, their ups and downs, their break ups and their reconnection through the years. I do think that the story needed some tightening, maybe another round of editing but I tend to like longer stories and I didn’t get bored at all, so…
-The tension. There is intensity, relationship angst, jealousy, heartbreak and separation periods and I eat all that with a spoon. Oh and add a few surprises down the road.
-Right amount of smexy times. Scorching hot!
-The connection. I really felt that these two characters formed a strong bond.
-Very nice epilogue.
Cons.
Don’t read any further if you don’t want to be spoiled, please.
In the end, I blame it all on war because it fucks up people and relationships beyond repair. It’s hard to dream about the future and it’s definitely hard to not try to guard yourself enough. But seriously Shane. Dude. NOT COOL.
Overall, despite my niggles, I still liked the story and I recommend it, especially for the fans of the author. I'm hoping for a story about Evan next.
This a sequel to Cookies but can be read as a standalone.
March 17, 2020
Wow.
Un amore così intenso, una profondità di emozioni da far stringere il cuore. Un dolore struggente per la realtà della guerra e come segna nel profondo.
Presto la recensione
Un amore così intenso, una profondità di emozioni da far stringere il cuore. Un dolore struggente per la realtà della guerra e come segna nel profondo.
Presto la recensione
January 25, 2019
Complex and beautifully phrased romance
4.5*
Teodora Kostova has an incredible talent for putting you into the heads of her characters and making you feel all their emotions.
She also manages to pass a subtle commentary on just how we treat our military veterans, home and abroad, and also on the futility of a war that no one can remember the justification for.
Greg's experiences as an RAF pilot are expertly drawn out, placing the reader in the heat and destruction of the conflict in Afghanistan. We also live through the emotionally draining effects of being the one left at home.
With so many family members and friends in the various branches of the UK's military, I could relate to this a lot. It's an ordeal being the person serving's rock, especially when dealing with crises of your own.
I think it was perhaps a tad over long, Shane's many moments of introspection could have been reduced a bit but, overall, there was so much other excellent story building, I let it ride.
I preferred this to Cookies in the end, but it was a close call. Greg and Shane just shaded it with the super cute epilogue.
4.5*
Teodora Kostova has an incredible talent for putting you into the heads of her characters and making you feel all their emotions.
She also manages to pass a subtle commentary on just how we treat our military veterans, home and abroad, and also on the futility of a war that no one can remember the justification for.
Greg's experiences as an RAF pilot are expertly drawn out, placing the reader in the heat and destruction of the conflict in Afghanistan. We also live through the emotionally draining effects of being the one left at home.
With so many family members and friends in the various branches of the UK's military, I could relate to this a lot. It's an ordeal being the person serving's rock, especially when dealing with crises of your own.
I think it was perhaps a tad over long, Shane's many moments of introspection could have been reduced a bit but, overall, there was so much other excellent story building, I let it ride.
I preferred this to Cookies in the end, but it was a close call. Greg and Shane just shaded it with the super cute epilogue.
March 21, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Ho un legame particolare con "Cookies", primo libro dell'omonima serie. Probabilmente è il mio libro scalda cuore, la mia lettura di conforto quando ho bisogno di essere avvolta da tenerezza e dolcezza infinita, quando ho bisogno di positività. Ho aspettato con trepidazione questo secondo libro per poter leggere la storia di Shane e Greg, capire il loro legame e scoprire l'evoluzione della loro storia accennata in Cookies. Finalmente "Senza ali" è arrivato e credetemi, mi ha lasciato a bocca aperta perché mai avrei immaginato la verità sull'amore di Shane e Greg e mai mi sarei aspettata un'ondata di emozioni così intensa. Può una sola notte di passione travolgente cambiare la vita di due ragazzi sconosciuti? Può esistere una connessione talmente perfetta, un legame così intenso da essere unico e indimenticabile? Shane e Greg ci mostrano che è possibile e incredibilmente facile, che quando sono insieme ogni tocco, ogni parola, ogni battito di cuore è la perfezione, è tutto. Due ragazzi con vite diverse e distanti, ognuno in un momento particolare della propria vita, entrambi consapevoli che la realtà può infrangere sogni e certezze, può fare paura e far soffrire. L'autrice con una narrazione corposa e fitta di eventi ci porta a sondare l'animo dei due giovani innamorati, a conoscere le loro vite separate che inesorabilmente tornano a incontrarsi e a legarsi. Viviamo un amore fatto di addii e lontananze, di paure e mancanze. Viviamo l'amore prorompente degli abbracci, dei baci, del comunicare col proprio corpo tutti i sentimenti troppo grandi per le semplici parole: la felicità di essere insieme, la bellezza di comunicare, capirsi e leggersi dentro, di appartenere l'uno all'altro. Shane è un giovane uomo che dedica la sua vita ad aiutare gli altri, sa cosa vuol dire la disperazione della perdita di una persona cara, i danni che la guerra infligge nel corpo e nella mente dei veterani. Il suo centro per i veterani è la sua vita; le difficoltà, la fatica per mandarlo avanti con le sole forze sono quasi schiaccianti. La solitudine, la paura di fallire e di perdere tutto lo porta sempre più a sentirsi sconfitto. La realtà della guerra che tiene lontano il suo amore, che mette a rischio ogni giorno la vita di Greg lo immobilizza in un terrore costante. Greg ama volare; la libertà e il potere che sente pilotando è la sua vita. Il suo passato difficile, la sua solitudine, la sua vulnerabilità è ben nascosta dietro una maschera di sarcasmo e distacco. Solo Shane lo vede davvero nella sua completezza, nella sua dolcezza e gentilezza, nell'ironia e eroismo. Anni passati a servire il suo paese hanno iniziato ad essere un'agonia crescente, il peso delle sue azioni, la disperazione per una guerra che colpisce chiunque senza sconti, gli incubi e i traumi portano chiunque a un punto di rottura inevitabile. L'autrice ha creato due protagonisti bellissimi e tanto profondi, da perdercisi dentro e amarli in ogni forza e debolezza e in ogni sfumatura del loro animo. Durante l'evoluzione narrativa ritroviamo momenti e personaggi che abbiamo amato in "Cookies"; le due storie si intersecano alla perfezione in modo geniale arricchendo la storia. È stato emozionante ritrovare Amir e Jay, tutti i veterani e conoscere nuovi personaggi importanti nella vita dei protagonisti. "Senza ali" è una storia coinvolgente e appassionante che parla di sentimenti e amore, di vita reale vissuta ogni giorno, che sia a casa cercando di salvare il centro veterani o in Afghanistan nella zona calda dove ogni giorno i soldati rischiano la propria vita tra paura e tensione. Una storia reale di uomini, di amicizia fraterna, di sacrificio e solidarietà, di supporto e non abbandono.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Ho un legame particolare con "Cookies", primo libro dell'omonima serie. Probabilmente è il mio libro scalda cuore, la mia lettura di conforto quando ho bisogno di essere avvolta da tenerezza e dolcezza infinita, quando ho bisogno di positività. Ho aspettato con trepidazione questo secondo libro per poter leggere la storia di Shane e Greg, capire il loro legame e scoprire l'evoluzione della loro storia accennata in Cookies. Finalmente "Senza ali" è arrivato e credetemi, mi ha lasciato a bocca aperta perché mai avrei immaginato la verità sull'amore di Shane e Greg e mai mi sarei aspettata un'ondata di emozioni così intensa. Può una sola notte di passione travolgente cambiare la vita di due ragazzi sconosciuti? Può esistere una connessione talmente perfetta, un legame così intenso da essere unico e indimenticabile? Shane e Greg ci mostrano che è possibile e incredibilmente facile, che quando sono insieme ogni tocco, ogni parola, ogni battito di cuore è la perfezione, è tutto. Due ragazzi con vite diverse e distanti, ognuno in un momento particolare della propria vita, entrambi consapevoli che la realtà può infrangere sogni e certezze, può fare paura e far soffrire. L'autrice con una narrazione corposa e fitta di eventi ci porta a sondare l'animo dei due giovani innamorati, a conoscere le loro vite separate che inesorabilmente tornano a incontrarsi e a legarsi. Viviamo un amore fatto di addii e lontananze, di paure e mancanze. Viviamo l'amore prorompente degli abbracci, dei baci, del comunicare col proprio corpo tutti i sentimenti troppo grandi per le semplici parole: la felicità di essere insieme, la bellezza di comunicare, capirsi e leggersi dentro, di appartenere l'uno all'altro. Shane è un giovane uomo che dedica la sua vita ad aiutare gli altri, sa cosa vuol dire la disperazione della perdita di una persona cara, i danni che la guerra infligge nel corpo e nella mente dei veterani. Il suo centro per i veterani è la sua vita; le difficoltà, la fatica per mandarlo avanti con le sole forze sono quasi schiaccianti. La solitudine, la paura di fallire e di perdere tutto lo porta sempre più a sentirsi sconfitto. La realtà della guerra che tiene lontano il suo amore, che mette a rischio ogni giorno la vita di Greg lo immobilizza in un terrore costante. Greg ama volare; la libertà e il potere che sente pilotando è la sua vita. Il suo passato difficile, la sua solitudine, la sua vulnerabilità è ben nascosta dietro una maschera di sarcasmo e distacco. Solo Shane lo vede davvero nella sua completezza, nella sua dolcezza e gentilezza, nell'ironia e eroismo. Anni passati a servire il suo paese hanno iniziato ad essere un'agonia crescente, il peso delle sue azioni, la disperazione per una guerra che colpisce chiunque senza sconti, gli incubi e i traumi portano chiunque a un punto di rottura inevitabile. L'autrice ha creato due protagonisti bellissimi e tanto profondi, da perdercisi dentro e amarli in ogni forza e debolezza e in ogni sfumatura del loro animo. Durante l'evoluzione narrativa ritroviamo momenti e personaggi che abbiamo amato in "Cookies"; le due storie si intersecano alla perfezione in modo geniale arricchendo la storia. È stato emozionante ritrovare Amir e Jay, tutti i veterani e conoscere nuovi personaggi importanti nella vita dei protagonisti. "Senza ali" è una storia coinvolgente e appassionante che parla di sentimenti e amore, di vita reale vissuta ogni giorno, che sia a casa cercando di salvare il centro veterani o in Afghanistan nella zona calda dove ogni giorno i soldati rischiano la propria vita tra paura e tensione. Una storia reale di uomini, di amicizia fraterna, di sacrificio e solidarietà, di supporto e non abbandono.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
January 24, 2019
3.5 stars
March 1, 2020
Se Coockies è il più dolce dei libri di Teodora, questo è sicuramente il più profondo. Meravigliosamente duro, struggente, realistico. Un must read.
April 16, 2020
✔ Letto! Desiderio esaudito! Ed ecco che Teodora mi ha fatto conoscere la storia tra Shane e Greg, e che storia ragazzi.
Un grande e consistente libro. Scritto in maniera magnifica come solo lei sa fare.
Mi ha raccontato il percorso di vita di questi due ragazzi e di come la loro vita era stata condizionata dalla guerra. Chi direttamente come Greg e chi ne subiva le conseguenze come Shane, anche se non era là sul campo di battaglia.
Una storia d'amore forte, unica e indistruttibile.
Ho amato ogni capitolo, ho amato rivedere i amici del centro di riabilitazione di Shane. Conoscere la forza d'animo dei soldati che vanno a combattere una guerra per il suo paese e poi se ne accorgono di quanto sia inutile la guerra stessa.
Il coraggio di combattere per restare vive e non lasciarsi inghiottire dal buio che giorno dopo giorno, porta via un pezzetto della loro anima.
Se vale la pena di conoscere questa storia? Ogni singola parola scritta!
Vorrei non finisca mai di raccontarmi di questi ragazzi valorosi dove il tesoro più grande per loro è la vita stessa.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e adesso vorrei la storia di Evan e un certo ragazzo con il broncio.
Un grande e consistente libro. Scritto in maniera magnifica come solo lei sa fare.
Mi ha raccontato il percorso di vita di questi due ragazzi e di come la loro vita era stata condizionata dalla guerra. Chi direttamente come Greg e chi ne subiva le conseguenze come Shane, anche se non era là sul campo di battaglia.
Una storia d'amore forte, unica e indistruttibile.
Ho amato ogni capitolo, ho amato rivedere i amici del centro di riabilitazione di Shane. Conoscere la forza d'animo dei soldati che vanno a combattere una guerra per il suo paese e poi se ne accorgono di quanto sia inutile la guerra stessa.
Il coraggio di combattere per restare vive e non lasciarsi inghiottire dal buio che giorno dopo giorno, porta via un pezzetto della loro anima.
Se vale la pena di conoscere questa storia? Ogni singola parola scritta!
Vorrei non finisca mai di raccontarmi di questi ragazzi valorosi dove il tesoro più grande per loro è la vita stessa.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e adesso vorrei la storia di Evan e un certo ragazzo con il broncio.
July 15, 2021
4+
O klasę lepsza od jedynki 😁
Shane'a i Grega znaliśmy już z wcześniejszej historii. Jednakże to, co tam o nich się dowiedzieliśmy, ma się nijak do tego, czego się dowiadujemy tutaj. Wrażenie, które można było odnieść wcześniej, zupełnie się zmienia w tej historii o fizjoterapeucie Shanie i pilocie RAFu Gregu. Tak naprawdę zmienia się cała perspektywa - i dobrze 😁 Może i nie byłabym tak zaskoczona, gdybym przeczytała blurb, który coś tam mówi i sugeruje, ale z właściwym sobie wdziękiem - jak zwykle przy serii - nie zrobiłam tego 😂 Wystarczyła mi informacja, o kim książka będzie 😁
To historia o fascynacji nie tylko na poziomie fizycznym i zadziwiającym połączeniu od pierwszego spojrzenia, które jednak łatwo nie miały. Nie było HURRRA! i wskoczenia w związek zaraz po wyskoczeniu z łóżka. Trzeba było lat, rozstań, dramatycznych wydarzeń, krótkich pięknych chwil łapanych razem - zarówno osobiście, jak i przez wszelkie możliwe łącza, by to wszystko nabrało sensu - i miłość nie miała tutaj nic do tego, bo nigdy jej nie brakowało.
Gdy się spotkali po raz pierwszy, Shane jeszcze studiował, a Greg miał za sobą pięć lat służby w RAFie z dwunastu zakontraktowanych. Po jednej wspólnej nocy, która miała być tylko przygodnym seksem i niczym więcej - i tak naprawdę na pierwszy rzut oka taka była - jeden i drugi pluł sobie w brodę, że nie wziął namiarów na tego drugiego, bo trudno było im przeżyć dzień bez choć jednej, nawet przelotnej myśli o tej nocy i o tym drugim... Ale że wszechświat ma swoje zdanie i swoje plany, to nie skończyło się tylko na myśleniu 😉 I od tego drugiego, przypadkowego spotkania obserwujemy wzloty i upadki naszych chłopaków. Radości i wahania. Dramaty i szczęście. Próby związku na odległość i dwuletnie rozstanie. Wsysanie w czarną dziurę - najpierw Shane'a, potem Grega. I miłość, która nigdy nie była kwestionowana.
Z pierwszej części wyłaniał się obraz Shane'a, który był sympatyczny, choć bez szału, który był dobrym człowiekiem, ale nieco sztywnym, który był pracoholikiem oddanym bez reszty założonemu przez siebie Centrum dla Weteranów imienia jego brata oraz wszystkim jego pacjentom. I obraz Grega - raczej zadufanego w sobie, z pewnością siebie graniczącą z arogancją, przekonanego, że jest darem z niebios - zarówno dla kobiet, jak i dla mężczyzn, choć w sumie dobrego przyjaciela. Ta historia przestawia to wszystko zupełnie - i to w zdecydowanie dobrym kierunku. Moja sympatia do bohaterów wzrosła wielokrotnie i nie opuściła mnie do samego końca. Na pewno pomógł w tym podwójny POV - pokazał, że każdy z nich jest tylko człowiekiem, ze wszystkimi wadami i zaletami i tchnął w każdą postać po prostu życie. Będę ich wspominać z czułością 💙
O klasę lepsza od jedynki 😁
Shane'a i Grega znaliśmy już z wcześniejszej historii. Jednakże to, co tam o nich się dowiedzieliśmy, ma się nijak do tego, czego się dowiadujemy tutaj. Wrażenie, które można było odnieść wcześniej, zupełnie się zmienia w tej historii o fizjoterapeucie Shanie i pilocie RAFu Gregu. Tak naprawdę zmienia się cała perspektywa - i dobrze 😁 Może i nie byłabym tak zaskoczona, gdybym przeczytała blurb, który coś tam mówi i sugeruje, ale z właściwym sobie wdziękiem - jak zwykle przy serii - nie zrobiłam tego 😂 Wystarczyła mi informacja, o kim książka będzie 😁
To historia o fascynacji nie tylko na poziomie fizycznym i zadziwiającym połączeniu od pierwszego spojrzenia, które jednak łatwo nie miały. Nie było HURRRA! i wskoczenia w związek zaraz po wyskoczeniu z łóżka. Trzeba było lat, rozstań, dramatycznych wydarzeń, krótkich pięknych chwil łapanych razem - zarówno osobiście, jak i przez wszelkie możliwe łącza, by to wszystko nabrało sensu - i miłość nie miała tutaj nic do tego, bo nigdy jej nie brakowało.
Gdy się spotkali po raz pierwszy, Shane jeszcze studiował, a Greg miał za sobą pięć lat służby w RAFie z dwunastu zakontraktowanych. Po jednej wspólnej nocy, która miała być tylko przygodnym seksem i niczym więcej - i tak naprawdę na pierwszy rzut oka taka była - jeden i drugi pluł sobie w brodę, że nie wziął namiarów na tego drugiego, bo trudno było im przeżyć dzień bez choć jednej, nawet przelotnej myśli o tej nocy i o tym drugim... Ale że wszechświat ma swoje zdanie i swoje plany, to nie skończyło się tylko na myśleniu 😉 I od tego drugiego, przypadkowego spotkania obserwujemy wzloty i upadki naszych chłopaków. Radości i wahania. Dramaty i szczęście. Próby związku na odległość i dwuletnie rozstanie. Wsysanie w czarną dziurę - najpierw Shane'a, potem Grega. I miłość, która nigdy nie była kwestionowana.
Z pierwszej części wyłaniał się obraz Shane'a, który był sympatyczny, choć bez szału, który był dobrym człowiekiem, ale nieco sztywnym, który był pracoholikiem oddanym bez reszty założonemu przez siebie Centrum dla Weteranów imienia jego brata oraz wszystkim jego pacjentom. I obraz Grega - raczej zadufanego w sobie, z pewnością siebie graniczącą z arogancją, przekonanego, że jest darem z niebios - zarówno dla kobiet, jak i dla mężczyzn, choć w sumie dobrego przyjaciela. Ta historia przestawia to wszystko zupełnie - i to w zdecydowanie dobrym kierunku. Moja sympatia do bohaterów wzrosła wielokrotnie i nie opuściła mnie do samego końca. Na pewno pomógł w tym podwójny POV - pokazał, że każdy z nich jest tylko człowiekiem, ze wszystkimi wadami i zaletami i tchnął w każdą postać po prostu życie. Będę ich wspominać z czułością 💙
January 13, 2019
3.5 Stars
I liked this sequel. I was hoping we would get more background on Shane and Greg’s relationship.
Pro: Chemistry. There was undeniable chemistry between the two MC’s.
Pro: Book starts off from the past. Starts at 5 years into the past and progresses until we reach present day. Offered a lot of background information about their relationship.
Pro: Amir and Jay make several appearances in this sequel.
Pro: Present day picks up from where Cookies left off.
Pro: Character growth. Greg and Shane grow a lot in this book and each face their own individual trials/tragedy.
Pro: Evan and Cedric being the possible third installment. (Maybe?)
Con: Shane getting into a relationship with Amir, when he knew he was Greg’s best friend really did not sit well with me. Especially, since Shane never told Greg he was dating Amir until Greg stopped by during a short leave from duty. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
Con: Amir was also left in the dark about Shane and Greg’s history. That is another thing that I just could not get behind. Some friends.
Con: How dependent yet stubborn Shane was on and concerning Greg. To an unhealthy point, but eventually did grow out of that. (Thankfully)
Overall, I liked this one. I do prefer Cookies though.
Was given an ARC and I have provided my unbiased and honest opinions
I liked this sequel. I was hoping we would get more background on Shane and Greg’s relationship.
Pro: Chemistry. There was undeniable chemistry between the two MC’s.
Pro: Book starts off from the past. Starts at 5 years into the past and progresses until we reach present day. Offered a lot of background information about their relationship.
Pro: Amir and Jay make several appearances in this sequel.
Pro: Present day picks up from where Cookies left off.
Pro: Character growth. Greg and Shane grow a lot in this book and each face their own individual trials/tragedy.
Pro: Evan and Cedric being the possible third installment. (Maybe?)
Con: Shane getting into a relationship with Amir, when he knew he was Greg’s best friend really did not sit well with me. Especially, since Shane never told Greg he was dating Amir until Greg stopped by during a short leave from duty. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
Con: Amir was also left in the dark about Shane and Greg’s history. That is another thing that I just could not get behind. Some friends.
Con: How dependent yet stubborn Shane was on and concerning Greg. To an unhealthy point, but eventually did grow out of that. (Thankfully)
Overall, I liked this one. I do prefer Cookies though.
Was given an ARC and I have provided my unbiased and honest opinions
February 1, 2019
3.5 estrellas que subo a 4 porque me han gustado mucho los protagonistas y me han entretenido. Hoy me siento generosa :).
Es un libro muy relacionado con Cookies, gran parte se desarrolla al mismo tiempo y los personajes están muy relacionados, pero puede funcionar como stand alone perfectamente.
Un fisioterapeuta con demonios internos causados indirectamente por la guerra y un piloto de guerra con demonios internos provocados por no creer en las razones por las que lucha. Escenas muy eróticas, escenas muy tiernas y mucho angst entre medias. Algunas partes me han emocionado y me ha entretenido mucho, pero también he tenido mis momentos de entornar los ojos cuando la pareja protagonista se comporta de cierta forma que todavía no comprendo y que se acerca peligrosamente al victimismo meh, no concreto por no spoilear.
Es un libro muy relacionado con Cookies, gran parte se desarrolla al mismo tiempo y los personajes están muy relacionados, pero puede funcionar como stand alone perfectamente.
Un fisioterapeuta con demonios internos causados indirectamente por la guerra y un piloto de guerra con demonios internos provocados por no creer en las razones por las que lucha. Escenas muy eróticas, escenas muy tiernas y mucho angst entre medias. Algunas partes me han emocionado y me ha entretenido mucho, pero también he tenido mis momentos de entornar los ojos cuando la pareja protagonista se comporta de cierta forma que todavía no comprendo y que se acerca peligrosamente al victimismo meh, no concreto por no spoilear.
January 30, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Grounded is a follow-up to Kostova’s Cookies, and takes place prior to those events. Greg, the main character here, is best friends with Amir from Cookies, and Amir, as well as Jay, are seen here too. It has been close to three years since Cookies was released and while I did read it, it wasn’t fresh in my mind, and this book would work fine as a standalone.
Kostova excels at writing instant attraction. When Greg and Shane meet, the chemistry between them is off the charts and it really comes across well. The night they spend together changes them both, but with their lives moving in different directions, they part ways. When they meet again, they know they need to try to be together, but Greg’s military career certainly stands in their way when he is deployed.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Grounded is a follow-up to Kostova’s Cookies, and takes place prior to those events. Greg, the main character here, is best friends with Amir from Cookies, and Amir, as well as Jay, are seen here too. It has been close to three years since Cookies was released and while I did read it, it wasn’t fresh in my mind, and this book would work fine as a standalone.
Kostova excels at writing instant attraction. When Greg and Shane meet, the chemistry between them is off the charts and it really comes across well. The night they spend together changes them both, but with their lives moving in different directions, they part ways. When they meet again, they know they need to try to be together, but Greg’s military career certainly stands in their way when he is deployed.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
June 5, 2020
Recensione a cura di Cassandra per Feel the Book
Senza Ali è il secondo romanzo di una serie, ma si può leggere come uno stand-alone, tranne poi catapultarsi a cercare il primo. Ve lo dico con cognizione di causa perché non lo avevo letto e adesso, ovviamente, sono curiosa di conoscere la storia di Amir e Jay, i protagonisti di Cookies che ritroviamo anche in questo secondo capitolo. Ed è proprio la ventennale amicizia tra Greg e Amir il collegamento tra i due romanzi, un’amicizia nata da bambini e rinsaldata negli anni dalle stesse passioni e lo stesso spirito patriottico che li spinge a combattere per la propria patria. Ma non è tutto oro ciò che luccica e la guerra, che ha lasciato cicatrici visibili in Amir, ne lascia di invisibili, ma non meno profonde, in Greg.
Greg ama volare, e lo si vede nella bellissima scena quando porta Shane in aereo con lui, ma il senso di colpa e il peso delle azioni che è costretto a compiere cominciano a tormentarlo e a pesare sulla sua anima. Un evento inaspettato cambierà per sempre le sue prospettive, rendendolo più fragile e impedendogli di vivere appieno la storia con l’uomo che da subito ha compreso essere l’amore della sua vita.
Ci si può innamorare a prima vista? È possibile capire con una sola notte di sesso che quella persona è l’unica che si potrà mai amare?
Shane è uno studente di medicina, un uomo determinato e gentile, sempre pronto ad aiutare il prossimo. Non ama la violenza, ma le conseguenze della guerra ricadranno su di lui come una mannaia. Rubandogli un fratello e privandolo dell’uomo che ha amato fin dal primo momento in cui ha posato gli occhi su di lui.
Shane e Greg. Un incontro occasionale, una notte di passione che si trasforma in un amore incredibile che sembra poter spaccare le montagne e superare ogni ostacolo. Nelle fiabe, forse, ma nella vita reale le cose non sono così semplici. E così le loro vite si intrecciano in un susseguirsi di fughe e riavvicinamenti, di dolorosi distacchi e appassionanti rincontri. Il loro è un amore struggente, profondo e tormentato, ma proprio per questo incredibilmente vero.
Senza Ali è un libro commovente e intenso in maniera quasi dolorosa, malinconico ma pieno di dolcezza, con due personaggi a tutto tondo per cui è impossibile non fare il tifo. Un romanzo che ci fa pensare, mostrandoci l’altra faccia della medaglia degli uomini inviati in guerra. Eroi spesso silenziosi, che una volta tornati a casa faticano a ricominciare una vita normale.
Non sono un’amante del romance puro, ma in questo caso non ho potuto evitare di emozionarmi leggendo la storia di Greg e Shane e consiglio vivamente la lettura di questo libro.
Editing a cura di Lilith.
Senza Ali è il secondo romanzo di una serie, ma si può leggere come uno stand-alone, tranne poi catapultarsi a cercare il primo. Ve lo dico con cognizione di causa perché non lo avevo letto e adesso, ovviamente, sono curiosa di conoscere la storia di Amir e Jay, i protagonisti di Cookies che ritroviamo anche in questo secondo capitolo. Ed è proprio la ventennale amicizia tra Greg e Amir il collegamento tra i due romanzi, un’amicizia nata da bambini e rinsaldata negli anni dalle stesse passioni e lo stesso spirito patriottico che li spinge a combattere per la propria patria. Ma non è tutto oro ciò che luccica e la guerra, che ha lasciato cicatrici visibili in Amir, ne lascia di invisibili, ma non meno profonde, in Greg.
Greg ama volare, e lo si vede nella bellissima scena quando porta Shane in aereo con lui, ma il senso di colpa e il peso delle azioni che è costretto a compiere cominciano a tormentarlo e a pesare sulla sua anima. Un evento inaspettato cambierà per sempre le sue prospettive, rendendolo più fragile e impedendogli di vivere appieno la storia con l’uomo che da subito ha compreso essere l’amore della sua vita.
Ci si può innamorare a prima vista? È possibile capire con una sola notte di sesso che quella persona è l’unica che si potrà mai amare?
Shane è uno studente di medicina, un uomo determinato e gentile, sempre pronto ad aiutare il prossimo. Non ama la violenza, ma le conseguenze della guerra ricadranno su di lui come una mannaia. Rubandogli un fratello e privandolo dell’uomo che ha amato fin dal primo momento in cui ha posato gli occhi su di lui.
Shane e Greg. Un incontro occasionale, una notte di passione che si trasforma in un amore incredibile che sembra poter spaccare le montagne e superare ogni ostacolo. Nelle fiabe, forse, ma nella vita reale le cose non sono così semplici. E così le loro vite si intrecciano in un susseguirsi di fughe e riavvicinamenti, di dolorosi distacchi e appassionanti rincontri. Il loro è un amore struggente, profondo e tormentato, ma proprio per questo incredibilmente vero.
Senza Ali è un libro commovente e intenso in maniera quasi dolorosa, malinconico ma pieno di dolcezza, con due personaggi a tutto tondo per cui è impossibile non fare il tifo. Un romanzo che ci fa pensare, mostrandoci l’altra faccia della medaglia degli uomini inviati in guerra. Eroi spesso silenziosi, che una volta tornati a casa faticano a ricominciare una vita normale.
Non sono un’amante del romance puro, ma in questo caso non ho potuto evitare di emozionarmi leggendo la storia di Greg e Shane e consiglio vivamente la lettura di questo libro.
Editing a cura di Lilith.
January 25, 2019
Grounded is a novel with a great story and for the most part I totally enjoyed reading it.
It was a tad slow to pull me in, but it got better and better with each page. Except being a love story, it is also about war and loss, friendship and bravery, and poses many questions worth thinking about. That’s probably what I liked most about Grounded.
The chemistry between Shane and Greg’s is undeniable from the beginning, as is the love that sparks up between them from the first time they are together. There’s lust but there is also something beyond it and with time it grows stronger. And, oh, do they need it to face all life has to offer to test them!
The supporting characters are interesting, too, and I’m thinking of reading Cookies because I loved Amir and Jay. Grounded is the second part of the series but it can be read as a complete standalone.
The action/military scenes and the angst were what I’d mostly remember from the novel. The love story is all kinds if intense, hot and well-written but in romance you can find such often. To put it in a meaningful context and make the readers think and feel is where the talent lies. Teodora Kostova definitely has a lot of it.
It was a tad slow to pull me in, but it got better and better with each page. Except being a love story, it is also about war and loss, friendship and bravery, and poses many questions worth thinking about. That’s probably what I liked most about Grounded.
The chemistry between Shane and Greg’s is undeniable from the beginning, as is the love that sparks up between them from the first time they are together. There’s lust but there is also something beyond it and with time it grows stronger. And, oh, do they need it to face all life has to offer to test them!
The supporting characters are interesting, too, and I’m thinking of reading Cookies because I loved Amir and Jay. Grounded is the second part of the series but it can be read as a complete standalone.
The action/military scenes and the angst were what I’d mostly remember from the novel. The love story is all kinds if intense, hot and well-written but in romance you can find such often. To put it in a meaningful context and make the readers think and feel is where the talent lies. Teodora Kostova definitely has a lot of it.
January 28, 2019
This stunning book gave me everything absolutely everything ..
A journey of war , so much tragedy and a deep down longing ..
Medical Student Shane Sanford and RAF pilot Greg Becker meet they connect then life gets in their way ...
This spans over five years.
Greg spends time in Afghanistan .
Shane opens a veterans center in Cambridge London
So much happens- they get lost- they find each other .
Expertly written I felt as if I was there could smell the warfare..
A story of love and hold on to it when its your time.
I couldn't stop thinking of this book its one to keep to my heart always..
A journey of war , so much tragedy and a deep down longing ..
Medical Student Shane Sanford and RAF pilot Greg Becker meet they connect then life gets in their way ...
This spans over five years.
Greg spends time in Afghanistan .
Shane opens a veterans center in Cambridge London
So much happens- they get lost- they find each other .
Expertly written I felt as if I was there could smell the warfare..
A story of love and hold on to it when its your time.
I couldn't stop thinking of this book its one to keep to my heart always..
January 23, 2019
Uplifting and beautiful
Loved this book, the show burn of the relationship, and the wonderful characters who bring the story to life. As always Teodora writes a fabulous tale of men falling in love.
Loved this book, the show burn of the relationship, and the wonderful characters who bring the story to life. As always Teodora writes a fabulous tale of men falling in love.
March 3, 2020
4,5
Le scene di guerra sono strazianti e realistiche così come i sentimenti di Greg, eppure il tutto è bilanciato da tanta dolcezza.
Le scene di guerra sono strazianti e realistiche così come i sentimenti di Greg, eppure il tutto è bilanciato da tanta dolcezza.
March 23, 2020
Quattro stelline e mezzo
June 15, 2020
4 stars and half
May 5, 2019
Für den Medizinstudenten Shane und dem RAF-Piloten Greg sollte es nur eine einzige, gemeinsame Nacht werden. Ein One-Night-Stand, bevor der Alltag sie wieder einholt. Doch das Schicksal hat andere Pläne für Shane und Greg. Denn nach einem Jahr führt es die Männer wieder zusammen, obwohl das Timing schlecht ist.
Shane arbeitet hart an seinem Studium. Gleichzeitig sorgt er sich ständig um seinen Bruder, der schwerverletzt aus dem Krieg zurückgekommen und nun ein Pflegefall ist. Diese Last ist kaum zu bewältigen und ihre Mutter ist auch bedürftig in ihrer Hilflosigkeit. Greg erscheint für Shane wie Lichtblick, eine Möglichkeit dieser Last zu entfliehen.
Dabei steht Greg vor seinen ersten Einsätzen. Und eine Beziehung würde alles nur verkomplizieren. Und hat er überhaupt das Recht Shane auch noch diese Bürde in seinen emotionalen Rucksack zu packen?Shane und Greg durchleben eine sehr schwierige Zeit. Oft sind sie getrennt, ständig in der Sorge und gegen Einsamkeit, Überforderung und den Kriegserlebnissen kämpfend. Shane, der seinen Bruder verliert, kämpft nach seiner Ausbildung für eine bessere Versorgung von Veteranen und gibt sich dabei fast selbst auf. Gleichzeitig hängt sein Herz an Greg, den er einfach nicht aus seinem Kopf bekommt. Der Krieg prägt Greg und am Ende zerbricht der Pilot fast an seinen Erlebnissen.
Der Nachfolger von Cookies ist eine hochemotionale Geschichte, die sich über einige Jahre zieht. Jedoch hat die Autorin das klug gelöst und die Zeitsprünge sind schlüssig und die Geschichte liest sich sehr flüssig. Es gibt auch ein Wiedersehen mit Amir und Jay, sowie lernt man neue Protagonisten kennen. So einen Amerikaner, Evan, der mit Greg in Afghanistan dient.
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich bei diesem Buch viele Tränen verdrückt habe. Was habe ich nicht mit Greg und Shane gelitten, gebangt und gehofft. Die Geschichte hat natürlich ein Happy End. Aber Teodora Kostova beschönigt auch nichts. Greg hat gelitten und wäre fast gestorben. Aber selbst nach seinem Dienst bei der RAF, ist sein Leben schwierig und seine Psyche angeknackst. Und wieder geht die Autorin da sehr gut auf die Tatsache ein, wie schlecht es oft um die Veteranen steht und wie sehr sie an ihren traumatischen Erlebnissen leiden. Aber auch wie sehr der Staat und die Armee bei der Versorgung ihrer Soldaten versagen.
Ein würdiger Nachfolger von Cookies, den ich sehr gern weiterempfehle.
Shane arbeitet hart an seinem Studium. Gleichzeitig sorgt er sich ständig um seinen Bruder, der schwerverletzt aus dem Krieg zurückgekommen und nun ein Pflegefall ist. Diese Last ist kaum zu bewältigen und ihre Mutter ist auch bedürftig in ihrer Hilflosigkeit. Greg erscheint für Shane wie Lichtblick, eine Möglichkeit dieser Last zu entfliehen.
Dabei steht Greg vor seinen ersten Einsätzen. Und eine Beziehung würde alles nur verkomplizieren. Und hat er überhaupt das Recht Shane auch noch diese Bürde in seinen emotionalen Rucksack zu packen?Shane und Greg durchleben eine sehr schwierige Zeit. Oft sind sie getrennt, ständig in der Sorge und gegen Einsamkeit, Überforderung und den Kriegserlebnissen kämpfend. Shane, der seinen Bruder verliert, kämpft nach seiner Ausbildung für eine bessere Versorgung von Veteranen und gibt sich dabei fast selbst auf. Gleichzeitig hängt sein Herz an Greg, den er einfach nicht aus seinem Kopf bekommt. Der Krieg prägt Greg und am Ende zerbricht der Pilot fast an seinen Erlebnissen.
Der Nachfolger von Cookies ist eine hochemotionale Geschichte, die sich über einige Jahre zieht. Jedoch hat die Autorin das klug gelöst und die Zeitsprünge sind schlüssig und die Geschichte liest sich sehr flüssig. Es gibt auch ein Wiedersehen mit Amir und Jay, sowie lernt man neue Protagonisten kennen. So einen Amerikaner, Evan, der mit Greg in Afghanistan dient.
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich bei diesem Buch viele Tränen verdrückt habe. Was habe ich nicht mit Greg und Shane gelitten, gebangt und gehofft. Die Geschichte hat natürlich ein Happy End. Aber Teodora Kostova beschönigt auch nichts. Greg hat gelitten und wäre fast gestorben. Aber selbst nach seinem Dienst bei der RAF, ist sein Leben schwierig und seine Psyche angeknackst. Und wieder geht die Autorin da sehr gut auf die Tatsache ein, wie schlecht es oft um die Veteranen steht und wie sehr sie an ihren traumatischen Erlebnissen leiden. Aber auch wie sehr der Staat und die Armee bei der Versorgung ihrer Soldaten versagen.
Ein würdiger Nachfolger von Cookies, den ich sehr gern weiterempfehle.
April 3, 2019
***** An amzing British tale of war veterans, some we met in book one, Cookies. This one focuses on Dr. Shane Sanford, who runs the Rehab center
named after his brother, specializing in therapy for wounded Veterans.
His love is Greg Becker a pilot in the RAF,
who gets a degree also. We begin 5 years ago and work our way up to current times, so we can see their progression. We hear about how Shane's brother died, and how Greg dealt with his childhood home. We follow their progress from a one night stand to find a deeper, more passion filled relationship. These are complex issues of recovering Veterans physical and mental, which takes strength and determination. We watch them try to remain sane in a conflicting world of unfairness.
The men help each other, lend a hand, listen to feelings,
and never give up trying to find what it takes to give these different people's particular needs. It's a bit long, but it spans time, and we see the growth, and also the deterioration in the effects war has on our guys. Each one has a rough patch that requires help and strong shoulders.
RAF Typhoon
We see some family, some highlights and lowness.
Shane and Greg have meaningful, extraordinary sex, even the first night. They both can feel the difference, that their sexy times are special, uninhibited, raw, dirty, all encompasingly outstanding, for their hearts and souls.
On a personal note, my husband suffers from PTSD from Vietnam, still to this day. The horrors don't go away, but they learn to live with their issues. The wounded warriors must learn to ask for help, find help, and keep hope in their hearts. We need to listen, hold, and let them know they are not alone in this world.
Suicide, nightmares, scars, physical and mental health, PTSD and more are all mentioned and well written, by this wonderful author.
Our deserving guys each make mistakes and figure things out, too. The book is full-bodied, fascinating, and enthralling.
Highly recommended. Enjoy !
===========
named after his brother, specializing in therapy for wounded Veterans.
His love is Greg Becker a pilot in the RAF,
who gets a degree also. We begin 5 years ago and work our way up to current times, so we can see their progression. We hear about how Shane's brother died, and how Greg dealt with his childhood home. We follow their progress from a one night stand to find a deeper, more passion filled relationship. These are complex issues of recovering Veterans physical and mental, which takes strength and determination. We watch them try to remain sane in a conflicting world of unfairness.
The men help each other, lend a hand, listen to feelings,
and never give up trying to find what it takes to give these different people's particular needs. It's a bit long, but it spans time, and we see the growth, and also the deterioration in the effects war has on our guys. Each one has a rough patch that requires help and strong shoulders.
RAF Typhoon
We see some family, some highlights and lowness.
Shane and Greg have meaningful, extraordinary sex, even the first night. They both can feel the difference, that their sexy times are special, uninhibited, raw, dirty, all encompasingly outstanding, for their hearts and souls.
On a personal note, my husband suffers from PTSD from Vietnam, still to this day. The horrors don't go away, but they learn to live with their issues. The wounded warriors must learn to ask for help, find help, and keep hope in their hearts. We need to listen, hold, and let them know they are not alone in this world.
Suicide, nightmares, scars, physical and mental health, PTSD and more are all mentioned and well written, by this wonderful author.
Our deserving guys each make mistakes and figure things out, too. The book is full-bodied, fascinating, and enthralling.
Highly recommended. Enjoy !
===========
January 15, 2019
Wow this one was a bit of an emotional roller coaster and I loved it.
Grounded is the story of Shane and Greg who meet in a bar one night. The connection between them is there immediately and they each know that the other man is someone special, someone who will have the most profound affect on them. The book then follows Shane and Greg over the course of the next 5 years. These two are absolutely meant to be together but the timing sucks and at first it just wasn't their time . As Greg himself said "life kept getting in the way and [beeping] things up for us".
I spent all of this book willing them on but being heart-scared that maybe life was too much and them being together wouldn't ever happen. I hesitated over every chapter praying things would be ok but being nervous about what would happen to these guys next.
My heart broke for them so many times and absolutely hating a significant secondary character of this book - warfare. Most men had to deal with the horrifying effects of war. Greg is in the RAF so had to see and do the worst things. While Shane's world is turned upside down after his older brother returns back from war a very different person. If ever two characters deserve a HEA it's these two.
Such a great read. I love Teodora's writing and her characters. Definitely an auto 1-click author for me.
Grounded is the story of Shane and Greg who meet in a bar one night. The connection between them is there immediately and they each know that the other man is someone special, someone who will have the most profound affect on them. The book then follows Shane and Greg over the course of the next 5 years. These two are absolutely meant to be together but the timing sucks and at first it just wasn't their time . As Greg himself said "life kept getting in the way and [beeping] things up for us".
I spent all of this book willing them on but being heart-scared that maybe life was too much and them being together wouldn't ever happen. I hesitated over every chapter praying things would be ok but being nervous about what would happen to these guys next.
My heart broke for them so many times and absolutely hating a significant secondary character of this book - warfare. Most men had to deal with the horrifying effects of war. Greg is in the RAF so had to see and do the worst things. While Shane's world is turned upside down after his older brother returns back from war a very different person. If ever two characters deserve a HEA it's these two.
Such a great read. I love Teodora's writing and her characters. Definitely an auto 1-click author for me.
July 6, 2019
Wenn ein One-Night-Stand der Eine für dich ist
Im zweiten Band von Cookies erhält nun der Leiter des Veteranenzentrums Shane seine Geschichte. Sie beginnt einige Jahre vor dem ersten Band.
Als sich der Medizinstudent Shane und der RAF-Pilot Greg in einem Club in London das erste Mal begegnen, ahnt noch keiner der beiden, dass aus dieser gemeinsamen Nacht so viel mehr wird, als nur eine flüchtige Affäre. Doch das Schicksal meint es nicht gut mit ihnen. Denn während Shane seinen Traum von einem Veteranenzentrum verwirklicht, muss Greg von einem Einsatz zum nächsten. Doch nicht nur die Fernbeziehung belastet Shane, auch die ständige Angst um das Leben des geliebten Mannes macht ihm schwer zu schaffen.
Die Story von Shane und Greg konnte mich begeistern. Sowohl Shanes Kampf um den Bestand des Veranenzentrums, als auch Gregs Einsätze waren realistisch und voller Spannung dargestellt. Der Krieg geht nicht spurlos an Greg vorbei und hinterlässt nicht nur körperliche Narben. Nebenbei gab es auch ein Wiedersehen mit Amir und Jay aus dem ersten Band. Um einige Überschneidungen in den beiden Bänden besser zu verstehen, sollte man auch den ersten Teil gelesen haben.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar
Im zweiten Band von Cookies erhält nun der Leiter des Veteranenzentrums Shane seine Geschichte. Sie beginnt einige Jahre vor dem ersten Band.
Als sich der Medizinstudent Shane und der RAF-Pilot Greg in einem Club in London das erste Mal begegnen, ahnt noch keiner der beiden, dass aus dieser gemeinsamen Nacht so viel mehr wird, als nur eine flüchtige Affäre. Doch das Schicksal meint es nicht gut mit ihnen. Denn während Shane seinen Traum von einem Veteranenzentrum verwirklicht, muss Greg von einem Einsatz zum nächsten. Doch nicht nur die Fernbeziehung belastet Shane, auch die ständige Angst um das Leben des geliebten Mannes macht ihm schwer zu schaffen.
Die Story von Shane und Greg konnte mich begeistern. Sowohl Shanes Kampf um den Bestand des Veranenzentrums, als auch Gregs Einsätze waren realistisch und voller Spannung dargestellt. Der Krieg geht nicht spurlos an Greg vorbei und hinterlässt nicht nur körperliche Narben. Nebenbei gab es auch ein Wiedersehen mit Amir und Jay aus dem ersten Band. Um einige Überschneidungen in den beiden Bänden besser zu verstehen, sollte man auch den ersten Teil gelesen haben.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar
September 10, 2021
5 ❤️
Recensione completa sul blog: https://trelibrisoprailcielo.com/2020...
Recensione completa sul blog: https://trelibrisoprailcielo.com/2020...
March 10, 2019
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I remember really enjoying the book Cookies but I had been surprised at the low angst factor considering one of the characters was a veteran with an amputation. The way that character, Amir, had mostly pulled himself together was explained in this book Grounded. Grounded is a stand-alone novel that begins before Cookies and runs alongside it. There are some repeated conversations in this book that also took place in Cookies but from another person’s perspective. This book also seems to take place after the ending of Cookies but a big event that happened in Cookies isn’t mentioned and I don’t know if the author didn’t think it was important or thought that the character of Shane was too wrapped up in his own head to make a big deal of it. It was just suspicious to me.
If Cookies was low angst, then Grounded had some to spare. Greg is a Royal Air Force pilot. When we first see him, it is apparent that he didn’t have a good relationship with his family but not really why. I would have liked a little more information but it didn’t really feel that important to me. Greg’s biggest love is flying. There are parts of his job that he really doesn’t like, like dropping bombs near innocent civilians. It tears him up and makes him angry at his commanding officers, but he can’t stand the idea of not flying so he does what he’s told. Shane is a doctor whose brother served in the military and came back injured and suffering from PTSD. His brother’s untimely death is the reason Shane opens a Veteran’s center.
Both guys are very attracted to each other and their chemistry is explosive and immediate, but the timing never seems to be right for them. Shane is busy at work, and Greg is often deployed. There is a lot of back and forth with the two guys trying to move on, but ultimately they are always drawn back together. Eventually, they decide to commit even though they know they won’t be together physically. It definitely seems like they are meant to be together and I really love them as a couple, but their relationship is a painful process. Greg isn’t able to come home when he thought he would, there are attacks on his base, and when he does make it home, Shane sees him falling into the same depression as his brother had. They might only want each other but it is an angsty ride.
Overall, I really liked the book. Shane and Greg are good characters. Amir and Jay from Cookies appear often and it is interesting to see the relationship dynamics between Amir and his two friends Shane and Greg. There are a few new characters that I really want to learn more about, too. Evan who served with Greg, and Seth who is a patient of Shane’s. They were both sweet and intriguing characters that I definitely want to see more of. I definitely hope the author plans on expanding this series. Despite the few plot holes that I mentioned in the first paragraph, I really loved this story. I was sucked into the romance and the action scenes. I would definitely recommend the book.
8.5/10 Pots of Gold (85% Recommended) – Compares to 4.25/5 Stars
I remember really enjoying the book Cookies but I had been surprised at the low angst factor considering one of the characters was a veteran with an amputation. The way that character, Amir, had mostly pulled himself together was explained in this book Grounded. Grounded is a stand-alone novel that begins before Cookies and runs alongside it. There are some repeated conversations in this book that also took place in Cookies but from another person’s perspective. This book also seems to take place after the ending of Cookies but a big event that happened in Cookies isn’t mentioned and I don’t know if the author didn’t think it was important or thought that the character of Shane was too wrapped up in his own head to make a big deal of it. It was just suspicious to me.
If Cookies was low angst, then Grounded had some to spare. Greg is a Royal Air Force pilot. When we first see him, it is apparent that he didn’t have a good relationship with his family but not really why. I would have liked a little more information but it didn’t really feel that important to me. Greg’s biggest love is flying. There are parts of his job that he really doesn’t like, like dropping bombs near innocent civilians. It tears him up and makes him angry at his commanding officers, but he can’t stand the idea of not flying so he does what he’s told. Shane is a doctor whose brother served in the military and came back injured and suffering from PTSD. His brother’s untimely death is the reason Shane opens a Veteran’s center.
Both guys are very attracted to each other and their chemistry is explosive and immediate, but the timing never seems to be right for them. Shane is busy at work, and Greg is often deployed. There is a lot of back and forth with the two guys trying to move on, but ultimately they are always drawn back together. Eventually, they decide to commit even though they know they won’t be together physically. It definitely seems like they are meant to be together and I really love them as a couple, but their relationship is a painful process. Greg isn’t able to come home when he thought he would, there are attacks on his base, and when he does make it home, Shane sees him falling into the same depression as his brother had. They might only want each other but it is an angsty ride.
Overall, I really liked the book. Shane and Greg are good characters. Amir and Jay from Cookies appear often and it is interesting to see the relationship dynamics between Amir and his two friends Shane and Greg. There are a few new characters that I really want to learn more about, too. Evan who served with Greg, and Seth who is a patient of Shane’s. They were both sweet and intriguing characters that I definitely want to see more of. I definitely hope the author plans on expanding this series. Despite the few plot holes that I mentioned in the first paragraph, I really loved this story. I was sucked into the romance and the action scenes. I would definitely recommend the book.
8.5/10 Pots of Gold (85% Recommended) – Compares to 4.25/5 Stars
January 17, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4
Oh My Heart!!! What an amazingly tragic and heartfelt journey of hope, strength and true love!
This was my first book by Teodora and I’m amazed! From the blurb I think I expected something a bit different but this book is so tragically real it broke my heart then gave me hope and has the perfect HEA that will give you all the ‘feels’!
This book follows Shane and Greg and their lives and love story over many years, from their first meeting through to their current day lives and their eventual HEA. They have a lust almost love at first sight connection from their first encounter and can’t stop thinking about each other before they meet again after a year. They have many real-life challenges in the way of them being together and their lives don’t always line up but that try and fight to be together, over and over again, unable to fight their connection. This is a story of true love, soul mates, hope and the fight you may have to go through to keep the love of your life!
With Greg being an active RAF pilot, he is eventually deployed and this puts a hold/strain on Shane and Greg’s relationship. The obstacles in their relationship get harder and are so realistic it could be confronting for some readers. I feel it needs mentioning that this book contains PTSD, depression, panic attacks, suicide, suicidal thought, challenges of war, bodily injuries, war-related injuries, veterans, night terrors and psychological issues and a few more possibly triggering themes. With that being said I feel Teodora addresses these issue is such a real way, and with the utmost respect that you can’t help but feel for the characters and their lives. Teodora continually shows respect, knowledge and great attention to details about all these issues which fit seamlessly into the story but still have the power to break your heart. Both Shane and Greg’s journeys to love are tough ones and I feel this book fosters hope and strength to fight through their issues to be together!
I can’t say enough about this book. It touched my heart, had so many suspenseful elements and was so well written I feel like I know Shane and Greg and were part of their journey. This book is real and if you’re looking for an epic journey of hope, strength and true love then this is definitely the book for you! An amazing read!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚!
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4
Oh My Heart!!! What an amazingly tragic and heartfelt journey of hope, strength and true love!
This was my first book by Teodora and I’m amazed! From the blurb I think I expected something a bit different but this book is so tragically real it broke my heart then gave me hope and has the perfect HEA that will give you all the ‘feels’!
This book follows Shane and Greg and their lives and love story over many years, from their first meeting through to their current day lives and their eventual HEA. They have a lust almost love at first sight connection from their first encounter and can’t stop thinking about each other before they meet again after a year. They have many real-life challenges in the way of them being together and their lives don’t always line up but that try and fight to be together, over and over again, unable to fight their connection. This is a story of true love, soul mates, hope and the fight you may have to go through to keep the love of your life!
With Greg being an active RAF pilot, he is eventually deployed and this puts a hold/strain on Shane and Greg’s relationship. The obstacles in their relationship get harder and are so realistic it could be confronting for some readers. I feel it needs mentioning that this book contains PTSD, depression, panic attacks, suicide, suicidal thought, challenges of war, bodily injuries, war-related injuries, veterans, night terrors and psychological issues and a few more possibly triggering themes. With that being said I feel Teodora addresses these issue is such a real way, and with the utmost respect that you can’t help but feel for the characters and their lives. Teodora continually shows respect, knowledge and great attention to details about all these issues which fit seamlessly into the story but still have the power to break your heart. Both Shane and Greg’s journeys to love are tough ones and I feel this book fosters hope and strength to fight through their issues to be together!
I can’t say enough about this book. It touched my heart, had so many suspenseful elements and was so well written I feel like I know Shane and Greg and were part of their journey. This book is real and if you’re looking for an epic journey of hope, strength and true love then this is definitely the book for you! An amazing read!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚!
May 1, 2019
Für den Medizinstudenten Shane und dem RAF-Piloten Greg sollte es nur eine einzige, gemeinsame Nacht werden. Ein One-Night-Stand, bevor der Alltag sie wieder einholt. Doch das Schicksal hat andere Pläne für Shane und Greg. Denn nach einem Jahr führt es die Männer wieder zusammen, obwohl das Timing schlecht ist. Shane arbeitet hart an seinem Studium. Gleichzeitig sorgt er sich ständig um seinen Bruder, der schwerverletzt aus dem Krieg zurückgekommen und nun ein Pflegefall ist. Diese Last ist kaum zu bewältigen und ihre Mutter ist auch bedürftig in ihrer Hilflosigkeit. Greg erscheint für Shane wie Lichtblick, eine Möglichkeit dieser Last zu entfliehen.
Dabei steht Greg vor seinen ersten Einsätzen. Und eine Beziehung würde alles nur verkomplizieren. Und hat er überhaupt das Recht Shane auch noch diese Bürde in seinen emotionalen Rucksack zu packen? Shane und Greg durchleben eine sehr schwierige Zeit. Oft sind sie getrennt, ständig in der Sorge und gegen Einsamkeit, Überforderung und den Kriegserlebnissen kämpfend. Shane, der seinen Bruder verliert, kämpft nach seiner Ausbildung für eine bessere Versorgung von Veteranen und gibt sich dabei fast selbst auf. Gleichzeitig hängt sein Herz an Greg, den er einfach nicht aus seinem Kopf bekommt. Der Krieg prägt Greg und am Ende zerbricht der Pilot fast an seinen Erlebnissen.
Der Nachfolger von Cookies ist eine hochemotionale Geschichte, die sich über einige Jahre zieht. Jedoch hat die Autorin das klug gelöst und die Zeitsprünge sind schlüssig und die Geschichte liest sich sehr flüssig. Es gibt auch ein Wiedersehen mit Amir und Jay, sowie lernt man neue Protagonisten kennen. So einen Amerikaner, Evan, der mit Greg in Afghanistan dient.
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich bei diesem Buch viele Tränen verdrückt habe. Was habe ich nicht mit Greg und Shane gelitten, gebangt und gehofft. Die Geschichte hat natürlich ein Happy End. Aber Teodora Kostova beschönigt auch nichts. Greg hat gelitten und wäre fast gestorben. Aber selbst nach seinem Dienst bei der RAF, ist sein Leben schwierig und seine Psyche angeknackst. Und wieder geht die Autorin da sehr gut auf die Tatsache ein, wie schlecht es oft um die Veteranen steht und wie sehr sie an ihren traumatischen Erlebnissen leiden. Aber auch wie sehr der Staat und die Armee bei der Versorgung ihrer Soldaten versagen.
Ein würdiger Nachfolger von Cookies, den ich sehr gern weiterempfehle.
Dabei steht Greg vor seinen ersten Einsätzen. Und eine Beziehung würde alles nur verkomplizieren. Und hat er überhaupt das Recht Shane auch noch diese Bürde in seinen emotionalen Rucksack zu packen? Shane und Greg durchleben eine sehr schwierige Zeit. Oft sind sie getrennt, ständig in der Sorge und gegen Einsamkeit, Überforderung und den Kriegserlebnissen kämpfend. Shane, der seinen Bruder verliert, kämpft nach seiner Ausbildung für eine bessere Versorgung von Veteranen und gibt sich dabei fast selbst auf. Gleichzeitig hängt sein Herz an Greg, den er einfach nicht aus seinem Kopf bekommt. Der Krieg prägt Greg und am Ende zerbricht der Pilot fast an seinen Erlebnissen.
Der Nachfolger von Cookies ist eine hochemotionale Geschichte, die sich über einige Jahre zieht. Jedoch hat die Autorin das klug gelöst und die Zeitsprünge sind schlüssig und die Geschichte liest sich sehr flüssig. Es gibt auch ein Wiedersehen mit Amir und Jay, sowie lernt man neue Protagonisten kennen. So einen Amerikaner, Evan, der mit Greg in Afghanistan dient.
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich bei diesem Buch viele Tränen verdrückt habe. Was habe ich nicht mit Greg und Shane gelitten, gebangt und gehofft. Die Geschichte hat natürlich ein Happy End. Aber Teodora Kostova beschönigt auch nichts. Greg hat gelitten und wäre fast gestorben. Aber selbst nach seinem Dienst bei der RAF, ist sein Leben schwierig und seine Psyche angeknackst. Und wieder geht die Autorin da sehr gut auf die Tatsache ein, wie schlecht es oft um die Veteranen steht und wie sehr sie an ihren traumatischen Erlebnissen leiden. Aber auch wie sehr der Staat und die Armee bei der Versorgung ihrer Soldaten versagen.
Ein würdiger Nachfolger von Cookies, den ich sehr gern weiterempfehle.
March 18, 2020
VOTO 4.5/5
"Senza ali" è una storia bellissima e struggente, melanconica e dolorosa. Shane e Greg, una notte di passione, una connessione unica e destabilizzante. Perdersi e mai dimenticarsi, in una nostalgia che sa di rimpianto e ricordi. Ritrovarsi per caso o destino e decidere di darsi una possibilità per non rinunciare a un sentimento a cui ancora non sanno dare un nome. Anni lontani ma sempre nel cuore, nella mente e in ogni sospiro, gesto o tocco. Ritrovarsi e appartenersi da sempre nell'impossibilità di separarsi e perdere l'unica luce nella loro vita. Il loro amore non è in discussione, mai diminuito, scemato o appannato da quella lontana notte in cui i loro occhi si sono incrociati.
L'autrice ci racconta una storia carica di emozioni spesso difficili, ci parla di un amore vissuto per anni separati dalla vita e dalla guerra. Attraverso la dolcezza della sua narrativa, e dalla delicatezza delle emozioni che ci tratteggia, da vita a personaggi unici e meravigliosi, uomini ricchi di un'intensità emotiva particolare e peculiare. Shane ha dedicato la sua vita ad aiutare i reduci, uomini e donne distrutti nel corpo e nell'anima da orrori indicibili, soldati che non hanno più saputo ritrovare una vita e una tranquillità tornati in patria. Esseri umani dimenticati e abbandonati, sofferenti e disperati. L'aver perso il fratello per il PTSD lo ha messo su un cammino difficile, il centro di recupero per veterani che ha fondato, prosciuga ogni sua forza fisica ed emotiva. Nella sua vita Greg è la luce che gli dona speranza e sostegno, accettazione e amore incondizionato.
Greg è sicuramente più tormentato, ha un passato di dolore e violenza. Solo poter volare gli da quel senso di libertà e vitalità che mai nella vita aveva provato, fino all'incontro con Shane. Il suo lavoro come pilota per la RAF lo porta troppo spesso lontano, mesi in cui il suo mondo si riduce a violenza e pericolo. L'unica ancora per la sua sanità mentale è quel giovane uomo dagli occhi verdi, quell'uomo che lo ha sempre guardato con amore placando i suoi incubi interiori. Ma si sa, la vita spesso si mette in mezzo, e per Greg e Shane potrebbe non essere destino di potersi amare per sempre.
"Senza ali" è un libro adatto per tutti coloro che hanno amato Cookies, per coloro che amano la dolcezza e il tormento, la trepidazione e la commozione. Stupendo.
"Senza ali" è una storia bellissima e struggente, melanconica e dolorosa. Shane e Greg, una notte di passione, una connessione unica e destabilizzante. Perdersi e mai dimenticarsi, in una nostalgia che sa di rimpianto e ricordi. Ritrovarsi per caso o destino e decidere di darsi una possibilità per non rinunciare a un sentimento a cui ancora non sanno dare un nome. Anni lontani ma sempre nel cuore, nella mente e in ogni sospiro, gesto o tocco. Ritrovarsi e appartenersi da sempre nell'impossibilità di separarsi e perdere l'unica luce nella loro vita. Il loro amore non è in discussione, mai diminuito, scemato o appannato da quella lontana notte in cui i loro occhi si sono incrociati.
L'autrice ci racconta una storia carica di emozioni spesso difficili, ci parla di un amore vissuto per anni separati dalla vita e dalla guerra. Attraverso la dolcezza della sua narrativa, e dalla delicatezza delle emozioni che ci tratteggia, da vita a personaggi unici e meravigliosi, uomini ricchi di un'intensità emotiva particolare e peculiare. Shane ha dedicato la sua vita ad aiutare i reduci, uomini e donne distrutti nel corpo e nell'anima da orrori indicibili, soldati che non hanno più saputo ritrovare una vita e una tranquillità tornati in patria. Esseri umani dimenticati e abbandonati, sofferenti e disperati. L'aver perso il fratello per il PTSD lo ha messo su un cammino difficile, il centro di recupero per veterani che ha fondato, prosciuga ogni sua forza fisica ed emotiva. Nella sua vita Greg è la luce che gli dona speranza e sostegno, accettazione e amore incondizionato.
Greg è sicuramente più tormentato, ha un passato di dolore e violenza. Solo poter volare gli da quel senso di libertà e vitalità che mai nella vita aveva provato, fino all'incontro con Shane. Il suo lavoro come pilota per la RAF lo porta troppo spesso lontano, mesi in cui il suo mondo si riduce a violenza e pericolo. L'unica ancora per la sua sanità mentale è quel giovane uomo dagli occhi verdi, quell'uomo che lo ha sempre guardato con amore placando i suoi incubi interiori. Ma si sa, la vita spesso si mette in mezzo, e per Greg e Shane potrebbe non essere destino di potersi amare per sempre.
"Senza ali" è un libro adatto per tutti coloro che hanno amato Cookies, per coloro che amano la dolcezza e il tormento, la trepidazione e la commozione. Stupendo.
April 22, 2020
Teodora Kostova è una garanzia. Ero già sicura della sua abilità ma con questo romanzo ha raggiunto il top. Mi ha fatto veramente volare senza ali. Dopo Cookies ci regala un’altra storia dal gusto dolce amaro con protagonisti Shane e Greg, già conosciuti nel romanzo di Amir e Jay. Senza ali può essere letto anche senza aver letto Cookies ma che gusto ci sarebbe a non leggerli tutti e due?
Avendo già avuto un assaggio di loro in Cookies avevo molta curiosità di scoprire come l’autrice avrebbe impostato la loro storia. Beh, un grande applauso a Teodora che ha saputo non solo farmi rivivere la curiosità di conoscerli in prima persona ma anche la voglia di scoprire tutto di loro.
Si inizia indietro nel tempo, circa 5 anni prima del presente, un tempo che mi è servito per capire le dinamiche del loro primo incontro. Shane, studente modello di medicina, è un ragazzo molto sicuro di sé, bello da morire e con una voglia pazzesca di divertirsi e lasciarsi andare.
D’istinto, lo strinsi più forte. Era stupido, decisamente stupido e patetico, in fin dei conti non conoscevo affatto quel ragazzo. Aveva una vita tutta sua qui a Londra e io dovevo tornare alla base in un paio di giorni. Non avevo la minima idea di quando avrei avuto la prossima libera uscita, ma anche se l’avessi saputo non avrebbe fatto nessuna differenza, perché eravamo due anime che si erano connesse nella notte, ma non appena fosse sorto il sole il nostro tempo insieme sarebbe finito.
Voglia che lo porta, una sera qualunque, a ritrovarsi tra le braccia di Greg, giovane pilota militare della RAF inglese, affascinante e sfrontato.
Eppure, non riuscivo a smettere di seguire quegli account o continuare a guardarli. Non riuscivo a smettere di pensare a quel ragazzo. Era passato così tanto tempo da quella notte trascorsa insieme e così tante cose erano successe nella mia vita, eppure pensavo ancora a lui ogni singolo giorno. A volte, di notte, quando non riuscivo a dormire, pregavo che chiunque là fuori fosse in grado di esaudire i sogni e far accadere fortuite coincidenze ci concedesse di rincontrarci di nuovo. Se fosse mai successo, non l’avrei lasciato andare così in fretta.
E in men che non si dica “fuochi d’artificio” spendono in una notte che non risparmia passione, scoperta, lussuria, desiderio. Shane e Greg si abbandonano l’uno al corpo dell’altro per una sola notte, una sola notte che, ancora non sanno, lascerà un segno indelebile sia sulla loro pelle che nelle loro teste...CONTINUA https://valentinaabbr.blogspot.com/20...
Avendo già avuto un assaggio di loro in Cookies avevo molta curiosità di scoprire come l’autrice avrebbe impostato la loro storia. Beh, un grande applauso a Teodora che ha saputo non solo farmi rivivere la curiosità di conoscerli in prima persona ma anche la voglia di scoprire tutto di loro.
Si inizia indietro nel tempo, circa 5 anni prima del presente, un tempo che mi è servito per capire le dinamiche del loro primo incontro. Shane, studente modello di medicina, è un ragazzo molto sicuro di sé, bello da morire e con una voglia pazzesca di divertirsi e lasciarsi andare.
D’istinto, lo strinsi più forte. Era stupido, decisamente stupido e patetico, in fin dei conti non conoscevo affatto quel ragazzo. Aveva una vita tutta sua qui a Londra e io dovevo tornare alla base in un paio di giorni. Non avevo la minima idea di quando avrei avuto la prossima libera uscita, ma anche se l’avessi saputo non avrebbe fatto nessuna differenza, perché eravamo due anime che si erano connesse nella notte, ma non appena fosse sorto il sole il nostro tempo insieme sarebbe finito.
Voglia che lo porta, una sera qualunque, a ritrovarsi tra le braccia di Greg, giovane pilota militare della RAF inglese, affascinante e sfrontato.
Eppure, non riuscivo a smettere di seguire quegli account o continuare a guardarli. Non riuscivo a smettere di pensare a quel ragazzo. Era passato così tanto tempo da quella notte trascorsa insieme e così tante cose erano successe nella mia vita, eppure pensavo ancora a lui ogni singolo giorno. A volte, di notte, quando non riuscivo a dormire, pregavo che chiunque là fuori fosse in grado di esaudire i sogni e far accadere fortuite coincidenze ci concedesse di rincontrarci di nuovo. Se fosse mai successo, non l’avrei lasciato andare così in fretta.
E in men che non si dica “fuochi d’artificio” spendono in una notte che non risparmia passione, scoperta, lussuria, desiderio. Shane e Greg si abbandonano l’uno al corpo dell’altro per una sola notte, una sola notte che, ancora non sanno, lascerà un segno indelebile sia sulla loro pelle che nelle loro teste...CONTINUA https://valentinaabbr.blogspot.com/20...
January 16, 2019
This is an excellent story that focuses on the effects of military service in both the veteran and their family and friends. This is not a subject matter to be taken lightly, and the author does an amazing job making the book as realistic as possible, IMO.
I'm never quite comfortable with relationships that start as a one off, and you can definitely classify this romance as insta-attraction/insta-love; but it is not your typical relationship. With one MC in the RAF, and the other a student, they both figure they will never cross paths again.
Of course, they do, and when personal tragedy strikes, they are together...until deployment separates them, and what they believe to be their relationship. Time moves on, new people come into play, until one day everything finally snaps into place.
The story line revolves around Shane's almost manic dedication to the veterans center he created, and Greg's actions and emotions regarding his active duty in Afghanistan as a fighter pilot. Because of this, we see both sides of a relationship that is separated by war, and how it affects both the mental and physical health of the two MCs. It is heartbreaking at times, but this is the world we live in, and it's good to see it written in a romance novel that will reach a wider audience, perhaps, than those only interested in the subject.
The story is beautifully written, the MCs are well developed, the secondary characters are fairly well developed, and the world building is done fairly well. Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful story of overcoming extreme circumstances and finding your HEA.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
I'm never quite comfortable with relationships that start as a one off, and you can definitely classify this romance as insta-attraction/insta-love; but it is not your typical relationship. With one MC in the RAF, and the other a student, they both figure they will never cross paths again.
Of course, they do, and when personal tragedy strikes, they are together...until deployment separates them, and what they believe to be their relationship. Time moves on, new people come into play, until one day everything finally snaps into place.
The story line revolves around Shane's almost manic dedication to the veterans center he created, and Greg's actions and emotions regarding his active duty in Afghanistan as a fighter pilot. Because of this, we see both sides of a relationship that is separated by war, and how it affects both the mental and physical health of the two MCs. It is heartbreaking at times, but this is the world we live in, and it's good to see it written in a romance novel that will reach a wider audience, perhaps, than those only interested in the subject.
The story is beautifully written, the MCs are well developed, the secondary characters are fairly well developed, and the world building is done fairly well. Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful story of overcoming extreme circumstances and finding your HEA.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
January 17, 2019
5 Stars of angsty goodness!
Grounded is book 2 in the Cookies series by Teodora Kostova, while it can be read as a standalone, I loved Cookies (book 1) and it runs concurrently with Grounded, so just read them both if you haven't, you won't regret it.
I loved Greg so much from the start of the book. Yes, there were some moments that I wanted to slap some sense into him, but his feelings about his deployment, about Shane and everything happening to him, were just so poignant and heartbreaking, I just wanted to cuddle and make it better. I liked Shane, too, but it took me longer to warm up to him fully. He was a good man overall, but really, some of his decisions and then his whining over the consequences made me want to throat punch him into next week. What was undeniable was the instant connection and the explosive chemistry between Greg and Shane and that, more than anything, was what kept me going through the angst. This book has some of the hottest sex scenes I've read. *fans self*
There was a lot of angst in this book and I know that's not for everyone, but I think it was well balanced with Greg and Shane's growing relationship, the hotter than hot sex, Shane's work at the center and their friends, who I loved, and it has a great HEA, so even if you're not as much into angst as I am, I promise this is a book you don't want to miss out on.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Grounded is book 2 in the Cookies series by Teodora Kostova, while it can be read as a standalone, I loved Cookies (book 1) and it runs concurrently with Grounded, so just read them both if you haven't, you won't regret it.
I loved Greg so much from the start of the book. Yes, there were some moments that I wanted to slap some sense into him, but his feelings about his deployment, about Shane and everything happening to him, were just so poignant and heartbreaking, I just wanted to cuddle and make it better. I liked Shane, too, but it took me longer to warm up to him fully. He was a good man overall, but really, some of his decisions and then his whining over the consequences made me want to throat punch him into next week. What was undeniable was the instant connection and the explosive chemistry between Greg and Shane and that, more than anything, was what kept me going through the angst. This book has some of the hottest sex scenes I've read. *fans self*
There was a lot of angst in this book and I know that's not for everyone, but I think it was well balanced with Greg and Shane's growing relationship, the hotter than hot sex, Shane's work at the center and their friends, who I loved, and it has a great HEA, so even if you're not as much into angst as I am, I promise this is a book you don't want to miss out on.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews