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A Marine's Heart #1

A Marine Awakening

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In 1998, introverted Cameron Warren is focused on being a model Marine and surviving the social isolation of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Navigating the policy and finding allies is harder than she expected, but she's determined to complete her enlistment period and return to college.Meanwhile, gregarious military kid Sharon Rodriguez knows connections are critical to navigate the unspoken rules of the Marine Corps. She’s confident in her ability to enjoy the casual flings she's accustomed to while pursuing the 20 year career she desires.When Sharon convinces Cam to attend a party with her, neither realizes their lives are about to become more complicated than they planned for. How hard will they need to fight for a love that must remain in the shadows?A Marine Awakening, a Dal Segno prequel, is a contemporary new adult lesbian romance with a happy ending that shows that no person or policy can stop two Marines fighting for each other.A Marine Awakening features an autistic main character pre-diagnosis while serving in the military.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2019

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207 people want to read

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Jax Meyer

7 books119 followers

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5 stars
143 (63%)
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58 (25%)
3 stars
17 (7%)
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3 (1%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for pipsqueakreviews.
588 reviews505 followers
May 21, 2021
Extra special first love.

This book can technically be read as a standalone, but I don’t recommend it because it would be much more meaningful to read this after Dal Segno. A Marine Awakening is its prequel after all. And it has been more than a month since I listened to Dal Segno. I spaced the books out deliberately because I get attached to characters easily and I wasn’t ready to meet Sharon until now.

This is an extremely sweet love story about two young female Marines serving under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the 1990s. This story is romantic and is written to give us absolutely no angst at all. The characters communicate very well, they are not complicated people and they are very much in love. There are no dramatics, no theatrics, no grand gestures and no black moments. Just endless good Cam and Sharon moments to enjoy. And even though this story conveys the discrimination and silent struggles of queer people in the Marine Corps, I love how it has literally no bearing on the way Cam and Sharon love each other.

I sometimes forget how young Cam and Sharon are. Cam is 20 and Sharon is 18. They feel very adult to me even though they go through the YA stages of coming out and experiencing their first love. And I'm not sure why. Perhaps they sound mature, or because they are in the Marines, or because Cam was 40 when I first knew her in Dal Segno, or because I keep picturing Meyer as Cam (I can't help it, there are too many parallels between author and character).

This story is extra special if you read Dal Segno first. It makes me feel like I just went back in time to the most precious moments in Cam's past. It's not just with Sharon, but also with their bff, Sarah. And at the end I can't help but feel bittersweet about it.

I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JulesGP.
650 reviews230 followers
March 7, 2019
Dal Segno was a very special book for me. It could have been heartbreaking, it was heartbreaking, but it was also about digging yourself out of grief to find a way back to joy. Long after reading, it resonates even deeper.

A Marine Awakening, the prequel to Dal Segno, is the origin story for Cameron and Sharon and I almost lost it after reading the dedication. It’s the unabashedly happy story of two young people deliriously in love. At 20 and 18, Cam and Sharon are new Marines who crash into each other in the best possible way, having to hide their feelings publicly and navigate the Corp and parents as best as they can. If this world is new to you, it’s a crazy and funny book about feverish, hot blooded Marines. But if you’re reading after Dal Segno, then it’s also a key insight into Cam’s life 20 years before the first book.

For a reader, it’s a special kind of feeling when you find out an author has added more stories for your favorite characters so I’m happy but maybe a little sad too about meeting Sharon and seeing her with Cam. In the end, just grateful the author shared their story.
Profile Image for Alealea.
649 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2020
Though it looks like a pretty conventional coming of age story and a sweet young romance in a military background, well... two things stand out.
> the Don't ask don't tell policy. I had never read a book that translated it so well. The brutal injustice of it, it's indifferent cruelty that just denied queer people the support of love while serving. That will stay with me for a long time

> the introverted, socially phobic? main character. Her anxiety pours out of the pages (yup even digital ones), you can't help but empatized.
In real life, socially inept people are often hard to read and to understand and it's sometimes just easier to ignore them. (except when you happened to be married to one ^^ )
Cam anxiety, her fears and her way of thinking is so well written she feels real. The writer is giving keys to readers and insight on how to interact with those people.

I enjoy it when a book make me forget where I am and I completely disconnect of my everyday life.
But I am really grateful and in awe when it makes me come back into myself to think and reflect.

So I rounded my rating up to 4.
Profile Image for Sarah.
106 reviews11 followers
February 14, 2022
The two young Marines Sharon Rodriguez and Cameron Warren meet in the 90s serving under DADT.

The love story between them was really sweet and had no angst.
I liked Sharon instantly and how she helped Cam to come out of her shell.
After reading about Cam in the first book it was interesting to go back and meet her younger version.

It was easy to imagine how difficult it had to be to serve under DADT and you get a glimpse of other problems being in the military, for example getting assigned to different duty stations and having to be separated, etc.

In this book we also meet Sarah who became a close friend. I liked her a lot and I'm excited that she will be in the next book of this series.

I enjoyed the first half of the book where Sharon and Cam met and got to know each other a lot more than the second half, because I thought it was dragging quite a bit and also repetitive at times.
Overall I still really enjoyed it and will read the next book in this series right now.
Profile Image for Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~.
1,896 reviews139 followers
dnf
February 24, 2020
DNF @ 11%

I'm not feeling this one. The writing is kind of clunky, and while I think I could like Cam and Sharon, but this is a prequel and I saw the blurb to the next one before I saw this one. Knowing already that isn't really making me feel motivated to see how this turns out.
Profile Image for Yoly.
711 reviews48 followers
February 8, 2019
After reading Dal Segno I was looking forward to reading more about Cam and Sharon and now it’s finally here! This one is a prequel to Dal Segno and it is a wonderful follow-up to a great debut. We get to see Cameron Warren in her early years on the military where she meets Sharon Rodriguez who is mentioned on the previous novel as Cam’s first love. The secondary characters were also very nice, including their parents. If you want a charming love story with no angst and close to no drama, this one might be for you.
Profile Image for T.J. Dallas.
Author 16 books340 followers
January 25, 2021
A wonderfully sweet romance! Cam is a 'badass marshmallow' and the sweetest Marine I can possibly imagine. When she meets Sharon, who helps bring her out of her shell, my little heart almost couldn't take it. So many sweet moments, and sexy times, and great supporting characters! The banter with Sarah was hilarious. Brilliantly written, and the fourth book I've read by this author. Can't wait to read another!!
Profile Image for Evie Drae.
Author 4 books146 followers
June 12, 2019
Okay, my lovelies. This week’s read took a heartfelt dive into the tragic inner workings of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. It showed a beautiful, mostly angst-free romance between two characters I fell hard for, right off the bat. A Marine Awakening by Jax Meyer is the prequel to her debut novel, Dal Segno, and depicts the first love relationship of the hero in both tales, Cam Warren. However, it is highly recommended by the author that you read Dal Segno first because the beautiful tale told in A Marine Awakening shows a relationship that is tragically no more in the original story. (More on that, and the delayed bittersweet tears that knowledge brings, later.)

This story is an awe-inspiring study in Marine life. It is obvious Ms. Meyer was either a Marine herself or else did some crazy deep research. Her words stole me away with the level of detail and heart. I was rooting for these characters from the get-go and every moment had me cheering for the success of their love despite so many odds against them.

I went into this story blind. I don’t usually do any research ahead of time when I read for my blog because I find books can sometimes lose something if you do too much digging. I like to let the story tell itself and then look more into the world surrounding it. (Unless, of course, it isn’t a standalone… then I do like to have a general idea of what happened in previous books so I don’t get too lost!) This time around, I found that my further delving into Ms. Meyer’s world left me a bit hollowed out and weepy. But, surprisingly, not in a bad way.

Because Ms. Meyer appears to be very transparent with this information, I’m going to disclose what it was that had me finding tears in an otherwise lovely and sweet story. The love interest in A Marine Awakening, Sharon Rodriguez, is Cam’s first love. However, she passes away before the original novel is set. That gave me a bit of a shock. To realize this couple I just spent so many pages rooting for finds such a heartbreaking end… well, it hurt, to say the least. But then it hit me. That’s life, isn’t it? Not all first loves last forever, and death is a part of our world. I’m officially champing at the bit to read Dal Segno now because I want to see Cam find happiness again. I think part of me needs to know she does.
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,338 reviews104 followers
December 8, 2019
Really loved this - so much more poinent than I expected - especailly as I'd read Book 1 first! (Dal Segno). Well written and enlightening. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Larissa.
95 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2021
Before I started the Marines heart series I was a little indecisive if I would start reading the ‘Del Segno’ book first or ‘A marine awakening’ since it is the prequel. I am glad that I started from the beginning although I read the sinopse of Del Segno and know what will happen to Sharon. But being able to read as the story goes has been a challenge because I know a little bit what will happen with the couple and I am already mourning for their love story which is pretty sad but I enjoy reading the happy moments they are having.
The reading it's a little heavy and a little confusing. Because of Cam’s inner thoughts. But when I was able to get a pass that I enjoyed and could understand how her brain works being an autist.
I Loved it this book and this beautiful Marine Love story under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. I can only imagine how tough it is to love someone and not being able to express these feelings. The author delivered an amazing job with this book and I’m already a fan of hers.
Profile Image for Maz Tucker.
298 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2020
Another great book in the series

Really enjoying these characters. The struggles they are having in the don’t ask, don’t tell period, is well written.
Great book, looking forward to no 3
Profile Image for Char Dafoe.
Author 28 books193 followers
April 28, 2020
Jax Meyer did an amazing job with this story. I read Dal Segno last year and got excited when I heard there was a prequel. I adored Cam in the first and I love her even more now. At times she was awkwardly adorable, even for a tough Marine. I can't say enough good things about this story. You'll just have to start reading.
1,274 reviews
January 31, 2020
A powerful story with great characters!

Sarah was a Navy brat - people smart, outgoing in any situation and planning to make a career in the Marines. Cam, a brilliant Marine, top of her class, was socially awkward - what educators would term having Asperger's on the autism spectrum. She was brilliant and planned to one day work in the space program. What did they have in common? Their devotion to hard work, being the best Marines they could be, and each other. They had to learn to navigate the Corps and their parents.

This is truly a beautifully written and powerful story which was difficult to put down. Sharon was an amazing friend and partner helping Cam explore new people and situations. And Cam was so smitten. This was her first love relationship and their emotions were palpable!

I now understand this book was the prequel which I should have read second, but somehow missed that info. So now I'm off to read Dal Segno, Cam's story that was written first. This author is a powerful storyteller! You will not be disappointed!!!
Profile Image for Lucy Jean.
10 reviews
January 31, 2019
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I was excited to read the prequel to Jax Meyers first novel Del Segno.

A Marine Awakening was a delightful read, detailing the struggle of finding friendship & love under the ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell policy’.

I throughly enjoyed the journey of Cam & Sharons relationship. I loved the happy ending undeterred by policy & regulations.

While this can be read as a stand-alone novel & by itself is another beautifully written love story with great character development, I recommend reading it in the order that Jax suggests (Del Segno first) it really intensifies the emotion behind Cams character & adds a bittersweet note to the story that isn’t unpleasant.

Profile Image for Jen.
1,300 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2019
A Quick Fix




I'm seriously hoping for another book that continues this story but still a good fix to feed my Cam & Sharon jones! But I want & need more— more Marines, more base life, more friendships, more family visits, more road trips, more personal growth, more misunderstandings & struggles, more making ups, more love (& yes, more sex!) & so much more Cam & Sharon— & Sarah too!!!

It was incredible & enlightening to actually better understand & appreciate the connection & development between Cam & Sharon. Filling in the details makes their relationship more relatable than the vagueness & alluding in Del Sagno. Makes it feel tangible, like it really existed & not some imagined, abstract disassociated fantasy.
145 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2019

Cam Warren is back in this prequel to "Dal Segno", also by Jax Meyer.

Cam is a new Marine, stationed at the Naval Technical Training Center at Pensacola, FL in the late 1990s. She is socially awkward, but determined to make this Marine thing work.

This book is a wonderful read.

This is the story of how Cam meets the love of her life, Marine PFC Sharon Rodriguez. Sharon sees into Cam's mind and heart and sees that Cam is someone special. This was a time when two people of the same sex had to be careful, despite "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the military, but Cam and Sharon become attracted and can't resist each other.

I enjoyed this book a whole lot. I'll be looking for other books by Meyer in the near future.
Profile Image for Sandra.
554 reviews136 followers
October 5, 2022
5⭐️
First, I didn't realize that I should have read "Dal Segno" first, so I will be reading this very soon.

A wonderful story about first love in the Marine universe where DADT still applies. I fell in love with Cam and Sharon right from the start. Jax Meyer did a fantastic job of showing Cam's character with all her weaknesses and how she struggles with her own fears and how Sharon can help her. Written from Cam's point of view, we can feel all her insecurities and fears and we were able to follow her on her journey to becoming a more confident person and witness everything firsthand. Sharon is the perfect partner for her, her spirit and cheerfulness are contagious. You can't help but love her.

Highly recommended
Profile Image for Linda.
237 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2021
Cam is a character that is easy to fall in love with. She is an ex-marine and young widow who is on the autism spectrum. Although she has trouble recognizing emotions in herself and others, she experiences an awakening as she reconnects with a teacher from her long ago high school days. Laura, her high school music teacher awakens love in Cam. Love of music, life and love of the heart. This story is so nicely paced it is a joy to read. It's told gently and with so much love. The dreams of Sharon Cam's deceased wife is so full of hope, longing and reminders that love never really dies. Check this book out, I can't recommend it enough.
18 reviews
June 13, 2019
I didn't realize until the end of the book that this prequel was meant to be read after Dal Segno. Oops. But for me having now read both books, I'm glad I read this one first. Jax Meyer does a really good job of illustrating the anxiety of being gay or lesbian while serving in the military during the DADT era. These two women are so different, yet they come to love each other with a fierceness that no discriminatory policy can break apart. I thought Jax Meyer did a good job of developing the MC's. I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Julie.
198 reviews
December 24, 2019
Having previously read and loved Dal Segno I was excited to read this prequel. I was not disappointed and can totally see the young Cam of this novel grow into the adult Cam of Dal Segno. I could identify with the giddy intensity of young l0ve with Sharon. The fear of DADT permeates the novel and the homophobia that exists provides some tense moments. I love Cam's social awkwardness and lack of confidence and find her a fascinating and charming character. It's so heartening that she finds a partner who embraces all of her and makes her feel loved and valued.
Profile Image for AC.
340 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2020
The first thing that came to my mind after I finished this wonderful story and was sitting down to write this review, was that this story was personal for the author. I sensed that the dialogue and the feelings that were represented within these pages were truly authentic. Meyer created exceptional characters. The scenes were insightful and genuine. Her dialogue rang true and honest. The whole story was an awakening for me, as a reader. I think this is a story worthy of not just your time, but your attention as well. Just sayin’.
432 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2019
A Marine Awakening

What a good story about a the don't ask don't tell if you were gay=lesbian when joining my of the forces. The story tells the about two young women who join the Marines (USA). This was a well written by the author Jax Meyer and showed how people can be such homophobic bigots but also how they can be very supportive. This was a love story that should be read. Recommend yes.
Profile Image for Doreen HOWARD.
243 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2019
Awakening it was

I have gone against the rules and read this book before Dal Segno which I have on Audible and will listen to next. Still I have got to know Cam and Sharon as they got to know each other. A most agreeable story. I found Cam’s characters very interesting as i had not come across anyone so “inside their head” as this. Perhaps I also identified with her especially my younger self. Good work Jax.
Profile Image for Ceh131973.
554 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2020
This is a different coming of age romance because it takes place during Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The characters are well developed an multi-leveled. Cam is the non stereotypical shy butch while Sharon has enough personality to glow. How they develop and face challenges throughout this novel will make you cry, rage, and laugh. It is said this is the second book in the series but I recommend reading it first.
543 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2021
Amazing

Life in the military is never easy, being a lesbian in the military is truly a challenge. Jax writes from experience and this love story reflects what so many overcame to serve and love. The characters are exceptional and I wouldn’t be surprised to run into them somewhere. As an old Veteran, I am proud to be able to review a wonderful book written by a very brave Marine.
Profile Image for Lynn Curtis.
89 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2019
Must read

A definite must read especially if you read Dal Segno. Cam is an exceptional character creation that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The issues brought up through out the story very much reflect how things were for most people at that time in the Armed Services as well as just being yourself in the general public. Can't wait for more releases from Jax Meyer!!
10 reviews
August 15, 2020
I love it

I really loved this story, the characters were well established and felt real and gritty. The story flowed and it took a lot of energy to stop ready and do other things like eat.
The editing was great, I'm finding it hard to get into books that are not edited propably which happens alot these days.
Profile Image for Jan Gwin.
171 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book. The life on a Marine base was everything I thought and everything I feared back when the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was put into place. It sounded pretty miserable. I have always been a “ pacifist” and I did have some problems with the characters love for guns and hunting.
Profile Image for Kat.
666 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2019
Wonderful story

I absolutely was moved by this story. I cannot even imagine the time when military had to hide. I know even now it isn't easy but it is better than before. This story is eye opening as to what they had to deal with in order to be together.
Profile Image for Michelle.
508 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2019
Don't Ask, but do tell

The characters Can and Sharon are extremely cute together. Their love for each other is one to aspirin to. It's not a fairytale love, but I can see actually happening.
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