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In the Marines, their relationship was forbidden.
Will an unexpected reunion at a cat shelter fundraiser lead to a second chance?
Vivi: My last deployment left me wounded, ending my military career. Now I’m a college student in Boston and volunteer at a nearby cat shelter. Spending time with the fur balls is my sanctuary from the real world.
Until a fundraiser when I run into a man I could never have. I need to escape.
I’m no longer the woman Jack remembers. No longer whole.
Broken.
Jack: Active duty had its challenges, but reentry into the civilian world presents new ones. The biggest choice being what do I do next?
When my mom and sister drag me to a gala raising money for cats, I see the woman I haven’t been able to forget. We met in Okinawa and I’ve been wondering about her since we parted.
I’ll ask her to dance.
One dance. It doesn’t have to mean anything.
But it could...
One dance might lead to our second chance.
Jack is a novella in the Anchor Me series by USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle. Navy SEALs, Marines, and hometown heroes -- Each encounters his most complicated mission yet when a woman from his past challenges his plans for his future.
Note: this book was originally published as Dress Blues and has been revised for this release.
Will an unexpected reunion at a cat shelter fundraiser lead to a second chance?
Vivi: My last deployment left me wounded, ending my military career. Now I’m a college student in Boston and volunteer at a nearby cat shelter. Spending time with the fur balls is my sanctuary from the real world.
Until a fundraiser when I run into a man I could never have. I need to escape.
I’m no longer the woman Jack remembers. No longer whole.
Broken.
Jack: Active duty had its challenges, but reentry into the civilian world presents new ones. The biggest choice being what do I do next?
When my mom and sister drag me to a gala raising money for cats, I see the woman I haven’t been able to forget. We met in Okinawa and I’ve been wondering about her since we parted.
I’ll ask her to dance.
One dance. It doesn’t have to mean anything.
But it could...
One dance might lead to our second chance.
Jack is a novella in the Anchor Me series by USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle. Navy SEALs, Marines, and hometown heroes -- Each encounters his most complicated mission yet when a woman from his past challenges his plans for his future.
Note: this book was originally published as Dress Blues and has been revised for this release.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2020
253 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Carlisle
161 books594 followersUSA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes or quirky outcasts. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 19, 2017
Wow! Dress Blues is a fun second chance romance that just makes you smile! It's a story that grabs you by the heart and gives it a little tug. Vivi and Jack met at a rock climbing gym and immediately hit it off! Sparks flew and things were going along famously until they found out both were in the Marines. And with Jack being an officer and she was enlisted, fraternization could cost them both their careers. Now both civilians, each have their own post-military challenges to work through.
Vivi was injured while deployed and limps as a result. It's a constant reminder to her of what she can't do. Yes she knows she should feel lucky since not everyone makes it home, but she hasn't gotten past the hurt. She volunteers at a cat shelter and that is her therapy! The cats love her and she gets out of her head while there. I totally understand where she was coming from. I do feel she needed professional therapy to help her work through her issues though. She was just existing until Jack is back in her life.
Jack runs into Vivi at a fundraiser for the shelter she volunteers at and all the memories they shared come flooding back. They don't have those rules any longer. No sneaking around. Could he date her?? After realizing he still feels the same for Vivi now as he did then, he decides to pursue her.
I enjoyed this second chance at love romance! Vivi is scared that Jack won't think of her in the same light now that she is damaged. But Jack doesn't look at her any different. He slowly gets her to realize that she is the same woman she was. She just needs to do some of the things she liked to do, have to be done a little differently. I like his persistence when she tries to push him away. I also like that he tells her some of his secrets, so she knows everyone comes out of the military a little worse for wear. He knew what they have doesn't come around very often and if he's giving this second chance, he's taking it!
All in all, a nice, breath of fresh air romance that leaves you feeling good and with a big smile on your face!
4 Stars/3.5 Flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for an honest review. The review and ratings are solely my opinions.
Vivi was injured while deployed and limps as a result. It's a constant reminder to her of what she can't do. Yes she knows she should feel lucky since not everyone makes it home, but she hasn't gotten past the hurt. She volunteers at a cat shelter and that is her therapy! The cats love her and she gets out of her head while there. I totally understand where she was coming from. I do feel she needed professional therapy to help her work through her issues though. She was just existing until Jack is back in her life.
Jack runs into Vivi at a fundraiser for the shelter she volunteers at and all the memories they shared come flooding back. They don't have those rules any longer. No sneaking around. Could he date her?? After realizing he still feels the same for Vivi now as he did then, he decides to pursue her.
I enjoyed this second chance at love romance! Vivi is scared that Jack won't think of her in the same light now that she is damaged. But Jack doesn't look at her any different. He slowly gets her to realize that she is the same woman she was. She just needs to do some of the things she liked to do, have to be done a little differently. I like his persistence when she tries to push him away. I also like that he tells her some of his secrets, so she knows everyone comes out of the military a little worse for wear. He knew what they have doesn't come around very often and if he's giving this second chance, he's taking it!
All in all, a nice, breath of fresh air romance that leaves you feeling good and with a big smile on your face!
4 Stars/3.5 Flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for an honest review. The review and ratings are solely my opinions.
April 5, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
She was caught scooping poop. How devastatingly alluring.
I’ll wait out here… I don’t think he’ll want to see me until my Jolly Roger lowers its sails.
They’re just scars. We all have them. Some on the inside, some out. They don’t make you any less beautiful, Viv.
Pride is overrated. I don’t think taking it down a notch is going to kill you.
My Review:
Dress Blues has an interesting premise and entertaining storyline, and with an added bonus of kitty cats. And I am totally mental when it comes to kitty cats. A devastating injury ended Vivi’s career in the Marine Corp and left her badly scarred and self-conscious of her limp and limitations. She spends her free time volunteering at a cat shelter when not studying or in classes. Jack and Vivi had felt an instant attraction years ago, but unable to act on it due to the military policy of no fraternization. Those rule no longer apply and the chemistry is still strong and the gravitational pull remains, yet each is struggling to find their way and establish a new life plan. I enjoyed this quick, easy to follow and thoughtful story. Jack and Vivi’s story was relevant, sexy, and engaging. I am relishing this series and look forward to the next installment.
She was caught scooping poop. How devastatingly alluring.
I’ll wait out here… I don’t think he’ll want to see me until my Jolly Roger lowers its sails.
They’re just scars. We all have them. Some on the inside, some out. They don’t make you any less beautiful, Viv.
Pride is overrated. I don’t think taking it down a notch is going to kill you.
My Review:
Dress Blues has an interesting premise and entertaining storyline, and with an added bonus of kitty cats. And I am totally mental when it comes to kitty cats. A devastating injury ended Vivi’s career in the Marine Corp and left her badly scarred and self-conscious of her limp and limitations. She spends her free time volunteering at a cat shelter when not studying or in classes. Jack and Vivi had felt an instant attraction years ago, but unable to act on it due to the military policy of no fraternization. Those rule no longer apply and the chemistry is still strong and the gravitational pull remains, yet each is struggling to find their way and establish a new life plan. I enjoyed this quick, easy to follow and thoughtful story. Jack and Vivi’s story was relevant, sexy, and engaging. I am relishing this series and look forward to the next installment.
August 15, 2020
I have loved every book in this series and this latest one is every bit as good as the rest of them! A fantastic second chance romance that’s full of emotion, drama, angst and chemistry! With a great storyline we meet Jack and Vivi And some cats!! There’s struggles, there’s friendship, love, steam and dancing and a story you will not be able to put down!
August 4, 2020
these two were sizzling
April 17, 2017
This is a wonderful story by the author and the characters are fantastic. Everyone deserves a second chance at love no matter what.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 2 of Recalled to Love by the author.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 2 of Recalled to Love by the author.
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March 15, 2017That was a adorable cute short contemporary romance! Especially since it has cats!
August 14, 2020
Jack - Anchor Me
When you meet someone and it’s magical and you can relate to that person on so many levels it’s special. Jack and Vivi met in Okinawa two years ago. They met when Vivi took a history course and Jack Conroy was the instructor. She then ran into Jack in the rock-climbing gym. Their flirtation started over partnering in rock climbing and culminated in the Marine Corp Ball. Jack did not know that she was a marine, she thought it would be a surprise the night of the Ball. Vivi was right it was a surprise but not a good one.
Lt Jack Conroy was an office and Vivi was enlisted. It would ruin careers if they continued a relationship. It was not meant to be.
Now Vivi attending college after leaving the Marines on a medical discharge. She is volunteering at the local Cat Shelter.
Jack is recently discharged from the Marines and living with his Mom deciding what path and job he wants to pursue.
And it all started with a dance, just a dance. I think Stella had a lot on input too.
This is a sweet love story about two deserving people given a second chance. They are perfect for each other but they have obstacles and attitudes to overcome. I loved Jack and Vivi and you will find yourself rooting for them to finally see how perfect they can be together. This is a special book.
When you meet someone and it’s magical and you can relate to that person on so many levels it’s special. Jack and Vivi met in Okinawa two years ago. They met when Vivi took a history course and Jack Conroy was the instructor. She then ran into Jack in the rock-climbing gym. Their flirtation started over partnering in rock climbing and culminated in the Marine Corp Ball. Jack did not know that she was a marine, she thought it would be a surprise the night of the Ball. Vivi was right it was a surprise but not a good one.
Lt Jack Conroy was an office and Vivi was enlisted. It would ruin careers if they continued a relationship. It was not meant to be.
Now Vivi attending college after leaving the Marines on a medical discharge. She is volunteering at the local Cat Shelter.
Jack is recently discharged from the Marines and living with his Mom deciding what path and job he wants to pursue.
And it all started with a dance, just a dance. I think Stella had a lot on input too.
This is a sweet love story about two deserving people given a second chance. They are perfect for each other but they have obstacles and attitudes to overcome. I loved Jack and Vivi and you will find yourself rooting for them to finally see how perfect they can be together. This is a special book.
August 13, 2020
I have loved this entire series but I think this has been my favourite of all All of the character in this entire series have faced odds that are stacked against them but these two probably faced the greatest challenges
When Jack and Vivi first met one another the attraction between them was instant Jack was teaching classes on history and Vivi attended one of them they progressed to rock climbing together and then with the Marine Ball coming up Jack invited her to it but she told him she was already attending He hoped she was a family member of a service person as he would be heartbroken if she was a spouse what he didn't expect was that she was a serving member herself That destroyed any hope they had of been together she was enlisted he was an officer and they had to go their separate ways or risk a court marshal. Now a few years later they meet again both are retired from the military he has served his time and she has been medically discharged can they build something together this time or are they both so damaged by their service that they cannot have a future together You will have to read to see if they can battle their way to one another
When Jack and Vivi first met one another the attraction between them was instant Jack was teaching classes on history and Vivi attended one of them they progressed to rock climbing together and then with the Marine Ball coming up Jack invited her to it but she told him she was already attending He hoped she was a family member of a service person as he would be heartbroken if she was a spouse what he didn't expect was that she was a serving member herself That destroyed any hope they had of been together she was enlisted he was an officer and they had to go their separate ways or risk a court marshal. Now a few years later they meet again both are retired from the military he has served his time and she has been medically discharged can they build something together this time or are they both so damaged by their service that they cannot have a future together You will have to read to see if they can battle their way to one another
August 11, 2020
Jack never thought he'd see that girl/Marine he didn't act on in Okinawa years ago as a dedicated Marine Officer, but lord did she make an impression on him. They could talk about anything and she even liked the same sports he liked like rock climbing...Would he ever find another like her now that he's stateside for good? His cat loving mom and sister seem to think cats will make a change in anyone's life......
Vivi's life has been shattered according to her and the bum leg she has now, she has spent nights dreaming about that hot officer she met in Okinawa and what could have happened between them, but now that dream is shot to hell. What man would want someone broken like her both physically and mentally? The only thing keeping her sane is the cat shelter she volunteers at.......
Cats might change both their outlooks in life, they say cats are soothing to the soul.
Vivi's life has been shattered according to her and the bum leg she has now, she has spent nights dreaming about that hot officer she met in Okinawa and what could have happened between them, but now that dream is shot to hell. What man would want someone broken like her both physically and mentally? The only thing keeping her sane is the cat shelter she volunteers at.......
Cats might change both their outlooks in life, they say cats are soothing to the soul.
August 5, 2020
Ms. Carlisle does it again! "JACK: Anchor Me" is the 4th awesome must read in contemporary romantic fiction with a side of hot military characters and some sweet, fuzzy furballs! ... I was hooked from the start & didn't want to stop reading until I was done, then it left me wanting more :o lol ... Always a fresh storyline, relatable characters, like the H/h, Jack & Vivi, and witty dialogue that will keep those pages turning! ... Everyone loves second chances with an HEA, right?! ... Even tho I volunteered to read this, it was without any outside influences, and I do buy kindle books whenever I can... So yes, I honestly can recommend this to adult fans of fiction & now I can’t wait for more! :D
August 7, 2020
Vivi And Jack
They met in Okinawa. They didn't know being together was forbidden. They found out and what could have been something ended--or did it?
Who would have thought they'd meet again. Things were different now. Neither were in the military. For Vivi, things hadn't changed. While she would have been happy to see him and more now she felt broken and not good enough for a man like Jack.
Jack doesn't see her as broken. Instead, she's the woman he wanted then and the woman he wants now. Will he be able to convince her to let them try?
Each character is amazing with family and friends who support them. Great characters, plenty of steam, and a wonderful love story.
They met in Okinawa. They didn't know being together was forbidden. They found out and what could have been something ended--or did it?
Who would have thought they'd meet again. Things were different now. Neither were in the military. For Vivi, things hadn't changed. While she would have been happy to see him and more now she felt broken and not good enough for a man like Jack.
Jack doesn't see her as broken. Instead, she's the woman he wanted then and the woman he wants now. Will he be able to convince her to let them try?
Each character is amazing with family and friends who support them. Great characters, plenty of steam, and a wonderful love story.
August 4, 2020
Jack, a cousin to Angelo, Vince and Matty musters our of the Marines and comes home to Boston. His mom and sister are cat people and make him attend a fundraising gala. He meets an old flame at it and sparks fly.
Vivi volunteers at the cat shelter and attends the fundraiser. The sparks fly like fireworks between her and Jack. A lot of misunderstandings happen betwixt them. But in the end, things work out. Matty shows up and gives his Coz some advice. I loved this book. I really enjoyed the scenes at the cat shelter.
Vivi volunteers at the cat shelter and attends the fundraiser. The sparks fly like fireworks between her and Jack. A lot of misunderstandings happen betwixt them. But in the end, things work out. Matty shows up and gives his Coz some advice. I loved this book. I really enjoyed the scenes at the cat shelter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
This is the 4th book im the Anchor Me series, it can be read as a standalone story..
Jack and Vivi met several years previously when they were both active marines and a relationship between them was forbidden, now they meet again as civilians and the chemistry between them is just as strong and sizzling as it was. Vivi has some physical and mental scars to heal but with Jack help they can overcome anything.
Well-written story, filled with drama and emotion. Strong likable characters, wonderful chemistry between them.
This is the 4th book im the Anchor Me series, it can be read as a standalone story..
Jack and Vivi met several years previously when they were both active marines and a relationship between them was forbidden, now they meet again as civilians and the chemistry between them is just as strong and sizzling as it was. Vivi has some physical and mental scars to heal but with Jack help they can overcome anything.
Well-written story, filled with drama and emotion. Strong likable characters, wonderful chemistry between them.
August 13, 2020
What an amazing story of moving forward after tragedy. My husband being a Vet has moments which cause strain, with a memory or loud noise, also being an amputee he has found ways to adapt and enjoy life especially playing paintball. I loved that Lisa wrote a series about moving forward and living life to the fullest, no regrets. Love the characters and setting. Never been to Boston but sounds like a wonderful place to visit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
Book four in the Anchor Me series a very good book from the first page to the last I could not put this book down. Vivi Parker is a wounded Vet who works at an animal shelter, her boss has talked her into attending a Fundraiser where she re-meets Jack Conroy a retired military man. They had a history they could not act on in the military, this is their second chance I enjoyed reading this story. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The story was well-written and flowed nicely. The plot was interesting and had some plot twists and turns that made this an interesting and intriguing story. The characters were strong and well-developed. The author did a nice job of bringing this story to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed scenes. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2020
This is another amazing entry in this wonderful series. This second chance romance vigorously tugs at your heartstrings as the emotional story unfolds. I loved Jack and Vivi! Their connection was almost tangible and their chemistry created plenty of sparks. I found the story really engaging. A ample dose of realism is cleverly blended with lots of emotions, some angst and drama to make a read that is both powerful and beautiful. This is my frank, freely posted review.
August 10, 2020
4.5 stars.
This was a lovely story which gave two people a second chance at what they thought wasn't possible. The connection and chemistry between them was written well and I believed in them so much. I loved their friends and family and the support they received from them. This story took me on a journey and left me happy I had taken it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a lovely story which gave two people a second chance at what they thought wasn't possible. The connection and chemistry between them was written well and I believed in them so much. I loved their friends and family and the support they received from them. This story took me on a journey and left me happy I had taken it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2020
This is the story of Vivi and Jack. They met in Okinawa years before. After being wounded on her last mission Vivi’s military career ended. Now Jack has left the military and his mom drags him to a charity gala to raise money for cats. There he sees Vivi, the one woman he could never forget. Can they rekindle what they once had? I enjoyed this charming, poignant, entertaining romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
Vivi and Jack had met as fellow marines in Okinawa, while on duty and while the chemistry was strong, they decided to follow the rules and not date.
A few years and some scarring later, they meet again and this time Jack is determined to pursue her.
The story is nearly cookie cutter clear, but it is written engagingly and entertainingly told.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A few years and some scarring later, they meet again and this time Jack is determined to pursue her.
The story is nearly cookie cutter clear, but it is written engagingly and entertainingly told.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
(Warning: part of a series, but each have different sets of main characters within their world, each book has its own HEA)
I cannot get enough of this author and this series!
It is wrought with emotion and so well written that I absolutely could not put it down!
Each book has been cohesive and enlightening to the overall theme between these characters.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
I cannot get enough of this author and this series!
It is wrought with emotion and so well written that I absolutely could not put it down!
Each book has been cohesive and enlightening to the overall theme between these characters.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
August 24, 2020
An enjoyable and exciting second chance book four in the Anchor Me series! It is engaging, emotional deep, witty, heart-tugging, and guaranteed to pull you in from the first page. The characters have a number of obstacles to overcome, but you will love and root for them; the chemistry between them is off the charts. Definitely recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
Second Chance romance. Love this story. Jack and Vivi were both in the military but each at a point where they could not date each other. I had to find out what happened so I was up most of the night reading. Loved the characters and how they met again at a gala. Recommend this story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2020
Reunited
Met deployed and it couldn’t work out...sometimes things happen and next they meet at a gala for cats! This story touches on the type of trauma that our military faces and shows the different physical and mental wounds. As well we see another sweet romance that involves families, humor and animals.
Met deployed and it couldn’t work out...sometimes things happen and next they meet at a gala for cats! This story touches on the type of trauma that our military faces and shows the different physical and mental wounds. As well we see another sweet romance that involves families, humor and animals.
August 5, 2020
Oh, I love this book. Vivi and Jack reunite at a charity event. Her physical limitations play a role in their relationship, but doesn't hinder their future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2020
I loved Jack and Vivi. Their story was really wonderful. I look forward to reading much more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2020
This is the journey of second chances for Jake and Vivi. The story was entertaining, the characters are likeable and have great chemistry. This is the fourth book in this series. I enjoyed this book. Looking forward to read more from this series.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
Jack and Vivi has a story that will tug at your heartstrings with emotion and cuteness. This is an incredibly engaging story with dynamic characters. This is a story filled with healing, drama, emotion, angst, and chemistry. This is a wonderful standalone addition to the Anchor Me series.
October 12, 2020
Hit and miss
The characters Jack and Vivi were good, and there was enough back story to make you interested. But it was a little too angsty for me. Vivi was the " I'm broken " girl and Jack didn't have his act together enough to fix her. But cats like Stella always make it better.
The characters Jack and Vivi were good, and there was enough back story to make you interested. But it was a little too angsty for me. Vivi was the " I'm broken " girl and Jack didn't have his act together enough to fix her. But cats like Stella always make it better.
July 4, 2021
Jack
I'm totally enjoying this series and the broken people in them. This story didn't seem as long as the others and mainly covered the two main characters overcoming their demons. Needed better editing, there were quite a few mistakes.
I'm totally enjoying this series and the broken people in them. This story didn't seem as long as the others and mainly covered the two main characters overcoming their demons. Needed better editing, there were quite a few mistakes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews