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Homefront
Sergeant Daniel Malone is back in the States after being medically discharged for severe PTSD. In his hands, he holds a letter given to him by a fallen friend. The letter, the last note from Eric, the soldier’s brother, is of his coming out and needing his brother’s support.
Daniel insists on returning it to Eric and telling him that his brother supported and loved him, but Eric blames Daniel for his brother’s death. Daniel gives the worn letter to Eric in the hope it brings him peace but can’t stay away as the words of the message and seeing Eric for the first time have stirred feelings in Daniel’s heart that he’d never felt before.
Even though Eric seems to want nothing to do with him, fate and the letter written to a brother could be what brings them together or drives them apart.
Daniel insists on returning it to Eric and telling him that his brother supported and loved him, but Eric blames Daniel for his brother’s death. Daniel gives the worn letter to Eric in the hope it brings him peace but can’t stay away as the words of the message and seeing Eric for the first time have stirred feelings in Daniel’s heart that he’d never felt before.
Even though Eric seems to want nothing to do with him, fate and the letter written to a brother could be what brings them together or drives them apart.
Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 20, 2022
It's a short novella. However, I feel it could have been a lot shorter.
I feel this book is for beginners and for those who wants a quick, short read.
I wish I could enjoy the writing more. I wanted more chemistry between the characters.
However, I enjoyed the short read.
Thank you, NineStar Press Publication, for the advance reading copy.
I feel this book is for beginners and for those who wants a quick, short read.
I wish I could enjoy the writing more. I wanted more chemistry between the characters.
However, I enjoyed the short read.
Thank you, NineStar Press Publication, for the advance reading copy.
July 23, 2021
I really struggled to connect with this one. For some reason... I found the writing to be a bit clunky; it could be just a stylistic thing. I think I got a little overwhelmed by some of the sentence structure and found myself re-reading sentences to see if I had understood it correctly.
the author could benefit from the "show don't tell" rule... even the first pages of the book felt as though it was a bit forced.
The depiction of PTSD seemed quite accurate although I've not experienced it myself.
the author could benefit from the "show don't tell" rule... even the first pages of the book felt as though it was a bit forced.
The depiction of PTSD seemed quite accurate although I've not experienced it myself.
November 2, 2021
Very quick novella that could have been so much more had the author dove deeper into each character. PTSD is a very real thing and it is hard to write the story of a character dealing with PTSD when the characters are not well developed. Again, had the author gone more in-depth this could have been a story that was so much more.
2 Stars ⭐️
2 Stars ⭐️
September 3, 2021
Reviewed by Taylin
Daniel felt empty, but he had a letter to deliver from his comrade in arms, Shawn. His reason for living was to ensure Shawn’s brother, Eric, understood that he was accepted and loved, no matter his orientation. For Daniel, Eric was a man he got to know via the man’s letters to Shawn – would reality be as good?
Homefront is a short yet highly emotional story, told in the third person from the viewpoints of Daniel and Eric. As the blurb says, Daniel has PTSD, and Eric blames him for Shawn’s death. The accusation confirms Daniel’s guilt over the situation. Nevertheless, there is a spark that both feel, albeit they believe, it is inappropriate.
The emotion from the story hits from the first page, and I’ll freely admit that for much of it, I was in tears. Daniel and Eric experience a myriad of emotional extremes that, in places, defy logic. But that was always destined to be the case when mixing anger, guilt, attraction, PTSD, and overwhelming feelings of loss. In the mix of all this, the voice of reason comes from the traditional female best friend.
For such an expressive story, some may wonder why I have given it a four instead of five. As already mentioned, it is a novella, and therefore will most likely be read in one sitting. There is some repetition, and while some aspects are necessary, I felt that others weren’t. A few elements come over as instant. At the same time, the backstory suggests that the foundations for a relationship were already there. I feel more could have been made of this, allowing the war between head, heart, and reaction to seem less like a quick game of tennis. In the mix, I would have liked to see the inclusion of different encounters, demonstrating the Daniel and Eric of the future.
As the story stands, both men are broken, and while expressively good, the reader will need to be in the mood for a weepy. I appreciated what was packed into a short space but would like to read an extended version of this that would offer warm fuzzies between wiping my eyes.
Daniel felt empty, but he had a letter to deliver from his comrade in arms, Shawn. His reason for living was to ensure Shawn’s brother, Eric, understood that he was accepted and loved, no matter his orientation. For Daniel, Eric was a man he got to know via the man’s letters to Shawn – would reality be as good?
Homefront is a short yet highly emotional story, told in the third person from the viewpoints of Daniel and Eric. As the blurb says, Daniel has PTSD, and Eric blames him for Shawn’s death. The accusation confirms Daniel’s guilt over the situation. Nevertheless, there is a spark that both feel, albeit they believe, it is inappropriate.
The emotion from the story hits from the first page, and I’ll freely admit that for much of it, I was in tears. Daniel and Eric experience a myriad of emotional extremes that, in places, defy logic. But that was always destined to be the case when mixing anger, guilt, attraction, PTSD, and overwhelming feelings of loss. In the mix of all this, the voice of reason comes from the traditional female best friend.
For such an expressive story, some may wonder why I have given it a four instead of five. As already mentioned, it is a novella, and therefore will most likely be read in one sitting. There is some repetition, and while some aspects are necessary, I felt that others weren’t. A few elements come over as instant. At the same time, the backstory suggests that the foundations for a relationship were already there. I feel more could have been made of this, allowing the war between head, heart, and reaction to seem less like a quick game of tennis. In the mix, I would have liked to see the inclusion of different encounters, demonstrating the Daniel and Eric of the future.
As the story stands, both men are broken, and while expressively good, the reader will need to be in the mood for a weepy. I appreciated what was packed into a short space but would like to read an extended version of this that would offer warm fuzzies between wiping my eyes.
August 5, 2021
Reviewed for Love Bytes
Daniel felt empty, but he had a letter to deliver from his comrade in arms, Shawn. His reason for living was to ensure Shawn’s brother, Eric, understood that he was accepted and loved, no matter his orientation. For Daniel, Eric was a man he got to know via the man’s letters to Shawn – would reality be as good?
Homefront is a short yet highly emotional story, told in the third person from the viewpoints of Daniel and Eric. As the blurb says, Daniel has PTSD, and Eric blames him for Shawn’s death. The accusation confirms Daniel’s guilt over the situation. Nevertheless, there is a spark that both feel, albeit they believe it inappropriate.
The emotion from the story hits from the first page, and I’ll freely admit that for much of it, I was in tears. Daniel and Eric experience a myriad of emotional extremes that, in places, defy logic. But that was always destined to be the case when mixing anger, guilt, attraction, PTSD, and overwhelming feelings of loss. In the mix of all this, the voice of reason comes from the traditional female best friend.
For such an expressive story, some may wonder why I have given it a four instead of five. As already mentioned, it is a novella, and therefore will most likely be read in one sitting. There is some repetition, and while some aspects are necessary, I felt that others weren’t. A few elements come over as instant. At the same time, the backstory suggests that the foundations for a relationship were already there. I feel more could have been made of this, allowing the war between head, heart, and reaction to seem less like a quick game of tennis. In the mix, I would have liked to see the inclusion of different encounters, demonstrating the Daniel and Eric of the future.
As the story stands, both men are broken, and while expressively good, the reader will need to be in the mood for a weepy. I appreciated what was packed into a short space but would like to read an extended version of this that would offer warm fuzzies between wiping my eyes.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Daniel felt empty, but he had a letter to deliver from his comrade in arms, Shawn. His reason for living was to ensure Shawn’s brother, Eric, understood that he was accepted and loved, no matter his orientation. For Daniel, Eric was a man he got to know via the man’s letters to Shawn – would reality be as good?
Homefront is a short yet highly emotional story, told in the third person from the viewpoints of Daniel and Eric. As the blurb says, Daniel has PTSD, and Eric blames him for Shawn’s death. The accusation confirms Daniel’s guilt over the situation. Nevertheless, there is a spark that both feel, albeit they believe it inappropriate.
The emotion from the story hits from the first page, and I’ll freely admit that for much of it, I was in tears. Daniel and Eric experience a myriad of emotional extremes that, in places, defy logic. But that was always destined to be the case when mixing anger, guilt, attraction, PTSD, and overwhelming feelings of loss. In the mix of all this, the voice of reason comes from the traditional female best friend.
For such an expressive story, some may wonder why I have given it a four instead of five. As already mentioned, it is a novella, and therefore will most likely be read in one sitting. There is some repetition, and while some aspects are necessary, I felt that others weren’t. A few elements come over as instant. At the same time, the backstory suggests that the foundations for a relationship were already there. I feel more could have been made of this, allowing the war between head, heart, and reaction to seem less like a quick game of tennis. In the mix, I would have liked to see the inclusion of different encounters, demonstrating the Daniel and Eric of the future.
As the story stands, both men are broken, and while expressively good, the reader will need to be in the mood for a weepy. I appreciated what was packed into a short space but would like to read an extended version of this that would offer warm fuzzies between wiping my eyes.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
July 31, 2021
War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Daniel, returns to the states to return a letter that was sent to his brother-in-arms, Shawn, that died in combat to the younger brother, Eric, that he got to know so well through letters the Eric would send. Likewise, Shawn would always write about Daniel to Eric.
When Daniel arrives, there's a lot of emotional upheavals but also an underlying connection/bond that was formed long before they ever physically met.
The ARC copy that I read still could use another round of edits and proofreading. There were some issues here and there.
While I get the intent of Eric's anger and bitterness towards Daniel, he displays a lot of childish behavior that was rather unbecoming to the character. Daniel broke my heart though.
There were near as many internalized monologues and mental debates as there was actual dialogue.
There was one short scene where the two men ALMOST get naked, but they never go beyond kissing and touching above the waist, therefore I'd call this SWEET contemporary gay fiction with a hint of romance, though there is NO romantic content.
Within a few short days, they were professing their love despite Eric blaming Daniel for Shawn's death and Daniel convinced he would never be good enough for Eric. Their connection was believable, but the love story was a major reach.
Short story.
3.5 stars
Warning:
A wounded warrior with PTSD learning to deal with reintegrating into civilian life once again.
A grief-stricken younger sibling of a deceased soldier tries to learn how to move on from a death that makes no sense to him.
When Daniel arrives, there's a lot of emotional upheavals but also an underlying connection/bond that was formed long before they ever physically met.
The ARC copy that I read still could use another round of edits and proofreading. There were some issues here and there.
While I get the intent of Eric's anger and bitterness towards Daniel, he displays a lot of childish behavior that was rather unbecoming to the character. Daniel broke my heart though.
There were near as many internalized monologues and mental debates as there was actual dialogue.
There was one short scene where the two men ALMOST get naked, but they never go beyond kissing and touching above the waist, therefore I'd call this SWEET contemporary gay fiction with a hint of romance, though there is NO romantic content.
Within a few short days, they were professing their love despite Eric blaming Daniel for Shawn's death and Daniel convinced he would never be good enough for Eric. Their connection was believable, but the love story was a major reach.
Short story.
3.5 stars
Warning:
A wounded warrior with PTSD learning to deal with reintegrating into civilian life once again.
A grief-stricken younger sibling of a deceased soldier tries to learn how to move on from a death that makes no sense to him.
August 4, 2021
Homefront packs an emotional punch. Jaxon Altieri gives readers a glimpse into what coming home from war looks like. Daniel survived where others didn't, which is an entirely different impact than just the war experience. His best friend died even though he tried to save him. Altieri does not shy away from the complex emotions of being a survivor.
Altieri uses this vehicle to also showcase what happens to family members who lose those they love to war. Eric’s anger and sadness in its endless cycle is beautifully displayed.
The anger leaps off the pages. The struggle to accept weeps through Daniel and Eric’s words and actions.
I think for storyline purposes Altieri gives a feeling of hope and a sense of peace to come quickly. If you read this story and think why isn’t it happening that quickly for me, don’t worry and just take the steps like Danield does. I am not saying true love or total peace will be yours (smile), but breathing will get easier. (From one veteran suffering PTSD and anxiety to another.)
Altieri throws in a clean sweet romance to tie the story together. I like Daniel and Eric and wish for them every success. I hope Altieri goes back to Jasper Falls and writes more stories about soldiers and we can see whether Eric and Daniel make it. They have a VA center and it is a peaceful place...soldiers will come. Let Homefront be the beginning of these types of stories because they need to be told.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Altieri uses this vehicle to also showcase what happens to family members who lose those they love to war. Eric’s anger and sadness in its endless cycle is beautifully displayed.
The anger leaps off the pages. The struggle to accept weeps through Daniel and Eric’s words and actions.
I think for storyline purposes Altieri gives a feeling of hope and a sense of peace to come quickly. If you read this story and think why isn’t it happening that quickly for me, don’t worry and just take the steps like Danield does. I am not saying true love or total peace will be yours (smile), but breathing will get easier. (From one veteran suffering PTSD and anxiety to another.)
Altieri throws in a clean sweet romance to tie the story together. I like Daniel and Eric and wish for them every success. I hope Altieri goes back to Jasper Falls and writes more stories about soldiers and we can see whether Eric and Daniel make it. They have a VA center and it is a peaceful place...soldiers will come. Let Homefront be the beginning of these types of stories because they need to be told.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
October 3, 2021
Daniel and Eric’s story cannot have been an easy one to write, and sometimes it shows-- there’s something almost clumsy at times about the way they and their challenges are depicted. Grief, loss, the legacy of what it means to have been a soldier or to be the family a fallen soldier leaves behind: there is, or should be, a weight and a complexity to these themes that, for me, didn’t always carry through in this novella. Instead, there’s frequently an exaggerated and or disconnected quality to both dialog and actions, which can feel more message than character driven. I don’t really know what to do with a protagonist who wonders if *maybe* he’s been “too harsh” on the grieving man he has angrily accused of being guilty of his brother’s death. The man who took a bullet for said brother and is clearly barely hanging on. I also don’t know what to do with supporting characters who casually deliver lines like “your brother fought his war; now you gotta fight yours.” The romance, if that’s the right word, between Daniel and Eric is inextricably bound up in all of the trauma the characters are processing (at one point, Daniel thinks to himself that “Eric IS my therapy” and that is...not good, from a mental health perspective), and if there’s more to their connection than that shared grief, it doesn’t come through particularly clearly. I respect the heck out of the story this book is trying to tell, but for me there were definitely moments where form got in the way of content.
*I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily composed an honest review.
*I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily composed an honest review.
July 27, 2021
Daniel and Eric's story is one of loss and love. Daniel lost his best friend in Afghanistan and lost part of himself as well. He's broken and spiraling... until Eric. His best friend's brother gives him hope even as Eric pushes him away. There were times the story seemed a bit repetitive but the pain both men felt leaped off the pages. I only wish it had been longer and included a peek at what happened before the opening scene. I'd have preferred to "see" the event that started Daniel's journey instead of being told about it through Daniel's inner thoughts and dialogue with Eric. I think it would have strengthened my connection with Daniel's character.
Homefront is an emotional read that will make your heart hurt for both Daniel and Eric. But through their loss and pain, they find something wonderful -- love.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Homefront is an emotional read that will make your heart hurt for both Daniel and Eric. But through their loss and pain, they find something wonderful -- love.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2021
Aw, what a sweet book. Daniel is asked by his fallen and fellow soldier to make sure that his brother realizes that he understands and accepts him. Daniel is suffering from PSTD and guilt and questions his friend and not him. Eric is angry and doesn't want anything to do with Daniel at first but eventually, they are able to talk and there is a mutual attraction between them. The is sweet, romantic, short, forgiveness, and I enjoyed it.
April 28, 2023
DNFed. I dislike leaving one-stars unless necessary. This is short, so I tried to read it twice. The narrative flow is choppy because the writing is choppy. Keeping track of which character was intended to be doing what and where the MC actually was supposed to be from moment to moment was harder than it should have been and I eventually didn't care if it was short or not. There are other things I would like to read.
August 6, 2021
This was a quick novella that I felt could have been so much better. It could've been a full novel and actually explore the MCs rather than just give the surface of their stories. There is a lot too get into dealing with the death of a family member, the military, PTSD, etc. If this were longer and more flushed out I think I would've enjoyed this more.
October 6, 2021
This was a sweet hurt/ comfort opposites attract, military romance.
I loved that this was in a contemporary setting and the characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
The storyline was engaging and the writing style was compelling.
Definitely recommend this medium angst, hurt/ comfort read
I loved that this was in a contemporary setting and the characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
The storyline was engaging and the writing style was compelling.
Definitely recommend this medium angst, hurt/ comfort read
September 20, 2021
Really enjoyed this story. A quick and easy read for those who are in between longer books. Enjoyed looking at the two becoming closer and starting their relationship.
August 4, 2021
This book is about Daniel going to Jasper Falls to send a message from his bestfriend to his brother, Eric. Both are grieving at the loss of the person they care about the most and when they found each other, their worlds are going to change.
This book is so sad and I felt myself crying from the grief of both Daniel and Eric. Daniel really seems so depressed and I was relieved to see him getting happy as the story goes on. I wish it was longer!!! I absolutely loved Jenny and she was so funny! The writing was my cup of tea and I absolutely adore the book.
This book is so sad and I felt myself crying from the grief of both Daniel and Eric. Daniel really seems so depressed and I was relieved to see him getting happy as the story goes on. I wish it was longer!!! I absolutely loved Jenny and she was so funny! The writing was my cup of tea and I absolutely adore the book.
August 23, 2021
In concept, this had such great potential. The discharged vet (Daniel) finding his fallen comrades brother (Eric)to return a letter to him. However, this story falls flat very quickly. The writing is hard to read…at times it felt like I was reading a fan fiction of a story that already exists. It became repetitive…there was a point where Daniel is alone in his hotel room…completely alone…and yet Daniel’s name was mention a total of 7 times on that one page. Towards the end of this, I found myself skimming because I just wanted to get to the end…which says a lot for such a short book.
The dialogue was so bad I outwardly cringed. Like I said though, I think this is a strong concept. This could be a really good book…I think it needs the grace of being a full book though, and not some Wattpad type thing. I’ve had great success with NineStar and their published works, but “HomeFront” just missed the mark for me.
**I received an Advanced Readers Copy provided by NetGalley and NineStar Publishing*
The dialogue was so bad I outwardly cringed. Like I said though, I think this is a strong concept. This could be a really good book…I think it needs the grace of being a full book though, and not some Wattpad type thing. I’ve had great success with NineStar and their published works, but “HomeFront” just missed the mark for me.
**I received an Advanced Readers Copy provided by NetGalley and NineStar Publishing*
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews