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A Fresh Start
*Trigger Domestic Violence
Bruises tell a story, and bruises heal. Physical pain goes away, but the scars left behind are reminders that never fade.
What story are you asking yourself? That of a klutz or someone caught in a relationship of abuse and shame?
Sophia Evans has a past that only a few truly know about, and she wants to keep it that way. In life, she's had her sister, mom, and best friends to get her through the harsh moments of her life and be an anchor when she needs it.
Enter the Greek God of her dreams. He's everything she's ever wanted in a man, a man who tells the truth, doesn't put her down but builds her up, and loves her body, including every scar, curve, and every lovable inch of flesh.
Roman Pedersen has had a string of bad luck when picking women to date. He wants what his parents had and begins to believe it doesn't exist until she laughs at his brother's punny dad's joke.
When Roman sees Sophia at the club, he immediately wants her. He desires and needs her. Roman stakes his claim with his lips on hers, desperately trying to hold on to Sophia.
A kiss like that screams love.
A brick wall protects Sophia's heart; it took her years to build, and Roman manages to tear it down brick by brick.
But how long can Sophia outrun her past before it threatens her future?
Can Roman be the rock Sophia needs? Will Sophia fully trust Roman when he says he will never leave her?
Bruises tell a story, and bruises heal. Physical pain goes away, but the scars left behind are reminders that never fade.
What story are you asking yourself? That of a klutz or someone caught in a relationship of abuse and shame?
Sophia Evans has a past that only a few truly know about, and she wants to keep it that way. In life, she's had her sister, mom, and best friends to get her through the harsh moments of her life and be an anchor when she needs it.
Enter the Greek God of her dreams. He's everything she's ever wanted in a man, a man who tells the truth, doesn't put her down but builds her up, and loves her body, including every scar, curve, and every lovable inch of flesh.
Roman Pedersen has had a string of bad luck when picking women to date. He wants what his parents had and begins to believe it doesn't exist until she laughs at his brother's punny dad's joke.
When Roman sees Sophia at the club, he immediately wants her. He desires and needs her. Roman stakes his claim with his lips on hers, desperately trying to hold on to Sophia.
A kiss like that screams love.
A brick wall protects Sophia's heart; it took her years to build, and Roman manages to tear it down brick by brick.
But how long can Sophia outrun her past before it threatens her future?
Can Roman be the rock Sophia needs? Will Sophia fully trust Roman when he says he will never leave her?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
28 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Russell
59 books121 followersMovies, gaming and books…Oh My!
Jaime Russell resides in Southern Indiana. Growing up you would've never seen Jaime reading a book but now she takes a paperback and her kindle everywhere she goes.
Jaime is an avid gamer which she includes in her books as she writes her first series, “Love Me” and all the other surprises she has up her sleeves. Stay tuned to see what she’ll come up with next.
Jaime Russell resides in Southern Indiana. Growing up you would've never seen Jaime reading a book but now she takes a paperback and her kindle everywhere she goes.
Jaime is an avid gamer which she includes in her books as she writes her first series, “Love Me” and all the other surprises she has up her sleeves. Stay tuned to see what she’ll come up with next.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 10, 2022
what a amazing read from some amazing people.. Jamie RussellMelissa Filla.. You did a fantastic job!! I can not wait to see what you have in store next.
I just loved Sophia and Roman.. my heart hurt for Sophia and what she had to endure prior to meeting Roman.. but Roman being her rock, he helped her through the bad...
Now I need more of these other "best bitches" LOL
I just loved Sophia and Roman.. my heart hurt for Sophia and what she had to endure prior to meeting Roman.. but Roman being her rock, he helped her through the bad...
Now I need more of these other "best bitches" LOL
August 2, 2022
Roman and Sophia
These are new authors to me and the discovered this story yesterday on one of my group pages on Facebook. I know most of us aren't into reading about domestic abuse, but these ladies wrote a somewhat gentle version of what Sophia endured with her ex husband. Roman is an EMT/Firefighter and see's all kinds of stuff with his job. He was helping his brother Ryan unload alcohol at the bar where Sophia works and to say they were both attracted to each other quickly is an understatement. Roman eventually got her phone number and they texted and talked to each other before they had their first date. Sophia decided to tell Roman about the abuse she suffered before going further into their relationship. There are some twists and turns throughout and some surprises as well. My only problem with giving this story four stars, is because there are several grammatical errors throughout the story. Happy reading.
These are new authors to me and the discovered this story yesterday on one of my group pages on Facebook. I know most of us aren't into reading about domestic abuse, but these ladies wrote a somewhat gentle version of what Sophia endured with her ex husband. Roman is an EMT/Firefighter and see's all kinds of stuff with his job. He was helping his brother Ryan unload alcohol at the bar where Sophia works and to say they were both attracted to each other quickly is an understatement. Roman eventually got her phone number and they texted and talked to each other before they had their first date. Sophia decided to tell Roman about the abuse she suffered before going further into their relationship. There are some twists and turns throughout and some surprises as well. My only problem with giving this story four stars, is because there are several grammatical errors throughout the story. Happy reading.
August 7, 2022
Can't wait to hear more about the Best Bitches
I loved this book! It is very promising for future series hopefully. Loved the story loved how the book had very strong women helping lift each other up.
I loved this book! It is very promising for future series hopefully. Loved the story loved how the book had very strong women helping lift each other up.
August 1, 2022
OMG fantastic
omg do these these ladies really know how to write and keep your attention! great book highly recomend! MUST READ!!
omg do these these ladies really know how to write and keep your attention! great book highly recomend! MUST READ!!
September 25, 2022
Doubtful that I'll read anymore from this duo of authors.
Not sure how to take this book. The H comes across as a manwhore that thinks it's all the women's fault for their one night stands and lackluster "relationships". When he sees the h for the first time, he denies what he feels. Then he lays a "claiming" kiss upon her. He is a mixed up wanna be alpha-ish beta.
The H, forgot her name already. She was married to a very wealthy man, who ended up being abusive towards her. She got out of the marriage, not unscathed. After 5 long years, she meets the H and falls into lust at first sight. When her past comes to face her, instead of leaning on her friends and family, she bails.
Both characters lack something for me. As a DV survivor, I felt that the h was poorly written and her "recovery" was glossed over. The H felt like a too hard of a try at a "understanding" male. Both characters felt fake and pushed at the reader too hard.
The supporting characters, meh. The brother of the H, blah.
Not sure how to take this book. The H comes across as a manwhore that thinks it's all the women's fault for their one night stands and lackluster "relationships". When he sees the h for the first time, he denies what he feels. Then he lays a "claiming" kiss upon her. He is a mixed up wanna be alpha-ish beta.
The H, forgot her name already. She was married to a very wealthy man, who ended up being abusive towards her. She got out of the marriage, not unscathed. After 5 long years, she meets the H and falls into lust at first sight. When her past comes to face her, instead of leaning on her friends and family, she bails.
Both characters lack something for me. As a DV survivor, I felt that the h was poorly written and her "recovery" was glossed over. The H felt like a too hard of a try at a "understanding" male. Both characters felt fake and pushed at the reader too hard.
The supporting characters, meh. The brother of the H, blah.
August 16, 2022
A Needed Fresh Start
What a wonderful story. While dealing with a difficult situation, as true to it's title, this book is a fresh start. A breath of fresh air. The story accurately describes the physical and emotional struggles of abuse but still give a great journey of finding love.
What a wonderful story. While dealing with a difficult situation, as true to it's title, this book is a fresh start. A breath of fresh air. The story accurately describes the physical and emotional struggles of abuse but still give a great journey of finding love.
August 10, 2022
I absolutely loved A fresh Start from new Author Melissa Filla and Jaime Russell. Most are afraid to touch the subject of domestic violence, but these two did it in such a way that really gave the survivor ( Sophia) a voice instead of always making them the helpless victim. I also adore that the tribe of women she surrounds herself with. They are strong, support each other and uplift each other. What a great empowering story with of course a sexy EMT/Firefighter. I can't wait to see what else comes of this series. I definitely recommend grabbing yourself a copy.
August 14, 2022
Loved it
Oh my gosh this was the absolute best book!!!! I love it. I can't wait to read more from these two authors!!!
Oh my gosh this was the absolute best book!!!! I love it. I can't wait to read more from these two authors!!!
August 8, 2022
karma bites
Sophia endured abuse from her husband and left him and he put her in the hospital, she divorced him. Years later she found her dream man Roman. He put love in her life until the ex showed up to try to ruin it.
Sophia endured abuse from her husband and left him and he put her in the hospital, she divorced him. Years later she found her dream man Roman. He put love in her life until the ex showed up to try to ruin it.
August 14, 2022
A fresh start… laugh and love out loud
I cannot lie I love the author Melissa Filla. After all she’s my cousin. Read this book it will make you laugh and fulfill that romance reading need.
I cannot lie I love the author Melissa Filla. After all she’s my cousin. Read this book it will make you laugh and fulfill that romance reading need.
August 9, 2022
What a wonderful first book for Melissa Filla! I absolutely loved it!!!!
December 11, 2022
My favorite books are ones that can give me all the feels, this is one of them. Laughter and a gripping story are the best ever.
Being a survivor of domestic abuse, Sophia tries to not to fall for the amazing Roman. How could she not? Handsome, funny, and kind, he's everything a woman could want. He knows what he wants, and it's her. I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read more from these authors.
Being a survivor of domestic abuse, Sophia tries to not to fall for the amazing Roman. How could she not? Handsome, funny, and kind, he's everything a woman could want. He knows what he wants, and it's her. I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read more from these authors.
January 3, 2023
A Fresh Start is my first read by one of these authors and I loved it! My heart hurt something fierce for Sophia and all that she had to endure but thankfully Roman came at just the right time. These two are absolute magic together although you may wonder at first how, but, they get it together beautifully. Great read!
January 7, 2023
Loved this read! Roman and Sophia are the cutest ever, absolutely loved her no filter she had throughout the read and her and her friends made me laugh out loud many times. She is strong and survived what some may not, and she needs a strong man to lean on and not be strong with. He was the sweetest guys ever just looking his happily ever after and he finally found it with her.
October 14, 2022
A Fresh Start
This is an enjoyable first offering from Jaime and Melissa. I loved that Sophia was able to find her happily ever after with Roman. Lots of excitement and fun but with some angst filled moments. I look forward to more books.
This is an enjoyable first offering from Jaime and Melissa. I loved that Sophia was able to find her happily ever after with Roman. Lots of excitement and fun but with some angst filled moments. I look forward to more books.
November 12, 2025
A Fresh Start is a heartfelt and emotional story about healing, trust, and finding love after pain. Sophia’s journey is raw and real, and Roman’s unwavering support makes their romance deeply moving. It’s a tender, empowering read that stays with you long after the last pages.
November 12, 2025
A Fresh Start is a beautifully emotional story of resilience and love. Sophia’s courage to face her past and Roman’s patience and devotion make their connection feel authentic and powerful. It’s a moving, uplifting read about healing, trust, and finding hope again.
August 2, 2022
This book was amazing. Hope they keep writing together.
January 4, 2023
Love this new series
Love Roman and Sophia broken intense gripping love story
All the feels
Ready for Ryan and Jamie
Gimme
Love Roman and Sophia broken intense gripping love story
All the feels
Ready for Ryan and Jamie
Gimme
May 16, 2023
Sofia and Roman
She survived an abusive ex and now has a new life and man. Roman is an EMT / firefighter and finally found his perfect woman. But her ex is after her.
She survived an abusive ex and now has a new life and man. Roman is an EMT / firefighter and finally found his perfect woman. But her ex is after her.
July 18, 2023
Loved it
This was a good book. I hated what she had to go through but I love how strong she was and that she was still able to find love and trust again after everything.
This was a good book. I hated what she had to go through but I love how strong she was and that she was still able to find love and trust again after everything.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews