Nothing Left To Lose

by Jo Preston

The last thing Connor expected when he came back home on medical leave was to be the sole guardian to his baby niece.

Well over his head and with no idea how to care for an infant, he looks for help in the only place he can think of. His next-door neighbour.
What he doesn't expect is for the enigmatic Sasha from the flat next door is to help him with much more than just his niece.
Although getting into a relationship after the tragic events preceding his medical leave and caring for Skye is the last thing he should be thinking of, Connor can't help but fall for the girl next door.

Until unforeseen forces throw him into a spiral only the woman he loves can get him out of.

Genres: Contemporary

116 pages, ebook

Published September 22, 2022

About the author

Jo Preston writes sexy romance books. Sometimes funny, sometimes dark, and sometimes both, whichever way the ADHD wind blows.
She lives with her husband, son and a dog (that doubles as a teddy bear) in the UK, where she wraps up in warm clothes and hang out under umbrellas, dreaming of warm destinations.
When she's not writing, she enjoys a glass of wine (or two) with a good book or a favourite Netflix show.

Reviews

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of books. This one is probably a little lighter than most with Connor's military history but both he and Sasha have had their share of heartaches. How will Connor react when things get heavy??.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[animasoul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Hürden des Lebens mit herzerwärmenden Verzweigungen

„Nothing Left to Lose“ ist Teil einer Reihe von recht kurzen Geschichten über (Ex-)Soldaten oder andere Militärangehörige und wie sie ihr Glück finden. Hier wird die Geschichte von Connor und Sasha erzählt. Eine Geschichte, die mich sehr berührt hat und die sehr emotional war.

Ich habe bei dieser kurzen Geschichte keine großen Erwartungen gehabt und wusste auch nicht wirklich, was mich erwartet. Bisher kannte ich nichts von J. Preston. Doch das wird sich nach dieser Story von Connor und Sasha sicherlich sehr schnell ändern. Denn ich fand die Geschichte einfach nur sehr herzerwärmend und großartig.

Was ich besonders schön fand, ist, dass Connor trotz all des Leids, das er in seinem Leben erlebt hat und erleben musste, nun endlich doch noch sein Happy End gefunden hat. Anders als er es vielleicht jemals erwartet hatte. Und Connor ist ein toller Protagonist, der sein Glück wirklich sehr verdient hat.

Er kümmert sich sehr liebevoll um seine gerade geborene und frisch verwaiste Nichte Skye. Trotz all der eigenen Probleme, die er hat und die Trauer, die er empfindet beim Verlust seiner Schwester, gibt er die Kleine einfach nicht auf. Er nimmt sie auf, kümmert sich um sie und wird quasi ihr Vater. Die Interaktionen von ihm mit Skye sind so niedlich, dass es mir schwerfiel, so manches Mal ein Tränchen zu unterdrücken. Nicht jeder würde einfach so spontan ein Baby aufnehmen, auf das man gar nicht vorbereitet ist.

Sasha ist aber ebenfalls eine tolle Protagonistin. Beruflich ist sie in der Forschung tätig, um Krebspatienten das Leben leichter zu machen und vielleicht irgendwann ein Heilmittel zu finden. Als sie mitbekommt, dass ihr Nachbar mit der Baby-Situation überfordert ist, hilft sie ihm kurzentschlossen. Dabei kommen sich die beiden näher. Sasha verliebt sich dabei nicht nur in Connor, sondern auch in Skye. Doch können die Dämonen, die Connor heimsuchen wirklich dafür sorgen, dass die beiden ihr Glück miteinander und mit Skye finden?

Es ist eine einfache, aber sehr schön herzerwärmende Geschichte über Liebe, Verlust, Trauer und das Leben an sich. Emotional mitreißend und fesselnd von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite. Gerne wieder!

Hinweis: Das Buch habe ich als digitales Rezensionsexemplar via Booksprout im Austausch für eine ehrliche Rezension erhalten.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-breaking and heart-warming
This book is a part of the huge, multi-author “heart of a Wounded Hero’ series. ‘Nothing Left to Lose’ is about Connor and Sasha. He had come home after being medically discharged and was having a hard time getting back into civilian life. The PTSD he’d suffered after losing so many of his friends was difficult to adjust to, especially since he’d only suffered a minor physical injury in comparison. This only added to his survivor’s guilt.
When he arrived home to his only living relative – his sister Lisa – she’d gone into labour early. He gently held his newborn niece to his chest giving her the vital skin-to-skin contact she needed, when his world came crashing down yet again. His sister had bled out and died. Connor was now the sole person responsible for baby Skye, and was going to find this new parenthood very difficult. It wasn’t until Lisa’s neighbour Sasha came to his literal rescue one night as she heard the baby crying endlessly.
This was a really emotional, but sweet story, on so many levels. The main characters had enured so much but managed to (eventually) open their hearts to each other and the many possibilities. There would be dramas and obstacles, but hopefully they can overcome them for their and little Skye’s sake. The funny lines and thoughts helped to lighten up the story too, so I did have many giggles along the way as well. I loved how her lady parts sung ‘Ooga Chaka’, how her ovaries play Chopin’s Funeral March, and when her mind went into a full-on ‘Mr. Grey’s red room’ rampage, I couldn’t stop laughing! I give this book four and a quarter stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor has tragedy after tragedy in his life. Is sisters having a baby when he arrives at the hospital. He's handed his niece the most precious moment that turned tragic. His sis passed away from child birth. He is now responsible for a newborn and after getting her home all she does is cry. Connor is beyond exhausted and doesn't know what to do. Connor is a military man not a father. He doesn't know how to care for a child.
Sasha can't take the crying from the neighbors crying baby. She gets up and goes to the neighbors door to see what's wrong. What's Sasha wasn't expecting was the guy that came to the door. Sasha had taken care of her siblings and knew what was wrong with the little one. Seeing how Connor was exhausted, she took the baby and got her settled down and let Connor sleep.
Everyday they saw each other. Sasha stopped over after work everyday to see the pair. Connor enjoyed her company as well as baby Skye. They more they were around each other, the stronger their relationship grew. Now that they are a couple and raising Skye together, Connors life that always had tragedy and tragedy and heart break is now healed his broken heart and he has Sasha to thank for fixing his broken heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor is freshly home from the army, having been the sole survivor of a bomb attack, and he's instantly thrust into another stressful situation as his sister Lisa died after childbirth and he's left taking care of the baby, Skye. He bonds with his neighbor Sasha over childcare. But after everything he's lost he's finding it hard to trust that bad things won't happen to Sasha as well.

This was a pleasant story that wasn't quite as angsty as the traumatized history of the characters might indicate. I was expecting them to grieve for Lisa a bit more but her death went largely unmentioned in the buzz of falling in love and taking care of a baby. I liked the author's writing style that evokes emotion. It took me a little over an hour to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing Left To Lose: A Heart Of The Wounded Hero might be my favorite of these book. Connors life has had a lot of tragedy and the latest is his sister dying after giving birth and he is suddenly a dad/uncle. Sasha is his neighbor who literally steps in to help him and changes his life. They are taking care of the baby together and building a new relationship. Until another tragedy strikes and Connor decides it’s best to push Sasha away. Will he realize how he feels before it’s to late or did he lose Sasha forever? Such a great storyline and lovable characters. I laughed and cried. I would definitely recommend this book and the whole series. Such a wonderful series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor is home from the military after an explosion takes out his entire unit except for him only to lose his sister in childbirth leaving him custody of his niece. He meets Sasha when she comes over and calms his niece giving him a reprieve. As these two get close Connor has faced so much lost and dealing with PTSD, he feels that he will lose Sasha like he has lost everything else. Sasha has dealt with pain and suffering as well. With all the drama surrounding them will they find a way to unite channel their feelings that will bring about a happily ever after for them? This touching story drew me in and had me cheering for these two to find happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things have not been going Connor's way for some time. His whole team is killed on a mission. He heads to see his sister only to find out she has gone into to labor early, he now has a beautiful niece. Unfortunately, his sister did not survive, now this little girl is his care.

Things are starting to look up, when his sister's neighbor takes pity on him and helps with his niece when he is floundering. The more time he spends with Sasha, the more he wants to keep her around. When Skye gets sick, he makes a knee jerk reaction and pushes Sasha away. She is not home for days on end, will she ever forgive him or did he blow it?.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.

[Tracy Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor was only trying to exist when Sasha knocked on his door. His sister's door. His life to this point was harsh, cruel even. The knocks this man had received monumental.

And then Sasha walked in, and yes, saved him.

His sanity, his heart, his way.

I loved their chemistry and the feel goods that surrounded them every time they were together.
The story was fast but solid in its foundation. The characters real.

Nothing Left To Lose: A Heart Of The Wounded Hero, single dad steamy romance novella is a great read for those that want a HEA without reading for days :) Want a conclusion that feels true in it's ending.

Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing Left to Lose is a story that grabs your heart from the start and then takes you on an emotional ride that will break your heart at the loss and mend it with love.

Connor has returned from a painful deployment to the hospital where his niece is born, and his sister is having complications. Left alone and overwhelmed, Connor opens the door to find a neighbor looking at him. Sasha was not sure what was going on but hearing the baby cry had become t0o much. When she knocks on the door, she did not expect to see the man holding the baby.

Connor and Sasha's story has a number of ups and down that will grab at your heart as the learn to move forward. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me but I have read a few of the books in the Heart of a Wounded Hero series. This particular book is about a soldier who is home on medical leave and finds that his sister dies due to complications of childbirth and he is the only family to take care of his niece. Connor has no idea how to take care of a baby but luckily Sasha, his neighbor, does and comes to his rescue. This book is a quick, great read and well written. Be ready to laugh, cry, and want to kick someone's butt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so emotional. Connor was medically discharged from the military having been involved in a bombing that injured him and killed his friends. He arrives home only to then lose his sister and be left with his newborn niece. Totally heartbreaking. His neighbour, Sasha comes to his rescue one night and he is in love. Sweet, steamy, emotional romance with amazing chemistry and true love. Connor is scared to love and lose so pushes she’s Sasha away but their love for each other and baby Skye will overcome any fear and obstacles. Beautiful story with a wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, it tugged on the heartstrings. Connor comes back home from the military, after he's the sole survivor of his group. He comes home injured and now needs to step up and be a parent for his dead sister's newborn baby. With the help from his neighbor, he starts to get a hang of the whole parenting thing. Sparks also fly between him and his neighbor, but will it be over before it even starts...
Very good book and I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor (H) seems to be living under a dark cloud that's resulted in so many losses in his life, most recently the unit he was deployed with and his pregnant sister, leaving him unexpectedly caring for his newborn niece, Skye. Sasha (h), the next door neighbor, steps in and helps Connor adjust to his new role with Skye, though it doesn’t hurt that Sasha and Connor are attracted to one another. As their relationship deepens, Connor's worries threaten their HEA. Sweet romantic quickie with a side of hot and steamy!

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one tugged on the heartstrings. Connor has had such a hard life with a rough string of incidents. Just when he thinks things have settled, something else kicks him back down again. When Connor meets Sasha, she's his Angel sent to save him and he falls hard and fast. Connor knows from experience that nothing good can ever last for him, right? These two were just wonderful together, and I loved their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a story of getting knocked down several times and having the strength to get back up and carry on. Connor has his hands full with his new niece. Sasha steps in to help him and a closeness grows between them. They are a good team for Skye. Their story has so many struggles for Connor but both girls have laid claim to his heart. That makes all the difference. Good story and I enjoyed the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor’s nightmare is about to get worse; after losing all his brothers in arms in a mission where he was the only survivor, he is about to lose his only surviving relative, leaving him with a new baby born.
Sasha can’t sleep because of the baby’s screams next door. She just gets up room be and goes to her neighbour to see what’s going on and that will change her future.
A very emotional read about losing people you love and getting to love new people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor is filled with emotion. The emotion is heavy enough to bury him but he is able to keep going. The drama that ensues once he lets the emotion drive him away, he has to take that emotion and whip it into shape. I love how open and friendly and giving that Sasha allows herself to be. Their connection is immediate and full and almost a living thing between them. I love the way they determine to allow that connection to breathe and make them happy and complete. This is a sweet story that I really enjoy.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor is back home on medical leave, and he finds himself sole guardian to his little niece. Connor is struggling, and the neighbor next door Sasha, comes to his aid when she hears the baby crying. Both characters have suffered heartbreak in their lives, but can they heal each other? This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, and an emotional roller coaster, with drama, tragedy, heartbreak, humor, intrigue, and love, which leads to a heartwarming page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Odette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's emotional.

I found the beginning of the book to be emotionally powerful, especially as a military wife myself. Although the military aspect was only in the beginning, I appreciated the relatable moments, such as reading about an upset baby at 4:47 AM while trying to soothe my own 18-month-old back to sleep. Certain parts made me worried for Skyler, but I'm glad Conner was able to overcome his challenges in the end.

Be prepared for tears and laughter going into this book.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 69 of Heart of a Wounded Hero story for Connor and Sasha. Oh this one will have you hurting for Connor and the way he thinks he is cursed. I loved how Sasha's friend helps Connor see he is in love with Sasha. I loved how Sky wiggles her way into Sasha's life and brings these two together. Loved cures all and a tiny wiggling colicky baby doesn't hurt either.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good single “dad” romance. The story started out really heartbreaking and I don’t think I’ve ever read a first chapter like it. But out of the heartbreak a really sweet story was formed. Conner and Sasha were a great match and they had a great dynamic. It was my first time reading a story by this author and I definitely won’t hesitate picking up another.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this story cannot be more heartwarming than it is. Wounded soldier taking care of his sister's newborn baby and a caring neighbor ready to help him with the baby. Of course, feeling start to emerge and they fall for each other. Wonderful, caring and heartwarming story that will leave you with a smile on your face. Read it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Simonsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing left to Lose had me crying from the start! First from some serious heartbreak and then from laughter! 

When Connor finds himself in a stressful and unfamiliar situation his beautiful neighbour steps in to help. Sasha is fierce and caring and Connor can't help being pulled out of his state of doom and gloom when she's around. 

Conner and Sasha have the best chemistry and the spice in this book is just.. damn! 😳

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am usually hesitant to read anything involving military due to content but this book was so well written. The immense loss that the male main character endured was heartbreaking. The way the female main character was able to help with his healing process was beautiful.

And not gonna lie loved the cameo appearance of the couple from The Sexoest Nerd Alive! I enjoy this authors books and are great quick reads if you need story and spice!!

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing Left To Lose

A sweet romantic story involving a baby, single dad (uncle) and the female next door. What a cute/meet When she goes next door, gets handed the baby and gets thrown up on. It gets better as they get to know each other. It was cute when a former military man tries to care for an infant! The rest of the story is just as good (read it for yourself) and they get their HEA.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to the A Heart of a Wounded Hero series, well-written with a sweet and emotional storyline, Connor returns home to find himself father to his newborn niece after sister passed away. He's had tragedy after tragedy and when his neighbor steps in to help with little Skye, he gladly accepts. Connor and Sasha have some sizzling chemistry. Loved it.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this addition to the Heart of a Wounded Hero we read the story of Connor and Sasha. He comes home the only survivor in his group to find his sister is dead and he is now the guardian of her infant daughter Skye. He has no idea how to care for Skys and his neighbor Sasha helps him out only for them to begin to fall for each other. Will Connor and Sasha be able to build a family together?

[Tesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor comes home on medical leave and gets custody of his niece but badly needs help and that comes as his next door neighbor Sasha. This is sweet, steamy and emotional. I enjoyed the chalk and cheese or I should say gruff and sunshine contrast between Connor and Sasha. Well written and with wonderful characters, this was a great book. This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts off heart wrenching for the main character. The storyline draws you in hoping for that positive direction and it does not disappoint. It really pulls at your heartstrings, loved the characters and they finally get a chance to be loved and making a home, they all so well deserved.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.