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Five Years Gone #2
One Year Home
He came home a hero and lost the only woman he’s ever loved...
John
I have no idea how to survive without my beloved Ava. She had no choice but to move on with her life during my six-year deployment and has now married Eric. I hate him for taking her from me. I’d prefer to wallow in my depression and heartbreak, but the whole damned world wants a piece of the SEAL Team leader who helped capture the world’s most-wanted terrorist. I need help handling the relentless requests, and when Ava sends her new sister-in-law to manage the media circus for me, I’m prepared to hate her on principle. Her brother took my Ava. What else do I need to know about her?
Julianne
It takes five seconds to realize Ava’s ex is going to be the most complicated and difficult client I’ve ever had, but the opportunity to represent the most celebrated man in the world could make my career. I’m determined to do the job, even if I dislike John from the moment I meet him. And I like everyone. So much so that my brothers worry about me being exploited by those who would take advantage of my unwavering love for others. But John… He’s in a class by himself, and his bitterness is a festering wound that I begin to wish I could somehow fix for him. The more time we spend together, the more our mutual disdain morphs into something that feels an awful lot like desire. There’s no way I can want this man, or so I tell myself, and when Eric finds out I’ve developed feelings for the man causing trouble in his new marriage, well…
That’s going to be a hot mess.
The hotly anticipated follow up to Five Years Gone is here!
John
I have no idea how to survive without my beloved Ava. She had no choice but to move on with her life during my six-year deployment and has now married Eric. I hate him for taking her from me. I’d prefer to wallow in my depression and heartbreak, but the whole damned world wants a piece of the SEAL Team leader who helped capture the world’s most-wanted terrorist. I need help handling the relentless requests, and when Ava sends her new sister-in-law to manage the media circus for me, I’m prepared to hate her on principle. Her brother took my Ava. What else do I need to know about her?
Julianne
It takes five seconds to realize Ava’s ex is going to be the most complicated and difficult client I’ve ever had, but the opportunity to represent the most celebrated man in the world could make my career. I’m determined to do the job, even if I dislike John from the moment I meet him. And I like everyone. So much so that my brothers worry about me being exploited by those who would take advantage of my unwavering love for others. But John… He’s in a class by himself, and his bitterness is a festering wound that I begin to wish I could somehow fix for him. The more time we spend together, the more our mutual disdain morphs into something that feels an awful lot like desire. There’s no way I can want this man, or so I tell myself, and when Eric finds out I’ve developed feelings for the man causing trouble in his new marriage, well…
That’s going to be a hot mess.
The hotly anticipated follow up to Five Years Gone is here!
Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
1530 people are currently reading
1464 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
209 books8,446 followersMarie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
August 8, 2019
Right my lovelies, if you haven’t read Five Years Gone , I recommend rectifying that before you dive into One Year Home.
I gave more than six years and half a leg to bringing a ruthless terrorist to justice, and what do I get as a thank-you? The rest of my life without the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
Simply put, Marie Force brings her reader heartfelt and emotive story of letting go of the past and learning to love again as Captain John West comes to terms with life following his last deployment.
I’m utterly defenseless against the humble, vulnerable, wounded warrior who’s slowly but surely wrapping himself around my heart.”
Julianne is the peanut butter to John’s jelly, compassionate but no pushover she takes control of his newfound celebrity, guides him in the right directions and it soon becomes evident that that she understands him better than anyone else, grounding him and bringing normality, laughter and intimacy back into his life.
You’re my light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel.”
As was the case with its predecessor, this is one of those books you pick up and struggle to put down until you’ve finished as you need to know how the story plays out for the characters we’ve grown to love across the two books, including Ava and Eric. And whilst I have to admit that they weren’t quite as likeable as in the first book with some of the issues they faced wrapped up a little too agreeably all things considered, it doesn’t take away the fact that this was a satisfying, engaging read and I’m so glad Marie gave John his HEA.
I gave more than six years and half a leg to bringing a ruthless terrorist to justice, and what do I get as a thank-you? The rest of my life without the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
Simply put, Marie Force brings her reader heartfelt and emotive story of letting go of the past and learning to love again as Captain John West comes to terms with life following his last deployment.
I’m utterly defenseless against the humble, vulnerable, wounded warrior who’s slowly but surely wrapping himself around my heart.”
Julianne is the peanut butter to John’s jelly, compassionate but no pushover she takes control of his newfound celebrity, guides him in the right directions and it soon becomes evident that that she understands him better than anyone else, grounding him and bringing normality, laughter and intimacy back into his life.
You’re my light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel.”
As was the case with its predecessor, this is one of those books you pick up and struggle to put down until you’ve finished as you need to know how the story plays out for the characters we’ve grown to love across the two books, including Ava and Eric. And whilst I have to admit that they weren’t quite as likeable as in the first book with some of the issues they faced wrapped up a little too agreeably all things considered, it doesn’t take away the fact that this was a satisfying, engaging read and I’m so glad Marie gave John his HEA.
August 10, 2019
One Year Home
Marie Force
ONE YEAR HOME consumed me from the very first page and I could not put it down! Needless to say, my husband was constantly yelling at me to stop reading! Obviously he has never read a Marie Force novel because as I quickly remembered, once you start there is no way to stop. I want to devour all of her stories, each and every one of them as she just crushed my heart and left me crying. ONE YEAR HOME did not disappoint. Marie Force you owe me another box of tissues! There isn’t a single thing about this book that I didn’t love. It was wonderful, mesmerizing, hypnotizing, heartbreaking and breathtaking.
This is going to be a shorter review because my honest opinion is that it’s best to go into ONE YEAR HOME knowing as little as possible about the actual story so I won’t tell you anything that’ll ruin the experience here. But I can say that I was hooked from the very first page and completely drawn into these characters’ lives. You have to read FIVE YEARS GONE before you read this one though. I loved that the story was serious but little parts made me laugh out loud which broke up the more emotionally charged scenes. I swooned, proclaimed my undying love for ONE YEAR HOME, and had to take many breaks to wipe the tears that were flowing freely down my face more than once. One of the best books I’ve read in 2019!!
Once I started reading ONE YEAR HOME I discovered that there’s even more to this story than meets the eye. There’s an added layer to it that I absolutely loved but that I won’t mention because discovering it as you read is honestly the best. One of the things I love most about Marie Force's writing is how deeply she makes me care for her characters and how strongly she makes me feel for them. Deception and pain, love and loss, secrets and truths, hope and redemption—they all twist and tangle together creating another unforgettable novel from one of the most trusted voices in romance. Finally, you need to read this one. It will surprise, shock, impress, grip and absorb you into its story. And those wonderful characters, how happy I am for having ‘met’ them! They will stick with me for a very long time. I just know the same thing will happen for you…
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Inkslinger PR. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Marie Force
ONE YEAR HOME consumed me from the very first page and I could not put it down! Needless to say, my husband was constantly yelling at me to stop reading! Obviously he has never read a Marie Force novel because as I quickly remembered, once you start there is no way to stop. I want to devour all of her stories, each and every one of them as she just crushed my heart and left me crying. ONE YEAR HOME did not disappoint. Marie Force you owe me another box of tissues! There isn’t a single thing about this book that I didn’t love. It was wonderful, mesmerizing, hypnotizing, heartbreaking and breathtaking.
This is going to be a shorter review because my honest opinion is that it’s best to go into ONE YEAR HOME knowing as little as possible about the actual story so I won’t tell you anything that’ll ruin the experience here. But I can say that I was hooked from the very first page and completely drawn into these characters’ lives. You have to read FIVE YEARS GONE before you read this one though. I loved that the story was serious but little parts made me laugh out loud which broke up the more emotionally charged scenes. I swooned, proclaimed my undying love for ONE YEAR HOME, and had to take many breaks to wipe the tears that were flowing freely down my face more than once. One of the best books I’ve read in 2019!!
Once I started reading ONE YEAR HOME I discovered that there’s even more to this story than meets the eye. There’s an added layer to it that I absolutely loved but that I won’t mention because discovering it as you read is honestly the best. One of the things I love most about Marie Force's writing is how deeply she makes me care for her characters and how strongly she makes me feel for them. Deception and pain, love and loss, secrets and truths, hope and redemption—they all twist and tangle together creating another unforgettable novel from one of the most trusted voices in romance. Finally, you need to read this one. It will surprise, shock, impress, grip and absorb you into its story. And those wonderful characters, how happy I am for having ‘met’ them! They will stick with me for a very long time. I just know the same thing will happen for you…
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Inkslinger PR. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 31, 2019
Oh my God! Its almost midnight by the tine i finish with this book. What an amazing story. Military romance is not something new for me. And miss Force done it perfectly.
It is actually 4 people story intertwine with each other. In other authors hand, it can get very messy. But miss Force done it beautifully. Layer upon layer is added to make the story interesting and alive. I love John and Jules. They are so perfect for each other. I love how Jules can male John believes in human kind again. And i love how John brings the best of Jules.
Meanwhile Eric and Ava navigates such difficult journey into their marriage life. I am cheering when they get their HEA. I love how Ava stands strong fighting for her marriage and save Eric and her marriage at the end. It is so good to see all characters get their HEA.
5 Poppy stars
It is actually 4 people story intertwine with each other. In other authors hand, it can get very messy. But miss Force done it beautifully. Layer upon layer is added to make the story interesting and alive. I love John and Jules. They are so perfect for each other. I love how Jules can male John believes in human kind again. And i love how John brings the best of Jules.
Meanwhile Eric and Ava navigates such difficult journey into their marriage life. I am cheering when they get their HEA. I love how Ava stands strong fighting for her marriage and save Eric and her marriage at the end. It is so good to see all characters get their HEA.
5 Poppy stars
August 18, 2021
First of all, this is not a standalone, you definitely need to read “Five Years Gone” before diving into this one. Overall, I loved this one so much, it was awesome. I love John so much, loved everything about him. And Jules was just fantastic. Their relationship was just perfect and completely believable given the events in the previous books. The only reason why this is not a 5 star read is because there’s way too much Ava and Eric, including several chapters in their POVs and to me, it just took away from the real story which was about John and Jules. The drama of Ava and Eric was just too much and I wished it would’ve remained in their book. The audiobook is narrated by the awesome Erin Mallon and the amazing Jason Clarke, who I could listen to all day. Definitely worth the listen!
August 10, 2019
John West is a Navy Captain who has been through hell and back - and on more than one level. For starters, he was deployed for years with a team of dedicated soldiers who worked feverishly to bring down the world's most wanted terrorist. In so doing, John was forced to leave the love of his life, Ava, behind. When hand-picked for this special assignment, John could not have any personal ties, especially a significant other. So John could never tell Ava anything, including the fact that he might be gone for years.
Five years have passed, and Ava finally moved on with her life, even falling in love with and getting married to Eric. Ava never stopped loving John and he never stopped loving her. Believing John to be dead, Ava eventually found love. Just before her wedding, John was discovered to be alive, but by then, Ava's heart belonged to Eric.
Losing Ava was not the only loss John had to endure. He lost his two best friends during the coup. An even more significant loss, his leg. Not only did John lose his leg, but he suffered an infection that almost took his life. Now on the road to recovery, John wants to retire. Before the Navy will let him go, however, John must cooperate and complete a media blitz. The world wants to meet the biggest hero this country has ever had.
John is more than reluctant to participate, so he is assigned someone that will prepare him. That person is Julianne Tilden, Ava's sister-in-law of all people. How in the world will John work with Julianne? He is certain that every time he looks at her he will be reminded of Ava, and the fact that she married Julianne's brother Eric.
Julianne wants to walk away more than once. John just might be the biggest challenge she's ever faced. His pain holds no bounds. However, should she be successful, she will get a coveted promotion at her job. Another reason Julianne thinks of walking away is the very fact that she is drawn to John, and that is wrong on so many levels.
Meanwhile, Ava and Eric begin to experience difficulties. So, in One Year Home, readers get to see how John and Julianne begin to grow together, all while hoping for Ava and Eric to be able to work through the kinks in their brand-new marriage.
When I read Five Years Gone last December, I was floored. I felt Ava's pain while she was waiting for news of John, and I felt John's pain when learning of Ava's impending marriage. Beginning the second book in this series resurrected those feelings, but I also quickly formed feelings of hope for John and looked forward to him being able to heal in every way possible.
Marie Force has written an incredibly sensitive story, one that exposed real emotions for everyone concerned. This is an exceptional read, and I think those interested will definitely want to read the first book in the series prior to reading this title.
Many thanks to HTJB, Inc. and to Inkslinger PR for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Five years have passed, and Ava finally moved on with her life, even falling in love with and getting married to Eric. Ava never stopped loving John and he never stopped loving her. Believing John to be dead, Ava eventually found love. Just before her wedding, John was discovered to be alive, but by then, Ava's heart belonged to Eric.
Losing Ava was not the only loss John had to endure. He lost his two best friends during the coup. An even more significant loss, his leg. Not only did John lose his leg, but he suffered an infection that almost took his life. Now on the road to recovery, John wants to retire. Before the Navy will let him go, however, John must cooperate and complete a media blitz. The world wants to meet the biggest hero this country has ever had.
John is more than reluctant to participate, so he is assigned someone that will prepare him. That person is Julianne Tilden, Ava's sister-in-law of all people. How in the world will John work with Julianne? He is certain that every time he looks at her he will be reminded of Ava, and the fact that she married Julianne's brother Eric.
Julianne wants to walk away more than once. John just might be the biggest challenge she's ever faced. His pain holds no bounds. However, should she be successful, she will get a coveted promotion at her job. Another reason Julianne thinks of walking away is the very fact that she is drawn to John, and that is wrong on so many levels.
Meanwhile, Ava and Eric begin to experience difficulties. So, in One Year Home, readers get to see how John and Julianne begin to grow together, all while hoping for Ava and Eric to be able to work through the kinks in their brand-new marriage.
When I read Five Years Gone last December, I was floored. I felt Ava's pain while she was waiting for news of John, and I felt John's pain when learning of Ava's impending marriage. Beginning the second book in this series resurrected those feelings, but I also quickly formed feelings of hope for John and looked forward to him being able to heal in every way possible.
Marie Force has written an incredibly sensitive story, one that exposed real emotions for everyone concerned. This is an exceptional read, and I think those interested will definitely want to read the first book in the series prior to reading this title.
Many thanks to HTJB, Inc. and to Inkslinger PR for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 19, 2019
If you were left after FIVE YEARS GONE (book one) satisfied like me, you might question the need for a second book. Ten minutes into this listen, I realised that this was the sequel I didn’t know I needed and I could quickly see I was in for an emotive and angsty ride.
I knew this story was going to centre on John, broken, battered and bruised both outwardly and psychologically. This reluctant hero, thrown into fame and fortune he didn’t want or seek, made for compelling reading. After FIVE YEARS GONE, I felt sorry for John but I still wasn’t his biggest fan, I wanted Ava with Eric so…yeah. Coming at this story from John’s POV meant everything from an altered perception and I became his cheer team.
John’s story included accurate and compelling narrative about recovery from amputation to shrapnel, PTSD and sepsis. I challenge anyone not to be pulled into the journey. Yet, most compelling was John’s mangled heart and broken soul. The story of John connecting to Julianne was fast but not too fast, and I devoured the story.
So you think you know where this review is going? Colour me surprised when this isn’t just John’s story but it was very much back to Ava and Eric. I didn’t know how I felt about that and what was happening with this very new HEA; it was a rollercoaster. I was just glad we had four fantastic narrators along to present the ride to the listener.
This duology has been one of my favourite and most memorable military romances. I don’t often seek out this kind of story but Navy Captain John West series is one you should read if you’re a fan of this sub-genre or if you’ve never tried it before. This duology has made a Marie Force fan of me and I am eager to try my hand at her other kinds of romances and in 2020, I will.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities here.
I knew this story was going to centre on John, broken, battered and bruised both outwardly and psychologically. This reluctant hero, thrown into fame and fortune he didn’t want or seek, made for compelling reading. After FIVE YEARS GONE, I felt sorry for John but I still wasn’t his biggest fan, I wanted Ava with Eric so…yeah. Coming at this story from John’s POV meant everything from an altered perception and I became his cheer team.
John’s story included accurate and compelling narrative about recovery from amputation to shrapnel, PTSD and sepsis. I challenge anyone not to be pulled into the journey. Yet, most compelling was John’s mangled heart and broken soul. The story of John connecting to Julianne was fast but not too fast, and I devoured the story.
So you think you know where this review is going? Colour me surprised when this isn’t just John’s story but it was very much back to Ava and Eric. I didn’t know how I felt about that and what was happening with this very new HEA; it was a rollercoaster. I was just glad we had four fantastic narrators along to present the ride to the listener.
This duology has been one of my favourite and most memorable military romances. I don’t often seek out this kind of story but Navy Captain John West series is one you should read if you’re a fan of this sub-genre or if you’ve never tried it before. This duology has made a Marie Force fan of me and I am eager to try my hand at her other kinds of romances and in 2020, I will.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities here.
April 14, 2022
One Year Home is a must read if you have read Five Years Gone by Marie Force.
An amazing story of love and healing!
The narrators are wonderful!
An amazing story of love and healing!
The narrators are wonderful!
May 20, 2019
WOW! If you were blown away with "Five Years Gone", you ain't seen nothin' yet! Marie Force has once again brought on the emotional storm. These characters will steal your heart, break your heart, and win your heart forever without much effort. Be prepared to shed some tears! And smile! And laugh out loud, too! You're definitely going to swoon big-time over our hero, Navy Captain John West. As always, readers will be thrilled with all Marie has packed into this perfectly imperfect journey.
More on release day -- August 6, 2019!
More on release day -- August 6, 2019!
August 8, 2019
4.5 Marry Poppins Stars
I waited for over eight moths for this one to come out! I just knew it would be intense, and it sure didn’t disappoint! There were four POV’s... I was kind of shocked when two of them were introduced! What a tangled web! And whew we...it made for some serious angst!
“One Year Home,” the second book that follows “Five Years Gone,” which could have probably stood to be a duet, as these books should be read together.
“Gone is the hard-charging, hard-loving naval officer I once was. What remains is a man as fragile as a newborn, trying to find his way in a world that no longer makes sense to him.” -John
This dynamic was so refreshing, and I was pulled in by it immediately! It was both uniquely crafted, and executed! Oh how I loved seeing John, with Julianne in his most raw and vulnerable form. How she made him confident, once again, and protected from all that he faced from the outside world, but also that she resurrected him back from the pits of despair. She was the best person! Loved her character! I enjoyed the connection between these two so very much!
I waited for over eight moths for this one to come out! I just knew it would be intense, and it sure didn’t disappoint! There were four POV’s... I was kind of shocked when two of them were introduced! What a tangled web! And whew we...it made for some serious angst!
“One Year Home,” the second book that follows “Five Years Gone,” which could have probably stood to be a duet, as these books should be read together.
“Gone is the hard-charging, hard-loving naval officer I once was. What remains is a man as fragile as a newborn, trying to find his way in a world that no longer makes sense to him.” -John
This dynamic was so refreshing, and I was pulled in by it immediately! It was both uniquely crafted, and executed! Oh how I loved seeing John, with Julianne in his most raw and vulnerable form. How she made him confident, once again, and protected from all that he faced from the outside world, but also that she resurrected him back from the pits of despair. She was the best person! Loved her character! I enjoyed the connection between these two so very much!
May 8, 2021
Che dire... semplicemente meraviglioso John.. 😍
April 30, 2022
I found this on KU (the audiobook is in Scribd) and it looked interesting. (those abs… and I’m a sucker for the H being hooked on an ex book.) I initially didn’t realize that it was the second book in the series. The first book Five Years Gone follows John’s former fiancé, Ava and her love interest Eric, and if I’m honest, that blurb didn’t appeal to me at all… so I skipped it. I assumed this would just focus on John and Julianne… and it mostly does, but FYI- Ava and Eric are around some and even have their own POV chapters/subplot. So basically, I’m writing this from a completely different place than someone that read the first book. I don’t have an affection for Ava or Eric (I didn’t really like them), so I skimmed their parts HARD.
**The rest will have SPOILERS from the first book.**
Quick recap- John and Ava had a two-year relationship several years earlier. He was part of some elite secret super soldier program and wasn’t allowed to have any ties to the outworld. (dated Ava on the DL) After this book’s version of 9-11, he was sent out to hunt down their version of Osama bin Laden. He wasn’t allowed to tell anyone and pretty much apologized, kissed her, said goodbye, and disappeared. Ava spent 5-years waiting around/devastated before she went off to NYC and met Eric. John’s team eventually tracked down/eliminated the baddie, and the terrorist organization released the video with his picture. A distraught Ava tracked him down in a hospital and told him she fell in love and was marrying another.
One Year Home opens with a very unhappy John. He’s heartbroken, being flooded by media requests, and is dealing with the physical issues from his missing leg/infection/coma. Ava suggests that he work with Julianne who works in PR. (also her SIL) Initially, he’s a grumpy jerk stuck in the past, but Jules is hard to hate.
I don’t want to give spoilers, but I also know this can be a tricky trope for some. So, I’ll just say that this is a solid, well developed, slow-ish burn romance. There’s not a ton of drama because they’re both working through the steps at the same time. Basically, it low on angst but high on adulting.
My only real grump (other than Ava & Eric plot blocking and her annoying overreaching sister Amy) is that I found certain aspects quite unrealistic. Both books have a “poor Ava” theme going, specifically how bad John did her wrong and how hard it was for her to recover…but when you break it down… it all feels very illogical. They had a 2-yr/live in relationship, she never got a whiff that he was military?? He gets a call as soon as the news breaks in with the terrorist attack, (apologizes for having to leave her and tells her he loves her) grabs his bug out bag and leaves. Does she really have no clue or ideas what’s going on?? Then after spending 6 years undercover fighting for our country, losing teammates and his leg… she has to forgive him and he feels terrible that he wronged her so. (??) I felt like her reaction was so OTT!! He left and she wallows for FIVE years and has to go to therapy because she’s so messed up. I 100% agree he should’ve given her a heads up and been straight, but how do you continue to act a victim when comparing what each has endured during the separation? I also found his “stardom” hard to relate to.
Bottom Line- I’m torn because I REALLY liked John and Julianne’s part which was the focus, but I was super frustrated when a secondary character would pop up. Again, I might feel different if I read the first book, but it held ZERO appeal to me. I actually think keeping the books separate would’ve worked/flowed better anyway. As is, it took away from John and Jules, and mucked up Ava and Eric’s HEA. I did believe in their HEA but really could’ve done without all the Ava mentions. (nothing disrespectful to Jules- it just wasn't needed- his concern for her) Short epilogue 1-year out.
**The rest will have SPOILERS from the first book.**
Quick recap- John and Ava had a two-year relationship several years earlier. He was part of some elite secret super soldier program and wasn’t allowed to have any ties to the outworld. (dated Ava on the DL) After this book’s version of 9-11, he was sent out to hunt down their version of Osama bin Laden. He wasn’t allowed to tell anyone and pretty much apologized, kissed her, said goodbye, and disappeared. Ava spent 5-years waiting around/devastated before she went off to NYC and met Eric. John’s team eventually tracked down/eliminated the baddie, and the terrorist organization released the video with his picture. A distraught Ava tracked him down in a hospital and told him she fell in love and was marrying another.
One Year Home opens with a very unhappy John. He’s heartbroken, being flooded by media requests, and is dealing with the physical issues from his missing leg/infection/coma. Ava suggests that he work with Julianne who works in PR. (also her SIL) Initially, he’s a grumpy jerk stuck in the past, but Jules is hard to hate.
I don’t want to give spoilers, but I also know this can be a tricky trope for some. So, I’ll just say that this is a solid, well developed, slow-ish burn romance. There’s not a ton of drama because they’re both working through the steps at the same time. Basically, it low on angst but high on adulting.
My only real grump (other than Ava & Eric plot blocking and her annoying overreaching sister Amy) is that I found certain aspects quite unrealistic. Both books have a “poor Ava” theme going, specifically how bad John did her wrong and how hard it was for her to recover…but when you break it down… it all feels very illogical. They had a 2-yr/live in relationship, she never got a whiff that he was military?? He gets a call as soon as the news breaks in with the terrorist attack, (apologizes for having to leave her and tells her he loves her) grabs his bug out bag and leaves. Does she really have no clue or ideas what’s going on?? Then after spending 6 years undercover fighting for our country, losing teammates and his leg… she has to forgive him and he feels terrible that he wronged her so. (??) I felt like her reaction was so OTT!! He left and she wallows for FIVE years and has to go to therapy because she’s so messed up. I 100% agree he should’ve given her a heads up and been straight, but how do you continue to act a victim when comparing what each has endured during the separation? I also found his “stardom” hard to relate to.
Bottom Line- I’m torn because I REALLY liked John and Julianne’s part which was the focus, but I was super frustrated when a secondary character would pop up. Again, I might feel different if I read the first book, but it held ZERO appeal to me. I actually think keeping the books separate would’ve worked/flowed better anyway. As is, it took away from John and Jules, and mucked up Ava and Eric’s HEA. I did believe in their HEA but really could’ve done without all the Ava mentions. (nothing disrespectful to Jules- it just wasn't needed- his concern for her) Short epilogue 1-year out.
December 23, 2019
4.5 Poppy Stars!
I’m going to start out by admitting that I did NOT read the synopsis for this book. I knew it was going to be based off of Captain John West’s life after returning from the assignment that caused him to lose his leg and Ava. What I wasn’t ready for was the fact that it is from four peoples POV.
It is a continuation of Ava’s and Eric’s story along with John West’s. Had I have read the synopsis, I will be honest, I’m not certain I would have been as eager to read this since it is a little messed up as far as who John chooses to have an interest in. That being said, part of the excitement…..or maybe interest of this story does have a lot to do with the taboo aspect of the storyline.
This was a great story and engaging from the get go. It’s 2 stories in one………….a story about the struggles of coming back from war and feeling as if there is nothing left for you and also a story about maneuvering the highs and lows of a fresh marriage that started on a very bumpy road.
I loved all the characters in this book and felt all their pains and triumphs.
I’m going to start out by admitting that I did NOT read the synopsis for this book. I knew it was going to be based off of Captain John West’s life after returning from the assignment that caused him to lose his leg and Ava. What I wasn’t ready for was the fact that it is from four peoples POV.
It is a continuation of Ava’s and Eric’s story along with John West’s. Had I have read the synopsis, I will be honest, I’m not certain I would have been as eager to read this since it is a little messed up as far as who John chooses to have an interest in. That being said, part of the excitement…..or maybe interest of this story does have a lot to do with the taboo aspect of the storyline.
This was a great story and engaging from the get go. It’s 2 stories in one………….a story about the struggles of coming back from war and feeling as if there is nothing left for you and also a story about maneuvering the highs and lows of a fresh marriage that started on a very bumpy road.
I loved all the characters in this book and felt all their pains and triumphs.
May 18, 2020
Overall book rating: 3
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I had HIGH HIGH hopes for this one. I read the intro and it about just made me leave a 5 year stint of 99% MM to read it. I even braved the first book in the series so I could fully appreciate the second.
I enjoyed it. But it didn’t blow my mind.
The blurb:
“It takes five seconds to realize Ava’s ex is going to be the most complicated and difficult client I’ve ever had ...
But John… He’s in a class by himself, and his bitterness is a festering wound that I begin to wish I could somehow fix for him”
So...where is this person she’s describing? Where is the bitter, difficult man called John?
I found John to be sad, which is understanding. I found him to be a tad unwilling to be falling into his new roll, but heaven knows he still handled it way better than I was expecting after reading the burp.
I’ve read books with “difficult” characters. John, wasn’t one of those in my eyes.
So he didn’t turn out to be quite the brooding bull in a China shop broken soldier I was expecting.
I still enjoyed the story, just not has much as I hoped.
Ava started really bothering me around here as well and if I ever see Eric I’ll just about have to give the man a Bells because he grows patience in heaps somewhere.
For all the drama Ava put him trough she made a 180 turn in the last moments and all was well in paradise.
Also, the transition between loving Ava and loving Jules just went way to easy for me.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I had HIGH HIGH hopes for this one. I read the intro and it about just made me leave a 5 year stint of 99% MM to read it. I even braved the first book in the series so I could fully appreciate the second.
I enjoyed it. But it didn’t blow my mind.
The blurb:
“It takes five seconds to realize Ava’s ex is going to be the most complicated and difficult client I’ve ever had ...
But John… He’s in a class by himself, and his bitterness is a festering wound that I begin to wish I could somehow fix for him”
So...where is this person she’s describing? Where is the bitter, difficult man called John?
I found John to be sad, which is understanding. I found him to be a tad unwilling to be falling into his new roll, but heaven knows he still handled it way better than I was expecting after reading the burp.
I’ve read books with “difficult” characters. John, wasn’t one of those in my eyes.
So he didn’t turn out to be quite the brooding bull in a China shop broken soldier I was expecting.
I still enjoyed the story, just not has much as I hoped.
Ava started really bothering me around here as well and if I ever see Eric I’ll just about have to give the man a Bells because he grows patience in heaps somewhere.
For all the drama Ava put him trough she made a 180 turn in the last moments and all was well in paradise.
Also, the transition between loving Ava and loving Jules just went way to easy for me.
June 4, 2024
Review from 2019
I've given this an A- for narration and a B+ for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
One Year Home is a direct sequel toFive Years Gone, which should be listened to first – and there are spoilers for that book in this review.
In Five Years Gone, Marie Force told the story of Ava Lucas, who was left heartbroken and bewildered when her boyfriend of two years, naval officer John West, was deployed and never returned. Unable to find out what had happened to him, Ava decided that she’d wait for five years and if the situation remained unchanged at the end of it, she’d move back to New York and move on with her life. Even though it was a difficult road, strewn with guilt, anger and heartbreak, she fell in love again and became engaged to be married. But then the world learned the truth about John and his team of Navy SEALs; following the terrorist attack on a cruise ship that killed four thousand people, they had been deployed in order to hunt down those behind the atrocity. Having taken out America’s most wanted man, lost part of his leg and survived a serious infection that almost killed him, John is alive and still very much in love with Ava, so learning she’s engaged to be married to another man is a huge blow. And learning that John is still alive is a massive shock for Ava, too, but by the end of the book, she and Eric are married, and she’s agreed to remain in touch with John, who is, needless to say, not in a good place as he struggles to cope with the loss of Ava as well as the deaths of two close friends and learning to deal with his physical limitations.
“I gave more than six years and half a leg to bringing a ruthless terrorist to justice, and what do I get as a thank-you? The rest of my life without the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
When we meet John again at the start of One Year Home, he’s bitter and angry at just about everything – including himself – and only wants to be left alone to wallow in misery and mourn the life he could have had. With media interest in him reaching fever pitch, Ava suggests calling in Eric’s sister Julianne, who works for a well-known PR firm, to co-ordinate all the media requests and help prepare John for the numerous interviews that have been requested. John doesn’t want to do any of it; all he wants is to retire from the Navy and be left alone, but the Navy wants the good publicity he will generate and won’t agree to let him retire until he’s done the round of talk-shows and personal appearances.
He and Julianne don’t hit it off at first, partly because he has no interest whatsoever in being the poster boy for the Navy and partly because she’s Eric’s sister. But she’s persistent and makes it quickly clear that she’s there to do a job and that she’s not prepared to put up with John’s crap, and after a couple of week John starts to realise what a dickhead he’s been. He’s not going to get out of the publicity tour, so he might as well accept the help Julianne is offering and learn how to face what’s coming and make the best of it. This détente soon turns into genuine friendship as Julianne’s warmth and open-heartedness gradually starts John on the road to finding a sense of normality again, bringing laughter, understanding and affection – things he’s sorely missed – back into his life. The chemistry between the couple is evident from the moment they meet, and it builds gradually over the days and weeks they spend together preparing for the press tour and during it. For his part, John is pleased to discover he can feel attraction and arousal again as he’d feared that was something he’d lost along with his leg and years of his life; but for Julianne, the situation is far more complicated. Getting involved with a client is unprofessional and could adversely affect her career, and just as worrisome is the likely reaction of her family, given that John is Ava’s ex, and the man Eric feels may still be his rival.
The romance between John and Julianne progresses fairly quickly, something they both acknowledge, but it works because of their enforced proximity and because of the way the author develops trust and understanding and builds a strong emotional connection between them. I also appreciated the inclusion of the sub-plot concerning Ava and Eric, who are voiced once again by Andi Arndt and Joe Arden in the half-dozen sections/chapters told from their points of view. Although the pair married at the end of the previous book, there was the sense that Ava hadn’t completely dealt with the ramifications of John’s return, and here, that proves to be the case. Ava and Eric have to face up to the guilt and trust issues that threaten their marriage, and the fact that Julianne and her family are aware that the newly-weds are having problems makes Julianne’s involvement with John that bit more difficult.
One Year Home is an angsty and emotional journey that will bring smiles and tears along the way. John is an extremely sympathetic character and one of the best heroes I’ve come across in quite some time. It’s easy to understand why he’s so frustrated and bent on pushing everyone away at the beginning of the book, but it was wonderful to watch him gradually emerge from the shell he’d built for himself and, with Julianne’s support, start to reclaim his life and his sense of self. He could have been a bit too good to be true, but his insecurities and the inner vulnerability he tries hard to hide give him flaws that make him seem that much more human.
The chapters told from John’s PoV are narrated by Jason Clarke, who is quickly becoming a favourite performer. The deep, slightly gravelly tone he uses to voice the male leads in the stories he narrates is very attractive and he is able to voice the female characters believably, as well as to provide a fairly large range of character voices and to differentiate between them all effectively. He does a fantastic job with his portrayal of John, expertly conveying his shifting emotions, his inner strength, his fears and insecurities and the more playful side he gradually regains and reveals to Julianne.
I haven’t listened to Erin Mallon before, although I know she’s an established and very popular narrator of contemporary romances. She delivers a strong and expressive performance here that really captures Julianne’s spirit and her loyal, affectionate nature, but I had a couple of issues, the biggest of which is that she has the habit of kind of… pushing out a breath at the ends of words and phrases that makes it sound as though they have an extra syllable. So, for example, in the chapter headings, I heard “Chapter Ten-ah. Julianne –ah”. She doesn’t do it all the time, but it’s frequent enough to be noticeable, and once heard can’t be un-heard. That said, I’d probably listen to her again, as her performance in all other respects was very good.
I’ve given one grade for the narration overall, which is based on an A for Jason Clarke, a B for Erin Mallon and something in-between for Andi and Joe, who were excellent in their small roles.
A sweet and sexy romance combined with the story of a man rebuilding his life and learning to live – and love – again, One Year Home was a compelling listen, and is every bit as heartbreaking and uplifting as its predecessor. It’s a must-listen for anyone who enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster that was Five Years Gone and wanted to know what happened to John afterwards; and the excellent performances – by Jason Clarke especially – make a strong argument for experiencing this story in audio format.
I've given this an A- for narration and a B+ for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
One Year Home is a direct sequel toFive Years Gone, which should be listened to first – and there are spoilers for that book in this review.
In Five Years Gone, Marie Force told the story of Ava Lucas, who was left heartbroken and bewildered when her boyfriend of two years, naval officer John West, was deployed and never returned. Unable to find out what had happened to him, Ava decided that she’d wait for five years and if the situation remained unchanged at the end of it, she’d move back to New York and move on with her life. Even though it was a difficult road, strewn with guilt, anger and heartbreak, she fell in love again and became engaged to be married. But then the world learned the truth about John and his team of Navy SEALs; following the terrorist attack on a cruise ship that killed four thousand people, they had been deployed in order to hunt down those behind the atrocity. Having taken out America’s most wanted man, lost part of his leg and survived a serious infection that almost killed him, John is alive and still very much in love with Ava, so learning she’s engaged to be married to another man is a huge blow. And learning that John is still alive is a massive shock for Ava, too, but by the end of the book, she and Eric are married, and she’s agreed to remain in touch with John, who is, needless to say, not in a good place as he struggles to cope with the loss of Ava as well as the deaths of two close friends and learning to deal with his physical limitations.
“I gave more than six years and half a leg to bringing a ruthless terrorist to justice, and what do I get as a thank-you? The rest of my life without the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
When we meet John again at the start of One Year Home, he’s bitter and angry at just about everything – including himself – and only wants to be left alone to wallow in misery and mourn the life he could have had. With media interest in him reaching fever pitch, Ava suggests calling in Eric’s sister Julianne, who works for a well-known PR firm, to co-ordinate all the media requests and help prepare John for the numerous interviews that have been requested. John doesn’t want to do any of it; all he wants is to retire from the Navy and be left alone, but the Navy wants the good publicity he will generate and won’t agree to let him retire until he’s done the round of talk-shows and personal appearances.
He and Julianne don’t hit it off at first, partly because he has no interest whatsoever in being the poster boy for the Navy and partly because she’s Eric’s sister. But she’s persistent and makes it quickly clear that she’s there to do a job and that she’s not prepared to put up with John’s crap, and after a couple of week John starts to realise what a dickhead he’s been. He’s not going to get out of the publicity tour, so he might as well accept the help Julianne is offering and learn how to face what’s coming and make the best of it. This détente soon turns into genuine friendship as Julianne’s warmth and open-heartedness gradually starts John on the road to finding a sense of normality again, bringing laughter, understanding and affection – things he’s sorely missed – back into his life. The chemistry between the couple is evident from the moment they meet, and it builds gradually over the days and weeks they spend together preparing for the press tour and during it. For his part, John is pleased to discover he can feel attraction and arousal again as he’d feared that was something he’d lost along with his leg and years of his life; but for Julianne, the situation is far more complicated. Getting involved with a client is unprofessional and could adversely affect her career, and just as worrisome is the likely reaction of her family, given that John is Ava’s ex, and the man Eric feels may still be his rival.
The romance between John and Julianne progresses fairly quickly, something they both acknowledge, but it works because of their enforced proximity and because of the way the author develops trust and understanding and builds a strong emotional connection between them. I also appreciated the inclusion of the sub-plot concerning Ava and Eric, who are voiced once again by Andi Arndt and Joe Arden in the half-dozen sections/chapters told from their points of view. Although the pair married at the end of the previous book, there was the sense that Ava hadn’t completely dealt with the ramifications of John’s return, and here, that proves to be the case. Ava and Eric have to face up to the guilt and trust issues that threaten their marriage, and the fact that Julianne and her family are aware that the newly-weds are having problems makes Julianne’s involvement with John that bit more difficult.
One Year Home is an angsty and emotional journey that will bring smiles and tears along the way. John is an extremely sympathetic character and one of the best heroes I’ve come across in quite some time. It’s easy to understand why he’s so frustrated and bent on pushing everyone away at the beginning of the book, but it was wonderful to watch him gradually emerge from the shell he’d built for himself and, with Julianne’s support, start to reclaim his life and his sense of self. He could have been a bit too good to be true, but his insecurities and the inner vulnerability he tries hard to hide give him flaws that make him seem that much more human.
The chapters told from John’s PoV are narrated by Jason Clarke, who is quickly becoming a favourite performer. The deep, slightly gravelly tone he uses to voice the male leads in the stories he narrates is very attractive and he is able to voice the female characters believably, as well as to provide a fairly large range of character voices and to differentiate between them all effectively. He does a fantastic job with his portrayal of John, expertly conveying his shifting emotions, his inner strength, his fears and insecurities and the more playful side he gradually regains and reveals to Julianne.
I haven’t listened to Erin Mallon before, although I know she’s an established and very popular narrator of contemporary romances. She delivers a strong and expressive performance here that really captures Julianne’s spirit and her loyal, affectionate nature, but I had a couple of issues, the biggest of which is that she has the habit of kind of… pushing out a breath at the ends of words and phrases that makes it sound as though they have an extra syllable. So, for example, in the chapter headings, I heard “Chapter Ten-ah. Julianne –ah”. She doesn’t do it all the time, but it’s frequent enough to be noticeable, and once heard can’t be un-heard. That said, I’d probably listen to her again, as her performance in all other respects was very good.
I’ve given one grade for the narration overall, which is based on an A for Jason Clarke, a B for Erin Mallon and something in-between for Andi and Joe, who were excellent in their small roles.
A sweet and sexy romance combined with the story of a man rebuilding his life and learning to live – and love – again, One Year Home was a compelling listen, and is every bit as heartbreaking and uplifting as its predecessor. It’s a must-listen for anyone who enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster that was Five Years Gone and wanted to know what happened to John afterwards; and the excellent performances – by Jason Clarke especially – make a strong argument for experiencing this story in audio format.
August 8, 2019
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This guy… I’m utterly defenseless against the humble, vulnerable, wounded warrior who’s slowly but surely wrapping himself around my heart.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of this book since reading Five Years Gone late last year. I was Team Eric and was glad about how that book turned out but I was still very interested in reading John’s story, I don’t think many will disagree that he was dealt the worst hand out of anyone in this whole ordeal. Gosh, he was so bitter and angry when this book starts. And can you blame the guy? He basically lost everything important to him because of his deployment. Now, six years later, he’s got to try to figure out how to live again and it hasn’t been easy. Especially now that he’s a household name and the entire country is clamoring to hear his story. When his ex, who he still has strong feelings for, sends her new sister-in-law to help him handle all the media inquiries, John is set to immediately dislike her. Imagine his surprise when she actually turns out to be charming, beautiful, and capable of making him feel hopeful and alive for the first time in many years. Too bad their pairing has forbidden written all over it.
I think I liked this book even more than I did the first one. I mean, who doesn’t love a good, tortured hero and John certainly was the perfect picture of tortured hero. I thought his feelings, his torment, and his ultimate transformation was so well done. I absolutely loved him. Even when he was being a total jerk at the start, my heart went out to him. And seeing his vulnerability slip through really tugged at my heart. I thought him and Julianne made such a great pairing. She was so understanding, kind, and protective of him. I think she was just the thing he needed to help heal his heart. The thing I really loved about this book, though, was that while we’re enjoying this really wonderful love story, there’s also this HUGE forbidden aspect and the build-up to the potential drama from that was so well done. I was so here for it. I also liked seeing more of Eric and Ava and the side plot of them really having to deal with the fall out from her choice. I’m glad that was addressed here, it really helped tie up any loose ends. This book was such a great follow up to Five Years Gone, I think that anyone who was sad by the end of the first one will be satisfied with how everything turns out here!
I gave up six years of my life, my leg, my two best friends and the woman I loved in service to my country. I don’t owe anyone anything. This next phase of my life is going to be about me and what I want.
I want her.
This guy… I’m utterly defenseless against the humble, vulnerable, wounded warrior who’s slowly but surely wrapping himself around my heart.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of this book since reading Five Years Gone late last year. I was Team Eric and was glad about how that book turned out but I was still very interested in reading John’s story, I don’t think many will disagree that he was dealt the worst hand out of anyone in this whole ordeal. Gosh, he was so bitter and angry when this book starts. And can you blame the guy? He basically lost everything important to him because of his deployment. Now, six years later, he’s got to try to figure out how to live again and it hasn’t been easy. Especially now that he’s a household name and the entire country is clamoring to hear his story. When his ex, who he still has strong feelings for, sends her new sister-in-law to help him handle all the media inquiries, John is set to immediately dislike her. Imagine his surprise when she actually turns out to be charming, beautiful, and capable of making him feel hopeful and alive for the first time in many years. Too bad their pairing has forbidden written all over it.
I think I liked this book even more than I did the first one. I mean, who doesn’t love a good, tortured hero and John certainly was the perfect picture of tortured hero. I thought his feelings, his torment, and his ultimate transformation was so well done. I absolutely loved him. Even when he was being a total jerk at the start, my heart went out to him. And seeing his vulnerability slip through really tugged at my heart. I thought him and Julianne made such a great pairing. She was so understanding, kind, and protective of him. I think she was just the thing he needed to help heal his heart. The thing I really loved about this book, though, was that while we’re enjoying this really wonderful love story, there’s also this HUGE forbidden aspect and the build-up to the potential drama from that was so well done. I was so here for it. I also liked seeing more of Eric and Ava and the side plot of them really having to deal with the fall out from her choice. I’m glad that was addressed here, it really helped tie up any loose ends. This book was such a great follow up to Five Years Gone, I think that anyone who was sad by the end of the first one will be satisfied with how everything turns out here!
I gave up six years of my life, my leg, my two best friends and the woman I loved in service to my country. I don’t owe anyone anything. This next phase of my life is going to be about me and what I want.
I want her.
August 6, 2019
(Warning: spoilers to the first book Five Years Gone...)
Five Years Gone was one of my favorite books of last year. I was not sure if John's continuing story was going to be able to live up to it, but was excited to read more. And I was immediately immersed back into his world. The author did a good job reminding us of any details that were pertinent so we could just jump right back in. And I enjoyed this installment as much as the first.
Captain John West is struggling and recovering. He is now seen as an American Hero due to video footage of him taking out a terrorist, but his life was further altered by medical complications, recovery, and missed time. And the one woman that kept him motivated to return home to for six years fell in love with someone else in his absence. He has lost the only people he ever loved or loved him. He still has some physical challenges, and he is angry, depressed, broken-hearted, and overwhelmed by the media's attention. Regrets and nightmares are further dragging him down.
Julianne Tilden is a media expert recommended by his old girlfriend, Ava. She is actually the sister of Ava's new love. But she is tough, smart, friendly, and optimistic. Even when he tries to intimidate her, she stands up to him and challenges him. She is light to his darkness. And somehow she begins to push him out of his pity party and gets him to take charge of his life. And as she pushes through his tough facade, more and more glimpses of the happier, friendlier, but also vulnerable John begin to emerge.
But they know they are off-limits. She should be professional. He needs her to help sort out his public image. And she is too closely related to the situation with his ex and her new love. It is all a precarious situation bound to cause controversy. But that does not stop the attraction they both know they should resist.
This is an emotional, heartfelt story of loss, love, healing, and hope. It is told in multiple points of view giving us more understanding. It not only continues John's story, but also Ava and Eric's. John's disappearance, reappearance, and unresolved feelings affected them all in different ways. And their larger closely tied family and friend group also have concerns. But sometimes the unexpected happens and it is a catalyst for change. And healing and moving on takes time, patience, and understanding.
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Five Years Gone was one of my favorite books of last year. I was not sure if John's continuing story was going to be able to live up to it, but was excited to read more. And I was immediately immersed back into his world. The author did a good job reminding us of any details that were pertinent so we could just jump right back in. And I enjoyed this installment as much as the first.
Captain John West is struggling and recovering. He is now seen as an American Hero due to video footage of him taking out a terrorist, but his life was further altered by medical complications, recovery, and missed time. And the one woman that kept him motivated to return home to for six years fell in love with someone else in his absence. He has lost the only people he ever loved or loved him. He still has some physical challenges, and he is angry, depressed, broken-hearted, and overwhelmed by the media's attention. Regrets and nightmares are further dragging him down.
Julianne Tilden is a media expert recommended by his old girlfriend, Ava. She is actually the sister of Ava's new love. But she is tough, smart, friendly, and optimistic. Even when he tries to intimidate her, she stands up to him and challenges him. She is light to his darkness. And somehow she begins to push him out of his pity party and gets him to take charge of his life. And as she pushes through his tough facade, more and more glimpses of the happier, friendlier, but also vulnerable John begin to emerge.
But they know they are off-limits. She should be professional. He needs her to help sort out his public image. And she is too closely related to the situation with his ex and her new love. It is all a precarious situation bound to cause controversy. But that does not stop the attraction they both know they should resist.
This is an emotional, heartfelt story of loss, love, healing, and hope. It is told in multiple points of view giving us more understanding. It not only continues John's story, but also Ava and Eric's. John's disappearance, reappearance, and unresolved feelings affected them all in different ways. And their larger closely tied family and friend group also have concerns. But sometimes the unexpected happens and it is a catalyst for change. And healing and moving on takes time, patience, and understanding.
October 16, 2023
Daniela - per RFS
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Bello, intenso e toccante! Già il titolo e la sinossi danno un’idea di cosa aspettarsi. Per non parlare dell’autrice che oltre a scrivere in modo scorrevole con attenzione ai particolari e all’intreccio riesce, delineandone bene carattere ed emozioni, a farci amare i suoi personaggi.
La storia parla di un Seal, John, che ha partecipato a una missione segreta, durata cinque anni, per catturare un terrorista. Trattandosi di una missione top secret, è partito lasciando la donna di cui era innamorato senza poter dare una spiegazione. Portata a termine la spedizione, nella quale verrà gravemente ferito, il nostro protagonista rientra in patria come un eroe ma con ancora molto da fare per il recupero della forma fisica e non solo. Ad aggravare lo stato depressivo dell’uomo vi è anche la consapevolezza di aver perso il suo grande amore: Ava.
Tornato alla sua vita, dopo un anno di cure e riabilitazione, la Marina militare gli chiede di rilasciare interviste e altro per favorire l’arruolamento dei giovani all’arma. E qui entra in scena Julianne. Lei dovrà prendersi cura di farlo apparire al meglio, programmare le sue presenze in TV e curarsi di tutti gli aspetti che riguardano questa campagna.
Julianne è la sorella di Eric, l’uomo che ha preso il posto di John nel cuore di Ava.
Intorno ai nostri due protagonisti ruotano altre figure, non certo meno importanti e prive di carattere. Muncie, per esempio, è il marines che dà supporto al nostro capitano senza risparmiargli qualche frase salace per rimetterlo in carreggiata. Amy, la sorella di Julianne, Ava ed Eric, Rob altro fratello e Camille faranno parte integrante della storia.
Il nostro capitano ha parecchie cose che lo tormentano oltre a quelle citate: un grande senso di colpa nei confronti di Ava, la perdita di due commilitoni con i quali aveva un profondo rapporto di amicizia e la consapevolezza di non poter essere lo stesso uomo di prima con l’incertezza sul proprio futuro.
Non voglio dilungarmi oltre sulla storia per non spoilerare. Ma… è una lettura che consiglio vivamente a chi si vuole commuovere un po’. È un libro che fa bene al cuore. Le paure e le insicurezze dei protagonisti mi hanno coinvolta profondamente così come mi ha commossa l’altruismo, dimostrazione del vero amore, che essi mostrano nei confronti delle persone che amano.
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Bello, intenso e toccante! Già il titolo e la sinossi danno un’idea di cosa aspettarsi. Per non parlare dell’autrice che oltre a scrivere in modo scorrevole con attenzione ai particolari e all’intreccio riesce, delineandone bene carattere ed emozioni, a farci amare i suoi personaggi.
La storia parla di un Seal, John, che ha partecipato a una missione segreta, durata cinque anni, per catturare un terrorista. Trattandosi di una missione top secret, è partito lasciando la donna di cui era innamorato senza poter dare una spiegazione. Portata a termine la spedizione, nella quale verrà gravemente ferito, il nostro protagonista rientra in patria come un eroe ma con ancora molto da fare per il recupero della forma fisica e non solo. Ad aggravare lo stato depressivo dell’uomo vi è anche la consapevolezza di aver perso il suo grande amore: Ava.
Tornato alla sua vita, dopo un anno di cure e riabilitazione, la Marina militare gli chiede di rilasciare interviste e altro per favorire l’arruolamento dei giovani all’arma. E qui entra in scena Julianne. Lei dovrà prendersi cura di farlo apparire al meglio, programmare le sue presenze in TV e curarsi di tutti gli aspetti che riguardano questa campagna.
Julianne è la sorella di Eric, l’uomo che ha preso il posto di John nel cuore di Ava.
Intorno ai nostri due protagonisti ruotano altre figure, non certo meno importanti e prive di carattere. Muncie, per esempio, è il marines che dà supporto al nostro capitano senza risparmiargli qualche frase salace per rimetterlo in carreggiata. Amy, la sorella di Julianne, Ava ed Eric, Rob altro fratello e Camille faranno parte integrante della storia.
Il nostro capitano ha parecchie cose che lo tormentano oltre a quelle citate: un grande senso di colpa nei confronti di Ava, la perdita di due commilitoni con i quali aveva un profondo rapporto di amicizia e la consapevolezza di non poter essere lo stesso uomo di prima con l’incertezza sul proprio futuro.
Non voglio dilungarmi oltre sulla storia per non spoilerare. Ma… è una lettura che consiglio vivamente a chi si vuole commuovere un po’. È un libro che fa bene al cuore. Le paure e le insicurezze dei protagonisti mi hanno coinvolta profondamente così come mi ha commossa l’altruismo, dimostrazione del vero amore, che essi mostrano nei confronti delle persone che amano.
August 14, 2019
This book is definitely one of my favourite reads for this year. It's kind of a duet, the first book, Five Years Gone is about Ava and I can't imagine anyone reading either of these books and not wanting to jump straight into the other one. In the first book, Ava is waiting for her man to come back from war, but not knowing any details about his deployment, or if he is even coming back, Ava makes a decision after 5 years of radio silence to move on with her life, however heart breaking it is. She begins to find happiness in another man, and then the unimaginable happens, her first love returns home. So that's the first book, a fair amount of angst and heartbreak involved.
This book, One Year Home, is about John, it's taken him 5 years away on a secret mission, sadness, longing and guilt eating away at him, but he finally returns home and the one thing that has kept him alive and determined all that time are his thoughts and memories of Ava, the love of this life.
Ok, so you can imagine, this book has a fair amount of angst and gut churning moments too and I loved every page. You ask yourself how Marie can give John his happy ending in a believable way, well I think she really pulled it off. John and his Poppy was absolute perfection together, I adored their characters and watching the transformation that John went through.
I also enjoyed that we get to a few chapters from Ava & Eric's POV, because their journey and adjustments are definitely not over. John caused a major upheaval coming back into their lives.
Now I just want to read more about all of these characters, Marie has me absolutely hooked!!
This book, One Year Home, is about John, it's taken him 5 years away on a secret mission, sadness, longing and guilt eating away at him, but he finally returns home and the one thing that has kept him alive and determined all that time are his thoughts and memories of Ava, the love of this life.
Ok, so you can imagine, this book has a fair amount of angst and gut churning moments too and I loved every page. You ask yourself how Marie can give John his happy ending in a believable way, well I think she really pulled it off. John and his Poppy was absolute perfection together, I adored their characters and watching the transformation that John went through.
I also enjoyed that we get to a few chapters from Ava & Eric's POV, because their journey and adjustments are definitely not over. John caused a major upheaval coming back into their lives.
Now I just want to read more about all of these characters, Marie has me absolutely hooked!!
March 26, 2020
4.5 Stars - This book is the closure I desperately needed at the end of book 1 Five Years Gone. And it's perfect! Any mention of the story plot is not only a spoiler for this book, but also for those who haven't read book 1. So I'll just say this is a romance powerhouse, an emotional roller coaster in which every character plays a superb role before the final curtain descends. Force's ability to put characters and readers through the wringer before delivering a happy ever after is evident. A fantastic, highly recommended story! But you must read book 1 first.
August 8, 2019
A beautifully heart breaking and heart warming story that will have your emotions all over the place with some parts of this story so nerve wracking leaving you wondering which way the story will go.
Told thru multiple POV's we find Captain John West struggling to acclimate to civilian life after a 6 year secret mission to hunt down a terrorist. While all he wants to do us wallow in despair and misery for what his life has become, the Navy has other plans of capitalizing on the Captain's return before he's allowed to retire.
This is where Julianne come in as his media rep helping him navigate the maze of instant notoriety. While they both know they must remain professional it becomes apparent fairly quickly that the chemistry and attraction these two have for each other overrides professionalism or loyalty.
Was rooting for John since book 1 and I'm so happy he got his HEA, he freaking deserved it as did Jules..
Although Marie Force is a new to me author I'm so very glad I started with this duet, my only complaint if you want to call it that is that I wish there was more!
Happy Reading!
Told thru multiple POV's we find Captain John West struggling to acclimate to civilian life after a 6 year secret mission to hunt down a terrorist. While all he wants to do us wallow in despair and misery for what his life has become, the Navy has other plans of capitalizing on the Captain's return before he's allowed to retire.
This is where Julianne come in as his media rep helping him navigate the maze of instant notoriety. While they both know they must remain professional it becomes apparent fairly quickly that the chemistry and attraction these two have for each other overrides professionalism or loyalty.
Was rooting for John since book 1 and I'm so happy he got his HEA, he freaking deserved it as did Jules..
Although Marie Force is a new to me author I'm so very glad I started with this duet, my only complaint if you want to call it that is that I wish there was more!
Happy Reading!
August 7, 2019
I love Marie Force. This book didn’t feel/read like one of hers. Not sure why. John was the only character who seemed steady, true and in touch with his emotional development. Ava was his past, Jules his present and future. Once there he never waivered. More Ava and Eric in this book than I was expecting/needed. Made me forget why I liked them in Five Years Gone :(
September 1, 2019
I didn't like the comparisons to the previous love of his life.
July 31, 2019
5 Star Review of One Year Home (Navy Captain John West #2) by Marie Force
Once in a while a book comes along that blows your mind, during and after you have finished it. Five Years Gone did that for me and I wasn’t sure how I would feel reading One Year Home. I needn’t have worried, this book was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. I was riveted from the first chapter to the last.
Returning home after many years on deployment, is bittersweet for Navy Captain John West. Having lost the only woman he has ever loved due to his deployment beyond, he has no idea how to live without Ava.
Knowing Ava has moved on with Eric, John’s focus is to drink himself into oblivion. He has become a bitter and disillusioned man who no longer cares.
When requests from the media get out of control Ava asks her new sister in law Julianne Tilden to step in and help John handle the PR requests. Initially resentful John is not a very easy person to work with.
However, neither John or Julieanne are prepared for the feelings that develop between them which only complicates the situation more.
One Year Home was such an emotional roller coaster of a read that it had my head and heart spinning in a variety of directions.
Ms. Force has again written an outstanding and highly entertaining story. She managed to shatter my heart and put it back together again.
One click this book and be prepared for the ride of your life.
Once in a while a book comes along that blows your mind, during and after you have finished it. Five Years Gone did that for me and I wasn’t sure how I would feel reading One Year Home. I needn’t have worried, this book was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. I was riveted from the first chapter to the last.
Returning home after many years on deployment, is bittersweet for Navy Captain John West. Having lost the only woman he has ever loved due to his deployment beyond, he has no idea how to live without Ava.
Knowing Ava has moved on with Eric, John’s focus is to drink himself into oblivion. He has become a bitter and disillusioned man who no longer cares.
When requests from the media get out of control Ava asks her new sister in law Julianne Tilden to step in and help John handle the PR requests. Initially resentful John is not a very easy person to work with.
However, neither John or Julieanne are prepared for the feelings that develop between them which only complicates the situation more.
One Year Home was such an emotional roller coaster of a read that it had my head and heart spinning in a variety of directions.
Ms. Force has again written an outstanding and highly entertaining story. She managed to shatter my heart and put it back together again.
One click this book and be prepared for the ride of your life.
August 14, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars - An HJ Top Pick!!
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Simply put: One Year Home made my heart happy. Through all of the ups and downs, angst and darkness, unexpected love and insurmountable odds, this powerful novel pulled at my heartstrings and left me breathless.
I have been waiting for this sequel since reading Five Years Gone–which, by the way, broke my heart into pieces and put it back together by the end. The setup for One Year Home, just knowing that wounded warrior John would have an incredible amount of healing to do: physically, emotionally, and mentally…well, I knew this would be a tough book to get through. But also knowing Marie Force’s emotionally-driven writing, I knew it would be meaningful and worth every tear shed. And it so was. Read More
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Simply put: One Year Home made my heart happy. Through all of the ups and downs, angst and darkness, unexpected love and insurmountable odds, this powerful novel pulled at my heartstrings and left me breathless.
I have been waiting for this sequel since reading Five Years Gone–which, by the way, broke my heart into pieces and put it back together by the end. The setup for One Year Home, just knowing that wounded warrior John would have an incredible amount of healing to do: physically, emotionally, and mentally…well, I knew this would be a tough book to get through. But also knowing Marie Force’s emotionally-driven writing, I knew it would be meaningful and worth every tear shed. And it so was. Read More
August 19, 2019
One Year Home was nothing short of heart-wrenching, gripping, raw, powerful and absolutely unputdownable! This is a MUST read that I just can't say enough about except READ THIS BOOK! John's story continues where Five Years Gone ends and will have you inhaling page after page of this beautiful story about finding the will to live again and a second chance at love!
October 1, 2019
Frustrated
I waited so long to get Johns story. It seemed to start ok and then it turned into the Ava show. I just didn’t feel like we needed the added Ava/Eric drama to make this a good book. She chose Eric and moved on, it was time for John to do the same. I really cared about the characters of John and Jukes and felt the rest with Ava was manufactured drama that wasn’t needed to make it a story.
Another problem I had was the constant references to CNN and then John asking Rob if he was “one of the good guys”, then later informing us he was a rising star in the Democratic Party. Do my books really have to become political now too? I’m a moderate, so I would have felt the same if it had been Fox News and the Republican Party. Why did any of that become necessary to make this a good story? I will definitely think twice about buying other books from this author if this becomes a thing. Yes, she is entitled to her views and opinions but why can’t a good book, just be a good book without signaling out any political affiliations. This should have been a 5 star read but because of Unnecessary Ava drama and politics it fell short in my opinion.
I waited so long to get Johns story. It seemed to start ok and then it turned into the Ava show. I just didn’t feel like we needed the added Ava/Eric drama to make this a good book. She chose Eric and moved on, it was time for John to do the same. I really cared about the characters of John and Jukes and felt the rest with Ava was manufactured drama that wasn’t needed to make it a story.
Another problem I had was the constant references to CNN and then John asking Rob if he was “one of the good guys”, then later informing us he was a rising star in the Democratic Party. Do my books really have to become political now too? I’m a moderate, so I would have felt the same if it had been Fox News and the Republican Party. Why did any of that become necessary to make this a good story? I will definitely think twice about buying other books from this author if this becomes a thing. Yes, she is entitled to her views and opinions but why can’t a good book, just be a good book without signaling out any political affiliations. This should have been a 5 star read but because of Unnecessary Ava drama and politics it fell short in my opinion.
August 7, 2019
John West doesn’t want to move forward from the heartbreak of finding the love of his life married to another man during the 6 years he was away. But there are so many people, from the Navy to the media, who want to hear John’s story, who want a piece of him that he can’t disappear to wallow like he wishes he could. Hiring Julianne, his former love’s new sister-in-law to manage the media requests is partly a good idea, partly a recipe for disaster: they are both determined to not like the other.
Julianne is looking forward to the challenge of representing John, her biggest client to date, but also knows there will be more to juggle than just the job. Her family doesn’t understand how she could have taken this job but they would never understand as Julianne realizes the lines between dislike and desire are blurring. She finds she admires everything John has done and is attracted to the man he is now.
I knew John would have to put aside his feelings for Ava, and it would only take time for that to happen. I loved watching as he discovered he could love another woman just as fiercely. Jules was a perfect match for him -- her calm, her confidence, and her ability to roll with the chaos that is his life right now are exactly what he needs as he finds himself now that his Navy career is at its end.
I enjoyed returning to this world and seeing where John took his decisions following learning of Ava’s impending marriage. We also get a peak at Ava and how she is holding up knowing John is alive and well.
I loved watching John find his happiness after everything he sacrificed when he left Ava 6 years before. He still loved her, but had to learn to move on after learning she was getting married to someone else. (This part of Five Years Gone wrecked me, and I needed this follow on story to feel better about everything that happened to John after he disappeared from Ava’s life.)
This was the closure I wanted for John from the time he came back into Ava’s life. His decisions caused them both pain, but after this story I feel like they both have the happily ever after they each needed.
Julianne is looking forward to the challenge of representing John, her biggest client to date, but also knows there will be more to juggle than just the job. Her family doesn’t understand how she could have taken this job but they would never understand as Julianne realizes the lines between dislike and desire are blurring. She finds she admires everything John has done and is attracted to the man he is now.
I knew John would have to put aside his feelings for Ava, and it would only take time for that to happen. I loved watching as he discovered he could love another woman just as fiercely. Jules was a perfect match for him -- her calm, her confidence, and her ability to roll with the chaos that is his life right now are exactly what he needs as he finds himself now that his Navy career is at its end.
I enjoyed returning to this world and seeing where John took his decisions following learning of Ava’s impending marriage. We also get a peak at Ava and how she is holding up knowing John is alive and well.
I loved watching John find his happiness after everything he sacrificed when he left Ava 6 years before. He still loved her, but had to learn to move on after learning she was getting married to someone else. (This part of Five Years Gone wrecked me, and I needed this follow on story to feel better about everything that happened to John after he disappeared from Ava’s life.)
This was the closure I wanted for John from the time he came back into Ava’s life. His decisions caused them both pain, but after this story I feel like they both have the happily ever after they each needed.
August 6, 2019
One Year Home by Marie Force is the happy for the third character in a top read of mine from 2018 Five Years Gone.
If you had not read Five Year Gone, top reading this review and go immerse yourself is a story that will take a hold of your heart. A truly unique story; written with pure literacy genius.
I adored that One Year Home did not take place in a vacuum; it showed the continued impact of John's return. John's world is so much different than the one he left behind after a major terror attack on the US.John's returned home wounded and with the media chasing him...... Julianne is sent to help deal with the whirlwind he finds himself in.Julianne was such a great character; strong while being compassionate; clearly attracted to John while being cognizant of the ramifications. She was also supportive of John without babying him and her admiration for him shone through.Watching John and Julianne's bond develop was so enjoyable. The time they spent together which is a most of the book really made me knowing each was better for having the other around them.It was so clear to me that these two were meant for each other.
The happy they find was the one meant for them..... was it a happy either would have imagined the 5 years before book 1 takes place NO but I think that is the point here... Life happens... what you make of it is all you have control over.
If you had not read Five Year Gone, top reading this review and go immerse yourself is a story that will take a hold of your heart. A truly unique story; written with pure literacy genius.
I adored that One Year Home did not take place in a vacuum; it showed the continued impact of John's return. John's world is so much different than the one he left behind after a major terror attack on the US.John's returned home wounded and with the media chasing him...... Julianne is sent to help deal with the whirlwind he finds himself in.Julianne was such a great character; strong while being compassionate; clearly attracted to John while being cognizant of the ramifications. She was also supportive of John without babying him and her admiration for him shone through.Watching John and Julianne's bond develop was so enjoyable. The time they spent together which is a most of the book really made me knowing each was better for having the other around them.It was so clear to me that these two were meant for each other.
The happy they find was the one meant for them..... was it a happy either would have imagined the 5 years before book 1 takes place NO but I think that is the point here... Life happens... what you make of it is all you have control over.
August 25, 2019
My Review
Captain John West has come through a traumatizing injury and wants nothing more than to hold the woman he left behind six years ago- except she’s moved on and is married to another man.
Ava loved John more than life and it destroyed her when he never came home. She had no means of learning what happened and after five long years, began to rebuild her life. She meets Eric, who instantly falls for the heartbroken woman, and slowly learns to love again.
Then John comes home.
P.R. whiz Julianne Tilden is recommended by her new S-I-L, Ava, to help a returning military hero handle a tsunami of unwanted publicity. She knows he’s only accepting because of Ava and her brother is less than happy with the situation, but this client could make her career. And then she meets Captain Grumpy (as she labels him) and is hit with a cocktail of emotions- empathy for all he’s suffered, thankfulness that he took down the person responsible for thousands of lives, and an unwanted attraction she fights to ignore.
The Navy is justifiably proud of their soldier and spares no expense for the publicity tour that will throw John and Julianne into a spotlight neither are prepared for.
This book gave me the tingles! I hurt for John and Ava (though she’s trying to move on) and Julianne, thrust into the middle of an impossible situation falling for the one guy guaranteed to rip her family apart.
I want to give One Year Home 5 lovely kisses, but there was a bit too much repetition of John’s angst over losing Ava to make this a homerun for me.
Have you read any books in this series yet? What was your impression?
Captain John West has come through a traumatizing injury and wants nothing more than to hold the woman he left behind six years ago- except she’s moved on and is married to another man.
Ava loved John more than life and it destroyed her when he never came home. She had no means of learning what happened and after five long years, began to rebuild her life. She meets Eric, who instantly falls for the heartbroken woman, and slowly learns to love again.
Then John comes home.
P.R. whiz Julianne Tilden is recommended by her new S-I-L, Ava, to help a returning military hero handle a tsunami of unwanted publicity. She knows he’s only accepting because of Ava and her brother is less than happy with the situation, but this client could make her career. And then she meets Captain Grumpy (as she labels him) and is hit with a cocktail of emotions- empathy for all he’s suffered, thankfulness that he took down the person responsible for thousands of lives, and an unwanted attraction she fights to ignore.
The Navy is justifiably proud of their soldier and spares no expense for the publicity tour that will throw John and Julianne into a spotlight neither are prepared for.
This book gave me the tingles! I hurt for John and Ava (though she’s trying to move on) and Julianne, thrust into the middle of an impossible situation falling for the one guy guaranteed to rip her family apart.
I want to give One Year Home 5 lovely kisses, but there was a bit too much repetition of John’s angst over losing Ava to make this a homerun for me.
Have you read any books in this series yet? What was your impression?
August 2, 2019
Beautiful tragedy inspires heartstopping romance. One Year Home continues the journey of John West as he transitions from the casualities of war into a heartbroken civilian. After surviving a nightmare, he returned home to a shattered dream. When a sorrowful past points him toward a brighter present, can John give his heart a chance to love again? Force doesn't do easy. Julianne and John are a complicated combination. Linked by heartache, haunted by attraction and held back by family connections. The odds are not in their favor, but their hearts may have other plans. Keep the tissues handy, because the emotions are fierce.
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