This novel really opened up my eyes to how hard it can be for veterans to reintegrate into normal again. Life has changed completely for them, and we do not understand all they’ve gone through and seen, as well as how others view them. Whether it is physical or emotional scarring, they have changed as a person and this novel really gives a great perspective on how they struggle and are probably harder on themselves than others are on them.

Lauren has her own issues and fears to face and she is doing her best to face those and yet her sole focus in life is not herself, but others. Lauren does what she can to help those how have seen the horrors or war and now have to try and get back into a normal routine at home again. Therapy helps most, and she cannot help all but she knows she is making a difference.

Shane is still struggling with his integration back into normal society and his father seems to not understand he has all gone through. He struggles every day and he has finally come up with something he wants to try and do. A organization he wants to start to help other vets like him- he is lucky enough to come from a family who has money and is getting the care and help he needs for his wounds but there are tons out there who are not as lucky.

Lauren and Shane meet at a fundraiser set up by Shane’s father- both were not looking forward to going due to their struggles to be out in public but they both know its for a good cause and do all they can to be there and be active. Shane brings his proposal to his father, just waiting for it to get shot down when he surprises him with being interested and sets up a time for him to go over it further. Lauren gets a call from Mr. Logan and he has a proposal he has to offer her for another sort of fundraiser he has in mind.

Mr. Logan has agreed to help Shane get his organization off the ground but has some ultimatums in mind and if Shane does not agree then its off the table and he will have to see about finding a different way to get funding. Lauren accepts the offer. It’s a change of pace and will be a new start for her and she can still help the veterans as it is all through virtual calls. But soon the two of them find out that Mr. Logan has other plans in place to get this organization off the ground.

I really enjoyed this novel. I liked that the author had two characters that both has similar but different issues that they had to work through to help themselves and each other and that she really dug deep into the struggles and challenges veterans and those with ptsd face every single day. I did enjoy the pov coming from both Shane and Lauren, as each had their own past that had developed them into who they were. I am excited to read the others in helping me to better understand the struggles and strength of those who have been in these situations.

Thank you to the author and Author Marketing Experts, Inc for reaching out and sending me the free books. I at least have one more to read before I’d have to get the others. ( )

I don’t even know where to start with this book other than it’s a must read. I’ve read many books and many from this author but this my favorite book I’ve read. I will be telling all my friends this is one book you will want to read. The book is so real, raw, and in some places hard to read since it hits the reality of our veterans and what they go through. The description of what Staff Sergeant Shane Logan went though losing his legs, his face scarred and having people looking at him with disgust and pity. This is something our veterans come home to and have to deal with everyday. The suicide rate of verterans is extreely high. Also, the other main character Dr. Lauren Falcone has gone through a horrific situation and is both physically and mentally scarred as well. Bottom line, is we truly don’t know what people are dealing with or what happend.

The description of the book by the author is perfect. My son-in-law is in the Army and I thank God he hasn’t had anything physically happen to him in Afghanistan but from one he’s told us, this book nailed it. This is a must read for everyone and it does give you hope that through everything veterans go through there is hope. I look forward to reading more in the series and just as a warning have tissue nearby. ( )