My 4.5+ star review is posted on Goodreads. It will be posted on blog and social media upon release and links will be updated at that time. UPDATED 6/11/17

4.5+ stars

This is one of those stories that truly takes you on a journey. It is not predictable and there are surprises. There are tragic circumstances and no easy fixes. Both of the the characters are broken and in need of healing.

Eli James and Shelby Eubanks had a secret summer love affair six years ago. He worked in the stables for her affluent family. But all control was taken away from them by circumstances. Eli ended up suffering a loss and then was deployed faster than expected. And he broke her heart as he left. That triggered a series of circumstances for Shelby that totally changed her life as well. And then unfortunately he was taken prisoner and suffered immeasurably for 5 more years. But Shelby was suffering in her own way as well. There was a lot of secrets, lies, and miscommunication in the past that has now followed them into their present.

Eli returns a bitter, angry, haunted, scarred, and damaged man. He is plagued with guilt, regret, and nightmares. He is lost and coming home to try to reestablish a relationship with the one woman whose memory kept him alive.

Shelby is now guarded, hurt, subdued, untrusting, and conforming to the wishes of others. She has lost her spark and lust for life, and is stuck living a life she hates. And she never got over the pain that Eli inflicted and the subsequent repercussions.

They gave up everything for each other, but all they ended up with was broken dreams and heartbreak. And now they are both lost, grieving, angry, and disappointed at how their lives have turned out. Neither of them has the full information about the past. But being in each other's presence again brings them back to life initially with fear, anger and disappointment, but is then followed with passion, peace, and a need to rekindle their lost love.

But they have layers of issues and secrets to wade through. At times they each need some saving and understanding. They need to help build each other back up and share their strength instead of tearing each other down. They have to learn to pick their battles and fight for what is most important to them. But the problem with both having so many issues is that they are not only fighting their own battles but also the other's. With all they have been through and are still going through, can they make each other close to whole again and be able to move on?

Unfortunately this couple falls into the miscommunication trap where they try to protect the other or do not want to upset them. I swear there were times I was talking back to my kindle and telling them to TALK! But the secrets just caused more worry, stress, pain, and allowed them to be manipulated at times. There was a lot going on under the surface of this story. There were some surprises, connections, and twists. My heart broke for this couple. Their story was not an easy or pretty one, it was challenging, tragic, and devastating. The side characters were also an important part of the story and plot. There were definitely some antagonists that infuriated me. I really liked her best friend, Meredith, and his friend, Rylan, and sister, Kat. I loved how the book title was weaved in to show us their past and how it affected the present.

This is a second-chance love story about confronting demons, hope, healing, embracing life, and knowing when to hold on and when to let go. It is told in Eli and Shelby's points of view with the exception of one chapter. It is intriguing, emotional, raw, heartbreaking, frustrating, and heartfelt. It hits all the feels.

First book of this author i have read, and it was really,really good. Now that does not give the story justice at all saying it is really really good, what i mean to say is this is a heartfelt second chance romance. But how can a second chance happen if you are both so different to how you where when one of you walked away? I do not want to give all the story away but i will say Shelby's mum - urgh i did not like her. I am now after reading this book intrigued into what the authors other work is like, i am off to go have a look.

review on goodreads under profile name kimothy

The Story of Us by Tara Sivec
4 stars!!!

“I’m dying.
I’m alive.
I can’t breathe.
I’m whole.”

I have loved this author from the very beginning and as much as I love her rom-coms, my most favourite books of hers to this day remain her more serious, emotional and angsty reads and The Story of Us is one of them. The Story of Us is a second chance romance between a soldier and the woman he left behind. Shelby and Eli didn’t part ways how they wanted, or how they expected but through a forced circumstance that perpetually led to heartbreak, for both of them. Misunderstandings and coercion at the root of their separation leads to one intense, epic romance and one that Tara Sivec delivered with emotion, intense character connection and a few shocking twists along the way.

““Go away! Take your lies and your fucking Ryan Gosling references and shove them up your ass!” she finishes, rounding the doorway and moving out of sight.”

Shelby and Eli were chalk and cheese. Shelby the rich girl living on her parent’s estate and Eli the stable boy. But the heart wants who the heart wants and these two only wanted each other. Class divides aside, the time that these two spent together was everything and something neither would forget. Meddling people who do not want these two together intervene and then everything goes to shit in more ways than one. Now six years later when Eli returns, he sees the damage his absence has done, but he is far from over, he will not give up, he will fight for her and there is only one way he can do, make her see “The Story of Us.”

“She makes the bad all go away, and that’s exactly where it needs to stay.”

Shelby was a woman that was well and truly under her mother’s thumb, blackmail and coercion are par for the course and the life that Shelby always believed that she would lead was a long and far and distant memory. Shelby was stuck between being herself or keeping those that she loved safe. Shelby was going to be a dancer until everything was taken away, now she needed to find her backbone and there was only one person who could help her find it.

“The walls have officially crumbled on this house of lies and I’m finished. I’m done being taken advantage of and used for everyone else’s agendas. This is my life and it’s about damn time I start living it again and making my own damn decisions.”

Eli had been through so much, struggled for most of his life and it seems those struggles are far from over. Shelby had been the one constant, the memories of what they had and shared are what kept him going when it would have been all too easy to give up. Scarred both physically and mentally, Eli is a far cry from the man that left. But, at the end of the day, he knows that the only one that can save him is his Shelby and he will stop at nothing to get her.

“Life’s too short to fight a war you can’t win, son, no matter how wrong it is or how angry you are. Pick one you can win.”

Tara Sivec delivers one poignant, heart breaking, emotional and totally gut-wrenching story. This is where I feel Tara Sivec excels. With all her “serious” books she never fails to tug at every single heart string while firmly implanting her characters into my heart and soul. It is this side of her writing that I wanted a little more from in this book. The outside interferences all got a little crazy at times and detracted from the crux of the story, hence the four stars. But, none the less, despite the crazy of the incredibly wealthy, the heart of this book is what made me love it. Those desperate second chances, that heart and soul connection and the belief in a love that transcends time. Once again, another winner from Tara Sivec.

“Two broken pieces don’t make a whole. They just make a bigger fucking mess for someone to clean up. You don’t need any more messes in your life and all the time in the world isn’t going to fix mine.”

www.theromancecover.com

Review posted on my blog.

WOW--SIMPLY WOW! Props to author Tara Sivec for knocking this one out of the park!!

“The Story of Us” is a uniquely wonderful love story that is heartbreaking as much as it is breathtaking. It’s the story of Shelby and Eli, a couple tragically torn apart through bizarre circumstance, seeking a second chance at love. It’s the story of two people fighting against the odds to find their way back to what they once had but ultimately lost. It’s the story of survival and the healing power of love. But most of all, it’s an emotionally powerful journey that you won’t soon forget.

***5 ‘Only You, Always You’ Stars***

From the first page I was hooked and good lord did those feels start ramping up and didn't stop until I read the last word (actually the little teaser at the end still has them going but that's a story for another time). Eli and Shelby took me on an emotional roller coaster of a ride, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and I loved every moment!

Eli and Shelby took me on a roller coaster ride. I hurt for them. I liked them. The frustrated the hell out of me and made me want to reach out and smack some sense into them. I wanted to commit acts of violence against those that hurt them. And I wanted to hug them and tell them that things would get better little by little each day. And I admired the hell out of them for their tenacity and strength even when I felt it was a bit misdirected. In the end though, I adore the people they were always meant to be.

Their journey was filled with emotional landmines and every time I landed on one it brought out a different emotional response while showing me just why Eli and Shelby were destined to be together. I loved the method used to show us who they were to each other before they were split apart and how it brought them back together in the end.

I’ve read a good portion of Ms. Sivec’s RomCom’s, and still remember the Bronie’s fondly, but this is the first non-RomCom romance I’ve dived into and loved it! We get a well balanced mix of heart, humor, angst and heat. The characters, both the main and secondary, were so well written that I felt as if I could reach out and touch them. The twists and turns were well thought out and executed and when each was brought to light they all made perfect sense. This really was a great read and one I recommend to anyone who loves a well written second chance romance. And as for that ‘tease’/excerpt of Ms. Sivec’s next book at the end? Let me tell you that I’m already making grabby hands at it!

I honestly didn't know what to expect. Seriously, The Story of Us is a beautiful love story that has pain and suffering. However you don't realize there is a lot going on until you get closer to end. I'm throwing in have your tissues ready warning, because you are going to need them. At first you think, I'll be fine. WRONG! YOU NEED THEM! If you don't then your heart is made of stone, and that is all.

Tara brings to you a story about these two lovers who have been to hell and back in different ways. Eli who has survived something most of us can't imagine or even want to, and Shelby the girl he left behind. Shelby's life fell apart after Eli left. I love this story of reconnection, and overcoming the obstacles that are laid before them.

The first half of The Story of Us isn't too emotionally draining. We watch these two reconnect, and coming to terms what had happen in the past, but they still need to dive a little deeper. About the time they do, grab the tissues. After the emotional turmoil I faced at the end, The Story of Us is beautiful story, and I absolutely loved. I was a little worry things wouldn't work out for Eli and Shelby, but they do find their road to happiness even if it's a little bumpy on the way.

Copy provided by Forever via NetGalley

Elijah James was a struggling teenager working to help support his sister at the stables of the Eubanks Plantation while Shelby was the only daughter of the owners, a would be socialite with a streak of rebellion, a girl not ready to comply with her mother’s wishes.
After years of knowing each other, they share one summer together when Shelby returns from college. They are separated at the end of it, but, when he returns after 6 years in which they both have suffered greatly, he finds a very different woman than the one he once fell in love with. Both Shelby and Eli go through a lot of loss and sacrifice while falling prey to the manipulations of one unsavory character.
The Story of Us is a book about a second chance for two people separated by much more than fate and circumstance. This is a story about love, courage, pain and survival told with a nostalgic view of the moments that built the characters’ relationship.
I have to say I’m not really a fan of military related books and the unravelling of this story proved my reasons as I was gutted by everything Eli has brought back with him. Both he and Shelby have their own personal tragedies and, when they get their second chance, they bring each other back from the darkness they have been living in and learn to accept that you can rely in each other in order to move forward. This is a great story that honors the power of the human spirit and how people can overcome the worst tragedies with the love and support of their loved ones if they only allow it to happen.

4 stars
*An ARC was given by NetGalley for an honest review*

I’m broken and scarred and half the man I used to be, but if she’ll let me explain, I hope to God she can put me back together again.

The Story Of Us is an emotional, heartbreaking and intense second chance romance.The plot is so good in this one there are twists and turns and the feelings are so real that you can't stop yourself from feeling like you are a part of this story.

My heart ach and I really wanted to see them happy.Eli and Shelby’s story isn't easy I laughed,cried and gasped with them. The relationship between Eli and Shelby is fantastic. Even after all those years apart, you can sense their chemistry is just off the charts.

If you are looking for an emotional story that will make you cry ,choose this one!!I highly recommended

My absolute favorite book of 2017. I will recommend this book to everyone who asks me for a recommendation. It split me open and put me back together. Phenomenal.

What happens when the man you love...your forbidden love suddenly walks out of your life? How can a man survive despicable atrocities by sheer will alone of memories for a woman he left behind? The Story Of Us is a complex second chance romance, which will assault your emotions head on.

I admit I was a little apprehensive when I decided to read another Tara Sivec novel. I'd previously read Fisher's Light and found it barely okay, so choosing to read The Story Of Us was a gamble. Thankfully, my decision to give this author another go paid off. Admittedly, it took me a little time to settle into the book initially due to the narrative shifting between the past and present. However, once we remain within the present, I'm held captive as Shelby and Eli's complicated lives unfurl.

Intense and heart-wrenching, Shelby and Eli's story is beyond emotional. Written with a dual point of view, the narrative starts with a harrowing but necessary prologue which was uncomfortable to read. The scene's set, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. As further tragic events from the past are revealed and presumptuous thoughts are blown away when the painful truths come to light.

The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable. Their connection unwavering as they gain strength to right the wrongs of the past.

"For five years, you saved me, and you didn't even know it. Now it's my turn to save you."

Ms Sivec takes her readers on a journey and blind sides them with a slew of emotions with a tragic and heart-warming narrative. The Story Of Us is a beautifully crafted novel which will captivate you with its strong undercurrent that love can and will conquer all.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Yours Forever via NetGalley***

Tara is such an amazing writer. She does so much so good that I am in awe of her. This book is yet another reason she is one of my favorites. I haven't read anything that has hit me as hard as Fisher's Light did, well now there is this one. The Story Of Us is full of feeling and intensity that you can not come up for air till you are at the end. A second chance romance that I knew I was going to love but I did not know it would wreck me as much as it did. The end of the book could have been a little less crazy but other than that the book was flawless. I can not recommend this one enough. Amazing Tara, simply fantastic in every way.

The Story Of Us by Tara Sivec is a deep raw emotional second chance love story of a soldier and the woman he never stopped loving. With her delicate and sensitive prose, Sivec engages her readers to feel the depths of survival, hope, loss, and love as two former lovers reunites after five years.

"I wonder if she’d touch me with the same boldness now that scars disfigure my skin . I wonder if she’d love me the same way when she saw how twisted and confused my mind has become just so I can make it through another day. I wonder if she still thinks of me as much as I do her. I wonder if she knows she’s the only reason I’m still breathing, still fighting, and still holding on.”

1,843 days. That was how long Eli was a prisoner of war. For five years, he was in hell being tortured but through it all, he kept thinking about her. His Shelby. The hope that he would one day see her again was what kept him alive and sane. And so, when he was finally rescued, there was only one person that he wanted to see. Shelby Eubanks. The girl that owned his heart.

Shelby Eubanks thought he died overseas and within those five years, she had just been an empty shell going through the motions of having people dictate her life. Her dreams of dancing and New York didn’t panned out and with her mother controling every aspect of her life even if it includes being engaged to an upcoming politician who is running for Senator. She should love her fiance but there isn’t that spark that she had with Eli.

"I’m broken and scarred and half the man I used to be, but if she’ll let me explain, I hope to God she can put me back together again.”

When Eli goes to see Shelby, he notices that she isn’t the girl that she used to be. She is broken. Fragile. And Eli will stop at nothing to bring back the spark and twinkle in Shelby’s eyes. His love for her saved him and in return he hopes to Shelby.

"You saved me, Shelby,” I whisper, pressing my forehead against hers. “For five years, you saved me, and you didn’t even know it. Now it’s my turn to save you.”

The Story of Us is as deep, poignant and beautiful as it can get. This story. These characters. And circumstance of events beyond their control are what made this book stand out. Tara Sivec allowed her readers to feel the loss, the hurt, the sadness, and the beauty of hope and love. While this story may have broken my heart on an emotional level, I loved that Tara Sivec slowly pieced together the broken pieces to make my heart whole. She held you hostage to the extent of how far a man will go for survival and love. So if you are looking for an emotional gripping story that will capture your heart, then I highly recommend you to read this book.

4.5 stars

This book has all the feels. I went from elated, to heartbroken, and back again on a regular basis.

Eli James and Shelby Eubanks were from different circumstances, but connected briefly one summer while he worked at her family stables. When Eli left the stables, he also left Shelby brokenhearted. The series of events that happen after he leaves the stables lead him to be captured and held prisoner for 5 years, and changes Shelby’s entire future as well.

Their history was both beautiful and tragic. Their presents were full of scars and grief. They connected as both the perfect versions of themselves and as the products of the past 6 years. The book jumps between scenes in the present and the past, and as the story unfolds it becomes clear that they love each other deeply despite thinking they can never be together.

Each of these main characters were compelling and interesting. Shelby’s dreams were lost to her. Her life was not what she imagined, but it was worth the price she paid. Eli had his own nightmares to contend with, and returning home has not been an easy adjustment. But together they find peace, if the secrets stay buried. They are not the same people they once were, and it takes time for them to learn to trust again.

I spent a good part of the beginning thinking I knew what was going on. I loved the shock I received (along with the characters) as the truth started coming out. This was an emotional page turner that had me reading as fast as I could. Even as the past and present began lining up, I couldn’t help but keep reading to find out the results.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Page turning, heart gripping, emotional love story.

Once in a while you come across a book that holds you attention in ways you never thought possible. This book has left me struggling to finds the right words to encourage you to read this. Do not let this book sit on your TBR list. READ THIS BOOK. Seriously!

Eli and Shelby have one heck of a love story to put all love stories to shame. The unwavering love for one another holds them hostage, unable to breathe without the other and unable to navigate this world alone. After years of being apart they are brought together again for questions to be answered.

They are both still in love with one another but can the past be repaired? Is Eli able to remind Shelby their love story?

As their story unfolded my heart broke for both Shelby and Eli. I was hurting when they were hurting and happy and hopeful when they were finding their way back to one another while finding their self-worth once again.

So, did I like this book? Absolutely.

Any dislikes? Not one.

Should you read this? DUH! I told you this already. READ THE BOOK NOW!

Tara...5 gold stars.

The Story of Us by Tara Sivec was an emotionally moving and powerful novel.

There was so much going on throughout this novel, that my heart just couldn't take everything. I thought everything would get better one minute, and then the next, something else comes up, and my heart is broken all over again. Not only does this novel make your heart hurt, but in a way, it puts it back together again.

This novel is not lighthearted and fluffy. Instead, it is raw, emotional, and real.

I urge you to go read this novel as soon as you can. It is an experience you definitely do not want to miss.

4.5/5 Stars!

Tara Sivec has succeeded at leaving me in an emotional puddle of my own tears. I’m not a weepy reader. I may get a tear in my eye, sniff a bit, and blame it on allergies, but I don’t generally have big fat tears rolling down my face while I’m reading. This book made me struggle through the final twenty-five percent – I couldn’t read the words on the page through my tear-filled, blurry eyes. With that being said, The Story of Us provided me with an experience that I’m always searching for when choosing my next read – I want to feel the story in the pit of my stomach and I want to feel a connection to the characters. This book was brimming with emotion.

As soon as I saw that this book was about first loves and second chances, I knew that I was going to have to add it to my reading list. If you’re expecting a book about young love, broken hearts, and a chance at forgiveness and a fresh start, you will absolutely get that, but you will also get so much more. The Story of Us had so many layers that added to this captivating love story. It has all of the elements that make for a compelling read, however, it takes the reader on a deep emotional journey filled with sacrifices, secrets, lies, pain, loss, and heartache.

It was so easy to get swept up in Shelby and Eli’s love story. Their young relationship had ended too quickly and abruptly, with a lot of it being out of their control. Through the hurt, the miscommunication, the outside forces against them, their relationship seemed doomed before it really had a chance to get off the ground. Throughout the five horrific years while they were separated, the only constant was the love and devotion that they both still felt for each other. Despite the hurt, the attempts at moving forward, and the threat of the unknown, their feelings didn’t wane. They had both sacrificed so much for each other. With every struggle and obstacle that they had to overcome, their love just seemed to grow stronger, strengthening each of them at their darkest, most vulnerable times.

Right from the beginning, I was rooting for this couple. They had both been through so much, their problems seemed insurmountable, their pain - too raw and deep. There was nothing easy about their relationship. Even when things seemed to be going smoothly, it was as if it was the calm before the storm. They had truths and demons to face that were preventing them from moving forward. They needed to rely and lean on each other more than ever and not waste their second chance.

The Story of Us delivered an emotional story with characters that I was immediately invested in. Tara Sivec not only put my poor heart through the wringer, but she also managed to surprise me. I will admit that there was one particular part that left my jaw on the floor (shakes head in shame). This is a beautiful, intriguing love story that will not soon be forgotten.

*4.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title. I'm sorry that this didn't turn out as I had expected. Here is my review.

I am a huge fan of Tara Sivec and I'm excited that she has finally been picked up by a major publisher. I have read many of her titles and have always found something in each of them that I enjoyed. I'm particularly drawn to her funny novels, but I've enjoyed her more serious novels, too.

This one didn't work for me. Maybe it was the timing. Maybe it was my mood. Maybe it was the dark tone that was set very early on in the story. Maybe it was a combination of all three. Ultimately, I wasn't in the mood for a dark read and though I fully expect that there would be some redemption found in this story, I just needed something a little lighter right now. I might very well go back to this at another time, but right now this is going to have to sit.

The premise of The Story of Us was quite promising. An intriguing plot with characters who have been through literal hell and back trying to protect each other. I felt everything about the story was a little rushed, there were a lot of details and repetitive language surrounding the dialogue that really held me back from fully connecting to the story. I will say that I wanted to see how it all played out enough to read it in it's entirety. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me all that well.

Ugly cry alert! Oh my gosh! I started with just a few tears and then before I knew it, my nose was running and my eyes were swollen. This book broke my heart so many times with its pain, devotion, and utter determination to ensure love prevails!

Eli and Shelby come from different backgrounds: she, a senator's daughter and he, a worker in their home. They have a secret romance that lasts 6 months. Shelby goes off to college, and when she returns she discovers he joined the Marines. Shelby assumes he has moved on and forgotten her. Without him, she stops pursuing her dreams and bows to her mother's pressure. But, after over 5 years in captivity, Eli is back to reclaim the love of his life. But, Shelby is NOT the same girl. Eli is determined to remind her of who they were! Serious swoon people!

Eli is on a mission to save Shelby. Its very metaphoric since she was what kept him going when he was being held captive. However, a lot has happened in 5 years. Figuring out how to get through to Shelby is not an easy puzzle to solve and there are so many traps in their path I thought I might scream! After all they have been through I didn't want it to be this difficult for them to be together! I wanted to strike down all those who got in their way. I was feeling very protective of these two. I think my feelings were stronger for Eli because he was one of the most amazing characters I have read (Like, to me, he is up there with Archer Hale!).

If you love second chances, military heroes, and a love that will overcome all, The Story of Us is a book you need to put on your TBR today! Bring lots of tissues though because you will cry, and if you don't, its possible you should have your doctor check your heart because it must be black!