Very deep, emotional story.

I read Point of Contact a few weeks ago but just couldn't seem to find the words to write my review. It's the first book I've read by Melanie Hansen but I sure look forward to reading more of her work.

If you like a "meaty" story, this one's for you. The book spans a fairly long period of time and is broken down into before and after. The first section begins with us looking in on a party at Trevor's house – his son Riley and his friends are having one last fling before they deploy. Section two beings 8 months after Riley's death.

The blurb for the book is good so I recommend reading it. One of the things it doesn't tell you is that there's another relationship in the story (there's no cheating) and it added another level of complexity to an already complex story. I also don't think the blurb can convey how much feeling there is to this book – it broke my heart in more than one place. Even though I knew going it that Riley dies, reading how it all happened, and how it affected those who loved him, was tough at times and had me in tears more than once.

It's been a long time since I've read a book that is as complex as this one and I loved it. Melanie Hansen has crafted a story that grabbed my attention and held on to I from start to finish. It's a very emotional read but well with the ride.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

4.5 Stars
Trevor Estes became a single father as a teen, but there was nothing that he wouldn’t do for his son, Riley. When Riley joins the military, Trevor is constantly on edge and his worst nightmare becomes reality when Riley is killed in combat. Trevor is lost in his grief with seemingly no way out.

Jesse Byrne did not make the best first impression on Trevor the only time they met. Jesse was so jealous of Trevor being comfortable as a gay man that he was rude and disrespectful. His attitude harmed his relationship with Riley until Riley realized what was going on with Trevor and the two become best friends while fighting a brutal war. When Jesse arrives at Trevor’s door with the last of Riley’s personal items, Trevor and Jesse bond over their shared grief. Neither man thought they could find what they needed with each other, and their grief may just be too much to overcome to secure a future together.

I have read most of Melanie Hansen’s books and Point of Contact is so well written and to my view stands out from her other books. This story is largely about grief. There is the relationship between Trevor and Jesse and there is a glimmer of hope, but the thread of grief is predominantly strong throughout the book.

The impact of the grief is also strong due to the delivery of the story. The first part of the book counts down from the months before Riley’s death and Riley is an on-page character. We see his bond with Trevor and then his bond with Jesse through their eyes, and then the grisly reality of war. When Trevor gets the news, it alters him completely and forever.

Trevor was a teenage father and developed an incredibly close bond with Riley. Trevor worked hard and their reward was a beautiful home in which they made a lifetime of memories. Trevor was also in a relationship with, and engaged to Carl, and their relationship shattered under the force of Trevor’s grief.

Jesse comes from a completely different place. His parents were older when they had him and they both have since died, leaving him on his own. He can’t come out due to his place in the military and when he meets Trevor for the first time, he is overcome with jealously at seeing Trevor so open and secure with his sexuality.

After Riley dies, Trevor and Jesse bond over their grief and become dependent on each other while falling in love. Their relationship moves forward in increments, much like how they process their grief. Still, the relationship is second to the grief that drives every moment of Trevor’s life. The writing completely draws you in to the atmosphere as Trevor takes one fragile step at a time as he reluctantly learns to live without Riley. The book completely captures the feeling that while over time Riley’s presence will begin to fade, the long-standing memories remain.

The only part of the book I hesitated with was Jesse’s character. While he became what Trevor needed, he wasn’t a dynamic character for me and he stayed largely on the page and was a bit bland. Given the overwhelming sadness in the book, I could have used a little more from the partner chosen for Trevor.

The ending and epilogue offers hope, but the thread of grief and sadness remains even during those times. Point of Contact is a well written book depicting grief, moving on, and finding the will to love again and is certainly a recommended choice for a book that carries heavier themes that will stay with you well after the last page.

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book made me cry. I love a story that makes me feel something, and I especially love a story that makes my heart clench and has me reaching for the tissues. I don't know where the inspiration came from for Melanie Hansen to write this beautiful story, and I hope it's not from personal experience. The loss of a loved one is hard enough, but I can't imagine it's anything compared to losing a child, especially thru war. Not only do the parents suffer the loss of their child, but they also have had to live thru the torture of worrying about them so far away, thinking today might be the day. And when that day comes, Trevor is not prepared.

Melanie Hansen has been able to capture Trevor's grief and pain and anger and PTSD so realistically I just ached for him. It takes amazing talent to bring the reader into a story in such a way as to make them feel like they are part of the story. Part of the reason the loss of Riley is so hard is because the story was structured in the perfect way. It's not flashbacks and time going back and forth. No, it starts with Riley and his friends celebrating in his backyard the day before they are to ship out. We as the reader know what is about to happen. The start of the book is entitled: Part One - Before. July 2007 - Ten months before. Everyone is happy and having a good time, Trevor and Carl are together and comforting each other (Carl is comforting Trevor more than anything else). Trevor is worried about Riley going to Afghanistan, dreading him being wounded or killed. He doesn't want his son to go, but he is also very proud of him and can see him growing up.

The story progresses with (almost) each chapter telling you how much time until Riley is killed. And even when the day comes and you know this is it, I could not stop hoping and praying that he would live. I knew from the blurb what was going to happen, but I still didn't want to believe he was going to die. I thought there could be some miracle and he would be saved. I was that invested in these characters. It was so emotional when Jesse was with Riley during those last moments. I can't tell you how many tissues I went thru. I was dreading the moment with Trevor would learn about Riley. They had a very close relationship since Trevor had raised Riley on his own, and oh my God, how Trevor loved his son. I am getting emotional as I write this. There relationship is what families dream of.

After Trevor is told about Riley's death, he is torn about what he should do about everything, from where to bury him, if he should see him, what to do about Riley's belongings, the money Trevor received as a result of Riley's death, plus so many other things. I dare anyone to remain dry-eyed during this part.

When Jesse visits Trevor a few months after Riley's death, it's very cathartic for Trevor because it's clear Riley and Jesse were close and shared a special friendship. It helped Trevor to see his son thru Jesse's stories and to be able to talk about Riley openly and without hesitation. The relationship that blossoms between Jesse and Trevor is so natural and comes over time. Neither intended for it to happen, and they both feared what it meant, but they didn't hesitate to try. I don't have the right words to express how good that made me feel - that they were willing to try to have a real relationship between them.

Naturally this has a bittersweet ending because Riley is still dead, but Trevor and Jesse have found each other and are starting a life filled with love and helping others. They will never forget Riley and always visit him in Arlington on his birthday. I see them being very happy together and leading the best of lives, and helping hundreds of people who have suffered one way or another because of war and battle.

5 emotional stars and I HIGHLY recommend this one.

Oh, this book just about broke me. I feel like it should have come with a warning. See, I was prepared to meet two men who had lost someone they loved deeply. One was a father and one was a best friend… a brother really. What I wasn’t prepared for was to not only meet, but fall in love with Riley, the young man they both lost way too soon. And for the record, that’s not a spoiler. You only have to start reading the first chapter to realize that you’re going to experience the loss of Riley right along with Jesse and Trevor. Readers spend the first section of the book just waiting for it to happen. It’s hard and gut wrenching and I both hated and loved this author for putting me through it. Yes, it was intense and heart wrenching, but I love books that make me feel and I honestly think that there’s no possible way to walk away from Point of Contact without feeling.

I’m not really sure which character in Point of Contact I felt for most. I’m a firm believer that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Trevor lost his only son. A son he wasn’t prepared for in the beginning, but a son that his entire world revolved around by the time he became a young man. There were a lot of relationships that revolved around Trevor and Jesse – both good and bad. There was obviously an age gap that existed between these two, but given Jesse’s life experience, it didn’t take long to realize that it wasn’t a huge deal. Tragic circumstances brought these two together, but love and respect strengthened their bond.

So, Point of Contact wasn’t exactly what I expected going in, but it turned out to be so much more – I’m also pretty sure that it’s going to rank among one of my favorite reads of the year. This was also my first read by Melanie Hansen, but I can pretty much guarantee that it won’t be my last.

I was aware this would be a difficult book to read, and it took me a while to actually be in the right mindspace to handle it.

Please make sure you're okay with the subject matter before reading it - but if you are, this is an absolutely amazing book about love and grief and finding a way to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Riley is Trevor's son and Jesse's best friend - and Riley dies while he and Jesse are stationed in Afghanistan. When Jesse visits Trevor some time after Riley's death, the fact that they can share each other's memories of Riley helps both of them, and over time, they become closer.

Everything, and I mean *everything* was handled so well. Riley's and Jesse's time in Afghanistan felt extremely realistic (not that I have much to compare it with, but I did read Clinton Romesha's Red Platoon and it just captured exactly the same atmosphere). Trevor and his fiance's relationship was difficult to read (like 95% of this book, to be honest), but again, it felt so genuine. And Jesse and Trevor's relationship was just beautifully handled and perfectly paced.

This is not the book to read if you're looking for a romance novel. But this is simply a very good book that is absolutely worth reading if you can handle the serious subject matter. While I struggled with reading it at times, it contains so much hope and love and a strength that made it so, so worth it. I'm very glad I got the chance to read this, and highly recommend it.

Can't recommend this book enough, make you sure you have some tissues handy as there will be tears. Still can't stop thinking about it a few days after reading <3

Trevor’s love for his son and Jesse’s love for his friend drive this story. These men come together, mourning their loss by remembering his life. While slowly becoming aware that maybe, even though Riley is gone, they don't have to let him go. Realizing that maybe his memory can be the path to their future.

My reviews tend to tell as much of the story as I can by giving away as little as possible. The synopsis tells us Riley died. It didn't say it was gut wrenching and poignant and heartbreaking. I rarely cry while reading but this one brought so many tears, mostly sad but surprisingly a few happy ones. This book will go into my forever library. Beautifully done.

I’m not one to regularly cry over books, but this one got me more than a few times. Point of Contact hit all the emotions: pride, friendship, loyalty, fear, sadness, grief, and love- both new and everlasting. I knew this book would tear at my heart, which is probably why I delayed diving into it as soon as it landed on my device; but I had no idea just how much it would impact me and is my favorite book of the author’s to date (which is saying a lot). Point of Contact was incredibly touching. The author didn’t spare readers any of the pitfalls as she detailed the main characters’ grief and coming back from those dark places to find hope and move forward to make a new normal, while still honoring old memories and those lost.

The writing in Point of Contact was smooth, descriptive, and beautiful, the pacing measured. There was an ebb and flow of action, but every moment had a purposeful role in developing Jesse and Trevor’s characters and story. I especially loved the honesty in emotions and dialogue of both the main and secondary characters. I say honesty because not only was the emotion clearly written and palpable, but I’ve heard my husband and friends, who are combat veterans, say many of the same things. It was a window into an experience and Miss Hansen managed to expose vulnerabilities while showcasing strengths.

More than a slow burn romance, this was a gentle love story. By the time the two men got together, I was already thoroughly invested in both individuals. Their romance acted as an undercurrent to their personal growth stories rather than the main attraction. That isn’t to say their love story wasn’t poignant or heartwarming, because it was, it’s just that I see Point of Contact as much more than a beautiful love story. It’s a life-affirming, emotional survival story. There’s not an author I trust more to deliver a military story and romance with grace, dignity, respect, and integrity than Miss Hansen, and Point of Contact is a perfect example of why. This title will definitely be a top read of all time for me, let alone 2018, and I certainly recommend it to any reader who doesn’t mind shedding a few tears over a book.

THIS BOOK! So deeply emotional and riveting - the way that it delved into and explored the themes of loss and grief and duty and guilt and so many different types of love - with understanding, sensitivity, and depth was absolutely breathtaking. Yes there is heat and romance but those elements almost seemed secondary under the weight of the true beauty of this book. Point of Contact moved me and opened my eyes and heart in a way that I was wholly unprepared for and did not expect. 4 out of 5 wine glasses.

This might be the saddest romance novel I have read. I wept silently through most of it, because, as others have pointed out, we get to know Reily, we see what a generous and amazing spirit he has, and then we see him die.

Gah.

Improbable feelings all of them. Jesse and Trevor take ages to build a romance. This is very genuine and not rushing it means we have time to accept Reilly's death. Like they do.

The military, the travel, the war correspondent, the way Trevor is treated by the brass makes me believe in the messiness of life, the horror of war, and the need to find light in among the darkness.

I felt every sentence of this book.

Thanks to publisher and netgalley for advanced copy. I read it ages ago (& it's still with me), and I believe it's published today.

It's been awhile since I read a book where I spent half of it in tears and the other half shouting (but in a good "come on already" way). Point of Contract is a beautiful, emotional punch to the gut about loss, redemption, and finding love--and hope--in the most unlikely of places. Best read with a box of tissues handy and someplace you don't mind having people see tears and snot dripping down your face.

THIS BOOK!

I've had a long streak of mediocre and crappy reads recently, and I had begun thinking that maybe I was just too picky, too finicky in my tastes. Then Point of Contact comes around and blows my mind, and I realize that greatness is out there.

First of all, this book is A-to the-N-G-S-T-Y, and you KNOW what's coming, but that doesn't stop the tears from streaming down your face. If you are prepared to be gutted and then put back together, then you need to try this book.

I've been reading lots of fluff recently. I like fluff, I crave fluff a lot of the time, especially when the world seems so crappy, but it felt so good to sink into a story that made me feel again.

Point of Contact reminded me of some of my heart-breaking favorites, like After Ben and Second Chances. It's a hurt-comfort story with an age gap and military men. It's super, super slow-burn and basically checked off the majority of my *hallelujah* buttons.

I literally read this book all night. I could not put it down, not even at 3:30 am when my eyes were blurring from fatigue and tears. I just couldn't get enough. It was SO worth my massive book hangover, and I'm even reluctant to start another story because I don't want to put these characters away.

A must read for those who want something painful and beautiful and honest right now. By far the best book I've read from Melanie Hansen. *genuflects*

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

This was a really unique story and I kind of love the author for it. The blurb is very clear on the events that happen so you know that going in. What you don't know is how creatively this author is going to tell the story.

It's told in two parts. Before Riley's death and after Riley's death. The way this is done lets the reader get to know Riley well. (he's in about 30% of the book) so it's not just Trevor and Jesse who are destroyed when he dies. You as the reader are going to feel it too. I think it was a brilliant way to handle it because it really helps you understand the overwhelming grief that both men feel.

Another thing I loved about the book was that this is a slow, slow burn. They get to be good friends before it switches to romance and the entire thing feels so believable. It didn't bother me at all because I was so invested in them. I'm not sure I've read a book before that does such a good job of painstakingly building a relationship and taking the readers along for every step.

I also felt the author did a great job with grief and how it manifests and how it comes and goes. I've read a few of this author's books now and I'm pretty sure she's got a background in social work, therapy or something related because she really does mental health issues well. She nails it every time.

And the communication.....I could just weep from joy over how they communicated. Like adults. Like reasonable people who sometimes have problems to solve. It was so refreshing and it made me absolutely love the mc's. There's also an ex of Trevor's that was so wonderfully handled. Sometimes things don't work out but that doesn't mean that person is the "bad guy". I loved, loved, loved how that all played out in the end. In a book of very emotional scenes, their last scene was one of the most emotional for me.

I realize the subject matter isn't for everyone. As a mother myself the whole death of child thing was super hard to read in places. My heart broke for Trevor. But if you can tolerate that then I highly recommend this book. This was top of the line storytelling. It was unique and heartbreaking but also just beautiful. I loved every minute of this and I'm not sure I've ever been so happy to see two people get their hea.

This is very moving and emotional. It is also a well written story because it manages to combine heartbreak and hope, and holds them together so beautifully.

I enjoyed reading this but the first half of the story dragged a bit for me. I just wanted to focus on Jesse and Trevor and so I was a bit impatient, but the first part of the story is key to understanding and appreciating the second. The story really took off for me in the second part of the book which focuses on Trevor and Jesse, both grieving for Riley and finding support from each other. As time goes on they eventually start a relationship with each other.

It is an emotional story but also very realistic in its portrayal of loss and trauma, and the devastating impact of war.

There are so many aspects to this romance. It isn't just about grief and loss but it is also about new beginnings and courage. It isn't just about romantic love, but also about brotherly love, friendships and camaraderie.

It is an incredibly rich story with well developed characters. So despite the difficult themes I am very glad I read it because it is a beautiful read and one that I wont be forgetting soon.

Copy provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Oh my gosh - I cried through at least half of this book. Parts of it were just devastating. I think maybe a little more for me having served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was also the mortuary officer in the AF so some of this really reminded me of a few things. I will say for the most part it was VERY accurate. The first half of this book takes place in the not too distant past. It really shows the wonderful father/son relationship between Trevor and his son Riley. Trevor is a single parent who while drunk/high got a girl pregnant on the one and only time he had sex with a girl. He was 18 and the 17 year old girl wanted nothing to do with the baby. Trevor with the help of his aunt raised the baby as a single father. Trevor is happy and engaged to Carl and his son has joined the Army. The next part of the book is Riley and his best friend Jessie's story of their time in Afghanistan. Again I loved that it did a wonderful job of showing the relationship between Riley and the guys he served with. Going into the book from the description you know Riley is going to die what I didn't know was that the first part of the book would be all about Riley so you really connected with his character making his death all that more awful. Trevor completely falls apart and his fiance Carl isn't dealing weal with the fact that Trevor is so completely mired in his son's death that he can't move forward. Then Jessie arrives with a box of Riley's belongings and the two strike up a friendship and help each other through their grief over the loss of Riley. I cried so much during some of these scenes but it was also very moving. The friendship eventually leads to more as the two begin to fall in love. I loved the slow growth from two men who were grieving the same person to friendship to love. The epilogues were amazing and in the end I truly ended up loving this book. If you don't mind a tear jerker I highly recommend this book.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion

¸.•´¸★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤5 stars and beyond for this slow burning love story.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★

There is always at one story that comes along and steals a piece of your heart. Not many, but every once In a while, it grips you and never let you go. The year has just commenced, two months in and I have my second top ten of 2018. Knowing the premise, I prepared myself, but there was no way to prevent the tears, the anger and anguish when that scene appeared.

I appreciate Ms. Hansen for her realistic and trying patience as she tried to entertain, yet write a gripping tale of loving, losing, pain and death. She was able to draw out the emotions of two broken men, one a father, the other a best friend, lost in the grips of agony, finding solace in found friendship and slow passion.

Both Trevor and Jesse had a tale to tell, and that they did, through their own eyes, thoughts and feelings. Death brought them together, love kept them grounded. I am happy these two found each other despite their rocky start. Both were able to help each other and make it out of the depths of darkness.

A definite one click and highly recommended.

To be quite honest, the blurb gave me a bit of a pause. I had no idea how the story would turn out but it did seem a bit weird that Riley's dad and former co-soldier would get together. However, the author handled this successfully and I enjoyed the book very much.

The story is divided into two parts: Before and After. Given that we know from the blurb that Riley will die, it is quite difficult to read the Before part and not dreading THE MOMENT. The reader gets to know Riley and the other soldiers and that is why the After part is so much harder to read.

Despite the fact that Jesse seems like a total douche when he is introduced, we get to know his reasons even though that does not really excuse his behavior. But he becomes Riley's best friend and vice versa of course. Riley knows Jesse's secret and Jesse is the one who comes to visit Riley's dad.

And becomes one who guides him through the grief they both experience. He helps Trevor (Riley's dad) to move on day by day and is always there for him, with the help of his boss who does not mind Jesse missing some days to help Trevor.

Eventually they bond so much that they begin a relationship, which is not easy on either of them as they both have to work through their issues.

What I LOVED about this book was the fact that the grief did not just magically disappear and 'all was well' did not happen in this way. It is still there and they have to live life day-by-day.

The epilogue was also a very teary part for me and I loved it. So, this is a good book to read but be prepared for crying...and don't read it if you have a bad day I guess. It does have the Carina happy ending promise but that does not mean the ending will not make you cry :)

This book should come with a disclaimer: Warning! May cause drowning due to excessive ugly crying. This book is more than just a story, it is more like an experience. I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down. Trevor and Jesse’s journey to love is a heartbreaking one but it is beautiful because of that struggle. The love that both of these men have for Riley and the hole in their hearts is evident. It was almost like a paranormal story because Riley’s presence was so tangible to the men that it was like they were haunted by his ghost. You can’t help but fall in love with Riley as well, you’ll feel his loss along with the MCs.

It’s powerful when a book can take you out of the real world while it immerses you in its fictional setting and I feel that the ability of this book to do that is amazing. The book is told in two segments: before and after Riley’s death. In the before segment, the story has two settings: Trevor at home and Jesse with Riley at war. In the before section, you get to know Riley as a friend first, as he befriends Jesse while serving with him. In the after section, you get to know Riley as a son while Trevor reminisces about him.

The majority of the book is spent getting over Riley, both Jesse and Trevor have to come to terms with him being gone. But that doesn’t mean that the romance isn’t beautiful, it is. Because the men’s hearts are broken, it seems that sealing the holes in their heart’s with their love for each other is the only way for them to move on. Their relationship has other issues than just Riley, such as an age gap and jealousy. Seeing them overcome all their issues to have their hard won HEA was really rewarding and made me love this book. But the underlying message of “that while grief is hard, it is still able to be overcome” is why this is a 5 star read.

This book is classified as a romance, and it is, but it is equally a story about military service and the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and their families. Readers who aren’t willing to delve into those weighty issues should probably avoid <i>Point of Contact</i>, but for those who are, I’d highly recommend it.

Given that the two main characters, Trevor and Jesse, don’t even talk to each other in depth until Part II of the story, this is clearly not a typical romance novel. They do meet at the very beginning of the book, when Trevor throws a party for his son Riley’s platoon mates, including Jesse, prior to them shipping out to Afghanistan in 2007. They get off to a bad start because Jesse is rude to Trevor, in part because he is trying to hide his sexuality in the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Then the focus of the story turns to Jesse’s and Riley’s tour of duty in Afghanistan and Trevor’s experiences as a father of a soldier in active combat. It’s not until Riley is killed in action and Jesse leaves the army that they meet again, when Jesse brings Trevor some of Riley’s belongings. Even then, it takes a while for them to do more than provide support for each other in their grief and actually act on their attraction.

When I initially read the description of the novel, I was doubtful about how a romance could be built on the framework of a soldier’s death. Wouldn’t grief get in the way of romance? But giving the backstory of that death, showing Trevor’s love for his son and Jesse and Riley’s close friendship, allows the reader to get invested in their feelings and appreciate their shared grief. Having their relationship start with comforting each other and slowly build to more over time seemed realistic and worked well for me.

I found the military aspects of the story to be just as compelling. The author has family in both the Air Force and the Navy, so she’s clearly no stranger to military life. The parts of the book detailing what Jesse and his platoon mates experience in Afghanistan seemed true to life to me, as did the descriptions of Trevor’s fear for Riley and then his paralyzing grief and slow recovery from his loss. The issue of post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans is also addressed sensitively in the storyline. The author’s acknowledgements suggest that this was a difficult book for her to write, and I can certainly see why that might be the case given the subject matter.

Readers who are looking for a book focusing primarily on the romantic relationship of the main characters might want to give this a miss. As someone who doesn’t have family or friends in the military, though, I found this book to be a powerful read, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a romance with depth.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.