** spoiler alert ** A charming second-chance romance! Jules and Rae were each other's first (and only loves), but when Rae's commitment to their military career starts to cause problems, the pair go separate ways. Years later when an injury forces Rae into retirement and back to their hometown, they and Jules are forced to confront their unresolved feelings for one another.

I'm not typically a fan of second-chance romances but this one was honestly so well done, the reason for their initial separation wasn't some dumb miscommunication but just them being young and struggling to navigate a hard long-distance relationship. Jules and Rae had a very realistic connection and I liked the way they eased back into things, after all it all started with a friendship.

I also thought Rae being non-binary was well handled and added a nice touch to the story, especially since you don't see sapphic romances featuring an NB character very often.

I am always a little hesitant with romances involving the military but this one was handled well, it was mostly treated as any other job and the book didn't reread as military/US Army propaganda. It would have been nice to see a little more of how Rae's mental health was assumably impacted by their injury and retirement but that's getting a little knitpicky.

All in all, this was a really lovely little romance and one I would recommend picking up!

Thanks you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Jules and Rae have loved each other since high school but Rae had dreams of a military career and as the years passed so did they.
Now Rae has come back home after an accident that will force a discharge from the service. She had no idea she’d end up in Jules physical therapy facility while she continues her rehab.
Jules is shocked to see Rae but the spark is still there.
Can they rekindle and move forward? What about the woman Jules is currently dating?
It’s going to be a process but maybe they’re with it.
This was a quick read with a good story.


Thank you #netgallet #boldstrokesbooks #youcantgohomeagain for this ARC

A love that can seemingly survive anything is put to the test here.
Rae and Jules have been in love since they were teenagers and even Rae's plans to become a soldier and a pilot don't scare them off.
It's just a phase that they both have to get through.
The distance can't harm them, but their own fear of being discovered can.
Not just when it comes to "Don't ask. Don't tell."
Rae is anything but ready to come out as Jules' partner in her private life.
Everything is secret and Jules shows patience until a limit is reached. Her patience under the pressure of pain of always being a secret and coming second, dwindles. Now, 11 years later, Julia Martin is a successful owner of the gym in her beloved town.
After work, at her favorite bar with her colleagues, she sees a ghost sitting there and can't believe her eyes...

The connection and attraction between the two MCs is really wonderfully written.
They have such a beautiful and natural understanding for each other.
That's why it's all the more sad when they part ways purely out of self-protection.
Sometimes in life, it takes time to realize what really matters.
Life as a soldier is told very well and understandably, with a lot of respect.
I feel the same as the author and thank all the brave people for their service to their country!
The story is moving and kept me captivated for two days, because I wanted to know what would happen to them. Hot scenes plus sweet and funny supporting characters made it a pure reading pleasure for me!
Thanks to the Author, NetGalley and of course Bold Stroke Books for this ARC!