Stitched Up Heart

Jason "Jase" Larkin is a former Army Ranger who runs a company that takes veterans on camping, fishing and hunting expeditions. A chance meeting with the beautiful Bree at a bar leads to a hot and heavy one night stand. The problem is he didn't want it to be just for one night. Bree had a different idea. When he finally finds her again he is determined not to let her get away this time. Jase is an "Alpha-male door kicker" type who is super bossy but has enough sweetness to not come across like an asshole. He's just decisive and committed to achieving whatever outcome he wants. He is serious relationship material right from the start.

Dr. Brianna "Bree" Marks has her own invisible scars of war. It's really refreshing to have a heroine who's a veteran that is so strong and grounded, yet soft and compassionate. As a former Air Force medic and physical therapist, Bree has a passion for helping fellow soldiers literally get back on their feet. I love how she let Jase lead because she wanted to, not because she had self esteem issues. I enjoyed their sex life, banter and their ability to support each other with their emotional challenges. There was real romance in their relationship and that's not always a given in an emotionally charged story like this one.

This is the debut novel for Tarina Deaton and what I love about her writing style is that she puts the reader right in the middle of the scene, whether it's cooking dinner or an intense confrontation or some really hot sex. It's almost like virtual reality, I knew where people were sitting, standing, where their hands were placed how they switched positions. I can't tell you how much this makes a difference in the quality of the story. Also, because Ms. Deaton is a veteran herself, there is a palpable authenticity to the emotions of these characters as it relates to there memories of war and the camaraderie they share with other service members . I loved everything about this story. It had texture and dimension and the sex was off the charts! I look forward to her next novel in the series.

A new author who gives us a kick-ass heroine (who isn’t whiny) and a caveman hero (who isn’t a whore) both dealing with PTSD in a beautiful, heart-warming and emotional story. I was all in from the first page to the last.

I loved Bree and Jase. One of my top book couples. Bree is independent, confident and cool. I totally have a girl crush. And Jase is an alpha-male with a sensitive side. While he had a lot caveman ways he never crossed the line into controlling asshole territory.

Ms. Deaton has written about some serious issues, that affect so many men and women who served in the military, in a realistic non-preachy manner. The book was sexy, cool, suspenseful and compelling. A great supporting cast of characters, especially Denise (Bree’s best friend), Chris (Jase’s best friend), left me wanting more, more, more. I loved this book! It’s on my keeper/re-read shelf. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Stitched Up Heart by (Book Review)

4 of 5

Adult Romance/Military Romance (Contains PTSD)

ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review.

Brianna “Bree” is a physical therapist. She served in the military and enjoys being able to help other soldiers who are recovering from combat. She is smart, driven and sassy. As of recently, her life has been a blur and change is needed. After walking into her fiancé having sex with another woman, she finally sees the change and cuts ties with him. Taking a chance, she goes out to a local bar with her best friend to forget the disastrous night. She doesn’t expect to meet a tall, strong and handsome man who can help her forget everything and bring down her walls.

Jason “Jase” used to be in the military and knows how difficult it can be coming back and having to deal with horrific and tragic situations experienced while serving. In fact he has lost a few people in his life and has learned to cope by going to the bar and choosing a new woman each time. When he goes out with some buddies he notices a beautiful and sassy woman at the bar that makes him feel things that he has never felt before.

Bree never thought she could just have a one night stand. Jase always wanted one night stands… until Bree. He will not let her get away…

This steamy read with make you laugh out loud, fidget in your seat and grin constantly with the funny (and sometimes awkward) situations and conversations between Alpha Jase and sassy Bree. Their hot chemistry will also make your heart flutter! I would say their chemistry and interactions were my favorite parts of this book. I really like how Bree was driven, strong and didn’t take anything from anyone. I like how strong Jase was but at times felt that his “alpha-ness” was a bit too much and came off a little controlling BUT it still made for some fun scenes! Another great thing about this book is it’s more than just a romance. It’s a thriller and mystery WITH hot romance. The plot is very detailed and moves steadily which kept me captivated to the very end. The mystery kept me guessing!

Check out this thrilling read!

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