J. E. Parker

"I finally found it. After all this time, I finally found it."
"What? What did you f-find?"
"My home, Ashley Jo. In you, I found my home."

Oh. My. Lord!!! I have read every book in this series and this author puts her characters through the wringer - right along with my heart!! Have the tissues ready - this one is full of pain, heartache, perseverance, devotion and strength. You will cry happy tears. You will cry sad tears. You will cry angry tears. But Lord help you, you won't be able to stop show more reading!!

Let's start with Ashley Jo. She's been through the worst life can dish out and yet she's strong and fiercely loyal to those she loves. She carries a guilt that was never hers to bear, and just when happiness is within her grasp, she lets her demons tell her she is undeserving. No matter how badly she wants it, she has to let him go. I was mentally screaming at her and wanted to shake some sense in to her!! Thank goodness she has a wonderful support system around her and a boy who won't let her go!

Now, we have Chase. He doesn't have the best reputation in town, largely due to his devil of a father. He's been known to throw a punch or two too many and Ashley's parents are none too pleased with his interest in Ashley. But, dang that boy is patient - and devoted, and loving. I'm staking my claim on Chase now. He's mine, so back off!! Yeah, yeah, I know - I'm twice his age -but in my little book world, we're made for each other!

If you haven't read this series, start it now! This was such an amazing addition to this collection! I have fallen in love with every character. They've all been through hell and come out stronger on the other side. Chase and Ashley's story will shatter you and put you all back together by the end. Oh, the end? Remember those tissues? You'll need them!! show less

The way we got back in time to where there is a cross over in time from the last book to this one is smoothly done and I loved remembering what happened previously. Kyle is one hell of a tortured soul for something well beyond his control when he was younger and it is gut wrenching the torment he puts himself through. Carissa is strong and determined but while shows his pain on the outside hers is hidden well inside and she tries to never acknowledge. Grab your tissues and not just a little show more pack this book is full of so much emotion as we go through the journey of love, redemption, forgiveness, worry of something happening to them as well as the hope they both see how worthy of love they are. ❤ show less

"I don't plan to sew your heart back together, but I have every intention of stitching your broken pieces to my tattered ones. That way we can both be whole again."

WARNING: Have copious amounts of tissues handy before opening this book!! Right from the prologue, your heart is going to be wrecked!! This author has such a way of pulling your heart apart then putting it all back together by the end. Tears are almost a guarantee - but they are ones of heartbreak for sure, but also of happiness show more and laughter. (Thank the stars for Grandmama!)

Carissa Johnson is just trying to help her family make ends meet. Working two jobs and finishing school and becoming a social worker takes up all her time. From the moment she met Kyle, she made that clear. Now, she has her degree and Kyle isn't waiting one more minute to make good on his promise to make her his. But, he has burdens of his own that he's carrying, a guilt that he uses his fists to express. They are kindred souls - broken, guilty, angry. Can they put each other back together and help each other move on? Is their love for each other strong enough to put the demons to rest?

Kyle Tucker knew from the moment he laid eyes on Carissa that she was the one. He didn't even know her name yet, and he knew. His life was forever changed over a decade ago - his family torn apart - all because of him. He's kept everyone at a distance, wallowing in his guilt alone. But Carissa could be the one to save him. His broken soul is drawn to hers like a moth to a flame - but she'd never burn him. She's his light in the dark - the missing half of his splintered heart. He'll never let anything happen to her. He'll keep her safe and he'll love her forever. Nothing and no one will ever take her away. It's time for him to heal, and she's the one that just might be able to do it.

Oh. My. Goodness!! I am not a crier. Not over a book anyway. But darn it all, if Ms. Parker has gone and made me do it. The things she has her characters go through!! Despite the tragedies that befall Kyle and Carissa, they are such strong characters. I love it when the tough, closed-off man, who feels he's not good enough for anyone, finds that right woman who can chip away at that crunchy exterior and bring out the romantic man inside. And I equally love, when the strong woman, who never wants anyone's help, finds the man that she can finally let take the reins. Love truly can conquer all!

If you haven't read this series, I highly suggest you do!! Like I said, have the tissues handy but you won't be sorry. At all. show less

REVIEW: “I know they say God doesn’t give you more than you can handle, but, at this point, I should’ve been able to bench press a Greyhound bus.” Shelby’s life has been filled with challenges and betrayals. The only good thing that happened to her was her son Lucca. And then the gorgeous detective, Anthony, drops into her life with almost instant infatuation. His sudden attraction to Shelby and Lucca is intense and difficult for Shelby to believe. Anthony is working hard to show more protect her and her son while trying to get her to let go of her fears. A touching story of survival and love. Complex characters and building suspense keep you glued to the book until the very end. Lots of shouting but filled with love. This is my voluntary review of an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: Two damaged souls. One last shot at salvation.
Shelby
I'm a single mom with a past as hideous as the scars marring my flesh.
I've endured a life of pain, escaped the clutches of a sadistic monster, and survived hell.
Because of my past, the walls surrounding my heart are strong.
Impenetrable.
Yet every time Anthony speaks my name, I feel them begin to crumble.
With just one look, he makes me want things I can't have.
Things like a father for my son and a husband for myself.
With the monster from my past closing in, I try to push him away.
But my heart and soul cry for me to pull him closer.
Falling for him is probably a big mistake.
Still, I can't help but think it may be the sweetest mistake I'll ever make.
Anthony
One word to describe Shelby? Perfect.
As a homicide detective, I'm constantly surrounded by darkness.
But that all changed when her eyes met mine for the first time.
In less than a second, she became my light.
My hope.
My purpose.
And come hell or high water, I'm determined to keep her and her son close.
Terrified of a looming threat from her past, she tries her best to push me away.
But no matter how hard she pushes, I'm not going anywhere.
I don't care what she's running from, far as I'm concerned, her fate is sealed.
Both Shelby and her son are mine. show less