WOMEN'S FICTION - When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham

 

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An emotionally compelling tale of love and mystery set in the publishing world of World War II London, When We Meet Again tells the story of a mother searching for her stolen child, and illustrates the unbreakable bonds among families, lovers, and readers under the shadow of war.

London, 1943: War and dwindling resources have taken their toll on the book publishing industry, but Alice Cotton, a young editor at Partridge Press, has seen her star begin to rise. She has a knack for creating new books to distract readers from the grim realities of the war. And the demand for books is greater than ever, both on the battlefield and on the home front. But just as her hard work seems poised to pay off, Alice unexpectedly falls pregnant.

Facing the stigma of being an unwed mother, Alice flees to a small town to give birth to her child, Eadie, whom her family has promised to help raise. Instead, her mother sells the newborn to baby farmers who plan to give the child up for a private adoption. Alice begins her desperate hunt to find the daughter she never planned for but suddenly deeply loves.

Alice's story intertwines with that of Theo Bloom, an American editor tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Theo and Alice are quickly drawn to each other during their darkest hours, bound by hope, love, secrets, and the belief that books have the power to change lives. 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

When We Meet Again is an intriguing historical fiction read by Carlone Beecham. 

From the start, I found myself feeling everything with Alice. Damn, the poor girl. My heart hurt for her immediately. 

Her life goes from tragedy to yet worse tragedies. It's all a tough read. The fact that it's based on true events makes it even more powerful.

The writing is great, with everything representative of the time period. The author fully pulls the reader into the era. I also enjoy the secondary characters and the way the author brings them in and out of the story.

When We Meet Again is a great historical story. Everything about this Caroline Beecham tale is intriguing and easy to follow. 

MF - WAR NOVEL - The Prisoner's Wife by Maggie Brookes

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Inspired by the true story of a daring deception that plunges a courageous young woman deep into the horrors of a Nazi POW camp to be with the man she loves.

In the dead of night, a Czech farm girl and a British soldier travel through the countryside. Izabela and prisoner of war Bill have secretly married and are on the run, with Izzy dressed as a man. The young husband and wife evade capture for as long as possible--until they are cornered by Nazi soldiers with tracking dogs.

Izzy's disguise works. The couple are assumed to be escaped British soldiers and transported to a POW camp. However, their ordeal has just begun, as they face appalling living conditions and the constant fear of Izzy's exposure. But in the midst of danger and deprivation comes hope, for the young couple are befriended by a small group of fellow prisoners. These men become their new family, willing to jeopardize their lives to save Izzy from being discovered and shot.

The Prisoner's Wife tells of an incredible risk, and of how our deepest bonds are tested in desperate times. Bill and Izzy's story is one of love and survival against the darkest odds. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Prisoner's Wife is a thrilling historical novel by Maggie Brookes.

Izzy and Bill meet during the war. What follows is a harrowing story of their strength and survival during a time that could have easily broke them. Not only does Izzy need to hide that she's a female, they have to survive abusive guards, abusive prisoners, attacks, and brutal conditions throughout the rest of the war. 

The author easily captures the feel and tone of the time period, as well as the atmospheric conditions of the setting. 

Izzy and Bill are true survivors, and their fictional story, although based on a fictionalized version of reality, is easily believed. 

The Prisoner's Wife is a riveting novel. Maggie Brookes will have you fully engrossed early on, unable to stop thinking about this couple and everything the have to endure. I highly recommend this. 

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The Last Kiss by Sally Malcolm

KU KU KU

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Blurb

A tender and triumphant story of forbidden love in the aftermath of war

When Captain Ashleigh Dalton went to war in 1914, he never expected to fall in love. Yet, over three long years at the front, his dashing batman, Private West, became his reason for fighting—and his reason for living.

For Harry West, an ostler from London’s East End, it was love at first sight when he met complex, compassionate Captain Dalton. Harry knew their friendship wouldn’t survive in the class-bound world back home, but in the trenches there was no point in worrying about tomorrow…

Now, gravely wounded, Ash has been evacuated home to Highcliffe House, his father’s Hampshire estate. Bereft of Harry, angry and alone, Ash struggles to fit into the unchanging world he left behind. Meanwhile, Harry, broken-hearted, doubts he’ll ever see his beloved captain again.

But when the guns fall silent and Harry finds himself adrift in London, a desperate hope carries him to Highcliffe House in search of work—and of the officer he can’t forget…


This novel is approximately 81,000 words and comes with a HEA guaranteed.


Review 
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Sally Malcolm's The Last Kiss is a wonderful historical romance. From the first page, I was sucked into this story, reading it as fast as I could.

Ash and Harry are two men trapped in a world that isn't theirs. They are two men who aren't allowed to be together in any way. They met during the war and fell in love. But they are separated by class, status, and law. 

The emotions are high and intense. Fear. Pain. Grief. Longing. Chemistry. More Fear. Anger. Sadness. Heartache. And yet more fear. My heart was hurting throughout, as the author expertly conveys all these emotions and more.

There are some great secondary characters as well, such as Olive, who is amazing. I love Olive. Not only is she understanding, she also has her own dreams that aren't available to her. 

The writing is nothing short of fabulous, as I've come to expect from this author. The characters are developing throughout, the emotions jump right off the page, and the story line is positively riveting.

The Last Kiss is a touching story of unattainable dreams and forbidden love. This Sally Malcolm story will warm your heart and leave you with the happiest of endings. Read it.

Grounded by Teodora Kostova

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Blurb

A chance encounter.
A passionate night.
An intense connection.

When medical student Shane Sanford and RAF pilot Greg Becker meet the air between them sizzles with mutual attraction. There’s nothing holding them back as they give in to their desire. But once their paths lead them into a different direction, neither of them can forget the intense connection they’d shared.
When fate brings them together again a year later, they have a choice to make: try and make a long-distance relationship work or let this be a one-night stand again.With war, tragedy and fear standing in their way, can Shane and Greg overcome the challenges life keeps throwing their way?
Is their bond strong enough to survive?
Is love enough?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I wish I could give Teodora Kostova's Grounded ten stars. Five just doesn't seem enough. I found myself completely invested in this story of true love from the start.

The romance between Greg and Shane begins with a hot hook-up. As the months go by, they can't stop thinking about one another. So, when they run into each other again, they want to make things work between them. Their relationship is long distance, but goes on for years. They are completely in love; they just have to keep saying goodbye.

They help each other through tragedies, pain, and loss. There are broken hearts, and some scenes that will have you bawling. And that's all before the big complications get in their way, as a tragedy sets them on a new path. As real gets in the way, they face even more pain. And more goodbyes.

Grounded is a terrific tale of need and longing. The writing is masterful, as it's riveting and compelling, having me feel every single feeling, every single emotion, and every single scene. It is absolutely sensational and memorable. Basically, just read it! And then thank Teodora Kostova for this powerful story.

When Skies Have Fallen (When Skies Have Fallen) by Debbie McGowan

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Blurb

For many in war-torn 1944, love blossoms in the dance hall, and airman Arty Clarke is no exception. He’s a thinker and a dreamer; however, it’s not the beautiful, talented dancer in his arms—his best friend Jean—who inspires his dreams. For when his gaze meets that of Technical Sergeant Jim Johnson, Arty dares to imagine a different dance.

Their love is forbidden, by both the armed forces and the law, but with Jean’s cunning and support, Arty and Jim try to bridge the distance between them and find true love despite the danger and a life-threatening disaster that could destroy Arty’s dreams for good.

Can the pair stand strong together, no matter how many skies have fallen?

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Dear Author,
Life isn’t a fairytale. These two know that better than most. These men are survivors. Against all odds, they made it through hardships, separation, and war. They clung to hope where little existed and, as the skies fell around them and the world was torn apart, found strength in loving each other.

Suddenly, the war was over. Battlefields lay silent and troops prepared for the journey home. These two were more than ready. They had experienced enough loss, grief, and pain to last ten lifetimes. The country they left behind may not have been ready to accept them, but they were prepared to live no matter how many skies had fallen.

Photo Description:
Picture is of two young soldiers at the front of a WWII armed forces jeep. Both men are dressed in fatigues. One is sitting on the hood of the jeep; the other is standing and is kissing the seated soldier’s cheek, whilst embracing him around the shoulders. Both men have cheeky, happy smiles.

This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I am thrilled to have finally read When Skies Have Fallen. It's emotional, extremely atmospheric of it's time, and is a wonderful love story.

The time period of the 1940s and World War II are expertly representative of the time. I immediate became engrossed and could feel as if I was there. 

Two men who meet during the war and have to tentatively take chances to make a move on the other. The hiding, the cover ups, everything is emotional and beautifully written.

This story takes a lot of twists and turns, has lots of ups and downs, but ends with a happily ever after. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled. 

This story is a wonderful historical romance, one I highly recommend to any fan of this genre.

From War to Forever (War Trilogy #1) by Andria Large

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Blurb

2nd Edition Dennis

The love of my life is dead. Is there a reason to live anymore?

I'm a veteran Marine. Terrorists took not only my foot, but also my wife. Recurrent nightmares, a dead-end job, and a painful limp are all I have left. My best friend, Tucker, and my sister, Lizette, keep me afloat. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Tucker... literally. And then, out of nowhere, there are these feelings. The kind I haven't felt in years. The kind I'm not sure I can handle, or even want to. But they've started wrapping around my broken heart, trying to mend it. Only they are not for a woman, but for the man suddenly sharing my bed. I'm not so sure I'm ready to give love another go.

Tucker

The war took my hearing, but I'm alive. Many of my friends are not. I am building a life with my best friend, Dennis. We have become practically inseparable. And now, we are more than friends. I've never had feelings like these for a man. My parents, my brother, my buddy, Duke--will they understand how I feel about Dennis? Can I risk losing my family?

First Edition published as At War by KDP Select, 2015.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

From War To Forever is a compelling and emotional romance by Andria Large that will pull on your heartstrings. It's emotionally charged, full of horrific times, and very eye-opening.

Dennis and Tucker are two ex-marines who meet in the hospital and are now roommates. They are brought together by friendship and need. Dennis is now living as a bouncer, after losing his wife and his leg in the war, two things that cause him a lot of suffering. Tucker is now working in IT after losing his best friend and his hearing in the war, the pain of which is excruciating. 

Dennis is a mere shell of the man he used to be. His soul is empty and his eyes are lifeless. Only Tucker can bring him back to life, as he knows the pain on a personal level.

The Alzheimer story is well written, with a whole lot of knowledge, love and compassion. It's written in great detail and causes so much pain that's it had me wanting to cry many times.

My favorite parts are the romantic love scenes. As both men are exploring gay sex for the first time, these scenes are tender, and passionate. I love that their deep love on a friendship level leads to more. These men are brought together in a natural manner, and decide to go with their budding feelings. Their love for each other is there long before their attractions start.

My favorite sentiment is that there's beauty in finding someone who loves you when you can't even love yourself. So true. 

Dennis and Tucker are survivors, who endure a long, hard-fought road to find their happily ever after.  They have a complicated journey on which they find peace and love. They have to deal with a sick mother, a homophobic brother, and more, in addition to their own issues with each other.

From War To Forever is a tale of learning how to find your own happiness, as you can't depend on someone else to make you happy. It's a complex and steamy Gay For You romance. Not only do Dennis and Tucker find a second chance at love, they also get a second chance at life. I absolutely love this book!

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Christmas Homecoming (The Christmas Angel #4) by L.A. Witt

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 24,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

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The Christmas Angel Series

Christmas Angel - Eli Easton - Amazon US | Amazon UK
Summerfield's Angel - Kim Fielding - Amazon US | Amazon UK
Christmas Homecoming - L.A. Witt - Amazon US | Amazon UK
A Soldier's Wish - N.R. Walker - Amazon US | Amazon UK
Shrewd Angel - Anyta Sunday - Amazon US | Amazon UK
Christmas Prince - RJ Scott- Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Magician's Angel - Jordan L. Hawk -  Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

August 1939. Roger Miller and Jack O’Brien have been close since childhood. By the time they realize there’s more between them than friendship, Jack is leaving their sleepy Iowa town for college. But they console themselves knowing he’ll be home for Christmas. Right?

It is Christmas before they see each other again, but that Christmas comes six years and a world war later. Aged, beaten, and shaken by combat, they’re not the boys they were back then, but their feelings for each other are stronger than ever.

Neither know the words to say everything they’ve carried since that peacetime summer kiss, though. Even as they stand in the same room, there’s a thousand miles between them.

But maybe that’s some distance the little angel in Roger’s rucksack can cross.

This 24,000 word novella is part of the multi-author Christmas Angel series, and can be read as a standalone.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Christmas Homecoming is LA Witt's contribution to the Christmas Angel series, and it's a tear-jerker. 

Set during the period of World War II, Jack and Roger end up separated for 6 years. Neither knows what has happened to the other, and neither can talk to anyone about their feelings. 

Not only is the story of Jack and Roger sad, but we're also saddened by all the real life couples who experienced this type of helplessness and loss. Just thinking about it will require some tissues nearby. 

I love their journey. I love the angel's help. And I love the ending. There are some sweet, tender and happy moments in addition to the sad ones. It is definitely worth a read, as LA Witt perfectly captures the feel of this time period.

The Christmas Angel Series

In 1750, a master woodcarver poured all his unrequited love, passion, and longing into his masterpiece—a gorgeous Christmas angel for his beloved’s tree. When the man he loved tossed the angel away without a second thought, a miracle happened. The angel was found by another who brought the woodcarver True Love.

Since then, the angel has been passed down, sold, lost and found, but its magic remains. Read the romances inspired by (and perhaps nudged along by) the Christmas angel through the years. Whether it’s 1700s England (Eli Easton's Christmas Angel), the 1880’s New York (Kim Fielding’s Summerfield’s Angel), the turn-of-the-century (Jordan L. Hawk’s Magician’s Angel), World War II (L.A. Witt’s Christmas Homecoming), Vietnam-era (N.R. Walker’s Soldier’s Wish), the 1990’s (Anyta Sunday’s Shrewd Angel), or 2018 (RJ Scott’s Christmas Prince), the Christmas angel has a way of landing on the trees of lonely men who need its blessing for a very Merry Christmas and forever HEA.

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn’t lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don’t tell Lauren. And definitely don’t tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut…

Website: http://www.gallagherwitt.com
E-mail: gallagherwitt@gmail.com
Twitter: @GallagherWitt
Blog: http://gallagherwitt.blogspot.com

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