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Aspen #0.5
Wounded
He’s fighting for peace…
Battle-bruised soldier, Jerry Tierno returns to his small hometown before heading back to war. Top on his list is avoiding his ex-fiancée at all costs. The shrapnel that sliced open his leg was nothing compared to the gash she left in his heart. Even if he has to cross the desert all over again, he’ll be damned if he’ll let her know how much she hurt him.
She’s fighting for love…
Kimber Reynolds made the worst mistake of her life when she broke off her engagement. It took her some time to conquer the fear and loneliness that made her question his love, but she’s strong now and determined to win back her sexy soldier. The only problem is his evasive manuevers outsmart her full-on attacks.
All is fair in love and war.
The town’s Fourth of July celebration is the perfect place to stage her battle for love. But before Kimber can win him over, she must prove she’s tough enough to be a soldier’s wife and convince Jerry she’ll be waiting the next time he returns home.
Battle-bruised soldier, Jerry Tierno returns to his small hometown before heading back to war. Top on his list is avoiding his ex-fiancée at all costs. The shrapnel that sliced open his leg was nothing compared to the gash she left in his heart. Even if he has to cross the desert all over again, he’ll be damned if he’ll let her know how much she hurt him.
She’s fighting for love…
Kimber Reynolds made the worst mistake of her life when she broke off her engagement. It took her some time to conquer the fear and loneliness that made her question his love, but she’s strong now and determined to win back her sexy soldier. The only problem is his evasive manuevers outsmart her full-on attacks.
All is fair in love and war.
The town’s Fourth of July celebration is the perfect place to stage her battle for love. But before Kimber can win him over, she must prove she’s tough enough to be a soldier’s wife and convince Jerry she’ll be waiting the next time he returns home.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2013
55 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Stark
99 books243 followersCindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romances, and she loves to hear from readers.
Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
http://twitter.com/CindyStark19
If you enjoyed reading her books, she would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy her books, too.
Lend it: Her e-books are lending-enabled, so please share them with a friend.
Recommend it: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.
Review it: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing it at Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, please send her an email at CindyStark19@gmail.com so she can thank you with a personal email, or drop her a line at http://www.CindyStark.com.
Thank you!
Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
http://twitter.com/CindyStark19
If you enjoyed reading her books, she would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy her books, too.
Lend it: Her e-books are lending-enabled, so please share them with a friend.
Recommend it: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.
Review it: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing it at Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, please send her an email at CindyStark19@gmail.com so she can thank you with a personal email, or drop her a line at http://www.CindyStark.com.
Thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 3, 2016
A lovely short story.
I'm a big fan of second chance romances. When I read the synopsis of this book, I thought it sounded promising enough for me to give it a go. And when I did, it didn't disappoint me.
Admittedly, I initially didn't like Kimber. Considering how terribly she hurt him, I was pleased that Jerry refused to give her a chance to explain herself. But as the story progressed, seeing how sorry she was and how it ate her up inside that she caused him so much pain made me start to warm up to her. I then found myself rooting for her to win him back and they would get their HEA eventually.
Jerry and Kimber were a cute couple. I liked that the supporting characters were as colorful as the two main leads, and that made me even want to know more about them in their own stories.
All in all, this was a quick, sweet, and beautiful read. A great start to Aspen series, which I will continue reading for certain. If second chance romance stories are your thing, then this novella is for you.
I'm a big fan of second chance romances. When I read the synopsis of this book, I thought it sounded promising enough for me to give it a go. And when I did, it didn't disappoint me.
Admittedly, I initially didn't like Kimber. Considering how terribly she hurt him, I was pleased that Jerry refused to give her a chance to explain herself. But as the story progressed, seeing how sorry she was and how it ate her up inside that she caused him so much pain made me start to warm up to her. I then found myself rooting for her to win him back and they would get their HEA eventually.
Jerry and Kimber were a cute couple. I liked that the supporting characters were as colorful as the two main leads, and that made me even want to know more about them in their own stories.
All in all, this was a quick, sweet, and beautiful read. A great start to Aspen series, which I will continue reading for certain. If second chance romance stories are your thing, then this novella is for you.
June 9, 2015
Every once in a while, I come across a story that not only speaks to me but feels like it was ripped from my own soul. This was one of those stories.
My husband served in the Army for the first 5 1/2 years of our marriage and he spent a year in of it in Iraq. I understand first hand the fear of loosing someone that important. It cripples you. Stark did an incredible job of capturing that in Kimber's character. Her initial reaction is one of fear and then she learns to cope by accepting what she once rejected.
Soldiers don't have it easy at all. Not only are they duty bound to do what needs to be done, they have to learn to live in two worlds--military and civilian. I thing Stark demonstrated that through Jerry's character. Even though the story takes place away from his military experience, everything about his life is tempered by it. He insists on not showing weakness, not to his family, not to his friends, and not to the woman who broke his heart. He keeps part of himself separate, almost like he doesn't fit in to his old life anymore.
The realism of the story pulled at me and sucked me under. I couldn't get enough, despite having to wipe the tears off my face. Of course, it did more than make me cry, it also warmed my heart. I love meddlesome friends that do what they can to fix things for those they care about. It's even funnier when its a bunch of dudes. AND I'm a sucker for the love-conquers-all theme so it is no wonder that I loved this story.
This quick, emotional read has me adding Cindy Stark to my watch list. I can't wait to read more.
My husband served in the Army for the first 5 1/2 years of our marriage and he spent a year in of it in Iraq. I understand first hand the fear of loosing someone that important. It cripples you. Stark did an incredible job of capturing that in Kimber's character. Her initial reaction is one of fear and then she learns to cope by accepting what she once rejected.
Soldiers don't have it easy at all. Not only are they duty bound to do what needs to be done, they have to learn to live in two worlds--military and civilian. I thing Stark demonstrated that through Jerry's character. Even though the story takes place away from his military experience, everything about his life is tempered by it. He insists on not showing weakness, not to his family, not to his friends, and not to the woman who broke his heart. He keeps part of himself separate, almost like he doesn't fit in to his old life anymore.
The realism of the story pulled at me and sucked me under. I couldn't get enough, despite having to wipe the tears off my face. Of course, it did more than make me cry, it also warmed my heart. I love meddlesome friends that do what they can to fix things for those they care about. It's even funnier when its a bunch of dudes. AND I'm a sucker for the love-conquers-all theme so it is no wonder that I loved this story.
This quick, emotional read has me adding Cindy Stark to my watch list. I can't wait to read more.
February 5, 2019
Jerry Tierno returns home after being Wounded in an ambush in Afghanistan months earlier for the 4th of July celebration in his small hometown of Aspen, Utah. On the day of he was ambushed he received an email from Kimber Reynolds, his girlfriend back home so he suffered not only physical wounds but a Wounded heart too. He is determined to avoid Kimber but fate and his cowboy friends play cupid.
A demolition derby, a kissing booth and a water dunk tank work into the plans of the cupid cowboys with fun results but not always the expected outcome...
Wounded is a great lead-in story for a new series; I can't wait to read more about Aspen and the how the cowboys find that special someone.
A demolition derby, a kissing booth and a water dunk tank work into the plans of the cupid cowboys with fun results but not always the expected outcome...
Wounded is a great lead-in story for a new series; I can't wait to read more about Aspen and the how the cowboys find that special someone.
November 28, 2015
Book 0.5 Jerry and kimber
This is the first in the series. Jerry is a wounded solider who was dumped by email then injured the same day.
Kimber decides that the day he comes home she'll convince his she's a better stronger women that he can rely on and build a life with.
It is till kimber's in a situation that makes Jerry reconsider he attitude towards the women he still loves.
Love the small town feel and big family. Great HEA.
Book 1 Luke and lily.
This is technically the second book in series which is about Luke Winchester.
Lily loses her job and with her BFF decides to more to her BFF hometown of Aspen.
What lily doesn't know is hannah is vindicated and lier.
Before Luke left for college he dumped hannah because it wasn't serious. Hannah started lies saying Luke raped her and by the time he came back it was impossible to get people to believe him.
Lily is a good huge of character and she feels straight away something isn't right with Hannah's story.
Lovely slow building love story. Loved cat fight between hannah and lily. Great HEA.
This is the first in the series. Jerry is a wounded solider who was dumped by email then injured the same day.
Kimber decides that the day he comes home she'll convince his she's a better stronger women that he can rely on and build a life with.
It is till kimber's in a situation that makes Jerry reconsider he attitude towards the women he still loves.
Love the small town feel and big family. Great HEA.
Book 1 Luke and lily.
This is technically the second book in series which is about Luke Winchester.
Lily loses her job and with her BFF decides to more to her BFF hometown of Aspen.
What lily doesn't know is hannah is vindicated and lier.
Before Luke left for college he dumped hannah because it wasn't serious. Hannah started lies saying Luke raped her and by the time he came back it was impossible to get people to believe him.
Lily is a good huge of character and she feels straight away something isn't right with Hannah's story.
Lovely slow building love story. Loved cat fight between hannah and lily. Great HEA.
July 13, 2013
it wasn't bad but it was very short. It needed at least one or two more chapters.
February 9, 2020
Fantastic Novel
Excellent story with a second chance romance. I've enjoyed reading books by Cindy Stark for awhile and I just can't get enough of them. I know it's fiction but I really hate cowards that send 'Dear John' letters.
Excellent story with a second chance romance. I've enjoyed reading books by Cindy Stark for awhile and I just can't get enough of them. I know it's fiction but I really hate cowards that send 'Dear John' letters.
October 22, 2021
Give someone a chance
Military families have it tough sometimes. This story talks about one of those times and how to overcome it. Listen to you heart and open your mind.
Military families have it tough sometimes. This story talks about one of those times and how to overcome it. Listen to you heart and open your mind.
December 16, 2024
Good, quick read from Cindy Stark. I liked these characters and the plot. Looking forward to reading more from this series.
June 21, 2013
This was a fun little story that takes us back (or... just into it if this is your first time with this series) to Aspen. We get to meet several of the male characters that will fall and fall hard for their own ladies when their books roll around. Added bonus, we get to see some matchmaking by two of Jerry's friends. Which... made me laugh for some reason.
So, what do we have here besides some matchmaking friends? We have one borderline stalker-esque ex, a woman who lends her lips for some "helpful" kissing, a soldier that is very good at avoiding the woman who broke his heart, and that same woman finding a boatload of determination to at least make him hear her out. A kissing booth, a dunk tank, and fireworks on a hill.
Oh, and hot sex under the stars.
Score!
This was a nice accompaniment to the rest of the series and the cover is... not bad at all. *nods* Not.Bad.At.All.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Wounded was a free Kindle book I downloaded on 06/21/13 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
So, what do we have here besides some matchmaking friends? We have one borderline stalker-esque ex, a woman who lends her lips for some "helpful" kissing, a soldier that is very good at avoiding the woman who broke his heart, and that same woman finding a boatload of determination to at least make him hear her out. A kissing booth, a dunk tank, and fireworks on a hill.
Oh, and hot sex under the stars.
Score!
This was a nice accompaniment to the rest of the series and the cover is... not bad at all. *nods* Not.Bad.At.All.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Wounded was a free Kindle book I downloaded on 06/21/13 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
September 27, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this tale because for once it's not the man who has made the mistake. We get a rare glimpse into a world girls aren't often willing to admit to, that we are sometimes the problem. In Ms. Stark's "Wounded" we get a nice and neat story of a woman trying to win a man's love.
Jerry is as sweet as a guy can be and we root for him from the get go. Wondering what in the heck Kimber was ever thinking living a guy like him behind. Still, Kimber is likable and is willing to now stand by her man the way she should have a few years passed. As these two come back together we get an enjoyable battle of wills and some steamy romance.
I give this novella four stars because, while the premise isn't completely unique, the way it was handled was. The writing is complete and entertaining and I will certainly explore more of what Ms. Stark has to offer in her Aspen series.
Jerry is as sweet as a guy can be and we root for him from the get go. Wondering what in the heck Kimber was ever thinking living a guy like him behind. Still, Kimber is likable and is willing to now stand by her man the way she should have a few years passed. As these two come back together we get an enjoyable battle of wills and some steamy romance.
I give this novella four stars because, while the premise isn't completely unique, the way it was handled was. The writing is complete and entertaining and I will certainly explore more of what Ms. Stark has to offer in her Aspen series.
July 6, 2013
A quick, sweet, funny intro to the "Aspen" series which I keep saying I'm going to start and haven't yet...but I will soon. Jerry returns home to recooperate from a wound but the biggest battle is before him, avoiding his ex-fiancee who dumped him via e-mail, the same day he was injured. Kimber, realizes she made a mistake the very next day she sent that Dear John letter, but thought it was too late. Now, she wants to prove to Jerry that she's ready and can handle the pressure of a soldier's wife. It's a good thing Jerry has a couple of friends that see right through Jerry's "I'm over her" facade and help him to see the light amidst a small town 4th of July celebration. Let the fireworks begin!
October 7, 2013
writing style that entices the reader into the story Cindy doesn't disappoint with her strong characters, their interaction strong friendships which run deep both for men & women. There is an open honesty when writing about emotional issues & the passion in the romance coupled with the equality of the genders makes this book magnetic. The pages just keep turning until, hitting you by surprise, you're disappointed to reach the end. Kimber & Jerry are ying & yang, strawberries & cream. Jerry a soldier posted to Afghanistan, his girlfriend Kimber missed the regular communication & had been convinced Jerry wasn't her man, he was, is & hopefully always will be........
July 31, 2014
Quick prequel to a series. Liked it more than I thought I would. This is a bit of a switch with the guy being the spurn lover. It moved smoothly and was a good read. I liked the additional characters, those whom I assume will be in the main series. But I don't feel the urgency to continue reading about them. This book could have been a nice, short, stand alone for me and I would be happy to not continue reading. But we will see if I do or not.
Got the next 3 book set for $.99 so going to give them a try.
Got the next 3 book set for $.99 so going to give them a try.
January 19, 2014
This was a short story to introduce readers to the town of Aspen and the men we will (I imagine) be getting to know through the series.
I enjoyed the story, but so much more could have been done. That is often the case with a short story/novella, but in this case it seemed the parts that should have had more detail didn't and the parts that didn't need a ton of explanation went on too long.
All in all, the book did it's job as I'm interested enough to read the next book eventually.
I enjoyed the story, but so much more could have been done. That is often the case with a short story/novella, but in this case it seemed the parts that should have had more detail didn't and the parts that didn't need a ton of explanation went on too long.
All in all, the book did it's job as I'm interested enough to read the next book eventually.
November 18, 2013
I loved this book! I felt for Jerry and Kimber. I love the relationship between them and their friends. This story is a good hometown story of a wounded soldier returning home to the ghosts he left behind. Not only is he physically wounded but so is his heart. The heart wants what the heart wants and Jerry can't fight it. Neither can Kimber. It was short and sweet and had all the right elements mixed in.
March 3, 2014
3,5 stars (I so need the half stars to the ratings!). Believable and honest characters, yummy hero, soldier coming home, a mistake made in the past by her and small town surroundings.. What's not to like!? My only critique goes to a bit rushed ending.. Nothing wrong with a hea but somehow an ending not so neat would have given the story a bit of twist.
July 30, 2013
Wow! Loved this Aspen series novella! Jerry and Kimber's second chance to reclaim the love is deeply passionate and tender! A great start to a wonderful series!! I've read them all and loved every minute! Cindy Stark has a fan for life!!!
May 23, 2014
This was the first of the Aspen series I read, but I've enjoyed others of Cindy Stark's book. I enjoyed it. I liked the town and the people in it. I liked the main characters and was rooting for them to get back together, and that's the big key for me. So, success.
August 20, 2015
Not for me. Full of cliches and not an ounce of originality.
I know you can't expect much from a novella but I found nothing to entice me to read on.
Writing quality was ok but the writer needs a better storyline.
I know you can't expect much from a novella but I found nothing to entice me to read on.
Writing quality was ok but the writer needs a better storyline.
January 18, 2015
Sweat Story
Gotta love a great story with a military man in it. I've enjoyed this series and look forward to meeting more of the available bachelor's looking for love.
Gotta love a great story with a military man in it. I've enjoyed this series and look forward to meeting more of the available bachelor's looking for love.
April 7, 2013
Kimber was not stopping until she got her man back. Jerry tried but no vail. Great prequel to a wonderful series.
April 10, 2013
Review coming soon
June 9, 2013
Great short story introducing a new series.
March 16, 2014
Excellent start to the series. Loved this book!!!
June 28, 2013
2.5 stars
July 18, 2013
good quick read. I loved the idea of male matchmakers helping the couple get together. good chemistry during the fireworks celebration. I would read the others in this series
August 27, 2013
Nice easy read
September 21, 2013
great book
May 15, 2014
Great short story. Long enough to get to know the characters and connect with them. Realizing you broke up with the love of your life but getting a second chance makes for a great romance.
June 29, 2014
Short and sweet.
He was a little wishy washy but throughout the story I liked them. Wish we could have had a bit more. Maybe I'll buy the other books.
He was a little wishy washy but throughout the story I liked them. Wish we could have had a bit more. Maybe I'll buy the other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews