She Needs a Soldie

by Tyla Walker

This billionaire soldier is back from war...
But he's not going to get me to surrender.

One day I'm a simple farm girl, the next I'm pretend married to a handsome soldier.
If I want to keep my family's land and legacy, I have to play house for the tabloids...

But behind closed doors, things are heating up.

I should hate him for the spot he put me in.
I do.

But his bold advances are breaching my defenses...
And my body betrays my better judgment.

This fake union was meant to be for show...
But my heart didn't get the memo.

Can our fake vows lead to the real thing?

Or will playing make-believe with this soldier leave nothing but heartbreak when the war is over?

Read on A true enemies to lovers when this fine man comes home from war ready to collect...and she's only got one thing to offer. She won't give up the farm, and there's only one way to get out of this mess... Saying I do to a man she's always hated. It's unfair that someone so cruel can look so good, but if she's going to be his wife, at least there's some perks. But neither of them are ready for how far this goes…

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2024

About the author

Tyla Walker has always been a writer, ask anyone who’s ever met her. Growing up in Georgia, she spent every summer barbecue weaving wild stories. Her momma always encouraged her, and she couldn’t have done it without her.

Tyla writes hot and fun romances, inspired by her own relationship. Her husband reads all her stories and helps her figure out the spice and action.

Reviews

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, y'all, let me tell you about She Needs a Soldier by Tyla Walker. I just finished it, and honestly? It was a bit of a mixed bag for me. So, let’s dive into this farm-meets-high-society situation.

The premise is pretty intriguing: Vivienne, a hardworking farm girl, is about to lose her family's land because of back taxes. Enter Jackson, a former soldier from a wealthy, entitled family. His mother, in a move straight out of a soap opera, proposes that Jackson marry Vivienne so she can get her hands on the farmland. Talk about a plot twist! Jackson agrees to pay off all of Vivienne's expenses for a year of marriage. You know, just your typical, everyday arrangement. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler alert: everything and also nothing, depending on how you look at it.)

Vivienne and Jackson are definitely opposites. She's got that down-to-earth, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of vibe, while he comes from a world of country clubs and old money. But, as we all know, opposites attract, right? Jackson’s experience in the war changed him, which I found interesting. It gave him a different perspective on life, and it’s what ultimately led him to agree to his mother’s… “plan”.

The story follows their journey as they navigate this fake marriage, and surprise, surprise, feelings start to develop. But then Vivienne finds out about Jackson's family's shady dealings, which throws a wrench into everything. Will their budding romance survive? Will they get their happily ever after? That’s the central question of the book.

Now, here’s where I get a little conflicted. For me, something was missing. While I appreciated the characters and the overall storyline, I felt like the romantic elements could have been explored more deeply. wanted to see more of their connection, more of those quiet moments that build intimacy and make you root for the couple. I wanted to feel their connection more.

The book is definitely a quick read, which can be a plus for some people. But I think that might have contributed to the feeling that things were a little rushed in the romance department. It was there, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

So, where does that leave me with my rating? Using my very scientific and precise rating system (just kidding, it's just how I feel about books), I’d give She Needs a Soldier a solid 3 out of 5 stars. It was a good read, and I think it has a lot of potential. I'd still recommend it to others, especially if they enjoy fake relationship tropes and BWWM romances. The characters are likable, the storyline is engaging, and it has those feel-good vibes that are perfect for a light read. It just didn’t quite reach that level of emotional connection that would make me want to reread it or rave about it to everyone I know. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Unlimited Edition of this 193 page novella e-book

Setting: Contemporary time in the farming town of New Pinewood of an unidentified USA state.

Trope: Arranged marriage of convenience. Forced proximity. Dislike to love.

Main characters:
1. Vivienne "Vivi" Davis, MFC, is a mid to late twenty-year-old single female, the fourth generation family member, to own and manage this farm.
2. Jackson "Jax" Turner, MMC, is in his mid to late twenties and is a recently discharged Army soldier. Jax is expected to become CEO of Turner Industries, his family's multi billion dollar business.
3. Jax family: Preston & Mrs. Turner, his parents, and Victoria "Vicky", his sister.
4. Vanessa Brooks is his most resent ex=girl friend.
5. Maria is Vivienne's childhood nanny, confidant, cook and housekeeper.

I enjoyed this story because the relationship between Vivienne and Jackson was developed on the page and was not rushed nor based on sexual attraction alone. Once home from the Army, Jax was told that before he could become CEO and inherit his billions, he must settle down and marry. He was ordered to secure a contract of marriage with Vivienne to assuage the doubts of their company's shareholders regarding his womanizing and irresponsible ways which would also forfeit any attempts of buying her farm by their rival, Sterling Development. Jackson did as he was told and Vivienne accepted is offer in order to pay for equipment maintenance, make improvements and avoid foreclosure. After ridding themselves of his ex, the two fell in love and convinced shareholders of Jax's ability to run the company. They got their HEA.

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

From enemies to lovers

It was a rocky start. Vivienne Davis could not stand the arrogant, privileged rich boy Jackson Turner. But circumstances brought about their mutual cooperation. Vivi needed money to save the family farm and Jax needed a wife so his father would not dis inherit him. Jackson was troubled with PTSD from his time in the military questioning what was important in life. He came realize by watching Vivi's dedication to the family legacy as well as community, that community, life and live was more important than adding more zeroes to the family's financial worth. She was determined not to let the real estate developers ruin their community for housing,shopping malls and other development that would designate the community's future. Jax could no longer go along wit his family's plan to wrestle Nick's prime farmland away from her. They both came to have feelings for each other. But Vivi was hesitant by the harassment by Jax's ex Vanessa. Jax showed her that his feelings were real and that she was a better woman than any of the socialites that fit in his family circle. Jackson made the ultimate sacrifice for love that won Vivien he's heart.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viviene and Jackson are like oil and water they don't get along but when his mother suggests a marriage to Viviene to get her farmland it starts them along a tumultuous journey. Viviene is about to lose her family's farm if she can't come up with the back taxes. Jackson has agreed to pay off all her bills for one year of marriage but when feelings start to enter into the midst of everything and when Viviene learns about what his family is up to will it bring everything that was blossoming between them to an end. This story had me all caught up in Viviene and Jacson as they navigate their path to happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Needs a Soldier is the first book in the Soldiers Hearts series. It was not at all what I expected. This story has a lot of heart and substance. The characters are just like the folks in any real community. They draw you into the story and make you root for their success. The storyline is the same. It is compelling and draws on those aspects of life that we see happening everyday. Of course there is drama and a steamy romance that has to lead to a happily ever after. Parts of the story had me smiling from ear to ear and feeling all gooey inside. I could not put the book down and read it in one sitting. The next book in the series has a lot to live up to!

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do think this has some realistic and relatable aspects. I think both characters are full of heart, she's definitely a force to be reckoned with, has a heart and grit for her family property and challenges him to be himself which was delightful and intense. I think the romantic elements need a bit more show/exploration, not necessarily steam but coupleness. :) They make a great team, pretty good story, read in a few hours. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Tyla's book, "She Needs a Soldier" Vivi and Jax were more than opposites. She came from a had working farming background, where as he hailed from entitlement, country clubs, and old money. Going to war, and seeing life from a different perspective, scared yet changed Jax. Agreeing to his mother's evil scheme for Vivi, on the surface seemed wrong, but turned out to be the best thing Jax could have done.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hate/ hate relationship. Jax a solider who has his own ghosts and bargains made with the man upstairs. But what if they were fulfilled? Holy mother of heirloom tomatoes could it be real? Wrapped in this wildflower unfiltered honey colored farm girl, his wife? drama and more drama. Convenience that makes no sense but absolutely needed, maybe. A lot of animosity and a need to figure out life. good read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

A wonderful story about enemies to lovers trope
If you like that genre you will love this one about Vivi and Jackson
They come from two different worlds but find themselves in love and the differences fade away
Good supporting cast of characters and a believable storyline
I just wish there was an epilogue
It would have made the ending more enjoyable
As always Tyla another great one to add to your catalog

[carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

unusual combination that works

Ito unusual for me to give 5*. Ms T makes this combination of farmer and billionaire soldier work by focusing on the issues of history,traumas, other’s expectations & wanting your sacrifices & life to matter. But it’s not just dry boring heroics. The ❤️ scenes are 🔥 and appropriately built up with the tension building based on trust and discovery and a good plot line.

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth Fighting For

Jackson billionaire soldier stands up for what he believes in. Vivene strong independent smart black woman, is determined to save her legacy. The two marry to save each other’s rights. What they didn’t count on was falling in love. The two together become a force to be reckoned with. True love prevails!!!

[TOGOG · Rating 3 out of 5]

too many v names

This is such a small petty thing but there were 3 characters with names that started with a V. We had our main girl Viviane(aka Vivi), a sister named Victoria, and a villain named Veronica…this was a turnoff and I was so hyper focused on the names that I did care for the story as much.

[Donna Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romantic storyline with drama, a conniving family, hot sex, board room meets farmers, enemies fall in love 🙂. It's a page turner just to find out what happens next 😉.

I received a ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some offers are too good to be true. Especially if Jackson Turner is doing the offering. Does Vivienne Davis trust him? NO. Should she trust him NO. How will this all work out for Jackson and Vivienne?

[Juanita. Hornesbuger · Rating 5 out of 5]

💥Fire Farm NOVELLA!💥

This novella was captivating from beginning to end and I read it in less than 12 hours!! It made me late , because I wanted to know what was going to happen next!! I love a good story line !

[Ianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like

The female lead mad about his past. Everybody got a past and she judged him before ever knowing him and I just didn’t like the female lead.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read HEA enemies to lovers.