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Poison & Wine #1
Somewhere to Begin
A runaway bride. A broken warrior.
Dutiful. Subservient. Perfect. Colbie Bennington has been trained from a young age to be obedient. But walking down the aisle with purple welts on her forearm was never a part of her dream wedding.
Away from the chaos of her life, she’s looking for a fresh start. Her quiet and mysterious landlord isn’t part of the plan. But his hard-muscled body and smoldering smiles are difficult to ignore.
Too trapped in a mental war to be at peace and too damaged to be at war, romance is the last thing on Navy Seal, Zander Serrano’s mind.
Colbie is a wounded bird.
Everything he should stay away from.
Yet, for the first time since returning from war, he feels emotion, hot all-consuming.
Two broken souls.
Each with their own scars.
The attraction is undeniable. Unexpected.
Will they heal each other?
Or destroy themselves beyond repair?
Dutiful. Subservient. Perfect. Colbie Bennington has been trained from a young age to be obedient. But walking down the aisle with purple welts on her forearm was never a part of her dream wedding.
Away from the chaos of her life, she’s looking for a fresh start. Her quiet and mysterious landlord isn’t part of the plan. But his hard-muscled body and smoldering smiles are difficult to ignore.
Too trapped in a mental war to be at peace and too damaged to be at war, romance is the last thing on Navy Seal, Zander Serrano’s mind.
Colbie is a wounded bird.
Everything he should stay away from.
Yet, for the first time since returning from war, he feels emotion, hot all-consuming.
Two broken souls.
Each with their own scars.
The attraction is undeniable. Unexpected.
Will they heal each other?
Or destroy themselves beyond repair?
326 pages, ebook
First published September 20, 2016
114 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Mika Jolie
35 books1,275 followersMika Jolie is the bestselling author of the Martha’s Way series. She lives in New Jersey with her Happy Chaos—her husband and their energizer bunnies. A sports fanatic and a wine aficionado, she’s determined to balance it all and still write about life experiences and matters of the heart. Let’s face it, people are complicated and love can be messy. When she’s not weaving life and romance into evocative tales, you can find her on a hiking adventure, apple picking, or whatever her three men can conjure up.
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie
Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie
Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 23, 2018
If ever two characters were wounded and in need of healing it was Colbie and Zander. Each with scars on the outside, each with even deeper wounds on the inside. Neither capable of healing themselves but as they open their hearts to one another they find a different healing.
I loved this couple so much. They are probably my favorite of all the characters I’ve read by this author. The fact that they were each broken and resistant to allow anyone inside their hearts was tragic. The transition from isolation to togetherness didn’t happen overnight and I appreciated the gradual change not only in Colbie and Zander individually but in their growing relationship.
Zander, even while suffering from his issues, was still very much a strong hero. Watching him struggle against his past experiences was painful and heartbreaking. But when he finally allowed himself to open up to Colbie my heart overflowed. Colbie did not have a family history of love and support and I was flabbergasted at the direction her family took with her. She also has lived years in fear, pain and torment. That she never saw herself as strong bothered me. But in the end, she knew what she had to do and despite my heart feeling sick for her, I cheered her at the conclusion.
Overall, this is an amazing read of damage, pain, healing and the scars that are left behind. While all of that seems like this would be a high level angst read, I would actually consider it mild. However, the steam level is definitely high and the romance was natural and beautiful and perfect for these two characters.
I’m very curious to see if or how the rest of these characters will get their stories. For someone who does not like to commit myself to a series, I’ve loved every one of these books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I loved this couple so much. They are probably my favorite of all the characters I’ve read by this author. The fact that they were each broken and resistant to allow anyone inside their hearts was tragic. The transition from isolation to togetherness didn’t happen overnight and I appreciated the gradual change not only in Colbie and Zander individually but in their growing relationship.
Zander, even while suffering from his issues, was still very much a strong hero. Watching him struggle against his past experiences was painful and heartbreaking. But when he finally allowed himself to open up to Colbie my heart overflowed. Colbie did not have a family history of love and support and I was flabbergasted at the direction her family took with her. She also has lived years in fear, pain and torment. That she never saw herself as strong bothered me. But in the end, she knew what she had to do and despite my heart feeling sick for her, I cheered her at the conclusion.
Overall, this is an amazing read of damage, pain, healing and the scars that are left behind. While all of that seems like this would be a high level angst read, I would actually consider it mild. However, the steam level is definitely high and the romance was natural and beautiful and perfect for these two characters.
I’m very curious to see if or how the rest of these characters will get their stories. For someone who does not like to commit myself to a series, I’ve loved every one of these books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
September 21, 2016
Zander came home from the war a broken man filled with survivor’s guilt. Mentally, he is still at war with himself, still re-living those frightening moments when he lost his friends, his allies and part of his leg. Gone is the fun-loving guy, in his place is a shell of the man he once was, incapable of being part of the human race and nowhere to begin.
Colbie always had to be the perfect society daughter, seen often, dazzling, but never controversial. Falling the path dictated for her by both her family and the monster she thought she once loved, her wedding day has come and along with it, a backbone that gave her the strength to run as far as possible from the life she hated where she didn’t matter to anyone except as elbow dressing or a punching bag.
Determined to re-invent herself from a puppet to strong and independent woman, she had no idea where to begin. Along comes fate and puts two damaged souls on a collision path to finding a reason to live, someone to love and Somewhere to Begin. Before the future can become reality, first the ghosts of the past must be dealt with, but are Colbie and Zander strong enough to support each other? Do they have the courage to trust again? To share or take a chance on love?
Once again, Mika Jolie had me almost in tears. She also had me angry, made me chuckle and had my heart racing in high gear for this couple who clearly were meant to meet. Mika Jolie know how to create tender moments, frustrating moments and moments that will forever stay in your heart. Her ability to create dialogue that feeling natural, tension that makes the air thick enough to cut. Dramatic scenes, backgrounds that come alive and characters that become real people to care about is signature Mika Jolie and this time out, there is no doubt she wrote from her heart to ours!
I received an ARC edition from Mika Jolie in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Poison & Wine - Book 1
Publication Date: September 20, 2016 (Amazon) Sept 16 (B&N)
Publisher: Mika Jolie
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 428 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Colbie always had to be the perfect society daughter, seen often, dazzling, but never controversial. Falling the path dictated for her by both her family and the monster she thought she once loved, her wedding day has come and along with it, a backbone that gave her the strength to run as far as possible from the life she hated where she didn’t matter to anyone except as elbow dressing or a punching bag.
Determined to re-invent herself from a puppet to strong and independent woman, she had no idea where to begin. Along comes fate and puts two damaged souls on a collision path to finding a reason to live, someone to love and Somewhere to Begin. Before the future can become reality, first the ghosts of the past must be dealt with, but are Colbie and Zander strong enough to support each other? Do they have the courage to trust again? To share or take a chance on love?
Once again, Mika Jolie had me almost in tears. She also had me angry, made me chuckle and had my heart racing in high gear for this couple who clearly were meant to meet. Mika Jolie know how to create tender moments, frustrating moments and moments that will forever stay in your heart. Her ability to create dialogue that feeling natural, tension that makes the air thick enough to cut. Dramatic scenes, backgrounds that come alive and characters that become real people to care about is signature Mika Jolie and this time out, there is no doubt she wrote from her heart to ours!
I received an ARC edition from Mika Jolie in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Poison & Wine - Book 1
Publication Date: September 20, 2016 (Amazon) Sept 16 (B&N)
Publisher: Mika Jolie
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 428 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 23, 2016
One look at the book cover, I fell instantly in love. After reading the prologue, I was sold. Twenty four hours after completing the book, I'm now a big, big fan of Mika Jolie and I already love her!
This is how I imagined Zander:
Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Zander Serrano was a war veteran who fought in Afghanistan and lost his leg during the war. He was consumed by guilt after all his comrades died. Only two survived, him and his friend Ben. Imagine a whole army of brothers and you end up burying all of them. Gosh, I could hardly imagine the pains and suffering and trauma he'd been through. I understood his aloofness and his brooding attitude towards people. To me, it was his coping mechanism, only it made him more miserable. Until he had a black out and met Colbie in a car accident.
Colbie Bennington was about to get married to the man who hit her, slapped and abused her, physically and emotionally. And when she couldn't take it anymore, she ran away from her own wedding, leaving her old life behind. And then bam! She got hit by a car and ended up in a hospital, with no one else visiting her. No parents, no friends, no ex-fiance. Which was okay with her. Because from then on, she knew, she was on the road to a new journey.
Colbie and Zander both had scars in their bodies. A bruise in her ribs, a scar in his arms, a dark purple spot on her body, a missing right leg. All these were visible to the eyes.. But what's really killing them were the emotional scars they couldn't get away from. Fear, guilt, torment, yearning.
The moment Colbie and Zander's world collide, I never wanted to let go of them. I was totally consumed by their feelings and I had this extreme desire to see how their love story would start or end. And I was not disappointed. As I've told Mika Jolie, right after reading Somewhere to Begin, I'm on cloud 9. I loved everyone in the book – Rafa and Paige’s dodging their feelings was full of sexual tension; Max and Delia’s past and present make them vulnerable in love and Zander’s family was really “family goals!” Most loved character aside from Colbie & Z – it’s got to be Delia. Oh gosh, this lady is a firecracker and a hoot! Her Google addiction is really something! LOL
What more can I say? I love, love, loved this first book in the Poison and Wine series and I can’t wait to read more! Mika Jolie, I love you! You’re the bomb!
This is how I imagined Zander:
Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Zander Serrano was a war veteran who fought in Afghanistan and lost his leg during the war. He was consumed by guilt after all his comrades died. Only two survived, him and his friend Ben. Imagine a whole army of brothers and you end up burying all of them. Gosh, I could hardly imagine the pains and suffering and trauma he'd been through. I understood his aloofness and his brooding attitude towards people. To me, it was his coping mechanism, only it made him more miserable. Until he had a black out and met Colbie in a car accident.
Colbie Bennington was about to get married to the man who hit her, slapped and abused her, physically and emotionally. And when she couldn't take it anymore, she ran away from her own wedding, leaving her old life behind. And then bam! She got hit by a car and ended up in a hospital, with no one else visiting her. No parents, no friends, no ex-fiance. Which was okay with her. Because from then on, she knew, she was on the road to a new journey.
Colbie and Zander both had scars in their bodies. A bruise in her ribs, a scar in his arms, a dark purple spot on her body, a missing right leg. All these were visible to the eyes.. But what's really killing them were the emotional scars they couldn't get away from. Fear, guilt, torment, yearning.
The moment Colbie and Zander's world collide, I never wanted to let go of them. I was totally consumed by their feelings and I had this extreme desire to see how their love story would start or end. And I was not disappointed. As I've told Mika Jolie, right after reading Somewhere to Begin, I'm on cloud 9. I loved everyone in the book – Rafa and Paige’s dodging their feelings was full of sexual tension; Max and Delia’s past and present make them vulnerable in love and Zander’s family was really “family goals!” Most loved character aside from Colbie & Z – it’s got to be Delia. Oh gosh, this lady is a firecracker and a hoot! Her Google addiction is really something! LOL
What more can I say? I love, love, loved this first book in the Poison and Wine series and I can’t wait to read more! Mika Jolie, I love you! You’re the bomb!
April 8, 2017
**4.5 STARS
My, oh my. A HUGE thank you to Mika Jolie for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review!
I am a sucker for military romance and upon reading the synopsis, I knew this was exactly the kind of book that would hook me in! It also doesn't hurt that this book has a stunning cover.
This story follows Colbie Bennington and Zander Serrano as they both deal with pasts that have scarred them and all they are looking for is, really, somewhere to begin.
Immediately, I fell in love with rough and tough Zander. He is a war veteran living with the guilt of his friends' deaths during the war. He fortunately made it out alive with another one of his friends, but he lives with the flashbacks and the loss of his limb and finds himself not worth much anything anymore.
Mika did a great job at portraying the life of a veteran with PTSD here. I appreciate the deeper look into his life and mindset and am glad it wasn't swept under the rug or that he was ultimately cured of all of his pain. However, he was able to slowly mend his broken heart.
Enter Colbie Bennington.
Colbie Bennington runs away the day of her wedding and finds herself in a small little town that leads her to Zander and his boisterous clan. Colbie comes from a rich family who give her the slightest inkling of care as Colbie also runs away from her abusive fiancee. She wears her scars both outside and in, scared of the future and anyone who shows compassion towards her. That is, until she moves in next door to Zander and finds herself attracted to this man like no other.
I really loved the relationship between the two MCs. It wasn't played out, it wasn't your typical romance story, it was instead perfectly timed and heartbreakingly realistic. I felt for these two and also rooted for them so hard. They had such strong chemistry and the sexual tension was through the roof! It was clear to everyone around them that they were head over heels for one another.
Additionally, the side characters--Zander's hot as sin brothers, Paige and Delia--made this story a thousand times more enjoyable. With friends like these constantly matchmaking, while also dealing with their mixed emotions towards a significant other, Zander and Colbie had no way of escaping their beautiful relationship.
I cannot wait to read the brother's stories (at least I'm hoping their story is next)!
Absolutely loved this story and I can't even begin to explain how glad I am to have met these characters.
If you're looking for a military romance with two broken characters, a whole lotta swoon, a whole lot of sexy and some over the top best friends who will have you wishing they were your best friends, then this is your book!
My, oh my. A HUGE thank you to Mika Jolie for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review!
I am a sucker for military romance and upon reading the synopsis, I knew this was exactly the kind of book that would hook me in! It also doesn't hurt that this book has a stunning cover.
This story follows Colbie Bennington and Zander Serrano as they both deal with pasts that have scarred them and all they are looking for is, really, somewhere to begin.
Immediately, I fell in love with rough and tough Zander. He is a war veteran living with the guilt of his friends' deaths during the war. He fortunately made it out alive with another one of his friends, but he lives with the flashbacks and the loss of his limb and finds himself not worth much anything anymore.
Mika did a great job at portraying the life of a veteran with PTSD here. I appreciate the deeper look into his life and mindset and am glad it wasn't swept under the rug or that he was ultimately cured of all of his pain. However, he was able to slowly mend his broken heart.
Enter Colbie Bennington.
Colbie Bennington runs away the day of her wedding and finds herself in a small little town that leads her to Zander and his boisterous clan. Colbie comes from a rich family who give her the slightest inkling of care as Colbie also runs away from her abusive fiancee. She wears her scars both outside and in, scared of the future and anyone who shows compassion towards her. That is, until she moves in next door to Zander and finds herself attracted to this man like no other.
I really loved the relationship between the two MCs. It wasn't played out, it wasn't your typical romance story, it was instead perfectly timed and heartbreakingly realistic. I felt for these two and also rooted for them so hard. They had such strong chemistry and the sexual tension was through the roof! It was clear to everyone around them that they were head over heels for one another.
Additionally, the side characters--Zander's hot as sin brothers, Paige and Delia--made this story a thousand times more enjoyable. With friends like these constantly matchmaking, while also dealing with their mixed emotions towards a significant other, Zander and Colbie had no way of escaping their beautiful relationship.
I cannot wait to read the brother's stories (at least I'm hoping their story is next)!
Absolutely loved this story and I can't even begin to explain how glad I am to have met these characters.
If you're looking for a military romance with two broken characters, a whole lotta swoon, a whole lot of sexy and some over the top best friends who will have you wishing they were your best friends, then this is your book!
October 7, 2016
Colbie and Zander's story captured my attention right from the beginning and refused to let go until the very last word! Two broken souls with scars, some external but many internal, had me falling in love with their tenacity to live life.
Zander feels like he’s in a living hell and, as hard as he tries, he can't seem to make it out of it until he literally collides with Colbie. She is his saving grace, his second chance at life, his way to redeem and forgive himself. I can only imagine everything Zander has gone through with his SEALs. Despite surviving, he’s lived with the pain of losing his brothers and reliving the nightmares on a daily basis.
Colbie's nightmare came from the one that was supposed to love, cherish & protect her. Though I have never gone through that experience, I've seen someone close to me go through it and it was heartbreaking. When Colbie makes up her mind to leave that situation, she does it on her own with no help and support from her family and that just pissed me off!!
As Colbie and Zander's lives intertwine, I got to see Colbie flourish to become the beautiful person she is meant to be. Zander is a bit more on the rough side, but Colbie helped him to see that he was worth more than what he valued himself. Zander helping Colbie see that she no longer has to run and hide from her past because he will always be there for her was just beautiful. I must say that Zander's brother Max had me cracking up! He made sure to give Zander a hard time and a run for his money!!
Seeing their friendship flourish was beautiful, but seeing their love grow and trump everything that was thrown at them was just breathtaking. Be prepared to laugh, cry, swoon and fall in love with Zander and Colbie! ~ Kara, 5 Beautiful Stars
Zander feels like he’s in a living hell and, as hard as he tries, he can't seem to make it out of it until he literally collides with Colbie. She is his saving grace, his second chance at life, his way to redeem and forgive himself. I can only imagine everything Zander has gone through with his SEALs. Despite surviving, he’s lived with the pain of losing his brothers and reliving the nightmares on a daily basis.
Colbie's nightmare came from the one that was supposed to love, cherish & protect her. Though I have never gone through that experience, I've seen someone close to me go through it and it was heartbreaking. When Colbie makes up her mind to leave that situation, she does it on her own with no help and support from her family and that just pissed me off!!
As Colbie and Zander's lives intertwine, I got to see Colbie flourish to become the beautiful person she is meant to be. Zander is a bit more on the rough side, but Colbie helped him to see that he was worth more than what he valued himself. Zander helping Colbie see that she no longer has to run and hide from her past because he will always be there for her was just beautiful. I must say that Zander's brother Max had me cracking up! He made sure to give Zander a hard time and a run for his money!!
Seeing their friendship flourish was beautiful, but seeing their love grow and trump everything that was thrown at them was just breathtaking. Be prepared to laugh, cry, swoon and fall in love with Zander and Colbie! ~ Kara, 5 Beautiful Stars
September 21, 2016
"I'd much rather have someone stand by my side as I save myself"
Yes!! This one line won the entire book for me. It sends a strong message to the reader that healing comes from within ourselves. Other people can be a catalyst in our journey to healing but YOU have to do the work. This is something that I personally believe in so it really struck a chord and had me totally invested in Colbie's journey to healing herself.
That is what Colbie and Zander were for each other. A catalyst or support for one another so they could find a way to heal and finally come to realize they were both deserving of so much more than what they were settling for due to their tragic experiences.
Colbie is moving on from an abusive relationship and parents that care more about their social standing than their daughters well being. So proud of her walking out the way she did! It's never too late. Sometimes we have to just take a stand and finally put ourselves first and put the expectations of others away. This is not always so easy to do, it takes courage. And I was proud of Colbie for finding the strength to do what she had to do to start a new life for herself.
Zander is suffering from PTSD and the loss of part of a leg. He is a broken man and has many scars both inside and out. Colbie quite literally crashes into Zander's life when he saved her from a car crash and decided to stick by her side. It was like they both came into each others lives at just the perfect moment, when they were both in need of a little help to start their lives anew.
Another quote that truly resonated with me:
“Every scar earned should serve as a reminder of who you are, who you could become and who you’ll never be again,”
Wow... such a powerful statement! I collect quotes that inspire and this one is definitely going into my collection. It's a keeper...
So glad I found this author... these are subjects that are difficult to tackle but she told the story in such a descriptive way that it felt very real.
This is a beautifully written story of two people on a journey of recovery. And along this journey they find each other. :) I would recommend it for those who love women's fiction with a side of romance. The romance is good but the journey of healing is what makes this book totally rock!
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
ARC copy was provided by Barclay Publishing
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Book Babblers
Yes!! This one line won the entire book for me. It sends a strong message to the reader that healing comes from within ourselves. Other people can be a catalyst in our journey to healing but YOU have to do the work. This is something that I personally believe in so it really struck a chord and had me totally invested in Colbie's journey to healing herself.
That is what Colbie and Zander were for each other. A catalyst or support for one another so they could find a way to heal and finally come to realize they were both deserving of so much more than what they were settling for due to their tragic experiences.
Colbie is moving on from an abusive relationship and parents that care more about their social standing than their daughters well being. So proud of her walking out the way she did! It's never too late. Sometimes we have to just take a stand and finally put ourselves first and put the expectations of others away. This is not always so easy to do, it takes courage. And I was proud of Colbie for finding the strength to do what she had to do to start a new life for herself.
Zander is suffering from PTSD and the loss of part of a leg. He is a broken man and has many scars both inside and out. Colbie quite literally crashes into Zander's life when he saved her from a car crash and decided to stick by her side. It was like they both came into each others lives at just the perfect moment, when they were both in need of a little help to start their lives anew.
Another quote that truly resonated with me:
“Every scar earned should serve as a reminder of who you are, who you could become and who you’ll never be again,”
Wow... such a powerful statement! I collect quotes that inspire and this one is definitely going into my collection. It's a keeper...
So glad I found this author... these are subjects that are difficult to tackle but she told the story in such a descriptive way that it felt very real.
This is a beautifully written story of two people on a journey of recovery. And along this journey they find each other. :) I would recommend it for those who love women's fiction with a side of romance. The romance is good but the journey of healing is what makes this book totally rock!
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
ARC copy was provided by Barclay Publishing
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Join our book club!
Book Babblers
July 24, 2016
I loved this book!!! It really tore at the heart strings and had me on an emotional roller coaster ride from the very beginning.
We previously met Zander and his family in book 2 of the Martha's Way series - Need You Now. Things have changed for this military man. He is no longer the fun loving, joke cracking, smack talking guy we originally met. After the horrors that he dealt with as a Navy SEAL, he has come home broken and feeling undeserving of the life he still possesses. His scars run deep, inside and out.
Colbie has scars of her own, thanks to those left by her ex-fiance. After breaking free from his abusiveness and cruelty, Colbie has finally decided enough is enough. She is determined to never let a man treat her like that again and will do anything to become a strong independent woman.
This story takes us on their journey of healing....realizing they can't do it alone. Scars run deep, but with the help of each other, they realize that they do deserve the right to be happy, carefree, and loved.
Beautifully written, this story is full of heartfelt emotions. I had a few heart twinges along the way and a few teary eyed moments as well. The characters are so easy to fall in love with. Their dialogue is so engaging. The descriptions to details are done nicely and easy to visualize.
Written as a multi pov and does have an HEA. Can be read as a stand alone.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!
Would I read more from this author? Absolutely!!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
We previously met Zander and his family in book 2 of the Martha's Way series - Need You Now. Things have changed for this military man. He is no longer the fun loving, joke cracking, smack talking guy we originally met. After the horrors that he dealt with as a Navy SEAL, he has come home broken and feeling undeserving of the life he still possesses. His scars run deep, inside and out.
Colbie has scars of her own, thanks to those left by her ex-fiance. After breaking free from his abusiveness and cruelty, Colbie has finally decided enough is enough. She is determined to never let a man treat her like that again and will do anything to become a strong independent woman.
This story takes us on their journey of healing....realizing they can't do it alone. Scars run deep, but with the help of each other, they realize that they do deserve the right to be happy, carefree, and loved.
Beautifully written, this story is full of heartfelt emotions. I had a few heart twinges along the way and a few teary eyed moments as well. The characters are so easy to fall in love with. Their dialogue is so engaging. The descriptions to details are done nicely and easy to visualize.
Written as a multi pov and does have an HEA. Can be read as a stand alone.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!
Would I read more from this author? Absolutely!!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
April 8, 2017
*This review can also be found here on A Leisure Moment*
**I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Runaway bride? Yes, please! I love weddings. I love looking at wedding photos, going to weddings, feeling the love in the air—but that’s not how Colbie’s story began. Colbie ran from the day that was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and I had to know why. The cover initially drew me in (ehem, I love wedding photos, remember?), but I wanted to know what happened next. Where’d she run to, who found her, and where her story go after that?
I had really high expectations for this book because of the runaway bride factor. Some of those expectations were met, but not all of them. I liked Colbie when I met her. Who wouldn’t like a girl that can rock a pair of chucks with a wedding dress? She was sweet and kind, and basically anything that you could want in a main character. However, I wanted a little bit more. At times, Colbie was almost too perfect. Sure, she was running away from her problems, but I couldn’t blame her. If I were in her shoes, I would run away, too, even if I did get as far as the altar. She had her faults, yes, and that’s one of the reasons that I liked her mother. There were times when Colbie was around her parents that I wanted to slap some sense into her distant mother, but I also got where she was coming from. The whole idea of the book was for Colbie to find herself after leaving an abusive relationship, but she didn’t act like she wanted to heal at times. Still, her love of reading and all things literature and her friendship with Delia and Paige made up for the moments where she wasn’t the best in my eyes.
The story began with war—the traumatic event that left Zander Serrano with an amputated leg. His growth was more gradual. He started off cold and distant, and slowly started to become someone new because of Colbie and tried to get past some of his internal scars. I liked that he wasn’t perfect, and I guess it could be assumed that he balanced out Colbie’s near perfectness. He wasn’t my favorite male lead, but I did enjoy what he brought to the table, as far as the story as a whole was concerned.
The romance started almost instantaneously. So if you’re into insta-love—or more like insta-lust—then snatch this one up. The time in the story seemed to fly by. That could be because I read the book so fast, most of it in one day, or because time wasn’t really discussed. It sounds nit-picky, but did the seasons change? Is it sweater weather? I knew she was wearing a summer dress, but according to a random timetable that’s mentioned briefly in the inner dialogue, three months had passed. Anyway, I wanted a little more concerning the emotional connection the couple had. Their physical attraction was undeniable, but the emotional stuff they talked about didn’t seem as evident. By the end I did get how they fit as a couple, though, and liked how things turned out.
If you’re one of those people—*cough* me *cough*—that loves weddings, a second chance at love, and new adult literature, you should give this one a gander. It takes place in Princeton, and I was itching to hop on a plane to New Jersey just so I could see the town. Also, I would love to know what happened with some of the secondary characters and wouldn’t mind getting their stories. While it wasn’t my favorite contemporary romance, I did enjoy it and had to finish it, and I think you will, too.
**I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Runaway bride? Yes, please! I love weddings. I love looking at wedding photos, going to weddings, feeling the love in the air—but that’s not how Colbie’s story began. Colbie ran from the day that was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and I had to know why. The cover initially drew me in (ehem, I love wedding photos, remember?), but I wanted to know what happened next. Where’d she run to, who found her, and where her story go after that?
I had really high expectations for this book because of the runaway bride factor. Some of those expectations were met, but not all of them. I liked Colbie when I met her. Who wouldn’t like a girl that can rock a pair of chucks with a wedding dress? She was sweet and kind, and basically anything that you could want in a main character. However, I wanted a little bit more. At times, Colbie was almost too perfect. Sure, she was running away from her problems, but I couldn’t blame her. If I were in her shoes, I would run away, too, even if I did get as far as the altar. She had her faults, yes, and that’s one of the reasons that I liked her mother. There were times when Colbie was around her parents that I wanted to slap some sense into her distant mother, but I also got where she was coming from. The whole idea of the book was for Colbie to find herself after leaving an abusive relationship, but she didn’t act like she wanted to heal at times. Still, her love of reading and all things literature and her friendship with Delia and Paige made up for the moments where she wasn’t the best in my eyes.
The story began with war—the traumatic event that left Zander Serrano with an amputated leg. His growth was more gradual. He started off cold and distant, and slowly started to become someone new because of Colbie and tried to get past some of his internal scars. I liked that he wasn’t perfect, and I guess it could be assumed that he balanced out Colbie’s near perfectness. He wasn’t my favorite male lead, but I did enjoy what he brought to the table, as far as the story as a whole was concerned.
The romance started almost instantaneously. So if you’re into insta-love—or more like insta-lust—then snatch this one up. The time in the story seemed to fly by. That could be because I read the book so fast, most of it in one day, or because time wasn’t really discussed. It sounds nit-picky, but did the seasons change? Is it sweater weather? I knew she was wearing a summer dress, but according to a random timetable that’s mentioned briefly in the inner dialogue, three months had passed. Anyway, I wanted a little more concerning the emotional connection the couple had. Their physical attraction was undeniable, but the emotional stuff they talked about didn’t seem as evident. By the end I did get how they fit as a couple, though, and liked how things turned out.
If you’re one of those people—*cough* me *cough*—that loves weddings, a second chance at love, and new adult literature, you should give this one a gander. It takes place in Princeton, and I was itching to hop on a plane to New Jersey just so I could see the town. Also, I would love to know what happened with some of the secondary characters and wouldn’t mind getting their stories. While it wasn’t my favorite contemporary romance, I did enjoy it and had to finish it, and I think you will, too.
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February 25, 2017
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Somewhere to Begin was not my favorite read. The writing was a bit odd at times, there were times when it was a bit confusing as to where people were or what they were doing, and I never understood Colbie and didn't like her. It was not a very good read for me.
Colbie has always done what her parents wanted. They thought she should marry this guy, and even though he was physically abusive she was still going along with it. Because of her parents. Who didn't know about the abuse. Why? Why didn't she say something before now? Was she so beaten down and cut off from other people by her fiancé? Did she not feel like she had any options? Was she wanting to leave, but unable to due to the abuse and such? No. I really have no idea why she stayed. She was not like a battered woman. She was just a stupid woman who is staying with an abuser, going to marry him, because she doesn't want her parents to think poorly of her. Or something. It made no sense to me. I love reading books where people overcome things, where ladies get out of abusive situations and make more of their lives, but not like this. Not where it seems like she is choosing to be in the relationship even though she could easily leave. People in these situations often times don't have the choice, they can't get out of it, and yet Colbie chose to stay for some reason. At least she wakes up for a minute and walks out of her wedding to start her life over somewhere else.
Now she walks out and then never thinks of her ex again really. She doesn't even go that far or try to hide where she is. So she is not worried about him coming after her? So if that is the case then again why didn't she leave sooner? I didn't understand. So now she is in a new town with a new hot neighbor and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. It was just eh. She was really judgmental of everyone, at one point someone gave her a card for Zander's older brother so he could do some work for her and she instantly was all how does this married lady know Zander's brother?!? No one cared about marriage vows in her old world, maybe this lady was having an affair with Zander's brother!! It was just like wait what? Why would you assume that a married lady who knows a contractor is having an affair with said contractor? Why would that be your first thought? Yes, I know you said marriage didn't mean anything in your old world, but really? Really. So every married person who knows anyone of the opposite sex who is not their partner you are going to wonder if they are cheating on their partner with said person? Really? It made no sense! Colbie was ridiculous. That and she was super jealous of everyone. There was one girl who everyone kept telling Colbie was like a sister to Zander, he said it, she sees it with your own two eyes, the girls says it, and yet you still keep getting jealous of her and wonder if there is something going on between them. Really? It was just too much. It was like all of the times when people would tell her nothing is happening were forgotten two seconds later. Every time it was like it was new informations, but I kept thinking wait...you know this already so why are you so relieved to know nothing is going on?? I didn't understand her at all. I didn't care for Colbie so...it made the book not so good to read.
Zander is okay. He has scars from his time in a war zone, scars on the inside and out. He was really prickly when the book opens, still not ready to deal with his new reality, and very sensitive about some things. All understandable. He likes Colbie from the start, but doesn't want to start anything with her. She can do better.
Now the real issue was the writing. I kept coming across passages that read as odd to me. The way someone thought or said something was strange and kept pulling me out of the story. Nothing super bad, just somehow off. Like "It didn't take much to imagine her as a sexual creature" when Zander is talking about Colbie. How he is attracted to her. It was just...odd in the context especially. There were also large chunks of text devoted to explaining what something was. Like now we are going to take a break from our story to explain to readers what things are. About the Gulf War and what it was. Stuff like that that really didn't fit. Maybe they could have been footnotes for readers who don't know these things, but they weren't told in the context of the story. They were just placed into the story so the reader would know the information. It was odd.
There were also times when the timeline was a bit mixed up. For example early on Coblie freaked out at a coffeeshop, then she apologized for freaking out at the pier, only she was never at the pier. That came later and then I thought oh! Okay. That first comment was just out of place. All of this together worked to make this story not that good for me.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
Somewhere to Begin was not my favorite read. The writing was a bit odd at times, there were times when it was a bit confusing as to where people were or what they were doing, and I never understood Colbie and didn't like her. It was not a very good read for me.
Colbie has always done what her parents wanted. They thought she should marry this guy, and even though he was physically abusive she was still going along with it. Because of her parents. Who didn't know about the abuse. Why? Why didn't she say something before now? Was she so beaten down and cut off from other people by her fiancé? Did she not feel like she had any options? Was she wanting to leave, but unable to due to the abuse and such? No. I really have no idea why she stayed. She was not like a battered woman. She was just a stupid woman who is staying with an abuser, going to marry him, because she doesn't want her parents to think poorly of her. Or something. It made no sense to me. I love reading books where people overcome things, where ladies get out of abusive situations and make more of their lives, but not like this. Not where it seems like she is choosing to be in the relationship even though she could easily leave. People in these situations often times don't have the choice, they can't get out of it, and yet Colbie chose to stay for some reason. At least she wakes up for a minute and walks out of her wedding to start her life over somewhere else.
Now she walks out and then never thinks of her ex again really. She doesn't even go that far or try to hide where she is. So she is not worried about him coming after her? So if that is the case then again why didn't she leave sooner? I didn't understand. So now she is in a new town with a new hot neighbor and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. It was just eh. She was really judgmental of everyone, at one point someone gave her a card for Zander's older brother so he could do some work for her and she instantly was all how does this married lady know Zander's brother?!? No one cared about marriage vows in her old world, maybe this lady was having an affair with Zander's brother!! It was just like wait what? Why would you assume that a married lady who knows a contractor is having an affair with said contractor? Why would that be your first thought? Yes, I know you said marriage didn't mean anything in your old world, but really? Really. So every married person who knows anyone of the opposite sex who is not their partner you are going to wonder if they are cheating on their partner with said person? Really? It made no sense! Colbie was ridiculous. That and she was super jealous of everyone. There was one girl who everyone kept telling Colbie was like a sister to Zander, he said it, she sees it with your own two eyes, the girls says it, and yet you still keep getting jealous of her and wonder if there is something going on between them. Really? It was just too much. It was like all of the times when people would tell her nothing is happening were forgotten two seconds later. Every time it was like it was new informations, but I kept thinking wait...you know this already so why are you so relieved to know nothing is going on?? I didn't understand her at all. I didn't care for Colbie so...it made the book not so good to read.
Zander is okay. He has scars from his time in a war zone, scars on the inside and out. He was really prickly when the book opens, still not ready to deal with his new reality, and very sensitive about some things. All understandable. He likes Colbie from the start, but doesn't want to start anything with her. She can do better.
Now the real issue was the writing. I kept coming across passages that read as odd to me. The way someone thought or said something was strange and kept pulling me out of the story. Nothing super bad, just somehow off. Like "It didn't take much to imagine her as a sexual creature" when Zander is talking about Colbie. How he is attracted to her. It was just...odd in the context especially. There were also large chunks of text devoted to explaining what something was. Like now we are going to take a break from our story to explain to readers what things are. About the Gulf War and what it was. Stuff like that that really didn't fit. Maybe they could have been footnotes for readers who don't know these things, but they weren't told in the context of the story. They were just placed into the story so the reader would know the information. It was odd.
There were also times when the timeline was a bit mixed up. For example early on Coblie freaked out at a coffeeshop, then she apologized for freaking out at the pier, only she was never at the pier. That came later and then I thought oh! Okay. That first comment was just out of place. All of this together worked to make this story not that good for me.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
September 9, 2016
My first Mika Jolie book and I was impressed! An enjoyable, fast paced, heart-rendering read, yet yummy, flirty and deliciously romantic! Fate brings two lost souls together and the only way they will tame their inner demons is to help each other heal, but they need to be willing to show each other their scars. Colbie and Zander pulled me in fast and held my attention all the way through. Quite interesting friends and family members give this an added humorous, fun to read dimension.
It is the "happiest" day of Colbie Bennington's life as she is marrying the "perfect man". Problem is everything is based on a lie. She wasn't happy and Kevin was far from perfect, and she has the scars and bruises on her body to prove it. Standing at the altar with the priest and her husband to be, she finally stands up for herself and refuses to marry the abusive jerk! She runs down the aisle, dashes from the church to her Mercedes in the pouring down rain, and then drives with no destination in mind, except to get far, far away from Kevin.
"She was stuck between who she was, who she wanted to be and who she should be. Her world was a mess."
Fate intervenes and along her road to freedom, Colbie meets Zander Serrano, a former Navy Seal, who just six months ago, came home from Afghanistan. He is a physically and emotionally wrecked, battle weary soul trying to deal with the loss of his leg and the devastating deaths of so many of his Seal brothers. Continuous flashbacks of his last combat mission and saddled with guilt because he is still alive, is making him a ticking time bomb. Not to mention Colbie is stirring up feelings in him he would rather stay dormant. He is an empty shell of a man with nothing to offer.
"For so long, being so close to death had been the only thing that made him feel alive. Then Colbie bulldozed her way into his life."
Zander is so ridiculously sexy and gorgeous, just looking at him makes Colbie blush, but the thought of Kevin's beatings has her terrified to even be touched by another man. A touch meant violence was next.
"Colbie reminded Zander of a butterfly with broken wings. Her eyes told a story of loneliness, anger and pain, leaving him to wonder if anyone ever fought for her."
I enjoyed the cautious dance that played out between the two as they maneuvered around each other. The attraction was lethal, but so were the deep scars they were afraid to share.
I hope there are sequels for Zander's two brothers, Rafa and Max. They are quite delectable!
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
It is the "happiest" day of Colbie Bennington's life as she is marrying the "perfect man". Problem is everything is based on a lie. She wasn't happy and Kevin was far from perfect, and she has the scars and bruises on her body to prove it. Standing at the altar with the priest and her husband to be, she finally stands up for herself and refuses to marry the abusive jerk! She runs down the aisle, dashes from the church to her Mercedes in the pouring down rain, and then drives with no destination in mind, except to get far, far away from Kevin.
"She was stuck between who she was, who she wanted to be and who she should be. Her world was a mess."
Fate intervenes and along her road to freedom, Colbie meets Zander Serrano, a former Navy Seal, who just six months ago, came home from Afghanistan. He is a physically and emotionally wrecked, battle weary soul trying to deal with the loss of his leg and the devastating deaths of so many of his Seal brothers. Continuous flashbacks of his last combat mission and saddled with guilt because he is still alive, is making him a ticking time bomb. Not to mention Colbie is stirring up feelings in him he would rather stay dormant. He is an empty shell of a man with nothing to offer.
"For so long, being so close to death had been the only thing that made him feel alive. Then Colbie bulldozed her way into his life."
Zander is so ridiculously sexy and gorgeous, just looking at him makes Colbie blush, but the thought of Kevin's beatings has her terrified to even be touched by another man. A touch meant violence was next.
"Colbie reminded Zander of a butterfly with broken wings. Her eyes told a story of loneliness, anger and pain, leaving him to wonder if anyone ever fought for her."
I enjoyed the cautious dance that played out between the two as they maneuvered around each other. The attraction was lethal, but so were the deep scars they were afraid to share.
I hope there are sequels for Zander's two brothers, Rafa and Max. They are quite delectable!
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
October 27, 2016
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
This is the first time I have read any of this authors work, and I will certainly be reading more. This is the story of two broken souls which fate brings together. Zander is a shell of the man he used to be, and Colbie escapes from an abusive relationship. Can these two face their demons and heal each other? You really need to read this for yourself to find out!!
This is a fast paced story, which is humorous, intriguing, breathtaking, and an emotional read. This author has done an amazing job in writing this storyline, and I was hooked and enthralled throughout. I recommend this author’s work for all, and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
This is the first time I have read any of this authors work, and I will certainly be reading more. This is the story of two broken souls which fate brings together. Zander is a shell of the man he used to be, and Colbie escapes from an abusive relationship. Can these two face their demons and heal each other? You really need to read this for yourself to find out!!
This is a fast paced story, which is humorous, intriguing, breathtaking, and an emotional read. This author has done an amazing job in writing this storyline, and I was hooked and enthralled throughout. I recommend this author’s work for all, and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
September 20, 2016
I'm sitting here struggling about where to begin but first let me say I was sent an ARC copy for an honest review by the author. That being said, the cover of this book was so beautiful it made me want to read the book, I could care less what genre it would have been I just love it.
Lord have mercy...Y'all this book was like a package of Oreo's to me, oh so delicious and hard to quit.
From the first page of this book I was hooked. The absolute detail and thought that the author put into this book left me mind blown. Yea, yea I know what you're thinking "She's an author, it's her job to be detailed", well my friends I'm here to tell you that Ms. Jolie went above and beyond my expectations of being the "average author". The spectrum of emotion continuously captured throughout the book managed to hit me to me core. It was real, it was raw and it was continuously awe inspiring.
Colbie won my heart at "red chucks". I'm a simple lady, it really doesn't take much for me to say that someone is a rock star which Colbie certainly is, although for many reasons outside of her favorite pair of worn red chucks. Colbie reached real rock star status when she grew a pair of cojones and walked out of her wedding. I mean its never to late to realize that your fiancé is a total douche. (Sorry guys I tried to make it thru a whole post without being offensive but lets face it, a douche is a douche there's simply no way around it)
.
Zander.Zander. Zander. What do you say about a hot Puerto Rican soldier who comes home damaged and disconnected from life? Well if you're asking this specific blogger I would say "I'll take one please". All joking aside, Zander's story is an all to real story for so many of our men returning from war and not a joke at all. His story was heart breaking, the once charismatic and athletic man now finds himself with half a leg and more questions than God could probably answer.
Together these two are hotter than fireworks on the 4th of July. Their chemistry is just on point and has me over here jealous as hell. "Elle sexually depressed, party of one, your table is now ready." I mean come on, can I seriously not get me a Zander.
"You're always rescuing me."
"I'm not a hero, Colbie."
She slanted her head sideways and met his gaze. "A nice way of saying don't get any ideas because you're not my knight in shining... whatever"
"Not even close"
"The thing is I'm not looking for someone to save me, "she continues, her face to the ocean. "I'd much rather have someone stand by my side as I save myself"
YES!! YES!! YES!! Can we please get some applause over here for that last sentence. That line is Oscar worthy! It gave me all the feels !!
The supporting characters which I didn't really mention add so much depth and comedic dimension that it puts this book on the next level. I cant wait to read the next book in the series that I really pray feature Zander's sexy as sin brothers Max and Rafe.. Yes, you read that right, there are 3 sexy Serrano brothers.
Y'all this book is entertaining, its educational, its humanizing, its sexy as hell and at the end of the day very worth purchasing and reading. Mrs. Mika Jolie you've got a fan for life. Thank you for this beautiful book about acceptance in all forms.
This book actually gets 4.5 stars from me !!
Lord have mercy...Y'all this book was like a package of Oreo's to me, oh so delicious and hard to quit.
From the first page of this book I was hooked. The absolute detail and thought that the author put into this book left me mind blown. Yea, yea I know what you're thinking "She's an author, it's her job to be detailed", well my friends I'm here to tell you that Ms. Jolie went above and beyond my expectations of being the "average author". The spectrum of emotion continuously captured throughout the book managed to hit me to me core. It was real, it was raw and it was continuously awe inspiring.
Colbie won my heart at "red chucks". I'm a simple lady, it really doesn't take much for me to say that someone is a rock star which Colbie certainly is, although for many reasons outside of her favorite pair of worn red chucks. Colbie reached real rock star status when she grew a pair of cojones and walked out of her wedding. I mean its never to late to realize that your fiancé is a total douche. (Sorry guys I tried to make it thru a whole post without being offensive but lets face it, a douche is a douche there's simply no way around it)
.
Zander.Zander. Zander. What do you say about a hot Puerto Rican soldier who comes home damaged and disconnected from life? Well if you're asking this specific blogger I would say "I'll take one please". All joking aside, Zander's story is an all to real story for so many of our men returning from war and not a joke at all. His story was heart breaking, the once charismatic and athletic man now finds himself with half a leg and more questions than God could probably answer.
Together these two are hotter than fireworks on the 4th of July. Their chemistry is just on point and has me over here jealous as hell. "Elle sexually depressed, party of one, your table is now ready." I mean come on, can I seriously not get me a Zander.
"You're always rescuing me."
"I'm not a hero, Colbie."
She slanted her head sideways and met his gaze. "A nice way of saying don't get any ideas because you're not my knight in shining... whatever"
"Not even close"
"The thing is I'm not looking for someone to save me, "she continues, her face to the ocean. "I'd much rather have someone stand by my side as I save myself"
YES!! YES!! YES!! Can we please get some applause over here for that last sentence. That line is Oscar worthy! It gave me all the feels !!
The supporting characters which I didn't really mention add so much depth and comedic dimension that it puts this book on the next level. I cant wait to read the next book in the series that I really pray feature Zander's sexy as sin brothers Max and Rafe.. Yes, you read that right, there are 3 sexy Serrano brothers.
Y'all this book is entertaining, its educational, its humanizing, its sexy as hell and at the end of the day very worth purchasing and reading. Mrs. Mika Jolie you've got a fan for life. Thank you for this beautiful book about acceptance in all forms.
This book actually gets 4.5 stars from me !!
September 23, 2016
Runaway bride? Yes, please! I love weddings. I love looking at wedding photos, going to weddings, feeling the love in the air—but that’s not how Colbie’s story began. Colbie ran from the day that was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and I had to know why. The cover initially drew me in (ehem, I love wedding photos, remember?), but I wanted to know what happened next. Where’d she run to, who found her, and where her story go after that?
Read the rest of the review!
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March 8, 2018
The first maybe 20% of the story of Somewhere to Begin (Poison & Wine series #1)
by Mika Jolie felt a little “bumpy” to me which made it a little bit more difficult for me to engage with the story.
But at around 25% the story started to take off at a reasonable pace and the story flow was steady and good until the end. I liked how the characters developed together with the story.
At times I felt that Zander was a little too reluctant but I got where he was coming from – Colbie on the other hand was a little more difficult – but once I had a closer look at her parents – well lets say. She turned out great DESPIDE the place she came from.
Both have to deal with a lot of issues from their past before they can even dare to attempt to think about a future. I liked the secondary characters that brought a lot of charm to the story. Sometimes it felt as if they were carrying the leading characters to the place where they were supposed to be.
This author has a great way to approach the story and keep it real for the reader.
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March 18, 2019
🌟🌟🌟1/2 stars
This was a fun sweet read even though it tackles a serious issue of brutality in a relationship.
Colbie has bruises internally and externally on her wedding day. Just as she's about to walk down the aisle, she can't make herself do it. She'd let her parent's cold indifference lead her actions and instead of going through with the marriage, she runs.
Sander is a Navy Seal veteran, suffering with the effects of losing his leg 6 months ago.
They come together because of a car accident.
Safety: Both are experienced. Colbie never had good sex. She was told she was a cold fish by the few guys she'd been with. She's never had oral or given it. Zander had more women than he could remember...his words. He hadn't been with anyone in a while, before he lost his leg for sure. They start out using condoms and then she says she was tested after leaving Kevin and he said he's been tested for everything under the sun. They go without after that.
This was a fun sweet read even though it tackles a serious issue of brutality in a relationship.
Colbie has bruises internally and externally on her wedding day. Just as she's about to walk down the aisle, she can't make herself do it. She'd let her parent's cold indifference lead her actions and instead of going through with the marriage, she runs.
Sander is a Navy Seal veteran, suffering with the effects of losing his leg 6 months ago.
They come together because of a car accident.
Safety: Both are experienced. Colbie never had good sex. She was told she was a cold fish by the few guys she'd been with. She's never had oral or given it. Zander had more women than he could remember...his words. He hadn't been with anyone in a while, before he lost his leg for sure. They start out using condoms and then she says she was tested after leaving Kevin and he said he's been tested for everything under the sun. They go without after that.
May 3, 2019
Really enjoyable, but I was not a fan of many of the secondary characters.
dnf
January 6, 2024DNF @21%
June 25, 2018
When broken hearts collide...
Two lost souls with broken hearts and spirits:
Zander, “We all need somewhere to begin. She might be yours”.
Colbie, “Of course, she was lost. But sometimes in the wind of change, one tended to find their true direction”.
This is a novel of courage, strength and the power of love.
“We’re all rebels at heart deep down. Even those who don’t think they are.”
All the feels.
Every. Single. One.
Two lost souls with broken hearts and spirits:
Zander, “We all need somewhere to begin. She might be yours”.
Colbie, “Of course, she was lost. But sometimes in the wind of change, one tended to find their true direction”.
This is a novel of courage, strength and the power of love.
“We’re all rebels at heart deep down. Even those who don’t think they are.”
All the feels.
Every. Single. One.
March 21, 2018
Really GoodRead!
September 30, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Wow! This is my first Mika Jolie book, but I can tell you now it won’t be the last one I read. This emotion-filled story was so touching and well-done that I immediately lost myself in the story. I couldn’t put it down. Even now the story still occupies my mind from time to time. Somewhere to Begin is a story of healing and hope. It’s a story of love and friendship. It’s a story of determination and finding your own strength. It shows that it is possible to lose oneself, but that the path to discovering who you are is still there if you look for it.
And that is exactly what Colbie Bennington does after fleeing her own wedding. Colbie decides to think of herself first and sets out a journey of self-discovery and independence. A journey that leads her to wounded war veteran, Xander Serrano. Xander’s training as a SEAL and protective instincts kick into high gear when he rescues Colbie from an accident and offers her a place to stay. As he continues to find ways to come to her rescue and be a part of her life, he does his best to fight his attraction to Colbie believing she deserves better. But after years of doing what everyone expected of her, Colbie wants to finally do something for her and assert her independence. As she says in one of my favorite line from the book, “The thing is I’m not looking for someone to save me…I’d much rather have someone stand by my side as I save myself.”
Both Colbie and Xander have plenty of Baggage with a capital B when they meet. Scarred physically and emotionally, Colbie has her guard up after leaving an abusive situation and still doubts her own self-worth. And Xander is in his own dark place having not quite come to terms with his new reality and the traumatic even that changed his life. Having grown up in a wealthy family with certain expectations to live up to, Colbie is afraid of letting people down…especially Xander. And he believes she deserves more than he can give her. They are two physically and emotionally wounded individuals who help each other heal and find their way out of the dark places in which they have found themselves. And I loved every minute of their journey.
I also loved the wonderful cast of supporting characters in the story. There is a large cast of friends, family, and more that want to help these two scarred characters find love and happiness again. And then there are some that Colbie was right in walking away from…her ability to do so shows such strength despite the pain it causes her. As for the other characters, I hope we get a chance to read more about them…especially the Serrano brothers. There’s definitely potential for more with them and I hope we see them again. By the way, after reading, I discovered that this is a spin-off of Mika Jolie’s previous series and some of the characters from it are mentioned, but you don’t have to have read it to follow this story. But you will probably want to after reading this one…I know I do.
But getting back to our main couple in Somewhere to Begin and their story, Colbie and Xander are afraid to just let themselves go and feel. By helping each other out, they are helping themselves. The changes these characters go through as they begin to heal are apparent to those around them who want nothing but the best for them. And I couldn’t help but want the best for them as well.
Somewhere to Begin was such a great book with strong and wonderful main characters and a story that touched my heart. The emotions and strength packed between the pages were amazing. The book demonstrates that if you are lost, it is possible to heal and to find your way again. If this is what I can expect from a Mika Jolie book, then I hope to read many more from her and encourage you to do the same.
Wow! This is my first Mika Jolie book, but I can tell you now it won’t be the last one I read. This emotion-filled story was so touching and well-done that I immediately lost myself in the story. I couldn’t put it down. Even now the story still occupies my mind from time to time. Somewhere to Begin is a story of healing and hope. It’s a story of love and friendship. It’s a story of determination and finding your own strength. It shows that it is possible to lose oneself, but that the path to discovering who you are is still there if you look for it.
And that is exactly what Colbie Bennington does after fleeing her own wedding. Colbie decides to think of herself first and sets out a journey of self-discovery and independence. A journey that leads her to wounded war veteran, Xander Serrano. Xander’s training as a SEAL and protective instincts kick into high gear when he rescues Colbie from an accident and offers her a place to stay. As he continues to find ways to come to her rescue and be a part of her life, he does his best to fight his attraction to Colbie believing she deserves better. But after years of doing what everyone expected of her, Colbie wants to finally do something for her and assert her independence. As she says in one of my favorite line from the book, “The thing is I’m not looking for someone to save me…I’d much rather have someone stand by my side as I save myself.”
Both Colbie and Xander have plenty of Baggage with a capital B when they meet. Scarred physically and emotionally, Colbie has her guard up after leaving an abusive situation and still doubts her own self-worth. And Xander is in his own dark place having not quite come to terms with his new reality and the traumatic even that changed his life. Having grown up in a wealthy family with certain expectations to live up to, Colbie is afraid of letting people down…especially Xander. And he believes she deserves more than he can give her. They are two physically and emotionally wounded individuals who help each other heal and find their way out of the dark places in which they have found themselves. And I loved every minute of their journey.
I also loved the wonderful cast of supporting characters in the story. There is a large cast of friends, family, and more that want to help these two scarred characters find love and happiness again. And then there are some that Colbie was right in walking away from…her ability to do so shows such strength despite the pain it causes her. As for the other characters, I hope we get a chance to read more about them…especially the Serrano brothers. There’s definitely potential for more with them and I hope we see them again. By the way, after reading, I discovered that this is a spin-off of Mika Jolie’s previous series and some of the characters from it are mentioned, but you don’t have to have read it to follow this story. But you will probably want to after reading this one…I know I do.
But getting back to our main couple in Somewhere to Begin and their story, Colbie and Xander are afraid to just let themselves go and feel. By helping each other out, they are helping themselves. The changes these characters go through as they begin to heal are apparent to those around them who want nothing but the best for them. And I couldn’t help but want the best for them as well.
Somewhere to Begin was such a great book with strong and wonderful main characters and a story that touched my heart. The emotions and strength packed between the pages were amazing. The book demonstrates that if you are lost, it is possible to heal and to find your way again. If this is what I can expect from a Mika Jolie book, then I hope to read many more from her and encourage you to do the same.
November 20, 2016
Somewhere to Begin by Mika Jolie is the type of story that speaks to your heart. It had everything that I look for in a story. It was sexy, addictive, emotional and well written. You will not come away from this story feeling that you have lost precious time. Instead, you may come away wanting more of Colbie and Zander’s story.Colbie Bennington was born into a wealthy family. Her life, however, was not one that was filled with happiness. She never knew what it was like to receive affection from her parents. She grew up feeling unloved and unwanted. She tried to gain their affection by kowtowing to all their demands. When this did not achieve what she desired she went looking for affection elsewhere, which would prove to be a mistake as she ended up becoming a punching bag. She never once stood up for herself until her wedding day, when she made the decision to run from her miserable life and the people who were the centre of it. With no idea where she was going and what she was going to do she set out on a journey of re-discovery. Her only desire was to escape her demons and start afresh. What she never counted on was that her journey would set her on a collision course with true love. In the process, she would discover that escaping her demons was not the answer. She would have to face them head on if she wanted to enjoy her new lease on life.Zander Serrano has seen his fair share of horror while on tour of duty in Afghanistan. He returned home bearing the physical and emotional scars of his time spent on duty. He was a shell of the man he once was, but that would change the day Colbie literally crashed into his life.When I started this book I had no idea what to expect as the author is new to me. Now that I am at the end, I can honestly say she has found a new fan in me. This story evoked a variety of emotions within me. It made me cry for the pain the protagonists were feeling. I laughed at the rapport between Zander and his siblings. I was frustrated with Colbie and her refusal to deal with her situation head on and I was angry with the way her family treated her.It was a joy watching these two damaged souls recognizing that their journey to recovery was based on their willingness to accept that they had issues and that only they alone can take that step to save themselves from self-destruction. The support of family and friends is what makes the process bearable. I loved the way they supported each other which contributed to the healing process. I admired Colbie’s inner strength and determination. Starting over is never easy, but if we put our minds to it, we can achieve success, because whatever the mind can conceive it can achieve. Colbie was the perfect example of this.Somewhere to Begin is a story about love, loss and second chances. It’s about finding the courage to start over when things seem hopeless. This was a beautiful story and one which I highly recommend.FAVOURITE QUOTES“The thing is I’m not looking for someone to save me,” she continued, her face to the ocean. “I’d much rather have someone stand by my side as I save myself.”“You must understand that fear has two meanings. Forget everything and run, or face everything and rise. The choice is yours.”
September 15, 2016
I probably should have given up earlier instead of skimming and skipping ahead. I kept holding out hope that's what hooked me in the beginning came back around again. I was actually very interested in Colbies life after she had the balls to leave her abuser. Pair that with a war hero I was ready for he pain and love. But for some reason after their initial meeting I lost that feeling between them. Their both constant in shoving people away and I wanted to see... to feel something and while it did happen-slowly, I was ready to move on
June 30, 2019
AMAZING BOOK DEALING WITH REAL LIFE ISSUES!
Colbie Bennington crashed into Zander Serrano's life, literally. Her in a wedding dress, running from a life she could no longer quietly tolerate. One she refused to commit herself to; permanent unhappiness and abuse. Zander caused the crash because he was blacked out; living an existence that only the truly depressed can understand, suffering from PTSD, flashbacks, night terrors, Survivor's Guilt and enormous pain from his injuries. He was only a shell of the man he was before he went to Afghanistan.
This beautiful story is about two lost and broken souls who find healing and love in each other's hearts. What they can't do for themselves, they can do for another. The compassion shown, not just for each other, but for William, the homeless veteran whom Colbie befriends, is so heartwarming. My heart was touched so many times, as were the tears that slid down my cheeks, when I read what these two had endured. The slow burn between Colbie and Zander was so beautiful and like experiencing a flower blossom. The fragrance was as tangible as the picture as I read.
This book was pure heart and soul and I commend Mika Jolie on another great book. She definitely hit this one out of the park and I hope this resonates with everyone about the plight of the Veterans. I am a Veteran and I am proud to have served my country but I am ashamed at how our country has served our Veterans. I have also survived domestic abuse. Thank you Ms. Jolie for a job well done.
Colbie Bennington crashed into Zander Serrano's life, literally. Her in a wedding dress, running from a life she could no longer quietly tolerate. One she refused to commit herself to; permanent unhappiness and abuse. Zander caused the crash because he was blacked out; living an existence that only the truly depressed can understand, suffering from PTSD, flashbacks, night terrors, Survivor's Guilt and enormous pain from his injuries. He was only a shell of the man he was before he went to Afghanistan.
This beautiful story is about two lost and broken souls who find healing and love in each other's hearts. What they can't do for themselves, they can do for another. The compassion shown, not just for each other, but for William, the homeless veteran whom Colbie befriends, is so heartwarming. My heart was touched so many times, as were the tears that slid down my cheeks, when I read what these two had endured. The slow burn between Colbie and Zander was so beautiful and like experiencing a flower blossom. The fragrance was as tangible as the picture as I read.
This book was pure heart and soul and I commend Mika Jolie on another great book. She definitely hit this one out of the park and I hope this resonates with everyone about the plight of the Veterans. I am a Veteran and I am proud to have served my country but I am ashamed at how our country has served our Veterans. I have also survived domestic abuse. Thank you Ms. Jolie for a job well done.
September 30, 2016
+++ Arc provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, for an honest review +++
Light romance with a wounded hero and a abused heroine. They feel attracted to each other and confess their mutual love quite easily. There’s a lot of secondary characters and the interactions and dialogue are not always very natural, but the characters are nice and attractive enough to keep the interest. There are a lot of relationships going on or emerging, which is also interesting.
I liked the story and the writing was okay, but it seems that I was always expecting the plot to turn into something more meaningful, away from the sometimes cheesy register. That didn’t happen.
I liked the way the author treated the wounded hero – even if the healing was too quick. But he and his brothers were really… hot. Regarding the heroine, as usual it’s difficult for me to understand why a woman living in a civilized country should bear the violence of a man (her fiancée).
As I’ve said, I enjoyed this story, but I was always expecting it to turn into a little more. With such characters, with such a potentially intense hero, I guess I was expecting ... more intensity?
I'm grateful to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
Light romance with a wounded hero and a abused heroine. They feel attracted to each other and confess their mutual love quite easily. There’s a lot of secondary characters and the interactions and dialogue are not always very natural, but the characters are nice and attractive enough to keep the interest. There are a lot of relationships going on or emerging, which is also interesting.
I liked the story and the writing was okay, but it seems that I was always expecting the plot to turn into something more meaningful, away from the sometimes cheesy register. That didn’t happen.
I liked the way the author treated the wounded hero – even if the healing was too quick. But he and his brothers were really… hot. Regarding the heroine, as usual it’s difficult for me to understand why a woman living in a civilized country should bear the violence of a man (her fiancée).
As I’ve said, I enjoyed this story, but I was always expecting it to turn into a little more. With such characters, with such a potentially intense hero, I guess I was expecting ... more intensity?
I'm grateful to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
November 7, 2016
Zander and Colbie have been through different things that shaped them. Zander has been through a lot before coming back home from war and Colbie has had some issues with her ex. Colbie knows that her previous life wasn’t one she could live with. Something happens to Colbie and Zander is there to help her out. Zander knows something has happened to Colbie but he isn’t willing to push until she ready to tell him. Zander is dealing with PTSD from his time at war and he is also dealing with the nightmares that come with it. Zander and Colbie both have issues and obstacles that they will need to deal with.
I loved Zander and Colbie. I felt that Zander and Colbie were both put into each other’s lives for a reason. Colbie has been through something and felt like she was all alone and didn’t believe her family would be there for her. With Zander and his friends behind her you begin to see how strong Colbie is and how she finally able to confront her past. Zander’s obstacles are different that Colbie’s but he must learn how to cope with his new life as a civilian. In the end they both have to decide if they want to open their hearts to love.
I loved Zander and Colbie. I felt that Zander and Colbie were both put into each other’s lives for a reason. Colbie has been through something and felt like she was all alone and didn’t believe her family would be there for her. With Zander and his friends behind her you begin to see how strong Colbie is and how she finally able to confront her past. Zander’s obstacles are different that Colbie’s but he must learn how to cope with his new life as a civilian. In the end they both have to decide if they want to open their hearts to love.
September 20, 2016
Somewhere to Begin By Mika Jolie is a romance and women's fiction read.
There are wounds that never show on the body.
For twenty-nine years, Colbie Bennington does as expected with an eternal smile stained on her lips. The biggest chances she’s ever taken can be counted on one hand, three fingers to be exact—her battered red chucks, painting her toenails a vibrant blue, and her wedding dress. Always the dutiful daughter and a Stepford fiancée, she has never acted on impulse, never been in love.
She’s never lived.
On her wedding day, Colbie ends a toxic relationship, drops the fake smile, and says, “I can’t do this anymore.”
This was a lovely read. I loved colbie I really felt for her. I loved how zander and max were with each other made me laugh. Didn't like Kevin. It had me in tears too. I love the ending too. highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
There are wounds that never show on the body.
For twenty-nine years, Colbie Bennington does as expected with an eternal smile stained on her lips. The biggest chances she’s ever taken can be counted on one hand, three fingers to be exact—her battered red chucks, painting her toenails a vibrant blue, and her wedding dress. Always the dutiful daughter and a Stepford fiancée, she has never acted on impulse, never been in love.
She’s never lived.
On her wedding day, Colbie ends a toxic relationship, drops the fake smile, and says, “I can’t do this anymore.”
This was a lovely read. I loved colbie I really felt for her. I loved how zander and max were with each other made me laugh. Didn't like Kevin. It had me in tears too. I love the ending too. highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
July 22, 2018
I did not care for this book. I was not interested in the story or the characters. Sadly if you've read one book like this, you've read this one. It would be nice to read a romance story that's a bit different and doesn't follow the same formula. Plus, as is typical these days, the author was clearly setting this book up as a series and will be hooking up other characters from this book in the future. I doubt I'll read any of those books.
February 7, 2019
Colbie and Zander
Raw and emotional story with Zander finally being home for good but no where near the form he left in. This is a beautiful, intense, with witty humor story of two very broken people finding their way back to the light and to each other. A non stop must read that will leave you breathless and wanting more.. We need Max asap lol
Raw and emotional story with Zander finally being home for good but no where near the form he left in. This is a beautiful, intense, with witty humor story of two very broken people finding their way back to the light and to each other. A non stop must read that will leave you breathless and wanting more.. We need Max asap lol
June 21, 2017
This book didn't work for me. I just couldn't connect with Colby. Didn't understand her and didn't like her.
November 14, 2016
5 Stars
Somewhere to Begin is the first book in the Poison and Wine Series- by the incredibly talented, Mika Jolie. I truly loved every single page and didn’t want to put it down for a second. I devoured it in a day and then turned around and read it all the way through for the second time. Ms. Jolie has written a superb book, which captured my heart and held my attention from the very beginning.
Colbie Bennington has lived a life of privilege- an enviable life some may say. Only, she grew up with emotionally distant parents who were more interested in keeping up appearances, than in showing any affection. They are very strict, have incredibly high expectations and are very judgemental. So from an early age Colbie learned to be the perfect daughter, always doing what was expected of her, no questions asked.
Her engagement to Kevin was again doing what was expected of her- uniting two incredibly wealthy, highly influential and powerful families. But there is more to their relationship than meets the eye.
It’s the day of her wedding and she is meant to be saying ‘I do’ and ‘till death do us part’- but she really wants so much more for herself than living a lie with Kevin and keeping ‘dirty little secrets’. Colbie can’t keep up appearances any longer- instead, she does a ‘runaway bride’.
While looking for somewhere to recoup while she decides what to do next, she is involved in a car accident. She wakes up in hospital with a vague recollection of being rescued by the sexiest man she has ever encountered. And here he is sitting beside her hospital bed.
Zander Serrano is an ex-Navy Seal, who has returned from war a broken man. His scars run deep, emotionally as well as physically. He has had a hard time adjusting to civilian life since returning home, and has shut out his family and friends in the process. He carries around a lot of baggage and found the only way he could cope was to shut down. So he really wasn’t prepared for the surge of emotions that bombarded him at the sight of Colbie, or his desire to be her hero.
The intensity of their attraction leaves them both breathless. Can two broken souls help each other heal? What secrets are they keeping? What happens when the past comes back to haunt them? Will they face their fears and become stronger, or will their fledgling relationship be destroyed?
Ms. Jolie is a consummate storyteller and has used her skills to masterfully weave a deep and meaningful story. It is multi-layered, bringing together numerous elements into a beautifully written book.
The characters are completely developed and have fully realised and individual identities. They were absolutely believable and realistic.
I loved the way Ms. Jolie wrote all the characters- even the ones we are meant to hate, because they add depth and tension to the whole story.
Zander is swoon-worthy; an alpha male who is going through a process of adjustment after his experiences at war. He comes across as all rough and tough, but underneath all of that testosterone is a big softy- a protector and a real hero.
I loved Colbie, she thinks she is weak and pathetic- but in actual fact, she is strong and brave. She is adorable; kind, caring, compassionate and a little quirky. I love the connection that she and Zander have! They really do complete each other.
The bedroom scenes in this book are some of the most erotic I have ever read! Volcanically Hot- they had me salivating and squirming in my seat!
The book contains disturbing descriptions of the war in Afghanistan- to give us more of an understanding of how and why Zander is the way he is. Ms. Jolie also touched on some other sensitive topics, but I thought she did so in a respectful and empowering manner.
I found myself cheering for Colbie and Zander, on their journey towards healing, finding love and true happiness.
I really recommend this book, it is well worth your time and money- you are going to absolutely LOVE it!
What a fantastic story and superb start to the Poison and Wine series- I really can’t wait to read the next book! I am predicting that it will be a truly brilliant book!
Thank-you Ms. Jolie!
Somewhere to Begin is the first book in the Poison and Wine Series- by the incredibly talented, Mika Jolie. I truly loved every single page and didn’t want to put it down for a second. I devoured it in a day and then turned around and read it all the way through for the second time. Ms. Jolie has written a superb book, which captured my heart and held my attention from the very beginning.
Colbie Bennington has lived a life of privilege- an enviable life some may say. Only, she grew up with emotionally distant parents who were more interested in keeping up appearances, than in showing any affection. They are very strict, have incredibly high expectations and are very judgemental. So from an early age Colbie learned to be the perfect daughter, always doing what was expected of her, no questions asked.
Her engagement to Kevin was again doing what was expected of her- uniting two incredibly wealthy, highly influential and powerful families. But there is more to their relationship than meets the eye.
It’s the day of her wedding and she is meant to be saying ‘I do’ and ‘till death do us part’- but she really wants so much more for herself than living a lie with Kevin and keeping ‘dirty little secrets’. Colbie can’t keep up appearances any longer- instead, she does a ‘runaway bride’.
While looking for somewhere to recoup while she decides what to do next, she is involved in a car accident. She wakes up in hospital with a vague recollection of being rescued by the sexiest man she has ever encountered. And here he is sitting beside her hospital bed.
Zander Serrano is an ex-Navy Seal, who has returned from war a broken man. His scars run deep, emotionally as well as physically. He has had a hard time adjusting to civilian life since returning home, and has shut out his family and friends in the process. He carries around a lot of baggage and found the only way he could cope was to shut down. So he really wasn’t prepared for the surge of emotions that bombarded him at the sight of Colbie, or his desire to be her hero.
The intensity of their attraction leaves them both breathless. Can two broken souls help each other heal? What secrets are they keeping? What happens when the past comes back to haunt them? Will they face their fears and become stronger, or will their fledgling relationship be destroyed?
Ms. Jolie is a consummate storyteller and has used her skills to masterfully weave a deep and meaningful story. It is multi-layered, bringing together numerous elements into a beautifully written book.
The characters are completely developed and have fully realised and individual identities. They were absolutely believable and realistic.
I loved the way Ms. Jolie wrote all the characters- even the ones we are meant to hate, because they add depth and tension to the whole story.
Zander is swoon-worthy; an alpha male who is going through a process of adjustment after his experiences at war. He comes across as all rough and tough, but underneath all of that testosterone is a big softy- a protector and a real hero.
I loved Colbie, she thinks she is weak and pathetic- but in actual fact, she is strong and brave. She is adorable; kind, caring, compassionate and a little quirky. I love the connection that she and Zander have! They really do complete each other.
The bedroom scenes in this book are some of the most erotic I have ever read! Volcanically Hot- they had me salivating and squirming in my seat!
The book contains disturbing descriptions of the war in Afghanistan- to give us more of an understanding of how and why Zander is the way he is. Ms. Jolie also touched on some other sensitive topics, but I thought she did so in a respectful and empowering manner.
I found myself cheering for Colbie and Zander, on their journey towards healing, finding love and true happiness.
I really recommend this book, it is well worth your time and money- you are going to absolutely LOVE it!
What a fantastic story and superb start to the Poison and Wine series- I really can’t wait to read the next book! I am predicting that it will be a truly brilliant book!
Thank-you Ms. Jolie!
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