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Unlikely Heroes #1
Don't Leave Me Alone
Alvin is coming home to bury his family His whole family, all the family that he had left. His mom, dad and twin sisters. The military didn't think he was stable enough to come back but really, he was just worried how he'd get through the days. The first one's at his empty family home especially.
Carter is a school teacher going to the funeral of a very well respected family of his community. Not only does he see his crush from high-school, Alvin, but he also see's him all alone trying to say goodbye to the only people he had left. Carter doesn't see the fun-loving, carefree teen he crushed on; he's long gone and the grieving, lost man is in his place.
What will happen when Carter steps in to help this grieving man?
What will Alvin do when his eyes finally open and see's Carter?
Is leaning on someone in times of trouble the best way to start a relationship or do they realize it's the best foundation for love?
This book contains strong language and adult situations. It can be read as a standalone. Has HEA, no cliffhanger!
Carter is a school teacher going to the funeral of a very well respected family of his community. Not only does he see his crush from high-school, Alvin, but he also see's him all alone trying to say goodbye to the only people he had left. Carter doesn't see the fun-loving, carefree teen he crushed on; he's long gone and the grieving, lost man is in his place.
What will happen when Carter steps in to help this grieving man?
What will Alvin do when his eyes finally open and see's Carter?
Is leaning on someone in times of trouble the best way to start a relationship or do they realize it's the best foundation for love?
This book contains strong language and adult situations. It can be read as a standalone. Has HEA, no cliffhanger!
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2016
52 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Wood
26 books309 followersJenny Wood- Stay at home mom with two amazing kids and the most supportive, ridiculously good looking, husband. :P
My love of writing comes from my love of reading and I count myself incredibly lucky to live in a place where I can do what I love and
hopefully, make some people happy while I do it.
Happy Reading!
My love of writing comes from my love of reading and I count myself incredibly lucky to live in a place where I can do what I love and
hopefully, make some people happy while I do it.
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 6, 2017
The first 30% of this was so heartbreakingly sad that I couldn’t stop crying. I took a break when I ran out of tissues.
But I’m so happy I decided to give it another go!
Alvin gets word from his commanding officer that his parents and his two 9 year old sisters have died in a car accident, so he heads home.
He feels so depressed that he has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. His only life line is Carter, who comes up to him during the funeral and just holds his hand. Since they live in such a small town, every one Alvin knows is at the funeral, but he can’t really remember who the man holding his hand is.
Carter ends up going home with Alvin to just be there for him. The two strike up a friendship and after a few weeks Alvin makes his move and kisses Carter..
I really loved this. As soon as the depressing first part was over we got lovely comfort and a very fluffy romance. These guys were so sweet together, I just melted.
If you can handle the first part that will rip your heart out, read this, it’s worth it in the end.
But I’m so happy I decided to give it another go!
Alvin gets word from his commanding officer that his parents and his two 9 year old sisters have died in a car accident, so he heads home.
He feels so depressed that he has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. His only life line is Carter, who comes up to him during the funeral and just holds his hand. Since they live in such a small town, every one Alvin knows is at the funeral, but he can’t really remember who the man holding his hand is.
Carter ends up going home with Alvin to just be there for him. The two strike up a friendship and after a few weeks Alvin makes his move and kisses Carter..
I really loved this. As soon as the depressing first part was over we got lovely comfort and a very fluffy romance. These guys were so sweet together, I just melted.
If you can handle the first part that will rip your heart out, read this, it’s worth it in the end.
January 27, 2021
Re-read Jan 27, 2021
*** An exceptional tale of strength and love ! ***
Our hearts ache for Alvin, 29, big, tough, tattooed Marine,
as he reflects on his Dad, Mom, and twin sisters, who were killed by a drunk driver. We feel his pain. Nothing he has done has hit him as hard as losing his beloved family. In addition, he is separating from the Military life and returning home.
During the memorial service, a lone man comes and sits beside Alvin; holds his hand when needed, and not a word spoken, just the silent support of a stranger.
Sweet, lovable, Carter, a small guy, is a teacher,
and has know Alvin since childhood. Carter was the nerdy, gay kid, while Alvin was the jock. Carter has crushed on "out-of-reach" Alvin. Carter understands what Alvin is feeling, his own dad passed away. He wanted to be there for Alvin like someone was there for him back then. It was the least he could do. Carter was the fortitude Alvin needed to get through this, and beyond.
Their sexy times are sizzling and surprising.
This is an amazing, insightful, important, and relevant story, that brings us tears and smiles.
* It's beautifully written in both men's POV, by Jenny Wood. This book is #1 in the Unlikely Hero series. Shorter stories packed with deep emotion, terrific characters, and a fabulously timely topic.
There is so much more I could say, but I want you to read it for yourself, to see the progression, passion, and love.
I highly recommend this truly marvelous book.
Each in the series can stand alone, and we get happy endings.
ENJOY !
=======================
*** An exceptional tale of strength and love ! ***
Our hearts ache for Alvin, 29, big, tough, tattooed Marine,
as he reflects on his Dad, Mom, and twin sisters, who were killed by a drunk driver. We feel his pain. Nothing he has done has hit him as hard as losing his beloved family. In addition, he is separating from the Military life and returning home.
During the memorial service, a lone man comes and sits beside Alvin; holds his hand when needed, and not a word spoken, just the silent support of a stranger.
Sweet, lovable, Carter, a small guy, is a teacher,
and has know Alvin since childhood. Carter was the nerdy, gay kid, while Alvin was the jock. Carter has crushed on "out-of-reach" Alvin. Carter understands what Alvin is feeling, his own dad passed away. He wanted to be there for Alvin like someone was there for him back then. It was the least he could do. Carter was the fortitude Alvin needed to get through this, and beyond.
Their sexy times are sizzling and surprising.
This is an amazing, insightful, important, and relevant story, that brings us tears and smiles.
* It's beautifully written in both men's POV, by Jenny Wood. This book is #1 in the Unlikely Hero series. Shorter stories packed with deep emotion, terrific characters, and a fabulously timely topic.
There is so much more I could say, but I want you to read it for yourself, to see the progression, passion, and love.
I highly recommend this truly marvelous book.
Each in the series can stand alone, and we get happy endings.
ENJOY !
=======================
February 28, 2017
Reread 2/27/2017 No books were catching my eye so I'm doing some rereads. I didn't read this all that long ago but I loved this story and the guys in this book.
Another sweet read by Jenny Wood. This is my second book by this author and I love them. They are low on relationship angst just the way I like them. A little bit instalove but I love that too. I love her characters and how they're respectful and mature when dealing with issues. I will definitely be reading more.
Another sweet read by Jenny Wood. This is my second book by this author and I love them. They are low on relationship angst just the way I like them. A little bit instalove but I love that too. I love her characters and how they're respectful and mature when dealing with issues. I will definitely be reading more.
April 14, 2017
So the first 30% or so of this book had me over here like
I was literally sobbing it was so sad. Alvin loses his entire family...it absolutely broke my heart.
Carter was there to help him when no one else would. He helped Alvin pull his life back together. He was really good and exactly what Alvin needed.
I'll be moving on to the next in the series and here's to hoping it's not near as emotional
I was literally sobbing it was so sad. Alvin loses his entire family...it absolutely broke my heart.
Carter was there to help him when no one else would. He helped Alvin pull his life back together. He was really good and exactly what Alvin needed.
I'll be moving on to the next in the series and here's to hoping it's not near as emotional
July 14, 2017
3 Stars
This was some serious hurt/comfort deliciousness, right here.
The story follows Alvin, a 29 year old Marine, who suffers a devastating loss when a senseless car accident takes the lives of his parents and younger twin sisters. Sent home from active duty (and unlikely to return again), Alvin finds himself lost, lonely and soul-crushingly devastated. Being back in his family home without any family left leaves Alvin understandably crippled by loss and heartache. He struggles to function; eating and sleeping become a rarity, and it’s only upon receiving comfort from a stranger at his family’s funeral that he begins to gain the strength he needs to get through this tragic time.
Carter is a 28 year old elementary school teacher who grew up crushing on Alvin from afar. He is sweet and endlessly compassionate, so when he attends the funeral to show his respect for a family who had impacted his life in various ways, he finds himself compelled to step-up when he witnesses Alvin sitting alone and unresponsive, clearly struggling with his overwhelming grief with no one to offer support and comfort.
The two men form a friendship in the aftermath of Alvin’s loss, and soon enough they come to depend on each other in a deeper, more profound way, which leads to a love neither man expected, but which neither man can deny.
My heart really went out to poor Alvin. I can’t even begin to contemplate the impact of such a loss. This was definitely some seriously moving content and it was handled quite nicely here. Hurt/comfort themes always get me good and this story was no exception. The quiet and moving scene, in which Carter approaches Alvin at the funeral, not saying a word, just offering his support, was truly touching.
This story had a beautiful and heartbreaking premise, and I found myself deeply immersed in the storytelling from start to finish. Unfortunately, I had a tough time with the writing style, particularly where the grammar, spelling and punctuation was concerned. I’m fairly laid back when it comes to this sort of thing, but here it was so noticeable and recurrent that I feel it necessary to make a note of it in my review. Many times I noticed incorrect words used and correct words missing, or worse yet, extra words in sentences they didn’t belong in. On top of that, I’ve never seen so many semicolons in my life (we’re talking up to 15 a page at one point). If they were used correctly that would be one thing, but sometimes they appeared in place of commas or full stops, and once I even noticed one in the middle of a sentence that didn’t even need punctuation. I acknowledge that Ms. Wood refers to herself as an amateur writer and I assume she self-publishes? I believe a detailed edit would do wonders for this lovely story and I hope one day it gets the treatment it deserves.
Regardless of the technical issues I had, I still very much enjoyed the story and will be back to read more of Ms. Wood’s stories in the very near future.
This was some serious hurt/comfort deliciousness, right here.
The story follows Alvin, a 29 year old Marine, who suffers a devastating loss when a senseless car accident takes the lives of his parents and younger twin sisters. Sent home from active duty (and unlikely to return again), Alvin finds himself lost, lonely and soul-crushingly devastated. Being back in his family home without any family left leaves Alvin understandably crippled by loss and heartache. He struggles to function; eating and sleeping become a rarity, and it’s only upon receiving comfort from a stranger at his family’s funeral that he begins to gain the strength he needs to get through this tragic time.
Carter is a 28 year old elementary school teacher who grew up crushing on Alvin from afar. He is sweet and endlessly compassionate, so when he attends the funeral to show his respect for a family who had impacted his life in various ways, he finds himself compelled to step-up when he witnesses Alvin sitting alone and unresponsive, clearly struggling with his overwhelming grief with no one to offer support and comfort.
The two men form a friendship in the aftermath of Alvin’s loss, and soon enough they come to depend on each other in a deeper, more profound way, which leads to a love neither man expected, but which neither man can deny.
My heart really went out to poor Alvin. I can’t even begin to contemplate the impact of such a loss. This was definitely some seriously moving content and it was handled quite nicely here. Hurt/comfort themes always get me good and this story was no exception. The quiet and moving scene, in which Carter approaches Alvin at the funeral, not saying a word, just offering his support, was truly touching.
This story had a beautiful and heartbreaking premise, and I found myself deeply immersed in the storytelling from start to finish. Unfortunately, I had a tough time with the writing style, particularly where the grammar, spelling and punctuation was concerned. I’m fairly laid back when it comes to this sort of thing, but here it was so noticeable and recurrent that I feel it necessary to make a note of it in my review. Many times I noticed incorrect words used and correct words missing, or worse yet, extra words in sentences they didn’t belong in. On top of that, I’ve never seen so many semicolons in my life (we’re talking up to 15 a page at one point). If they were used correctly that would be one thing, but sometimes they appeared in place of commas or full stops, and once I even noticed one in the middle of a sentence that didn’t even need punctuation. I acknowledge that Ms. Wood refers to herself as an amateur writer and I assume she self-publishes? I believe a detailed edit would do wonders for this lovely story and I hope one day it gets the treatment it deserves.
Regardless of the technical issues I had, I still very much enjoyed the story and will be back to read more of Ms. Wood’s stories in the very near future.
June 10, 2018
A great, almost-4-stars, hurt/comfort read!
1 star down for editing issues - again with this Author :(
I've read 3 books of Jenny Wood's Kennedy Ink and though I liked the MCs a lot the weird grammar and awkward punctuation and stuff like that put me off a bit from continuing with that series...
With this one, the premise of emotionally/physically wounded war heroes finding their perfect mates called to me from the moment I read the blurbs of Don't Leave Me Alone and the 2nd instalment He Needed A Hero. You see, I love me some good hurt/comfort time with enticing MCs...
Unfortunately, the same strange grammar things happen in this series, too... :(
And now to the good stuff and the plot...
The first 30% or so had me crying like a baby though I thought I knew what to expect when the blurb said Alvin lost his whole family in a car accident and needed to leave the army and get back home to sort out his, now solitary, life... Well, I didn't!
I got en emotional punch to the gut and really felt for the big, tough, muscular guy falling apart at the funeral of his beloved parents and little sisters...
And then Carter appeared with his silent support and "take charge" attitude and I immediately felt better, just like Alvin did...
And bless Carter for his openness and practical thinking, his unrelenting presence and caring and his big, wonderful heart!
And that's basically it, guys! The story focuses on Alvin's slow recovering and healing from that tragic blow and Carter's slow falling for his former-high-school-star-now-ex-soldier crush. It was sweet and it was fluffy and I didn't mind it one bit!
So, when you overlook the editing or lack thereof, you get a quite emotional, a little bit raced at the end read that'll make you feel all gooey inside from the drama at the beginning and the hurt/comfort dynamic coming off in waves from Carter and Alvin! Enjoy! ;)
1 star down for editing issues - again with this Author :(
I've read 3 books of Jenny Wood's Kennedy Ink and though I liked the MCs a lot the weird grammar and awkward punctuation and stuff like that put me off a bit from continuing with that series...
With this one, the premise of emotionally/physically wounded war heroes finding their perfect mates called to me from the moment I read the blurbs of Don't Leave Me Alone and the 2nd instalment He Needed A Hero. You see, I love me some good hurt/comfort time with enticing MCs...
Unfortunately, the same strange grammar things happen in this series, too... :(
And now to the good stuff and the plot...
The first 30% or so had me crying like a baby though I thought I knew what to expect when the blurb said Alvin lost his whole family in a car accident and needed to leave the army and get back home to sort out his, now solitary, life... Well, I didn't!
I got en emotional punch to the gut and really felt for the big, tough, muscular guy falling apart at the funeral of his beloved parents and little sisters...
And then Carter appeared with his silent support and "take charge" attitude and I immediately felt better, just like Alvin did...
And bless Carter for his openness and practical thinking, his unrelenting presence and caring and his big, wonderful heart!
And that's basically it, guys! The story focuses on Alvin's slow recovering and healing from that tragic blow and Carter's slow falling for his former-high-school-star-now-ex-soldier crush. It was sweet and it was fluffy and I didn't mind it one bit!
So, when you overlook the editing or lack thereof, you get a quite emotional, a little bit raced at the end read that'll make you feel all gooey inside from the drama at the beginning and the hurt/comfort dynamic coming off in waves from Carter and Alvin! Enjoy! ;)
March 6, 2017
40% could not finish. I don't like the author's writing style
February 5, 2017
No ha sido para mi.
Admito que no soy muy fan de lo militar, los uniformes no me mueven un pelo y toda la charla acerca de guerras y misiones especiales por el tío Sam me dan bastante grima. Dicho esto, confieso que la narración me ha resultado 'incómoda', escrito en presente y primera persona, a mi modo de ver es una elección arriesgada y no apta para todas las historias (en este caso creo que no ha sido un acierto), el POV dúal, que siempre me parece que ayuda, en esta ocasión me hizo sentir que más que una novela estaba en un foro de rol. Aclaro que no tengo nada en contra del rol, pero no pagué para eso.
Repito, no es para mi. Dejo en espera el resto de la serie porque mucho me temo que no estoy de humor para esto.
Admito que no soy muy fan de lo militar, los uniformes no me mueven un pelo y toda la charla acerca de guerras y misiones especiales por el tío Sam me dan bastante grima. Dicho esto, confieso que la narración me ha resultado 'incómoda', escrito en presente y primera persona, a mi modo de ver es una elección arriesgada y no apta para todas las historias (en este caso creo que no ha sido un acierto), el POV dúal, que siempre me parece que ayuda, en esta ocasión me hizo sentir que más que una novela estaba en un foro de rol. Aclaro que no tengo nada en contra del rol, pero no pagué para eso.
Repito, no es para mi. Dejo en espera el resto de la serie porque mucho me temo que no estoy de humor para esto.
September 17, 2016
This................................This made me freaking CRY! That being after I already had a crying fit and then pick this up and boy the emotional coaster was up there.
The emotional angst is pretty powerful. I have to say I'm glad not to have a whole bunch of misunderstandings on top of that to keep it afloat.
The emotional angst is pretty powerful. I have to say I'm glad not to have a whole bunch of misunderstandings on top of that to keep it afloat.
November 6, 2018
2nd Read 11-5-18
I LOVE Alvin and Carter!!!
1st read 8-7-16
I absolutely LOVED this book. GAH! I was crying, okay bawling through most of it. Alvin broke my heart, but here comes little ole Carter and he makes everything better. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the MC's, where Alvin is Mr. Big Bad Marine, but Carter is the stronger one of the two.
Beautiful story, but I have to say I HATE the writing style. I had to keep going though, because I loved Alvin and Carter too much to stop. I think this would have been a 5 star read from me (my first in 2016), but the writing ruined it for me.
Like this:
"When we got back to the house, he moved me to the hallway and told me to go shower and get into some comfortable clothes. I asked him again not to leave, I had to make sure. Thankfully no one else was around to see me falling apart like he was; I would have been embarrassed for being so weak. He didn't seem to mind though. When I got out of the shower and into a long sleeved t-shirt and pajama pants that were already in my bedroom dresser, I made my way back to the kitchen where I heard him puttering around. It was a relief because being alone in this house right now would have been too much for me. He sat me down at the table and sat a sandwich and a bowl of soup in front of me. I could only look at him; with all the thoughts and emotions I had going on in my head all day, I wasn't sure what would come out if I opened my mouth, if anything at all. He didn't seem to mind though."
Too much telling and not enough showing. This was a HUGE scene for me, in which I cried my eyes out during, but I needed more. I wanted to see Alvin ask Carter to stay and not leave again instead of being told he did it. This is just a sample of how the writing is. There's lots of dialog inside of paragraphs where both MC's are talking. It's weird and I hate it.
This was my first Jenny Wood book and it definitely wasn't my last. Started this one at 10pm last night and finished 2 books. Woke up this morning and read the next 2 in the series.
Knocked off a star because of the writing. Sorry.
I LOVE Alvin and Carter!!!
1st read 8-7-16
I absolutely LOVED this book. GAH! I was crying, okay bawling through most of it. Alvin broke my heart, but here comes little ole Carter and he makes everything better. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the MC's, where Alvin is Mr. Big Bad Marine, but Carter is the stronger one of the two.
Beautiful story, but I have to say I HATE the writing style. I had to keep going though, because I loved Alvin and Carter too much to stop. I think this would have been a 5 star read from me (my first in 2016), but the writing ruined it for me.
Like this:
"When we got back to the house, he moved me to the hallway and told me to go shower and get into some comfortable clothes. I asked him again not to leave, I had to make sure. Thankfully no one else was around to see me falling apart like he was; I would have been embarrassed for being so weak. He didn't seem to mind though. When I got out of the shower and into a long sleeved t-shirt and pajama pants that were already in my bedroom dresser, I made my way back to the kitchen where I heard him puttering around. It was a relief because being alone in this house right now would have been too much for me. He sat me down at the table and sat a sandwich and a bowl of soup in front of me. I could only look at him; with all the thoughts and emotions I had going on in my head all day, I wasn't sure what would come out if I opened my mouth, if anything at all. He didn't seem to mind though."
Too much telling and not enough showing. This was a HUGE scene for me, in which I cried my eyes out during, but I needed more. I wanted to see Alvin ask Carter to stay and not leave again instead of being told he did it. This is just a sample of how the writing is. There's lots of dialog inside of paragraphs where both MC's are talking. It's weird and I hate it.
This was my first Jenny Wood book and it definitely wasn't my last. Started this one at 10pm last night and finished 2 books. Woke up this morning and read the next 2 in the series.
Knocked off a star because of the writing. Sorry.
April 10, 2020
****Newly revised and reedited*****
I'm especially proud of this one because it was a drain on me emotionally.
I'm happy I got good reviews of it so far even though Amazon didn't release the updated edited version I was hoping for. Hopefully in the next couple days it'll right itself since the email I sent them about it has gone un-answered for now.
Alvin is coming home to bury his family, it's as heartbreaking as it sounds. He's swallowed in grief and doesn't know how to just be in a world without his people. He was close to all of them, especially his little sisters.
Then, when he thinks he can't possibly sit through a second more of then funeral here comes Carter.
Now... I love Carter, he was strong when Alvin needed him to be.
And someone recently told me in a review that I was so stereotypical because the big man was the top and the little guy was the bottom... I honestly didn't think of it like that, nor did I in this one with the opposite until I'd already done it... Because I'm not stereotypical and I like vers. stories better than just being one or the other. So, enjoy a little bit of everything in this one.
I've still got a ways to go for the next one, but I hope everyone will enjoy Josh's story too!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me for updates new releases and a few teasers now and then :)
I'm especially proud of this one because it was a drain on me emotionally.
I'm happy I got good reviews of it so far even though Amazon didn't release the updated edited version I was hoping for. Hopefully in the next couple days it'll right itself since the email I sent them about it has gone un-answered for now.
Alvin is coming home to bury his family, it's as heartbreaking as it sounds. He's swallowed in grief and doesn't know how to just be in a world without his people. He was close to all of them, especially his little sisters.
Then, when he thinks he can't possibly sit through a second more of then funeral here comes Carter.
Now... I love Carter, he was strong when Alvin needed him to be.
And someone recently told me in a review that I was so stereotypical because the big man was the top and the little guy was the bottom... I honestly didn't think of it like that, nor did I in this one with the opposite until I'd already done it... Because I'm not stereotypical and I like vers. stories better than just being one or the other. So, enjoy a little bit of everything in this one.
I've still got a ways to go for the next one, but I hope everyone will enjoy Josh's story too!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me for updates new releases and a few teasers now and then :)
July 7, 2016
Awww !!
This was such a beautifully written story about Alvin, who while serving as a US Marine gets devastating as well as life changing news from home. It tells how Carter, who has been openly gay since high school and has had a crush on Alvin for just as long, is there for him, to support him as Alvin's dad was there for Carter.
I absolutely adored this story. They didn't automatically fall into bed, as i've seen happen so many in books similar to this. They build up a slow, steady friendship with Carter keeping his feelings for Alvin hidden. What i also thought was brilliant about this was that we got to see how the so called "big, tough tattooed" Marine wasn't so big and tough. He was actually a sensitive gentle giant and it was Carter who was the strong one.
Absolutely brilliant and i can't wait to read Josh's story !!!
This was such a beautifully written story about Alvin, who while serving as a US Marine gets devastating as well as life changing news from home. It tells how Carter, who has been openly gay since high school and has had a crush on Alvin for just as long, is there for him, to support him as Alvin's dad was there for Carter.
I absolutely adored this story. They didn't automatically fall into bed, as i've seen happen so many in books similar to this. They build up a slow, steady friendship with Carter keeping his feelings for Alvin hidden. What i also thought was brilliant about this was that we got to see how the so called "big, tough tattooed" Marine wasn't so big and tough. He was actually a sensitive gentle giant and it was Carter who was the strong one.
Absolutely brilliant and i can't wait to read Josh's story !!!
November 20, 2017
Eh. Could have been good. But the bad editing removes my from the story a lot. Just so much didn't work for me sadly.
Oh well. Can't like or love them all.
Oh well. Can't like or love them all.
December 30, 2018
Re-read - 2018
This was a really sad story, but it also has joy, laughter and beautiful love!
Can't wait to dive into the other books in this series.
"Don’t leave"
This was a really sad story, but it also has joy, laughter and beautiful love!
Can't wait to dive into the other books in this series.
October 27, 2016
A nice surprise!
Well, that was more than I expected! I decided to pick a book and give it a chance today to try something different. I spent the first half of this book crying, not typical for books I read. I would have loved this to be longer but otherwise, it was a great read.
Well, that was more than I expected! I decided to pick a book and give it a chance today to try something different. I spent the first half of this book crying, not typical for books I read. I would have loved this to be longer but otherwise, it was a great read.
January 28, 2017
I love supporting new authors and this is a series that introduces us to a new author who I think is just wonderful!
Like many first works, there are some rough edges, specifically editing: grammar, punctuation, spelling, but the important piece, the story is fantastic!
This series is about a group of men who’ve been hurt and who find comfort in their true love. But first… they hurt. Jenny Wood has made me cry so many times now! In this book, reading about Alvin’s loss – tears out my heart! She did an amazing job of showing us the devastation and feelings of anger and guilt and loss that he felt.
When Alvin meets Carter he doesn’t remember him, though Carter had been crushing on Alvin for years. When Carter realizes Alvin doesn’t remember him, he’s crushed – but he doesn’t give up and I love that about this story. They communicate and work through their issues. There are no silly “Big Misunderstandings”.
The smexy times are appropriate and enough to feel good, but not overwhelm the story.
I am really enjoying this series and highly recommend it to fans of hurt/comfort, big/guy little guy, nerd/jock, military men, small towns and sweet romances.
(Aaaaaand the cover! Mmmmm!)
4.5 of 5 stars
Like many first works, there are some rough edges, specifically editing: grammar, punctuation, spelling, but the important piece, the story is fantastic!
This series is about a group of men who’ve been hurt and who find comfort in their true love. But first… they hurt. Jenny Wood has made me cry so many times now! In this book, reading about Alvin’s loss – tears out my heart! She did an amazing job of showing us the devastation and feelings of anger and guilt and loss that he felt.
When Alvin meets Carter he doesn’t remember him, though Carter had been crushing on Alvin for years. When Carter realizes Alvin doesn’t remember him, he’s crushed – but he doesn’t give up and I love that about this story. They communicate and work through their issues. There are no silly “Big Misunderstandings”.
The smexy times are appropriate and enough to feel good, but not overwhelm the story.
I am really enjoying this series and highly recommend it to fans of hurt/comfort, big/guy little guy, nerd/jock, military men, small towns and sweet romances.
(Aaaaaand the cover! Mmmmm!)
4.5 of 5 stars
February 2, 2017
2,5 stars.
An exceptionally sweet story about two exceptionally nice main characters. Not a seed of a conflict in their relationship. Instead the author throws everything but the kitchen sink at one of them . But I really like characters without a mean streak in them, and both Alvin and Carter were so likable I was rooting for them. I also liked how brave and open they were about their feelings, without doubting themselves and each other, without backtracking.
But the book itself, I don't think it was very well written. Not only it had numerous misspellings and the oddest mix of past and present tense. The style felt somewhat awkward, like the author stating what the character felt (like: "I'm hit with nostalgia") and then piling details to prove it ("I remember this, and this, and that"). A bit like the author's just learning to write. But I want to read at least the next story, it looks intriguing!
An exceptionally sweet story about two exceptionally nice main characters. Not a seed of a conflict in their relationship. Instead the author throws everything but the kitchen sink at one of them . But I really like characters without a mean streak in them, and both Alvin and Carter were so likable I was rooting for them. I also liked how brave and open they were about their feelings, without doubting themselves and each other, without backtracking.
But the book itself, I don't think it was very well written. Not only it had numerous misspellings and the oddest mix of past and present tense. The style felt somewhat awkward, like the author stating what the character felt (like: "I'm hit with nostalgia") and then piling details to prove it ("I remember this, and this, and that"). A bit like the author's just learning to write. But I want to read at least the next story, it looks intriguing!
September 16, 2019
I think this is the second book this year (that I remember) that has had me almost sobbing! I was definitely crying but dang, this book will break your heart and slowly put it back together again.
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
June 28, 2018March 29, 2016
Jenny Wood, I absolutely adore your books! I found your facebook author page and stalk it incessantly just to get any scraps I can about your future releases!
I stayed up all night reading this book, as I usually do when you have a new release.
You broke my heart with Alvin. I can not even imagine having to go through everything that he went through, and alone? Well not technically alone because Carter comes to the rescue, but alone in the beginning. I loved how I didn't expect Carter to be the one that took charge but when Alvin needed him, he was strong for him.
Carter I felt badly for as well because who hasn't had that unrequited love at some point? I'm just glad when it counted he got his man :) Dream come true wouldn't it be?
And the accident with Alvin at work? Didn't see that little twist coming and I was lying here with my Kindle like Noooooooo haha, good on ya for that. I like that this was low in angst and everything just came together so effortlessly.
I absolutely adore anything you write, I one click immediately. I can't to read about Josh, I have a feeling you're going to rip me to shreds with him as well.
Love it!
I stayed up all night reading this book, as I usually do when you have a new release.
You broke my heart with Alvin. I can not even imagine having to go through everything that he went through, and alone? Well not technically alone because Carter comes to the rescue, but alone in the beginning. I loved how I didn't expect Carter to be the one that took charge but when Alvin needed him, he was strong for him.
Carter I felt badly for as well because who hasn't had that unrequited love at some point? I'm just glad when it counted he got his man :) Dream come true wouldn't it be?
And the accident with Alvin at work? Didn't see that little twist coming and I was lying here with my Kindle like Noooooooo haha, good on ya for that. I like that this was low in angst and everything just came together so effortlessly.
I absolutely adore anything you write, I one click immediately. I can't to read about Josh, I have a feeling you're going to rip me to shreds with him as well.
Love it!
August 12, 2016
Alvin comes home because he's lost his family. In starting his new life outside the Marine Corp, he meets Carter. It has some editing issues but is a nice, simple short story of rebuilding & finding love. 3.5 stars
July 28, 2017
This could of been so good. The story was sweet and emotional and something I would usually love. The problem was the writing. It made it hard to read, and I almost gave up more than once. I am not sure if I will try this author again or not.
March 11, 2017
3.5* Granted this author has lots of grammar issues but she is great at bringing the feels!
March 16, 2017
Durch einen Autounfall verliert der Marine Alvin seine gesamte Familie – seine Eltern, seine jungen Zwillingsschwestern. Kein Wunder, dass Alvin den Boden unter den Füßen verliert und die Armee ihm nahelegt seinen Dienst zu beenden. Doch ganz alleine ist er nicht. Der Lehrer Carter kennt Alvin noch aus ihrer Schulzeit und nimmt sich seiner an. Carter hat selbst seinen Vater im Teenager-Alter verloren und war mit Alvins Vater befreundet. Und Carter hatte immer schon eine Schwäche für den beliebten und attraktiven Alvin, der dies aber nie bemerkt hat und offenbar auch keine Erinnerung an den ruhigen Carter hat.
Alvin braucht Carter und Carter kann nicht anders als Alvin in diesen schweren Tagen nach der Beerdigung beizustehen und ihm durch die einsamen Nächte zu helfen. Dabei wächst ihre Freundschaft langsam und Carter schafft es Alvin Stück für Stück aus seiner Traurigkeit und der Einsamkeit herauszuholen. Doch was braucht Alvin wirklich und was genau empfindet er für Carter, der sich in dieser Hinsicht selbst nicht wirklich traut?
Dieser Kurzroman war wirklich wunderschön zu lesen. Zu Beginn erlebt man Alvin, der die Beerdigung seiner Familie durchstehen muss und nun völlig allein auf der Welt zu sein scheint. Nach seinem Weggang und Eintritt ins Militär, hat er die alten Freundschaften zurückgelassen und kehrt als Fremder zurück in seine Heimat. Wirkliche Bindungen hat er nicht und auch an Carter hat er keine Erinnerungen. Doch Carter spürt die Not von Alvin und kann gar nicht anders als Alvin durch diesen dunklen Tag zu helfen. Und dabei soll es dann ja nicht bleiben.
Jenny Wood schreibt unaufdringlich und doch sehr berührend. Es gibt Drama, Witz, Romantik und vor allem viel Freundschaft, die aus diesem Verlust heraus erwächst und sich vertieft. Carter’s Gefühle für Alvin sind immer präsent, Alvin hingegen trauert und kämpft gegen seine Einsamkeit an. Doch er kann gar nicht anders als sich in Carter zu verlieben, zu dem er sich schnell hingezogen fühlt. Dabei hat man als Leser aber nie das Gefühl, dass Alvin sich nur wegen Carters Freundlichkeit und Stütze in ihn verliebt.
Toller Serienauftakt, der echt Lust auf mehr macht.
Alvin braucht Carter und Carter kann nicht anders als Alvin in diesen schweren Tagen nach der Beerdigung beizustehen und ihm durch die einsamen Nächte zu helfen. Dabei wächst ihre Freundschaft langsam und Carter schafft es Alvin Stück für Stück aus seiner Traurigkeit und der Einsamkeit herauszuholen. Doch was braucht Alvin wirklich und was genau empfindet er für Carter, der sich in dieser Hinsicht selbst nicht wirklich traut?
Dieser Kurzroman war wirklich wunderschön zu lesen. Zu Beginn erlebt man Alvin, der die Beerdigung seiner Familie durchstehen muss und nun völlig allein auf der Welt zu sein scheint. Nach seinem Weggang und Eintritt ins Militär, hat er die alten Freundschaften zurückgelassen und kehrt als Fremder zurück in seine Heimat. Wirkliche Bindungen hat er nicht und auch an Carter hat er keine Erinnerungen. Doch Carter spürt die Not von Alvin und kann gar nicht anders als Alvin durch diesen dunklen Tag zu helfen. Und dabei soll es dann ja nicht bleiben.
Jenny Wood schreibt unaufdringlich und doch sehr berührend. Es gibt Drama, Witz, Romantik und vor allem viel Freundschaft, die aus diesem Verlust heraus erwächst und sich vertieft. Carter’s Gefühle für Alvin sind immer präsent, Alvin hingegen trauert und kämpft gegen seine Einsamkeit an. Doch er kann gar nicht anders als sich in Carter zu verlieben, zu dem er sich schnell hingezogen fühlt. Dabei hat man als Leser aber nie das Gefühl, dass Alvin sich nur wegen Carters Freundlichkeit und Stütze in ihn verliebt.
Toller Serienauftakt, der echt Lust auf mehr macht.
April 20, 2017
I like it. I had a few issues with this book for example I couldn't connect with Alvin's emotions and personality change. Maybe because I lived through the loss it just wasn't believable for me. But hey everyone grieves differently. The second thing that bugged me, the ever present editing mistakes. *sad sigh* English is not my language and I was distracted as hell by the wrong words or misspellings.
April 20, 2017
The first part of this story was beautifully told, the grief well handled. The rest of the story was ok but the story was riddled with errors. Some as basic as they're/their and too to. I'll definitely read the next story. Hopefully the basics will be in place.
May 24, 2017
3 stars
For me not one of the best from Ms. Wood. Grammatical errors and sentence structure were troublesome at times.
For me not one of the best from Ms. Wood. Grammatical errors and sentence structure were troublesome at times.
August 9, 2018
I wasn't sure if I would like this book when I read the first chapter in the back of one Jenny Wood's book, but I'm glad I did.
War is a terrible thing to come back home from, but when you're serving and get horrible news that your whole family was killed in an accident, you can just imagine what this wonderful Marine went through.
Alvin went through this tragedy and at the funeral he was going to fall a part, a stranger to him steps up and takes his hand. Alvin in a zombie state is driven home by the stranger, who he actually went to school with, cared for him once there.
Alvin didn't want the man to leave and asked him to stay with an explanation "don't leave me alone".
A great book and the series sounds like a great one, hopefully like her "Kennedy Ink" is.
War is a terrible thing to come back home from, but when you're serving and get horrible news that your whole family was killed in an accident, you can just imagine what this wonderful Marine went through.
Alvin went through this tragedy and at the funeral he was going to fall a part, a stranger to him steps up and takes his hand. Alvin in a zombie state is driven home by the stranger, who he actually went to school with, cared for him once there.
Alvin didn't want the man to leave and asked him to stay with an explanation "don't leave me alone".
A great book and the series sounds like a great one, hopefully like her "Kennedy Ink" is.
October 31, 2016
4.5 SAD AND SWEET STARS!
A tough marine who looses his whole family returns home for the funeral. In his self imposed solitude a sweet school teacher takes hold of his hand, no words are exchanged but the need for this marine to have this small town school teacher with him is evident.
I have to admit tears were shed in this sweet love story but no sooner had they fallen they were soon replaced by smiles. A wonderful short story about loss and love.
Big thanks to Denise for the recommendation!
A tough marine who looses his whole family returns home for the funeral. In his self imposed solitude a sweet school teacher takes hold of his hand, no words are exchanged but the need for this marine to have this small town school teacher with him is evident.
I have to admit tears were shed in this sweet love story but no sooner had they fallen they were soon replaced by smiles. A wonderful short story about loss and love.
Big thanks to Denise for the recommendation!
April 12, 2016
Sweet story
What a sweet story. From unbelievable tragedy, need and compassion grow into a lasting love for these two men. They are perfect for one another.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series.
What a sweet story. From unbelievable tragedy, need and compassion grow into a lasting love for these two men. They are perfect for one another.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series.
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