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Seven years ago, Lieutenant Jacob Madden chose the Navy over a life in the Amish settlement several generations of his family had called home. When he receives concerning family news, he steels himself for the cold reception he's certain to receive and catches the first flight to his neck of the woods just outside of Lucasville, Kentucky. But that steel is not enough to shield his heart when he comes face to face with the woman who haunted his dreams since the day he'd left.

Abigail Wyse made the biggest mistake of her life when, at seventeen, she chose the Amish way of life over the big wide world and Jacob, the boy to whom she’d secretly given her heart. Now, years later, Abrigail makes the second hardest decision of her life. Little did she know that her decision would lead her straight into the path of the one man, she never thought she’d see again.

Jacob walked away then. Can he walk away now?

100 pages, ebook

Published April 1, 2017

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About the author

Chris Almeida

29 books132 followers
Chris Almeida (also known as C. Almeida) began writing children’s stories at a very young age. Born in Brazil but currently living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Chris’ life took a totally different course when technology came into play, and the following 17 years were spent delving deep into the world of programming and web design.
It was in 2010, when Chris began role playing online as a hobby, that writing wormed its way back into the picture. This time, writing storylines for the role playing group.
The ideas and plots created for the game awoke the inner writer and a few months later, together with partner in crime C. Aubrey, began writing erotic romance.
Now, still together, they have written a number of short stories and novel. They are currently working on book three of their series as well as several short stories. Through it all they have continued to enjoy role playing through their favorite characters.

Chris welcomes feedback, input and comments from readers. You can get in touch via FB, email, Linked in and Goodreads. Links below:

https://www.facebook.com/Chris.Almeid...
calmeida@caduobooks.com
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisalmeid...

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Zita.
873 reviews
July 5, 2017
A sweet second chance romance for former Amish…

This is a novella in the CELEBRATE: A Love Brothers Anthology that can be read as a stand-alone.

The Amish have a ritual they go through during adolescence, Rumspringa, a rite of passage where the young are allowed to experience the outside world and then they are supposed to return to their faith but not everyone does. Some know they are not meant for the life of the Amish though the cost of not returning is great, those who leave are forever excommunicated, banned from their families. Some who make the decision to do so are just being true to themselves, they follow their hearts knowing they will have to suffer the pain of loss. This novella is the tale of two Amish who left the faith, one during the ritual and one later on.

Lieutenant Jacob Madden, a Navy SEAL, left his Amish upbringing seven years ago during Rumspringa and never regretted leaving the life. He has regretted the loss of familial connections and the girlfriend he left behind. Learning that his mother is very ill and perhaps dying he returns to his roots to see her once more. He expected the cold reception he would receive from his family but not finding the girl he left behind no longer among the Amish. No woman ever touched his soul like she did but he only has one week before returning to his unit and deployment overseas.

As a young girl Abigail Wyse made the decision to return to the Amish ways after Rumspringa, the outside world to those who have never known it can be terrifying. Her boyfriend at the time did not return and she has always wondered about him. Her belief in the faith has been tried too much during the years and so once again she made a decision, to leave it all behind but this time alone. Staying in the neighboring town to the Amish she’s built a life with the help of good people who have taken her in, she takes baby steps as she sheds more and more of her upbringing. Seeing her old boyfriend at her place of employment brings back many memories and rekindles feelings that never died.

Sometimes love has to take a back seat in life’s journey. Two who were in young love had to part ways yet fate has given them a chance at reconnection. Will their current circumstances allow for more, for fruition of what started years before? This was a sweet romance though coupled with sadness for two who were always meant to be. This reader admired the protagonists for doing what was right for them. It’s not easy to walk away from all that you’ve known, it takes strength of character, yet it is sometimes necessary to find inner happiness and family doesn’t always have to be blood relations. The epilogue was perfect for these two.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the authors.
Profile Image for Karen.
283 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2016
Chris Almeida wrote a 5 star book about a young Amish boy that left for a life away from his family and beliefs. Jacob Madden us a Navy Seal that comes home to see his sick mother. Abigail is his first love that went with him on their Rumspringa. Jacob does not go back but Abigail does.
This story is fantastic it gives you look into the Amish believes and the hard decision that the young people have to make. Jacob loves Abigail and she loves him he's been gone but the feelings haven't changed.
Abigail has left home and is working at a pub and Jacob comes the young love is rekindled. They realize this and Abigail gives herself to Jacob.
The way Chris writes the love seems between Jacob and Abigail is sweet and moving. This is a nice addition to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Amy R.
582 reviews
December 10, 2016
MADDEN by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey is a captivating novella with a unique plot and charming characters. While it is short in length it packs quite the emotional punch. The inclusion of the Amish community was fascinating. I don't know much about their beliefs so this aspect of the book really captured my attention.

As for the characters, I instantly fell in love with both Abigail and Jacob. They each have several layers to their personalities and I felt as if I had known them my whole life. I was pulled into their emotions from the very beginning. My heart broke for both Abigail and Jacob as I followed them along on their journey.

In addition to the heartbreaking moments there are some sexy hot intimate scenes that will have your heart racing right along with Jacob and Abigail's. Given how innocent Abigail was, it was so sweet the way Jacob loved her. Almeida and Aubrey are so good at transporting the readers into the scenes with their writing where you physically feel the characters' emotions.

If you are looking for a contemporary romance novella with fantastic characters, a heartbreaking plot, passionate intimacy and a joyful ending, give MADDEN a try. It has it all.
Profile Image for Mayas.
1,649 reviews42 followers
December 10, 2016
Acceptance of one's self goes both ways. You have to be willing to accept that you cannot pleaase everyone by living the life that fits you but know without a shadow of a doubt that deep down the love is still there. That was the lessons of both Jacob and Abigail while fighting for the love of their parents when they chose to leave the life that did not suit who they ultimately wanted to be.

I learned a lot reading this book on culture, growth, love, and change. Although some were a punch in the gut others were something I shared with my kids. I cn always count on Chris and Cecilia to bring a whole knew understanding and growth to my reading experience. They make an education out of ever novel in a good way. I enjoyed my lessin this time around and the willingness of two souls to accept a journey of the unknown together as one.
Profile Image for Cinthia.
391 reviews20 followers
December 9, 2016
Book very short... but with a good story, a second chance and true love.

One can notice the care and affection that the authors have as the searches ... in this book the main characters left their Amish families and tried to live their lives away from the customs to which they are accustomed since they were born, all their lifes.

Jacob Madden's reunion with Abigail is beautiful, and the connection they have, even after seven years without seeing each other, is intense and true.

I want more... about Madden and Abigail and about all the CREW.
Profile Image for Karen Gower.
1 review1 follower
December 10, 2016
This book is another must read from these two talented authors. It's heartfelt, educational and quite emotional. It draws you in at the beginning and leaves you at the end craving more.
Profile Image for Victoria.
38 reviews11 followers
December 15, 2016
Madden by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey


Hello dear readers. Let me start by saying that this book was given to me as an ARC by the authors for an honest review. Now, that being said I will go on with the review.
The book is quite short. It’s still a novella. But even for the twelve chapters it’s…well I don’t know. But it wasn’t enough for me. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a great book. Finished and with an ending I love. But I want more.
The main character is Lieutenant Jacob Madden. He is military and he is Amish. Yes, you heard me correctly. Amish. This is probably the first book I read that talks about the Amish society in any way. I do know of them but not in such a way. It was quite interesting approach and I love it. For those who don’t know the Amish society is a group of traditionalist Church fellowship. They are known for simple living, plain dress and reluctance to adopt many modern technologies. But that being said what shocked me was the way they disown a person if someone decides that their way is not his/her way; how they shun people away from the community. So I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the heroine, Abigail, is also Amish. But they both chose to leave and join the real world. Now life has thrown them together. Will they stray from each other or will they choose to unite as one? I’m not going to give you the answer. I guess you will have to read the novella and find out. Let me say just this. Madden is magically and well-crafted novella where you can feel every emotion seeping through the pages. It will break your heart in pieces and then put it back together. Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey are great wizards and are very good at weaving stories, so intricate and detailed that you can mistake them for reality.

This novella was given to me as an ARC from the authors.

Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,104 reviews18 followers
February 8, 2017
Jacob wanted more he wanted to see the world and joined the Navy leaving behind his true love Abigail. He didn’t want her to make the choice between him and her family and the Amish community off he went to spread his wings that is until he gets the call his mother is very ill. On his return he finds Abigail working in a dinner separated from her family. Leaving him wondering if he made the right choice in leaving her behind.

Abigial has demons of her own letting the one man she every loved leave without her. When she sees him on his return the old feelings comes back. Now she must decide to go with him when he leaves or let him go again. Can she take that step to a new future or will she let the fear of the unknown take over again?

This might be short but the author gives you the facts of the Amish community and how two people are torn apart by their love and beliefs leaving to lonely souls still searching. You will find some delightful reading here that will pull at your heart as this young couple find out what truly is important. The author gives you a delightful read with some very passionate scenes that melts your mind leaving you with a big smile.
***********************
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
2,805 reviews37 followers
December 13, 2016
Jacob Madden never returned to his family after Rumspringa. He chose to see the world with the Navy but in doing so he left his heart with Abigail. He knew she would never leave her family and he didn't want to make her choose between him and them. But when he gets a call that his mother is terminally ill, he returns to town. He never imagined he'd find Abi working in the local diner, having left her family after all!

Abigail now regrets choosing her family over Jacob. Her fear of the unknown made her lose her heart and she has never settled for anyone else. When he runs into Jacob on his return she finds herself thrust amongst her old feelings for him and not sure what to do with them. He's made it clear that once he sees his family he's leaving again. Can her fragile heart take another beating?

This is a totally different feel from others in this Love Bros series. It has a very gentle and slow burn romance, given the strict religion that Abi has only recently disconnected from. But that said when she decides on her future she goes all guns blazing! Jacob is pretty good at beating himself up over the guilt he has at leaving Abi behind and finding his adventure without her but I loved that no matter what has happened in the interim, they both realise that each is what the others heart beats for!
Profile Image for Maria Mercedes .
432 reviews
December 11, 2016
Mad Madden is a character I look forward to getting to know better, as part of the AWE crew he shows great promise at being a very exciting and interesting character. His past quickly catches up with him as he runs into Abigail, the girl he left behind. The heat between them ignites instantly and this short read, warms nicely and sweetly. Both Jacob and Abigail have grown up Amish and left their roots behind. The authors really did their research on living Amish and the long-term effects of Rumspringa. The Amish community is tightly woven in custom, tradition, family, and unbending rules, that can haunt them the rest of their lives whether they stay or leave. Both Jacob and Abigail have suffered their decision a heavy weight in their hearts as they left everything behind in a home neither can return too. This sweetly warm story leads them into each other’s arms as they explore the feelings they couldn’t even admit to themselves seven years prior. The story is heart wrenchingly beautiful and is a must read.
This was provided as an ARC by the authors. The Oracle provides only honest reviews and will be making a purchase of the title in the future.
Profile Image for Anne Blyth.
1,304 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2016
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest review.

Wow, what a surprise! Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the story line but I learned a great deal about the Amish way of life. As an Australian I only had a passing understanding of their ways so it was a fascinating experience for me. Getting back to Jacob Madden and Abigail Wyse, unlike many romance novels, I found this one to be real and believable and so very easy to get lost in. This was my first Chris & Cecilia book but it won't be my last. Thank you both for the opportunity and experience.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
250 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2017
What a great read! The authors give an excellent account of a couple struggling to be a part of a life they never knew existed... and loving each other in the meantime.

I definitely recommend this book and this series. As a military veteran I'm not always happy to read about authors "sharing our secrets", but I believe they did this respectfully. And even though is a part of the story, it's not the main point of the story.
Profile Image for Candy.
434 reviews13 followers
December 13, 2016
As a young man, Jacob Madden walked away from everything he knew, including his family and the girl he loved. Growing up Amish, Jacob knew he wanted to see the world and he couldn’t accomplish that in his community. Now Jacob, a special forces operator with the A.W.E Crew, has returned home to say goodbye to his dying mother. What he didn’t plan on was running into Abigail Wyse, the girl he loved as a teenager. Like Jacob, Abigail has walked away from their Amish community and is slowly finding herself in the bigger world. Abigail is just as shocked as Jacob is to run into each other. Will they find happiness with each other a second time around ?
I think almost all romance readers love a second chance romance. There’s just something about a couple being reunited that makes for great story telling. Almeida and Aubrey have added their own spin on this much beloved story line. The novella starts out with shy hesitation on the part of the main characters but it doesn’t take long for the heat to turn on just like you would expect from these authors.
The novella is also an emotional rollercoaster. Jacob has learned that his mother is dying and hopes to say goodbye. However, because he chose to leave the community he has been shunned and banned from contact with his family. The chapter where he visits his family’s farm and speaks to his father will rip your heart out. I can not imagine being cut off from your family like that.
Madden is part of the A.W.E series but it can be read as a standalone without any prior knowledge of the Countermeasure/A.W.E worlds. This sweet second chance romance with just a touch of heat will leave you craving more from Aubrey and Almeida. If you love contemporary romances or military romances be sure to check this story out.
Profile Image for Nicole.
481 reviews38 followers
December 16, 2016
Lieutenant Jacob Madden has thrived in the military, earning his place in the 8th Special Warfare Logistics Group. He is currently on a week long leave, in hopes of seeing his mother. Normally, this would make anyone happy, however, Jacob left his family and the Amish religion behind, seven years ago. After reading a concerning letter from his sister, he is compelled to go home, no matter how much dread lies in his heart. What he doesn't expect to find is his first love, Abigail, working in a bar outside of the settlement. Abigail was forced into the English world and while terrified of the unknown, she was lucky to find the Love family, who gave her a job, as well as their friendship. Knowing in her heart that she would never see her friends and family again, her whole world is flipped upside down, when Jacob walks into the bar. Will one week be long enough to heal both of their hearts? Will they be able to make peace with their past, in order to save their future?

Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey are known for their super spicy, suspense story-lines. With Madden, these authors introduce a purer, more wholesome plot, with a flare of their signature heat. Madden will entice readers into learning more about both the Love Brothers series and the A. W. E. Crew series. Readers will find themselves lost in the outskirts of a strict Amish settlement in Kentucky. The setting of this quaint town, provides an almost protective bubble for Jacob and Abigail to reminisce, catch up, and reunite. Readers will start a refreshing emotional journey, that they'll wish never ends. This novella works well as a stand-alone for readers who are craving a quick, heart-warming holiday read.

Notes:
I voluntarily signed up to review an advanced copy of this novella.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
Profile Image for Kathy Newcomer.
99 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2017
This is the first book I've read by these authors but I can guarantee it won't be the last!! I love Jacob and Abigail's story! They were both Amish and were shunned for leaving. Jacob went on to become a soldier in the special services, and Abigail was working as a cook. They hadn't seen each other since Jacob decided to stay in the world and Abigail went back to the Amish community, and Jacob was surprised when he came back to the area and saw that Abigail was no longer living the Amish life. This is well written and drew me in from the first page! I definitely recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Becky Burciaga.
1,435 reviews14 followers
December 17, 2016
With each of the books I've read by these authors, the reader's attention and emotions are seized from the first paragraph then taken on a gripping ride...Madden is no different. There is so much heart and feeling contained within this story that it is hard to put down once you start reading. That the characters revolve around Amish believes and rigidity, makes it that much more interesting in terms of the conflict surrounding Jacob and Abigail and that they have dealt with all their lives.

These authors are geniuses when it comes to storytelling and the characters they create. Their men are HOT alphas, and their women are strong and independent...the combination creating riveting and heart melting reading. Not only do Jacob and Abigail have dimension and personality, layered over that is their deep seated love for each other that creates so much more to their story in the terms of the heartbreaking obstacles they've overcome to get to each other. I always look forward to reading a book by Chris and Cecilia because I know I'll come away with characters who'll remained in my heart and mind for some time to come.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Profile Image for Donna.
37 reviews9 followers
December 14, 2016
This is my first read in the A.W.E. Crew series and yes I started with the 4th book -so I'll work my way backwards! - Madden is a story of losing roots, planting new ones and finding love in the midst of it all. I don't like spoilers , it ruins the book for others. So you'll get no spoilers from me but let me say Madden is endearing heartwarming and in some ways heart wrenching. I love Chris Almeida's and Celia Aubrey's work. Having read all their books in the CounterMeasures series Madden is a slightly different style of writing though no less intriguing and captivating. They just know how to grab a readers a attention and keep it .
Profile Image for Carissa Janes.
1,460 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2016
I thought Jacob and Abigail had a great story. Jacob is dealing with the struggle of coming home after being away for so long, and trying to get his family to acknowledge him. Abigail had turned her back on Jacob once, but now she's finally ready to fight for what she wants. This is a great story with the added bonus of learning more about the Amish lifestyle, which is always so intriguing. Great read, and I hope to read more about the Love brothers and the A.W.E. Crew.
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
818 reviews23 followers
January 3, 2017
Change.
Acceptance.
Following your dreams.
Finding each other.

Jacob and Abby are just good together. A shared past.
Letting go.
Holding on.

Really good addition to the Love Brothers world.
Profile Image for Amy R.
582 reviews
April 6, 2017
MADDEN by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey is a captivating novella with a unique plot and charming characters. While it is short in length it packs quite the emotional punch. The inclusion of the Amish community was fascinating. I don't know much about their beliefs so this aspect of the book really captured my attention.

As for the characters, I instantly fell in love with both Abigail and Jacob. They each have several layers to their personalities and I felt as if I had known them my whole life. I was pulled into their emotions from the very beginning. My heart broke for both Abigail and Jacob as I followed them along on their journey.

In addition to the heartbreaking moments there are some sexy hot intimate scenes that will have your heart racing right along with Jacob and Abigail's. Given how innocent Abigail was, it was so sweet the way Jacob loved her. Almeida and Aubrey are so good at transporting the readers into the scenes with their writing where you physically feel the characters' emotions.

If you are looking for a contemporary romance novella with fantastic characters, a heartbreaking plot, passionate intimacy and a joyful ending, give MADDEN a try. It has it all.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
April 6, 2017
Madden is a standalone and you don't need to have read the other books to enjoy this one. Chris and Cecilia packed a lot of action, emotion, and twists and turns into this quick read. And as usual with their books, the sex is hot and steamy. The novella is short, yet they managed to richly describe the characters, scenery, and get you caught up in the emotions between the two main characters. I'm definitely going to want to read more of the stories in their A.W.E. series.
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