In Your Arms

The Malone Brothers

by S.L. Sterling

Hope

Ever feel like you've lost your way and everything is falling apart?

As my husband prepares to leave for a business trip a single, secretive text comes across his phone. I didn't plan to take a trip down memory lane on the eve of our anniversary. But taking this trip down memory lane leaves me in tears, sharing a story of deceit, lies, ...and misunderstandings. The man I gave my heart to ten years ago is being ripped away.

Carter

We lost each other over the past decade.

That’s why I'd tried to push off this trip until after our anniversary. As usual, my career took precedence over what was important... US. Yet, the last thing I expect when the plane lands is a call saying that my wife thinks I’m having an affair. I almost lost her once and promised that would never happen again. Now I'm headed home to claim what's mine before someone else does.

Genres: Romance

ebook

First published February 22, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.

When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

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Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I initially chose this book because I quite like books where the couple is already married. Mainly because 95% of the time it means there won't be any OW scenes or OW drama. Just couple angst. Leave it me to get a book that fell into that 5%...sigh. There was WAY too much OW stuff for me in this one. I get the author wanted to give us some background into what happened with them before they married, but I so didn't need to hear details about Carter's multiple OW. Almost every past chapter had some sort of OW drama in it. I think the author could have explained things without all the pointless details about how some OW sucked his dick etc. And don't even get me started on Felice...oy vey. All of the unnecessary OW stuff had the unfortunate result of tarnishing the connection I felt with this couple in the present.



The other issue I had was that the synopsis led me to believe this was going to be a book about a couple who were having marital issues and that would be the bulk of the angst. However, the majority of this relatively short book is spent telling us in flashbacks about how they got together. Very little page space is given to their present situation, and when we do get to some of the present stuff, it is just glossed over, and basically just used as a segue to more "past" chapters. So I was disappointed by that aspect as well.



Still, it wasn't a bad book by any means. It just wasn't what I was expecting. I think instead of marketing this as a "marriage in trouble" book the author would have been better served to have made this a story about this couple's romance and had them happy and married in the epilogue. That's just my 2 cents.

[Mojo_Mama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. Once again I’ve read a completely different book than the one star reviews. There’s NO CHEATING in thought or deed by the H. Marital or otherwise...ESPECIALLY none after they are married.

Sixteen years before present, H/h are sweethearts, her father lies to her and she thinks the H dumped her. The H thinks she’s dumped him and for 3 years she dates another guy who manipulates her into it and she doesn’t put out, but remains a virgin. I hate this trope...The Great Misunderstanding...where ONE fucking conversation could avoid a shit-ton of drama. Don’t get me started on the virgin thing.

There are 3 mentions the H is a player during that INITIAL separation but once he sees her again, even during their second breakup, he’s FAITHFUL. There’s one OW scene where he kicks OW out the morning that he’s later reunited with his h. There’s one almost scene where he declines from another OW the night they’re reunited where he leaves with OW, doesn’t fuck her, but goes back to his h and makes her move in with him because she’s living in a dump. The only other OW bit after that is the same OW who perused him 12 years before present whom he slept with ONCE and then TURNED DOWN REPEATEDLY. That same OW, who’s a skanky married ho, texts him during the present about being the lawyer on their adoption and he doesn’t even see her physically in the present.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO INTIMATION that the H is unfaithful.

Period.
End of.
Faithful as fuck.
Every. Step. Of. The. Way.

Seriously...What version of this book are others reading????

Would I recommend this?
Fuck, no.

The writing is passable, the plot too thin and short, and the ending is so abrupt and neatly wrapped up I’m not sure what the problem actually was in the present. I’m left with...Pregnancy hormones?

I’m just floored I’ve stopped worrying about the 5 star fan girls oohing and ahhing bulllshit and rainbows and now I have to watch out for the manho haters misrepresenting true plot lines.

WTF people, searching a book for keywords doesn’t mean you fucking read it.

I’m grumpy and I’m on the lookout for my next trainwreck. This wasn’t a trainwreck. This was a badly plotted Hallmark script with ZERO cheating.

You’re welcome.

2 stars, but all the misinformed reviews make me feel like leaving a 3.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a zero star review but because I wanted it counted, 1 is all this author will get from me!

Warning: The blurb is misleading! This is NOT about a married couple working out their issues or a husband fighting for his wife & marriage! It is about a Manho & cheater of a husband told in mostly the past of all his previous conquests & some in the present whom he "almost" cheats on said wife with OW. I say "almost" because according to reviews, he doesn't actually do the deed but does come close -several times, so that is a cheater to me either way!

This reviewer said it best - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
========================

I chose this book because I was told it was about cheating ... But it didn't happen.
The heroes are separated by the heroine's parents and are reunited a few years later. In the meantime our heroine remained celibate and our hero became a manwhore. But after the reunion and attempts by OW and her parents to interfere, they are reconciled. At no time is he unfaithful to her after their reunion. There is no cheating on his or her part. OW tries again to interfere in their relationship after years of marriage, but fails. Nothing that a good conversation hadn't resolved.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carter and Hope's marriage is in trouble. She wonders if he's cheating on her because he's been distant lately. And then there are the disturbing, damning texts from his ex that she sees on his phone. Can their marriage be saved or has Carter just put the final nail in the coffin that is their marriage when he bails on their anniversary weekend to go to see his "client"?

I want to clarify first that the three stars is not because this is a horrible story, it's just not my style. I disliked the fact that the majority of the story is set in the past, with only a few chapters set in the present. So I got very little of their current relationship, them as a couple in the now. The blurb makes this sound like a marriage in trouble, which it is, but what this story is NOT is a story of fixing that marriage. The resolution takes up less than a chapter, then they're onto their HEA as if nothing had happened. What this story IS is a telling of the back and forth whiplash their relationship WAS in the past. There are Carter's exploits as a manwhore, and Hope's spineless character when she was young. I still don't know if she matured or grew because there's so little time spent with the characters in the present. What I do know is that she was a doormat to her parents in the past and that Carter was a serious womanizer. Yuck.

So, I didn't connect with or like either character in their pasts, and I have no idea what they're like in the present, so 3 stars seems fair.

ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.

Full review to come on Live Through Books Blog.

[✴ Cindy ✴]

This is not a true love story and I don't want to read about a man whore making a marriage work with his doormat wife. Not my cuppa.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson]

First I am going to say that I RARELY and I mean RARELY give a book no rating. I hate rating books because if you don't like it doesn't mean someone else wouldn't like it but this book was over the top and I hated how the main character Carter treated his wife and the things he said and did in the beginning of their relationship.

This book has a BIG TRIGGER for me and that is a serial manwhore who is married. I mean give me a break. If you don't want to be with your wife then you effing divorce her or better yet if you know you can't keep it in your pants then don't get married. This book had me so enraged I almost did not finish it but I said no way maybe this story gets better and he changes his ways and they get their HEA and they do but the majority of the book is of Carter cheating on his wife and I just couldn't get with the program.

If I was Hope I would have left his arse a long time ago and moved on because hell to the mother effing no would I ever deal with a cheater. I have been married for 22 years and I told my husband if he ever wanted to step out the marriage tell me because that means it's time to go and move on because i am not doing it for him.

If I was Hope's friend I would have schooled her in the ways of how a marriage is supposed to be and told her and helped her leave his arse on the door step looking mighty stupid!

[Julie Reveles (Juls ~ ILST BLOG) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s nice to read about a couple that’s over the age of 30! Lol. These days it seems that most of my books are about younger couples, so it was nice to read something different. It was also nice to read about a married couple that has struggled in their marriage just like everyone else. It helps to know things aren’t always hearts and flowers, even when it comes to the book world. It was cute to see their relationship while growing up and then seeing their marriage now. I could feel how much they loved each other throughout their journey and continued to love each other whole-heartedly. If your looking for something light with a cute ending, I’d say to #1-click this now! I wish it was just a little longer. When I got to the epilogue, I felt like I hadn’t been reading long! I still enjoyed this nice, sweet, short read!

-Juls

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!
A breathtaking emotionally rollercoaster ride! A heartrendering storyline that kept me on edge to the very end. Engrossing twists and nail-biting suspense with passionate chemistry. An amazing must read!

[*~Alicia~* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good read. It kept my interest throughout the story, also loved the romance in the book.

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

[A.L. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

hope and Carter met back in school before he left for college and their relationship ended and both were heart broken. The story jumps back and forth between the future to the past. flash forward to 13 years later and hope feels like somethings gone wrong in her marriage and she immediately sees a name pop up on her husbands phone from his past and immediately thinks the worse but it may not even be what she thinks and may just be a huge miss understanding. its her anniversary and her husband Carter has to cancle their weekend away for a client's case and she thinks it has to do with the person calling and leaving messages on his phone. In hope to save their marriage hope decides to catch up with her husband and join him on his trip. meanwhile Carter knows he has to tell hope about something hes been keeping from her and needs to before he loses her trust in him forever and he already feels like shes slipping away. This was a cute and fun read about a couple who are still in love with one another and want nothing more than to save their marriage. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved In your Arms once it hit my kindle I devoured it this story just drew me in to were there was no putting my kindle down . Enjoyed the fact that we get past and present chapters of the couple and seeing how they found one another after being torn apart then seeing what happens after they find a happy ending . This would be the second book that I've read by the author and I'm excited to see what's to come of this series and the other oh and I need to read book one the couple is mentioned in this but I don't think you'd run into any spoilers so this can be read as a standalone . Love seeing couples that have found a happy ending but also what goes on when we hit the end . The chemistry between the couple is supper HOT the sex scenes are steamy it had me fanning my self . I can't wait to read more by S.l Sterling in the future .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10
Chemistry=10 steam=7 romance=8
humor=4 darkness level=2 action=2 mystery=2
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars =5
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I am such a voracious reader that I doubt 60 full seconds go by between the end of one book and the start of my next.
With that said, after reading this book, I sat with my emotions, raw and open, for an hour just processing and reliving the words of their story.

I am not sure that I even know where to begin writing a review for this because it is truly an awesome experience.
The author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major two characters, but the minor ones too.

I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.

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

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Your Arms is a quick, sweet read with a great storyline and well developed characters. I was immediately drawn to this book from the blurb. Carter and Hope's story goes back and forth between past amd present. Their story is one big emotional rollercoaster ride! While I was very happy with the detection and outcome of their story I wish there was more of their past after things started moving in the right direction for them. I would have loved to of known more about how they built their relationship after everything they've been through and the relationship with Hope's parents. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!

[AnneKR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope & Carter have been married for years. With Carter’s busy career, Hope feels the spark between them has fizzled. While Carter is getting ready to leave on a business trip, she sees an incoming text from Carter’s phone, it’s the last person she would ever expect Carter to be talking to. This person nearly destroyed them, so why is he getting texts from her? Hope feels that he is slipping away & those feelings bring up memories of the past.

An emotional read full of misunderstandings & miscommunications. The story goes back & forth from past to present, as both Carter & Hope desperately hold onto the love that brought them together. A great read! Looking forward to the next book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one sucked me in quickly. All the way to the end. We first meet Hope and Carter in book #1 A Kiss Beneath The Stars. (Hunter's book) . After reading that I knew I wanted.to know about them. I was NOT disappointed lol. while I can't say much without giving up the story, I can say that I loved how this was written. It tells the story of how they came to be a couple. From beginning to where they are now. And all of the inbetweens.lol. I always love the inbetweens. The how's when's and what always tell you much more about a couple. Can't wait to see what comes next.

[Petra Kralj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope and Carter had quite a journey behind them. I loved both stories. The story evolving thirteen years ago and the story in the present time. Both were very intense and heartfelt. And the truth that is behind the stories eventually comes out.
This book is very beautifully written and it sucks you in. You want to know the story behind their thoughts, insecurities in their intense love. I recommend it highly and can't wait to read the next one.

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

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was a trifecta of misunderstandings that created the right amount of drama and angst for a quick resolution and story of overwhelming love between Hope and Carter. I liked how the story jumped between past and present because it kept the story moving while giving back story. It was a quick and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading A Kiss Beneath the Stars because I wanted to know more about Hunter and Autumn and it is nice that being a standalone I can read them out of order.

[Rina's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ARC but am leaving a voluntary and honest review *

Firstly, I want to take a moment to appreciate the cover, it is so so pretty 😍

Having never read S.L. Sterling's work before I had no idea what to expect. But, I was so impressed.

I absolutely loved this story, it was sweet, romantic, dramatic and steamy. It seems I have a few books to catch up on because I am already in love with the Malone brothers.

An easy and quick read that left me wanting to know more about their family.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Carter and Hope. The author does a great job building the story ,past and present and pulls you in , taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride. The chemistry and love is still strong but misunderstandings get in their way. It's a beautifully written love story , moves quickly and fluidly and I loved reading. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a love story this is! Hope tells Autumn about her history with Carter, while he remembers the same history. They went through so much to finally be together. I spent most of the book hating her father for how he acted and what he did to her. And what a snake Felice is - she just wouldn't leave Carter alone, all the way to the end. Never fear - there's a terrific happy ending. This is my first book by this author, and it won't be the last.

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

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Carter and Hope could be a couple that lives in your neighborhood. They are a happy family of 4 but finding out how they got where they are today, through flashbacks, will take you on a rollercoaster ride. They are also a couple that is like many today in that, after years together, insecurities, life and work can cause a distance that no couple wants. I loved seeing the history of this loving couple and finding out how they would be able to keep their happily ever after on the present.

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Cassie Ashford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage is hard. As time progresses there are times as a couple that you forget to communicate being it either emotionally or physically.

Hope and Carter haven’t been communicating these past couple of months outside of arguing. Due to that fact things get misconstrued and leave Hope wondering if she has lost her husband to an ex.

This book is a journey of love and forgiveness. I very much enjoyed my first book from this author and look to reading many more from her in the future.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooohhhh…what a great story!

This story of Hope and Carter is one of many misunderstandings, miscommunications, and deceit.
Carter is keeping information from Hope, and Hope knows something is going on and fears it is an affair…

This was an emotional, heart-wrenching, and frustrating story…which I really enjoyed. The author, S.L. Sterling does a wonderful job with the storyline and the flashbacks to give a history of all the relationships. Plus, I loved the resolution in the ending!

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. It has everything you could want in a romance. I took to Carter and Hope immediately although there were times were I wanted to smack them both around their heads. I really enjoyed reading their struggle to overcome all the obstacles put it their way by others trying to stop them having a happy ending. Well worth reading.

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

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Hope and Carter and the rocky start to their relationship and years later finally coming together to realize that that relationship is more important than anyone else or anything else. There are those who would interfere and family that would demand too much but in the end they were totally in love. Great story with great characters but I did want to kick someone butt a few times.

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

[Karlyn Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that I was going to love this book after reading only the blurb. I read this book in one sitting! Carter and Hope's story had me hooked from the very first chapter. Their story is told from both past and present experiences and it was VERY well-written! The story is sweet, real, had plenty of twists and turns and Carter and Hope had amazing chemistry! This is definitely a book that I would recommend!! It is also one that I will be reading again.....soon!

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written S.L. Sterling; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Your Arms is a sweet read with a great storyline . Characters are well developed.
Carter and Hope’s story goes back and forth between past and present. Actually to much into the past. I would like to have more into present. How their fight for love develop ?because it was one big emotional rollercoaster ride!

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

[Angelica Larsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another superb book from. S.L Sterling. The book is wellwritten, fastpaced and a real pageturner. The storyline is intriguing and the characters wonderful. Can not wait to see what the next book will be about.

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