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Affliction
He wants me to remember and I want to forget he ever existed. The past holds too much pain.
He left me with a simple, “I’m sorry I can’t.”
Now he’s back. And he’s everywhere. Showing up in all the places that we frequented, and invading the newly created normal I made for myself when he left me. His expertise has even been sought at my company, Shoegasm. Making it impossible to breathe without thinking of him and what could have been.
Terry should have stayed gone, I can’t be with him. Ghosts from the past, who afflicted so much pain, are back. And I can’t go down that road again, knowing Terry could end up hurt. This time it’s me who has to protect him.
He left me with a simple, “I’m sorry I can’t.”
Now he’s back. And he’s everywhere. Showing up in all the places that we frequented, and invading the newly created normal I made for myself when he left me. His expertise has even been sought at my company, Shoegasm. Making it impossible to breathe without thinking of him and what could have been.
Terry should have stayed gone, I can’t be with him. Ghosts from the past, who afflicted so much pain, are back. And I can’t go down that road again, knowing Terry could end up hurt. This time it’s me who has to protect him.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2021
3 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Stray
16 books91 followersJL Stray has always enjoyed reading books and writing stories. Finally, she gathered up enough courage to publish one herself. A former Policy Specialist and current Consultant, she spends any extra moment she has writing, outlining and scheming her next book.
Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, she graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. Most days she uses one of those degrees in either her career or dealing with her children.
J.L. lives in that same small town, with her three very active children, who always have her at a diamond, field or court. She is a lover of books, shoes, beaches, and a strong drink.
Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, she graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. Most days she uses one of those degrees in either her career or dealing with her children.
J.L. lives in that same small town, with her three very active children, who always have her at a diamond, field or court. She is a lover of books, shoes, beaches, and a strong drink.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 11, 2021
I received this free eARC novel from the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions. This is my honest review.
I wanted to head butt these characters and make them talk to each other through most of this book. Lots of secrets were kept that honestly, had they just talked to each other, a lot of their issues would have been solved and they could have moved on from the past.
I love how successful Mia is in her business and how confident she is - in her work life anyway. Her personal life, however, she needs to work on her confidence level.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this book.
I wanted to head butt these characters and make them talk to each other through most of this book. Lots of secrets were kept that honestly, had they just talked to each other, a lot of their issues would have been solved and they could have moved on from the past.
I love how successful Mia is in her business and how confident she is - in her work life anyway. Her personal life, however, she needs to work on her confidence level.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this book.
October 10, 2021
This was a take-your-breath-away second chance romance. There is some danger and suspense but the chemistry is what kept me reading. While it starts off slow, it does pick up and I found myself rooting for Mia and Terry.
November 1, 2021
I did not love this book. It had moments of being really good, but overall there were a lot of elements to the story that just didn’t work for me. Even with the dual POV, I didn’t understand the behavior of the characters.
October 11, 2021
Mia and Terry have a past, one that was filled with intense passion, love, and resentment. They had the perfect relationship, then things went wrong, and Terry chose to leave instead of staying and fight for their love. And he's regretted his decision every day since...
But now he is back in town, and he wants to fix what he broke between them, but Mia doesn't want a thing to do with him or his apologies. She wants to leave the past where it belongs, but he can't let it go... it can't be over between them.
The pages of Affliction hold a heart-wrenching second chance romance that is certain to give your heartstrings a nice little tug. This pairing has a history that holds a lot of pain, things were said and done that haven't been forgiven. With being forced to work in close proximity to one another those old feelings are bound to cause some turmoil and stir up things they haven't thought about in a while. Mia has no intention of re-living the past, but Terry wants to make amends and fix the wounds he left behind... it's a constant emotional game of tug o' war.
It was easy to feel for these two and see the struggle they were going through, but you could also see a small spark just waiting to ignite and that's what will give you hope there are happier days ahead for them. This was such an emotional story, with many ups and downs, it certainly gave my heart a work-out. If you like your romances heavy on the feels and drama, then I have no doubt you will enjoy this one!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
But now he is back in town, and he wants to fix what he broke between them, but Mia doesn't want a thing to do with him or his apologies. She wants to leave the past where it belongs, but he can't let it go... it can't be over between them.
The pages of Affliction hold a heart-wrenching second chance romance that is certain to give your heartstrings a nice little tug. This pairing has a history that holds a lot of pain, things were said and done that haven't been forgiven. With being forced to work in close proximity to one another those old feelings are bound to cause some turmoil and stir up things they haven't thought about in a while. Mia has no intention of re-living the past, but Terry wants to make amends and fix the wounds he left behind... it's a constant emotional game of tug o' war.
It was easy to feel for these two and see the struggle they were going through, but you could also see a small spark just waiting to ignite and that's what will give you hope there are happier days ahead for them. This was such an emotional story, with many ups and downs, it certainly gave my heart a work-out. If you like your romances heavy on the feels and drama, then I have no doubt you will enjoy this one!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 11, 2021
3.5 STAR RATING
Affliction is a 2nd chance slow-burn story, well the first half is, as we get the background to Mia and Terry, and that is where I struggled at the beginning of this story, it took me a while to feel the connection between Terry and Mia, I think I just found it hard to relate to the way Terry had ended thing's 5 years previously.
Once we got into the 2nd half and we found out more about what has happened to Mia since and the undoubted chemistry that still burned between the two I then started to feel more invested in the couple.
Terry is back in town and is going to be the photographer for Mia's new shoe collection, but Mia can't forget how Terry left her all those years ago and Terry is struggling to break through the wall Mia has built, he is beginning to realise that something happened to Mia that completely changed her life, but will he be able to break down the walls she has erected around her heart or will he be the one left with the broken heart this time around.
I understand why we had the slow built up in the first half, but if it had been slightly shorter this would have been a 4* without question.
Affliction is a 2nd chance slow-burn story, well the first half is, as we get the background to Mia and Terry, and that is where I struggled at the beginning of this story, it took me a while to feel the connection between Terry and Mia, I think I just found it hard to relate to the way Terry had ended thing's 5 years previously.
Once we got into the 2nd half and we found out more about what has happened to Mia since and the undoubted chemistry that still burned between the two I then started to feel more invested in the couple.
Terry is back in town and is going to be the photographer for Mia's new shoe collection, but Mia can't forget how Terry left her all those years ago and Terry is struggling to break through the wall Mia has built, he is beginning to realise that something happened to Mia that completely changed her life, but will he be able to break down the walls she has erected around her heart or will he be the one left with the broken heart this time around.
I understand why we had the slow built up in the first half, but if it had been slightly shorter this would have been a 4* without question.
October 12, 2021
Affliction. One simple word that means pain. I feel deeply for these characters and their past. Terry and Mia are absolutely beauties! I really enjoyed reading their story and I really enjoyed the way J.L. Stray portrayed them.
Terry, ah I love him! I hate the way how he handled some things, but he's an amazing man. He's also amazing at what he does; in all aspects of life 😉😉
I honestly don't have many words to describe him without giving too much away, but what I will say is that he is one charming cowboy.
Mia, ah I love her too! She is a total boss b*tch and has so much life, but she also has a secret that impacts her deeply. What could it possibly be? I love the way Mia is portrayed and will definitely be re-reading Affliction.
Please, go check it out!
Terry, ah I love him! I hate the way how he handled some things, but he's an amazing man. He's also amazing at what he does; in all aspects of life 😉😉
I honestly don't have many words to describe him without giving too much away, but what I will say is that he is one charming cowboy.
Mia, ah I love her too! She is a total boss b*tch and has so much life, but she also has a secret that impacts her deeply. What could it possibly be? I love the way Mia is portrayed and will definitely be re-reading Affliction.
Please, go check it out!
October 9, 2021
“Affliction” is a second chance romance with some suspense thrown in. The book started a little slow for me but picked up once the main part of the storyline started.
Mia and Terry share an intense past and when they are working together again, the feelings they have start to resurface. However, in the time that they were apart, Mia has an abusive ex who is coming back for her.
The first part of the book gives a lot of detail and J.L. Stray’s attention to detail is good. All the details given makes you feel like you’re right in the story. Mia and Terry are interesting characters but a little immature at times. Their push and pull back forth was a little tiring at times. The angst from their past was needed in the beginning but I think both held onto it for too long. However, once we get to the middle of the story, it picks up. The events that take place help Mia and Terry grow up and mature. Overall, I liked the story.
Mia and Terry share an intense past and when they are working together again, the feelings they have start to resurface. However, in the time that they were apart, Mia has an abusive ex who is coming back for her.
The first part of the book gives a lot of detail and J.L. Stray’s attention to detail is good. All the details given makes you feel like you’re right in the story. Mia and Terry are interesting characters but a little immature at times. Their push and pull back forth was a little tiring at times. The angst from their past was needed in the beginning but I think both held onto it for too long. However, once we get to the middle of the story, it picks up. The events that take place help Mia and Terry grow up and mature. Overall, I liked the story.
October 11, 2021
The blurb enticed me to read. The potential is there for sure! Good plot. A bit slow to get into it, but I definitely enjoyed the last half more than the start.
Communication is often the key to every successful relationship. However, where would interesting books come from if every character was perfect, LOL!
I was rooting for Mia and Terry to get on the same page!
The heat between them, might just melt away the obstacles they faced for an HEA!!! :)
Communication is often the key to every successful relationship. However, where would interesting books come from if every character was perfect, LOL!
I was rooting for Mia and Terry to get on the same page!
The heat between them, might just melt away the obstacles they faced for an HEA!!! :)
October 11, 2021
3.5 stars
I had a hard time getting into this book. I might have been because I am not used to this author's style of writing. As some other readers have said, there were parts throughout the book that were good and kept my attention but then there were parts that just lost me. I appreciate the opportunity to receive an advanced copy before the release date though!
I had a hard time getting into this book. I might have been because I am not used to this author's style of writing. As some other readers have said, there were parts throughout the book that were good and kept my attention but then there were parts that just lost me. I appreciate the opportunity to receive an advanced copy before the release date though!
October 8, 2021
3.5 stars
The first half of the book was slow moving for me. I didn’t really feel the connection between Mia and Terry. So I struggled with that. As the story progressed things picked up steam a bit. Especially once her ex, Chad, was mentioned a bit more.
The second half of the book? That was good, and the pace picked up quite a bit. I found myself waiting for the action to start, and once it did, I couldn’t put the book down. Jackson and his team arrived to help, the dramatic moment happened, the case was closed, and our couple got their HEA.
TW: domestic violence
The first half of the book was slow moving for me. I didn’t really feel the connection between Mia and Terry. So I struggled with that. As the story progressed things picked up steam a bit. Especially once her ex, Chad, was mentioned a bit more.
The second half of the book? That was good, and the pace picked up quite a bit. I found myself waiting for the action to start, and once it did, I couldn’t put the book down. Jackson and his team arrived to help, the dramatic moment happened, the case was closed, and our couple got their HEA.
TW: domestic violence
October 11, 2021
Universal
The last person Mia expected to see at her favorite bookstore is the man who broke her heart when he walked away from her, leaving a goodbye note via postcard. Terry was the love of her life and he just walked away like their relationship meant nothing. Now she's a successful shoe designer, about to take part in a big photo shoot for her company, so why does Terry have to come along and act like he deserves to be back in her life?
I'll be honest, this story did not do much for me. It's not horribly written or anything, but I found myself skimming a lot, because the first half dragged. The second half picked up some, but by then I was definitely not in the best frame of mind. I thought Terry was bland and pretty cardboard, but Mia was a standout and the main reason I kept reading at all. She's strong and smart, and I wanted a lot better for her than what (and who) she got. Oh, and before I end this review, I have to speak about how this story had one of my biggest pet peeves in military fiction - where Navy SEAL is written as "Seal." OK, come on now, if an author does any research at all into the Navy SEALs, she or he will find how to properly spell this. These men are not animals (seals), they're SEALs, which stands for Navy Sea, Air, and Land. Please, please, please, authors, get this straight, if only to show the proper respect for this group of the military.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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October 12, 2021
Affliction is a story of two people who appeared to have the perfect relationship until they didn't. Terry ran instead of fighting for their love, a decision he has regretted since. However he is back and wants what he lost but Mia can't forget and she certainly doesn't want to forgive. This is a second chance story that at times is heartbreaking and will have you caught up in the affliction of their past. Terry and Mia's story will at times have your heart bruised and battered as the push and pull between the past and the present collide. This was a highly emotional story that took you on a path of plenty of ups and downs. Their story had an element of suspense and danger that added an extra dimension to the storyline. There was chemistry and passion but ultimately there was a love that ignited slow and burned deep.
October 14, 2021
I am sorry but I don't know what exactly the author wants to create the story because at first, it seems like it is a normal second chance romance which I am annoyed by Mia's behaviors a lot by the way. I know what Terry did to her is bad but her hot-and-cold behavior toward him doesn't help. Plus she is manipulative by beinging her friend with benefit into their circle. Oh, Terry isn't good either because he seems to want to be "just friend" with Mia. He even flirts with women in front of her but then he suddenly turns to be protective of her. To make it worse, Mia lets him and the author forgets to mention her friend with benefit at all even if he is the one who be there for Mia when she is in the down side, seriously?!? It shows that they both are selfish and childish. I rarely give a bad review but I think Mia and Terry's behaviors upset me the most so sorry but I decide to give the book 2 stars.
October 12, 2021
Mia was devastated when Terry left her and their relationship without a backward glance and she never expected to see him again let alone have to work with him. He is about to find out that she isn’t the same woman he left behind and she isn’t about just forgive and forget.
When Terry sees Mia again, he wants to atone for the mistakes of the past and that includes showing her that he isn’t the same man who left and that there isn’t anything he won’t do to show her that the only place they belong is with each other.
Mia’s past shows how strong she has had to be while Terry is protective and isn’t about to walk out of her life a second time.
When Terry sees Mia again, he wants to atone for the mistakes of the past and that includes showing her that he isn’t the same man who left and that there isn’t anything he won’t do to show her that the only place they belong is with each other.
Mia’s past shows how strong she has had to be while Terry is protective and isn’t about to walk out of her life a second time.
October 15, 2021
Great second chance romance
Affliction by J.L. Stray
I am new to this author so I am excited to see what her writing style is. Ok I must admit I originally started reading this book and then stopped. At the beginning of the book it is pretty slow and to be completely honest a bit boring. However with that said I picked it up again and let me tell you it actually is a really good book. You get into the gritty of what Mia endured while apart from Terry. I don’t want to say what happened because hello you have to read it. This is a great second chance romance and it is for sure worth reading.
Affliction by J.L. Stray
I am new to this author so I am excited to see what her writing style is. Ok I must admit I originally started reading this book and then stopped. At the beginning of the book it is pretty slow and to be completely honest a bit boring. However with that said I picked it up again and let me tell you it actually is a really good book. You get into the gritty of what Mia endured while apart from Terry. I don’t want to say what happened because hello you have to read it. This is a great second chance romance and it is for sure worth reading.
October 16, 2021
Mia was an awesome character; strong determined and ambitious. After Terry broke her heart, stumbled had sine falls but she picked herself back up and did what she had to do. She didn’t wait around. Now he is back. She didn’t drop everything and run into his arms.
After waiting half the book for the reason Terry broke it off, it was a major let down. The reason may sound noble but the way he did it was horrible. The relationship they had deserved better.
Due to his actions, Terry had to grown on me. I like patience and determination to get Mia back.
Slow beginning but it got better as the story went on.
After waiting half the book for the reason Terry broke it off, it was a major let down. The reason may sound noble but the way he did it was horrible. The relationship they had deserved better.
Due to his actions, Terry had to grown on me. I like patience and determination to get Mia back.
Slow beginning but it got better as the story went on.
September 24, 2022
Loved this!
Mia was a shell of the woman she once was. All because of the things from her past. She had her heart broken by the man she loved and she'd been through some trauma.
Terry broke the love of his life heart. It was a mistake. He never should have but he did. Could she forgive him?
What happens when history repeats itself, but in reverse? Can they find a way to make their love work? Can they stop breaking one another's hearts lo g enough to just love? Such a beautiful story, so perfect.
Mia was a shell of the woman she once was. All because of the things from her past. She had her heart broken by the man she loved and she'd been through some trauma.
Terry broke the love of his life heart. It was a mistake. He never should have but he did. Could she forgive him?
What happens when history repeats itself, but in reverse? Can they find a way to make their love work? Can they stop breaking one another's hearts lo g enough to just love? Such a beautiful story, so perfect.
October 12, 2021
3.5⭐
This is the first book I've read by the author and it was fairly a good read. It was hard to get into the story at first. Also, I didn't like how both Mia and Terry tried to push their break-up under the rug and pretend they're friends again and flirting with each other that quick.
But the second half of the book was good and really picked up. I'm not sure if I liked that the story shift to military suspense or not. But for me, that was the highlight of the story really.
This is the first book I've read by the author and it was fairly a good read. It was hard to get into the story at first. Also, I didn't like how both Mia and Terry tried to push their break-up under the rug and pretend they're friends again and flirting with each other that quick.
But the second half of the book was good and really picked up. I'm not sure if I liked that the story shift to military suspense or not. But for me, that was the highlight of the story really.
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