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Finding Malakai

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Guilt: “A self-conscious emotion characterized by a painful appraisal of having done (or thought) something that is wrong and often by a readiness to take action designed to undo or mitigate this wrong.”

Malakai
When my heart failed me, she came bursting through the dark tunnel with her light and brought me back to life. She touched a part of my soul that was nonexistent, proving that even a man like me could love someone so beautiful. And that I deserved to be loved in return.

I should have known better than to think I could have someone so precious by my side.

Then the worst night of my life happened. That night was a clusterfuck from the beginning. Too much red tape, even to save one of our own. We were given a hard time getting the green light until we said fuck it and went to get our brotherback.

She wasn’t supposed to be there. We didn’t know she was there.

What happened thatnight set in motion how I deserved to live out the rest of my days.
Without her in it.

Talya
He was the light that sparked a love inside me I never knew existed. I wanted something more for myself but didn’t know what, until I saved his life. I felt alone in the world. Lost. but with him, I felt a sense of belonging. Like myplace was by his side.

And then that night ruined everything, in ways neither of us could ever understand.

In the depths of hell, he pulled me out of my worst nightmare, only to throw me into another.
One where he was no longer with me.

Guilt consumes you in the worst possible way. Especially when you know you failed the one you love.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2022

1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Célia Pereira

5 books87 followers

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5 stars
19 (76%)
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4 (16%)
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2 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie Parker.
Author 15 books309 followers
June 28, 2022
In true Celia fashion, this story wraps you up in emotion and doesn't let go! Talya and Malakai are bonded by traumatic events, as well as a history of guilt, longing, and need. Certain scenes in this book had my heart slamming in my chest and my butt on the edge of my seat, and the moments in between were packed with deep emotion. These two characters have been through the ringer both together, and separately and this is a beautiful story of learning to trust, have patience, and allow yourself to connect with another person; to let someone in and be each other's rock of support. The steamy scenes were all I could ask for and more, and the journey, full of painfully deep love mixed with a little fear, ends with a beautiful destination.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 1, 2022
Malakai was living in darkness when Talya brought the light with her, but the circumstances weren't great. However, the timing wasn't right but fate had a hand in their journey despite the life hits along the way. Man, I'm telling you, this story really did my emotions in big time since these two deserve everything good in their lives so my eyes went rogue more than once. The things they went through by themselves AND together came very close to bringing me to my knees, and I couldn't put the story down for anything because I needed to know if they would make it through it all. On top of the emotional roller coaster ride, the kicker of heat had me fanning myself while the anxiety I felt from all the things happening had me on the edge of my seat. If this story is anything to go by, this new series is going to be very intense & I cannot wait for more! I know my review is short but I don't want to give anything away so I'll end with this, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for RomanceReader1.
806 reviews
July 10, 2022
I definitely didn’t expected to be crying so early in the story, I knew it would happen, just not so soon!!! 😭

Malakai and Talya’s journey is gonna put you thru a rollercoaster of emotions!!!
One minute they’re promising each other their forever, and then their demons are keeping them apart!!!!

Definitely a must read!!!

Now, what is going on with Kyle?
Can’t wait for Chris and Gabby!!!!







I received an ARC of this story and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,059 reviews23 followers
July 1, 2022
In the depths of hell, you are the flames of sunlight.


Talya Grayson is a military nurse and that is how she meets the man she wants to spend her life with but circumstances and guilt tear them apart.

And at first contact, I pray the armor I have around my heart is strong enough for what’s to come.

Malakai Reed wasn’t there when she needed him most. His guilt is overwhelming but he never stoped loving her.

“I want everyone to know that you, Talya Grayson, belong to me. That you are my woman.”

This is a heartbreaking emotional roller coaster. The first book in a new series but connected to the first two books by this author. I can already tell this is gonna be more intense and crazy and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.
Profile Image for Florence ..
947 reviews295 followers
July 4, 2022
I feel like someone put my heart in a vice and didn’t stop twisting it until all that was left was little crumbs of what it was. This book emotionally destroyed me, but in a good way. In a way that I just wanted to know more and more about the story and the characters.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Jessa.
496 reviews54 followers
July 2, 2022
"Guilt can consume you in the worst ways, especially when you feel you have failed the one you love."

Finding Malakai brings us the story of Talya and Malakai, two soldiers who found each other while on active duty. We are introduced to their relationship when Talya is nursing Malakai back to health after being shot. Their connection is fast and deep, and as Malakai is released to return to his unit where Talya's brother is assigned, they confess the depth of their true feelings, promising to find their way back to each other once their tour is complete. The connection between them was born of natural attraction, and genuine friendship nurtured by their late-night meets in Malakai's hospital room. Not long after Malakai returns to his unit, Talya receives orders for a new secret mission and heads out. She's kidnapped by the enemy and finds her brother there beaten and bloody. While trying to save one of the enemies and her brother, the insurgent base is attacked by Talya's brother's unit, and Malakai rushes in to rescue her. Talya's brother is a casualty, and they cannot save him simultaneously. When the story comes back, it's three years later, and Talya is still trying to come to terms with her brother's death and Malakai's abandonment of her and their relationship. She doesn't expect to have any problems seeing Malakai at the bar she's now working at, but his appearance is more detrimental than she had figured.

"I didn't have to be in that cell to know she's worth it!"

Throughout this book, I found myself at the edge of my seat, wondering if Talya and Malakai were going to figure out their differences because Malakai truly cares for Talya; he just thought he didn't deserve her. And Talya still loves Malakai, even if she's having trouble understanding his reasonings for leaving her. I quickly found myself on Malakai's side and hoped that Talya would find it within herself to forgive him. The dialogue between the characters was easy to follow and entertaining, and the supporting characters played their roles perfectly. They supported Malakai and Talya, especially when they were going through a rough time and unsure where to turn. They became characters I loved, and I can't wait to see who's next in the series!

"Malakai Reed, are you smiling? Miracles do happen!"

Finding Malakai is a great military romance that kept my attention and tugged at my heartstrings. I enjoyed every page and could not stop reading. I'll keep reading the series, and I am glad I found this new author!

4.75 stars!
Profile Image for Michelle Mastandrea.
368 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2022
Emotionally gripping, utterly heart wrenching, and incredibly hope lifting....this story took my emotions on the most beautiful journey where I found an unbreakable bond ...where a love ran so deep, and so strong....it warmed my heart and filled my soul....

"Living without your soul mate is like walking through life shrouded in darkness. But life with your soul mate is like setting the world on fire"....

Celia weaves a heartfelt and at times, heartbreaking story of soulmates who are separated by an unimaginable tragedy but have a connection a pull that binds them and knows no barriers. It's unrelenting, undeniable, and unbreakable....

Oh, my heart....it broke for Kai and Tiny so many times.
Theirs is not an easy love story. It's wrought with painful and dark memories, guilt, trauma, and fears of confronting the past. Where wounds and emotional scars run so deep you'll be left wondering if Kai and Tiny can move past the anger and hurt to find their beautiful forever after....

"In the depths of hell, you are the flames of sunlight."...

Malaki and Talya's years of hurt and heartbreak, longing and pent up passion that will leave you completely breathless. The sheer emotional turmoil had me utterly enthralled and I loved EVERY SINGLE MOMENT OF IT! This is such a beautifully moving story of family, redemption, forgiveness, and finding forgiveness in yourself....

Like a memory etched onto your heart, this is one
story you won't be able to forget. It's a journey of heart-tugging emotion with moments that were both beautiful and sad. Wonderful moments that had me both laughing, crying, and wanting to throw my Kindle across the room in frustration because this is a couple who not only need each other but BELONG TOGETHER!!.....#KaiandTiny4ever

GAH, I loved this story so much! Celia definitely has the beginning of something special here with her Black Jack's series! It's blending the best of her Watermount Falls with with this new and exciting storyline and all I can say is that I’m so HERE FOR IT!

This was an incredible read that I couldn't possibly recommend enough even though Celia put me through the emotional wringer! It's absolutely amazing from beginning to end! Pull up a chair and take a shot at Black Jack's ....you'll be glad you did...


*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own *
Profile Image for Alicia Andrews.
373 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2022
Favorite Quote: "In the depths of hell, you are the flames of sunlight."

What to say without revealing the story?? Finding Malakai is a book that shows you the internal battles of people that loved and lost. Finding a way to overcome the demons and monsters within... learning to heal and forgive but never to forget. This story is dark, deep, and emotional. It shows characters during the best of times and the worst of times, showing how love can and will concure all things with some communication, love and support. Shows that family is not always blood. The support system these characters have is unbreakable no matter how low you are in life.

This story will break your heart, make you want to just cry for the pain they are dealing with but will make you smile by the end.

If you like military, dark, emotional stories this is a must read.
Profile Image for Priyanka  Dhingra .
235 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2022
I love How Cèlia Pereira writes. It really amazes me how this author keeps on writing such amazing books. This is not the first time I am reading this author, I have read the other two as well but I have to say this was different.

I really loved this new concept, especially the starting of the book. It quickly grabbed my attention and it took to me another world. I like the storyline where Milakai and Tayla bonded. It was really Unique.

The only thing which I assumed was that the story was going to revolve around Marine attacks and on field thing or maybe more of Marine life but unfortunately that was not the case. I loved the starting so I assumed that would be the case but that was not.

Though I would love if this author could write that kind of thing.

I received an E COPY in exchange of an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Reading With Lola.
210 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2022
Finding Malakai (Black Jack's, #1) - Célia Pereira

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::

Rating: 5 STARS!!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a powerful read! Célia Pereira continues to amaze me with her writing. Her writing is sensual and emotional; which make her books completely unputdownable. With each book I read by her, the woman proves just how talented she is as an author because none of her characters sound the same. She gives you her signature writing style without giving you that feeling of "I've read this before with a different character name."

Her characters and their stories are so full of depth and I have to say that Talya and Malakai's story was more emotional than her other 2 books. And trust me they were EMOTIONAL!

Finding Malakai was intoxicating, consuming and such an emotional roller-coaster. It’s a story that will make you think, but most important, it’s a story that will make you feel so much. I was feeling the emotion right from the start of the book. Few pages in and I already wanted to cry. Only Célia has that effect on me. Lol

Well.

That’s it folks.

It’s raw and natural and true, it hurts. Somebody, please gag me now before I spill the entire story. 🤭

I don't want to spoil anything for you.

Before I leave.

You should already know what to do 😉 GO GET THIS BOOK!

You won't regret it ❤️
Profile Image for anita.thebookaddict.
506 reviews53 followers
October 3, 2022
Another amazing story by one of my favorites Célia Pereira WOW!!
5 stars 👏 👏 Mais uma vez tu deste a nós uma história brilhante, parabéns minha querida amiga 😘🤩
I loved Malakai and Talya their story was so touching 😢. Your books are always well written, about importante topics, and emotionally angst-filled storylines
These characters make you want to reach in and just hug them really close to your heart ❤️ they both have scars caused by being in the military. Unfortunately sometimes they last a lifetime!
I am in love with this gang of brother's and their lovely ladies, and of course Logan 😍 ❤️ I can’t wait to see what Célia has planned for Chris and Gabby and Zander and William.
If you haven't read Beneath the Lies or Finding Malakai you definitely should because you missing out.

I highly recommend this book and the previous two that this author wrote.
Thank you to Celia Pereira for once again allowing me to read her ARC ❤️ lovely Indie author
Profile Image for Tiffany.
50 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2022
OMG!!

Another knockout by Célia Pereira! If there's one thing this author knows how to do it's reach inside you and tear out your heart... And she nails it. Every. Single. Time.

All the words I can form now are ... Give me more!!!
Profile Image for Megan Ashley.
26 reviews
October 31, 2023
an amazing and emotional read

This was such a great book, Célia is such a fantastic writer. I enjoyed this emotional rollercoaster and healing journey of Malakai and Talya and can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews258 followers
July 1, 2022
This is the first in a new series and this is Malakai and Talya’s journey. These two are bonded by a traumatic event, and these two were destined to become soulmates. Talya bring the light into Malakai’s life, and saves him, but he is overwhelmed by guilt as when she needed him the most he was not there. This is a beautifully written intense and emotional roller coaster, with guilt, intrigue, pain, twists, trust, fear, and love, which leads to a heartwrenching riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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