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Returning Home #3
To Have and to Hold
He doesn’t remember her. She cherishes every moment of their time together. Is there any hope for a second chance?
Hunter Cross has lost a year. There’s a gap in his memory, and the woman who is living in his house has disappeared into it. He slept with her, fell for her, loved her—and he doesn’t remember any of it.
He knows he should send her away—except for one little thing. At night, when she slips into his bed, his body remembers hers.
Trina Levine is heartbroken, alone with her memories. Hunter won’t claim any of it—not the joyful days, not the steamy nights. It’s like Trina Levine dreamed it, and it hurts like nothing else could.
Except when Hunter cries out in his sleep and Trina comforts him. At those moments, Hunter’s body knows hers, and for a few, brief, blissful moments, Trina’s sure everything will be okay again.
Until morning comes.
Hunter Cross has lost a year. There’s a gap in his memory, and the woman who is living in his house has disappeared into it. He slept with her, fell for her, loved her—and he doesn’t remember any of it.
He knows he should send her away—except for one little thing. At night, when she slips into his bed, his body remembers hers.
Trina Levine is heartbroken, alone with her memories. Hunter won’t claim any of it—not the joyful days, not the steamy nights. It’s like Trina Levine dreamed it, and it hurts like nothing else could.
Except when Hunter cries out in his sleep and Trina comforts him. At those moments, Hunter’s body knows hers, and for a few, brief, blissful moments, Trina’s sure everything will be okay again.
Until morning comes.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
About the author
Serena Bell
49 books662 followersNewest Release!
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
May 25, 2017
4 In memory and in forgetting Stars
I really enjoyed To Have And To Hold. It was a very sweet, but at times heart-wrenching read. I loved Trina and Hunter. They drew me in right away. I was heart broken right along with them, when Hunter couldn't remember Trina or their life together. I went on a journey with them. I felt Hunter's fear of losing a year of his life, grieved with Trina, and rooted for their love the whole book. The only problem I had with this book was that it would switch from Hunter's POV to Trina's POV without warning. Then I would have to try to figure out who said or was thinking what. I really liked both Hunter's and Trina's daughters they gave cuteness to the story without taking it over. I loved the end it gave me the sweet HEA I crave. This book was a quick, touching read that give me a beautiful love story. This was my first time reading Serena Bell but it won't be my last.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
I really enjoyed To Have And To Hold. It was a very sweet, but at times heart-wrenching read. I loved Trina and Hunter. They drew me in right away. I was heart broken right along with them, when Hunter couldn't remember Trina or their life together. I went on a journey with them. I felt Hunter's fear of losing a year of his life, grieved with Trina, and rooted for their love the whole book. The only problem I had with this book was that it would switch from Hunter's POV to Trina's POV without warning. Then I would have to try to figure out who said or was thinking what. I really liked both Hunter's and Trina's daughters they gave cuteness to the story without taking it over. I loved the end it gave me the sweet HEA I crave. This book was a quick, touching read that give me a beautiful love story. This was my first time reading Serena Bell but it won't be my last.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
April 23, 2019
4.5 - "I know my feelings, and they're not going to change..." Stars!
The third novel in Serena Bell’s Returning Home series, offers up a trope that we don’t see used as much as it once was, and is, when done well, definitely still one of my favorites, but this time the author has served it up with a modern twist.
In that Hunter Cross is suffering from amnesia after returning from being injured whist on tour with his unit in Afghanistan, his external injuries are on the mend, but he has lost the last year of memories. Something that only comes to light at the airport when he is greeted by his daughter; Clara, her friend Phoebe and Phoebe’s mother Trina.
"It’s different this time…"
"Everything’s different."
It soon becomes apparent that Trina is or was more than just the mother of his daughters best-friend that he thought he had secretly lusted after prior to going on deployment. And as their story develops on his return, you are given the background of their initial coming together when he was last home on eight weeks leave.
"I won’t let you give up your life waiting for it to happen again."
It becomes apparent very quickly that although Hunter cannot remember them taking the step with Trina to get together into a relationship, that on a subliminal level, he still remembers all and everything that Trina had become to him. But is it enough to keep them together as a couple, and to keep Trina and Phoebe, in his and Clara’s life in the long term.
"She remembers for you... When you forget."
Adding children to a story always adds an extra dimension for me, and the author used Clara and Phoebe really well in this story. Hunter and Trina as a couple were sexy/hot even when he was struggling with his memory, and reluctant to commit to her because of it, in-spite of his feelings.
"I lose my breath when you get close to me."
Serena always manages to add a little twist of her own to her books, and I loved that we got to see the guys and girls from the previous two books in the telling of this story. I also hope we get to see more from this series, as I believe there is plenty of scope to keep adding to it going forwards.
Another winner for me from this author, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next.
ARC generously provided, via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
The third novel in Serena Bell’s Returning Home series, offers up a trope that we don’t see used as much as it once was, and is, when done well, definitely still one of my favorites, but this time the author has served it up with a modern twist.
In that Hunter Cross is suffering from amnesia after returning from being injured whist on tour with his unit in Afghanistan, his external injuries are on the mend, but he has lost the last year of memories. Something that only comes to light at the airport when he is greeted by his daughter; Clara, her friend Phoebe and Phoebe’s mother Trina.
"It’s different this time…"
"Everything’s different."
It soon becomes apparent that Trina is or was more than just the mother of his daughters best-friend that he thought he had secretly lusted after prior to going on deployment. And as their story develops on his return, you are given the background of their initial coming together when he was last home on eight weeks leave.
"I won’t let you give up your life waiting for it to happen again."
It becomes apparent very quickly that although Hunter cannot remember them taking the step with Trina to get together into a relationship, that on a subliminal level, he still remembers all and everything that Trina had become to him. But is it enough to keep them together as a couple, and to keep Trina and Phoebe, in his and Clara’s life in the long term.
"She remembers for you... When you forget."
Adding children to a story always adds an extra dimension for me, and the author used Clara and Phoebe really well in this story. Hunter and Trina as a couple were sexy/hot even when he was struggling with his memory, and reluctant to commit to her because of it, in-spite of his feelings.
"I lose my breath when you get close to me."
Serena always manages to add a little twist of her own to her books, and I loved that we got to see the guys and girls from the previous two books in the telling of this story. I also hope we get to see more from this series, as I believe there is plenty of scope to keep adding to it going forwards.
Another winner for me from this author, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next.
ARC generously provided, via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
July 11, 2016
How do you cope when the man you love returns home from serving his country, recovering from injury, suffering PTSD and with no recollection of your feelings for one another or memories of the time you've spent together? Those special moments created as you discover one another, gone.
Serena Bell brings her reader a second-chance love story with the perfect combination of romance and heat, with a sprinkling of angst and drama. To Have and To Hold grabbed me from the moment I picked it up.
"I know my feelings, and they’re not going to change."
Hunter and Trina were so relatable as characters. Their pain, confusion and struggles struck a chord and what could easily have been heavy on the angst was actually a very easy read. And the pacing fit their situation perfectly; as they begin to rediscover one another the emotion and passion is truly unleashed.
With many lighter moments injected along the way, much courtesy of Trina's daughter, Phoebe and Hunter's daughter, Clara, To Have and To Hold was a lovely read. It wasn't hugely unpredictable but when you're given a well-written romance that sucks you in, predictability matters not and whilst I haven't read the previous books in the Returning Home series, I've every intention of reading them soon.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Serena Bell brings her reader a second-chance love story with the perfect combination of romance and heat, with a sprinkling of angst and drama. To Have and To Hold grabbed me from the moment I picked it up.
"I know my feelings, and they’re not going to change."
Hunter and Trina were so relatable as characters. Their pain, confusion and struggles struck a chord and what could easily have been heavy on the angst was actually a very easy read. And the pacing fit their situation perfectly; as they begin to rediscover one another the emotion and passion is truly unleashed.
With many lighter moments injected along the way, much courtesy of Trina's daughter, Phoebe and Hunter's daughter, Clara, To Have and To Hold was a lovely read. It wasn't hugely unpredictable but when you're given a well-written romance that sucks you in, predictability matters not and whilst I haven't read the previous books in the Returning Home series, I've every intention of reading them soon.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
August 6, 2016
War. For every soldier that goes to battle, there are victims that arise in the aftermath. Serena Bell’s To Have and To Hold is the story of a returning soldier, wounded both physically and mentally as he struggles to remember the woman who has waited for him to come home. Hunter’s memory has been stolen, not of everything, but of Trina and their love, the fact that he had promised to marry her.
Trina is stunned, hurt, but she must maintain the strength necessary to either pull Hunter into remembering or to know when it is time to move on and re-build her life. Head trauma, PTSD and love all flavor this heart-wrenching tale of love forgotten. From Hunter’s child to Trina’s child, there are victims who are suffering just as much as Hunter and Trina. Strong as she is, will her heart allow her to continue searching for the man who left her to go to war? Can she continue to act as if the man who came home will remember her? Is time the answer? His nightmares are raw from the horrors he has seen, but her nightmare goes beyond the night time and has become her life.
Oh my! Serena Bell has nailed the torment and uncovered the reality of living with PTSD and the lives it affects. Trina is amazing, what a force to be reckoned with as she continues to give and to love without getting anything in return. Hunter suffers, and it looks real, as heinous as those who truly live with the aftermath of war. Thank goodness for their young daughters, they added that sparkle of light this tale so sorely needed!
This one is one that will push every button of humanity you have while becoming larger than life after you finish that last page.
I received an ARC edition from Random House/Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Loveswept (July 19, 2016)
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: Military Romance | PTSD
Print Length: 218 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Trina is stunned, hurt, but she must maintain the strength necessary to either pull Hunter into remembering or to know when it is time to move on and re-build her life. Head trauma, PTSD and love all flavor this heart-wrenching tale of love forgotten. From Hunter’s child to Trina’s child, there are victims who are suffering just as much as Hunter and Trina. Strong as she is, will her heart allow her to continue searching for the man who left her to go to war? Can she continue to act as if the man who came home will remember her? Is time the answer? His nightmares are raw from the horrors he has seen, but her nightmare goes beyond the night time and has become her life.
Oh my! Serena Bell has nailed the torment and uncovered the reality of living with PTSD and the lives it affects. Trina is amazing, what a force to be reckoned with as she continues to give and to love without getting anything in return. Hunter suffers, and it looks real, as heinous as those who truly live with the aftermath of war. Thank goodness for their young daughters, they added that sparkle of light this tale so sorely needed!
This one is one that will push every button of humanity you have while becoming larger than life after you finish that last page.
I received an ARC edition from Random House/Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Loveswept (July 19, 2016)
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: Military Romance | PTSD
Print Length: 218 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 23, 2019
To Have and to Hold is the third story in Serena Bell’s Returning Home series, a selection of emotional romances that aptly describe some of the difficulties wounded soldiers encounter when finishing their tours of duty and reuniting with their loved ones. And this particular story is based on a situation that one would hope never to encounter – the loss of memory of that loved one.
Hunter is relieved to be reuniting with his twelve-year-old daughter Clara and his mother Linda at the airport following a harrowing injury that left him comatose. Finally on the mend enough to go home, he believes he is coping well with his physical injuries (no lost limbs like other teammates, and after all, he’s still alive). But it’s not until Hunter sees Trina and her daughter Phoebe looking at him with expectation in their eyes that he realizes something more is amiss. He can’t quite fathom why a friend of his deceased wife is waiting for him with his family.
Trina is stunned when Hunter looks through her with the eyes of a stranger. In the eight weeks before he left they had developed a close friendship that turned into a meaningful relationship. Hunter had asked Trina to move into his house and take care of the daughter she was already coming to love, promising her that his feelings wouldn’t change while he was away. But there are no guarantees, and the loss of Hunter’s memories of the months before his deployment have shattered Trina’s dreams of a future with him. Trina’s plan is to remove herself and Phoebe swiftly to allow Hunter and Clara time to reconnect, and to make a new plan for their future. But Hunter quickly realizes he needs help adjusting to being back home. And in the dead of night when the nightmares start, Trina’s voice is a soothing balm. Is the heart’s memory strong enough to rebuild their relationship?
Is it possible for a story to be heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time? Because those are definitely my feelings about this deeply emotional romance. From the moment that Hunter arrives home and realizes that a year of his life is missing, his struggle to adjust tears at the heartstrings. He had already survived the loss of his wife, also a soldier, in a combat accident years earlier when Clara was quite young. He’d adjusted, moved on, and had been thinking of ending his military career after this last deployment when the accident happened to force his hand. Trina and Phoebe are obviously very comfortable in his home and it’s clear that his daughter Clara has grown very attached to them in his absence. Trina tries to hide her devastation at the fact that the memory of their relationship now belongs to her and her alone, but Hunter can see what his lack of emotional response does to her. He has nightmares, and knows there is something about his accident that he is forgetting that holds the key to remembering what happened. Hunter has always known his place in the world – he’s a strong, loyal, and dependable man and while those essential character traits are still there, there’s no denying that his life has been forever altered.
For Trina, this devastating blow is proof that the only person she can really rely on is herself. Pregnant as an older teen, her boyfriend at the time wasn’t ready for fatherhood, and Trina ended up as a single mom while he went off to find fame and fortune as a Hollywood star. He still keeps in touch occasionally, but is in no way a father to Phoebe. In direct contrast, when Trina and Hunter started connecting in the past year, Hunter showed as much interest in Phoebe as in his own daughter, and while the two girls became like sisters, having Hunter as a father figure had been an added bonus. Hunter promised Trina his feelings wouldn’t change – but those promises have become like sand flowing through her fingers, gone with the rest of his memories of their time together. Knowing that no good will come of her staying with him any longer than necessary, Trina starts to make plans to move to L.A., Paige’s father having been able to get her a job there on short notice. After all, there is no reason for her to stay with Hunter anymore.
But when Hunter’s cries in the night draw Trina to him, she can’t help but offer him comfort. A soothing voice, a hand gently stroking his hair … and in that state of dream or memory, Hunter pulls her into a kiss, and then more. His mind may have forgotten her, but his body has not. One thing leads to another, and the sensual love scene that follows is intense but bittersweet – when Hunter comes fully awake and realizes what they’ve done, it doesn’t mean he remembers her. There is no magic ‘aha’ moment in this story. Hunter doesn’t suddenly regain all his memories at once, nor does the doctor try to give him false hopes. He might remember bits and pieces, or he might not. But what does happen (and this is the hopeful part), is that after that night together when their bodies connect the way they used to, Hunter begins to appreciate Trina for who she is now. She’s a caring and loving woman, obviously concerned about him and clearly worried about his daughter and the impact all of this will have on her. As the first few days blend into a few more, his attraction to Trina becomes deeper and stronger. He wants to hear about the things they did before, and finds himself actually getting jealous of the man she knew, the man he used to be. Their connection at the deepest level is still there, it just needs the time and patience to flourish. But time isn’t on their sides, not with Trina’s plans to leave soon, and Hunter unsure as to whether he can offer her enough to get her to stay. This gives the second half of the story some dramatic twists and turns as the clock ticks inevitably onward.
It’s safe to say that as much as there are tears of sadness for what might have been, there are also tears of joy when Hunter and Trina find their way back to each other. And this time around, they know without a shadow of a doubt that they are meant to be together. Their hearts won’t forget. To Have and To Hold is true to its promise – that in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, this couple will endure.
The full review can be found at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review
Hunter is relieved to be reuniting with his twelve-year-old daughter Clara and his mother Linda at the airport following a harrowing injury that left him comatose. Finally on the mend enough to go home, he believes he is coping well with his physical injuries (no lost limbs like other teammates, and after all, he’s still alive). But it’s not until Hunter sees Trina and her daughter Phoebe looking at him with expectation in their eyes that he realizes something more is amiss. He can’t quite fathom why a friend of his deceased wife is waiting for him with his family.
Trina is stunned when Hunter looks through her with the eyes of a stranger. In the eight weeks before he left they had developed a close friendship that turned into a meaningful relationship. Hunter had asked Trina to move into his house and take care of the daughter she was already coming to love, promising her that his feelings wouldn’t change while he was away. But there are no guarantees, and the loss of Hunter’s memories of the months before his deployment have shattered Trina’s dreams of a future with him. Trina’s plan is to remove herself and Phoebe swiftly to allow Hunter and Clara time to reconnect, and to make a new plan for their future. But Hunter quickly realizes he needs help adjusting to being back home. And in the dead of night when the nightmares start, Trina’s voice is a soothing balm. Is the heart’s memory strong enough to rebuild their relationship?
Is it possible for a story to be heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time? Because those are definitely my feelings about this deeply emotional romance. From the moment that Hunter arrives home and realizes that a year of his life is missing, his struggle to adjust tears at the heartstrings. He had already survived the loss of his wife, also a soldier, in a combat accident years earlier when Clara was quite young. He’d adjusted, moved on, and had been thinking of ending his military career after this last deployment when the accident happened to force his hand. Trina and Phoebe are obviously very comfortable in his home and it’s clear that his daughter Clara has grown very attached to them in his absence. Trina tries to hide her devastation at the fact that the memory of their relationship now belongs to her and her alone, but Hunter can see what his lack of emotional response does to her. He has nightmares, and knows there is something about his accident that he is forgetting that holds the key to remembering what happened. Hunter has always known his place in the world – he’s a strong, loyal, and dependable man and while those essential character traits are still there, there’s no denying that his life has been forever altered.
For Trina, this devastating blow is proof that the only person she can really rely on is herself. Pregnant as an older teen, her boyfriend at the time wasn’t ready for fatherhood, and Trina ended up as a single mom while he went off to find fame and fortune as a Hollywood star. He still keeps in touch occasionally, but is in no way a father to Phoebe. In direct contrast, when Trina and Hunter started connecting in the past year, Hunter showed as much interest in Phoebe as in his own daughter, and while the two girls became like sisters, having Hunter as a father figure had been an added bonus. Hunter promised Trina his feelings wouldn’t change – but those promises have become like sand flowing through her fingers, gone with the rest of his memories of their time together. Knowing that no good will come of her staying with him any longer than necessary, Trina starts to make plans to move to L.A., Paige’s father having been able to get her a job there on short notice. After all, there is no reason for her to stay with Hunter anymore.
But when Hunter’s cries in the night draw Trina to him, she can’t help but offer him comfort. A soothing voice, a hand gently stroking his hair … and in that state of dream or memory, Hunter pulls her into a kiss, and then more. His mind may have forgotten her, but his body has not. One thing leads to another, and the sensual love scene that follows is intense but bittersweet – when Hunter comes fully awake and realizes what they’ve done, it doesn’t mean he remembers her. There is no magic ‘aha’ moment in this story. Hunter doesn’t suddenly regain all his memories at once, nor does the doctor try to give him false hopes. He might remember bits and pieces, or he might not. But what does happen (and this is the hopeful part), is that after that night together when their bodies connect the way they used to, Hunter begins to appreciate Trina for who she is now. She’s a caring and loving woman, obviously concerned about him and clearly worried about his daughter and the impact all of this will have on her. As the first few days blend into a few more, his attraction to Trina becomes deeper and stronger. He wants to hear about the things they did before, and finds himself actually getting jealous of the man she knew, the man he used to be. Their connection at the deepest level is still there, it just needs the time and patience to flourish. But time isn’t on their sides, not with Trina’s plans to leave soon, and Hunter unsure as to whether he can offer her enough to get her to stay. This gives the second half of the story some dramatic twists and turns as the clock ticks inevitably onward.
It’s safe to say that as much as there are tears of sadness for what might have been, there are also tears of joy when Hunter and Trina find their way back to each other. And this time around, they know without a shadow of a doubt that they are meant to be together. Their hearts won’t forget. To Have and To Hold is true to its promise – that in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, this couple will endure.
The full review can be found at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review
July 19, 2016
You just know for the blurb that this is going to break your heart, and yes, it came true. Anytime you are dealing with injuries, ptsd, war related issues, it sucks.
I have read several of Serena Bell's works, including book 2 of this series, so I knew I was going to put my heart on the line. This book brings you heartache with flashes of happiness as Hunter and Trina try and figure out their life and soon realize a wisp of memory of once was is not enough.
This author knows how to pull you in and never let you go. She takes you through the life of a vet with such amazing clarity and depth, you are innately changed once you read her stories. With tissue in hand we are lead to a sweet and touching HEA we can live with in hopes that life will be perfect some day soon for Hunter.
With visits from some of his buddy's from Can't Hold Back (a 5 star read for me), this is a stand alone, but why would you miss this series? Thoroughly engrossing with some delight and humor too, this is one not to be missed for true romance lovers.
I have read several of Serena Bell's works, including book 2 of this series, so I knew I was going to put my heart on the line. This book brings you heartache with flashes of happiness as Hunter and Trina try and figure out their life and soon realize a wisp of memory of once was is not enough.
This author knows how to pull you in and never let you go. She takes you through the life of a vet with such amazing clarity and depth, you are innately changed once you read her stories. With tissue in hand we are lead to a sweet and touching HEA we can live with in hopes that life will be perfect some day soon for Hunter.
With visits from some of his buddy's from Can't Hold Back (a 5 star read for me), this is a stand alone, but why would you miss this series? Thoroughly engrossing with some delight and humor too, this is one not to be missed for true romance lovers.
July 22, 2016
3.5 stars
This is a really sweet read with a lot of heart - a second-chance-romance with a twist that had me so excited to get my hands on this book. This is the third book in the Returning Home series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Hunter and Trina are the single parents of two girls who are best friends. They have found something special with each other and just before Hunter goes off on his final deployment, they make promises to each other and plan for a life together upon his return.
A year later when Hunter returns, it’s following a traumatic injury and Trina’s dreams of a happy reunion are shattered when Hunter has no recollection of their time together. It turns out that Hunter is suffering from amnesia, and though he knows who Trina is, he can’t remember falling in love with her, or what they meant to each other.
Their situation is all kinds of complicated. Not only has Trina been caring for both hers and Hunter’s daughters while he has been away, but she has been living in his house, and now she is heartbroken that the love of her love has forgotten everything that they shared together. She is understandably torn between wanting to stay and help her man, and allowing him space to reconnect with his daughter and come to terms with everything, and I thought her struggle was really well written.
Hunter’s turmoil is just as heartbreaking. He is happy to be home, but he is frustrated and guilty for the pain that he is inadvertently causing Trina, and of course he’s lost a year of his life. And apart from the physical injuries he sustained, what traumatic event caused his memory loss and what else has he forgotten?
Can Hunter fall in love with the same woman twice? Does he even want to? And the man that Trina loved is different from the man who has returned. Will she wait for him? Can they possibly have a future together?
This is an emotional story of reconnection that is really well written and heartachingly realistic. The more time they spend together, Trina’s decisions about what she needs to do for her and her daughter becomes harder and harder to figure out. And when she is there to help calm Hunter from his nightmares, he battles to figure out what is memory and what is fantasy as he starts to feel attracted to her.
It’s a great story that unfolds beautifully as Hunter starts to open up to what that he is feeling for Trina. I love how open she was in sharing their past with him, how brave and honest she was when talking about her feelings, and how absolutely amazing Hunter was in listening to her and being strong enough to embrace what he was feeling for her. And the way they slowly started to reconnect was so gorgeous.
It’s a bit of a rollercoaster ride for both of them as they move between doubt, fear, fun and happy times, fantastic sexual tension, breathtaking passion and back again. It’s a unique and complex journey, but it’s really well handled and I could understand and empathise with everything that Hunter and Trina were going through.
Their two daughters add some extra heart to the story as they try to make sense of everything that is happening, and I really liked their part in the story. The characters from the previous books in the series also make an appearance and I thought it all tied together really nicely. And then there’s the happy ending which ends the story beautifully.
I enjoyed this book. There’s a great balance of drama and romance, and I really liked the characters and their journey. It didn’t evoke the intense feels that I was hoping for, but it was still a really good read.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really sweet read with a lot of heart - a second-chance-romance with a twist that had me so excited to get my hands on this book. This is the third book in the Returning Home series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Hunter and Trina are the single parents of two girls who are best friends. They have found something special with each other and just before Hunter goes off on his final deployment, they make promises to each other and plan for a life together upon his return.
“I know my feelings, and they're not going to change”
A year later when Hunter returns, it’s following a traumatic injury and Trina’s dreams of a happy reunion are shattered when Hunter has no recollection of their time together. It turns out that Hunter is suffering from amnesia, and though he knows who Trina is, he can’t remember falling in love with her, or what they meant to each other.
Their situation is all kinds of complicated. Not only has Trina been caring for both hers and Hunter’s daughters while he has been away, but she has been living in his house, and now she is heartbroken that the love of her love has forgotten everything that they shared together. She is understandably torn between wanting to stay and help her man, and allowing him space to reconnect with his daughter and come to terms with everything, and I thought her struggle was really well written.
Hunter’s turmoil is just as heartbreaking. He is happy to be home, but he is frustrated and guilty for the pain that he is inadvertently causing Trina, and of course he’s lost a year of his life. And apart from the physical injuries he sustained, what traumatic event caused his memory loss and what else has he forgotten?
Can Hunter fall in love with the same woman twice? Does he even want to? And the man that Trina loved is different from the man who has returned. Will she wait for him? Can they possibly have a future together?
They were each alone in these parallel realities – his, in which the whole last year hadn’t happened, and hers, in which it might as well not have.
This is an emotional story of reconnection that is really well written and heartachingly realistic. The more time they spend together, Trina’s decisions about what she needs to do for her and her daughter becomes harder and harder to figure out. And when she is there to help calm Hunter from his nightmares, he battles to figure out what is memory and what is fantasy as he starts to feel attracted to her.
“In the dark … I know you.”
It’s a great story that unfolds beautifully as Hunter starts to open up to what that he is feeling for Trina. I love how open she was in sharing their past with him, how brave and honest she was when talking about her feelings, and how absolutely amazing Hunter was in listening to her and being strong enough to embrace what he was feeling for her. And the way they slowly started to reconnect was so gorgeous.
“Hunter. You don’t – you don’t have to compete with him. With the old you. You know that, right? … I just want you to know that for me – I’m past that. Past where you have to impress me.”
“I know,” he said. “But – I don’t want to feel like I missed it.”
“Was it always – like this?” he asked.
… “Like this?”
“This good.”
She tried not to smile at that, but he saw the hint of it. “Yes.”
It’s a bit of a rollercoaster ride for both of them as they move between doubt, fear, fun and happy times, fantastic sexual tension, breathtaking passion and back again. It’s a unique and complex journey, but it’s really well handled and I could understand and empathise with everything that Hunter and Trina were going through.
Their two daughters add some extra heart to the story as they try to make sense of everything that is happening, and I really liked their part in the story. The characters from the previous books in the series also make an appearance and I thought it all tied together really nicely. And then there’s the happy ending which ends the story beautifully.
I enjoyed this book. There’s a great balance of drama and romance, and I really liked the characters and their journey. It didn’t evoke the intense feels that I was hoping for, but it was still a really good read.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2016
4.5 stars
To Have and to Hold was a beautifully written emotional and heartwarming read.
I fell in love with the characters and their story touched my heart.
I'm a big fan of Serena Bell's writing and once again she's given her readers a storyline and characters that will entertain you from start to end and leave you with a heart full of love.
I highly recommend To Have and to Hold and the Returning Home series.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
To Have and to Hold was a beautifully written emotional and heartwarming read.
I fell in love with the characters and their story touched my heart.
I'm a big fan of Serena Bell's writing and once again she's given her readers a storyline and characters that will entertain you from start to end and leave you with a heart full of love.
I highly recommend To Have and to Hold and the Returning Home series.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
June 20, 2016
ARC REVIEW:
Serena Bell writes a book about taking a risk to open yourself up, experience a crushing blow, and pulling yourself up again. This is a book about resiliency. One thing I appreciate about this author's work is that she is not afraid to take deep dives into emotional landscapes fraught with landminds.
Trina is expecting the same man who left for deployment to return to her and begin their new life together. Granted, this relationship moved to a new stage right before he left, but she didn't expect him to lose his short term memory when he returned. I am crushed right along with her. Does she stay in his life and start the relationship over or just gracefully bow out? It's hard to blame someone for not remembering after a trauma. That's what makes this story so impossible. There is no one to blame! With great care, Ms. Bell reconstructs the little things that make a relationship - the every day interactions that build trust and connection. It's both simple and complicated. Just a lovely read.
Serena Bell writes a book about taking a risk to open yourself up, experience a crushing blow, and pulling yourself up again. This is a book about resiliency. One thing I appreciate about this author's work is that she is not afraid to take deep dives into emotional landscapes fraught with landminds.
Trina is expecting the same man who left for deployment to return to her and begin their new life together. Granted, this relationship moved to a new stage right before he left, but she didn't expect him to lose his short term memory when he returned. I am crushed right along with her. Does she stay in his life and start the relationship over or just gracefully bow out? It's hard to blame someone for not remembering after a trauma. That's what makes this story so impossible. There is no one to blame! With great care, Ms. Bell reconstructs the little things that make a relationship - the every day interactions that build trust and connection. It's both simple and complicated. Just a lovely read.
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 2, 2022DNF at 60%
Too much telling and not enough actual romance or relationship development.
Too much telling and not enough actual romance or relationship development.
July 14, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
To Have and to Hold is the third book in the Returning Home series but can be read as a stand alone. The characters from the previous two books make an appearance but the story does not revolve around them. I have read all three books in the series.
Bell has an amazing ability to write stories that are filled with emotion, angst, chemistry and believability in a very minimal amount of pages. She did it in the first two books and achieved it again in this one. It is easy to get lost in the pages and finish quickly.
In this instalment we were introduced to Hunter and Trina. Both were single parents to eleven year old girls. They knew each other through the friendship of the two girls and eventually they began a romantic and serious relationship that they kept to themselves because of them. When Hunter was deployed for a year Trina moved into his house and cared for his daughter with plans of a more permanent arrangement when he returned. They were both in for a shock when an explosion rendered Hunter unable to recall any events of the last year including his relationship with Trina.
My emotions were all over the map while I read this book. My heart ached for Hunter and Trina. The fact that Hunter couldn't remember important things that happened throughout an entire year was unimaginable. Also, the fact that he couldn't remember Trina or the love and plans they shared made my heart bleed for Trina. The journey that the two took to figure out where they belonged while still parenting two pre-teens was beautiful.
The only thing that I wasn't a huge fan of was how the characters from the previous two books were tied into this one. It seemed a little forced and not overly natural. However, I was enjoying the story so much that I didn't let it bother me.
I have loved every second of this series and I hope that there will be many more instalments to come. This series has had everything that I look forward to in getting my love and romance fix.
To Have and to Hold is the third book in the Returning Home series but can be read as a stand alone. The characters from the previous two books make an appearance but the story does not revolve around them. I have read all three books in the series.
Bell has an amazing ability to write stories that are filled with emotion, angst, chemistry and believability in a very minimal amount of pages. She did it in the first two books and achieved it again in this one. It is easy to get lost in the pages and finish quickly.
In this instalment we were introduced to Hunter and Trina. Both were single parents to eleven year old girls. They knew each other through the friendship of the two girls and eventually they began a romantic and serious relationship that they kept to themselves because of them. When Hunter was deployed for a year Trina moved into his house and cared for his daughter with plans of a more permanent arrangement when he returned. They were both in for a shock when an explosion rendered Hunter unable to recall any events of the last year including his relationship with Trina.
My emotions were all over the map while I read this book. My heart ached for Hunter and Trina. The fact that Hunter couldn't remember important things that happened throughout an entire year was unimaginable. Also, the fact that he couldn't remember Trina or the love and plans they shared made my heart bleed for Trina. The journey that the two took to figure out where they belonged while still parenting two pre-teens was beautiful.
The only thing that I wasn't a huge fan of was how the characters from the previous two books were tied into this one. It seemed a little forced and not overly natural. However, I was enjoying the story so much that I didn't let it bother me.
I have loved every second of this series and I hope that there will be many more instalments to come. This series has had everything that I look forward to in getting my love and romance fix.
July 29, 2016
Debbie's Review
This is the story of Hunter Cross and Trina Levine. They met because their daughters were best friends. Hunter is in the armed forces and his wife died in the line of duty. They finally get together after months of ignoring their feelings for each other. Hunter is off for another deployment and Trina agreed to move into his home and watch his daughter for the year he is gone. Hunter made a promise to Trina that when he returns in a year they would tell the girls how serious their relationship became. Hunter returns about a year later after an accident during his deployment and he can’t remember Trina.
The author did a great job on a very sensitive subject. Hunter suffered from amnesia and a form of PTSD. I felt really bad for Trina. She took care of Hunter’s daughter while he was away and he comes back and basically wants nothing to do with her. Deep down he knows something was there but he just can’t remember what. The author really did a great job expressing the pain both of them went thorough. Trina wanting to comfort Hunter and Hunter wanting to remember what he dreamed it was like.
“I don’t remember,” he admitted. “ I don’t remember what I said, or what we did- “He took a deep breath. “ I don’t remember any of it.”
The story was very well written and I had an easy time connecting with not only Trina but both girls too. I loved the chemistry between all the characters. The story really pulled at my heartstrings and I was waiting and hoping that the story would end the way I wanted. The story flowed really well and kept me hooked until the end. It took me on one an emotional rollercoaster that I didn’t want to end.
April 20, 2019
I really loved this story! I found it very unique and fresh. Great characters and equally great writing made this a very enjoyable read.
Trina Levine is anxiously awaiting the return of Hunter Cross. Before his last deployment their relationship had finally turned from friends to lovers and promises of happily ever after were spoken.
Trina and Hunter had been friends for a long time due to their daughters closeness but the fact that Hunter was afraid to commit after the end of his first marriage kept their relationship to friends only. Until that last time. Now he's finally returning after an injury but the homecoming isn't exactly what Trina had planned. Will they ever find their way back to each other?
This is absolutely a book I would recommend to everyone!
Trina Levine is anxiously awaiting the return of Hunter Cross. Before his last deployment their relationship had finally turned from friends to lovers and promises of happily ever after were spoken.
Trina and Hunter had been friends for a long time due to their daughters closeness but the fact that Hunter was afraid to commit after the end of his first marriage kept their relationship to friends only. Until that last time. Now he's finally returning after an injury but the homecoming isn't exactly what Trina had planned. Will they ever find their way back to each other?
This is absolutely a book I would recommend to everyone!
May 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this one, it was a different take on the wounded soldier returning home. Very unique.
March 6, 2017
There were a lot of things in this book that just didn't add up or I didn't like which affected my enjoyment of the book. The one thing that I found absolutely hard to believe was how dirt poor they claimed to be when her father was an actor. Sorry, but there are laws put in place for situations like this. He is her legal father, he knows who she is and Phoebe knows who her father is. He can decide to send more money if he chooses to do so out of the goodness of his heart as a father, but there is no getting around child support ESPECIALLY if he's a well known actor. He doesn't just decide whether or not to send money to Trina and his daughter. It's all taken care of through the court and forms, as long as he has a job and is working legally with his social security number, child support is automatically taken out of his earnings and sent to the mother of his child. Not to mention, he'd have to be paying to support Phoebe or he'd get a bad reputation as an actor as well. Sorry, but even to us common readers, it's common sense that that's completely illogical. I also refuse to believe that a daughter who knows her father didn't give a damn about her all these years and hasn't once visited or made time for her would want to have a relationship with him. It's ridiculous for her to want to reach out to him when he's never done so to her other than to send her big presents when he remembers he has a daughter. I got being curious at first but I wouldn't see it going past that at most. He has no relationship with her, never even attempted to, his email about her is even so blasé, "she's a funny kid", are you kidding me. This is how you think of your daughter reaching out and not holding any grudge against you for abandoning her, choosing a career over her, and never bothering to get to know her. It's ridiculous.
Trina is a good mother and a good person but she has no self-preservation for her or her daughter. She's too giving and a little too understanding for my taste. There's no fight in her, she just takes any scraps she can get and hopes for the best. It's like she was using any excuse to stay longer when she should have helped Clara and Hunter settle in and then gone on with her life as she saw fit. He wrecked her plans to move twice and it was very much a fault that lay on him in he first place because he's the one who convinced her to move into his house, give up her apartment, and quit her job so she could care for the girls while he was gone. It was frustrating to see her give her trust to him and do what he wanted her to do only for him to let her down by implying he didn't want to try to get to know her again and that she was stranger to him who didn't belong in his house until he realized he needed her to help him acclimate to being home again. She was very Mary Sue and doing what everyone else wanted her to do instead of taking charge of her life and figuring out her problems on her own. She needed to learn how to do her without depending on Hunter or the fabulous ex solving her problems for her.
Hunter was not my favorite and I despised who he was both before and after his amnesia. I didn't like either versions of him, before the amnesia because from what we were told, he was a coward who had pushed Trina away until he finally gave in when he couldn't get away with it any longer. He wanted to hide their relationship from their daughters almost as if he was ashamed and to still keep her at an arms length in case something happened like with Dee. He had no confidence in them and even compared their relationship to the one he had with Dee. I didn't like him after the amnesia because he didn't even try to get to know her. He took the coward's way out once again and didn't want to take a leap of faith. He didn't want her around but once he saw that he actually needed her help he had no problem playing on the goodness in her heart and begging her to stay just a little longer for his own benefit. If he had the choice, I strongly believe he wouldn't have chosen to have her in his life, he would have done anything and editing to keep her out if he had his way. He was weak and seemed to want to live just for his daughter and nothing more. His will to live for himself was non-existent.
This book just didn't hold my interest or any empathy for the characters. I will go back and read the first two books in the series at some point, but I'm not in a rush to read them any time soon. I just hope the others don't make me gag and roll my eyes every few minutes.
Trina is a good mother and a good person but she has no self-preservation for her or her daughter. She's too giving and a little too understanding for my taste. There's no fight in her, she just takes any scraps she can get and hopes for the best. It's like she was using any excuse to stay longer when she should have helped Clara and Hunter settle in and then gone on with her life as she saw fit. He wrecked her plans to move twice and it was very much a fault that lay on him in he first place because he's the one who convinced her to move into his house, give up her apartment, and quit her job so she could care for the girls while he was gone. It was frustrating to see her give her trust to him and do what he wanted her to do only for him to let her down by implying he didn't want to try to get to know her again and that she was stranger to him who didn't belong in his house until he realized he needed her to help him acclimate to being home again. She was very Mary Sue and doing what everyone else wanted her to do instead of taking charge of her life and figuring out her problems on her own. She needed to learn how to do her without depending on Hunter or the fabulous ex solving her problems for her.
Hunter was not my favorite and I despised who he was both before and after his amnesia. I didn't like either versions of him, before the amnesia because from what we were told, he was a coward who had pushed Trina away until he finally gave in when he couldn't get away with it any longer. He wanted to hide their relationship from their daughters almost as if he was ashamed and to still keep her at an arms length in case something happened like with Dee. He had no confidence in them and even compared their relationship to the one he had with Dee. I didn't like him after the amnesia because he didn't even try to get to know her. He took the coward's way out once again and didn't want to take a leap of faith. He didn't want her around but once he saw that he actually needed her help he had no problem playing on the goodness in her heart and begging her to stay just a little longer for his own benefit. If he had the choice, I strongly believe he wouldn't have chosen to have her in his life, he would have done anything and editing to keep her out if he had his way. He was weak and seemed to want to live just for his daughter and nothing more. His will to live for himself was non-existent.
This book just didn't hold my interest or any empathy for the characters. I will go back and read the first two books in the series at some point, but I'm not in a rush to read them any time soon. I just hope the others don't make me gag and roll my eyes every few minutes.
July 17, 2016
To Have and to Hold is the third book in Serena Bell's Returning Home series which is about the men in uniform who have come home after their tour of duty different from when they left. In this third book the injury that the male protagonist's has sustained is more psychological, amnesia. Not of his whole life but a year of his memory. He has no recollection of how he sustained his injuries and worse of all of the woman he left behind. Trina, is that woman who was expecting a heartfelt and emotional reunion with the man she fell in love with but instead is confronted by one who doesn't remember who she has become in his life much less what he had promised to her. And as the pressure of what was and what could have been bears down upon them, the age old question remains, can two near strangers fall in love once again?
To Have and To Hold had all heartfelt emotion, poignancy and the bittersweet angst of a relationship falling apart. The premise might be amnesia secondary to PTSD for Hunter but in a general sense it can also be about two people in a committed relationship suddenly finding themselves confronted with a stranger. Both Hunter and Trina suffered through that and in many ways it really did feel like when a relationship ends because the person you fell in love with isn't the same person. And so to actually start fighting for that love and to start literally falling in love again was truly wonderful. Hunter's pain, Trina's heartbreak, their frustrations it was deeply described and dealt with in a very real way. This makes To Have and To Hold a great love story.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
To Have and To Hold had all heartfelt emotion, poignancy and the bittersweet angst of a relationship falling apart. The premise might be amnesia secondary to PTSD for Hunter but in a general sense it can also be about two people in a committed relationship suddenly finding themselves confronted with a stranger. Both Hunter and Trina suffered through that and in many ways it really did feel like when a relationship ends because the person you fell in love with isn't the same person. And so to actually start fighting for that love and to start literally falling in love again was truly wonderful. Hunter's pain, Trina's heartbreak, their frustrations it was deeply described and dealt with in a very real way. This makes To Have and To Hold a great love story.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
March 9, 2018
To Have and to Hold: A Returning Home Novel (Returning Home #3) by Serena Bell was a surprising read. I have read my fair share of wounded warrior novels but must admit this one is special.
It might not be unique in its plot but the characters are so well crafted and you can almost feel the love this author placed in her creations.
The plot is told in a believable pace that felt real to me. I could relate to Hunter and his struggles to find his “normal” but also to Trina and her Battle. She was trapped between remembering, whishing and the hard / ugly reality - her battle felt also real. And the story is told in a way that almost (yeah just almost – so no 5 stars unfortunately) brought tears into my eyes.
It was the end that was a little misplaced and went a little to sappy that blew the 5th star.
But still that does not change that it is a great plot in a beautiful setting that I can highly recommend.
June 26, 2016
To Have and to Hold
is a heartbreaking and emotional story about Trina and Hunter. Both single parents, they found something in one another. Hunter is about to go on his last deployment while Trina takes care of both of their daughters who are best friends. After an accident on a mission, Hunter has amnesia and can't remember the last year of his life, which includes falling in love with Trina.
Serena Bell did a great job with the characters and the story. What do you do when the one you love has forgotten the intimate relationship you shared? Do you leave? Do you stay? Trina was stuck in a tough spot as she not only forged a relationship with Hunter, but with his daughter Clara as well. The book also did a great job with the handling of Hunter's amnesia. It could have easily been glossed over or mishandled but Serena Bell did a great job.
I would have loved for the story to be a bit longer but I thought it was the perfect amount of pages.
Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Serena Bell did a great job with the characters and the story. What do you do when the one you love has forgotten the intimate relationship you shared? Do you leave? Do you stay? Trina was stuck in a tough spot as she not only forged a relationship with Hunter, but with his daughter Clara as well. The book also did a great job with the handling of Hunter's amnesia. It could have easily been glossed over or mishandled but Serena Bell did a great job.
I would have loved for the story to be a bit longer but I thought it was the perfect amount of pages.
Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 17, 2016
I have read and enjoyed all of the books in the Returning Home series. That said, you can easily read this one as a stand-alone novel. This was just one of those stories that grabbed me as soon as I started reading. It is impossible not to feel for Trina who gets her man back from war but Hunter has no idea of the relationship he had with Trina right up until he deployed. In fact, until he sees Trina at the airport he doesn't even realize he has amnesia. This was a great story as Hunter tries to regain his memory while at the same time Trina is trying to forget all that she remembers about their shared past. Expect some possible tears as Hunter tries to compete with that "other guy" in Trina's past.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2019
To Have and To Hold is a beautiful yet emotional story of love conquering all. It sheds light on an issue that is not the easiest to depict but I think the author did a great job rendering it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am looking to reading more of this author's work.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
To Have and To Hold had me emotionally invested from the beginning. I love the way in which the author depicted the issues which the hero faced. I also loved watching Hunter and Trina fall for each other again. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
Copy provided by author
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
To Have and To Hold had me emotionally invested from the beginning. I love the way in which the author depicted the issues which the hero faced. I also loved watching Hunter and Trina fall for each other again. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
Copy provided by author
May 28, 2016
To Have and to Hold is Serena Bell at her finest; quiet, intense, and thought provoking. After an explosion during his latest deployment, Hunter comes home with the loss of memories from the past year, including his romance and relationship with Trina. Is there a second chance with a man who barely remembers who you are, much less what you once meant to him? Lovely story, realistic and romantic.
April 24, 2019
After reading the first book in this series, I knew Jake was my favorite. That changed after reading the sequel and Nate became my favorite. Let's just say it happened again, Hunter has now reached the top of the list! To Have and to Hold now has a very special place in my heart!!
Trina doesn't believe in happily ever after. Her daughter's father didn't hang around and she's done just fine on her own. That is until Hunter starts breaking down her walls. They have an amazing time together before he deploys with the promise of them having a fresh start of their own when he returns.
Hunter doesn't believe in relationships either after his first marriage. They only got married for their daughter. His daughter is his everything, so when his wife passes away he does the best he can. With a new deployment around the corner, he gets close to Trina when they suggest she takes care of his girl. She's friends with her daughter and it seems like the perfect thing to do.
Things take a turn for the worse when Hunter comes back from deployment after being injured and has lost a whole year of his memory. Having this story being told from both Trina's and Hunter's POV really helped me connect with these characters. Trina is devestated and thinks this is another reason to not believe in love. Hunter is scared he lost a year and doesn't know if he'll ever get it back.
Seeing Trina being so close to not only her daughter but his was so heartwarming! She started caring for her as her own without even being asked. It all came so natural. How can she move away from her after taking care of her for a year?
Hunter is a character you just want to hug. He just wants to know what he's missing and the nightmares he has don't help. Are they only dreams or also memories? Once again, he doesn't want to promise anything to Trina, but he feels a connection!
Hunter and Trina really just belong together. There is a clear connection, even when he doesn't remember their time together. I loved seeing them connect all over again and him even thinking of things to do he did the first time around. Old Hunter was there, but just not aware of it yet.
Taking a chance on love again, even when missing a part of your memory, isn't easy. Seeing them slowly realize they need each other left a smile on my face. It was nice to see their daughters play a bigger part in this story as well. They all just wanted a family and a place to belong.
To Have and to Hold is filled with amazing characters, a lot of emotion, family, humor and some steamy moments. If you're looking for all of this and an amazing love story, definitely pick up this book. I know we still have one more book to go in this series, but I will be surprised if the next character can top Hunter!
Trina doesn't believe in happily ever after. Her daughter's father didn't hang around and she's done just fine on her own. That is until Hunter starts breaking down her walls. They have an amazing time together before he deploys with the promise of them having a fresh start of their own when he returns.
Hunter doesn't believe in relationships either after his first marriage. They only got married for their daughter. His daughter is his everything, so when his wife passes away he does the best he can. With a new deployment around the corner, he gets close to Trina when they suggest she takes care of his girl. She's friends with her daughter and it seems like the perfect thing to do.
Things take a turn for the worse when Hunter comes back from deployment after being injured and has lost a whole year of his memory. Having this story being told from both Trina's and Hunter's POV really helped me connect with these characters. Trina is devestated and thinks this is another reason to not believe in love. Hunter is scared he lost a year and doesn't know if he'll ever get it back.
Seeing Trina being so close to not only her daughter but his was so heartwarming! She started caring for her as her own without even being asked. It all came so natural. How can she move away from her after taking care of her for a year?
Hunter is a character you just want to hug. He just wants to know what he's missing and the nightmares he has don't help. Are they only dreams or also memories? Once again, he doesn't want to promise anything to Trina, but he feels a connection!
Hunter and Trina really just belong together. There is a clear connection, even when he doesn't remember their time together. I loved seeing them connect all over again and him even thinking of things to do he did the first time around. Old Hunter was there, but just not aware of it yet.
Taking a chance on love again, even when missing a part of your memory, isn't easy. Seeing them slowly realize they need each other left a smile on my face. It was nice to see their daughters play a bigger part in this story as well. They all just wanted a family and a place to belong.
To Have and to Hold is filled with amazing characters, a lot of emotion, family, humor and some steamy moments. If you're looking for all of this and an amazing love story, definitely pick up this book. I know we still have one more book to go in this series, but I will be surprised if the next character can top Hunter!
April 27, 2019
The minute Trina Levine's boyfriend steps off the plane she senses something is different about him, especially when he looks at her like he has no idea who she is, nor why she is there to pick him up. They had a plan, he would return home, and they would start their lives together, but Hunter Cross is returning a changed man, a man who has no memory of their relationship. Now what was suppose to be joyful reunion, is a first introduction that may lead to heartbreak...
Hunter Cross is returning home a broken man, one who doesn't remember much of his life from the past year, but he is determined to get those memories back, and get his life back on track. The minute he steps off the plane he sees a beautiful woman there to pick him up, but he has no real memory of what she is suppose to mean to him or what they shared before he left. Even though his mind can't remember her, his body seems to have some recollection to her, and he feels a undeniable magnetic pull to her, one that keeps him fighting to regain his memories.
From the moment I started this beautifully hypnotic tale I was hooked, and left with an insatiable desire to know more, an immediate addiction ensued and I knew there was no way I was putting my tablet down until I had devoured every last page!! These wonderfully crafted characters have a way of reaching out and literally grabbing you by the heart and holding on for dear life. The story line was well written, thought provoking, packed with raw emotion and brimming with unwavering passion that completely captivated everything in my world from start to finish!! I truly loved every minute I spent reading this one, it is definitely one of the most touching stories I have had the pleasure of settling down with this year, Highly recommend it!!
Hunter Cross is returning home a broken man, one who doesn't remember much of his life from the past year, but he is determined to get those memories back, and get his life back on track. The minute he steps off the plane he sees a beautiful woman there to pick him up, but he has no real memory of what she is suppose to mean to him or what they shared before he left. Even though his mind can't remember her, his body seems to have some recollection to her, and he feels a undeniable magnetic pull to her, one that keeps him fighting to regain his memories.
From the moment I started this beautifully hypnotic tale I was hooked, and left with an insatiable desire to know more, an immediate addiction ensued and I knew there was no way I was putting my tablet down until I had devoured every last page!! These wonderfully crafted characters have a way of reaching out and literally grabbing you by the heart and holding on for dear life. The story line was well written, thought provoking, packed with raw emotion and brimming with unwavering passion that completely captivated everything in my world from start to finish!! I truly loved every minute I spent reading this one, it is definitely one of the most touching stories I have had the pleasure of settling down with this year, Highly recommend it!!
May 1, 2017
I was a little uncertain as to how I would feel about this book, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
Even though this was the 3rd book in the “Returning Home” Series, it can be read as a standalone, no problem. There are some characters and references that don’t entirely make sense if you haven’t read the first 2 like me, but it doesn’t take away from the book either.
Hunter and Trina are both single parents brought together through their daughter’s friendship. They were never close until about a year before this story is set. They would run into each other here and there for school events or sleep overs and never gave each other a second thought in that sort of way.
But all that changed and their feeling for each other grew. So much that Hunter asked Trina and her daughter to move into his home with his daughter while he was deployed. Promises and plans are made for their future once he returns in a year.
The books start out with Hunter returning home early from his deployment due to some injuries and what he thought was minor amnesia. He soon learns that he has pretty much lost a whole year and all those feeling, plans, and promises between him and Trina, he is unable to recall. What his mind can’t remember, his body has no problem embracing.
Emotions are high, both Hunter and Trina are confused. Trina is hurt, scared and completely unsure what her and her daughter will do next. There’s so many variables going on in this book. The non-relationship/relationship between Hunter and Trina, their girls, Hunters mom and her situation, Trina's ex, their living situations. There was just a whole lot going on but at the same time all this stuff somehow fit.
I loved how everything was resolved. There were hurt feelings, a little bit of conniving from the girls, some humor and of course forgiveness and love. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Even though this was the 3rd book in the “Returning Home” Series, it can be read as a standalone, no problem. There are some characters and references that don’t entirely make sense if you haven’t read the first 2 like me, but it doesn’t take away from the book either.
Hunter and Trina are both single parents brought together through their daughter’s friendship. They were never close until about a year before this story is set. They would run into each other here and there for school events or sleep overs and never gave each other a second thought in that sort of way.
But all that changed and their feeling for each other grew. So much that Hunter asked Trina and her daughter to move into his home with his daughter while he was deployed. Promises and plans are made for their future once he returns in a year.
The books start out with Hunter returning home early from his deployment due to some injuries and what he thought was minor amnesia. He soon learns that he has pretty much lost a whole year and all those feeling, plans, and promises between him and Trina, he is unable to recall. What his mind can’t remember, his body has no problem embracing.
“In the dark … I know you.”
Emotions are high, both Hunter and Trina are confused. Trina is hurt, scared and completely unsure what her and her daughter will do next. There’s so many variables going on in this book. The non-relationship/relationship between Hunter and Trina, their girls, Hunters mom and her situation, Trina's ex, their living situations. There was just a whole lot going on but at the same time all this stuff somehow fit.
I loved how everything was resolved. There were hurt feelings, a little bit of conniving from the girls, some humor and of course forgiveness and love. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
To Have and to Hold, A Returning Home Novel, Serena Bell
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
I’d read and loved the first two Returning Home novels, so looked forward to getting stuck into this. Once more I got a story and characters I could fully engage with – Trina, poor Trina. What an terrible position to be in, my heart broke for her, but she handled it incredibly well. Hunter too – it must be awful to have gaps in your memory, to have that weight of expectation put on you when you can remember nothing of what relates to it.
The two daughters were wonderful characters, as was the gran. Her actions – well, if I’d been Trina or Hunter I too would have been angry,and yet she did things from the right motives.
Its a heart breaking read, where you can see Hunter wants to do right but just doesn't remember the feelings he had, where Trina can see the man she loves and yet he’s not that same man anymore, looks like him, talks like him but inside there’s a huge gap, and you wonder if they can get past this hurdle, if his memory will return, and what will happen if it doesn’t. Hard times and I felt for all of them.
Another cracking read that's full of emotion and drama, and fits perfectly with the two earlier books,
but which can also be read as a stand alone if you haven’t read those.
Stars:Five, a great addition to the series.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
I’d read and loved the first two Returning Home novels, so looked forward to getting stuck into this. Once more I got a story and characters I could fully engage with – Trina, poor Trina. What an terrible position to be in, my heart broke for her, but she handled it incredibly well. Hunter too – it must be awful to have gaps in your memory, to have that weight of expectation put on you when you can remember nothing of what relates to it.
The two daughters were wonderful characters, as was the gran. Her actions – well, if I’d been Trina or Hunter I too would have been angry,and yet she did things from the right motives.
Its a heart breaking read, where you can see Hunter wants to do right but just doesn't remember the feelings he had, where Trina can see the man she loves and yet he’s not that same man anymore, looks like him, talks like him but inside there’s a huge gap, and you wonder if they can get past this hurdle, if his memory will return, and what will happen if it doesn’t. Hard times and I felt for all of them.
Another cracking read that's full of emotion and drama, and fits perfectly with the two earlier books,
but which can also be read as a stand alone if you haven’t read those.
Stars:Five, a great addition to the series.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
July 19, 2016
This is the second book in the Returning Home series, by Serena Bell and it was quite heartfelt. Wounded veterans are the main theme and helping them come back home with lots of love thrown in makes a good story if Serena Bell tells it. This story is about Trina and Hunter who are both single parents at the beginning of the book, with young girls who are the same age and feel like sisters. Hunter is deployed with the idea that they will be together when he returns. Unfortunately he is wounded and then has retrograde amnesia when he is sent home. He doesn't remember being with Trina before, so this book takes us on the journey of someone who does remember their love, (Trina) and someone who doesn't. (Hunter). It made for a very good story and I read this in one sitting! I have enjoyed these wounded warrior books because you can tell that Ms. Bell has put time and research into what these men and women suffer with.
Thanks as always to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thanks as always to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
July 19, 2016
4 out of 5 stars
Trina and Hunter’s story starts so perfectly and the promises of what life will be like when he returns from his last tour overseas all seem to be just what they both want and need….then life happens and everything changes.
This story is full of ups and downs -- Trina’s faith wasn’t strong enough to get her thru and then it was perfectly strong enough. Hunter’s missing memories threaten to tear them apart, and then the missing memories are what magically brings them together.
I enjoyed the way the story was told and had real, honest feelings throughout the entire book. I also enjoyed the teenage girl aspect and how that helped and hindered the growing romance. The little surprises and the love story were perfectly woven together to create a tale I could hardly put down.
This was a first for me by Ms Bell, but I enjoyed her writing style and the way she crafted characters that I had to know more about. I look forward to reading more of her works.
Trina and Hunter’s story starts so perfectly and the promises of what life will be like when he returns from his last tour overseas all seem to be just what they both want and need….then life happens and everything changes.
This story is full of ups and downs -- Trina’s faith wasn’t strong enough to get her thru and then it was perfectly strong enough. Hunter’s missing memories threaten to tear them apart, and then the missing memories are what magically brings them together.
I enjoyed the way the story was told and had real, honest feelings throughout the entire book. I also enjoyed the teenage girl aspect and how that helped and hindered the growing romance. The little surprises and the love story were perfectly woven together to create a tale I could hardly put down.
This was a first for me by Ms Bell, but I enjoyed her writing style and the way she crafted characters that I had to know more about. I look forward to reading more of her works.
March 29, 2019
Wow, I really enjoyed this story. I felt each crushing blow as the story unfolded. Hunter returns home from war and doesn't remember the last year. Trina is devastated. They fell in love just before he left and planned to move forward in their relationship when he returns. To make things even tougher is they both have 11 year old girls who are best friends. Trina thought they were starting a family. Hunter is so upset with not remembering he decides to let Trina go. Trina tries to rebuild the relationship. I loved that she discovered she loved the new Hunter as much as the old. So many heartbreaking moments in this book. I love it. This is the 3rd book in the series and I had no trouble reading this book.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
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May 14, 2016ARC received from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
REVIEW POSTED CLOSER TO RELEASE DATE.
REVIEW POSTED CLOSER TO RELEASE DATE.
April 24, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...
2.5 stars
We meet Hunter and Trina very briefly at the end of Can’t Hold Back; this books picks about a few days after the picnic and we get a quick glimpse into the relationship between Hunter and Trina. Unfortunately, when deployed Hunter gets very injured and ends up with retrograde amnesia. Now this significantly impacts Hunter’s world because he loses a whole year worth of memories and it really sucks because he doesn’t remember his relationship with Trina or her daughter, Phoebe. This was a good book and we get to meet new people as well as get to see previous characters and see how their lives are progressing.
I really wanted to love this story but I felt Trina did not make the best decisions for herself or her daughter most of the time. It felt like she put her feelings before her daughters’ which led to some hasty decision making and uncertain and confusing actions. As for Hunter, you can understand his confusion with the memory loss but that truly did not stop him from continuing an imitate relationship with Trina. I guess I mostly had problem with the way they said one thing yet their actions portrayed something else. The book was filled with mixed signals of all types and it looked like the daughters were collateral damage. They didn’t want the girls to know about their relationship yet they lived in the same house, had family outings together and acted like a real family.
It just seemed very immature and hurtful the way they carried on acting like no one knew or would be hurt by their actions. Trina was like a doormat (I hate to say it) and Hunter was an ass who didn’t remember her but had no problems playing on her feelings to get her to stay with him longer to help him out. It felt like the book was all about Hunter’s feelings and all the things Trina was willing to do to make him feel better even if she ended up with no job and homeless.
My favorite characters were Clara, Phoebe and Linda in this book.
I am looking forward to Griff and Becca’s book ;)
Possible Spoiler:
Also why did Trina move into his house with hopes of them being a family with no clear plan? She moved into house at his request and quit her own job, but what if Hunter had died? What was she and Phoebe supposed to do? She didn’t want to live her family because they lived far away (East coast), but she was ok with moving closer to Stefan (her baby daddy) in L.A. so that her daughter can get to know him (the father she never met before). Trina was a good mom but it felt like she lived in a dream world at times. Also it must be pointed out that Trina never received child support from Stefan, well known and highly paid actor, and at times she would beg or ask nicely to get some money from him.
Also couldn’t tell if Hunter was angry with his deceased wife because I couldn’t get a clear answer on that. He was heartbroken she died but mostly because he felt guilty; they didn’t have a love marriage since they got married do to an accidental pregnancy.
Also a little weirded out that Hunter was attracted to Trina while still married and that Trina was Dee’s only real friend she confided in.
2.5 stars
We meet Hunter and Trina very briefly at the end of Can’t Hold Back; this books picks about a few days after the picnic and we get a quick glimpse into the relationship between Hunter and Trina. Unfortunately, when deployed Hunter gets very injured and ends up with retrograde amnesia. Now this significantly impacts Hunter’s world because he loses a whole year worth of memories and it really sucks because he doesn’t remember his relationship with Trina or her daughter, Phoebe. This was a good book and we get to meet new people as well as get to see previous characters and see how their lives are progressing.
I really wanted to love this story but I felt Trina did not make the best decisions for herself or her daughter most of the time. It felt like she put her feelings before her daughters’ which led to some hasty decision making and uncertain and confusing actions. As for Hunter, you can understand his confusion with the memory loss but that truly did not stop him from continuing an imitate relationship with Trina. I guess I mostly had problem with the way they said one thing yet their actions portrayed something else. The book was filled with mixed signals of all types and it looked like the daughters were collateral damage. They didn’t want the girls to know about their relationship yet they lived in the same house, had family outings together and acted like a real family.
It just seemed very immature and hurtful the way they carried on acting like no one knew or would be hurt by their actions. Trina was like a doormat (I hate to say it) and Hunter was an ass who didn’t remember her but had no problems playing on her feelings to get her to stay with him longer to help him out. It felt like the book was all about Hunter’s feelings and all the things Trina was willing to do to make him feel better even if she ended up with no job and homeless.
My favorite characters were Clara, Phoebe and Linda in this book.
I am looking forward to Griff and Becca’s book ;)
Possible Spoiler:
Also why did Trina move into his house with hopes of them being a family with no clear plan? She moved into house at his request and quit her own job, but what if Hunter had died? What was she and Phoebe supposed to do? She didn’t want to live her family because they lived far away (East coast), but she was ok with moving closer to Stefan (her baby daddy) in L.A. so that her daughter can get to know him (the father she never met before). Trina was a good mom but it felt like she lived in a dream world at times. Also it must be pointed out that Trina never received child support from Stefan, well known and highly paid actor, and at times she would beg or ask nicely to get some money from him.
Also couldn’t tell if Hunter was angry with his deceased wife because I couldn’t get a clear answer on that. He was heartbroken she died but mostly because he felt guilty; they didn’t have a love marriage since they got married do to an accidental pregnancy.
Also a little weirded out that Hunter was attracted to Trina while still married and that Trina was Dee’s only real friend she confided in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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