Here and Now

I don’t think any of us have trouble understanding the difficulties facing those who return from war, but Cheryl Etchison brings a story that is all about moving forward, and avoiding glances in the rearview mirror.

Lucky is a former Ranger, a medic for his unit. After his military career ends, he’s decided to return to school while working 3rd shift at the local hospital. Not interested in much more than getting through his next set of tasks, he’s slowly reintegrating into civilian life. If only his classmates were as understanding as his work colleagues.

Rachel is one of Lucky’s coworkers, and while they are ‘friendly’ they aren’t friends. Until his chemistry lab partner shows up with a dinner and more on her mind. Quick thinking and desperation have Lucky begging for help in pushing off the young co-ed. But, Rachel needs something too: the relationship with her boyfriend is notoriously unstable, and she’s finally decided that enough is enough. She’ll help him, if in return, he puts those muscles to use and helps her move out.

These two are adorable together: tentative steps to knowing one another ignores that first spark of attraction as they both decide to be friends. Well, the friend zone is as dangerous to their hearts as any war zone that Lucky ever served in. Wholly competent and decidedly capable in an emergency, the whole ‘feelings’ thing has him in knots, with no way out. Rachel is desperately trying to become less of a people-pleaser, learning to say no, and speak for what she truly wants. But she never thought she’d want another relationship.

With secondary characters that add humor and moments with a couple from the first book, this story is sure to please people who want a little less angst from a military themed story, but still want to understand the characters’ decisions, choices and motivations. A wonderful introduction to the series that works well on its own, although I’m now curious about Danny and Bree.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Lucky and Rachel had a bit of rough start, but soon became really good friends as they are both starting a new phase of their lives. Pretty soon they are spending their working and non-working hours together and it seemed like they became a couple without almost without them noticing it, except that is was strictly platonic. Or at least it was until it wasn't. Lucky has always had a thing for Rachel, but after a moment of weakness brings them together intimately and a misunderstanding has Rachel setting boundaries of friendship only, Lucky figures out that we wants Rachel as more than just a friend. The only problem is that Rachel will never leave their small town, while Lucky is having a hard time adjusting to civilian life and all its limitations regarding his medical skills. They both faced some tough decisions in order to be with the one they loved and I loved the way that it played out. Overall a sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers story without too much drama and can be read as a standalone.
4.5 stars

I received an ARC via Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.