In a matter of seconds my entire world changed, and it was in that moment that I stopped living and simply began to exist.

In my grief, I sent a letter to the first boy I ever loved. I hoped in writing it I’d find some peace from the nightmare I was living, some solace in my anger.

I didn’t expect him to write back. I wasn’t prepared for his words, and I certainly wasn’t ready for the impact this soldier would have on my life. A deep-rooted hate transformed into friendship, and then molded into a love like I’d never known before.

Sergeant Devin Ulysses Clay did what I couldn’t: he put the shattered pieces of my heart back together, restoring my faith in humanity and teaching me how to live again.

But now that I’m whole, I have a decision to make. Do I return to my life as I knew it and the fiancé I left behind, or do I walk away from it all for the only man to ever break my heart?

***

I’ve been living in hell, but you won’t hear me complain.

These men depend on me, as I do them, and this brotherhood is the only family I’ve ever known.

The Army saved me from a callous mother and a life on the wrong side of the tracks that was quickly spiraling out of control. So unlike most of the men in my platoon, going home wasn’t something I longed for.

I was content overseas, spending my days defending this country that gave me my life back. Fighting became my new normal … until her.

A letter from Katie Devora—a letter that I almost didn’t open. Her words put a fire back inside of me that I didn’t know I’d lost. She gave me hope during a time when I was fighting every day just to stay alive, and now it’s time I fight for her.

This second chance romance will draw you in from the moment you open it; it will keep you glued to your kindle as this masterfully written story unfolds. The reader is given a dual POV written by two authors whose words are eloquently woven together to create a book that will live in my heart for a long time to come.

A Lover’s Lament is a powerful, funny and engaging story. This book truly made me feel such a range of emotions including a few teary eyed moments. You can feel the emotions bleed off of the pages.

I will not be sharing much of the plot as I want the reader to experience it.

Katie Devora and Devin Ulysses Clay have known each other since childhood, having fallen in love with each other in high school, events tear them apart, events I will let unfold for you when you read this one as I don’t want to spoil it for you.

You’re more than my best friend you’re it for me, Dev. You’re my soul mate. You hold my heart in your hands.

The story picks up 10 years later with Katie having to deal with a tramatic event, again I want you to experience the unfolding of this story as I did ….raw and with the author’s own words.

The events that bring Katie and Devin back into each other’s lives brought so much emotion to this story. Through a few well done plot twists, they end up as pen pals. The letter Katie writes Devin is laced with emotions and Devin’s first letter back had me in tears and I rarely cry when reading. Mr. Urruela is truly a gifted writer.

I loved how this reconnection developed, Katie was tentative, afraid of being hurt again and Devin, well you will love this man who isn’t afraid to say I am sorry and who knows what he want, and he wants Katie.

He was the first person I gave my heart and body to, and maybe that’s the reason I haven’t been able to shake this unmistakable connection to him even after ten years.

The authors also did a wonderful job with secondary characters in this book. Devin’s brothers-in-arms crafted for so many memorable scenes, his flashbacks to losing his friend Jax and the support of Navas (also a fellow solider) allows the reader such insight into the life of the men who defend our freedom.

I hope Navas gets a happy as this man’s heart is soooo big and he is a Daddy to two little ones, so yes he needs a book!

Another secondary character who added emotion to this story was Wyatt, poor Wyatt he also needs a happy. I won’t tell you why or even who he is. I will say my heart broke for this man who so deserves a happy. There was a truly powerful scene laced with emotion, a scene that will have you asking what forever love is.

I am going to stay away from the male vs. female author debate and simply say this is one of the best debut voices I have read in a long time! The male POV written by Mr. Urruela is such a strong and powerful voice; he bares his soul to the reader.

At 84% I was laughing out loud, getting caught is hysterical (nope not telling you why you will know it when you see it) and by 87% my heart was in my throat. These authors pulled off such a range of emotions in a just a few pages.

From this point until the end, be prepared to not put this book down, like it won’t matter what you have to do, you will be late because you will be white knuckling your kindle.

At 96% the name is perfect (nope again not telling why), my heart was full and the smile on my face was from ear to ear.

The epilogue is truly this man’s soul put into words. Mr Urruela bared his soul with poetic grace that will capture readers hearts.

Love doesn’t have an expiration date, when it’s true love, it doesn’t go away.

I would be remiss if I don’t thank Mr. Urruela and all those who defend our freedom for their service. This book offers so much insight into the struggles they face both abroad and at home.

K.L Grayson

I’m a mother and wife first, and sometimes I like to pretend that I’m actually a Nurse Practitioner, but I’m ALWAYS a writer.

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B.T. Urruela

BT Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August of 2004 until February of 2011. At the end of a year long tour in Baghdad, IQ, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as the Vice President and COO of VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He travels the country for speaking engagements and as a member of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team.

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