On Higher Ground by @mcollinsauthor | Tams 5 star Review & #giveaway ~ '

When there’s no peace after war…

When there’s no solace after death…

When there’s only pain and suffering…

Anxiety and loss…

All you can hope to find is something more…

Something that makes you whole and complete

Something that puts you

On Higher Ground

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Let me preface this review by advising, this is the continuation of Dax and Beck's story, my opinion and suggestion would be to read that book first. There is so much that happens and a lot of things are set in motion in that book that you will better understand if you've read it first.

Dax and Beck have settled into a comfortable life with Beck's niece whom they adopted after her mother was killed. The PTSD is far from gone, but Dax does have a better handle on with Beck's love, patience and assistance along with his service dog Tonka. When the nightmares begin to resurface with a new twist, Dax keeps it from Beck for a while. Beck knows something is up, but he doesn't push. Dax is trying to take care of things on his own. Partially because it's still surreal for him to have someone to love, someone to call home, someone to lean on. Partially because he doesn't want to add anything else to Beck's plate. With so many things going on at the same time, it takes a toll on Dax and his stability. If these two are truly going to make it work, they will have to remember why they fell in love, how hard it was for them to find their way to each other.

I do love when an Author goes back and ties up loose ends for couples that had more story to tell. That's exactly what Collins has done with Higher Ground. Beck's past, his issues with his father, what happened to his sister is a lot for one person. But then there are Dax's issues to contend with as well. PTSD is a crippling monkey on your back. The way these two have grown both as individuals, as a couple, and now with the addition of Violet as a family is outstanding. Planning a wedding, discussing adopting another child, trying to decide if you want to meet with your father that walked out on you and your sister when you were little... it's a lot for anyone.

While there were some heavy subjects/issues dealt with, this book was the crescendo of Dax and Beck's story. What resonated with me about this story was the reality of the issues these two had to face. Jealousy, PTSD, uncertainty, anger, are they good enough to be parents for Violet, and still, should they even consider adopting another child. Individually, maybe not. But together, definitely. Of course you must read this if you read On Solid Ground, who wouldn't want to know where the story goes? Those that enjoy their books with a balance of reality, angst and romance will likely enjoy this book as well.

When Jacob “Dax” Daxton returns home from war, he has to fight a new battle – the one to find his place in the world. The man who normally has a clear path to victory surrounded by brothers in combat is suddenly lost and alone. After meeting Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist, Dax’s journey begins winding down an unexpected path.

Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed.

As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground.

Buy links: Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Google Play | Kobo

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it's been a dream.

Her passion for writing didn't start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn't long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa's brain and The Love Series was born.

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