Title: The Teacher and the Soldier
Series: Ellery Mountain 02
Author: R.J. Scott
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (87pgs)
Publisher: Total E-Bound (22nd April 2013) This title is available up to 4 weeks early (25th March 2013) with TEB VIP club.
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Ex-soldier, Daniel Skylar, falls hard and heavy for school teacher Luke Fitzgerald. How can he make him stay in Ellery?
Luke Fitzgerald left Ellery Mountain for college and vowed never to come back. When his father is murdered he has no choice but to return. Luke only goes home to sell off his share of the Ellery Mountain Cabins, but everything changes when he meets the son of the other owner. Daniel Skylar is an ex-soldier who lives every day to the limit and sees a future in Luke.
It doesn’t matter what Daniel says, or how much he needs Luke; Luke isn’t staying once everything is sold off. Surely Daniel can understand that?
Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2074
Review: This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Luke left Ellery Mountain ten years ago and vowed never to return. But, when his father is murdered and leaves Luke his half of the cabins, Luke feels it’s time to face the past before he continues his life. But, meeting Daniel, the son of the other owner of the cabins, throws him for a loop. But, there is no way he will be able to stay in Ellery with the ghosts that haunt him, can he? Daniel is frustrated to be unable to get hold of Luke to find out what the man plans to do with his share of the cabins. Meeting the man and getting to know him makes him want more, but even he can see that the past haunts Luke. Is what they have enough to chase away the ghosts?
Ahhh. Sexy Daniel’s story. hmmm *drool*. Luke returns to a place he hates. He swore never to return, but he believes that he can settle his father’s will and get out of town without losing it. But, he never counted on crossing paths with Daniel. Daniel has plans to help other soldiers like himself who return home needing help. But, first he has to sort out what is happening with the cabins. Meeting Luke he recognizes a wounded soul and they begin a hot affair. But, when it’s time for Luke to leave, Daniel doesn’t want him to go. Will love win or are Luke’s fears driving him too hard?
This is an excellent story that delves into the long standing repercussions of childhood abuse. Luke is an excellent character. Although, he has had therapy, the abuse he suffered while the town seemed to turn a blind eye affected him deeply. He is a strong man, but facing Ellery Mountain again shakes him to the core. Finding love there scares him and he has to work through his feelings, before he loses love. Daniel is a wonderful man. He wants to do something good for those affected by war and he also wants to keep a tight hold of the love he has found in the man who is perfect for him. But, he knows that he can’t force Luke to stay.
This story is really well written and it does tug at your heartstrings for what Luke had to face alone and also the effect it is still having on him. Daniel and Luke are an excellent pairing and are very hot together. They have a strong connection that goes further than a physical attraction and they make a great couple. The storyline is very good and I liked how Luke seemed to overcome his obstacles to accept the love he is offered and I liked how Daniel didn’t pressure Luke to recount his past. We see Max and Finn (from The Fireman and the Cop) again and Kieran and Liam and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to both their stories (The Carpenter and the Actor, and The Doctor and the Bad Boy).
I will recommend this to those who love facing the past stories, fighting for love, hot sex, great characters, a good storyline and a happy ending.