I honestly didn't know what to expect. Seriously, The Story of Us is a beautiful love story that has pain and suffering. However you don't realize there is a lot going on until you get closer to end. I'm throwing in have your tissues ready warning, because you are going to need them. At first you think, I'll be fine. WRONG! YOU NEED THEM! If you don't then your heart is made of stone, and that is all.

Tara brings to you a story about these two lovers who have been to hell and back in different ways. Eli who has survived something most of us can't imagine or even want to, and Shelby the girl he left behind. Shelby's life fell apart after Eli left. I love this story of reconnection, and overcoming the obstacles that are laid before them.

The first half of The Story of Us isn't too emotionally draining. We watch these two reconnect, and coming to terms what had happen in the past, but they still need to dive a little deeper. About the time they do, grab the tissues. After the emotional turmoil I faced at the end, The Story of Us is beautiful story, and I absolutely loved. I was a little worry things wouldn't work out for Eli and Shelby, but they do find their road to happiness even if it's a little bumpy on the way.

Copy provided by Forever via NetGalley

Elijah James was a struggling teenager working to help support his sister at the stables of the Eubanks Plantation while Shelby was the only daughter of the owners, a would be socialite with a streak of rebellion, a girl not ready to comply with her mother’s wishes.
After years of knowing each other, they share one summer together when Shelby returns from college. They are separated at the end of it, but, when he returns after 6 years in which they both have suffered greatly, he finds a very different woman than the one he once fell in love with. Both Shelby and Eli go through a lot of loss and sacrifice while falling prey to the manipulations of one unsavory character.
The Story of Us is a book about a second chance for two people separated by much more than fate and circumstance. This is a story about love, courage, pain and survival told with a nostalgic view of the moments that built the characters’ relationship.
I have to say I’m not really a fan of military related books and the unravelling of this story proved my reasons as I was gutted by everything Eli has brought back with him. Both he and Shelby have their own personal tragedies and, when they get their second chance, they bring each other back from the darkness they have been living in and learn to accept that you can rely in each other in order to move forward. This is a great story that honors the power of the human spirit and how people can overcome the worst tragedies with the love and support of their loved ones if they only allow it to happen.

4 stars
*An ARC was given by NetGalley for an honest review*

I’m broken and scarred and half the man I used to be, but if she’ll let me explain, I hope to God she can put me back together again.

The Story Of Us is an emotional, heartbreaking and intense second chance romance.The plot is so good in this one there are twists and turns and the feelings are so real that you can't stop yourself from feeling like you are a part of this story.

My heart ach and I really wanted to see them happy.Eli and Shelby’s story isn't easy I laughed,cried and gasped with them. The relationship between Eli and Shelby is fantastic. Even after all those years apart, you can sense their chemistry is just off the charts.

If you are looking for an emotional story that will make you cry ,choose this one!!I highly recommended

My absolute favorite book of 2017. I will recommend this book to everyone who asks me for a recommendation. It split me open and put me back together. Phenomenal.

What happens when the man you love...your forbidden love suddenly walks out of your life? How can a man survive despicable atrocities by sheer will alone of memories for a woman he left behind? The Story Of Us is a complex second chance romance, which will assault your emotions head on.

I admit I was a little apprehensive when I decided to read another Tara Sivec novel. I'd previously read Fisher's Light and found it barely okay, so choosing to read The Story Of Us was a gamble. Thankfully, my decision to give this author another go paid off. Admittedly, it took me a little time to settle into the book initially due to the narrative shifting between the past and present. However, once we remain within the present, I'm held captive as Shelby and Eli's complicated lives unfurl.

Intense and heart-wrenching, Shelby and Eli's story is beyond emotional. Written with a dual point of view, the narrative starts with a harrowing but necessary prologue which was uncomfortable to read. The scene's set, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. As further tragic events from the past are revealed and presumptuous thoughts are blown away when the painful truths come to light.

The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable. Their connection unwavering as they gain strength to right the wrongs of the past.

"For five years, you saved me, and you didn't even know it. Now it's my turn to save you."

Ms Sivec takes her readers on a journey and blind sides them with a slew of emotions with a tragic and heart-warming narrative. The Story Of Us is a beautifully crafted novel which will captivate you with its strong undercurrent that love can and will conquer all.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Yours Forever via NetGalley***

Tara is such an amazing writer. She does so much so good that I am in awe of her. This book is yet another reason she is one of my favorites. I haven't read anything that has hit me as hard as Fisher's Light did, well now there is this one. The Story Of Us is full of feeling and intensity that you can not come up for air till you are at the end. A second chance romance that I knew I was going to love but I did not know it would wreck me as much as it did. The end of the book could have been a little less crazy but other than that the book was flawless. I can not recommend this one enough. Amazing Tara, simply fantastic in every way.

The Story Of Us by Tara Sivec is a deep raw emotional second chance love story of a soldier and the woman he never stopped loving. With her delicate and sensitive prose, Sivec engages her readers to feel the depths of survival, hope, loss, and love as two former lovers reunites after five years.

"I wonder if she’d touch me with the same boldness now that scars disfigure my skin . I wonder if she’d love me the same way when she saw how twisted and confused my mind has become just so I can make it through another day. I wonder if she still thinks of me as much as I do her. I wonder if she knows she’s the only reason I’m still breathing, still fighting, and still holding on.”

1,843 days. That was how long Eli was a prisoner of war. For five years, he was in hell being tortured but through it all, he kept thinking about her. His Shelby. The hope that he would one day see her again was what kept him alive and sane. And so, when he was finally rescued, there was only one person that he wanted to see. Shelby Eubanks. The girl that owned his heart.

Shelby Eubanks thought he died overseas and within those five years, she had just been an empty shell going through the motions of having people dictate her life. Her dreams of dancing and New York didn’t panned out and with her mother controling every aspect of her life even if it includes being engaged to an upcoming politician who is running for Senator. She should love her fiance but there isn’t that spark that she had with Eli.

"I’m broken and scarred and half the man I used to be, but if she’ll let me explain, I hope to God she can put me back together again.”

When Eli goes to see Shelby, he notices that she isn’t the girl that she used to be. She is broken. Fragile. And Eli will stop at nothing to bring back the spark and twinkle in Shelby’s eyes. His love for her saved him and in return he hopes to Shelby.

"You saved me, Shelby,” I whisper, pressing my forehead against hers. “For five years, you saved me, and you didn’t even know it. Now it’s my turn to save you.”

The Story of Us is as deep, poignant and beautiful as it can get. This story. These characters. And circumstance of events beyond their control are what made this book stand out. Tara Sivec allowed her readers to feel the loss, the hurt, the sadness, and the beauty of hope and love. While this story may have broken my heart on an emotional level, I loved that Tara Sivec slowly pieced together the broken pieces to make my heart whole. She held you hostage to the extent of how far a man will go for survival and love. So if you are looking for an emotional gripping story that will capture your heart, then I highly recommend you to read this book.

4.5 stars

This book has all the feels. I went from elated, to heartbroken, and back again on a regular basis.

Eli James and Shelby Eubanks were from different circumstances, but connected briefly one summer while he worked at her family stables. When Eli left the stables, he also left Shelby brokenhearted. The series of events that happen after he leaves the stables lead him to be captured and held prisoner for 5 years, and changes Shelby’s entire future as well.

Their history was both beautiful and tragic. Their presents were full of scars and grief. They connected as both the perfect versions of themselves and as the products of the past 6 years. The book jumps between scenes in the present and the past, and as the story unfolds it becomes clear that they love each other deeply despite thinking they can never be together.

Each of these main characters were compelling and interesting. Shelby’s dreams were lost to her. Her life was not what she imagined, but it was worth the price she paid. Eli had his own nightmares to contend with, and returning home has not been an easy adjustment. But together they find peace, if the secrets stay buried. They are not the same people they once were, and it takes time for them to learn to trust again.

I spent a good part of the beginning thinking I knew what was going on. I loved the shock I received (along with the characters) as the truth started coming out. This was an emotional page turner that had me reading as fast as I could. Even as the past and present began lining up, I couldn’t help but keep reading to find out the results.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Page turning, heart gripping, emotional love story.

Once in a while you come across a book that holds you attention in ways you never thought possible. This book has left me struggling to finds the right words to encourage you to read this. Do not let this book sit on your TBR list. READ THIS BOOK. Seriously!

Eli and Shelby have one heck of a love story to put all love stories to shame. The unwavering love for one another holds them hostage, unable to breathe without the other and unable to navigate this world alone. After years of being apart they are brought together again for questions to be answered.

They are both still in love with one another but can the past be repaired? Is Eli able to remind Shelby their love story?

As their story unfolded my heart broke for both Shelby and Eli. I was hurting when they were hurting and happy and hopeful when they were finding their way back to one another while finding their self-worth once again.

So, did I like this book? Absolutely.

Any dislikes? Not one.

Should you read this? DUH! I told you this already. READ THE BOOK NOW!

Tara...5 gold stars.

The Story of Us by Tara Sivec was an emotionally moving and powerful novel.

There was so much going on throughout this novel, that my heart just couldn't take everything. I thought everything would get better one minute, and then the next, something else comes up, and my heart is broken all over again. Not only does this novel make your heart hurt, but in a way, it puts it back together again.

This novel is not lighthearted and fluffy. Instead, it is raw, emotional, and real.

I urge you to go read this novel as soon as you can. It is an experience you definitely do not want to miss.

4.5/5 Stars!

Tara Sivec has succeeded at leaving me in an emotional puddle of my own tears. I’m not a weepy reader. I may get a tear in my eye, sniff a bit, and blame it on allergies, but I don’t generally have big fat tears rolling down my face while I’m reading. This book made me struggle through the final twenty-five percent – I couldn’t read the words on the page through my tear-filled, blurry eyes. With that being said, The Story of Us provided me with an experience that I’m always searching for when choosing my next read – I want to feel the story in the pit of my stomach and I want to feel a connection to the characters. This book was brimming with emotion.

As soon as I saw that this book was about first loves and second chances, I knew that I was going to have to add it to my reading list. If you’re expecting a book about young love, broken hearts, and a chance at forgiveness and a fresh start, you will absolutely get that, but you will also get so much more. The Story of Us had so many layers that added to this captivating love story. It has all of the elements that make for a compelling read, however, it takes the reader on a deep emotional journey filled with sacrifices, secrets, lies, pain, loss, and heartache.

It was so easy to get swept up in Shelby and Eli’s love story. Their young relationship had ended too quickly and abruptly, with a lot of it being out of their control. Through the hurt, the miscommunication, the outside forces against them, their relationship seemed doomed before it really had a chance to get off the ground. Throughout the five horrific years while they were separated, the only constant was the love and devotion that they both still felt for each other. Despite the hurt, the attempts at moving forward, and the threat of the unknown, their feelings didn’t wane. They had both sacrificed so much for each other. With every struggle and obstacle that they had to overcome, their love just seemed to grow stronger, strengthening each of them at their darkest, most vulnerable times.

Right from the beginning, I was rooting for this couple. They had both been through so much, their problems seemed insurmountable, their pain - too raw and deep. There was nothing easy about their relationship. Even when things seemed to be going smoothly, it was as if it was the calm before the storm. They had truths and demons to face that were preventing them from moving forward. They needed to rely and lean on each other more than ever and not waste their second chance.

The Story of Us delivered an emotional story with characters that I was immediately invested in. Tara Sivec not only put my poor heart through the wringer, but she also managed to surprise me. I will admit that there was one particular part that left my jaw on the floor (shakes head in shame). This is a beautiful, intriguing love story that will not soon be forgotten.

*4.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title. I'm sorry that this didn't turn out as I had expected. Here is my review.

I am a huge fan of Tara Sivec and I'm excited that she has finally been picked up by a major publisher. I have read many of her titles and have always found something in each of them that I enjoyed. I'm particularly drawn to her funny novels, but I've enjoyed her more serious novels, too.

This one didn't work for me. Maybe it was the timing. Maybe it was my mood. Maybe it was the dark tone that was set very early on in the story. Maybe it was a combination of all three. Ultimately, I wasn't in the mood for a dark read and though I fully expect that there would be some redemption found in this story, I just needed something a little lighter right now. I might very well go back to this at another time, but right now this is going to have to sit.

The premise of The Story of Us was quite promising. An intriguing plot with characters who have been through literal hell and back trying to protect each other. I felt everything about the story was a little rushed, there were a lot of details and repetitive language surrounding the dialogue that really held me back from fully connecting to the story. I will say that I wanted to see how it all played out enough to read it in it's entirety. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me all that well.

Ugly cry alert! Oh my gosh! I started with just a few tears and then before I knew it, my nose was running and my eyes were swollen. This book broke my heart so many times with its pain, devotion, and utter determination to ensure love prevails!

Eli and Shelby come from different backgrounds: she, a senator's daughter and he, a worker in their home. They have a secret romance that lasts 6 months. Shelby goes off to college, and when she returns she discovers he joined the Marines. Shelby assumes he has moved on and forgotten her. Without him, she stops pursuing her dreams and bows to her mother's pressure. But, after over 5 years in captivity, Eli is back to reclaim the love of his life. But, Shelby is NOT the same girl. Eli is determined to remind her of who they were! Serious swoon people!

Eli is on a mission to save Shelby. Its very metaphoric since she was what kept him going when he was being held captive. However, a lot has happened in 5 years. Figuring out how to get through to Shelby is not an easy puzzle to solve and there are so many traps in their path I thought I might scream! After all they have been through I didn't want it to be this difficult for them to be together! I wanted to strike down all those who got in their way. I was feeling very protective of these two. I think my feelings were stronger for Eli because he was one of the most amazing characters I have read (Like, to me, he is up there with Archer Hale!).

If you love second chances, military heroes, and a love that will overcome all, The Story of Us is a book you need to put on your TBR today! Bring lots of tissues though because you will cry, and if you don't, its possible you should have your doctor check your heart because it must be black!

I’m not new to Tara Sivec, although I’m used to laughing uncontrollably throughout her other books. The Story of Us took me on a different journey, and while I did laugh at parts, this book was a far more emotional and heartbreaking than anything.

This is a second chance love story of Eli and Shelby. Eli spent years in captivity; the only thing keeping him holding on is the hope that one day he will get to come back and right the wrongs he left with Shelby. Their secret tryst was broken by his unexpected deployment, which left Shelby in emotional turmoil, and lead to the course of events that would change her life forever. Both of them are holding on to some major secrets thinking they are saving the other, but we all know secrets don’t ever stay hidden forever.

There was a lot of angst and pain in this book; several times I was holding my breath in anticipation. The plot is detailed, written in alternating POV, and truly takes you on a journey. I didn’t immediately connect with the characters because I felt like the beginning of the book didn’t quite move as quickly as it could have, but the second half had me much more engaged.

This really was a great book, especially if you are looking for an emotional read!

I have never read a Tara Sivec book before. Yeah, I know, I’m really late to the game. I’m not sure why I haven’t but when I saw a blurb for The Story of Us, it seemed like something that I would enjoy. I enjoy a good second chance romance while the aspect of it being a military love frightens me. I had a feeling I was in for the ride of my life...and I was right.

As I sat today and read the book, I am in awe of Ms. Sivec. I am completely and utterly heartbroken one minute and then totally in love the next over this story. From the start of the relationship of Eli and Shelby, to where they are when they reconnect is one of pure heartbreak and devastation. Shelby is not the woman Eli left behind. Eli has gone thru things that Shelby could never even imagine. Shelby puts on her fake smile for a man whom she doesn’t love and a mother who is holding her hostage. Eli knows there are so many roadblocks in his way back to Shelby, especially her mother.

Can Eli and Shelby reconnect and find love again? What exactly does Shelby’s mother have to do with their relationship? Can Shelby and Eli truly surpass all the roadblocks in their way?

The relationship between Eli and Shelby is fantastic. Even after all those years apart, you can sense their chemistry is just off the charts. There are so many twists and turns in this book and so many pieces that Eli and Shelby have to put together to find the truth.

Hands down, The Story of Us may be the best military/second chance romance book I’ve ever read. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotions that I have never, ever had while reading a book before. Absolutely amazing.

The Story of Us from Tara Sivec - 5 stars

The Story of Us starts with a punch to the gut as we find Eli held captive and tortured in Afghanistan. He’s ready to die but then at the last second is rescued. He returns to find his former lover a pale shadow of her former confident self. The two have to fight to find a way to mend broken hearts and defy the forces that are keeping the apart.

This book was dark y’all. I mean the things *people* did just to keep Eli and Shelby away from each other were beyond cruel. I mean…it was evil.

There’s a lot of sex, more drama llama – manipulations. betrayals, lies and blackmail from outside sources – than relationship/healing between Eli and Shelby than I would have liked. Being tortured and losing the love of your life for 5 years is more than enough plot for one book. I didn’t think it needed all the additional drama.

I dunno – it was good and it was definitely heart wrenching but also missed the mark for me with too much going on.

Eli and Shelby were in love, the kind of love that most spend a lifetime trying to find, but they came from different worlds, and their differences caused them to part. Eli left their little town to serve his country, and Shelby followed in the footsteps that her mother paved for her, and the love they shared slowly slipped away. Eli found himself being captured and held against his will by the enemy and everyone back home began to lose faith and started to really believe he was gone. Shelby mourned the loss of Eli and the life they had together. Then she met another man, one handpicked by her mother, and soon found herself engaged to be a wife to man she didn't really love, but walking away from him was not permitted. She has an image to uphold, and this man is good for appearances, and her mother's political reputation. Shelby knows it isn't right, it isn't the life she wants to live, but what can she do...

Then Shelby gets the surprise of her life, Eli is alive and headed stateside, and she wants nothing more to be with him, but there are expectations in place for her, and Eli doesn't fit into the plan. But Eli has a plan of his own, to win back the woman who stole his heart all those years ago, and create the life with her they had always dreamed about... come hell or high water. But the woman he finds when he returns home is a mere shell of the woman he left behind, and she is engaged to marry a man he knows isn't right for her... now he must remind her of the love they shared, and hope it's enough to win back her heart, and put light back into the eyes of woman who holds his heart.

This breathtakingly beautiful story completely wrecked me, it broke my heart and then little by little began to mend it back together again. It was a heart-wrenching story about two broken souls who needed to find love again, needed it to heal them, and bring them back to life. and their touching journey to find it moved me beyond words. It has been a while since I have read something so powerful and moving, and I have to say I am quite impressed with this first time read, it is definitely one of the best first reads I have read in a really long time. I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it was an eye opening experience for me, one that stirred my emotions, moved me to tears, and is sure to linger with me for a long while.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

This is one of those stories that I knew would make me feel so much. I was far from being disappointed with this 5 star story. It was so much more than my already high expectations.

Shelby tried to move on from loosing Eli but she barely did. She's a shell of the woman she used to be. 5 years after he went missing, Eli is back, broken and suffering from PTSD. He makes it his mission to get her back and to have her be the woman she once was.

I love this kind of storyline that involves a war hero. There were so many shocking revelations that left me baffled and speechless. Some shredded my heart to pieces. Great writing, awesome storyline and amazingly created characters. I couldn't have stopped myself from feeling some intense emotions, even if I wanted too. Bottom line is this is 2017 must read.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.

The first book I read by Tara Sivec was Snacks and Seduction. I loved that story. Sometimes authors go from not too serious to serious and you're like will this work? YES, YES IT DOES!
The Story of Us is a heartbreaking story of a couple that were a secret because when you grow up wealthy you don't fall in love with the help. The story opens up with Eli being held prisoner in a foreign country. All his hope is tied up in getting home to Shelby. Shelby, whom he left brokenhearted, Shelby, who thinks he's gone forever. She's not the girl she was when he left. The girl he returns to is fake, under all that fake is a broken girl. All Eli wants to do is fix her bring back that strong, beautiful girl. Only someone else is pulling the strings and they'll both do anything to protect the other without knowing.

This book will break your heart over and over. The letters, the lies, the love of this couple was so pure and perfect. It shows that no matter how long you stay away from your true love, it never truly dies.

“I’d rather be a complete mess with you than spend another day shattered all over the floor alone.”