Let me start off by saying... Fuck Tara Sivec and her fucking feelings! If you follow my reviews, you know I am not an emotional reader. I RARELY cry. I RARELY feel all emotional reading books. Of coarse Tara just had to break me with this book!

I really think that the above should be enough said, but I think I should just talk a little more about something. Shouldn't I? Maybe I shouldn't...

I VOW that Eli and Shelby's story is going to rip you apart and sooth you over and over again. The real story of their shared past comes out little by little. And each time, your heart will break a little more for these characters. My emotions were all over this place throughout this story.

I feel like I should just write paragraph after paragraph about this story, but you know I won't. You know I will not give you anything other than the important things you need to know. (If you want more than that, I am sure you can find a million reviews telling you the whole story or a rewrite of the synopsis masked as a review elsewhere.) Really, in case you haven't caught on. THIS STORY WILL BREAK ALL OF YOUR EMOTIONS and you will love and loath every single second of it!

A tear jerking emotionally powerful second chance romance that will leave you a little breathless.

"Only you. Always you."

This book starts off with Eli and the hell he is in, it's something you would never wish upon any of those brave men and woman that go and fight for the freedoms we have. Immediately my heart is in my chest knowing the horrors he goes through to survive.

This story takes you through his journey home and the challenges he faces after his time away. The one constant that kept him going is Shelby and together we watch them trying to piece back together their shattered lives.

So many twists and turns in this book that will pull at all the emotions you have. Anger, heartbreak, disbelief are just some that come to mind. One twist that will completely gut you and make your heart cry out.

If your looking for a book that will pull at your heart strings then I definitely recommend this one.

TISSUES....my gawd you will need mass amounts of tissues!

Such powerful, poignant words. A very moving read of survival and second chances. I think this one broke me a little. I left a piece of my heart with Shelby and Eli.

Two people, so in love --facing adversity, dealing with life shattering trauma -- willing to do whatever it takes for each other.

As they search for thier love, you will lose your heart in their heat, passion and utter devotion to one another. Add in some wicked twists and earth moving turns and you have a beautiful read of rising from the ashes.

“I love you … Only you. Always you.”

4 stars

Tara Sivec brings the feels again with The Story of Us, an emotional second chance romance between a soldier and his first love – a young couple that were heartbreakingly torn apart only to be unexpectedly reunited years later, both damaged and scarred. A surprising, dramatic and heartfelt story that is beautifully romantic and left me feeling all fluffy with a big grin on my face.

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.


Elijah and Shelby met as teenagers. She was the privileged princess, he worked in her family’s stables, she crushed on him, he wasn’t interested. It wasn’t until Shelby returned from college that Eli finally noticed her, and over the course of one blissful summer, the two of them fell into a deep, intense, all-consuming love. They were torn apart when Eli was shipped off on deployment, and lies and betrayal set their lives in completely different paths.

Eli’s deployment ended in tragedy when he was taken prisoner, but everybody back at home was told he was dead. For five years he was held and tortured, and his dreams of Shelby were the only thing that got him through. Now that he’s free, he has one thing on his mind – going home and getting his girl back.

I’ve waited long enough. Shelby is the main reason I’m still here, alive and kicking, and it’s time she knows that. It’s time for me to take back what was always meant to be mine.


I loved Eli. His strength in enduring all that he has, and then his determination to reclaim his life and get his girl back was amazing, and I loved his alphaness in going after what he wanted. But the girl he finds is far from what he expected, and Shelby is now a shadow of the wild girl with big dreams that she used to be. The five years that she spent thinking that Eli was dead, and all that happened to her in that time has left her completely changed, and Eli is determined to bring her back.

“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.”


OMG, this is such a beautiful love story. Heartbreaking, emotional, passionate and full of chemistry, I could feel everything between Eli and Shelby. Their love for each other is evident in every moment between them, but there is more to their separation than either of them knew and their reunion is not an easy one, and things get quite angsty with both of them holding onto secrets. I’ve gotta say, I was frustrated that it took them so long to truly talk to each other, but they do eventually open up and confront the demons of their past and work through the issues that are facing them in the present. And through it all there is a feeling of certainty that they belong together, that they need each other to be able to find peace, be happy and move forward, and I loved watching them fight to find that.

“I can’t leave you alone and I can’t move on because you’re everything to me. You always have been and you always will be, and I know damn well you feel the same, even if you want to stand here, look me right in the fucking eyes, and lie to me.”
…
“I don’t give a shit if you’re with someone else, he’ll never love you the way I do. He’ll never fight for you the way I do and he’ll never fucking see you the way I do!”


There is some drama as secrets are fully revealed and finally dealt with, and there were some great surprises in the way their story unfolded, which I really enjoyed. And as gorgeous as the love story is, this book is also a journey of two people finding themselves again after enduring heartache, trauma, loss and grief, and that part of the story blended beautifully with the romance.

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


This was a beautifully written story. I loved the characters, I loved the romance, and loved their story – including the glimpses we got into their past together and the way that was woven into the book. This was a surprising read with lots of feels, and I loved it.

4 stars.

This is my first 'serious' Tara Sivec novel and it was a solid 3. The plot had some surprising turns at the end but ultimately, for me, it felt a little less gut punching emotional and more like the characters were going through the motions...for lack of a better way of expressing it? Based on the synopsis I thought I'd be overwrought but instead I couldn't seem to always feel or connect with the emotions on the page.

This was such an emotional read, I couldn't help but feel my heart break while reading this one. It also gave you hope these two could find their way back to each other. There were so many lies and secrets that you just had to keep reading to see if they would come out and the truth be revealed. I loved all the emotions I felt, even if some of it broke my heart. I highly recommend this one if you love to be able to feel what the characters are feeling.

Release Date: June 13, 2017
Genre: Military Romance. Second Chance Romance.

GAH! This book had my eyes FLOODING with tears. It is absolutely gorgeous, but also achingly heartbreaking. Normally, when I pick up a book by Tara Sivec (she is one of my top 5 favorite authors) I know I am going in to have a good laugh. But this one is so different. It's not the type that will cause you to roll around in hysterics but instead, the type to make you FEEL. A lot of swooning happens too but the FEELS are tremendous. YIKES! I know this one was going to be packed with emotion but I had no idea that I was going to be taken on an emotional roller-coaster that left me feeling like I do now. This is an absolute MUST READ. And is most definitely going to be on my top 10 favorite books of the year - I just know it! -

With that, this is a beautiful albeit emotional romance novel that is filled with the kind of love that all us women dream to have. It takes some time to get there, and there are numerous road blocks standing in the couples way, but when they finally get what they needed from one another all along- it's pure fireworks! I don't want to get to much into the plot because this book NEEDS to be read with 0 spoilers, but it is going to get your blood boiling (especially in the military aspects) and your heart pounding.

If your a fan of the author but, like me, have only read her hilarious books, I highly recommend (can I demand?) that you read this one! It's so different from her Chocolate Lovers and Chocoholics series (and of course, her other ones that are my top favorites EVER), but so worth the read!

The emotions that this story pulls out of you is crazy. I didn't see the twist coming until it was to late. This is a must read of 2017. Full review will post later.

The Story of Us begins with a horrific scene-two Marines held hostage and nearly beaten to death at the hands of terrorists.

Eli has been held captive for five years (along with his best friend, Rylan) and their loved ones back home believe they are dead. The only thing that has helped Eli hang on is thoughts of Shelby.

Her laughter, her smile, the smell of her skin.

And the lie he told her before being deployed.

I never should have left you. I’ll never stop loving you, even if you hate me for walking away.

Shelby has lied to protect the only man she’s ever loved. Even though Eli broke her heart, she is prepared to sacrifice her life to defend the memory of the boy she loved.

The Story of Us is filled with secrets and lies and when Eli returns home from the dead--everything comes crashing down around a prominent, wealthy, Southern family.

While I ended up loving the conclusion of this heartbreaking love story, I did have a difficult time connecting with the hero and heroine. The reader doesn’t get to see the beginning of Shelby and Eli’s relationship until later…and then, it only comes in bits and pieces. And it also comes from Eli, through written letters that Shelby never received. I think the way their past was told had an effect on my lack of caring for these characters. It wasn’t until about 2/3 of the way into the book that I felt a deeper connection, but by then I had started shamelessly skimming just to see what was going to happen. Maybe if the story had been written in a more linear fashion, I would have connected sooner? I dunno.

That being said, Tara Sivec does a superb job creating a twisty, didn’t-see-THAT-coming, plot that had me sucking in a breath (dayum!) and even had me crying at one point. So, I am not left feeling totally deflated.

The Story of Us is told in dual POV and has some epic moments and surprises in store for the reader---they just happened a little too late for me to justify a higher rating.

I love Tara Sivec. She is such a well-rounded author and shows she can truly write anything. While her humor and comedy make me smile and laugh out loud, it's her stories from the heart that really speak to me emotionally and soulfully.

The Story of Us is a beautiful, 2nd chance love story that will pull at your heartstrings while making you root for a Happily Ever After.

Eli and Shelby are from completely different upbringings. How they meet is shown in the story and I won't spoil it for you but I had a complete smile on my face because I knew that something special was going to happen between these two.

Eli suffers the unimaginable during his deployment and my heart was literally in my theist thinking of the men and women who fight for our country every day.

As the story unravels and Eli and Shelby are brought into each other's lives again, I can't help but hope and pray for healing. These two characters need it more than any characters I have ever read about.

So many lies and secrets are revealed and a couple of unexpected moments that made me say OMG out loud. The pain of lost time between these lovers broke my heart and had me shedding tears but it was the hope that they could find their paths to each other again that made me push ahead even when the sadness hurt my heart.

I love Tara Sivec's words... I love the emotion and feeling and care that went into this well-crafted story and even more than this, I loved that joyful feeling in my heart that had me closing my kindle with a smile on my face knowing that these characters, though broken and constantly working to be better, were going to be ok.

Member of ARC Review Team

I'm devastated.
I'm at peace.
I hate Tara Sivec.
I love Tara Sivec.

She never lets me down with her work, but this one...this one makes you stand up and do a slow clap. The Story of Us makes you realize that she is an amazing author and how far she has come on her journey. This is one of the top books I have read this year and without a doubt with make it into my Top Reads of 2017. I can't think of another author who can make me cry from laughing so hard in one book and then turn around and make me cry by crushing my heart in another.

The Story of Us is devastatingly beautiful. So sit down, strap in, and get your tissues ready as Eli and Shelby's story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. The twists, turns, and surprises will take your breathe away and leave you wanting more.

My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.

5 "You saved me" stars!

Wow, wow, wow. Sometimes my cold heart will feel, what are those things called again? Oh yeah, emotions. They don't come around too often but when they do, they hit me hard and make me like a book that much more. I absolutely loved Shelby and Eli. Those two had me feeling all kinds of these so called feelings. A roller coaster of emotions if you will. I finished this book late last night and I'm still thinking about them a day later. The last half of the book about killed me. I wanted to wrap both Eli and Shelby up into my arms and give them a great big group hug!

I say Tara hit it outta the park with this one. What a fantastic second chance romance, I highly recommend it.

My favorite quote-“You saved me, Shelby,”
“For five years, you saved me, and you didn’t even know it. Now it’s my turn to save you.” *girly sigh*

It has been awhile since I have picked up a book from Tara Sivec, but I have always enjoyed her books. She is very versatile and able to write very different genres.

The Story of Us was a beautifully written 2nd chance story that is filled with emotion and love.

The Story of Us is an emotional second chance romance about a solider and the girl he left behind. When Eli went overseas, he did what he had to do and left behind the woman he loved, Shelby Eubanks. Shelby never thought Eli would come back, especially not to her. Not with the way she left things. But here he is, flipping her entire world upside down.

Shelby and Eli fell for each other when they were young, but there were obstacles that got in the way and things (people) who wanted to keep them apart. Now that Eli is home, he will stop at nothing to win Shelby over. Shelby is not the same person she was when Eli left 5+ years ago. They are both scarred. Eli will fight his way back into her heart. He knows something is still there. And he’ll do it by reminding her of their story… The story of us.

I enjoyed the premise of this story and I love emotional reads, but for some reason I had trouble connecting with the characters and staying engaged. I enjoy Tara Sivec’s emotional side (Fischer’s Light is one of my favorite books) and the her writing it top notch. While I liked this book, I didn’t fall in love like I had hoped I would. I think it’s a case of ‘it was me, not the book’, and most who pick this one up will enjoy it more!

So many feels...my heart feels bruised.

I started reading this book and nothing could make me put it down. Eli and Shelby's story is so compelling, painful, strong and overflowing with love, it's addictive. From the moment you start reading you're taken on a pain filled, emotional rollercoaster where you fall in love with each character you meet. Eli, Shelby, sweet beautiful Rylan, Kat and Daniel. They're all amazing and all make this story one that sticks with you, long after you've put it down.

I know Tara writes exceptionally well. I love every book of hers I've read, and there are quite a few, but none of them, not even Fisher's Light (which is incredible) broke my heart and then pieced it back together the way The Story of Us did.

At the end of Chapter 28, my heart broke all over again for Eli. I'd guessed it was coming, but the way Tara worked this into the story and made it real in this chapter was beautifully brutal.

I know this will be a book that I read again and again just so that I can revisit the love, strength and courage of these characters.

Well done Tara, and thank you for another amazing gift of a book!

Shelby and Eli were head over heels in love with each other. While serving our country as a Marine in Afghanistan, Eli became a prisoner of war and was held and tortured for years. During that time Shelby thought she was helping Eli and made a deal with the devil...her mother. Now over 5 years later, Eli is freed and home. Suffering from PTSD and thinking of Shelby, Eli is hoping to get her back. One problem is Shelby has been dating someone, the other problem is that she can't get Eli off of her mind, but the biggest problem is she might not really have a choice!!!!

What an emotional read!! This is a novel that will definitely stay with me. I loved the way Tara Sivec told the story in both Shelby and Eli's points of view. The storyline is cleverly told between the past and present which gave us the ability to appreciate the full scope of their situation. There were plenty of well timed twists and turns the I didn't see coming-- loved that! The Story of Us is a 5 star novel that will give you feels galore. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

3.5 stars

I absolutely loved the premise and storyline of this book. This is a different side of Tara Sivec than I am used too. I have been a fan of hers since her Chocolate Series. That series will have you laughing out loud, but this book will touch on all of your inner emotions. This is a heartbreaking but also a heartwarming story about having a second chance at love.

I think what my biggest problem with this book was all of the inner monologue. We were in the characters heads a little too much. I think some inner monologue is good because it puts you in the head of the characters and you can really feel what they are feeling. But this book had way too much!!!! I like more dialogue between characters. I think when you take away that dialogue between characters you loose that personal connection that they share. I found it hard to see Eli and Shelby’s connection. Yes I could tell they both loved each other very much and were willing to make personal sacrifices for the other, but I think had there been more interaction between them it would’ve come across better on paper.

Now with that said, I would still recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of a second chance romance. This story will tug at your heartstrings. Story Of Us is a standalone novel told in Dual POV. Like I said I loved the storyline and the characters we meet in this book. I thought the story flowed really well and the pace would’ve been better without all the inner monologue. Just when I thought this story was going to be a predictable read, Tara through in some curveballs. They kept me turning the pages!!

In this story we follow the journey of Eli and Shelby. Shelby is a young woman who comes from a very well off family, but to say she has a very rocky relationship with her mom is putting it mildly. So when she meets Eli, the stable boy, you can guess that doesn’t go over very well. Trying to make her mom happy Shelby leaves for college, but not before making a move on Eli….that doesn’t go so well. Four years later Shelby comes back and reunites with Eli and they have a summer affair. Well that is not accepted by her mom. So color Shelby surprised when all of a sudden Eli leaves for the Marines without a word good bye. What happens from here is made up of lies, betrayal, deceit and hurt. Will Eli and Shelby ever get their HEA. What would you do for the one you love?? Read this story of second chance love to find out.

If you are a fan of Tara Sivec’s you will want to read this book.

"How much can a man take before he breaks? Is it measured by how many minutes, hours, days or years he lives in hell? Is it one too many punches, kicks, or broken bones because he refuses to give in?"

"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."

"I'm standing here in this room, alive and breathing and fighting because of YOU! Because in between the torture and the beatings and the fucking hell, year after year, I couldn't get you out of my head. Your smell, your smile, your laugh, your taste, your touch...it's the only fucking thing that made me want to wake up every damn day and go through that shit again and again. Thinking about you and fighting to get back to you is the only way I could fucking survive, so don't stand here and tell me to move on! Don't fall apart in my arms and then lie to me!"

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

What an extraordinary and beautiful read. Captivating. Beautifully written and down right captivating. This book grabbed a hold of my heart and took it for such an amazing ride.

The Story of Us follows the story of Shelby and Eli. Eli has only one regret in his life...Walking away from the woman he loved. He tried to fight and thought that he was doing the right thing. For the past five years, the only thing that has gotten Eli through the hell that had become his reality, was knowing that Shelby was living her dream. Little did he know that fate sometimes can be a cruel bitch....What would you do for someone you loved? Is there a price that is too high? When you are in love, is there any question to the lengths that you would go to protect that person?? When Eli left town, he left Shelby with a hole in her heart. She tried to forget him. She tried to move on. But, she could never let him go. She's not proud of what her life has become, but in her eyes, there is nothing she wouldn't do for Eli. Now, many years later, fate has brought these two lovers together once again. Only time hasn't been kind to either one of them. They are both broken. They are both scared. They are both shells of their former selves. Can Eli and Shelby heal each other and move on from the past? There is only one way to find out....

The Story of Us is incredibly beautiful and extremely well written. I was a goner from the moment I picked up this book. From the second I finished the prologue I thought to myself, "this book is going to destroy me.". And boy was I right. This book took a hold of my heart and took my emotions on a wild and incredible journey. As I got to know Shelby and Eli, my heart broke little by little for all that they endured. I felt so easily connected to them and wanted nothing more than for them to find their way back to each other. Both beautifully broken and dealt some pretty tough cards. I knew their journey was not going to be an easy one and I think that made their fight all that much sweeter.

The Story of Us is not an easy tale. It deals with some tough and at times serious subject matter. But, I can definitely say, the author handled it with extreme care and compassion. I felt instantly connected with the characters and felt as though I was right there with them as their story was being told.

The Story of Us is a beautiful and unforgettable love story. It shows the lengths that someone will go for love. It shows just how powerful true love is and how a love like Shelby and Eli's would never, ever die. The Story of Us was an amazing read from beginning to end. I devoured it easily in just one day. This story hit all the marks with some exciting twists and turns along the way.