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Book Review | It Had to be You by @LiviaQuinn #militaryromance #bookreview #romance


Title: It Had to be You

Author: Livia Quinn

Genre: Small Town Military Romance

Book Blurb:

Love happens when you least expect it. . .even when you resist.

Jed Summers has had a change of heart.

When he and Samantha Larue started dating he’d known she was pregnant and still he found her wildly attractive. But when their relationship turned more serious, Jed ended it, telling her he’d sworn off marriage and kids years ago after an abusive childhood. After following her around for six months, as if he still cared, he delivered Sam’s baby and now, every time he sees her and little Nina, he wonders if he made the biggest mistake of his life.

New developments from Jed’s past turn his long- held ideas upside down then Sam is threatened and her secret is exposed, leaving her feeling vulnerable. Can he convince her to give him a second chance?

My Review:

Jed is a man conflicted. When he and Sam were together, it was bliss. It was only when the topic of marriage and kids came up that Jed freaked out. He swore after what he went through as an abused kid, he’d never get married and have a kid. But now, after Sam had little Nina, he wonders if he’s thrown away his only chance for happiness. When Sam’s dark secret is exposed, Jed has a choice to made: can he rectify his past and show Sam just how much he loves her and little Nina or will he be lonely forever?

We first met this couple in Christmas Wishes and I fell in love with them instantly. Sam is a feisty woman who can take care of herself but she also has a soft side which few get to see. Jed broke her heart when he left but also always stayed close by. I loved this second chance romance. Not only is it about Jed and Sam’s relationship but there’re also serious issues explored here such as military families, child abuse, rape, forgiveness and embracing love.

It Had to be You is an emotional roller coaster ride and I cried when certain truths were revealed. Livia Quinn doesn’t gloss over anything and gives the reader the same experiences as the characters. You feel what they feel and frankly, it’s dramatic romance at its very best.

If you’re looking for a military romance with depth, pick this up today. You’ll see why I think Sam is the strongest heroine I’ve ever read.

Favorite Character/Quote: Sam. She is one of the strongest heroines I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. She’s gone through so much and at the end of the day, she’s vulnerable, just like any woman. I loved how Livia Quinn gave her flaws and made her so relatable.

My Rating: 5 stars

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Author Biography:

Livia moved from D.C. to Louisiana where the weather and culture of the region inspired her writing, including her storm faerie, Tempest, and her contemporary romance series, The Calloways of Rainbow Bayou. She’s stored up fodder from her jobs as mail lady, salesperson, plant manager, business owner and professional singer to share with readers. Think of her as her characters’ biographer! On the bayou, she is protected from the alligators and bears by her husband and feisty Pomeranian, Dusty.

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Reviewed by: Mrs. N

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