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I kissed her, then I left her. My best friend’s sister. The only girl I ever loved.

And that kiss? Gave new meaning to the words, “pinball machine.”

But the army called. No matter what, I am a man of honor. I’ll always do my duty. Even at great personal cost.

Now, four years later, I’m back. A little older. A little wiser. And unfortunately, the bearer of horrifically tragic news.

There’s no one else to do it.

I’ll go to the ends of the earth to find her.

But I don’t know what will happen after I hand her that letter.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2017

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About the author

Leslie McAdam

31 books1,402 followers
Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.

USA Today interview: http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...

Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love...

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5 stars
190 (40%)
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143 (30%)
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83 (17%)
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41 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Jules.
773 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2017
Grief is not linear. Neither is life. It is not a logical progression from A to B to C. Steps are taken backward, jumps forward, and the process can be halted, perhaps indefinitely, at any moment.

Returning from Afghanistan with a heavy heart was not the plan.
Chasing the girl of his dreams across the world to be the bearer of bad news was not the plan.
Finding new experiences, love and new ways of looking at life along the way was certainly not the plan... but is there ever really a plan that life runs to accordingly?

Leslie McAdam once again manages to conjure up a unique world. The places described feel lived in, as if one only needs to reach out their hand and feel the warm breeze drift over it, hear the flamenco music in their ears and smell the exotic teas in their nose. A world all of its own, and a story told in the truly exemplary Leslie McAdam way, with highly flawed characters, striving to be better. Experiencing and exploring the world, the surroundings they are given, or have chosen, and growing with them. Her main characters are worlds apart, not only physically, but in their opinions and world views. Yet, somehow, acknowledging this divide, she lets them find a way to each other that compromises neither position, and has them find a new reality that encompasses both their pasts.

Sol tells a story of life, in all its beautiful, grotesque, surreal, wonderful, funny, tumultuous facets. Considering that neither grief nor life is linear, Sol can merely take a snapshot, a rapid succession of snapshots perhaps, but the picture album is far from filled. Their story is merely the in the early stages of love, life, development. Imagining where on further they may go is truly a pleasure.

I was absolutely honoured to beta read this book, which is so much more than just a romance between a veteran and a world-loving flower child, it deals with so many topics, only visible at a second glance, from grief stems guilt, beneath sex lies power, intimacy, control, vulnerability and honesty, and with their freedom seeking love comes a struggle of steadfastness and flightyness. From mental health to emotional strength, Ms McAdams does not shy away from the tough subjects and incorporates them all into what is truly a hauntingly beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Cristiina♡Reads.
592 reviews3,488 followers
October 6, 2017
➳I haven't read a military romance in a while to satisfied my needs ;) but this one, oh, this story compels you one hundred percent on every way...



➳Going off to war is something that one must understand, becomes a problem not only for said person who goes off to war, but also those you leave behind. This story is about two best friends who go out to be part of the war for four years. One of the two guys has an older sister who is against the idea of them going through violence to get their living status. The other guy, Trent, he has had a crush on Dani ever since he can recall what love is. They all have known each other for such a long time, that parting ways become the ultimate struggle.

➳Once the four year time period past, it's time for Trent to come home. And he comes home with tragic news to tell Dani. Danika had grown up to become a Spanish to English teacher. Her love for teaching has out-shined all of other passionated careers I have ever read before. Though she is hard to find due to the fact that she never uses any sort of internet access, Trent is able to finally track her down and make her his, but after everything is nice and settled with the news he has holding with his hands.

➳This love story was so sweet to read. Not the fastest story that I have read before, but it could be read in one sitting if enjoyed throughly. Lex Martin never seems to disappoint me when it comes down to reading something that will make my heart bleed through and through for the better and the worse of the characters. Trent and Dani have an unspoken chemistry that makes me beyond jealous of such a story. Thank you Lex for providing this ARC that I will not regret ever reading, and will most likely read over and over again in the future!

➳ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review...

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Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,768 reviews78 followers
October 16, 2017
Sol...this title has soooooo much meaning. It's heart warming. (snicker at lame but amusing joke) Seriously, the meaning behind the title brings tears to my eyes.

This story is obviously one that will evoke emotions. Tears are a fact. A touching, heart ache filled story. Sol is a sweet, so sweet story. A life long love, a tragic situation, and fear mix to give you this emotional rollercoaster.

Along with the emotional ride, there's an adventurous spark. Seeing Spain through the characters eyes will ignite a flame in all you curious readers. I loved the picturesque descriptions of places I'd love to roam. Crazy things I'd love to try and do. But I think the key to this story is the people in it!

I found friendships I wanted to have. People I wanted to get to know better. I love when a character makes you want to be their friend. I live when a book gives you new friends.

Sol is a bright spot of love, friendship, and life. It is the perfect ray of sunshine.

[Side note- I have no idea if yoga is all that this book makes it out to be. As a skeptical and a yoga virgin, I had never entertained the idea but the release that this book describes makes me want to try it.]

So for all the book skeptics out there, come grab Sol. It will (pardon the cheesy pun) light up your day.

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Book-Bosomed  blog.
516 reviews250 followers
October 8, 2017
3.5 Stars

Danika Anderson, 26, is a free spirit and pacifist, indulging in her nomad lifestyle of traveling and teaching. Trent Milner, 22, her brother’s best friend, is fresh out of the army and on a new but sobering mission to track down the girl he’s always crushed on. Once he finds the class she’s teaching, he’s about to become her student if that’s what it takes to reach her.

This is a hard one to rate for me (which is why I’m rounding it up). It’s also one of those times where I stress that it’s the words in a review that are more important than a number rating. As a love story, this is poignant. I believed that Dani and Trent were right for each other; they just had to find their way and work through both their separate and shared experiences.

Told via their alternating dual first person POV, when they finally got together, it was hot and beautiful all in one. The love scenes were just that—rooted in love yet sensual at the same time. They weren’t cheesy clichéd sex scene dialogue; they were well written and what more romance writers should strive for.

“And my soldier let go of his restraints. Frenzied, he pounded into me, so impossibly hard, so impossibly strong, and still tender at the same time.”

Dani is a strong, independent heroine, although she did frustrate me at times. Trent is aww… a total sweetie, a devoted romantic hero, and most definitely a book boyfriend. Protective but not possessive or demeaning. Loving, understanding, and full of integrity.

Despite the premise, this isn’t a smutty teacher-student taboo tale. It’s much deeper than that. I’ve also read the author’s The Stars in the Sky, which is largely different from this one as in it’s light-hearted and fun. The two stories do share a common theme of bridging two characters who seem to be fundamentally different. That’s an inspiring message that’s probably needed more today than ever. I also strongly appreciated how a positive and constructive approach to serious issues was handled.

The overall tone of the story is what deterred from my overall enjoyment. This one is very melancholy as it deals with heart-breaking subject matter and fully depicts the grief process. As someone who’s experienced similar distressing feats many years ago, yet in different circumstances, there were aspects that were just hard to read because I related to them. I don’t like books that make me cry, and this was one that took me back to experiences that aren’t ones I like to relive. Readers less sensitive to grief will probably appreciate the depth to the story and the feeling the characters share though. While acknowledging that it was a tough read for me, I must also praise the focus on the character’s inner struggles. Yes, it felt emotional and angsty and that’s not my style, but the angst was fitting for the topic. And I also must praise that there was no unnecessary drama (like of the OW/OM kind) that creeps up far too often in romantic fiction. This was a journey the hero and the heroine had to undertake; it was a sad yet thoughtful and beautiful one.

Safety Recap:

*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Profile Image for Alexis Alvarez.
Author 26 books243 followers
October 3, 2017
Sol by Leslie McAdam is a gorgeous story full of poetry, sex, and love.

Like all of Leslie's books, it had themes that run deeper. This story delves into the concept of how people can communicate despite fundamental differences, as well as the effects of PTSD on war veterans.

But it's a love story at its core, full of her usual witty prose and gorgeous details about the place and characters.

I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it as a great read! 5 stars all the way.
Profile Image for Leslie.
Author 31 books1,402 followers
May 29, 2018
Once again, this author does an adequate job of reviewing her own work. She also does a competent job of meeting hotties to put on the cover. The dog tags may symbolize that the hero is military. Not sure. Oh, and it may be his name on it. Trent Milner.

And did you notice that he's wet?

The author should be banned from writing reviews while operating under sarcasm.

Also yes we couldn't crop it any lower or it'd be banned in more places.

The inside of the book, though? I didn't mean it to be ugly cry. I just meant it to have all the feels. So while I think it's a bit heartbreaking at times, I am absolutely sure I put your heart back stronger than ever.
October 16, 2017
This is a wonderful story of two people learning to face their grief and the reality of what it means to truly move forward with their lives. We see Dani and Trent attempt to deal with their losses in very different ways causing havoc between them.

This was so full of feeling and emotion. I loved this story!

reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,179 reviews121 followers
October 10, 2017
***5 ‘We Bought Our Ticket In the Sun’ Stars***

Since the description is all kinds of ambiguous, to say I didn’t know what I was getting myself into with Sol is one of those statements that will have most doing the heavy sigh/duh thing, but it’s true because what I guessed at was only a very, very small portion of what really would happen throughout the story. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a ride about redemption, forgiveness, freedom and learning just what it means to love and to be loved by someone.

I adored Trent from the first moment of meeting him. He has a quiet strength and once he chooses a path he sticks with it, even if it means take a few unexpected detours along the way. He has a huge heart, which jumps off the page throughout the book, but what I loved the most about him was how genuine he was about his feelings, wants, needs and even doubts.

Dani, overall I really liked the woman. I loved her carefree, I’m not afraid of taking on the world personality. I’m not sure if I could do all that she had done, but I loved that she did. But on the flip side, while she was adventurous, it was also a shield that she used to keep people and experiences and truths out and that drove me a little batshit because it poked holes in her “I’m all about freedom” spiel.

Their journey is all kinds of bumpy and is one that you need to go into blind to experience. What I will say is that they were very well matched in every way. The chemistry between them was hot and I loved how they not only balanced each other out, but helped the other grown and become stronger because they truly saw each other for who they were and loved unconditionally.

While this isn’t my first time reading a book by Leslie McAdam, it is the first where she is the only author and I really enjoyed the experience. The writing was engaging and flowed well. The pacing of the story was good and I enjoyed the dual 1st person POV. And while I enjoyed being apart of Trent and Dani’s evolution, I have to admit that where their story takes place played a large part in my love of it. Having spent time there many moons ago and having the time of my young life, it was fun to revisit it and I thought Ms. McAdam did a wonderful job at bringing the sights, smells and feel of it to vibrant life.

~ Copy provided via L Woods PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for Aviva Vaughn.
Author 15 books263 followers
July 12, 2018
I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end...what more is there to say?

I'll admit, I used to be a "star snob", having a hard time giving five stars to any book that wasn't "literature" (insert snobby English accent here.) But I've gotten over it, and part of why Leslie gets five stars is because her words made me:

1) laugh out loud and
2) ache deep in my gut

I love both those feelings, and you'll have them in spades with "SOL."

Of course, I'm also a sucker for any romance with a strong, slow burn relationship (heck, there are four years between the first and second kisses!) and travel/culture, so of course, SOL was an easy sell for me.

My favorite line of the entire book is this one, said by our military hero, Trent Milner, to the woman he's been pining after his entire life: "If you ever want me for a relationship, though, a real one, if you ever let me in, I'll tear your clothes off so fast you'd wonder why you even bothered wearing them." HOT DAMN! Sign me up!

BTW, if you are a fan of my books, then you will love SOL, which likewise features a fiery woman, a genteel hero, food, travel, and hot sex. So Soren lovers, get ready to fall in love with Trent!

I can't wait to read the next in this series, SOMBRA...
Profile Image for AJ.
3,134 reviews1,046 followers
June 13, 2018
3.5 stars!

A returned soldier on a heartbreaking mission, a girl running from real life, and an emotional story of long-time love realised. It’s a dramatic and intense romance set in the beautifully exotic town of Granada in southern Spain, as a tortured hero finally gets the chance he always wanted with the older sister of his best friend, and the love of his life.

Trent and his best friend Degan grew up together, and when they hit 18 they enlisted together. Just before they left for training and deployment, Trent took the chance of a lifetime and made a move on the only girl he has ever loved, Degan’s older sister, Danika. They shared one steamy kiss before he flew out, but it was enough to cement her place in his heart.

I had to leave. The kiss was a goodbye when we’d never said hello.

Four years later and Trent is home following deployment to Afghanistan. Shattered and broken by the loss he experienced over there, his first priority is to find Dani and deliver news that he is still struggling to come to terms with.

Dani is a nomad who has spent the last few years travelling from place to place, experiencing all that she can and leaving little trace of herself. She has created her own little world, living in blissful ignorance of what is happening outside of her little bubble.

After some investigating, Trent finds Dani teaching languages in the town of Granada, Spain. He immediately enrols in her class and travels to find her (cue epic reunion) and though he shatters her world, he stays on to support and spend time with her, finally taking the chance to tell her how he feels and try to see if he can finally have the one woman he has always loved.

“Don’t get too many ideas. You’re the annoying friend of my little brother, who’s all grown up now.”
“Thanks,” he said with a sarcastic snort. Then his gaze locked on mine. “You’re the phenomenal sister of my best friend, who I’ve wanted my entire life.”

This is such a gorgeous romance. From heartbreaking despair, Trent and Dani slip back into their easy friendship, and their feelings for each other that have been simmering away in the background (or in Trent’s case, blazing) are rekindled as their chemistry shoots to a new level now that he’s all grown up and ready to claim his girl.

“I want to be with you. In every way.” I reached over and held her hands. “I want to spend all the time I have on this earth with you. I learned in the army that I don’t have much time. We can’t take any second for granted. And I’m not wasting any moment I have with you.”

The exploration of their feelings is beautifully written, but they have hurdles to overcome. Firstly, they are still struggling with their grief, and Trent is fighting to deal with the trauma of what he endured while serving, there’s the forbidden element as Trent is technically a student of Dani’s, and she has to get used to not thinking of Trent as her little brother’s best friend. And then there’s Dani’s resistance to becoming involved on a deeper emotional level. They have a lot to figure out, but they are open and honest about everything, and I really enjoyed their journey as they work through it all and discover a passionately intense love that sweeps them both completely off their feet.

“I love you. Always have. Always will.”

I loved Trent. He has a huge heart, and he’s not afraid to show it, and his absolute devotion to Dani is beautifully written in a way that shows his commitment but without him becoming a doormat. He’s strong yet sweet, sexy, swoony and beautifully romantic, and that combined with his emotional torment make him an absolutely irresistible.

I did struggle with Dani though and found her a bit overly flighty for me. She’s very bohemian, and seemed quite juvenile at times, and I admit I had some difficulty fully connecting to her and her beliefs. There was a lot of talk about connecting with the universe and the like, and I would sometimes find myself zoning out, but it’s who she is, and watching her and Trent finding their happy place despite their differences was gorgeous.

I also really liked the setting of the story. There are vivid descriptions of the buildings and the beautiful environment of Granada, giving the book an enticingly exotic feel as the Spanish culture was explored.

I enjoyed this book. It’s well paced and beautifully written with lots of emotion, beautifully romantic and heartfelt, with a swoony, steamy love story.

3.5 stars.

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Karen.
1,545 reviews117 followers
October 18, 2017
Oh this book made me smile.

Oh this book made me happy.

Oh this book was flipping good.

Tinker bell haired Danika, a fairy hippie wood sprite, is the object of affection of soldier boy Trent Milner who happens to be the best friend of her little brother Degan. Degan the coco pop muncher. Warning I know I said fairy sprite but it is not paranormal, just throwing that out there in case you sue me for misdescriptions. Not paranormal, I repeat not paranormal.

Leslie McAdam has written a lovely story of deep friendship with the tragedy of loss; the happiness of love with the fear of reliance and the relief and peace in forgiveness. All of the elements of Sol fuse perfectly together.

I am a Trent cheerleader because he makes me think of Sunshine. He is the sweetest guy. So immodest. So thoughtful. So Sol! Long may he live in the Sunshine with his glass not half full but overflowing.

My absolute favourite quotes:

“Your denial is so deep you’d go a mile down deep into it and never see the bottom.”

“Dani, with light hair wild like a free form cloud on a blue summer’s day, held on to me.”

“Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It’s self healing, self liberating, and self empowering. Without forgiveness, you are hopeless, helpless, and powerless. But with forgiveness, while you can’t change your past, you can change how you relate to it.”

That last quote is worthy of a 5 star rating alone because it is so, so true.


Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,549 reviews147 followers
October 15, 2017
I thought I was going to be reading a typical student teacher romance but how wrong I was it is so much more.This is an absolutely beautiful stunning book where love and loss are themes explored throughout the story.

Danika is what I would call a free spirt she’s a woman who takes life by the balls and lives it. She’s fun and adventurous an independent woman who lives by her own rules. I’d love to meet her and go travelling you just know you would have lots of fun.

Trent is the younger man, her brothers best friend who has always loved her but could never pluck the courage up to make a move. Trent joins the army with Degan, when tragedy strikes he has to trace her to give her the news.

When he finds her teaching in Spain he decides to join the class and so begins a story of love and healing. The authors descriptive writing made me feel like I was there with them, she conjures up images of Spain that makes me want to visit,

This truly is a stunning book and I loved every word.


reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Life on Readpeat.
1,343 reviews106 followers
October 15, 2017
* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *
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I generously received this ARC from L Woods PR in exchange for an honest review...

Sol by Leslie McAdam is an emotionally raw and captivating story that will keep readers on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

Ever since the author first announced her upcoming release I knew that it was going to be one of those stories that would stick with me and capture my heart. Many might think that this is just a student/teacher military romance, but it's truly so much more...this is a story of life, love, loss and forgiveness.

Dani and Trent's chemistry was breathtakingly beautiful and I loved how heartfelt their story was! I couldn't put it down and at the same time...I never wanted it to end!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
273 reviews44 followers
October 31, 2017
This story is not only Beautifully written, but it’s really special! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read! It had a lot of love, emotion & heart in it! Trent & Dani both had to deal with grief which they dealt with it in different ways. I’m glad they came together & dealt with it together! Their love for each other was so beautiful! This is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2017! Only Leslie can make me cry & smile in the same sentence! I truly enjoyed every moment of this story & I can’t wait for the next one! The ending was absolutely perfect & beautiful! I cried at the end because of how incredible & beautiful this story was! I love Trent & Dani! They’re so good for each other! I hope to one day visit Spain & go to all the places that were mentioned! It seems so at peace & beautiful in Granada, Spain! Well done, Leslie, Well done! This is your best book yet! I am totally in love with the cover! It’s definitely my new favorite cover! I loved Re-Reading Taylor’s Story! It’s my favorite! I’m so happy he is on the cover of this amazing book!
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,480 reviews61 followers
January 5, 2018
This story is powerful. Dani and Trent's love story is heartbreaking at times. It's raw, honest and very emotional. This book touches on difficult subjects and handles them so well. There is also moments of sweet and plenty of heat. It's a really great story.

I received a free copy of this book for review
October 16, 2017
***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***

*ARC*

So I should probably start this review off by saying I am the wife of a veteran, one with PTSD and am very proud of him, his service and I get very passionate when it comes to certain topics, so at times I am harsher than I would be with any other book. I felt a LOT of things while reading SOL, but mostly anger. Anger towards the supposed heroine, Dani, which coming from the previous military spouse in me is most likely expected. I need to be very clear that I loved Trent, my heart ached and broke for him more than once, for what he went through, the pain he suffered, the difficult task upon him that wasn’t only because of his duty but because of the connection to Dani. I had no issues with him, any and all issues I had with this book is due to Dani.

If you know me I don’t bash books or authors and when I don’t like a book I make sure to explain why a book didn’t work for me. I don’t like writing bad reviews but unfortunately being a blogger it is a part of the job. I wish I could sit here and rave about SOL but in reality I want to rant, which I won’t do out of respect for the author who I have read before and enjoyed her books.

Dani is what ruined this book for me. Her blatant disrespect for anyone military and the military from the very start had me on edge. I understand everyone is entitled to their opinion so I tried, I tried very hard to not let her jabs at not only the military, but veterans, and at Trent get me upset but it is obvious that I failed in that task. The way she treats Trent was inexcusable. I understand lashing out at others while in pain but what she says to him, when he comes to do something that no friend should ever have to do, something he was bound to do not by duty but out of loyalty had me so angry I had tears in my eyes. When she makes a comment about him traveling across the world to find her is obsessive stalkerish I about lost my mind. She is self-righteous, bitchy and naïve about the world.

It saddens me so much that I didn’t like this book because the writing is strong and the premise of the book is one that draws me in every time. Best friend’s sister, military veteran, angst, sexiness, emotional, those are all things I love in my books. While this one obviously didn’t work for me like I had hoped I do still plan on reading more from Ms. McAdam.
Profile Image for Kimberly Garner.
1,280 reviews28 followers
October 8, 2017
This book by Leslie McAdam does many things. It shows you the soul of returning soldiers, it shows the heart, dedication and the aftermath of soldiers and war. This book is filled with grief, angst, love, triumph, and finding that one true soulmate. This story between Trent and Dani, was tragically beautiful, and heart wrenching. There were times where I want to stab Dani in the eye with a fork, but her feeling had a place, and her anger was misplaced and she realized it. Trent...That poor boy, he was left with so much guilt, and grief, yet in his heart bloomed the seeds of love for Dani.
This book set in Spain mostly was gorgeously told. The descriptions of places and people made me feel like I was right there. The characters leapt off the page and into your heart. This is a story of one man's grief and guilt, and his redemption found in the love of a good woman, who happened to be his polar opposite. This story is told in dual POV.

Logow stuff
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews73 followers
Want to read
June 20, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (6/20/2018)!💝

Blurb:
I kissed her, then I left her. My best friend’s sister. The only girl I ever loved.

And that kiss? Gave new meaning to the words, “pinball machine.”

But the army called. No matter what, I am a man of honor. I’ll always do my duty. Even at great personal cost.

Now, four years later, I’m back. A little older. A little wiser. And unfortunately, the bearer of horrifically tragic news.

There’s no one else to do it.

I’ll go to the ends of the earth to find her.

But I don’t know what will happen after I hand her that letter.
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,710 reviews1,398 followers
February 10, 2023
Dani was delusional, self-centered, and way too cavalier about life. I didn’t like how she expected everyone to conform to her beliefs about life, especially when she was so vehemently opposed to conformity.

Trent was this great guy who blinded himself to obvious things. He allowed Dani to walk all over him and it was pitiful. Here was this big, strong man who allowed himself to be swallowed up by Dani and her bullshit.

A painfully boring read with bits of color.
October 18, 2017
Trent had been in love with Dani for years. She was his best friend Degan’s older sister and the three of them were inseparable through some very tough times for Degan and Dani’s family. When Trent and Degan graduated, however, they decided to enlist in the Army together. For the first time, Dani and Trent share a kiss that takes them beyond friendship just days before Trent leaves for boot camp.

As a free spirit, Dani travels the world. She never stays in one spot long and refuses to put down any roots. She flits from place to place and tends to move on when things get hard or overwhelming. Her latest adventure has her in Spain teaching a Spanish / English translation class for the summer session at a university.

When the unthinkable happens and Trent has to tell Dani that her brother was killed in action, he realizes it has to be face to face, as he made a vow to Degan to always take care of her. When he finds her in Spain, he knows now more than ever that he loves her and needs to care for her in any capacity she will allow. Dani’s fear of commitment, however, puts having any type of relationship with her in jeopardy.

I had so many feels for this book! Trent is one heck of a man. He is honorable and loving and willing to do whatever he can to honor his best friend’s memory and care for his sister in any way she will let him. He’s also dealing with a sever case of PTSD and survivor’s guilt which leaves him a beautifully broken man trying to re-right his world after what he has experienced in the military.

While Dani is a free spirit, she has also been broken. Everyone she loves leaves, including her parents and now her brother. She is terrified of forming ties with anyone as it has always led to heartbreak for her. She knows she has feelings for Trent, but really does not know how to deal with them or act upon them in a way that leads to anything more than right now, as she can’t even contemplate more than that.

They really do fit together perfectly, but Dani’s fears leave Trent scrambling to hold on to something that may be impossible to keep if she is unable to deal with her fears and he can’t learn to manage his PTSD.

Sol is truly a beautiful story of loss and love and finding the light when your world truly seems dark. I give this story 5 stars.

i also want to applaud the author for her depictions of PTSD. As the spouse of a vet, I was very appreciative as she gave such a detailed and realistic view of what someone suffering from PTSD deals with on a daily basis.
Profile Image for FMR Book Grind.
2,189 reviews126 followers
October 18, 2017
GINA'S REVIEW
5 STARS


Dear Author,
You owe me a box of tissues.

Sincerely,
A Sobbing Reader

Right from the start the emotions were running high with this book! We get two characters who have a shared connection that forever bond them together.This is more than a student/teacher romance, much more. This is a story that runs deep. These two characters are struck with tragedy and they became each other's support system when they both needed it most. It's something very powerful, and in a way something very beautiful.

The story takes place in Spain and I loved how the author would give the readers details about the surrounds, it really made you feel like you were there. And she didn't over do it. She gave us just enough without making it feel like a travel guide. She incorporated the scenery with the story. It was very well done. This is an emotional story but also its a sweet romance with a little bit of humor thrown in. Everything came together so well from the characters, to the story line, to the writing. It was all amazing. By the end of the book, it was hard not to smile for these characters. To read about their journey on where they started to where they ended. Simply beautiful! This is a must read book!

TATIA'S REVIEW
4 STARS

A story of friendship, love, heartache, destruction, and healing, SOL was a beautiful read that was hard to put down. This was my first read by Leslie McAdams, but it won't be my last. This story was captivating and heartfelt. A story of friends who, while they may have different viewpoints of the world and agree to disagree on most, they'd do anything for each other. They had this bond with each other that seemed unbreakable. And it was until the unimaginable happened.
The descriptions, the details, the emotions, and all of the events that unfold within the pages was amazing. The words made me want to travel abroad that much more, to see the breathtaking views and experience the culture that I've only ever been able to experience through the words that I read so far. Leslie McAdams did a wonderful job of transporting me to another world that I felt within. The characters and their love and anguish. It all added up and created this magical story that you will love.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
1,939 reviews66 followers
November 19, 2017
Trent Milner has been in love with Danika Anderson his entire life. The one stolen moment he has with her before he leaves for the military is one he would carry with him for the next four years. Only days before his enlistment is up he and his best friend, Degan, Dani's brother, are to head stateside, Degan takes the full impact of a bomb, shielding his team from harm, then dying in Trent's arms. Now Trent is left with the images of his best friend dying along with the responsibility of telling the one woman he loves, Degan's sister, that he's gone.
Dani is a free spirit living wherever her mood takes her never staying in one spot too long. When Dani sees Trent sitting in her classroom after four long years, she sees a man living in the body of where the boy used to be. She always admired the boy, but the man before her now takes her breath away. Unfortunately Trent isn't there to sweep her off her feet, at least that isn't his main objective, and she has to come to grips with the devastating news he came to deliver. Dani struggles with an unresolved fight she had with her brother, but more than that, can she also forgive Trent for the reminder of everything he represent. Will she be able to look at him and not see Degan and all that she's lost?
Dealing with PTSD and unresolved feelings both Dani and Trent have a lot of healing to do, but together they are stronger than apart. They need to decide if they have a future that works where their past doesn't block out their sun.
Sol was not only a sweet love story about two opposing people struggling to overcome a devastating loss, but also a love story that showed how two people can help one another heal when you stick by during the hard times and work out problems instead of always running away from them. I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't a lot of unnecessary drama intermixed with the storyline. Instead Leslie focused on two people dealing with their grief in very real life ways, yet at the heart it was still a love story. Their journey was a delight to read.
Profile Image for Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~.
1,489 reviews49 followers
November 21, 2017
Wow. I don’t even know where to start right now. Once I had read the blurb of SOL by Leslie McAdam, I was sold and it became an immediate must-read for me. Little did I know, the blurb does not even scratch the surface of all the emotions, the depth, the beauty this story entails. Oh my God. I still feel my tears drying while typing this. And, no, this was not the only time this book brought me to tears.

I won’t go much into the storyline, in order not to spoil a thing for you and keep it as vague as the synopsis. Better go in blind, but be prepared for an onslaught of emotions.

Danika Anderson is a freebird – a gypsy, if you will, traveling the world, with no roots, no definite home at all. When she has enough of one place, she just packs her things and moves on – Peru, Greece and now Spain, you name it wherever her feet will carry her. She is adventurous and carefree with a very hippie-like view of the world, which I truly admired – and yet, it was a shield most of all: It sheltered her from bad experiences and people in general, basically keeping them out of her life, out of her heart. A perfect dichotomy which I adored and cursed in equal measure.

Trent Milner has basically known Dani, his best friend’s big sister, his whole life and has been in love with her for as long as he can remember. Now, discharged from the military which he joined with his best friend Degan years ago, he is looking for Dani and finding her on the other side of the world. His time with the army might be over, but the cruelest task still lies ahead of him… He is one wonderful human being: sensitive, compassionate, full of love and in general absolutely swoon-worthy.

SOL not only tackles the topic of grief and forgiveness in an utterly beautiful way, it also deals with PTSD and survivor’s guilt very carefully. All of this interwoven with the healing and cleansing power of yoga makes for one incredible soul-deep and maybe even a bit philosophic story.

What you expect: a student / teacher romance with a trace of military – what you get: so, so much more!
October 11, 2017
I received a copy and voluntarily left a review

It has been awhile since I have been able to sit down and partake in one of Leslie's decadent fictional worlds. She always brings a certain earthy flavor to her romances with characters that are on a self journey of enlightenment and find love in the process. This time Leslie gives us a free spirited flower child who goes wherever her soul takes her and a soldier who has fought for his country and wears his heart on his sleeve. It wasn't long into Danika and Trent's story that I was knee deep in angst and overflowing with love for these two!

Danika Anderson aka Dani is the epitome of a walking talking tree hugger complete with flowers in her hair and yoga poses. I adored this heroine and she kept me entertained and had me wanting to abandon my traditional thinking and roll out the yoga mat and take up meditation. Dani is a peace loving kick ass woman that has to learn to throw caution to the wind and love with all of her might because life is to short!

Seargeant Trent Miller had me wanting to stand at attention and salute him in all his delicious glory! If there was ever a hero that knew what he wanted and would go after it with all his heart, it is Trent! He had me ready to give him my all and fall at his feet from the beginning of his heart breaking story.

Leslie McAdams always delivers an amazing, out of this world story with strong relateable characters that will leave you smitten and unable to recover. I highly recommend Sol: A Love in Translation Novel for a read that will have your heart palpitating from all the heat and your eyes misting from all the feels! I have loved Leslie's work since I read the first chapter in The Sun And The Moon and my adoration and obsession has continued to grow with each new book she has penned. Keep the stories coming Leslie and we will keep reading!!
Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews41 followers
October 11, 2017
SOL: What I had expected: teacher/student romance. SOL: What I discovered: an intimate story that moves from grief to forgiveness. The characters are moving. Their struggles are heartfelt and emotional. It was had not to shed a tear. SOL is a romance built from a shared lose. It's beautifully poignant, a contradiction, much like the two characters. The main characters have fundamentally different ways of viewing the world.

Trent Miller is on a mission to find Danika Anderson. He has a letter to deliver. When Trent discovers she's teaching a class in Spain, he doesn't hesitate to register for her class.

Trent and Dani have a past. They had shared a kiss before Trent and Dani's brother, Degan, left for the military. Trent never moved past their kiss and is hoping for more.

The story is an emotional rollercoaster ride. Trent and Dani are two very different people. Trent needs control while Dani is a free spirit. Their wills collide. Both characters have to work through their emotions, fears and inner turmoil. My heart broke as they came to grips with their lose. I cried as they learned to forgive. In the end they find their HEA.

Trent and Dani are two very different people however they share a bond that helped them shed their past and start a new life. SOL digs deep. 5 Stars!
Profile Image for Eileen (Bangor Belles) Robinson.
1,164 reviews27 followers
May 29, 2018
This is probably one of the most emotional Military(although in not the most prominent feature) Romances i have ever read.
Its a story about life, grief, loss and the unbreakable bonds of 3 friends.
Trent has been best friends with Degan and his sister Dani all his life, infact he's never not been in love with Dani his whole life. Their life together separated when Degan and Trent left to become soldiers, and Dani left for a more bohemian lifestyle. Now Trent, Fresh out of the army is on a new mission... to find Dani to give her news no one wants from a war zone, and also with hopes of finally claiming the only woman he will ever love. So he ends up in Spain at a language class being taught by Dani.
Omg i cannot even go into detail of the emotions that flooded me reading this book. I took a journey with two beautiful souls. Trent is a man full of honour, never mind being hot !!! Dani is a girl that really doesn't want to have to deal with the shit side of life, but yet those things she avoids the most is what she does best when Trent needs her. They travel though grief and loss, they bring us with them on finding their strength in their love, and it just touches your soul. This book will touch every single emotion you carry in the deepest part of your heart and gives you characters you will carry with you always !!
Profile Image for Gina.
723 reviews25 followers
October 10, 2017
Dear Author,
You owe me a box of tissues.

Sincerely,
A Sobbing Reader

Right from the start the emotions were running high with this book! We get two characters who have a shared connection that forever bond them together.This is more than a student/teacher romance, much more. This is a story that runs deep. These two characters are struck with tragedy and they became each other's support system when they both needed it most. It's something very powerful, and in a way something very beautiful.

The story takes place in Spain and I loved how the author would give the readers details about the surrounds, it really made you feel like you were there. And she didn't over do it. She gave us just enough without making it feel like a travel guide. She incorporated the scenery with the story. It was very well done. This is an emotional story but also its a sweet romance with a little bit of humor thrown in. Everything came together so well from the characters, to the story line, to the writing. It was all amazing. By the end of the book, it was hard not to smile for these characters. To read about their journey on where they started to where they ended. Simply beautiful! This is a must read book!

FMR BOOK GRIND
Profile Image for Pauline (Passionate About Books).
805 reviews15 followers
October 22, 2017
You can either choose to live in the sun or stay in the shade... it's your decision.
Trent has been in love with his best friend's older sister his whole life. When he goes off to serve his country, Danika is the only person he dreams about. Life though had other plans... ones where he returns home to deliver to the love of his life the news of her brother's brutal death. Can they move on from this loss? Both suffer the consequences... they are each eaten away by guilt... but they deal with it in different measures. Where Trent relives his buddy's death over and over again having to go through PTSD, Danika's inclination is to bolt so as not to deal with the ugly things of the world... selfishly believing she is protecting herself from such wounds. A beautiful yet heart breaking love story which needs time to form a base... one sturdy enough to hold all the emotions these two troubled souls feel. They need to process the pain and learn to deal with it head-on... without hiding their heads in the sand. 5 Passionate Stars for "SOL"a story of lament which teaches us that forgiveness is a self-healing, self-liberating and self- empowering gift you give yourself.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,114 reviews82 followers
October 25, 2017
This book wasn't what I was expecting. I wish I had known this book was going to be kinda sad. The beginning of this book set the tone of the book for me. And because of that... It took me a while to get into it. I kept putting it down and picking it back up. I was just so easily distracted by other things instead of being fully in it. I say around the 30% mark. It started to pick up a little for me.

But.... I just feel like some kind oh hint should've been in the synopsis. You have to be in the mood to read about what happens to Dani's brother. Which plays a big part in this book. I was kinda expecting a semi light military/ teacher/ student book. It just felt off in the whole teacher/ student thing.

I had a hard time connecting to the main characters. And I had a hard time with all the lusting and wanting to get together. I felt Dani should've been way more sad than she was. It just felt wrong so soon after hearing the news.
I couldn't move on from all that. And unfortunately.... I really wasn't feeling how this book was written.

I could go on and on. But I think you get what I'm trying to say. This book just wasn't for me.

* ARC provided for an honest review*
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