✰ Liz ✰ 's Reviews > Wounded

Rania is an Iraqi girl that has been thrown into the depths of war. The war has ripped through her country and cost her a great deal of pain. She has lost both of her parents, her aunt, and her younger brother has even left her to take up a rifle and fight the big bad American Forces.



Rania is left struggling to feed herself and keep herself clothed. She is forced into a life of prostitution. She is degraded to selling her body in order to stay alive. Rania knows how to put up the mask when she is working. She has disassociated herself from the job.

“I feel like everyone who sees me knows what I am. As if it is written on my forehead in bold black ink. Perhaps it is written on my soul, now, and they can see it in my eyes, those windows to my soul.”

One day while in the slums, some American troops make their way through her town. There is gun fire, grenades, and blood loss. Rania is drawn to a soldier who is injured and decides to save him. She drags him back to her house. She cares for him.

Hunter is shaken up and injured. He is trying to assess his situation. Overall, the beauty Rania encompasses overcomes him. Although these two do not speak the same language, they learn to communicate through their actions. They teach each other their native tongues. Rania teaches Hunter beauty. Hunter teaches Rania the true meaning of love. It is a slow and tender story.

“There is so much. I had no clue I could feel this way, this much. It's like some deep well opened up inside me, and now all the love in all the world is being poured through me into her.”

I truly adored this book. The writing was descriptive and the pacing was just right. I felt like I was right there in the war zone. I felt proud of our soldiers. I felt sorry for the people torn up by the war. The only reason this book wasn't a 5 star for me was because I would have enjoyed a bit more of their happy ending. These two had been through hell and I wanted to see them together in heaven just a little longer. Overall, an amazing read! For anyone that likes action and romance, don't miss out on this jewel!