Review: Soldier On by Sydney Logan

by Sarah Reads - 7:00 PM

Will his call of duty break both their hearts?

Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph's only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play. Then she meets Brandon Walker at a New Year’s Eve costume party. Despite his disguise, Steph finds herself attracted to the camouflaged soldier who curls her toes with a scorching midnight kiss.

Brandon is an engineering major and ROTC student from the hills of Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a major general has given Brandon firsthand knowledge of the struggles military families sometimes face. Now that his father’s memory is fading, Brandon is even more determined to make his dad proud and graduate as an officer in the United States Army. Then he meets Stephanie, and suddenly, his focus is less on his military service and more on the pretty brunette who has stolen his heart. When he becomes aware of Steph’s resentment toward the military, he worries their relationship is doomed.

When faced with the realization that she's fallen in love with a soldier, can Steph’s wounds from the past be healed with love in her present . . . and in her future?

He’s closer now, with one hand pressed against the shelf behind me. He’s tall, but thanks to the ladder, we’re practically nose-to-nose. Normally, I would be frightened of a complete stranger invading my space, but honestly, this is the most relaxed I’ve felt all night. With his athletic build, there’s no doubt he could hurt me if he wanted, but I’m not afraid. For one thing, his breath doesn’t stink and his speech isn’t slurred. For another, he’s gazing at me with a pair of big brown eyes that make my stomach do this weird somersault-thing, and my stomach hasn’t done somersaults in a very long time.

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“Do you have someone to kiss at midnight?” he asks.

I simply shake my head. He steps closer, pinning me between his body and the bookshelf.

“You do now.”

Horns blare below, but I barely notice because in the next second, his mouth covers mine. His lips are feather light and sweet, causing warmth to spread through my veins and settle in my heart. I sigh, causing my lips to part slightly, allowing him to deepen the kiss. One of his hands stroke my cheek as he leans in, pressing his body tighter against mine. His quiet groan vibrates through me, and I’m ready to let go of the ladder and wrap my arms around him when he suddenly pulls away.

“Wow,” he whispers.

I’ll say.

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“You never answered my question,” Brandon says.

The movie ended an hour ago, but we haven’t moved from the couch. I’ve never understood why couples make out in the backseats of cars. Couches are so much more comfortable.

“Which question was that?”

“Who could you date?”

“Hmm.” I pretend to ponder. I mean, really, shouldn’t it be obvious by now? “Someone who is kind-hearted. Someone who walks old ladies to the door of the coffee shop. Someone who looks sexy in a paisley apron.”

He smiles. “What about a Kentucky Wildcats fan? Could you date one of those?”

It’s a fair question, considering my Indiana roots and my love for Hoosier basketball.

I wrinkle my nose. “I suppose.”

“Good to know.”

Available on Amazon

I loved this story. It was fun, realistic, and pulled at my heart strings. I give this story four and a half hearts.

Author Sydney Logan takes us on a journey of first love and trials. This story will grab your heart and hold it. There are times cried like a baby. I won’t give away the parts but I will tell you to have the Kleenex ready. This story is about growing up and finding acceptance in your other half. Finding your and first love is bound to have a little heartache. I loved watching Brandon and Steph grow together.

What happens when the woman you love hates everything you are about to become? Everything you truly are about?

Stephanie James “Steph” has spent the last almost four years completely consumed with her studies. She is drug to a New Year’s Eve costume where a handsome soldier gives her a New Year’s kiss of a lifetime. I mean what are the odds the sexy soldier who made her heart skip a beat was truly a soldier… Because in Steph’s world that would catastrophic! She despises the military. I yelled at Steph a few times throughout the book. She is just so stinking stubborn! Her fears have a wall built up that Brandon must work on breaking down.

Brandon Walker is one of those characters you just want to protect. The more Sydney Logan reveals about his life the more I wanted to hug him. Being a double major has kept him busy. But once he meets Steph she is all he can think about. He doesn’t mean to lie to Steph about being in the ROTC. But the moment he does find out she hates the military he prolongs it in hopes she will change her mind. He asks everyone she loves for insight on how to win his girl. That boy is head over heels for Steph! He risks it all just to be with her a little longer.

The explosive moment that Steph finds out the truth about Brandon my heart broke into a million pieces for them both. Sydney Logan does an amazing job at keeping her characters real throughout this story. She weaves in some amazing supporting characters that I fell in love with.

Amazon bestselling author Sydney Logan holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education. With the 2012 release of her novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. Her second book, Mountain Charm, was released in 2013. She is also the author of four short stories. A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.