GUEST POST, REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Soldier On by Sydney Logan

 

 Release Date: June 20

Genres: Romance/Military/New Adult

  

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?

 

Regular Price: $2.99 (ebook) 

Also available in paperback

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

 

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Writing Inspiration

Guest Post by Sydney Logan

First of all, thank you to Sassy Moms for inviting me to their blog! I appreciate their support so much!

The inspiration for my latest novel, Soldier On, came from many different sources.

I’m a firm believer in the idea that to be a good writer, you need to be a reader. Sadly, I don’t get to read much (I’m always writing or editing), but lately, I’ve been devouring books written by New Adult authors. I love coming-of-age stories, so I decided for my next book, I would write a New Adult book. I also knew I wanted to write about a soldier, but I didn’t want to write about war. Writing a New Adult book was the perfect solution, thanks to college ROTC programs. I spent so many hours on the Internet, researching ROTC and the US Army. I also spoke with ROTC students and military wives to get their perspectives and for help with my endless questions about uniforms, commencement ceremonies, and base housing, which were all important to the story.

When you read Soldier On, you’ll learn very quickly that it’s not just a military story. It’s definitely a story about family. Brandon’s dad’s story is loosely based on a friend of mine whose mother was battling the same medical issue (I’m being vague to avoid spoilers). My friend encouraged me to write about it, so I did. She is one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. I hope she’s proud.

 

Sarah's Review:

Thank you to Sydney Logan for reaching out and requesting a review.  As soon as I read the blurb, I instantly replied and said absolutely!  I mean come on, it is a military romance, plus Sydney is someone I will help at a drop of a hat.  Usually Adri beats me to it though.  ;)

I personally fell in love with these characters because they found a way to fall in love despite Steph's resistance to being with a military guy.  Granted, it took Steph by shock that Brandon was military, but she had already fallen in love with him at that point.   Brandon didn't pull any punches when it came to getting Steph to fall in love with him, but he also worried that him not telling her about being committed to the Army for the next four years would cause a huge rift in their relationship.  

I love the unconditional support that Steph and Brandon had from their friends, Steph's mom and eventually, Brandon's family made me so happy for them.  Being supportive of military couples is something that many people may not experience, but having support of their family and friends is a treasure that they need. 

Adri's Review:

Yeah I would usually beat Sarah to the punch on these military ones, and probably would have had I not gone on a trip to visit family when the request came in. I love Sydney Logan and her writing so like Sarah not only was a military it was from an amazing author how could I not want to read it. That being said let me warn you TISSUES will be needed when reading this book.

 Hmm... lets see where do I start... I love these characters, I found I was able to identify somewhat with them and the things that they go through. Brandon has a bit of a hard life and is working hard to do right by his family. His commitment to them is exemplary, he is the true definition of honor and commitment. His love for his family so easily pours into his feelings for Steph. Even when he is afraid she will hate him he gives her his all.

Steph is a bit bitter and hurt, but its understandable for someone who never got to meet their father due to his being hurt while doing his duty for his country. Though like many others I think its an honorable thing what her father did. With that being said though I can say that I would maybe feel the same way as Steph does if I found myself seeing the hurt and loneliness in my mother that Steph sees in hers. And letting Brandon into her life allows her to open up her heart to something wonderful.

Sydney Logan gave us a great cast of supporting characters, that I just totally fell in love with. I want to thank Sydney Logan for giving us the opportunity to read this book and hope that you will do so as well.

Happy Reading... Adri

BLOG BIRTHDAY GUEST POST: SYDNEY LOGAN

Happy birthday to Sarah Says Reads Romance! I am honored to be a small part of it.

For my guest post, I wanted to introduce my upcoming novel, Soldier On.

Genre: New Adult Romance/Military

Release: June 20, 2014

Publisher: Mountain Media/Sydney Logan

 

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.

REVIEW: The Little Drummer Boy by Sydney Logan

Blurb:

It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy.

It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.

Excerpt:

Rum pum pum pum.

It’s faint, but it’s there. A quiet, rhythmic beat that blends into the night. How this old man heard the sound is beyond me.

“You hear it, don’t you?”

With a nod, I look around, hoping to find the source of the sound. The man points toward the coffee shop’s covered alleyway.

“Back there,” he says.

The carolers begin their rendition of “O Holy Night,” and once again, I hear the “rum pum pum pum” coming from the darkness.

Intrigued, I step away from the old man and walk slowly toward the alley. Each step brings me closer to the beat, until finally, I see a little boy, nestled in the corner. His only light comes from a lantern, and a snare drum rests in his lap. The drum is scarred and the strap is frayed, but it’s obviously his most prized possession.

Probably his only possession.

Does he live here? In this filthy alley? And where are his parents? 
 

His clothes are dirty and ragged, and the faded blue jacket he wears is about three sizes too big.

“Shall I play for you?” he whispers.

Goodreads

Adri’s Review:

This is a different type of love story. It encompasses the meaning of Christmas so sweetly.

Justin is a lawyer who wants to give his wife a special present for Christmas, but as a woman who isn’t really into materialist things he can’t seem to find the right gift for her. All that changes the moment that he hears the drumming of a little boy who is homeless and alone on Christmas Eve. Wanting to help such a sweet, scared lonely boy, he takes him home with him. This turns out to be the best gift he could ever give his wife. Megan is so surprised when her husband takes her to see the sweet homeless boy he came across. She wants nothing more than to give him the love and home he desperately needs and deserves.  

This is one of those stories that is quick to read but filled with so much good cheer and feeling.

I hope you take the time to run out and read buy this story… You won’t be sorry.

Happy Reading… Adri