Love Her or Lose Her: A Novel

I enjoy a good book about a couple that’s married and having problems, but I have rarely found one that really does it for me. This one was exactly what I look for when I have a hankering for the trope. Dominic and Rosie were each other’s first for everything, but when Dominic returned from serving in Afghanistan everything that once made them shine was missing. When Rosie can no longer take living together in isolation, she walks away leaving a devastated Dominic behind. Rosie was easy to identify with as she had lost so much of herself through the years. I loved watching her not only regain the old her, but gain additional confidence to become someone even stronger. When the time came for her to do what needed to be done, she did so without hesitation, something I love seeing the hero do but don’t see too often with the heroine. There’s no doubt that Dominic has shot to first place on my favorite hero list! He was freaking amazing. He was determined to do what it took to win Rosie back. The deep need he had to provide for her, his caveman tendencies that he had to fight against, and his constant need just to have her, had me swooning each time we were in his point of view. Add in his dirty talk and it’s going to be almost impossible for another hero to beat him. While this definitely has some angst, it was leveled out with the perfect amount of humor to keep it from being a heavy read. The steam level is beyond sizzling and I’m sure my Kindle was in danger of melting. This couple are the very definition of hot and heavy. With the addition of fun and quirky secondary characters, this book has just become my favorite of the new year.

Firstly – let me apologize for the lateness of this review – I wanted it to be ready for the release date – and I missed that mark. BUT – y’all need to go out, grab the two in this series – read them – and then wait for the next…. Because they are fabulous! From emotional impact to romantic gestures, a more than ‘retro’ marriage counselor and the solid friendships and support: Dominic and Rosie have everything that they need to repair and improve their ten year marriage, if they are willing to work at it. See, Rosie has always (since high school) dreamed of having her own restaurant and Dominic – with their own big house overlooking the water from the porch. A house big enough to entertain all of their friends and children to come, and a restaurant where she can spread that love and caring to others. Dominic always wanted to provide and be strong for Rosie – since seventh grade that’s been his entire focus – knowing and seeing HER, and making sure that she wants for nothing. Since his return from Afghanistan he’s even more determined to prove his worth to her as a provider, mostly because he doesn’t think he’s got anything else. And, since his return their relationship has become a silent one, with knock-your-socks-off sex every Tuesday night, but little else. And Rosie’s had enough – leaving Dominic to stay with one of her best friends, Bethany. Far from a story where you’d find ‘blame’ for the marriage breaking down to lay solidly at one person’s feet – Dominic’s discomfort with emotions and words, and Rosie’s need for words become the first, and most glaring difference between the two. Desperate not to lose Rosie and feel a complete failure without purpose, Dominic begs her for another chance, something he can do to try to show her how much he wants her: and she books them with a ‘relationship Boot camp” with an unusual, 60’s throwback therapist with novel ideas and several unique ‘homework’ assignments that provide them both insight. So often, communication is at the center of any and all relationship problems – far from not ‘wanting’ to be together – the connection (physical and mental) between these two is so intertwined it could be a macramé plant hanger. The sparks between them, the heat, and Dominic’s deliciously filthy mouth (oh my goodness the creativity!), along with their litany of shared memories of moments – readers NEED to see them work this out – because as they both feel it so irretrievably broken, but at a loss for the what next, making this work – learning how actions and words can be ways to say I love you, the homework assignments – it’s a clever way to bring both sides together for a common purpose. When you add in the romantic gestures (swoon) from Dominic, and Rosie’s attempts to ‘show’ and not just speak her love, the frustration of Stephen (Dominic’s boss) with his two sister’s men AND Dominic – who is marginally the favorite even as they are ‘talking relationships’, and several glorious, steam off the pages and crave a cold shower scenes with plenty of hot, filthy talk – the story packs a visceral punch that isn’t just tugging at your heart. Everyone has had a communication blip in their relationship – and if you say not me – you are lying. This isn’t a handbook, but a hope book – that no matter how bleak, how silent, or even how ‘alone’ a couple feels: there is hope and ways to make it all work. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

4.5 Language of Love Stars! I absolutely loved this second chance at love romance! This second book in Bailey's Hot & Hammered series is so poignant, fun and sexy! This is Rosie and Dominic's story. They are a married couple who have been each other's firsts. Their relationship has become rocky and in serious need of a renovation. Their chemistry has never cooled but their communication is non existent. Rosie is ready to move on, but Dominic will do whatever it takes to prove to her that they are soul mates. As they go to extremes to find their way back to each other, they both discover the language of love isn't always what you think it is. I loved this exploration into the relationship of a married couple. They love each other so much, but had lost their ability to really see and appreciate each other. Their journey back to each other was so poignant, and heartfelt. I loved how their friends and co-workers were so supportive and essential in their story making it fun, quirky and authentic. I am loving this Hot & Hammered series! You definitely don't want to miss Rosie and Dominic's funny, heartfelt, and sweet & steamy romance!