Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

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Book Review — Leo’s Chance (A Sign of Love #1.5) by Mia Sheridan

Book Review — Leo’s Chance (A Sign of Love #1.5) by Mia Sheridan

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“Why are you looking at me?” …
“Because I like your face.”

Leo (A Sign of Love #1) was one of the best books I’ve read this year. It was a complete story start to finish that told a beautiful, emotional love story with a twist. The story was told primarily from the heroine’s perspective though and despite it reading very fluidly as a stand alone romance with a happy ending, we didn’t really see the hero’s POV. So this book, Leo’s Chance, gives that story. It is not a sequel and it is not a stand alone, but rather a companion novel to Leo that goes back and retells the same story but from the hero’s perspective.

You definitely have to read book #1 first because here you’ll find references, details and reveals that you’d only know about if you’d read the first book.

I have to admit though, after how “complete” a story Leo was, I was curious what else there could be to the story. But one page in and I was sucked right into the book.

Just like with the first one, this book flowed effortlessly. I really love Mia Sheridan’s writing style. She has a very fluid way of telling the story where suddenly you’ll look down and realize that 10% of your book just flew by!

The whole book is told from his POV in a mixture of present day scenes and flashbacks. The flashbacks fill in the blanks from right before they met giving us a bit more detail as to the set up of their meeting.

Mia Sheridan did a wonderful job of telling the guy POV. I really found myself understanding all his thoughts, decisions and actions. Even his mistakes became clearer because, by experiencing them through his eyes, you could literally see how much he didn’t mean them. Haha there were moments where you really felt him just go ‘oh shit’ and realize he’d just put his foot in his mouth. There were moments where he came off as bossy (in a good way) in the first book but seeing those scenes from his perspective show how he was really just trying to make a point. And most importantly, throughout the whole book, you could truly see the true depth of his feelings for Evie and how madly in love he was with her right from the start.

“My heart starts beating faster. I can’t mess this up. I’ve come so far and now the only girl I’ve ever loved is right in front of me. And she might hate my fucking guts.”

“She probably thinks I’m all over the map. Unsure one minute and caveman the next. But that’s pretty much exactly what’s going on inside of me. The two halves of me are duelling. I’m scared to death and possessive as hell.”

I will say though that despite enjoying the story a lot, I did find it a little easy to put down during the first half. Not at all because of any fault of the story, just because it’s harder to get quite as into a book when you know all the reveals and exactly what is about to happen. But at the same time, for a nice quiet day’s read, it worked perfectly.

Given his rather painful history and the abuse he went through, it was really wonderful seeing inside his head as they developed their relationship. There were some things about him that I really didn’t think about or fully appreciate in the first book but, seeing them brought to light here made so much sense — like how huge it was for him to give control over the pacing of certain parts of their relationship to her. When you read it in the first book from Evie’s POV, you just assume he’s a nice guy, but what you don’t immediately realize is what a huge gesture of caring and trust it was for him.

You really see how crazy in love with her he’s always been and how miserable he was with the choice he made before, with the choices that were taken away from him and how desperately he’d do anything to win her heart and make her his.

 “I’m going to show her how deep my feelings are for her and make her trust down to her soul that I want to take care of her. Because I do. And then when I tell her who I am she’ll know who we can be together.”

He’s just such a GOOD guy. Screwed over to hell and back by life but such a sweet, kind guy and a protector in every way. It’s in his nature, in his heart, and you can see it in all of his actions. He’s impossible not to fall for.

The big reveal scene hit me again hard even though I knew it was coming. It’s like the whole story builds up to this point and I’ll admit I teared up again and loved seeing the new explanation and insight into the details that were revealed.

The steam level is high. Graphic but tasteful. Just like with the first book, it was HOT!

Ohhhh and the EPILOGUE!!!!!!! I was in tears for the whole thing. It’s in Evie’s POV and it gave us two brand new scenes that so deeply touched my heart!!! The book is worth it for this alone even. *happy sigh* I just love epilogues!

This whole story (book #1 & 2) is a beautiful, emotional journey of resilience, lasting love, and overcoming the worst life can throw at you and, in the end, coming out of it stronger, together, with something that will last forever.

Remember though, this is not a stand alone! I’m not going to lie, this really is the same story as the first book, but if you were a fan of the first book and fell in love with the hero, you’ll love this too.

And finally I wanted to share this with you. It’s a little note from the author that really touched my heart:

I hope that Leo’s Chance will resonate and that reading about his journey will help you to see what a fighter he is. When I started this book, I read somewhere that a Leo is, “A lover by nature, and a fighter by instinct,” and that is certainly what my main character is to me. Enjoy him in all his beautifully damaged strength. He’s fought for everything he has, and doesn’t that make his victory all the sweeter? I like to think so. xx!!! Mia

4.5 stars

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Aestas: What was your inspiration for the story?

Mia: When I first started considering writing a romance, the characters came to me first. I didn’t exactly have an outline for the story at that point, but I had a really good feel for Evie and Leo. I wanted both of them to have come from difficult circumstances, and both be survivors, but in very different ways. I wanted to show that although she was a gentle dreamer, and he was a fighter by instinct, that they were both equally as strong. I was still trying to figure out my story line though. One day when I opened the Yahoo home page, there was a fun little article about “your sex sign,” or something similar. As I was reading it, I thought, wouldn’t it be interesting if you took a character that had all the personality attributes of a specific sign, and then threw life circumstances at them that would have them steer away from their innate characteristics? How would they fight to get back to who they were meant to be? What would that look like? I knew immediately that “Leo” would be my loyal lion and the story flowed from there.

Aestas: Did you write the two books at once or did you write Leo first and then decide to explore the alternate perspective?

Mia: Originally, I didn’t even think about writing an alternate POV. But all the way through writing Leo, I kept wishing I could write between both of their perspectives… that was kind of impossible though without giving away his secret. So once I finished Leo, I started considering a second book of the same story, in the alternate perspective. I hesitated to do this though because, although it’s kind of “trendy” right now, a lot of times I feel like it’s unnecessary. But in this case, I thought that it would be interesting to get in his head because he was actively lying – how was he justifying it to himself? How was he struggling with it? Can someone be doing something that they know in their heart is wrong, and still be a sympathetic character? I thought the answer was yes, and I wanted to explore that. 🙂

Aestas: If you had to explain to someone what Leo and Leo’s Chance are about, what would you say?

Mia: I would tell them that it’s a love story between two people who grew up in the worst of circumstances, and that each had to find their own distinctive way to survive the pain that they were faced with, in order to finally be together. It’s also a story of forgiveness and redemption.

Aestas: How long does it take you to write a book?

Mia: About two months.

Aestas: What’s next on the horizons for you?

Mia: Next up is my scorpio inspired story. It’s called, “Stinger,” and although I’ve only written a couple chapters, I am really excited about my main character. He’s different than anyone I’ve ever read about and I’m really excited to get into his head! I’m already having fun spending time with him! He’s slightly outrageous. 😉

Aestas: Thank you so much for the interview, Mia! I can’t wait for Stinger!!

PURCHASE LINKS

Book #1 : LEO

My Review | Buy on Kindle | Buy in Paperback

Book #2 : LEO’S CHANCE

Buy on Kindle | Buy in Paperback

 ❤  INTERNATIONAL SIGNED GIVEAWAY ❤

*** EDIT : THE AUTHOR JUST TOLD ME THERE WILL NOW BE THREE WINNERS!!!!!

Three winners will receive signed paperback copies of both books in this series.

Open Internationally. Void where prohibited. Must be over 18 to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments

  15. I have not read these books yet but they are at the top of my list! Thanks for doing this giveaway!

    Reply

  24. I would love to win! I borrowed Leo when I read it and would love to have an actual copy! Can’t wait to read Leo’s Chance. Congratulations on the new release!

    Reply

  29. just read LEO last night, its one of the best books ive read this year. cant wait to read LEO’S CHANCE

    Reply

  35. I loved Leo. Mia Sheridan’s writing is captivating. I have an ebook of Leo’s Chance but I really want paperback copies so that I could add them to my collections! Thank you for this great giveaway!

    Reply

  36. I literally just finished reading Leo minutes ago (it was a lend). The main reason why I read it was based on your rave review! So, thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing this book (and so many others) to my attention… Cannot wait for Leo’s Chance

    Reply

  64. I’ve heard such great things about these. Looking forward to reading them. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  76. This series has caught my eye. I loved reading the post & I’ll be adding both of these books to my summer TBRs. Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply

  80. Your review is really beautiful and felt! After reading it I can’t wait to read Mia Sheridan’s books!! 🙂
    And the giveaway is simply amazing! Thank you for this lovely chance!!
    The interview is fantastic and I’m looking forward to reading Stinger already!

    Reply

  81. These are on my to-read list it would be awesome to get them free and signed !!! Thanks for the give away. Keep em coming!

    Reply

  85. O.M.G…I’ve heard amazing things about this series. Thank you so much for the chance to win signed copies. *crossing fingers* 🙂

    Reply

  100. Thanks for another great giveaway! I’m starting Leo today, but I’m borrowing it from a friend which means I have to give it back. I hope I can win so I can have my very own copy!

    Reply

  102. I would love to have this two books!!
    I read your reviews and they sound great!

    Thank you for amazing giveaway!

    Reply

  103. What a great giveaway- I have been wanting to read these books, it would be great to win the paperback set! Woo hoo!

    Reply

  104. Thanks for your thoughts and interview on this series. You write such beautifully comprehensive reviews that I have to read them a couple times. I love a book that has well developed, strong characters that grow and aren’t whiney. I also love a story that touches all of my emotions and it sounds like the Leo series does that. I must say that many times when an female author writes a male pov that I find myself doubting that a man would think or talk the way they are written. It sounds like Mia has a good understanding of the male mind and I am excited to read Leo’s pov.
    I would love to win this autographed set, thank you for the chance!

    Reply

  109. Hey, great review, Aestas! Always love you reviews! I read Leo in one sitting and can’t wait to read Leo’s Chance! I would love to win this giveaway! *.*

    Reply

  111. Not only did I love Leo, I really appreciated the interview and the insight Mia have about the stories. Look forward to Leo’s Chance 🙂

    Reply

  122. Being a Leo myself, I’m kinda curious what those traits are and how many I share…. Looking forward to reading these books. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! 😀

    Reply

  127. Thanks for the give away!! i absolutely LOVED Leo! I’m reading Leo’s Chance right now and of course i am loving it 🙂

    Reply

  130. Thanks for the giveaway!!! I have not had the opportunity to read these yet!! More for my tbr pile!!

    Reply

  133. The books sounds amazing!! And a 5 star review from Aestas book blog is an awesome recommendation!

    Reply

  135. I loved Leo. Looking forward to reading Leo’s Chance. Thank You for the opportunity to win copies of both 🙂

    Reply

  139. How is it possible this is the first I’ve heard of these books? They sound amazing!!
    Thanks for this interview, excerpt, review, giveaway… you get the picture!

    Reply

  141. I LOVED Leo and can’t wait to read Leo’s Chance. Thank you both for the awesome giveaway!

    Reply

  144. i would so love to have these books!!! First of all i loooooved Leo so much i made my friends read it and two im still waiting for Leos chance to come to the nook. Pick me pleassssssssssssssse!!!

    Reply

  168. Leo has been on my TBR list for so long!! I would love to win these!! Thanks for the opportunity to win these!

    Reply

  170. Great giveaway I would love to win and read these books. Thanks for the chance. Good luck everyone happy reading 🙂

    Reply

  182. Ok thats it gotta get Leo on Kindle asap. But omg id love a copy of this in my hands. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂 Im excited to read this. Im sooo excited to read this! 🙂

    Reply

  187. A Sign of Love series is on my TBR list for quite some time now… I have to get to it soon. Thank you for the chance to win.

    Reply

  197. This was an unexpected awesome read! I loved this story. Would like to read Leo’s POV. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply

  206. Thanks for the giveaway! Loved the first book and I look forward to reading the second. I’d love to add them to my bookshelf! 🙂

    Reply

  216. I loved, loved, loved Leo and about a quarter of the way through Leo’s Chance and loving it so far 🙂 Signed paperbacks would make nice additions to my bookshelves.

    Reply

  218. I would love to win these!!!! I was so blown away when I read Leo. The story was just brilliant, and I couldn’t put it down. I just can’t wait to read Leo’s Chance! Love your review!

    Reply

  225. I just started Leo’s Chance today…loving it so far. Would love to win a signed copy, thanks for the chance

    Reply

  227. HOT HOT HOT, In Book Covers & Excerpts. Would Love A Chance To Read These, Since I’ve Never Read Anything By This Author. Thanks For This Giveaway.

    Reply

  229. Would love to get the chance to read these books. I’ve heard great things about this series . Thank you so much for this opportunity! 🙂

    Reply

  233. i really want to read this book! ugh, i love loooove Leo! thank you for the giveway 🙂 i wish i can win this

    Reply

  235. Thanks for a chance to win these books- They’re are on my TBR List I’m looking forward to reading them 🙂

    Reply

  245. Amazing giveaway!!! LOVED Leo and I can’t wait for Leo’s Chance. Thanks for the chance to win awesome books!

    Reply

  253. Two of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Not to mention the only ones ever to make me cry. Not in all the hundreds of books that I have read did one render me to a soggy mess…but these sure did…five star winners for me.

    Reply

  262. I would love to win these books! They are definitely on my list of books to be read! Crossing my fingers 🙂 Thanks for this awesome giveaway, and good luck to everyone else!

    Reply

  276. Gosh! I loved the first book and have been waiting for the second…Come onnnn! 7 come 11..picke me! Great giveaway!

    Reply

  280. This has been on my tbr list fir a while I think it’s about time to move it to the top of the list 🙂

    Reply

  283. I absolutely LOVED this series… especially “Leo’s Chance.” It was wonderful getting Leo’s perspective, which really made the story complete. I really hope I win!! CROSSING FINGERS!!

    Reply

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