Review....The Soldier by Rhonda Nelson

Winnie Templeton has been in love with Adam McPherson since the beginning of time. But now that Adam has returned from Iraq wounded, not just physically but mentally as well. He was Special Forces and lost his leg below the knee to a roadside bomb. Home at last he hasn't been recovering the way he should be, by getting his head straight and his body up to where he needs it to prove he can return to duty. He has been hiding out in his room at his parents hours and hiding from Winnie in particular. Winnie I thought was strong and independent as well as a successful pastry shop owner who for weeks hasn't been able to look at Adam without crying her yes out. She knows he is broken, mostly on the inside, but is more torn up knowing the battle Adam is facing with himself. Determined to rock him out of his funk, she finally bombards him in his room where he has been hiding out. Especially from her and she knows it too! With a little trickery she bamboozles him in to being her assistant coach for the girls soft ball tea. Due to his competitive nature Adam caves and falls for her ploy much to Winnie's relief. She knows he is going to need some tough love and she is all about being the one to give it to him. Throughout the two weeks Adam has gained much of his courage and confidence back and starts to make his way back physically as well as mentally. But he isn't a 100% yet! He has two months left on his tour back in Iraq and he is determined to prove he still belongs with his team. Spending so much time with Adam, Winnie begins to cave. I don't mean she is weak, she remains a strong woman, but she lets her feelings for Adam be known and lays it all on the line for him. Letting him know she has always loved him and always will be. Ada, already knows this in his heart and I found him to be completely endearing character. He has been dreaming of making love to Winnie for 15 months when an innocent hug at his going away party sparked more than his interest, more like his libido. They had always been competitive with each other, but now he just wants her naked and under him! As Adam finally lets Winnie into his heart and his pants.... on her bakery floor none the less, they only have two days before he is to head back to base. And he knows he must give her up if he is pursue his dream in the Special Forces and continue with his career. So, he does just that, Adam plays a cowards role and lets her go. But Winnie is tenacious and tell him that her love will never fade, it will last forever. If Adam could just man up and claim her and admit he loves her too. He will have to fight for her. A fun fast read with lovable characters !