I’m so heartbroken after reading this book. The storyline was amazing and I could tell what was going to happen early on but I definitely didn’t see it ending that way. Don’t get me wrong the story was written beautifully and I wouldn’t be so upset and emotional about it if it wasn’t great storytelling. I don’t want to give anything away but I did feel that the relationship between Ava and Eric was kind of forced because they both wanted to move on but we’re still so hung up on their past so it was hard for me to see them building a healthy relationship especially because she just started getting help to cope over her loss and the first time they hook up he is an emotional state and she does it to help him feel better so I didn’t see that being a good start but that’s just me. Overall great storyline, frustrating characters, and my heart hurts for John. ( )

I’m so heartbroken after reading this book. The storyline was amazing and I could tell what was going to happen early on but I definitely didn’t see it ending that way. Don’t get me wrong the story was written beautifully and I wouldn’t be so upset and emotional about it if it wasn’t great storytelling. I don’t want to give anything away but I did feel that the relationship between Ava and Eric was kind of forced because they both wanted to move on but we’re still so hung up on their past so it was hard for me to see them building a healthy relationship especially because she just started getting help to cope over her loss and the first time they hook up he is an emotional state and she does it to help him feel better so I didn’t see that being a good start but that’s just me. Overall great storyline, frustrating characters, and my heart hurts for John. ( )

I just couldn't get into this.
I have an issue with 'pining for an ex, dead or alive' troupe and that's what this is. He's been turned down in the previous book so now he must move on.
It's okay but just not for me.

Although Five Years Gone is a standalone romance, I highly recommend the book One Year Gone which continues where this story leaves off. Ava has been waiting for over five years for the love of her life to return from military duty with his special ops Navy Seal team that has gone on a mission to hunt down a terrorist who killed over 4000 people on a cruise ship. The book deals tells about how Ava deals with moving on with her life and opening herself up to possibly loving again.

I truly enjoyed this book. The story was emotional and heartbreaking at some points, but also hopeful and inspiring too. The characters were real and believable as they navigated complex feelings and life changes. ( )

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.

What an emotional, yet utterly captivating read. Two broken souls come together to form one solid pairing. As we are reading this story as a romance there is no doubt that the protagonists will end up together as a couple. It is a formula and it works for lovers of romance. But in Five Years Gone we have a very delicate problem. John West, a military man, disappeared from Ava’s life due to a terrorist attack five years ago. Ava waited and she was devastated and lived in limbo.

Ava’s life was in shambles but she pulled it all back together even while living with a broken heart. She never saw that ending. After Ava goes home to New York for her sister’s wedding, she decides to stay. Her life in San Diego is over. Too many memories. At her sister’s wedding she meets Eric Tisdale, her new brother-in-law. The two hit it off and become fast friends. At some point, Eric reveals to Ava that he has suffered terrible heartbreak. His fiancé ghosted him two years ago and so his heart is in a vice. Ava wants to share her history with Eric but has her reasons for holding back. But Eric slowly breaks down her barriers.

Five Years Gone is told from several first-person points of view, enabling readers to really get into the thoughts and feelings of the major characters. One revealing quote from the book reads, “This casual night out with a friend has taken on all-new significance, and how did that happen in the span of a heartbeat?” Another memorable line is, “ I found out what happens when dreams come true and how painful it is when they blow up in your face.” This is the vein of this wonderfully effective story. As much as felt torn for the decision that Ava was forced to make, I am ecstatic to mention that there is another book to follow this, but I won’t spoil it.

I don't quite know where to fit this in, but Ava’s new job brings another layer to this story, and this also leads readers to a secondary romance. I really loved this other couple and felt like my review would be remiss with at least mentioning it.

For an absolutely wonderful story, where you just might need a few tissues, that takes us on a journey of grief, love and hope, be sure to read this book. I definitely recommend this moving story. This is my first book by Marie Force, and learning that she has written 37 books tells me one thing. I have a lot of catching up to do!

Many thanks to Marie Force and Inkslinger PR for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )