Series Title: The Reflection series
Including: Between the Pain, After the Pain
Author: Gia Riley
Released: June 2014 & Sept 2014

Graduating from nursing school and finding herself thrown into the real world, twenty-two year old Hallie Dawson is determined to prove herself on the job. A chance encounter on the first day has charming Ryan Andrews showing up everywhere she goes. With only a string of random hook-ups and one failed relationship in her past, Hallie isn’t used to being pursued. For the first time, two men desire her. Will she choose the right one – or does fate hold all the cards? 

Between the Pain is a Contemporary Romance novella about finding love – and being brave enough to follow your heart. Will Hallie end up in the arms of her true love or are the moments in between her pain forming the real story.

Timing is everything. 

A fraction of a second, one altered course, one note — change her life forever.

You can purchase your copy of Between the Pain today at the retailers listed below.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Wow! I would like to acknowledge that Gia Riley has officially made it to my new author watch list. Between the Pain was a sweet story, one filled with emotion, love, loss, and life. This novella introduces us to Hallie, a young woman embarking on her life, who has graduated from college and is starting to work as a nurse. She is excited and nervous about what life has in store for her.  As with any new job, she meets new people, two of which include the sexy RN Ryan and the flirtatious social worker Sean. When Ryan begins to pursue Hallie, it is a whirlwind romance, full of stolen kisses, sweet dates, and excitement for what could be. Yet as the relationship begins to deepen, it is all cut short tragically, leaving Hallie heartbroken. As she attempts to move on and pick up the pieces, she is surrounded by her family and friends, who come and carry her when she needs it most. One of these important people is Sean, who has wanted to be with Hallie all along.

This story started off fast paced and kept me going till the end. Hallie and Ryan’s relationship was sweet with a healthy dose of sexy! Their interactions were deep and they were connected in way that seemed impossible after such a short time. I was curious what would happen seeing as how they were perfect for each other. When tragedy struck I was not at all prepared. Apparently I had been reading too many bad boy stories because I was expecting things to go one way and I was assaulted by a completely different plot twist. I was devastated.

Hallie was such a great character. I loved seeing her personality and learning more about who she was and what she wanted out of life. I feel like this book was a perfect portrayal of her first stepping stone to true adulthood, one that unfortunately would leave scars on her heart and a deeper maturity than you would expect from a 22 year old. She was carefree and full of life, choosing to fall hard and deep for a man who saw her as worthy. It was such a sweet story and I loved watching how her view of self deepened, allowing her to see her true worth and beauty.

This novella sets the stage for an incredible tale in After the Pain. I am excited to dive in!

The song ends and we’re left in the middle of the dance floor staring at each other. Neither of us makes a move to say anything else. Why can’t I just say yes like any other normal girl would? 

One of the bartenders is on the small stage announcing a drink special and something about a band starting in fifteen minutes. I’m too busy looking into Ryan’s eyes to really care about either of those two things right now. Before I have a chance to get my words of acceptance out, Ryan decides to end the moment. 

“Think about it, about what I said. It’s just a date and I don’t care if we do it like everyone else or not. Well I care how we do it but that isn’t important right now.” The heat in his gaze makes me take a step back, not because I’m not feeling it, but because I am feeling it. I’ve never had a reaction quite like this one before. I’m quickly figuring out Ryan isn’t like most guys and I think he’s just the adventure I need to help break out of my shell.

Does everything really happen for a reason? 

Hallie Dawson is battling with a broken heart yet determined to give love a second chance. Once again, time isn’t in her favor. Her moments After the Pain are filled with promises of a better future and personal secrets. With mysterious notes continuously haunting her and a secret friendship with a fellow musician, Hallie is struggling to stay true to her heart. 

Tall, dark and handsome, Sean Thomas, is tired of being second best. This time, the good guy refuses to finish last. If he wants to get the girl, he’s going to have to confront the one person who broke his heart. His past is on a collision course with his future – will he be able to hang onto his connection with Hallie? 

After the Pain is a Contemporary Romance novel about restoring faith in the beauty of love. Can Sean put the pieces of Hallie’s heart back together? Will love conquer all, or will jealousy and secrets tear them apart?

You can purchase your copy of After the Pain today at any of the retailers listed below.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

And it just keeps getting better. After the Pain begins with a more mature and understanding Hallie. She has loved and lost, grieved and started to put the pieces of her heart and life back together. Hallie is proactively taking steps to move on in her life, preparing herself for happiness and hopefully one day a love that will last. Sean, the sexy and flirtatious social worker, has been a constant friend and companion to Hallie in her time to brokenness. The one day (a scene featured at the end of Between the Pain) that things go too far between a drunk and sad Hallie and Sean causes a riff that is hard to overcome. This book begins with Hallie looking towards a future that could be with Sean, one that she is hesitant yet open about. As their friendship progresses, their feelings deepen. Sean is waiting on his cue from Hallie, allowing her to take the reins and call the shots, making sure she is completely ready and living in the present before anything happens between them. When that moment finally comes, Sean and Hallie are in deep. Their relationship is friendship on fire, full of lust, love, and sweet moments. As with every relationship, there are ups and downs. With these two passionate people, their ups and downs seem more contrasting and drastic than others. Even as things seem hopeless, they always find a way back to each other. They are the perfect puzzle pieces, fitting together in the best and most perfect ways.

I enjoyed watching Ryan and Hallie’s love unfold in Between the Pain, but I ADORED watching Sean and Hallie fall in love. It was sweet, full of raw moments. It was passionate and overwhelming. The progression was not rushed but perfectly paced. There were high moments and low moments. There was raw passion and love, but also anger and hurt. They needed each other to overcome their past and bring healing and life to their future. This book spans over a few years and you are able to see the sweet moments at their best. You see Sean and Hallie start a family and bring new life into the world. It was such a sweet tale of love, hope, life, and passion. Their pasts were not allowed to define them but instead were used to strengthen and empower them.

One of my favorite parts of this story was watching Hallie mature and transform. She was still a young woman trying to find her way when this book begins. As the story progresses, she becomes stronger, more sure of herself. The life lessons and love from Ryan set a foundation for her to go further in life and love. She is confident, sexy, smart, and mature. She is a better woman, one ready for the life ahead of her and the love within her grasp. She makes mistakes, but admits her faults and learns from them. She knows what she wants and she pursues her man.

This story was the perfect conclusion to Sean and Hallie’s story. It gives you what you want from a love story, allowing you to see their future and dream of what will be in the end. I loved this series so much and I am expectant for great things from Gia Riley. If this is her debut series, then I know without a doubt that there is much more fabulous storytelling in the future!

“Wow, babe,” Sean says when he gets out of the shower. I should thank him for the compliment but I’m enjoying my own view right now. His towel is slung around his hips, taunting me. I want nothing more than to yank on the small corner holding it in place. I keep my eyes locked on his and can physically see the second he realizes my intentions. 

“Hallie, what are you doing?”

“Exploring.” When I reach him, my hands untuck the corner of the towel, sending it falling to the floor. My hands start at his broad shoulders making sure to touch every single velvety inch of skin in front of me. I place my lips on his chest, sucking up the water droplets left behind. “Shit, baby. Your mouth feels incredible.”

Want to win something awesome? Well then look no further! Check out this incredible Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win! You could be the lucky recipient of a paperback of Between the Pain and After the Pain, signed by the fabulous Gia Riley herself and a $15 Amazon giftcard! Don’t miss out on this awesome giveaway. Make sure to enter today! Good luck!

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I’m a lover of all things romance and a firm believer that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Currently residing in the small but mighty state of Delaware, I take pride in creating characters who are real, personable, and entertaining. 

When I’m not busy working on my next book, I can be found roaming the isles of Kirkland’s or up to my elbows in Play-doh.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

– I have a degree in Behavioral Science.

– I’m a huge college football fan.

– I don’t write in order.

– Secretly, I’d love to be country singer and live in Nashville. I guess it’s not a secret anymore.

– I’ve been to eleven countries but never ventured out of North America.

– I’d rather pick truth than dare.

– My first concert was Boyz II Men.

– I’m a germaphone.

– I’d like to spend the day with Jimmy Fallon, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig.

– I’ve never owned an iphone. I’m a Samsung Galaxy girl.

For more about Gia Riley and what she is up to, check out her social media sites!

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