Vivid Paperback – September 29, 2015

I have known many who have served our country. As my husband was stationed in Hawaii at the end of the Vietnam war I saw soldiers returning every single day. When you read "Hawaii" and are all thinking, "wow...what a cushy place to be stationed" think again. I saw vacant eyes, if they still had them, missing limbs, folks who would have a long road ahead each and every day. I was a Red Cross volunteer so I saw them screaming in pain missing single and multiple body parts, not able to move a muscle, and with memories that would make our toes curl.Reading this book brought all of this back. It was as if it was 1974 all over again and I was going into the lions den to see if I could make a difference for a day. Believe me I never thought I did but I always tried to do whatever I could. This is exactly what this author did with a masterful hand. Ms. Wilde perfected this story with a deft hand. Clearly Mer had already spent a great deal of time healing before Grace met him. I don't know if even she would have been able to take what he was dishing out on a second by second basis while in hospital. Ms. Wilde has researched her topic very carefully to be able to weave such a rich and believable story. The fact that we had a cast of interesting and richly drawn secondary characters really helped with the heaviness that was daily life for this couple. I enjoyed that she included smatters of humor. I can't express how much this story meant to me. It was many things to me for many reasons. I was moved to tears that I thought were long since cried out. She touched a place very deep within my heart and I sobbed like a baby. I sobbed for all those who served then and who serve now. I am beyond thrilled I read this book and this author should be extremely proud of her work. This was an extraordinary book and ANY person who happens upon my review should be urged to read this book. You will find that you are a better person for having read it for one and for the other...you will thank those who have served and continue to serve. The reality that I will leave for you...what this author clearly knew is that "FREEDOM" is NOT free. Thank you for this wonderful read. denise bailey

Merrick and Grace grew up as neighbors but Merrick didn't really pay any attention to Grace. Grace had a major crush on Merrick when they were younger but hasn't seen him in years. Both of them meet again when both of their lives are in turmoil. Merrick was seriously injured in Afghanistan and has lost his sight along with severe burns, a badly broken leg and arm. Merrick needs help and Grace is asked by his mother to be his caregiver. Grace has suffered her own loss and heartbreak and after a year of wallowing has finally moved home at the request of her mother. Merrick's scars are easy for everyone to see but no one really sees Grace's scars and she does a good job of covering up how bad she feels. Merrick learns to move forward with Grace's help and finally sees what she hides from everyone else. Both are insecure and feel the other one deserves better. To say Merrick acted childish in the beginning is an understatement. Refusing to shower and then wallowing in his stink in order to avoid Grace seeing him was too funny. Grace finally called him on his BS and developed plans to make his life easier. They both learned to depend on each other and finally found common ground. When Grace and Merrick finally decide to give them a shot, fate has a funny way of stepping in and turning things on its head. Merrick hides some vital information from Grace and, when he attempts to explain, her old insecurities arise and she runs. Merrick realizes that he needs to fight for her and makes a decision that allows him to do just that. The ending was really nice and I really enjoyed this book. It was in-depth as to what a soldier faces upon his return when he has been injured and was very enlightening.

How am I supposed to review this story while I'm so overwhelmed??? I have so many feelings that I want to share with you but can't find the right words to describe them...Vivid by Jessica Wilde - wow wow wow! what this book made me feel - it's beyond words!I have a soft spot for soldiers, being an Israeli , it's kind of a national soft spot.In Israel we all join the Army at the age of 18 and serve our country for 2-3 years. I know what is like to connect with the ones that serve with you - The connection is so strong. It's brotherhood, or in my case, sisterhood.This is what Vivid is all about and this is why I feel all this feelings.5 super shining stars for a perfectly written story about loss, hope and survival.Merrick Thatcher is a soldier with all his heart and soul. He joined the army after he finished high school and never left, until one horrible attack in Iraq forced him to take a break. And by "taking a break" I mean – changed his life completely. He was seriously injured and even lost his sight.From the most active person he has always been, he now sits in a wheel chair and totally blind. The only things he can see, are the pictures and nightmares that are still hunting him every day and every night.Asking for help is not an option while regret, frustration and anger are the only feelings he can live with – until he meets Grace…Grace has also been through hell after losing her child and the one who was supposed to be by her side. She is strong and by being his homecare nurse, she starts breaking Merrick's protective walls. Her singing becomes his medicine and his feelings for her are the reason he keeps trying and never gives up on his recovery.Their attraction for one another is so strong, that even though Merrick can't see anything, he can feel her in any way possible.Together they learn how to heal Merrick's scars – internal and exterior – and do it with so much honor and grace for the ones who lost their lives on the battle field.Any other words I will write here, won't do justice to this AMAZING story! Jessica wrote it perfectly – she told the story and made sure that every word went straight to our hearts.I laughed, I cried, I was extremely horny (Merrick is a god!!!) but most of all –I never wanted it to end!Thank you Jessica for sharing with us Grace & Merrick's special journey!

I enjoyed the story . the location and the description about the war scene makes the book a pleasant reading

Great emotional read!

WOW......what an amazing book! I'm not sure where to start with this review I'm not all that good at them, but this book deserves my best so I'm going to try! I was recommended this book by a book friend who loves the same kind of books as me, so when she suggested it I jumped over to amazon and 1 clicked straight away.......and boy am I glad I did. This book really hit me hard, it made me see and feel more than just the story. It made me realise the heartache and struggles so many people have to go through in this world. We all worry and stress about our own problems but when u read a book like this it really makes u think about more than just the troubles around u. I'm in awe of this book Jessica u did a fantastic job and u should be extremely proud. I don't do spoilers on my reviews but I will say one thing Merrick was hot as hell, can I have him!! I've licked him so he's mine now!!Just want to say Thank You to Jessica Wilde for this amazing book! I will be following you and your books from here on out!! Your a total star love!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nice story, I liked the characters and was well written and easy to follow. Will look for more books from this author

I really enjoyed this story. It’s nice to see 2 flawed characters come together. I Would recommend this book. :)