Leo (Sign of Love #1) by Mia Sheridan
24 March, 2013
Our Review
GITTE: I feel like a broken record at the moment because yet again I get to say “I LOVED this book”. I was truly spoilt as a reader by a highly emotional story, characters I immediately fell in love with and a story line that just gripped me from the first page till the last. I loved the switch from past to present and thought this Author nailed the flow and the time jumps. The emotions I felt from the snippets from the past stayed with me as we joined the present.
This story is about Evie and Leo who met in foster care when they were just 10 and 11. They became best friends; fell in love only to be forced apart when Leo’s circumstances change. Both have had a tragic childhood. My heart hurt pretty much through the whole story.
“Why are you looking at me?” – Evie
“Because I like your face” – Leo
Leo promises Evie that once she turns 18 he will come back for her and they can start their life together. He will come back for her.
“I’m going to kiss you now Evie, and when I do, it’s going to mean that you’re mine. I don’t care how far away from each other we are. You. Are. Mine. I’ll wait for you. And I want you to wait for me…”
“This is not goodbye, Evie. Remember our promise. Don’t ever forget our promise. I will come back for you….”
“It will only ever be you, Evie.”
Leo the boy with the huge brave heart of a lion, who loved Evie passionately and fiercely….Leo who never came back….*sobbing*!!!!
JENNY: Isn’t it great Gitte that when you can close a book and feel you’ve actually had an experience……not just a read? Well, Leo was certainly that for me. This one certainly was a winner and I really did love it. I know this is odd, but I have to start with the end of this book and say this story had one of THE most beautiful epilogues I have ever read. It was perfection, it was everything I would want from an epilogue and it had me sobbing. I had already run the gamut of emotions and cried through the book but that epilogue undid me. It was simply wonderful!
The past/present switch was effortless and seemed to come at exactly the right moment and was drip fed to the reader in such a way that you were always quenching for more.
“Looking at the past can be painful, but you can either run from it, numb it, or you can learn from it”
These characters quite simply, stole my heart. Evie has to be up there as one of my all- time favourite heroines. At some point in a story, pretty much every heroine will do something that frustrates me, but I can honestly say there wasn’t one point in this book that I felt that way about Evie. I was with her every step of the way, she was open, honest, and loyal and possessed the most beautiful soul you could imagine. I had nothing but love and adoration for this character; she quite literally stole my heart. The promises made between Leo and Evie captivated me and I was there with them on every page.
“maybe love is like a magnifying glass straight into the souls of those who own your heart”
GITTE: We fast forward 8 years and Evie is, despite still thinking of Leo, happy and content. She knows she doesn’t live the most exciting of lives but she is proud of who she is now and what she has achieved. Evie is loved by everyone in her life and I absolutely adored her. She is beautiful, kind, hardworking and so sweet and funny.
“…I think that 95% of knowing you’re the greatest is all about confidence. You might suspect you’re the greatest, you might hope you’re the greatest but if you don’t have the balls to proclaim yourself the greatest in bold packaging, and let your critics test you if they dare, then you probably aren’t the greatest. Who can resist the guy who really, truly believes in himself?” – Evie
Evie is being stalked and she has no idea who it is. One day she sneaks up behind him and confronts him.
“It’s impolite to stalk strangers!” – Evie
This is when she meets Jake Madsen. Gorgeous, tall, strong and mysterious Jake. Jake who has come to deliver a very sad message to Evie…I CRIED!!!
Jake was LUSH. I loved him immediately and this Author sure wrote the connection between Evie and Jake perfectly. It was believable, so intense and every emotion they felt I did too. I understood Evie’s confusion as she still loved Leo, but she has this amazing connection to Jake that she can’t ignore. Who can blame her? This connection is not only one of love and passion it is also a connection akin to friendship and laughter!
“I realize that the seam of his crotch is torn straight down the middle, gaping open. “Oh my God,” I breathe, “Your boy part is like the Incredible Hulk.” He raises an eyebrow. “Boy part?” I nod. “Is he angry?” “Not yet. But if you keep referring to him as a ‘boy part’, he could get there. He’s all man. You don’t want to see him get angry.”
Their journey begins and as Evie and Jake’s relationship grows; pasts are revealed, discoveries are made and a huge shocker of an encounter unravels everything. Evie and Jake are soul mates no doubt about it, though despite their love and instant connection not far away lurks pain and sadness.
“Do you know the quality all lions possess, above all else?” – Leo
“No” – Evie
“Loyalty…..No matter how far apart we are. No matter the distance or time, I will never love anyone except you. Not ever.” – Leo
So yeah, I LOVED this story, I loved the characters and for all the intensity and high emotions this Author gave us the most satisfying and heart-warming epilogue!
JENNY: Leo and Evie certainly had their fair share of hard knocks in life .The one ray of happiness in an otherwise bleak existence for both was that they had each other.
“Sticks and stones and fists CAN break your bones, but it’s the words that break your heart”
They possessed a special bond which blossomed into a beautiful love. When Leo was adopted and had to move away, I swear my heart broke right along with Evie’s, but his faithful promise to return when she turned 18 gave me hope.
“I want to be able to carry your letters with me and re-read them again and again” Leo
Evie has worked so hard to get where she is. She’s proud of what she has achieved in her life and so she should be. She has survived against all the odds and retained her sweetness and beauty despite the bitterness and unkindness she has experienced in her life.
Jake, oh boy I loved him. He was just divine. Jake having the hard task of delivering news to Evie which broke her heart and it broke mine too.
But it was through that news that Jake met Evie and when these two came together you really FELT the connection. The emotional and physical connection was such that you were feeling everything with them. Could Jake be the man to help her move on from Leo? He was certainly going to try and make that happen. This passionate, warm, loving and very sexy man who appeared to be holding secrets of his own came into Evie’s life like a breath of fresh air but Evie still had to guard her heart.
“It was like he took me apart and put me back together with that kiss”
He was what Evie had been holding out for. Someone to love and someone to love her. To love her for who she was and help ease her pain. But was Evie ready to let go of her past? Jake was proud of her for coming through life the way she did and he made her laugh, made her enjoy life, he was perfect for her.
“Evie,” he calls and I turn around. “You’re gonna miss me aren’t you?” He’s smiling. “You know, Jake, I think I will”
In the recesses of Evie’s heart though was Leo, the boy who she loved and made promises with years ago, can she let go of that love and open to Jake? Jake wanted Evie. With every fibre of his being he wanted her. She was something so pure and beautiful in his life and he wasn’t letting her go.
“Evie,” he says quietly, finally looking at me. “What I mean is, when I fuck you, you’re going to be mine. Is that clear enough for you?” Jake
I read this story in anticipation of the next page throughout the whole book. It certainly gripped me and revelation after revelation sometimes shocked me and moved me.
You will ache for Evie, you will love with Evie and she will steal your heart.
“In my life, I’ve been thrown away again and again by those that I thought loved me”
Your heart will melt for Leo. You will fall instantly in love with Jake and this man will possess every last piece of your heart. A beautiful, tender, touching intriguing and steamy read, with wonderful characters and chemistry you feel at every turn. This book is so much more than what you will read in the synopsis and I can’t wait for more from this Author.
ARC supplied by author for an honest review
Synopsis
A USA Today bestselling book. Leo is a full-length, standalone romance.
Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love, and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.
When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.
Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job. She has friends. She’s content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?
THIS IS A STANDALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY LEO. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Other Books By This Author
Standalone
Pelion Lakes Series
Sign of Love Duet (Leo must be read before the companion Leo's Chance)
Sign of Love Standalone's
Solstice Series
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Raelene Hornby said:
Ugh- looks like I have to read this one and get my heart broken and fixed!
admin said:
Yes! You do! 🙂
Megan said:
Must read!!!!
Cynthia Cheslock said:
Looks great I hope I win.
Emma Harris said:
I would love to win a copy of this book coz it sounds Amazballs 🙂 x
Kay said:
Ooh, look at the eyes on your Leo! This story sounds fab, I’ll be adding it to my TBR pile. Thanks ladies 🙂
Ashley Davis said:
This looks like a heart wrenching book with so much emotion. I would love to read it.
Jen B said:
So far, you gals have never steered me wrong in your books recommendations, so I really wanna read this one!!! Pretty please. 🙂
admin said:
Thanks Jen. We think you’ll love it 🙂
Doris said:
Sounds great. Want to read this one! 😀
Traci said:
Sounds amazing!!! Definitely on my list to be read!!!
Vicki Deatelhauser said:
I have heard SO many good things about this book!!
Your review just makes me want to read it more! Thanks for the giveaway!
Gi Costa said:
The review was gripping. The emotional roller-coaster is exactly what I look for in books. I hope I win a copy.
Deanna P said:
I have heard a lot of good things about this book. after reading the review, I REALLY want it & would love to win!!
Alison said:
If you say it’s good, then I want to read it! You always have the best recommendations!!
admin said:
Thank you Alison xx
Julie VN said:
This sounds like a must read to me!
Shanda said:
It’s on my wish list and I would love to win a copy! 🙂
Kim said:
Definitely need to add this to my TBR list:)
kp said:
sounds like a book I won’t be able to put down!!!! Put this right on my wish list!
liezel said:
thanks so much for this giveaway
Michelina said:
I love books that involve best friends falling in love 😀
Can’t wait to read Evie & Leo’s story.
The book cover is Hot and that casting pic for Leo … Bow chicka wow wow!!!
Thanks for the chance to win it!
Christine M said:
What a review! I can’t wait to read this one.
Lorie said:
My Goodreads friends are all over this one (and it’s on my TBR). I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Kristy said:
This sounds so good!
Nelly Squicciarini said:
Great review ladies
Maria Malaveci said:
Looks like my kind of read! I think I would love it ♥
mmalavec(at)med(dot)umich(dot)edu
patricia said:
The cover is HOT!!!!!!!
Johanna Cosentino said:
Wow! Sounds awesome! On my TBR list! The cover is HOT!
Jaclyn said:
This book already looked interesting to me, but after reading your review, I MUST read it. Thank-you lovely ladies for your awesome reviews! I partially blame you two for my dwindling bank account due to book purchases. 😉
Anallely said:
Great review, cant wait to read it.
Melisa said:
This is on my too read list! Looks like a good one! Love your reviews !!
Jennifer G said:
I have heatd great things about this book from many people. I would love a chance to win this book but I’ll buy it if I don’t that’s how bad I want it.
jengrm82@yahoo.com
Erika said:
This one is on my TBR list. I have seen some great reviews and would LOVE to read!
Angela Love said:
i have heard awesome things about this book and if you are saying it’s awesome then it just makes me want to read it all the more…. I would love to have a copy to read so pick me!!!!!
angelalove@uwmail.com
Amber said:
Would love to win a copy! I saw this on Amazon and thought it looked really good. Your review has just confirmed that thought. I love your site!!
admin said:
Thanks Amber! J&G xx
Jessica Davis said:
Wow! This book sounds great… It’s definitely on the top of my list to read!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Raquel Perez said:
All the awesome reviews!!! It looks fantastic… I want to swoon over Leo aleady 😉
Heather Cantrall said:
This story sounds wonderful, would love to win a copy!
Sónia Costa said:
Because I want another book boyfriend, and this one looks so yummy 😀
Nikki E said:
I would like to read this. thanks!
Lariza said:
Great review can’t wait to read it sounds like a great read!!
Debra D said:
Sounds sexy, can’t wait to read it!!!
Gloria Elena Gonzalez said:
this book sounds mighty good, sort of like Harper and Callum by Fisher Amelie, that is why I would like to read it.
Autumn said:
This was on my wish list!!
Susana Rivera said:
In my TBR… This sound great!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Rose said:
I have this in my TBR for my Kindle and would love to win a copy- thank you for the giveaway!!
Megan Gartin said:
It sounds like a really good book. That’s why I want to read it and its about two friends in foster care .
Rach said:
It sounds like a lovely book and I’d love to win! 🙂
Bayli Lane said:
I came across this book this past week and it sounds amazing to me! Sounds emotional packed and full of passion! I want it, badly. If I don’t win, I’ll end up buying it lol. But i’d rather win 😉 haha
admin said:
It really is worth reading. We loved it! 🙂
Beth MacDonald Snyder said:
Just moved this one to the top of my TBR!! Thanks Ladies!
Lou Gur said:
Just reading your review made me emotional & crying already. I must get a copy. Thanks
Veronica Solorzano said:
def on my tbr list! 🙂
Stephanie said:
I love the mystery element of the book. I love a good romance, but when there’s that extra unknown part of the story it keeps you guessing that makes the book even better. Plus, you guys gave it such a raving review!
Katy said:
I love you ladies. Thanks for a chance to win a free book. This one looks really good!!! Happy Reading xo
Aurora said:
I don’t want to read stories about perfect people with perfect lives… that just isnt what reality is… I prefer to read about people who have problems and have gone through things and their struggles to get where they are now!
Leslie T. said:
I really enjoyed your review and the plot line sounds so good. Adding this to my TBR pile now…Thanks!
Stephanie Beasley said:
I have not read anything by this author would love to this book and read this awesome story…
thank you for the giveaway~
Mary Jo Toth said:
Wow, you have me totally intrigued with your review though I fear a lot of sadness but it seems something good comes from the pain so it should be worth the ride. Thank you for the way you love books and how you express that in your reviews!
admin said:
Thank you so much Mary Jo. Am sure you’ll enjoy it 🙂
Mary Jo Toth said:
Wow, you have definitely intrigued me with your review, I fear sadness in this story but it seems that this leads to happiness so it will be worth the ride. Thank you for your love of books and how you pour that into your reviews!
admin said:
Thank you so much Mary Jo – we do review from the heart and we’re so glad that shows in our reviews for you. You’ve made our day xxx
Ena Burnette said:
This is on my TBR list and I love the cover. If I see a cover I love I have to read the story within the cover!
Alexandra said:
I really want to read this because it just sounds so wonderful and like my kind of story! I just love these sorts of romances, and ugh, I’ve heard great things.
Thanks for the chance! (:
Nikki Swick said:
I’d LOVE to read this one. It sounds great & I’ve heard some great things 🙂
Heather Topham Wood said:
I’ve received a ton of recommendations for this one on Goodreads! Sounds great!
Karoline said:
I can’t wait to read this one! Sounds amazing.
Pam said:
After reading your review, this has become a must read for me!
Yadira A. said:
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d never heard of this book before and your review totally convinced me to add it to my wishlist!
admin said:
Yay!!! Enjoy xx
Priya said:
Your review of the book has me sold and I can’t wait to read it!!!
Kara Hensley said:
Okay so I know Leo is the man in the book but here’s how I’m looking at it–I’m a Virgo and I’m thinking horoscope because of the name Leo & here’s what I find:
The Virgo woman easily relates to the Leo man’s high standards of beauty, sexual attraction and polished performance. The Virgo woman should never suggest that the Leo man needs to make improvements – he believes he’s already perfect. The Virgo woman – Leo man combination can be a warm sexy relationship if they both have the patience.
Soooo this sounds good to me–and this is just from the name “Leo” and the books sounds AMAZEBALLS & the cover is HOOOOOOT!!
admin said:
Haha! Love it!!!
Celsey Seivert said:
Sounds sexy and i can not turn down a romance/erotic story lol
Mickala M. said:
I’ve heard so much about this book! Hope to win! I really want to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!
Caitlin Coffey said:
Haven’t read it but it looks very interesting
danielle james said:
This book sounds like something I would love and I can’t wait to check it out!
Leslie Miner said:
Because this is on my TBR list ! It would be great to win a copy. Thanks for the giveaway!
Naomi O'Sullivan said:
I have heard really good things about this book and it is on my TBR list so would love to win it so I can get on it!! 🙂 x
Melissa B said:
I would love to win Leo because I love getting sucked into the emotional stories. My husband doesn’t care when my emotions are all over the place though hehehe
Claire said:
I love your blog! Thanks to you (yet again), I have another book to add to my growing list of books to read 😛
admin said:
We’re only too happy to help out Claire xx
Michelle said:
Definite TBR!
Rachel R said:
I am really interested in the plot. 🙂
Liberty said:
I have this book on my to be read list. Thanks for the chance to win!
Laurie said:
Read this book this weekend so I won’t enter the contest 🙂 Loved it!! And I would have to agree about Evie-I loved her. I am not going to say anymore as I don’t want to spoil anything but can’t wait to hear what other people thought!!!
Veronica said:
This sounds soooo good! I can’t wait to read it. It is definitely on my TBR list!!
Tess said:
From the sounds of it, this is a book NOT TO BE MISSED!!! Thanks for your recommendation! 🙂 I would very much love to read this!
tess_halim(at)hotmail(dot)com
Danielle Plane said:
This one looks hot! I already added it to my wish list on amazon!
Angela said:
This book sounds amazing!!! Would love to win a copy.
Jaime said:
This book sounds incredible!! I would love to win a copy of this book because it is something that sounds really interesting and something I would really enjoy reading! Thanks!
Jeanette said:
Sounds great! Trying to curb my one click obsession a little, so I’d love to win it! 🙂
Alicia Clark said:
Leo looks like an amazing read! Everyone that has read it has raved about it!
Teracia Loretan said:
i would like to win because the reviews are amazing for this book and like books
Joan Duszynski said:
Love the cover due to his looks Hulk size compared to her and I am really enjoying these large protective men. Can’t wait to read this!
Nadia Hassan said:
Wow amazing review! Added the book to my tbr pile! You guys have a beautiful talent with words! New follower <3
– Flot klaret piger 😉
christley said:
giveaways!!
maranda said:
This book sounds great and i would love to win it so i could read it
Scarlett Camaj said:
I have this on my TBR and it sounds great!!
Angela Pratt said:
I would love to read this book, so winning it would be cool!
admin said:
Love all the comments! You guys are awesome. Hope you all enjoy this book as much as us xx
Jessie L said:
After reading this review, I’d be stupid not to want to read this book. Another reason is this is a new author for me. Thank you for a chance to win it.
Jojo Bungenaar said:
After reading all of the above I need this book I am intrigued!!!! Thanks for he great giveaway 🙂
Kirstin Clarke said:
Great review, would love to read this one!!
Stephanie said:
Ok, Im going to get this one!!! Sounds just like what I like in a lovely book. Thanks for the review.