ON HIGHER GROUND – (Grounded Duet #2) by MELISSA COLLINS

“You’re mine, and I’m yours. That’s all that matters. All that ever has and all that ever will. “

We first met Dax and Beck in On Solid Ground when we followed the relationship of Dax and Beck as they dealt with their painful pasts. The passion, emotion and pain between these two hitting us right in the heart.

Beck had to deals with his painful upbringing and Dax was coming to terms with his sexuality whilst coping with grief, loss and PTSD. We championed these guys and loved witnessing the progression of their feelings as they worked their way through their issues.

In, On Higher Ground, we meet up with them as they’re preparing to take their relationship to the next level by planning to get married whilst also raising Becks adorable niece, Violet – they’ve become a family and want to bind that by declaring their love officially.

“I needed to figure out my past before chasing my future.”

Melissa Collins has once again delivered a story filled with emotion and love whilst highlighting some very real issues, conveying the struggle PTSD on the sufferer and their families.

Life is on track for these guys with Beck’s Tattoo studio taking off and Dax finding his feet by successfully assisting Veterans through the Canine program and little Violet fitting in and settling into their lives perfectly. This was one loved and adored little lady.

However, unbeknownst to Beck, Dax’s nightmares have returned causing him to retreat into himself. Beck, in turn, walks on eggshells around Dax, afraid to confront him to ascertain what is bothering him. Miscommunication ensues with neither Beck or Dax able to broach and discuss the distance they feel is coming between them and it is through this we are able to properly see them cement their relationship. Sometimes it’s easier to open up to strangers then it is to the ones we love and Dax and Beck do struggle in this regard.

‘For all the pain I’d felt in my life, I would relive it all, live in it forever if it meant that I could take away what he’d been through.’

We loved much of this story and have loved sharing the journey with Dax, Beck, Violet, their friends and family, it’s a beautiful story of love, trust and acceptance.

‘I know I’ll always have that solid ground under my feet. Now, all I need is the courage to reach higher.’

The ending was perfection and had us clutching our kindles with tears in our eyes. What a fitting place in which to leave these beautiful men who have stolen our hearts.