Into the Blue is the 2nd book in Chanel Cleeton’s “Wild Aces” series. It is technically a standalone as it deals with a different couple, Becca and Eric “Thor” but, there are major spoilers about the plot of the 1st book, Fly With Me, in the plot. Part of the storyline is dealing with events that happened in the first book. It is not necessary to read the 1st book to be able to enjoy this. However, I would recommend doing so as to be able to fully appreciate both the surprises in the 1st book and the enhanced character development that comes from knowing Eric in the 1st book.
Second chance romance, when it is done well, is one of my very favorites to read as the emotional connection that they build on is so strong because it was there before. The push and pull of those emotions from the past are so compelling.
What is great about this is Cleeton doesn’t just focus on the past, but she actually lets the reader be part of the development of the relationship. Of each of them questioning what they were, what they can be, and how they will work it out in the future…or even if they can work it out and be together. The conversations where they both address and resolve their past are both beautiful and heartbreaking.
There are amazing conversations between Becca and Eric, and a wonderful conversation with his grandmother really puts things into perspective and allows them to fully move forward, secure in the idea that their love was real 10 years ago, but that the timing was wrong. I loved this aspect…no blame was really placed, no one was really angry. Yes, there were some struggles with being able to trust in their future, but this is part of any serious relationship. The struggle for Becca and Eric was the same as it was 10 years ago…Eric’s career requires him to be able to move around, Becca’s career requires her to stay in one place and develop in her position.
The way they figure this out, and how they get around this issue, is the real pull of the story, it is what kept me reading to the end, in one night. They sort of ignore it, they don’t really discuss that he is on leave and going back to his life in the Air Force, until his leaving is imminent. Through the dual POV, you know where each of them are with being separated again, and how they each want to resolve it, which keeps you guessing the whole time and wondering what they are going to do that will allow each of them to be happy.
I absolutely LOVED the ending. I was not sure how this was going to end, and impressively Cleeton found a way to make the ending not only incredibly romantic, but perfect for them. I loved how Cleeton let you know how devoted they each were to the other, how badly they wanted things to end differently than they did 10 years ago. I love how Cleeton handles bringing Becca into the life Eric lives as “Thor” and the way she allows the reader to experience this with her. It gives a strong authenticity to the way she feels about Eric’s career and the way that her evolving feelings about it allow their relationship to evolve.
There are still obstacles for them in the future, so in a way this is more of a “Happily For Now” ending. But in the midst of this, while you know the struggles that are coming, you also get a glimpse of what will be on the other side for them, and it is good. And it is perfect, and it is authentic to who they each are both individually and within the couple. Their totally HEA is definitely coming, the first steps toward it have been taken, and you know they are not going to allow anything to take it from them this time.
Cleeton mentions, on her website, that it was her goal to explore different facets and challenges of military life. Going into this, I was afraid that it was going to be a retelling of the 1st one, but with different characters. I was worried for nothing. Yes, some of the challenges are similar, but as they are each different people, the way they resolve those challenges and approach them is very different.
Just like in the first book, there was no epilogue as the characters appear in the 2nd in the series. You get an update as to where they are…and this, based on the sneak of the next book, is also going to be what happens for Becca and Eric in the 3rd book.
Chanel Cleeton is an amazingly gifted writer. She has an ability to capture people, and emotions, in a such a way that the reader feels what they are feeling like they are in the story themselves. There is a scene, from Becca and Eric’s perspective regarding a friend request and message via social media that felt so real, I felt like checking my own Facebook for pending messages and friend requests. I felt like I was there with them. This talent for writing and storytelling allows her to tell a complex story, and to do it in such a way that you are not able to put the book down. You feel invested in the characters, you feel like you know them, you feel like you are there in the story.
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Top reviews from other countries
Heroesinbooks
5 Soaring Second Chance Romance Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2016
Nicola_1202
4 "...it was the force of Eric. Six-feet-two-inches of Eric.” Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2017
Izy
Another great one by Ms. Cleeton!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2016
