Compassion is the latest release from Xavier Neal. This slow burn, opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine romance is filled with banter, book discussions, humor, and the eventual falling of Jaye and Archer. Compassion is also filled with healing from past experiences. For Jaye that is finding herself after the death of her fiancee. For Archer it is healing from life itself. From his childhood to his time in the military to where he is now. It is a lot to adjust to, and he just needs someone in his corner.
My rating for Compassion:
Xavier Neal wrote yet another wonderful story. Book after book she pulls me in with her characters, the banter, the comedic moments, and has me falling for their stories.
Compassion was no different. By Jaye taking that brief moment to talk to Archer, she showed him compassion. She showed him that people do still see the good in him, and that he is worthy of interaction.
I absolutely loved Jane. I loved all the book references that she brought up. I loved her passion behind it all. She is one of my top 5 female characters that Xavier has brought to life.
Archer tugged on my heartstrings with his story, and I think that is why I fell for him so easily. To see all that this veteran has been dealing with, and the way he's been treated just gutted me. Then to meet Jane, and have someone finally in his corner, it was just spectacular.
The romance between these two was slow burn, and I am here for it. Slow burn romances are hit or miss with me, but this one was written wonderfully. They have a connection, they are building a friendship, and moving into a romantic relationship will happen. It's about building trust, and finding the courage to move forward.
In Compassion, Xavier Neal breaks the 4th wall, and the characters speak directly to the reader. Personally this isn't my jam. I looked at it a different way. Instead I chose to view those bolded sections as the internal dialogue of Jaye and Archer. That allowed me to move on easier, and still enjoy the story.
I loved that Xavier Neal tackled the topic of PTSD, showed us what Archer is dealing with, and how he he works through it. Discussions of the mental health of our military members (current or former) are often overlooked, but it is important to bring up. Same goes with the lack of support that our veterans can receive after leaving the service. That too was something that Xavier brought up, and I appreciate it.
Jaye's mom...oh that woman. Didn't like her at all. She rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning. Jay's dad though, he was amazing. Definitely protective, but also his daughter's biggest fan.
Oh, and getting to see familiar faces pop up brought a smile to my face. Even just the reference of a couple had me reminiscing to those books.
I hope that you'll consider picking up a copy of this book. It truly was a good read, and you can find yourself escaping into the world that Xavier has created.
Happy Reading,
Laura
From USA TODAY BESTSELLING author Xavier Neal comes an unconventional, contemporary romance featuring a grumpy, wounded veteran and a quirky librarian who proves all the world needs in it is a little more compassion...
Private Academy Librarian Jaye Jenkins isn't afraid of the green-eyed homeless man she finds digging in her trashcan one cold winter night.
He's starving.
Just trying to survive.
Could use a bit of kindness that she can't help but give.
And when that kindness leads to her saving him from some misplaced hatred, an unorthodox situation begins.
One that will change both of their lives.
Forever.
