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Serendipity #1
Underwater
In an instant, my world turned upside down
Because of one incident, my life will never be the same
Every day I struggled to breathe
Every day I went through the motions
I felt too much
I was numb
I was drowning
I was lost inside the black
So they made me go there
I was already there, watching from the dark
And then I met him
And then I saw her
He scared me to death
She took my breath away
He was darkness
She was my light
They whispered he can't be touched
She was the only one I could touch
I couldn't be with him, they needed me
I fucking needed her
So I told him I would be his friend
I told her I would be her friend. For now.
But I couldn't resist him for long
She finally realized that she'll always be mine
We were a hot mess
We were the perfect kind of mess
Then reality dawned on me
Then my demons broke loose
I was underwater, trying to break through to the surface
I reached out my hand, trying to pull her to shore
Could he really help me?
Would she accept me, scars and all?
This was us
This was our story
Author's Note:
"This book is based on true events and contains sensitive subjects that may be a trigger to some readers, such as violence, abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also contains a parent with cancer. It is recommended for ages 18 and up."
#SafeRead.
Because of one incident, my life will never be the same
Every day I struggled to breathe
Every day I went through the motions
I felt too much
I was numb
I was drowning
I was lost inside the black
So they made me go there
I was already there, watching from the dark
And then I met him
And then I saw her
He scared me to death
She took my breath away
He was darkness
She was my light
They whispered he can't be touched
She was the only one I could touch
I couldn't be with him, they needed me
I fucking needed her
So I told him I would be his friend
I told her I would be her friend. For now.
But I couldn't resist him for long
She finally realized that she'll always be mine
We were a hot mess
We were the perfect kind of mess
Then reality dawned on me
Then my demons broke loose
I was underwater, trying to break through to the surface
I reached out my hand, trying to pull her to shore
Could he really help me?
Would she accept me, scars and all?
This was us
This was our story
Author's Note:
"This book is based on true events and contains sensitive subjects that may be a trigger to some readers, such as violence, abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also contains a parent with cancer. It is recommended for ages 18 and up."
#SafeRead.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
About the author
Maayan Nahmani
3 books312 followersI am thirty four years old and I live in a small town in Israel.
My family and I were going through some difficult times not too long ago and one day I was confiding in my best-friend about everything. I didn't know how to deal with it all. Then she suggested I should write a book about it. I looked at her as if she had grown another head and dismissed the idea on the spot. But the seed had been planted, and day after day, little by little, without realizing it - I started writing.
That’s how Underwater was born.
I found writing to be cathartic, healing. Something that helped my mind unwind and put things in perspective. I discovered a magical world where I traveled between imagination and reality. Writing became my home and I never wanted to leave.
I love to read, write, listen to music, edit videos, and play the guitar. I am always looking for the next creative thing. I also like a good movie and a glass of wine.
Follow me on:
❤ Facebook
❤ Instagram
❤ Pinterest
❤Email: m0nahmani@gmail.com
My family and I were going through some difficult times not too long ago and one day I was confiding in my best-friend about everything. I didn't know how to deal with it all. Then she suggested I should write a book about it. I looked at her as if she had grown another head and dismissed the idea on the spot. But the seed had been planted, and day after day, little by little, without realizing it - I started writing.
That’s how Underwater was born.
I found writing to be cathartic, healing. Something that helped my mind unwind and put things in perspective. I discovered a magical world where I traveled between imagination and reality. Writing became my home and I never wanted to leave.
I love to read, write, listen to music, edit videos, and play the guitar. I am always looking for the next creative thing. I also like a good movie and a glass of wine.
Follow me on:
❤Email: m0nahmani@gmail.com
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Shelved as 'books-i-wrote'
January 20, 2021Instagram || Facebook Author Page || Amazon || Pinterest
Underwater tells the story of Aria, a nineteen-year-old girl that had her whole world turned upside down the day her father was diagnosed with stage-four cancer. With the encouragement of her aunt, Aria decides to attend a support group meeting in hopes of finding answers to questions she couldn’t answer, and maybe, find a little support and comfort as well.
There, she meets Dorian Black, a wounded veteran.
During his last tour in Afghanistan, Dorian was captured by the enemy, brutalized and abused for weeks, until the day he was finally released. Suffering from severe PTSD, the horrors of war haunts him every day, and Dorian believes he is doomed to live a life without human touch. Touch. Something so simple, yet, something he absolutely cannot endure.
Until he meets Aria.
Both of them are at the lowest point of their lives. When they get to know each other better, they become each other’s salvation. Together, they face Dorian's past and Aria's present, in hopes of creating a better future. But when their past and present collide, a new discovery will be made that will change the course of their future forever.
The story is told in dual POV.
Have you guys grabbed your copy yet?
Uunderwater is free on KindleUnlimited!
Amazon US: https://goo.gl/419Z2I
Amazon CA: https://goo.gl/yuuibb
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/030rlF
Paperback (Amazon): https://goo.gl/GKFyyW
Paperback (Book Depository): https://goo.gl/H4blUl
Underwater Playlist: https://spoti.fi/2Keflw9
Excerpts
Photoshoot for Underwater by Anni Mägi & Maarika Eespere
Graphic by Maayan Nahmani
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
Underwater tells the story of Aria, a nineteen-year-old girl that had her whole world turned upside down the day her father was diagnosed with stage-four cancer. With the encouragement of her aunt, Aria decides to attend a support group meeting in hopes of finding answers to questions she couldn’t answer, and maybe, find a little support and comfort as well.
There, she meets Dorian Black, a wounded veteran.
During his last tour in Afghanistan, Dorian was captured by the enemy, brutalized and abused for weeks, until the day he was finally released. Suffering from severe PTSD, the horrors of war haunts him every day, and Dorian believes he is doomed to live a life without human touch. Touch. Something so simple, yet, something he absolutely cannot endure.
Until he meets Aria.
Both of them are at the lowest point of their lives. When they get to know each other better, they become each other’s salvation. Together, they face Dorian's past and Aria's present, in hopes of creating a better future. But when their past and present collide, a new discovery will be made that will change the course of their future forever.
The story is told in dual POV.
Have you guys grabbed your copy yet?
Uunderwater is free on KindleUnlimited!
Amazon US: https://goo.gl/419Z2I
Amazon CA: https://goo.gl/yuuibb
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/030rlF
Paperback (Amazon): https://goo.gl/GKFyyW
Paperback (Book Depository): https://goo.gl/H4blUl
Underwater Playlist: https://spoti.fi/2Keflw9
Excerpts
Photoshoot for Underwater by Anni Mägi & Maarika Eespere
Graphic by Maayan Nahmani
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
Graphic by ChristieSHBBblogger
June 20, 2016
ARC received via author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow!!! I think I need a minute or two to sort out my feelings about what I've just read! This story is trully so emotional. It's so beautiful but at the same time also so sad. You simply can't help but feel for the characters and what they are going through. Above all, there is so much love and that touched me deeply. I usually don't get so emotionally attached to characters but this time Maayan really did a number on me. And that is what makes not a good but a great storyteller!!! Bravo!!!
The fact that the story is based on true events is even more mind blowing! You have these two people who met under the most unbelievable circumstances that set, at least what I'd like to think, their future into stone. Had their first meeting turned out any differently, they both wouldn't find their better half a few years later. Of course, durring those years they both their lives and both found out that life can be full of pain and tragedy.
I was fighting a raging war within. A war where the enemy lived inside me…
Dorian, a 25 year old soldier, was such a wonderful character. So beautifully broken and after all that he went through in war, it was a miracle he was still sane. Yes, he has PTSD and sometimes that gets the better of him but he tries so hard to find some peace and to heal. His journey is hard and long but he's not alone. After finding Aria, his world it's not so dark anymore and that gives him the strenght to become a better man.
“Lovers find secret places inside this violent world where they make transactions with beauty.” — Rumi
Aria, a nineteen year old teenager, is going through some tough times herself and with her family's help she decides to go to a support meeting. And what would you know, there is also Dorian! Neither of them remembers their first encounter when they were young but both know there is something worth exploring between them. And so their beautiful friendship begins.
I'm not giving away any more details but all I can say is that Maayan created a wonderful story for her debut novel and it would really be a shame to not give it a chance and read it!
Wow!!! I think I need a minute or two to sort out my feelings about what I've just read! This story is trully so emotional. It's so beautiful but at the same time also so sad. You simply can't help but feel for the characters and what they are going through. Above all, there is so much love and that touched me deeply. I usually don't get so emotionally attached to characters but this time Maayan really did a number on me. And that is what makes not a good but a great storyteller!!! Bravo!!!
The fact that the story is based on true events is even more mind blowing! You have these two people who met under the most unbelievable circumstances that set, at least what I'd like to think, their future into stone. Had their first meeting turned out any differently, they both wouldn't find their better half a few years later. Of course, durring those years they both their lives and both found out that life can be full of pain and tragedy.
I was fighting a raging war within. A war where the enemy lived inside me…
Dorian, a 25 year old soldier, was such a wonderful character. So beautifully broken and after all that he went through in war, it was a miracle he was still sane. Yes, he has PTSD and sometimes that gets the better of him but he tries so hard to find some peace and to heal. His journey is hard and long but he's not alone. After finding Aria, his world it's not so dark anymore and that gives him the strenght to become a better man.
“Lovers find secret places inside this violent world where they make transactions with beauty.” — Rumi
Aria, a nineteen year old teenager, is going through some tough times herself and with her family's help she decides to go to a support meeting. And what would you know, there is also Dorian! Neither of them remembers their first encounter when they were young but both know there is something worth exploring between them. And so their beautiful friendship begins.
I'm not giving away any more details but all I can say is that Maayan created a wonderful story for her debut novel and it would really be a shame to not give it a chance and read it!
July 17, 2016
5 'Beautiful Soul Deep' Stars
Underwater was the most beautiful and heartfelt story I have read in a long time, a true emotional ride.
Aria has been fighting so hard to keep all her family afloat, since her father’s cancer diagnose, and at the same time fighting alone to keep all her pain inside herself.
This kind of pain is not a foreign concept to Dorian. He has been dealing, without true success, with all the ghosts from his time in the military. His visible scars aren’t really the deepest and problematic ones, but coupled with his demeanor, they tend to keep people away, enabling his detachment of the world and loneliness. Until the day, Arial crosses his path – and does seem bothered by his defense/protective mechanism – and gives a new meaning to his existence…
The day started like any other. I never imagined I would meet this girl at any stage of my miserable life, much less today. She was like a ray of light shining through the dark cage I was hidden in, brightening up my fucking universe.
Aria is just as instantly drawn to him as he is to her. He intrigues and attracts her like no one did before, and even though she thinks this isn’t the right time, she can’t fight her feelings.
I wanted him away. I wanted him close. I wanted everything and nothing.
Both Aria and Dorian are such amazing characters! They suffered and still do, but they show an incredible amount of strength, understanding and LOVE!!! Yes, they are broken and individuals, but together, they couldn’t be more complete.
“You two are really good for each other.”
He was right.
Alone, we were broken pieces.
Together, we were whole.
Yes, they aren’t perfect, but for me, as a reader they couldn’t have been more PERFECT!!! Aria was so compassionate, with such a caring and loving nature, and so incredibly strong, specially for her family. But with Dorian, she allowed her pain and vulnerability to show, and him to become her rock, her partner, her love. That and Aria’s love was all needed to give a new purpose to his life. From the very beginning she was special and unique to him, and he never failed to let her (and us) know. He was one of deeply romantic heroes I have ever read, we could really feel his love and how much she meant to him.
“All you have to do is touch me,” he murmured, his eyes glimmering with awe. “And my world is right again.”
“For years,” he said, “I didn’t feel a thing. Absolutely nothing. Then you walked through that door and I couldn’t see anything but you.”
He never once doubted their love and connection and had me literally swooning all along their story. He gives a whole new meaning to perfect imperfect.
I truly can’t express how in love I am with these characters. They are so beautifully developed I couldn’t think of one single thing I would change about them. That’s how perfect they are, specially together! We feel that they were meant to be, two broken soul s that destiny brought together to feel complete as one! <3
This was such an amazing story which shows us, in depth, so many kinds of love, in the most beautiful and realistic manner. It’s an emotionally heavy read given all the subplots, like her father’s – and her family – struggle with cancer, his torture while in captivity in the hands of the enemy and subsequent PTSD, that brought me to tears more than once, roof of Maayan incredible writing and story telling talent.
I know that this story is very close to her heart, and I’m sure it’s part of the reason for this stellar and successful debut novel. This partly biographical character of the book showed incredible courage and gave so much richness to the story that really transported us to feeling her pain, suffering, and devastation upon her father’s cancer. So thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching novel with all of us!
This start couldn’t have been better, in my opinion, and I’m so looking forward to the second book, which I’m sure will be equally as fantastic (and maybe even take one more look into these two’s life like it’s hinted on the snippet of the next one – please Maayan, we want even more Aria and Cole!) !
“I love you,” I said. I dropped my hands to her lower back, drawing her body securely against mine until we were both sitting on the grass, swings long forgotten. “I love you more than words can say and emotions can express. I love you more than my eyes can see, and more than my hands can feel.” I kissed her. “I love you every second, minute, and hour of each day, and I know that no matter what happens to us in the future, these feelings I have for you will never change.”
And to Maayan, the most heartfelt congratulations!!! My sweet friend, you truly have an extraordinary gift! Thank you for sharing it with us!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
ARC kindly provided by the author via Southern Belle Promotions in exchange for an honest review
For full review with Blog Tour check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
Underwater was the most beautiful and heartfelt story I have read in a long time, a true emotional ride.
Aria has been fighting so hard to keep all her family afloat, since her father’s cancer diagnose, and at the same time fighting alone to keep all her pain inside herself.
This kind of pain is not a foreign concept to Dorian. He has been dealing, without true success, with all the ghosts from his time in the military. His visible scars aren’t really the deepest and problematic ones, but coupled with his demeanor, they tend to keep people away, enabling his detachment of the world and loneliness. Until the day, Arial crosses his path – and does seem bothered by his defense/protective mechanism – and gives a new meaning to his existence…
The day started like any other. I never imagined I would meet this girl at any stage of my miserable life, much less today. She was like a ray of light shining through the dark cage I was hidden in, brightening up my fucking universe.
Aria is just as instantly drawn to him as he is to her. He intrigues and attracts her like no one did before, and even though she thinks this isn’t the right time, she can’t fight her feelings.
I wanted him away. I wanted him close. I wanted everything and nothing.
Both Aria and Dorian are such amazing characters! They suffered and still do, but they show an incredible amount of strength, understanding and LOVE!!! Yes, they are broken and individuals, but together, they couldn’t be more complete.
“You two are really good for each other.”
He was right.
Alone, we were broken pieces.
Together, we were whole.
Yes, they aren’t perfect, but for me, as a reader they couldn’t have been more PERFECT!!! Aria was so compassionate, with such a caring and loving nature, and so incredibly strong, specially for her family. But with Dorian, she allowed her pain and vulnerability to show, and him to become her rock, her partner, her love. That and Aria’s love was all needed to give a new purpose to his life. From the very beginning she was special and unique to him, and he never failed to let her (and us) know. He was one of deeply romantic heroes I have ever read, we could really feel his love and how much she meant to him.
“All you have to do is touch me,” he murmured, his eyes glimmering with awe. “And my world is right again.”
“For years,” he said, “I didn’t feel a thing. Absolutely nothing. Then you walked through that door and I couldn’t see anything but you.”
He never once doubted their love and connection and had me literally swooning all along their story. He gives a whole new meaning to perfect imperfect.
I truly can’t express how in love I am with these characters. They are so beautifully developed I couldn’t think of one single thing I would change about them. That’s how perfect they are, specially together! We feel that they were meant to be, two broken soul s that destiny brought together to feel complete as one! <3
This was such an amazing story which shows us, in depth, so many kinds of love, in the most beautiful and realistic manner. It’s an emotionally heavy read given all the subplots, like her father’s – and her family – struggle with cancer, his torture while in captivity in the hands of the enemy and subsequent PTSD, that brought me to tears more than once, roof of Maayan incredible writing and story telling talent.
I know that this story is very close to her heart, and I’m sure it’s part of the reason for this stellar and successful debut novel. This partly biographical character of the book showed incredible courage and gave so much richness to the story that really transported us to feeling her pain, suffering, and devastation upon her father’s cancer. So thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching novel with all of us!
This start couldn’t have been better, in my opinion, and I’m so looking forward to the second book, which I’m sure will be equally as fantastic (and maybe even take one more look into these two’s life like it’s hinted on the snippet of the next one – please Maayan, we want even more Aria and Cole!) !
“I love you,” I said. I dropped my hands to her lower back, drawing her body securely against mine until we were both sitting on the grass, swings long forgotten. “I love you more than words can say and emotions can express. I love you more than my eyes can see, and more than my hands can feel.” I kissed her. “I love you every second, minute, and hour of each day, and I know that no matter what happens to us in the future, these feelings I have for you will never change.”
And to Maayan, the most heartfelt congratulations!!! My sweet friend, you truly have an extraordinary gift! Thank you for sharing it with us!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
ARC kindly provided by the author via Southern Belle Promotions in exchange for an honest review
For full review with Blog Tour check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
June 24, 2016
6 Dorian my knight in shining armors Stars!
Warning: This love story it intense and gripping and is surrounded with the subject matters, not for the faint of heart
This is exactly what happened in this book to our main couple! Dorian and Aria were star-crossed lovers and were destined to be together no matter the odds!
Their paths crossed one day and left a trail who would put them back together again...
This time forever!
There is so much more i wanted to say what I felt about this book...there was much anguish and pain for both characters...they equally battled their own demons that tried to tear their life apart! In those very intense moments you could feel the author has written from the heart...its real! The pain becomes your pain, the sadness becomes your sadness....
Poor Dorian, he was an ex-veteran, suffering from PTSD, scarred from the inside as well as from the outside, trying to hide in the shadows of society, unable to form any connection with another human being, even unable to touch them....I cried for this wounded man....He was a tormented Hero, bitten by the realities of war and guilt for not being able to save his fellow mates, searching for that other half soul who would heal him...
Dorian was a man of few words, groove, intense and unapproachable and I loved every minute in his company...He's in my top 5 best Heroes ever! He's definitely an alpha with a possessive streak, but also very vulnerable and emotional...He's not scared to show how much he wants Aria and how much she's affecting him and he is completely and utterly devoted to the heroine that is a very powerful combination for a Hero to resist! I don't blame Aria for not being able to...From the moment he sees her, he swept her of her feet and never let go...
For some reason, I was more connected to the Hero, maybe because he was the most damaged one...I could feel his torment like I was there with him. Also, his portrayal of the PTSD was very real..it makes me think about all the soldiers who has to go through the same process as the Hero did and appreciate their sacrifices to keep us safe. That's not to say that the portrayal of the devastation of cancer that impacted on the person affected by it and the whole family was less real...it was very realistic and heartbreaking!
There was light, but also there were dark times, especially after Aria's father was going through a difficult time with his sickness...my heart broke for her in those moments...she needed someone to hold on to and Dorian was her solace in every step of the way!
I cannot stress enough how much I recommend this book, it teaches you that there is always hope, even in the darkest of corners...
It's all about emotional connection and even though their love scene came very late in the book, it was fitted here...they were not ready for that big of a step. With so many heavy issues with their lives, they needed to trust each others better to trust each other with their bodies....did you ever heard a say that b>.Less is more? because his is what happened between the love scenes..they were sensual, intense and emotionally charged but not in your face...it was all about their star-crossed hearts that finally reunited and I consumed those moments with every breath!
I just wanted more happiness in their lives and a longer epilogue with the babies..lol what can I say? I had fallen in love with them and would want for them every happiness possible...they deserved that a 100% after what they have gone through! But the song Aria made "as a special gift" for Dorian and his beautiful proposal made up for the things I wish they would have in more happy quantities...maybe in the next book?
Sage Gang:
"Copy provided in exchange for an honest review"
Warning: This love story it intense and gripping and is surrounded with the subject matters, not for the faint of heart
"She was like a ray of light shining through the dark cage I was hidden in, brightening up my fucking universe"Did you ever believe in soulmates?
This is exactly what happened in this book to our main couple! Dorian and Aria were star-crossed lovers and were destined to be together no matter the odds!
Their paths crossed one day and left a trail who would put them back together again...
This time forever!
There is so much more i wanted to say what I felt about this book...there was much anguish and pain for both characters...they equally battled their own demons that tried to tear their life apart! In those very intense moments you could feel the author has written from the heart...its real! The pain becomes your pain, the sadness becomes your sadness....
Poor Dorian, he was an ex-veteran, suffering from PTSD, scarred from the inside as well as from the outside, trying to hide in the shadows of society, unable to form any connection with another human being, even unable to touch them....I cried for this wounded man....He was a tormented Hero, bitten by the realities of war and guilt for not being able to save his fellow mates, searching for that other half soul who would heal him...
Dorian was a man of few words, groove, intense and unapproachable and I loved every minute in his company...He's in my top 5 best Heroes ever! He's definitely an alpha with a possessive streak, but also very vulnerable and emotional...He's not scared to show how much he wants Aria and how much she's affecting him and he is completely and utterly devoted to the heroine that is a very powerful combination for a Hero to resist! I don't blame Aria for not being able to...From the moment he sees her, he swept her of her feet and never let go...
"It was as simple as that. She held the sun, the moon and the stars in her bare hands. She held my heart in her hands too, and all I could do was wish she would be gentle with it."They become friends and formed an instant connection that made them support each other in the most difficult time of their lives....simply put it was magical to see their love blossomed: from the first not so subtle meeting to awkward touches, to shy smiles, to delicate touches, to heated looks, to passionate embraces and to scorching kisses...They healed each other's pains and found new hope in each other's arms....it was captivating and very emotionally charged journey for both of them....where pain becomes a salvation....
For some reason, I was more connected to the Hero, maybe because he was the most damaged one...I could feel his torment like I was there with him. Also, his portrayal of the PTSD was very real..it makes me think about all the soldiers who has to go through the same process as the Hero did and appreciate their sacrifices to keep us safe. That's not to say that the portrayal of the devastation of cancer that impacted on the person affected by it and the whole family was less real...it was very realistic and heartbreaking!
There was light, but also there were dark times, especially after Aria's father was going through a difficult time with his sickness...my heart broke for her in those moments...she needed someone to hold on to and Dorian was her solace in every step of the way!
I cannot stress enough how much I recommend this book, it teaches you that there is always hope, even in the darkest of corners...
"When you live in total darkness and suddenly a ray of light brightens your days and your nights, you hold on to it"....
It's all about emotional connection and even though their love scene came very late in the book, it was fitted here...they were not ready for that big of a step. With so many heavy issues with their lives, they needed to trust each others better to trust each other with their bodies....did you ever heard a say that b>.Less is more? because his is what happened between the love scenes..they were sensual, intense and emotionally charged but not in your face...it was all about their star-crossed hearts that finally reunited and I consumed those moments with every breath!
I just wanted more happiness in their lives and a longer epilogue with the babies..lol what can I say? I had fallen in love with them and would want for them every happiness possible...they deserved that a 100% after what they have gone through! But the song Aria made "as a special gift" for Dorian and his beautiful proposal made up for the things I wish they would have in more happy quantities...maybe in the next book?
Sage Gang:
"Copy provided in exchange for an honest review"
September 23, 2016
Title: Underwater
Series: Underwater #1
Author: Maayan Nahmani
Release date: June 26, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
When I started reading Underwater, I had plenty of preconceived notions about what I was in store for. Just knowing the subject matter involved losing a parent to cancer, I'd steeled myself for plenty of sorrow and tears. I knew that this story grew and nourished from the most painful time in the author's life as a way to get through her toughest days. The ring of truth to what the heroine experiences emotionally isn't something that can be manufactured. That was something that I was prepared for.
What I didn't realize was that while this book had a heavy undertone to it, it was laced with enough humor and romance to keep it from making the story unbearably sad. The light and the dark pieces of the story balanced themselves out and made this book such a smooth reading experience. I never felt like I was burdened with too much hurt for what the characters were dealing with, it was addressed honestly but gently.
Aria has been handed the kind of news that no one ever expects to hear: her father has a deadly disease and this new reality that she lives in has become a nightmare. She struggles with denial, fear, anger, despair, and helplessness. So many times she feels like she's on the precipice of falling, of crumbling when she has no choice but to be strong and solid. For her father. For her family. She has to be the foundation that holds everyone up one day at a time. Only this becomes more of a struggle than she was prepared for which leads her to a local support group. And one very silent and withdrawn man named Dorian.
Dorian has his own nightmares to battle every day. He's scarred, inside and out with memories that haunt him from his time in the military. He deals with Post-traumatic stress disorder. Like wounded animal, he lashes out and won't allow anyone close to him.
I couldn't make the nightmares go away. They clung to my consciousness, pulling me back to the black days that changed my entire life forever. I was fighting a raging war within. A war where the enemy lived inside of me...fed by my fears and constant anger, and eating me up from the inside.
When they met, there was an immediate recognition. Pain seeing pain. There was an understanding and a lack of fear between them that caused a peace to settle over Dorian. She soothed his battered heart and brought out a protective and instincts a mile wide. This hero had the feel of the Aurora Rose Reynolds type of Alphas from her classics. If you like jealous and possessive tortured heroes this will be the perfect fit for you. You know the kind I'm talking about. They growl "mine", and you can picture them pissing a circle of ownership around the heroine to scare off all potential males sniffing around. That was Dorian, he had me laughing at his lack of restraint when it came to her.
What I loved about Aria was her strong sense of determination and strong will. She was a survivor-not a damsel in distress. She may have been wrapped in a tiny package, but her spirit was a warrior daring anyone to try to beat her down. She was the perfect fit for Dorian, a partner to lend comfort and understanding that he needed.
Underwater was a beautiful story. It was about loss and the tenacity of the human spirit to weather the storms that are beyond our control. Maayan took on some sensitive topics and handled them with surprising competence for a debut author. I'm already sold on reading her next book in the series, the tease at the end has me very intrigued.
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March 19, 2017
This book was an emotional read. It was heart-warming and it was beautiful. Most chapters in the book start with a soul-touching quotation from the Islamic scholar Rumi, also known as Mevlana.
Here are some:
“Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?”
“I once had a thousand desires. But in my one desire to know you all else melted away.”
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
The book begins with a beautiful Prologue, which later means more to the reader.
UNDERWATER is the story of Aria and Dorian, two suffering people who find love and peace in each other.
Dorian suffers from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Everyone is town is scared of him. He has only two friends. He goes to a support group but doesn’t talk to anyone there. He sits in the dark corners hiding himself, maybe mostly hiding his scars. It has been many years since he last touched a human being without feeling pain. He has a temper he cannot control, an uncontrollable anger and self-hatred. He survived the war with scars but his friends were all dead.
Aria suffered the death of her older brother when she was a little child and now her dearest father is dying of cancer. She is in deep pain. Dorian’s father also died of cancer when he was at war. He couldn’t even go to his funeral.
When these two people meet, it was instant attraction, a magical bond even... For the first time in so many years, Dorian wanted to talk to someone, touch someone, be near someone.
“She was like a magnet, pulling me in... She made me feel too much, too soon, and I had no fucking clue how to deal with all these new emotions.”
She also felt drawn to him. She thought he was beautiful, scars and all.
“Dorian stood at the base of a street lamp where it illuminated his features, softening the rugged angles of his face. He was attractive in a rough-around-the-edges kind of way, but now – as I let myself really look at him – I thought he was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. He left me breathless.”
Aria was very intuitive. She saw the real “Dorian” behind the pain and the suffering and she wanted and needed him at the same time.
“I never imagined how much he suffered, and was still suffering. Everyone was terrified of him, shunned him, whispered behind his back... but no one knew what lay behind the scars and the haunted eyes. No one tried to see beyond the fucked-up veteran.
He was in pain, haunted by horrors that he had endured. All he wanted was for someone to understand him. Somehow, fate wanted me to be the one who could touch him, and I made a promise to myself.
No matter what, whether it was friendship or more, I silently promised that I would stand by his side, for better or worse.
He’d cried out for help and I heard him... I fucking heard. It dawned on me that meeting me meant a lot to him.
He didn’t know it yet, but meeting him meant a lot to me too.”
Dorian was good for Aria as much as she was good for him.
There are so very deep emotions between them and such powerful chemistry.
I kissed him back with eagerness, my tongue connecting with his. His hands let go of mine and he cupped my face. We kissed as if we’d done this a million times before. He tightened his grip and pulled me even closer, swallowing me whole. My hands were busy doing their own touching. I began at the base of his stomach, feeling his abs flexing under my touch.
My fingers rose until they reached his strong and broad chest, up to his collarbone, until they touched the scar on his chin. I traced its path, feeling the raw and carved place where smooth skin use to be. I tore my mouth away and kissed the jagged lines.
He needed to know that it was a part of him and he was beautiful to me, scars and all. His body stilled, but I carried on with my inspection. When I was satisfied I hadn’t missed a spot, I looked up and found him watching me, his eyes wet with unshed tears. They shined with sadness, acceptance, warmth, and affection.
They were soul-mates, star-crossed lovers and their history went beyond meeting in that support group, which they both later realized.
“I don’t understand us, Dorian.” With a small voice, she said, “What we have… it’s not normal. It’s too powerful, too intense and too soon. I’m afraid.” Her voice increased in volume. “I don’t know if we’re supposed to feel this way. This... connected.” She sucked in a breath. “I’m just... shit . I don’t know what’s wrong with me this morning.”
I got up into a sitting position, grabbed her arm, and with a slight tug, I pulled her towards me, settling her in my lap so we were face to face. “Nothing is wrong with you,” I said. “Your thoughts mirror mine. I know it’s not normal, but I never claimed to be normal. All that I feel for you…I’m addicted. To your smell… Your touch... Your taste... You’re like a miracle to me,” I whispered in her ear. “My second chance in this life.”
They made me laugh, they made me cry, they made me swoon... They made me feel a lot.
Dorian called Aria a nickname: Tiny, which was really cute :)
“That’s what you want?” I asked quietly. “To make me yours?”
“It’s only fair, Tiny.” Tiny… for some reason, I liked his nickname for me.
“Why?”
“Because I’m already yours.” I sucked in a breath, and if it was possible my heart beat faster.
I can recommend this book for readers who love emotional stories. It surely includes scenes of illness and brutal war memories, which may be hard to read but the way these two characters connect and the way they help each other, the way they heal one another and their love story is really worth reading.
And I loved the song “Underwater”... It suits to the story so well because they saved one another when they were feeling drowning underwater.
June 2, 2016
This is a wonderfully written book! Dorian and Aria are incredible characters that both went through terrible times, but they help each other live again. Their love is very sweet and they treasure each other. I highly recommend this book and I'm anxious to read her next one! An amazing debut for Maayan!
December 18, 2018
FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME & to celebrate Underwater 1st birthday, it is now #FREE for a limited time only!
Amazon US: https://goo.gl/419Z2I
Amazon CA: https://goo.gl/yuuibb
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/030rlF
************************
5+ stars
Dear Tiny, (ups, sorry! :-))
Dear Maayan,
girl, what an amazing book you wrote, AMAZING!
Was it really your debut novel? Respect!
There are many wonderful reviews, I love this one the best
Roksana's review
I just want to tell you, Maayan, that I felt your pain, I felt your love and I got your message!
I send you a lot of love and looking forward to your next book!!!
Amazon US: https://goo.gl/419Z2I
Amazon CA: https://goo.gl/yuuibb
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/030rlF
************************
5+ stars
Dear Tiny, (ups, sorry! :-))
Dear Maayan,
girl, what an amazing book you wrote, AMAZING!
Was it really your debut novel? Respect!
There are many wonderful reviews, I love this one the best
Roksana's review
I just want to tell you, Maayan, that I felt your pain, I felt your love and I got your message!
I send you a lot of love and looking forward to your next book!!!
June 3, 2016
What an amazing, beautiful , heartfelt, wonderful, terrific , loving and inspiration book!!!
I truly loved this read. Dorian the Hero oh wow no words describe how much I love him( if only he was real:)! He was phenomenal! The Heroine was a remarkable woman as well. I loved her sweetness , her loyalness to her family and the hero! What an exceptional pair these two are! Two Beautiful and broken souls that belong together! Oh I have one tiny complaint I need way more of them and a much longer and informative epilogue!!:) This is definitely a reread for me and one of my favorites! I can't wait to read about Ella:)
Maayan Honey this was an astonishing read and I felt all your emotions you put into this book! I cried so much but not all sad tears. Some were happy, hopeful, and strong tears!! And this is only your first book wow ! I can not wait for more:) Oh and the tiny little trigger that I told you I didn't care for well you wrote this in a way were it didn't bother me not one bit :) Great Job and I'm so proud of you as I know your angel above is:)
Safety gang safe
Hero has been celibate since he was 16. He is 25.
Heroine had only one bf in high school. she wasn't a virgin . she is 19.
no OW/OM drama
no separation! Both are 100 percent completely devoted and in love with each other.
I truly loved this read. Dorian the Hero oh wow no words describe how much I love him( if only he was real:)! He was phenomenal! The Heroine was a remarkable woman as well. I loved her sweetness , her loyalness to her family and the hero! What an exceptional pair these two are! Two Beautiful and broken souls that belong together! Oh I have one tiny complaint I need way more of them and a much longer and informative epilogue!!:) This is definitely a reread for me and one of my favorites! I can't wait to read about Ella:)
Maayan Honey this was an astonishing read and I felt all your emotions you put into this book! I cried so much but not all sad tears. Some were happy, hopeful, and strong tears!! And this is only your first book wow ! I can not wait for more:) Oh and the tiny little trigger that I told you I didn't care for well you wrote this in a way were it didn't bother me not one bit :) Great Job and I'm so proud of you as I know your angel above is:)
Safety gang safe
Hero has been celibate since he was 16. He is 25.
Heroine had only one bf in high school. she wasn't a virgin . she is 19.
no OW/OM drama
no separation! Both are 100 percent completely devoted and in love with each other.
June 3, 2016
This is such a beautifully written story, the type that touches your heart and stays with you. There are so many things I loved about this book -
1.) This is a romance but also a story about love. Not just two people falling in love but the love between a father and daughter. I loved the relationship Aria had with her father and how she was there for him when he needed her most. The love she had for her family, especially her dad, was amazing.
2.) Aria was a wonderful heroine. She was patient and loving - never giving up on the people she loved. She was there for her family when they needed her and she was also there for Dorian when he needed her. She was always compassionate and kind, willing to do whatever she had to do for the people she loved. She was so strong.
3.) Dorian was amazing. Seriously. I've read quite a few books with soldiers with PTSD but none quite like this. Dorian found something in Aria that helped him and instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. He suffered for a long time and it was really heartbreaking what he went through but he was strong and knew when it was time to get help.
4.) The romance. I loved the way these two met, the way they found something in each other that they both needed. I loved the way they were able to offer comfort to each other in a way that nobody else was able to.
5.) The sexy scenes were hot. There is one scene in particular that was my favorite. :)
6.) Music played a big part in this story and there was a playlist. I loved looking up the songs and listening to them while I reading the book. The fit in the story really well.
I really loved this book. It is really hard to believe this is a debut novel because the writing is fantastic. The chemistry between Dorian and Aria was great and I couldn't wait for the two of them to get together. This was an emotional book and it did make me cry but overall it really was a beautiful story of unconditional love, family, patience and healing. I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
1.) This is a romance but also a story about love. Not just two people falling in love but the love between a father and daughter. I loved the relationship Aria had with her father and how she was there for him when he needed her most. The love she had for her family, especially her dad, was amazing.
2.) Aria was a wonderful heroine. She was patient and loving - never giving up on the people she loved. She was there for her family when they needed her and she was also there for Dorian when he needed her. She was always compassionate and kind, willing to do whatever she had to do for the people she loved. She was so strong.
3.) Dorian was amazing. Seriously. I've read quite a few books with soldiers with PTSD but none quite like this. Dorian found something in Aria that helped him and instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. He suffered for a long time and it was really heartbreaking what he went through but he was strong and knew when it was time to get help.
4.) The romance. I loved the way these two met, the way they found something in each other that they both needed. I loved the way they were able to offer comfort to each other in a way that nobody else was able to.
5.) The sexy scenes were hot. There is one scene in particular that was my favorite. :)
6.) Music played a big part in this story and there was a playlist. I loved looking up the songs and listening to them while I reading the book. The fit in the story really well.
I really loved this book. It is really hard to believe this is a debut novel because the writing is fantastic. The chemistry between Dorian and Aria was great and I couldn't wait for the two of them to get together. This was an emotional book and it did make me cry but overall it really was a beautiful story of unconditional love, family, patience and healing. I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
June 4, 2016
5 well-deserved stars!!
This was such an amazing debut novel! Dorian was just too beautiful for words. The way he stood by Aria unconditionally and how he would have never given up on them... I could not have asked for a better hero! There is very serious subject matter regarding PTSD and cancer and it was handled very well as well.
Aria was also an incredible heroine! So much love for her father and watching her deal with her father's terminal illness was truly heartbreaking. I'm so glad she had Dorian as a shoulder to lean on and I loved how she helped Dorian deal with his PTSD as well. They were soulmates that belonged together. <3
I also loved that this was written by a fellow safety member so I never had to worry about that, lol.
Maayan, my friend, to say that I am impressed with your debut novel would be an understatement. You are truly gifted and I cannot wait to see what more you have in store for us!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This was such an amazing debut novel! Dorian was just too beautiful for words. The way he stood by Aria unconditionally and how he would have never given up on them... I could not have asked for a better hero! There is very serious subject matter regarding PTSD and cancer and it was handled very well as well.
Aria was also an incredible heroine! So much love for her father and watching her deal with her father's terminal illness was truly heartbreaking. I'm so glad she had Dorian as a shoulder to lean on and I loved how she helped Dorian deal with his PTSD as well. They were soulmates that belonged together. <3
I also loved that this was written by a fellow safety member so I never had to worry about that, lol.
Maayan, my friend, to say that I am impressed with your debut novel would be an understatement. You are truly gifted and I cannot wait to see what more you have in store for us!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
March 23, 2020
On SALE now for $0.99
Wow this was one emotional read.
I loved the way the H loved the h <3
Reading the h's thoughts about her father was so overwhelming. You could feel the special bond that they share.
I'm a sucker for books where broken characters finally find their happy ending. I must say this one did not disappoint.
Great book.
I don't think i need to say how talented Maayan is, this book says it all.
For a debut novel, girl you did an amazing job IMO :D
Wow this was one emotional read.
I loved the way the H loved the h <3
Reading the h's thoughts about her father was so overwhelming. You could feel the special bond that they share.
I'm a sucker for books where broken characters finally find their happy ending. I must say this one did not disappoint.
Great book.
I don't think i need to say how talented Maayan is, this book says it all.
For a debut novel, girl you did an amazing job IMO :D
July 20, 2016
There are no words for how much I loved this book! It was beautiful and heartbreaking! From the very first page this book sucked me in, I couldn't put it down! My heart broke for both Aria and Dorian, both beautiful and broken people. I loved them as a couple you could tell how much they loved each other, it was very beautiful! This will be a reread for me for sure. I hope to read more from this author.
March 23, 2020
On sale now for .99c
This book deserves more than 5 stars!!!
Wow!!!! All I can say is that this book is so amazing. I recommend this book to everyone.
Maayan I want to thank you for writing this amazing story I can't wait to read the next book.
This book deserves more than 5 stars!!!
Wow!!!! All I can say is that this book is so amazing. I recommend this book to everyone.
Maayan I want to thank you for writing this amazing story I can't wait to read the next book.
June 22, 2016
The fact that this book is a debut novel blows me away. As the book progressed though you could see the writing getting better and maturing. Then finding out in the end that English is not the first language of the author blew me away again. I fell in love with Dorian and Aria. They were both broken pieces that made a whole when together. They complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses. They NEVER wavered in their love for each other. When times got tough they lifted each other up. This book touched me in so many ways. The emotions all felt very real to me. Two people that touched each other's lives in such a profound way that always seem to find each other again. This will be a definite reread for me. I am looking forward to the next book about Aria's best friend and hoping we will get more Dorian and Aria time in her story. I really don't want to spoiler anything. It just needs to be read.
December 3, 2016
Beautiful!! This was an emotional read, from heart-wrenching to being incredibly heartwarming. This was not my typical read. I cried while reading the Author's Note at the beginning of the book, but knew then, that this would be a special read. This was a story of pain of such magnitude , dealing with loss of control of life's events, feeling helpless while drowning in the dark abyss of emotional turmoil, but also of survival and the utter beauty and power of love. Of finding the way to surface and being able to not only breathe again, but to heal and thrive. For me, this book represented the strength of the human spirit and how the gift of love can help transcend all.
June 1, 2016
review to come
January 26, 2018
"I love you,” I said. I dropped my hands to her lower back, drawing her body securely against mine until we were both sitting on the grass, swings long forgotten. “I love you more than words can say and emotions can express. I love you more than my eyes can see, and more than my hands can feel.” I kissed her. “I love you every second, minute, and hour of each day, and I know that no matter what happens to us in the future, these feelings I have for you will never change.”
September 12, 2016
“From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven, and when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, the streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from that united being.” – The Baal Shem Tov
This is a new Author to us and we have to applaud Maayan Nahmani for her debut as it really had the makings of a brilliant story with such passion and high emotion. Sure it was a little bit too insta love for us but we just couldn’t put this book down and we loved how it all made sense in the end, kismet . It really drew every emotion out of us as we read and the concept of fate and love heals all – even the most broken of souls – rang true throughout. Parts of this story felt so real to life you just knew that this Author gave the reader her heart in her very own way. Also, for us as readers and spectators, we connected with the tragedy of topic, as many would, which is why we truly felt this story.
‘So I did the thing I most wanted to do. I let go. I cried.’
We firmly believe that music can explain how you feel and sometimes the music speaks what we cannot. Again, we loved this about Underwater. And the effect it had on our connection to the main characters, Aria and Dorian was really quite poignant.
‘So I’d kissed her. I kissed her like I had never kissed another. Everything I’d experienced before that moment disappeared into oblivion, washed away, never to surface back into my conscious. I could kiss her forever if she’d let me.’
Underwater is a story of love in its purest and most healing form. The moment when two souls recognise a part in the other and fuse together from which springs understanding, tenderness, respect and ultimately love. The journey our characters had to go through was tragic as well as soul searching. When life continuously throws obstacles and heartbreak in your way, how you come out on the other side is greatly affected.
“I don’t understand us, Dorian. What we have…it’s not normal. It’s too powerful, too intense and too soon. I’m afraid.”
Whilst we received an ARC we do have to mention the editing, it had a few inconsistencies and at times the story suffered because of this. However, this being Maayan Nahmani’s first book we’re sure this is something that will be looked at for her next story.
“You’re my Beauty. And I’m your fucking Beast.”
Available to purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
July 31, 2016
My best friend wrote a book! How many of you guys can say that?
Probably a lot but I don’t care about that cause MY best friend wrote a book :D
I started reading this book when it was just one page old. I remember being shocked about how good it was cause Maayan and I only read books. We read books like crazy. I wrote some poetry on the side and showed her because she’s the only one I trusted with that, and she sent me pages and pages of this book as soon as she finished writing them.
I fell in love.
That’s all I can really say. I fell in love with Dorian and Aria’s story. There were parts of their story that hit a little too close to home and I had to put it down for a bit. There were parts that made me angry at the universe. There were parts that made me wanna hug Dorian. There were parts that made me wish I could find the cure for cancer. Just kidding, the whole book made me wish I could find the cure for that motherfucker.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is this: This book made me feel. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since a book evoked so many emotions out of me other than the standard phew, he is hot!. I miss reading books like this one.
Not all of it was sad though; there were some pretty hilarious scenes in there. I won’t tell you, you have to read for yourself and find out.
I leave you with my favorite quote from this book:
“I love you more than words can say and emotions can express. I love you more than my eyes can see, and more than my hands can feel.” I kissed her. “I love you every second, minute, and hour of each day, and I know that no matter what happens to us in the future, these feelings I have for you will never change.”
Probably a lot but I don’t care about that cause MY best friend wrote a book :D
I started reading this book when it was just one page old. I remember being shocked about how good it was cause Maayan and I only read books. We read books like crazy. I wrote some poetry on the side and showed her because she’s the only one I trusted with that, and she sent me pages and pages of this book as soon as she finished writing them.
I fell in love.
That’s all I can really say. I fell in love with Dorian and Aria’s story. There were parts of their story that hit a little too close to home and I had to put it down for a bit. There were parts that made me angry at the universe. There were parts that made me wanna hug Dorian. There were parts that made me wish I could find the cure for cancer. Just kidding, the whole book made me wish I could find the cure for that motherfucker.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is this: This book made me feel. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since a book evoked so many emotions out of me other than the standard phew, he is hot!. I miss reading books like this one.
Not all of it was sad though; there were some pretty hilarious scenes in there. I won’t tell you, you have to read for yourself and find out.
I leave you with my favorite quote from this book:
“I love you more than words can say and emotions can express. I love you more than my eyes can see, and more than my hands can feel.” I kissed her. “I love you every second, minute, and hour of each day, and I know that no matter what happens to us in the future, these feelings I have for you will never change.”
September 13, 2016
“From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven, and when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, the streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from that united being.” – The Baal Shem Tov
This is a new Author to us and we have to applaud Maayan Nahmani for her debut as it really had the makings of a brilliant story with such passion and high emotion. Sure it was a little bit too insta love for us but we just couldn’t put this book down and we loved how it all made sense in the end, kismet . It really drew every emotion out of us as we read and the concept of fate and love heals all – even the most broken of souls – rang true throughout. Parts of this story felt so real to life you just knew that this Author gave the reader her heart in her very own way. Also, for us as readers and spectators, we connected with the tragedy of topic, as many would, which is why we truly felt this story.
‘So I did the thing I most wanted to do. I let go. I cried.’
We firmly believe that music can explain how you feel and sometimes the music speaks what we cannot. Again, we loved this about Underwater. And the effect it had on our connection to the main characters, Aria and Dorian was really quite poignant.
‘So I’d kissed her. I kissed her like I had never kissed another. Everything I’d experienced before that moment disappeared into oblivion, washed away, never to surface back into my conscious. I could kiss her forever if she’d let me.’
Underwater is a story of love in its purest and most healing form. The moment when two souls recognise a part in the other and fuse together from which springs understanding, tenderness, respect and ultimately love. The journey our characters had to go through was tragic as well as soul searching. When life continuously throws obstacles and heartbreak in your way, how you come out on the other side is greatly affected.
“I don’t understand us, Dorian. What we have…it’s not normal. It’s too powerful, too intense and too soon. I’m afraid.”
Whilst we received an ARC we do have to mention the editing, it had a few inconsistencies and at times the story suffered because of this. However, this being Maayan Nahmani’s first book we’re sure this is something that will be looked at for her next story.
“You’re my Beauty. And I’m your fucking Beast.”
Available to purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
August 18, 2016
Every once in a while you come across a book that simply just blows you away ,Underwater is that book for me.Two words....simply stunning!!!
February 18, 2018
Wow! What an incredibly beautiful story this was!
When Aria and her family receive the worse possible news she is thrown into a tailspin of taking care of everyone. While her heart is breaking she struggles to hold onto hope even as her parent’s relationship is erupting. The stress in all of their lives is wearing them down. Acting on advice from her aunt, she attends a support group. It is there that she meets Dorian with his scarred face and horrifying rumors that follow in his wake.
Dorian has survived a living nightmare and has not only the physical scars but the emotional ones to prove it. Lonely and cut off from everyone, he is simply existing in his isolation knowing there is nothing that could ever heal him. Until he sees Aria. Miraculously he is soon yearning for the touch of her hand, the press of her lips or even her mere presence. With Aria the darkness is made light and his nightmares are banished.
This was such a great read! I absolutely adored this couple and the complete connection they had with one another. Separately they are broken and struggling day to day but together they provide each other with the strength needed to face their deepest fears.
Aria was a strong heroine for one so young and the very backbone of her family. When everyone else is falling apart she remains strong even when she should be allowed to fall apart herself. In the face of Dorian’s torment she again rises to the challenge and is able to pull him from the brink.
Dorian was so broken and lost but once he finds Aria he morphs into a man whose sole purpose is to protect and cherish his woman. His dedication to her was unwavering as well as his constant support as she journeys down a path that will only lead to pain. He was one hundred percent pure alpha and a dream come true for this reader’s heart.
And it can’t go without saying that Aria’s relationship with her father as well as her struggle with his illness is so beautifully written and executed that I was in tears for many of the scenes where they are together. I am in awe that this is a debut novel and look forward to more from this author in the future.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
No apparent triggers
When Aria and her family receive the worse possible news she is thrown into a tailspin of taking care of everyone. While her heart is breaking she struggles to hold onto hope even as her parent’s relationship is erupting. The stress in all of their lives is wearing them down. Acting on advice from her aunt, she attends a support group. It is there that she meets Dorian with his scarred face and horrifying rumors that follow in his wake.
Dorian has survived a living nightmare and has not only the physical scars but the emotional ones to prove it. Lonely and cut off from everyone, he is simply existing in his isolation knowing there is nothing that could ever heal him. Until he sees Aria. Miraculously he is soon yearning for the touch of her hand, the press of her lips or even her mere presence. With Aria the darkness is made light and his nightmares are banished.
This was such a great read! I absolutely adored this couple and the complete connection they had with one another. Separately they are broken and struggling day to day but together they provide each other with the strength needed to face their deepest fears.
Aria was a strong heroine for one so young and the very backbone of her family. When everyone else is falling apart she remains strong even when she should be allowed to fall apart herself. In the face of Dorian’s torment she again rises to the challenge and is able to pull him from the brink.
Dorian was so broken and lost but once he finds Aria he morphs into a man whose sole purpose is to protect and cherish his woman. His dedication to her was unwavering as well as his constant support as she journeys down a path that will only lead to pain. He was one hundred percent pure alpha and a dream come true for this reader’s heart.
And it can’t go without saying that Aria’s relationship with her father as well as her struggle with his illness is so beautifully written and executed that I was in tears for many of the scenes where they are together. I am in awe that this is a debut novel and look forward to more from this author in the future.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
No apparent triggers
June 24, 2016
I’ve made several attempts to write this review for this story but I’m having difficulty finding the right words. This book is close to my heart because I know firsthand how much this book means to the author. I can remember when certain scenes were written and what was going on in the author’s life at the time and I can tell you those scenes take on a much deeper meaning for me. Every thought, every emotion, every word came from somewhere deep and real and honest. And when she writes about the trials and tribulations between Aria and her father my heart aches because this fictional story is rooted in the author’s reality. And I think that’s why I’ve had such trouble trying to write a review fitting for this incredible journey these characters took. No words can do it justice. It was an experience for me on a personal level and a professional level because I was there for the author in real life and the fictional one she created as a friend, and as one author helping another, while she navigated the stormy seas of both. And it was a sight to behold. I know where Aria’s strength came from. It came from her creator.
As for Dorian, our leading man. He had me at hello. His struggles, her struggles… together made for some of the best scenes I’ve ever read. His protectiveness. Her independence. His regrets and loneliness. Her sympathy and sorrow. They needed each other and every time they came together my heart fluttered. They were made for each other. No question. Their love story was beautifully written and I am so, so happy that the world will now be able to get to know these characters and fall in love with them the same way I did.
If you’re worried about the story being too sad, you shouldn’t. The author will put a smile on your face many times throughout the book. I know I smiled constantly. So, if you’re looking for something with meaning…something with heart…something with soul – then read this book.
And you’ll understand what I mean.
I give this book 5 achingly beautiful stars.
As for Dorian, our leading man. He had me at hello. His struggles, her struggles… together made for some of the best scenes I’ve ever read. His protectiveness. Her independence. His regrets and loneliness. Her sympathy and sorrow. They needed each other and every time they came together my heart fluttered. They were made for each other. No question. Their love story was beautifully written and I am so, so happy that the world will now be able to get to know these characters and fall in love with them the same way I did.
If you’re worried about the story being too sad, you shouldn’t. The author will put a smile on your face many times throughout the book. I know I smiled constantly. So, if you’re looking for something with meaning…something with heart…something with soul – then read this book.
And you’ll understand what I mean.
I give this book 5 achingly beautiful stars.
June 22, 2016
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
This was such a heartbreaking story. For me it was very emotional as some of the things hit a bit close to home for me.
Aria was your normal girl next door with a happy family and life was good, until tragedy struck her family. And from there it seemed like her world was coming to an end.
And because of what she's going through she meets Dorian (a soldier suffering from PTSD) who is also going through something heartbreaking. And the story is about two people meeting under terrible circumstances, and trying to be there for each other and helping each other.
This story was filled with so much emotion and that it is based on true events is even more heartbreaking. It made me cry.
I once had a thousand desires. But in my one desire to know you all else melted away
Dorian with everything that he was going through, found Aria and she became his light in the darkness that he was living
I need you to promise me that you won't date someone else. I said I would be your friend, and I will. But You need to know..." My head inched closer until I was in her face. "I want more. I want you. I promise I'll wait for you until you're ready for me. But please..." I pleaded. I fucking begged, "Don't date other people. I couldn't bear it."
From the minute he saw her all he saw was her. And because of her, he wanted to be a better person and he wanted to start living again. And Aria found that she didn't have to do everything on her own, that she can lean on someone else.
I don't want to say to much, because it will give the story away.
But thank you for sharing your story Maayan and I hope that it will help someone else going through something similar.
This was such a heartbreaking story. For me it was very emotional as some of the things hit a bit close to home for me.
Aria was your normal girl next door with a happy family and life was good, until tragedy struck her family. And from there it seemed like her world was coming to an end.
And because of what she's going through she meets Dorian (a soldier suffering from PTSD) who is also going through something heartbreaking. And the story is about two people meeting under terrible circumstances, and trying to be there for each other and helping each other.
This story was filled with so much emotion and that it is based on true events is even more heartbreaking. It made me cry.
I once had a thousand desires. But in my one desire to know you all else melted away
Dorian with everything that he was going through, found Aria and she became his light in the darkness that he was living
I need you to promise me that you won't date someone else. I said I would be your friend, and I will. But You need to know..." My head inched closer until I was in her face. "I want more. I want you. I promise I'll wait for you until you're ready for me. But please..." I pleaded. I fucking begged, "Don't date other people. I couldn't bear it."
From the minute he saw her all he saw was her. And because of her, he wanted to be a better person and he wanted to start living again. And Aria found that she didn't have to do everything on her own, that she can lean on someone else.
I don't want to say to much, because it will give the story away.
But thank you for sharing your story Maayan and I hope that it will help someone else going through something similar.
June 25, 2016
Title: Underwater
Author: Maayan Nahmani
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
Normally when it comes to reviews, especially when they pertain to emotional reads (which this one was), I will finish the story and take time (hours, sometimes even days) before reviewing. I’m trying something a little different with this one. I’m going to close the door on this book (or rather turn the final page) and jump straight in, emotional bucket full.
It would be unfair of me to do it any other way.
This story hits on a topic that is very close to home for me personally. One that for that reason alone, I don’t often take on books featuring. Not because I don’t think they’ll be done well, but because I know they will. I know that at any given point when I’m reading, I’ll be staring my own mortality in the face through the eyes of another, and to be quite honest, that scares the shit out of me. So I don’t normally do it.
But take this one on I did and well, here I am after it.
I survived the emotional onslaught that takes place within these pages, and with that being said, I think I came out stronger because of it.
Such is the power of this author’s voice. Of her character voices.
At its most basic this is a love story. Going deeper (which I always do), it’s a story of healing. A story of facing demons, both emotional and physical and not letting them win. Relying on one another (sometimes even relying on the last one you’d expect) and letting them strengthen you, while you do the same for them. It’s a story about the true bonds of family, familial love and the long lasting impact it has on you, even when the unthinkable happens. It’s about finding the courage to move on, to love (or love again) and paint a better picture for you and those you love than the one you previously had. And all of this is able to happen because of the characters, Aria and Dorian.
Aria was a unique heroine for me. I’ve said it in reviews in the past and I’ll say it again, but finding heroines that are equal parts strong yet unafraid to be weak in moments that call for it, are incredibly hard to come by. A perfect balance of what I feel a lot of women are. Often times, they’re either too soft and allow themselves to be walked on and over, or they’re too strong and the walls are so thick you can’t break through, much less the hero of the tale.
Aria wasn’t like that. She was the balance of both. Strong for her family (the binding holding them together quite frankly), Dorian and her friends, and unafraid to show a softer side. One less strong. She read very real, very human to me and as far as my books go, especially in this genre, I don’t believe it could have been done better.
Now, a lot of people have already heard that this story is heavily based in reality, so I won’t speak on that again. What I will say is that for this reader, there is no doubt where the strength, heart and feelings of Aria come from and to be a part of that, seeing it unfold in the story the way it did, was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
Now, I couldn’t review this book without talking about the other half in Dorian.
An alpha male to be sure, but not in an obnoxious overstated way. Again, we’re back to the perfect type of balance as it works for me personally as the reader. For every tough guy, caveman style moment he had, he had equal that in emotionally impactful, sweet moments. Ones where his heart silenced his mind and let it guide him. He was a young man riddled with pain, but also the ability to ease said pain in others. He wasn’t a man without faults and I think that’s what bonded me to him even more than his moments with Aria did. He didn’t excuse his behavior, in fact, he often owned it, which just like Aria before him, made his character a refreshing change of pace for me.
To bring these two unique beings together and have them navigate not only their past and present together (dramatic and impactful emotionally to be sure), but also have them find something in one another, and fall in love, was incredible. It was emotionally brutalizing while at the same time, refreshingly light and even funny. It was romantic and soul tugging. Basically it was what I imagine a real life relationship being even though it was fictional. Life isn’t easy, it damn sure isn’t pretty (cancer and PTSD even more so), but it was worth every second of the ride. The reader able to feel, to grow and change along with the characters. At least that’s how it was for this particular reader.
With the book being so heavily based in music and its healing effects, one line from a song sticks out most as I now prepare my heart to step away from Aria and Dorian’s (and essentially the authors) story and its meaning is simple for both the author and Aria.
“I bleed my heart out on this paper, so you can see what I can't say.”
I see what you’re saying author lady and more than that, I feel it. So thank you for making me feel.
My thanks to the author and all others that were involved in letting me read this beautiful story, their journey to happily ever after, before its official release into the world. I will carry it and them with me always.
August 1, 2016
4.5 "Tiny" Stars!
This was such a beautiful story. And the fact that this was based on the author's personal experience just really tugged at my heart. The Author's Note in the beginning had me tearing up.
"You can’t dress up the pain of this reality with flowery words."
Aria is 19 years old and her father has just been diagnosed with cancer. Aria is looked on as the glue of the family. She is daddy's little girl and this is taking a huge toll on her, but she's trying really hard to be strong for her family. That's easier said than done. Seeing how devastating this is on Aria, her aunt convinces her to go to support group to help her deal with it.
"I was used to being alone for so long that being around people made me uneasy."
Dorian is a 25 year old war veteran. While fighting in Afghanistan, he was taken and tortured, leaving him not only emotionally scared, but physically too. Because he suffers from PTSD, he doesn't do so well around others which causes people to be scared of him. Dorian helps Bennie with the support group meetings, but always sits in the back and never engages with others. Then, she walks in and he can't take his eyes off of her.
After the meeting, Dorian can't stop himself from asking her to stay. He wants to talk to her, but his first impression of himself doesn't go so well when he has a flashback from war. Aria is a strong girl though. She understands, but is still cautious.
"He frightened me and fascinated me all at once."
Dorian works as a bouncer at a nightclub which allows him to work, but not have to interact with people often. When he sees Aria there again he knows he has to try again. He can seem intimidating to those who don't know him, but Aria sees him. She brings him peace him in a way that no one else has been able to do. Because of that he instantly wants to make her his.
This book really tugs on the heartstrings. You could feel how damaged Dorian was and his struggle to stay in the present and not let his demons drag him under. I loved the music connection Aria has with her father and how she uses it with Dorian too. I loved Aria. She was spunky. She said what she thought and stood her ground, even with Dorian. I loved his nickname of "Tiny" for her. Normally she would hate that nickname, but from him, it works.
This book had me in tears a few times, especially when the song "Unsteady" by X Ambassadors came on while I was reading. The lyrics were perfect for this book. It's such a beautiful story of loss, grief, healing and love. This was a great debut novel by Maayan Nahmani. I can't wait to read the next book.
This was such a beautiful story. And the fact that this was based on the author's personal experience just really tugged at my heart. The Author's Note in the beginning had me tearing up.
"You can’t dress up the pain of this reality with flowery words."
Aria is 19 years old and her father has just been diagnosed with cancer. Aria is looked on as the glue of the family. She is daddy's little girl and this is taking a huge toll on her, but she's trying really hard to be strong for her family. That's easier said than done. Seeing how devastating this is on Aria, her aunt convinces her to go to support group to help her deal with it.
"I was used to being alone for so long that being around people made me uneasy."
Dorian is a 25 year old war veteran. While fighting in Afghanistan, he was taken and tortured, leaving him not only emotionally scared, but physically too. Because he suffers from PTSD, he doesn't do so well around others which causes people to be scared of him. Dorian helps Bennie with the support group meetings, but always sits in the back and never engages with others. Then, she walks in and he can't take his eyes off of her.
After the meeting, Dorian can't stop himself from asking her to stay. He wants to talk to her, but his first impression of himself doesn't go so well when he has a flashback from war. Aria is a strong girl though. She understands, but is still cautious.
"He frightened me and fascinated me all at once."
Dorian works as a bouncer at a nightclub which allows him to work, but not have to interact with people often. When he sees Aria there again he knows he has to try again. He can seem intimidating to those who don't know him, but Aria sees him. She brings him peace him in a way that no one else has been able to do. Because of that he instantly wants to make her his.
This book really tugs on the heartstrings. You could feel how damaged Dorian was and his struggle to stay in the present and not let his demons drag him under. I loved the music connection Aria has with her father and how she uses it with Dorian too. I loved Aria. She was spunky. She said what she thought and stood her ground, even with Dorian. I loved his nickname of "Tiny" for her. Normally she would hate that nickname, but from him, it works.
This book had me in tears a few times, especially when the song "Unsteady" by X Ambassadors came on while I was reading. The lyrics were perfect for this book. It's such a beautiful story of loss, grief, healing and love. This was a great debut novel by Maayan Nahmani. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 15, 2017
I came across this book when the author liked one of my reviews. I saw she was an author and checked out her book on Amazon. And guess what!? I had already bought it in June. Talk about fate, right!?
I'm really impressed. For a debut novel, based on true events, it was written pretty well. IMHO.
I had some minor problems with the writing style here and there. Short sentences and at times it felt like I was reading someone's journal? It's hard to explain. But overall I enjoyed the writing style.
And finally, a book w/o cheating, love triangle or OM/OW drama.
Yes, it was basically an insta-love, soulmates, etc. but I don't have a problem with that, I'm a huge fan of soulmates. So there's that.
I loved how OTT possessive and obsessive was the H with the h. To the point where it was almost ridiculous and I still loved it. I chuckled and rolled my eyes, but in a good way. It was adorable, you know!?
I really liked the MCs and their devotion to one another. Their "Beauty and the Beast" relationship was giving me warm fuzzies.
As for the story, in general...it was depressing as fuck. In a beautiful, heart wrenched way. Man, I can't even go there. I'll just say
I'm not sure if Dorian was also based on true events, but I hope the author found her happiness.
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for #2 book and Ella's story.
I'm really impressed. For a debut novel, based on true events, it was written pretty well. IMHO.
I had some minor problems with the writing style here and there. Short sentences and at times it felt like I was reading someone's journal? It's hard to explain. But overall I enjoyed the writing style.
And finally, a book w/o cheating, love triangle or OM/OW drama.
Yes, it was basically an insta-love, soulmates, etc. but I don't have a problem with that, I'm a huge fan of soulmates. So there's that.
I loved how OTT possessive and obsessive was the H with the h. To the point where it was almost ridiculous and I still loved it. I chuckled and rolled my eyes, but in a good way. It was adorable, you know!?
I really liked the MCs and their devotion to one another. Their "Beauty and the Beast" relationship was giving me warm fuzzies.
As for the story, in general...it was depressing as fuck. In a beautiful, heart wrenched way. Man, I can't even go there. I'll just say
I'm not sure if Dorian was also based on true events, but I hope the author found her happiness.
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for #2 book and Ella's story.
November 1, 2018
This was a sublime read that I found hard to put down.
It was a heartwarming story, I cried, loughed and cried again.
I can't find more words to describe what I feel except that it was perfect.
It was a heartwarming story, I cried, loughed and cried again.
I can't find more words to describe what I feel except that it was perfect.
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