Review - 'Under the Mistletoe 1945' by Mark Casigh

Blurb

     A wounded warrior returns home from the Pacific Theater in World War II, after being listed as Missing in Action-Presumed Dead, three years ago. He's changed. A lot. But what else has? He finds his old high school love. But does she still feel the same? He's been gone a long time, has she moved on? Will she even remember who he is? Or do the smoldering embers burn hotter than ever? Will life ever be the same?
      But life goes on. And time waits for no man! His family will be glad to see him, but what about her? Will she still feel the same way? Then again, did she ever really love him? The same way that he did her? No, the same way he still does, love her?
      In a tale of young love, unfulfilled, can it be as hot as it was? Or will the fires burn hotter still with the passage of time? Remember how intense those feelings of love and lust, in those days between adolescence and adulthood. Remember the emotional confusion of trying to grasp exactly what love was and what it felt like. What if you had to live with those doubts and questions for years before they could be answered?     Sure, it was love. But things are different now. He's been gone for six years, has she found somebody else? A Draft Dogger? And while he still feels the same, does she? Because after all, they surely are not kids anymore.

Review

I love historical romances but I’ve never read one set during WWII. Ken is a sailor who’s listed as MIA for the past three years. When he finally returns home and reconnects with Brandi, his high school sweetheart, the emotion from both characters brought tears to my eyes. They hadn’t seen each other in years but the love and heat between them still flared strong.
This is a heartwarming tale but very adult-oriented. The sex scene is explicit with naughty words, which I loved.
I was surprised to read at the end of this novella that the author wrote the story in honor of his great uncle who died during the War. It’s a beautiful homage to a life and love that should’ve been.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – Thank you, Mark Casigh, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.