The Man Before You
Shalana Battles
Publication date: February 9th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance
Time may not actually heal all wounds, but love just might.
Eloise’s husband was dead and she wished she were too. She quit going to work, refused to answer her phone or her front door, and shut out the people who cared about her. She felt imprisoned by her tainted memories, but couldn’t escape her own home or recliner, because she had to focus on breathing.
Six days after she buried her husband, Jack pounded on Eloise’s door. Jack, a man she hadn’t seen or spoken to in over a decade. Jack, the only man including her husband, who Eloise felt truly knew her.
Jack’s life hadn’t been without its fair share of loss. Breaking contact after Eloise’s marriage had seemed the best thing for them, but regret tortured Jack when Eloise swung open her door and he saw the shell of the woman he once loved.
Eloise pushed Jack away ten years ago and never expected him to come back into her life. She hated herself for wanting Jack to stay, but she couldn’t help but remember the love they once shared and the life that they could’ve had—or the life they could have now.
The longer Jack stayed, the more he realized Eloise blamed herself for not being there when her husband died. Jack wanted a second chance, but Eloise didn’t think she deserved one. Eloise wanted to find herself, but wasn’t sure she could while dealing with grief, Jack’s deployments, PTSD, and a universe that seemed determined to keep them apart.
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EXCERPT:
Eloise switched on the television. She didn’t remember the last time she ate or showered and had no desire to start functioning again. She pulled the blanket up around her neck as the doorbell rang. Rossi jumped up and started barking. Eloise placed her hand on top of Rossi’s head. Whoever it was could leave their “I’m sorry” and their stupid-ass lasagna tray on the porch and leave. Eloise turned up the volume and ignored the knocking that followed the doorbell. Rossi stayed standing, but quiet.
“Eloise! Open the door, please. I know you’re home.” The voice was followed by more pounding and Eloise clicked the remote volume up three more notches.
Maybe one of the neighbors will call the police and complain, she thought.
“Eloise, it’s Jack.” The noise stopped and she felt as though the wind had been permanently knocked out of her. She froze, waiting to see if the silence would stay. It didn’t.
“Eloise, open the damn door.” The male voice roared through the entryway and Eloise’s breath hitched. It couldn’t be him. She hadn’t heard that voice in ten years and yet the sound of it made her feel like she’d never gone without it.
Eloise stood and wrapped the blanket around herself tighter, hoping it would magically become a shield. She debated not opening the door, but if Jack was anything like he used to be, he wouldn’t go away. Eloise would probably leave a month from now and find he’d been living on her porch. Rossi rose with Eloise and matched her stride. Eloise took a quick glance in the mirror hanging in her entryway, knowing full well she could pass for a person who’d been sleeping behind a dumpster, and then swung the door open.
Jack. A man Eloise hadn’t seen or spoken to in ten years. He straightened from his leaning position over her window. He stood too tall, too straight. His feet spread apart too evenly. Rossi moved to place her body between Eloise and Jack, shifting her gaze from Eloise to Jack.
“Eloise.” One word, then Jack snapped his mouth shut. Eloise closed her eyes and waited for him to look her over. She knew he would. “I wish there was something to say, but I know nothing will make this any easier.” Jack’s voice was this cross between being out of breath and a whisper, and Eloise wondered where the screaming madman he was a second ago went.
“Why are you even here?” Eloise noted Jack locking his fingers in front of his waist. He looked different and exactly the same.
Author Bio:
Shalana Battles is a YA/Adult writer who tells stories about love…sometimes with witches and ghosts. Her debut novel, SOUL JUMPER is coming out October, 6, 2020. Be the first to hear about upcoming projects and book updates by signing up for her newsletter below!
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You are a new to me author. This book sounds very interesting. I can’t wait to read it.
I loved the excerpt! Thanks for sharing it.
Best of luck with the book.
I love this cover, and the excerpt.
This sounds good! I wnt to know more!
The cover looks very pretty. I like it. Thanks for sharing.
This has a great cover , perfect for the story line. Sounds like an emotional read and I hope he can help her out of her mourning.
Sounds like a good read.
Sounds like a great book
The cover is great. Thanks for sharing.
I really loved reading about this one! I’m excited to read it.
Great excerpt and giveaway.
Beautiful cover, congrats on the release!
This book sounds super good and I love the cover too.
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Sounds intense!
I can’t wait to read more of this!
Sounds like a goo dread.
Sounds like a good read.
Congrats on the new release! Great cover and excerpt. I’d love to read more.
This story sounds like one that will make me cry and tear my heart out. But at the same time hopefully, put it back together again.
this sounds like a wonderful book
interesting
nice book cover and the book sounds wonderful.
Strong emotions between Eloise and Jack!!!
I can tell from reading the excerpt that I would enjoy this book.
Thank you for sharing it.
Sounds like a great book. Adding to my TBR list.
Another one, thanks
Enjoyed the excerpt. Love the cover too.
The book sounds very interesting. Thanks!
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for hosting.
the cover looks really nice
The excerpt is interesting. Thank you for sharing it.
I enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you for the giveaway!
I can relate, one of my cousins lost her husband in a tragic car accident, and blames herself for not nagging him to eat breakfast that day ( he was diabetic).
I love the cover. It’s stark and simple.
Thanks for the sneak peek.
book sounds good
What’s yr advice for new writers?
This sounds like a great read.
I loved the excerpt – looking forward to reading this!
I love this excerpt a lot…definitely want to check out the full book.
I relish in stories about long-delayed loves being rekindled after many years. The possibilities for quality fiction are endless. It’s even fun to see these happen in real life!