Review: On Solid Ground by Melissa Collins

On Solid Ground
By: Melissa Collins
Pub. Date: January 15, 2015
Publisher: Self
Source: eARC

When Jacob “Dax” Daxton returns home from war, he has to fight a new battle – the one to find his place in the world. The man who normally has a clear path to victory surrounded by brothers in combat is suddenly lost and alone. After meeting Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist, Dax’s journey begins winding down an unexpected path.

Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed.

As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground.

Since getting into m/m romances, I have read a lot of stories that pretty much were all the same. Then I read On Solid Ground and my faith in m/m stories was renewed. I absolutely loved everything about this story, especially the characters.

Jacob "Dax" Daxton has just returned from war and is suffering from PTSD. He's trying to come to terms with what happened to his best friend and now that he's back home he has to figure out who he wants to be. He never came out to his parents, and he doesn't think he ever will. When Dax goes to get a tattoo in honor of his fallen friend, he meets tattoo artist, Beckett Ridge. Beck has his own issues that he's trying to deal with, including taking care of his sister who is back in rehab and her four year old daughter who he's trying to get custody of.

What I loved most about these two was it wasn't instant. Sure, there was an instant attraction and connection, but the sex/love wasn't instant. It happened right when these two broken guys needed it the most and it was perfect. I really loved them together.

On Solid Ground really broke my heart. Dax and Beck were two of the sweetest, most amazing guys I have read about in a book. The love they have not only for each other, but for everyone around them was touching. The both of them have been though so much and I really wanted them to find their happiness.

This was the first book I have read from Melissa Collins and I can not wait to read some of her other books. I highly recommend On Solid Ground, if not for the amazing characters, then for an amazing story.