Wounded Paperback – January 11, 2013

I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into with a book about war, and I was surprised to get sucked into the story. I read it from start to finish without putting it down. By the end of this book, I was happy when they were happy and my heart broke when they were upset. I was that emotionally invested in Wounded. The writing is absolutely riveting and I felt connected to the characters.Jasinda Wilder built the characters with flaws, but as the flaws were a part of the character there was more to them as well. Hunter is a Marine fighting in Iraq and Rania is a woman who has been put into a horrible situation so that she can survive. Despite the way that they were thrown together, they find their way to love and trust each other. Trusting each other is the only way they will survive.I am still seeing the characters in my mind, even after finishing this book yesterday. I can still feel the emotional connection between Hunter and Rania. Take a moment and read this one!

This story is incredibly beautiful and heartwarming, despite all the war and death going on around them, despite what Rania is forced to do to survive. The blurb for this is a bit vague and I wasn't really sure what to expect from Rania and Hunter's relationship. I am so glad with what I found in this book.When Rania was 12 years-old, she killed an American soldier to protect her brother, and has felt guilty about it ever since. So when she finds another young American soldier with bright blue eyes, dying in the street, she drags him home and takes care of him, tends his wounds, and ultimately saves his life as repayment for the life she took. Hunter is badly wounded and can hardly move. As he spends his days laying on the floor of Rania's small home, they slowly teach each other English and Arabic so they can have some rudimentary communication. They talk about themselves and their lives, even if they don't always understand each other, they listen and enjoy each other's company. But Rania is a whore, and when she is not taking care of Hunter, she is taking care of other men's needs next door, where Hunter can hear everything as they use and abuse her. Hunter is driven mad by his helplessness, as he realizes he is slowly falling in love with Rania, but he can't do anything to stop what is happening to her, not until he is better.The innocence of their relationship is incredible, considering the circumstances. But Rania has been on her own since she was 14, and she has no experience with the sort of kindness Hunter has shown her, certainly no experience with love. But Hunter treats her like a princess, because that is all he sees. And Rania should see an enemy, but all she sees is her hero. The tenderness Hunter shows Rania, the extent of his restraint and patience and his need to always put her first, is truly awe-inspiring. And Rania's love and devotion, her sacrifices and the extent she is willing to go to take care of Hunter is like nothing else. They both just slid into the roles of protector and lover without any expectations, without any declarations or promises. It was simply what they were. They loved each other. They would protect each other. No words were needed. Their deeds said everything.I reveled in the beauty and peace that surrounded Rania's home. Outside horror and sin abounded. But inside there was only Rania and Hunter and love. Until Hunter was strong enough to get up, to fight for Rania, and to nearly die to bring her her HEA.

I started this book a while back but didn't get very far into the first few chapters. This book is highly recommended & I want to read Jasinda Wilder's new book Captured. I thought I would give Wounded another try. I'm so glad I did! For uniqueness I should rate this book 5 stars! There are aspects to the story that were a little too brutal & heartbreaking for my tastes. You know how just a touch or a look or a kiss can be more exciting than most sex? That is definitely the case with Hunter & Rania! But don't worry, you'll get to experience hot passion later in the book, pages of it in fact, in great detail & it's awesome! Hunter is a Marine & has had a few tours in Iraq. I immediately love Hunter - his girlfriend drifts away from him because he is overseas for so long & maybe he never really loved her like he thought he did. His parents are gone, now his girlfriend is gone. Rania is a young Iraqi girl when her parents & her aunt pass away, leaving her starving & homeless. She is given an opportunity to have a home & some money & in her desperation she takes it, learning to barter her body for food to survive. She becomes this other woman in the process, dresses like an American, colors her hair. During battle Hunter is injured & Rania takes him into her humble home & treats him. Hunter clearly sees what Rania does to survive & this raises some anger issues from his past. He has extreme rage over what Rania has to put up with. Through the language barrier they learn to communicate & trust one another. It is so brutal what Rania goes through - yes it is a beautiful love story that blossoms between Rania & Hunter but there are so many obstacles in their way. In Rania's profession it is all about their pleasure, never hers, and Hunter opens her eyes to how her body should be treasured, opening Rania's eyes to a whole new world. Great book, fantastic unique story, just a little tough to read at times.