Review- If You Leave by Courtney Cole

Summary-

26-year old Gabriel Vincent is a badass hero. Or he used to be, anyway. As an ex-Army Ranger, Gabe never thought he needed anyone. But after one horrible night in Afghanistan scars him in a way that he can't get past, he needs someone who can help him heal...even if he doesn't realize it.

25-year old Madison Hill doesn't need anybody...or so she thinks. She grew up watching her parents' messed-up abusive relationship and she knows there's no way in hell that she's ever letting that happen to her.

They don't know it in the beginning, but Gabriel and Madison will soon develop a weakness: Each other.

But Gabriel's got a secret, a hidden monster that he's afraid Maddy could never overcome... And Maddy's got issues that she's afraid Gabe will never understand. They quickly realize that they need each other to be whole, but at the same time they know that they've got demons to fight.

And the problem with demons is that they never die quietly.

Review-

If You Leave is the sequel and more of a companion novel actually of If You Stay by Courtney Cole. I had really enjoyed Pax and Mila's story in If You Stay so I was looking forward to read Mila's sister, Madison's story. Though the latter's story falls under adult contemporary romance.

Gabriel Vincent is an ex-Army ranger. After having seen absolute horrors in Afghanistan he just can't take it anymore so he's back. He's also suffering from PTSD which is post traumatic stress disorder. Gabe has actually come to live with his sister, Jacey, for some time who also happens to be Madison's best friend. Gabe was a good, protective guy, but he had a hell lot of issues to work through.

Then we have Madison. After Madison and Mila's parents passed away Maddy has taken complete responsibility over their restaurant. But truly, she's sick of living her dull life. After watching her parents' messed up abusive relationship she doesn't want anything to do with love but when Gabe comes along, all she wants to do is heal him.

If You Leave starts off really hot. There is an insane amount of chemistry between Gabe and Maddy and they give in to their attraction but things don't go the way they're supposed. The next few meetings are stand offish between both of them but neither Gabe nor Maddy can stay away.

Even though they are both together Gabe doesn't have a handle on his demons and so after an incident, he leaves Angel Bay. Both Gabe and Maddy have to face the harsh realities. I thought Maddy took Gabe back too quickly after his almost cheating but there's no denying that Gabe was suffering a hell lot too. If You Leave is not a light read. Its dark and gritty but I really enjoyed it.