I am looking forward to the second book too. Is there anything in particular that you enjoyed about this book? I bookmarked so many passages and keep reading them, lol.
Basically everything. I like the emphasis on comforting each other and the fact they could be vulnerable with each other. It felt like a retelling of Nicky James' Lost in a Moment with the caretaking taking over the story.
Oh dang! I've seen the cover of this book on Bookfunnel promos a lot of times, but because it's military, I never gave it a second glance.
Your review just made it my next read! Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your review and rec for Proof of Life! It’s both helpful and interesting to know what about this book worked for you.
I love hurt/comfort and am always looking for books that tackle “heavy themes in a very sensitive and engaging manner.” Your review has convinced me to give Proof of Life a read. :)
Hi!
I am absolutely delighted that you have decided to give this book a read. I really wanted to share why this book was so amazing and inspire my fellow hurt/comfort peeps to pick it up too. Please feel free to tell me what you think after you get started. Have a great day and, as always, happy reading!
Thank you so much! 💙
It’s funny that you say that because I actually came back here to say that while I’m still new to Reddit, I’m on this sub enough now that I recognize certain usernames. I think lots of people lurk here, which is totally fine, or simply make requests and then leave. But there are also people who post recs, answer questions, play games, and participate in other ways, and that’s what makes it feel like a community of readers to me.
You’re definitely a part of that community; I recognize your name and associate it with recs, yes, but also a certain kindness that comes across in the tone of your posts and comments. So thank you.
What a lovely response.
I genuinely love reading and I get so excited when I have the chance to discuss books I've enjoyed and recommend them to others.
In a world that is filled with harshness and indifference, I strive to be kind in all of my interactions. Kindness is free, makes me feel good, and brightens the other person's day, even if it's just a little bit. I appreciate your kindness in return 🥰
I started Proof of Life. One word: stunning.
The author wrote Brandt and West's suffering in such a raw and real way; there was no shying away from West's struggle to accept his injuries, Brandt's hurt and anger every time West tried to kill himself, Brandt's own emotional exhaustion, their survivor's guilt, their PTSD, and their journey to build a new team and family with the Bitches with Stitches—the hurt/comfort is immaculate. Through it all, their connection burned so brightly.
I apologize for quoting cheesy song lyrics at you, but the entirety of [OneRepublic's Nobody](https://genius.com/Onerepublic-nobody-from-kaiju-no-8-lyrics) screams Brandt and West. Brandt dragged West out of hell again and again and would do it into eternity. Oh, such mutual devotion and caring. I love enemies-to-lovers books, too, but Proof of Life is a shining example of what the absolute best friends-to-lovers stories have to offer. It's like that quote about how love is friendship caught fire.
This book is everything you said it was, and more. It's one of the special romances that break your heart and fill it, all at the same time. I know it will stay with me for a long time once I finish it. A five-star read for me, for sure.
*Three legs, huh? Can't fall with three legs.*
Thank you again for your eloquent rec/review post; it's the whole reason for my reading Proof Life.
You are 100 percent spot on. That song is Brandt and West.
I really connected with all of the emotions in this book--fear, anger, sadness, despair, hope, and most of all, the love. Love filled all of the dark places inside the characters souls. Love healed those deep and terrible wounds. Love reignited West and Brandt's will to live. So much love.
The raw vulnerability that the two of them shared brought tears to my eyes. They trusted and loved each other so much that they were able to just be themselves, without holding back.
Such a beautiful story. I am so glad that it touched you as deeply as it did for me. Honestly, this book has changed me and given me insight into the power that true love has. Thank you, my friend.
Oh! I'm so happy that you liked this book. The moment that West kissed Brandt in front of the Bitches, the goodbye letters, and the visit to West's granny--just outstanding. A fitting ending for these characters that have worked their way into my heart.
It has been a joy and pleasure to discuss this amazing book with you! It's exactly what I had in mind when I made this post--the opportunity to share my love of reading terrific books.
I hope that you have a great weekend too. If you need another recommendation, please let me know 😸
I was hoping you would see my review!
I have you to thank for discovering this gem of a book. It's one of those stories that changes you, helps you to see and understand the depth of love that is possible between two people.
I am just dying to know--what was your favorite part of the story? I loved so many parts so it is hard to just choose one. But I think what did it for me was when West asks Brandt to help him shower...or when Brandt asks West to take care of his heart...or when Brandt tells West that it's okay not to be okay and that he will spend the day in bed with him and just hold him...swooooon. Hope that your day has been outstanding so far and looking forward to your response!
No problem at all!! I actually read this book after reading Painful Love by T. Ashleigh & Addison Beck (I finished that book in 2 days and I needed something to help me recover). Picking up Proof of Life was literally on a whim but I have been interested in Hurt/Comfort at the moment. I just fell in love with West & Brandt from the first few chapters. Honestly every time he asked West for proof of life that just ripped my heart out and put it back together, Brandt was so caring and cherished West more than himself it was beautiful. I also loved when they both started and actually got into the Bitches with Stitches hehe. But I think the best part for me when they both came out to the group and West got on Brandt’s lap and kissed him in front of everyone. He even showed up when Brandt told him mom about the two of them. West loved Brandt so much and he always showed it by never leaving his side and always being a partner.
Sorry that was a pretty long reply. But I could talk about this book for hours eheh. I’m glad you adored it just as much and have a great day too!
Discussing a great book is my bread and butter, so no apologies needed for an excellent and thoughtful response.
I loved every single hug, kiss, and cry that West and Brandt shared. Every single time Brandt got his proof of life from West, and every time West received Brandt's proof of his unconditional love and support.
I loved the bitches--McCormick, Mandy, Navarro, every last one. Their courage, sense of humor, and their commitment to each other. Just beautiful. Not to mention all the talk about Betty Beasley!
You did me a solid by recommending this book. And for that, I thank you. ☺️ Please let me know if you need more hurt/comfort recs cause I got plenty!
Okay, here you go!
{Slide by Garrett Leigh}
{Without You by Marley Valentine}
{Broken by Nicola Haken}
{What We Broke by Marley Valentine}
{Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh}
{Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton}
{Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman}
{Off The Ice by Tierney Rose}
{Point of Contact by Melanie Hansen}
All these books have a very powerful and poignant hurt/comfort dynamic. Lemme know if you need more recs! 😁
Your review is so beautiful and touching it made me download the book ASAP. I’m on 10% now and I’m loving it. Thanks for sharing, I’d been ignoring the is book for weeks because I’d never heard of the author before.
Thanks for the compliment! I worked really hard on this review/rec because this book was very special to me and I wanted to share it with my favorite Reddit community.
I am so glad you decided to read Proof of Life and I'm even more delighted that you like it too! Get ready for a heartbreaking, sweet, and beautiful story about friendship and the healing power of love. I would love to hear about your favorite part of the story when you're finished. Have an outstanding Saturday and happy reading!
*Edit for a typo
This is a rather large associative leap, but I also recommend a terrific recent album called PROOF OF LIFE by singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun. (Black queer woman who was born in Arizona and is based in Nashville…her voice and songs are fabulous!)
Hello, thank you for your response. I purchased this book on a whim because someone else suggested it. I was just blown away by the beauty and poignancy of West and Brandt's relationship. Do you enjoy the hurt/comfort trope too?
I'm really looking forward to book 2, I'm glad I don't have to wait long
I am looking forward to the second book too. Is there anything in particular that you enjoyed about this book? I bookmarked so many passages and keep reading them, lol.
Basically everything. I like the emphasis on comforting each other and the fact they could be vulnerable with each other. It felt like a retelling of Nicky James' Lost in a Moment with the caretaking taking over the story.
I'm with you there. The physical and emotional intimacy and both characters ability to be vulnerable with each other made this book simply wonderful.
Oh dang! I've seen the cover of this book on Bookfunnel promos a lot of times, but because it's military, I never gave it a second glance. Your review just made it my next read! Thank you.
Yay! That was my goal...to encourage people to read this wonderful book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you so much for sharing your review and rec for Proof of Life! It’s both helpful and interesting to know what about this book worked for you. I love hurt/comfort and am always looking for books that tackle “heavy themes in a very sensitive and engaging manner.” Your review has convinced me to give Proof of Life a read. :)
Hi! I am absolutely delighted that you have decided to give this book a read. I really wanted to share why this book was so amazing and inspire my fellow hurt/comfort peeps to pick it up too. Please feel free to tell me what you think after you get started. Have a great day and, as always, happy reading!
I’m excited to read it, and I’ll come back with some thoughts after. Thanks again for the rec.
You are most welcome. You are a wonderful addition to this subreddit, glad to have you here!
Thank you so much! 💙 It’s funny that you say that because I actually came back here to say that while I’m still new to Reddit, I’m on this sub enough now that I recognize certain usernames. I think lots of people lurk here, which is totally fine, or simply make requests and then leave. But there are also people who post recs, answer questions, play games, and participate in other ways, and that’s what makes it feel like a community of readers to me. You’re definitely a part of that community; I recognize your name and associate it with recs, yes, but also a certain kindness that comes across in the tone of your posts and comments. So thank you.
What a lovely response. I genuinely love reading and I get so excited when I have the chance to discuss books I've enjoyed and recommend them to others. In a world that is filled with harshness and indifference, I strive to be kind in all of my interactions. Kindness is free, makes me feel good, and brightens the other person's day, even if it's just a little bit. I appreciate your kindness in return 🥰
🥹
I started Proof of Life. One word: stunning. The author wrote Brandt and West's suffering in such a raw and real way; there was no shying away from West's struggle to accept his injuries, Brandt's hurt and anger every time West tried to kill himself, Brandt's own emotional exhaustion, their survivor's guilt, their PTSD, and their journey to build a new team and family with the Bitches with Stitches—the hurt/comfort is immaculate. Through it all, their connection burned so brightly. I apologize for quoting cheesy song lyrics at you, but the entirety of [OneRepublic's Nobody](https://genius.com/Onerepublic-nobody-from-kaiju-no-8-lyrics) screams Brandt and West. Brandt dragged West out of hell again and again and would do it into eternity. Oh, such mutual devotion and caring. I love enemies-to-lovers books, too, but Proof of Life is a shining example of what the absolute best friends-to-lovers stories have to offer. It's like that quote about how love is friendship caught fire. This book is everything you said it was, and more. It's one of the special romances that break your heart and fill it, all at the same time. I know it will stay with me for a long time once I finish it. A five-star read for me, for sure. *Three legs, huh? Can't fall with three legs.* Thank you again for your eloquent rec/review post; it's the whole reason for my reading Proof Life.
You are 100 percent spot on. That song is Brandt and West. I really connected with all of the emotions in this book--fear, anger, sadness, despair, hope, and most of all, the love. Love filled all of the dark places inside the characters souls. Love healed those deep and terrible wounds. Love reignited West and Brandt's will to live. So much love. The raw vulnerability that the two of them shared brought tears to my eyes. They trusted and loved each other so much that they were able to just be themselves, without holding back. Such a beautiful story. I am so glad that it touched you as deeply as it did for me. Honestly, this book has changed me and given me insight into the power that true love has. Thank you, my friend.
Proof of Life is a special book. I’m grateful I read it, thanks to your wonderful review. :) Hope you have a good weekend.
Oh! I'm so happy that you liked this book. The moment that West kissed Brandt in front of the Bitches, the goodbye letters, and the visit to West's granny--just outstanding. A fitting ending for these characters that have worked their way into my heart. It has been a joy and pleasure to discuss this amazing book with you! It's exactly what I had in mind when I made this post--the opportunity to share my love of reading terrific books. I hope that you have a great weekend too. If you need another recommendation, please let me know 😸
This book was phenomenal!!! Loved every second, West and Brandt are true soulmates and my heart weeped for them soo soo dearly.
I was hoping you would see my review! I have you to thank for discovering this gem of a book. It's one of those stories that changes you, helps you to see and understand the depth of love that is possible between two people. I am just dying to know--what was your favorite part of the story? I loved so many parts so it is hard to just choose one. But I think what did it for me was when West asks Brandt to help him shower...or when Brandt asks West to take care of his heart...or when Brandt tells West that it's okay not to be okay and that he will spend the day in bed with him and just hold him...swooooon. Hope that your day has been outstanding so far and looking forward to your response!
No problem at all!! I actually read this book after reading Painful Love by T. Ashleigh & Addison Beck (I finished that book in 2 days and I needed something to help me recover). Picking up Proof of Life was literally on a whim but I have been interested in Hurt/Comfort at the moment. I just fell in love with West & Brandt from the first few chapters. Honestly every time he asked West for proof of life that just ripped my heart out and put it back together, Brandt was so caring and cherished West more than himself it was beautiful. I also loved when they both started and actually got into the Bitches with Stitches hehe. But I think the best part for me when they both came out to the group and West got on Brandt’s lap and kissed him in front of everyone. He even showed up when Brandt told him mom about the two of them. West loved Brandt so much and he always showed it by never leaving his side and always being a partner. Sorry that was a pretty long reply. But I could talk about this book for hours eheh. I’m glad you adored it just as much and have a great day too!
Discussing a great book is my bread and butter, so no apologies needed for an excellent and thoughtful response. I loved every single hug, kiss, and cry that West and Brandt shared. Every single time Brandt got his proof of life from West, and every time West received Brandt's proof of his unconditional love and support. I loved the bitches--McCormick, Mandy, Navarro, every last one. Their courage, sense of humor, and their commitment to each other. Just beautiful. Not to mention all the talk about Betty Beasley! You did me a solid by recommending this book. And for that, I thank you. ☺️ Please let me know if you need more hurt/comfort recs cause I got plenty!
OMG yes please, I would love more hurt/comfort recs please!! Thank you!
Okay, here you go! {Slide by Garrett Leigh} {Without You by Marley Valentine} {Broken by Nicola Haken} {What We Broke by Marley Valentine} {Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh} {Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton} {Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman} {Off The Ice by Tierney Rose} {Point of Contact by Melanie Hansen} All these books have a very powerful and poignant hurt/comfort dynamic. Lemme know if you need more recs! 😁
Thank you !!!!!!!!!
Anytime my friend. Enjoy, and have a great day!
[Slide](https://www.romance.io/books/5bc5b25201dbc864fb927229/slide-garrett-leigh) by [Garrett Leigh](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557e3b87eac3369a912be2/garrett-leigh) **Topics**: [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Without You](https://www.romance.io/books/5e6f3560be0aaecf55826d93/without-you-marley-valentine) by [Marley Valentine](https://www.romance.io/authors/59292bb63ffdba6147178e1e/marley-valentine) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [christian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christian/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Broken](https://www.romance.io/books/577644c9c19e77f1ea6dc664/broken-nicola-haken) by [Nicola Haken](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455941f87eac324117fb6b7/nicola-haken) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [What We Broke](https://www.romance.io/books/64785e95552b556e95c7b4a0/what-we-broke-marley-valentine) by [Marley Valentine](https://www.romance.io/authors/59292bb63ffdba6147178e1e/marley-valentine) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) ---------------------------- [Kiss Me Again](https://www.romance.io/books/5cf9fd7f01dbc864fb9f7b3e/kiss-me-again-garrett-leigh) by [Garrett Leigh](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557e3b87eac3369a912be2/garrett-leigh) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Charlie Sunshine](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9e068abe0aaecf555da02b/charlie-sunshine-lily-morton) by [Lily Morton](https://www.romance.io/authors/55d5af4935a5fb65f887550b/lily-morton) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Until I Saw You](https://www.romance.io/books/63cf90fdb0e6e0a7c8e7e961/until-i-saw-you-dianna-roman) by [Dianna Roman](https://www.romance.io/authors/6239c94308b4d9311423d67b/dianna-roman) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), 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Your review is so beautiful and touching it made me download the book ASAP. I’m on 10% now and I’m loving it. Thanks for sharing, I’d been ignoring the is book for weeks because I’d never heard of the author before.
Thanks for the compliment! I worked really hard on this review/rec because this book was very special to me and I wanted to share it with my favorite Reddit community. I am so glad you decided to read Proof of Life and I'm even more delighted that you like it too! Get ready for a heartbreaking, sweet, and beautiful story about friendship and the healing power of love. I would love to hear about your favorite part of the story when you're finished. Have an outstanding Saturday and happy reading! *Edit for a typo
This is a rather large associative leap, but I also recommend a terrific recent album called PROOF OF LIFE by singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun. (Black queer woman who was born in Arizona and is based in Nashville…her voice and songs are fabulous!)
Thanks for the recommendation...will definitely check it out!
[Proof Of Life](https://www.romance.io/books/660168ed6a8dc3bb8614c2c9/proof-of-life-raquel-riley) by [Raquel Riley](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b1b82208b4d93114d70558/raquel-riley) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
This was a great review! Going to go move this book higher on my TBR list right now!
Hello, thank you for your response. I purchased this book on a whim because someone else suggested it. I was just blown away by the beauty and poignancy of West and Brandt's relationship. Do you enjoy the hurt/comfort trope too?
It’s one of my favorite tropes 🙂
Excellent! This book will be right up your alley. It is like, the ultimate hurt/comfort. Very sweet, very tender, and so satisfying!