Always You

Guardian Hall, Book 1

By: RJ Scott

Narrated by: Sean Crisden

In the frostbitten heart of Chicago, a scarred and solitary soldier finds a second chance at love with the man who broke his heart.

Twenty years at war have left Sergeant Jasper "Jazz" Brookes battered, scarred, and haunted. His marriage is wrecked, his daughter barely speaks to him, and the world he fought for has moved on without him. Homeless by choice, Jazz manages until the brutal Chicago winter forces him to seek help from a shelter he doesn't want to need.

The weathered building in Humboldt Park offers veterans a place to rebuild, but Jazz doesn't expect to find Alex Richardson there—his first love, the boy who chose money over him, the one he left behind. Seeing Alex again cracks open old wounds and stirs feelings Jazz buried long ago.

For Alex, the sight of Jazz reminds him of everything he's tried to forget. But neither man has moved on. As they grapple with their past and confront the scars they've carried for years, they're forced to decide if the connection between them is strong enough to survive the pain.

This time, it's all or nothing.

©2024 RJ Scott (P)2025 Podium Audio

Hits in the Feels

It was so good and sweet. Also will absolutely listen to anything Sean Crisden narrates.

Healing

There is a lot to this story. Jazz is dealing with PTSD and living rough. You could just feel his despair at the opening of the story. But Alex has his own demons from the past that he has overcome. It was interesting to see them navigate things from their past as well. There are some dramatic moments during the story as well. This is a well written story that examines some tough topics.