Living Again is the debut novel of self-published author L.L. Collins. When I chose to review this book as part of the Closed the Cover virtual blog tour, I was skeptical as to whether I could get into the storyline of a contemporary romance. However, I found myself easily pulled into the plot.
Life can't possibly get any better for Kayley Carson. She has a great career as a physical therapist and is married to her college sweetheart and best friend, Alex. With a baby on the way, their future and happiness together seems totally assured. Then one evening, Alex is late coming home from work and an ominous phone call sends Kayley's world into a tailspin. Alex has been critically injured in a terrible car crash. Kayley rushes to the hospital, only to be given the news that Alex has passed away. Only weeks later, she gives birth to their daughter, who she names Alexis in memory of the father that she will never know. Kayley enters the world of motherhood in a fog of despair and grief. Overnight, she has gone from a happy wife and expectant mother, to a single parent facing the world without the man that she loves most. Only the love and support of her family and friends, including her best friend Emily, allows her to rebuild some semblance of a life. Kayley dedicates herself to raising Alexis and keeping Alex's memory alive. Her family urges her to begin dating again, but Kayley has shut her heart off from the world. Memories of Alex wash over her daily like the waves of the ocean on the Florida beach near her home. Then one day, she meets Dr. Ben Nichols, an emergency room pediatrician and she tentatively takes steps towards building a new relationship. However, both she and Ben must face and overcome the insecurities and pain from their past so that their new love can stand a chance.
L.L. Collins is a teacher, mother, and wife living in Florida. Her second self-published novel will be available in the early part of 2014. Read more about her on the Author Interviews page of this blog and enter to win an ebook version of Living Again by clicking on the Contests and Giveaways tab.
Living Again is a modern love story with heavy doses of romance and sexuality. Due to graphic lovemaking scenes, this book is recommended for mature readers only. The story is laid out in both the present day and through a series of flashbacks. It is very poignant and emotional, with some outright tear-jerking scenes throughout. Vivid imagery, well-written prose and flowing dialogue make this is a worthy debut from a new author in the adult contemporary romance genre. Living Again should definitely find its way into the hands of romance fans, while fans of other genres may not be as impressed. On the other hand, they may be pleasantly surprised like I was.
Thanks Alana! I'm glad you were "pleasantly surprised" and enjoyed the book. :-) Happy to have you aboard the tour.
ReplyDeleteAshley (Closed the Cover)
Thank you! This is a great experience and I really did end up loving this book. It was very powerful and emotional. Closed the Cover definitely puts together some great tours.
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