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Synopsis
Being alive and living are not always the same.
Trudy Love is used to being on her own and has rarely been shown affection. Between growing up in foster care and her abusive boyfriend she has no idea what life can be. At 19 she goes through something no one should ever experience and is left alone once again. Six months later she moves to Mobile, Alabama where she meets someone whose eyes bring back memories of the one person she misses everyday. Too late she finds herself caught in a storm of emotions that are unwanted, but she’s determined to fight them off.
Jaxon Coleman has a good life, and for him to attend one of the finest Med schools in the country and follow in his dad’s foot steps is a dream come true. However, dreams can change in life and when he meets Trudy he knows his will never be the same. Jax knows she has secrets she is unwilling to share, but he’s never given up on something he wants and he wants Tru.
Can Trudy stop resisting her feelings and welcome the chance to live a different life than she pictured or will her defiance and haunted past eventually take her out of Jax’s reach?
After tragedy living is not easy, but with the right person it can be learned.
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My Review
To be honest, it is hard for me to read Young Adult books because I’m so far removed from that situation. I like reading about late 20-somethings to 30-somethings. But I’m so glad that I read Learning to Live by R.D. Cole.
I really loved this book. I’ll tell you that the Prologue is difficult to read because of the situation, but get through that and you know exactly who Trudy is and what she is made of. Tru is strong, passionate, and broken. Six months after tragedy strikes, 19 year old Trudy moves to Mobile, Alabama to start college.
In walks Jaxson. Yum! 21 year old Jax is a fraternity brother, baseball player, and hot guy with a heart of gold. Oh, and he has an amazing family.
As much as Tru fights to stay away from Jax because she’s afraid of getting hurt again, it’s kind of hard to deny the magnetism. Plus, with Jazzy around as her best friend there is bound to be some run in time with Jax.
The secondary characters are as much of the story as the main characters, from the twins that work with her at the bar to her dance group. I love the way everyone looks out for one another in their little group.
This book may have changed my mind about YA books. Learning to Live is a gripping, well-thought-out story, with a happily ever after. Watch out for the twists, turns, and bumps in the road, but don’t stop reading. LOVE this book! I’m adding it to my recommended beach reads and it will only take you a few hours to read.
Oh, and look for Jazzy’s story in the second book. Can’t wait to see what happens with her.
★★★★
- Hotness Level:♥♥♥♥
- Jax as a BBF: ♥♥♥♥♥
- Swoon Level ♥♥♥♥
Excerpt
I watch as Jax gets up and when he returns he has every type of cream and sugar they offer. “I didn’t know what flavor you preferred or if you were into real or fake sugar.”
“Real. Definitely real.” I start dressing my coffee. “There’s nothing like the taste of coffee with real sugar. My tongue is able to tell the difference for some reason.” I can’t believe I just mentioned my tongue to Jax. My skin flushes, as I picture licking him with it. Calm down, Trudy. He’s just a good looking guy.
He clears his throat and sits there staring at me for a second. Finally he starts to talk. “How’s work going?”
I exhale with relief and relax. I thought he was going to ask me why I’m so flushed.
“Good. I really like working there. Both Benji and Blaire are wonderful.” He growls and I don’t know why, but ignore it and continue. “Did you know they’re playing tomorrow night on stage? I can’t wait to hear them because everyone says they are phenomenal. I’ll be working the bar, so I’ll have to listen from the back, but still…it’s a free show and in a way I’ll be getting paid to watch.” I’m rambling but he makes me nervous. My foot won’t stop moving under the table, and the table starts to shake. Please don’t notice. Please don’t notice.
“Is the table moving?” he asks with a smirk on his face. He bends down to look underneath, so I cross my legs and dig my nails into my palms to distract myself. I’m relieved I had it under control while he was down there. “God, Trudy. Stop it.”
“Did you say something?” He pulls up and smiles. “What do you need to stop?”
Well shit! I might as well get this over with because I’m just making a fool out of myself. Plus, I keep digging this hole of humiliation deeper and deeper by the second. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. When I open them Jax is focusing on my mouth again. NOT HELPING! Okay, here goes nothing.
Bonus Scene
Hotel Room (Jax POV)
Seeing her tears kills me, but she claims she’s happy and gives me the most glorious smile. She is so beautiful that my heart is constantly tripping in my chest when she’s near me. I say a silent prayer of thanks and feel my blood start to heat up. How did I get so lucky to meet her? This tantalizing woman who is compassionate, funny, and so talented. And is mine. She makes me so fucking happy and I just want to continue to make her smile. Needing to touch her soft skin to reassure myself she’s real I walk over and stand against her back. Her warmth seeps through my clothes sets me on fire. Wrapping my arms around her tiny waist I nuzzle her neck and inhale her intoxicating smell. I already feel myself start to strain against my slacks. . “I’m glad because I’ve vowed to always make you happy the rest of your life.”
I feel her shaky breath against my chest and know she has something on her mind. I know this is different for her so I wait until she’s ready. After a few seconds she speaks. “I love you, Jax. I want you to know that. It’s not easy for me to say, but I do. What you saw tonight with Benji, I think it was his way of letting go of the idea of him and me together.”
My ears and heart will never get tired of hearing her say those words. Knowing how difficult it is for her with her past full of disappointments, I squeeze her tighter never wanting to let go. “I love you too, Tru. I never thought I could feel so fucking much so soon, but I knew when I saw you that first day you were meant for me. So if there’s anything you need or want, please just ask. I want to make you happy and provide for you.” Turning her to face me I kiss her nose and can’t help but smack her firm ass trying to lighten the mood. “Now, I think we both need a bath.”
Leaving her to gather her things, I go and start the water in the large Jacuzzi tub. I see the candles and roses are all in place like I requested and can’t wait to see her reaction. Glancing over my shoulder I see her bending over searching her bag. Instantly hard,I decide just to forget clothes for the night and walk over to my girl. She squeals as I throw her over my shoulder before I feel her pinch my ass while giggling. I love that sound. “You think that’s funny? How’s this feel?” I smack her ass again but harder this time and hear the resounding echo in the tile bathroom. Placing her on her feet I back away and see her flushed cheeks and gorgeous smile again. Some of her hair has come loose and falls around her face. The laughter quickly leaves my body. I. Need. Her. Now.
Before I can walk her way to take what my body so desperately craves, I watch in amazement as her whole demeanor changes. Her eyes become heated and her shoulders straighten. Then she walks with pure sex appeal over to stand in front of the full length mirror that’s against the wall before she starts to undress. Holy Shit! My girl is about to dance for me.
Book Trailer
About the Author
My name is Robin and I live in Grand Bay, Alabama. I grew up an army brat and traveled a lot until we finally settled down along the Gulf Coast when I was 4. My husband is 9 years younger so I guess that makes me a COUGAR.
I have a little girl who is 9 and is blind as well as autistic. My life is not boring with them two in it. Believe me. I have always loved creating and I would constantly draw on my walls. I love painting and reading. Writing is something I wanted to do but didn’t think I could, until I woke up at three a.m. a few months back and started writing. Life has a way of throwing rocks at you and putting cracks in your soul. Either you can duck and cover or you can make something beautiful from the cracks.
Giveaway
Grand Prize: Kindle Fire HD 7
Second Prize: $50 Amazon gift card
Third Prize: Learning To Live Swag Pack ( Shirt, Water bottle, Autographed Paperback, Keychain and Bookmark) Plus 2 E-Book copies of Learning to Live
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Recommended Romance is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
