The details…
- Title: Live It Out
- Author: Jenn Alexander
- Publisher: Bywater Books
- Publication Date: April 4, 2023
- Available formats: ebook, paperback
- File size: 4015 KB
- Print length: 249 pages
- Genre: contemporary romance
- Themes: music, romance, forgiveness, second chance, first love, women loving women, social work, coming out, self acceptance, love, rock bands, rockstars
The blurb from the publisher…
Years after a fractured teenage romance, an up-and-coming musician and a youth counselor team up on a project that rocks everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other.
Spencer Adams was never expected to be anything more than a high school dropout. She’d been a troubled teen, spending more time at the skate park than in school, at least until her music teacher introduced her to the guitar, and music class became her lifeline. Ten years later, she is the guitarist in a band that has become a breakout success, and she wants to use that success to help other teens who have had the same rough start as her. She takes on a volunteer project with local youth as a way of honoring her past, not knowing that it will force her to revisit the one part of her past that she’d hoped to forget.
Faith Siebert has always had high expectations to live up to, and she has tried her best to fulfill those expectations, to be a good daughter, a good student, and a good friend. When she fell for Spencer in high school, she knew her family and friends would never approve. Scared of their reactions, Faith ended things with Spencer, following the path her parents wanted for her, even at the immense personal cost. Of course, it had only been a high school romance, destined for brevity anyway. At least, that’s what she told herself. But when Spencer shows up in her life once again, partnered with Faith on a youth music project, her world is rocked and she is forced to re-examine everything she knows about relationships and herself.
Live It Out is a second-chance romance about forgiveness and finding one’s authentic self.
My thoughts…
This is my second book by Jenn Alexander, and I have to say that I am just as captivated by her writing as I was when I read her debut The Song of the Sea. She has a style that lends itself to easy reading; the narrative rolls out smoothly and soundly. Furthermore, the storytelling is nuanced and layered. The subtle subtext seems to leave readers with something to think about after they’ve turned the last page.
Live It Out, Alexander’s newest release, is a character driven story full of growth and reflection. Spencer is a rebel rock star with a tough girl exterior. Faith is a “good girl” living in the shadows of others’ expectations. The two shared something special many years ago and when their paths cross again, there is no denying the connection and chemistry. Once the walls come down—and the romance heats up—these two prove they have what it takes to captivate readers’ attention and give them a romance full of appeal and personality.
Not only is this story well written, it’s threaded with gorgeous, heart-tugging themes. It is about two women trying to come to terms with their past while they attempt to build a future, one that’s shaped by truth and authenticity. Alexander exposes some raw and vulnerable emotions in the process, and she does it honestly and compassionately. The result is a gracious romance readers can’t help but find compelling.
Besides being a second-chance romance, Live It Out is a journey of the heart. Faith and Spencer are high school sweethearts pained by the memories of a love they were never able to share openly. Misunderstanding and fear cut their young romance short, but both women never forgot the connection they once shared. Soul searching and self-acceptance ultimately bring them back together, and Alexander gives it all the tender satisfaction it deserves. She uses themes of love and forgiveness to build a memorable conclusion and readers walk away with a contented sigh.
Final remarks…
Anyone who has ever loved with youthful fierceness will see the beauty in this touching romance. Alexander writes it with an emotional intelligence that feels balanced and compelling. Live it Outdoes not disappoint.
Strengths…
- Well-written
- Well-told
- Likable, relatable characters
- Engaging backstory
- Entertaining romance
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A bit about the author…
Jenn Alexander holds an MS in Counseling from the University of North Texas. She is a graduate of the 2018 class of the Golden Crown Literary Society’s Writing Academy, for which she was the year’s recipient of the Sandra Moran Scholarship. She lives in Edmonton, Canada, with her partner, two beautiful daughters, and two amazing dogs. Find out more by checking out her social media and website.
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