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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Blog Tour: Review, Interview, Giveaway: Recovery by L.B. Simmons



I have the perfect life.

I’ve finally found my happy ending. 

I fought through the loss of one husband, lucky enough to be given a second chance at a lifetime of happiness.  Settling into our new lives, however, may not be as easy as it seems. 

What really happens after the fairytale ending?  What happens after the prince rescues the princess?  After he sweeps her off her feet and carries her off into the sunset? Do they truly live happily ever after?

Well…

This is our story.

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Review
You all know that we are huge fans of this series and this author. I went in to reading this novella with high hopes for it. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Due to it being a novella, it is short, however it is not lacking AT ALL in content. It is absolutely perfect for Alex, Blake, and their family.

Alex. GAH! I want to shake her sometimes. She is still Alex and still having a hard time relying on others. It gets her in some precarious situations, for sure. And then admitting defeat? Yea, she had a hard time with that, too. But she grows. She gets there. She is still the stubborn, strong girl that we met in Running on Empty.

Blake. Oh my heavens. He is still amazing. Though, throughout this little story, he shows that while he is amazing, he isn’t perfect either. He makes choices throughout the story the story that you hold your breath and pray that Alex doesn’t kill him for. And sometimes I wanted to smack him upside his head and ask him if he was using his brain for that decision.

Overall, another amazing story. Alex & Blake are so perfectly imperfect. We already know and love them and that feeling only grows with this short story. I laughed, a lot. I cried, just a bit. And I even held my breath a bit. There was the right amount of angst mixed in with all of the fun. The writing flowed effortlessly and I may have read it in one evening. Fab job, L.B.!

{em}


I loved the conclusion to Alex and Blake's story. It was loving, raw and heartbreaking. I do love this series but at times it is too real life for me (relationship struggles, crazy kids, feeling like you are never getting ahead) and I like to 'escape' when I read. I even dreamed about parts of this the night I finished it. However, L.B. Simmons does a great job of connecting the reader to the characters. Alex's girls are a handful and most times comic relief! Blake is a blessing to their family. I love the 'butterfly' theme and how Blake never wants to replace Derek and keep his memory alive! Harlow is still so much fun and I'd love to be besties with her. I'm excited to see what will happen in book 3 with Tatum.

xo, {D}

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Interview
So, the last time we had you guys here, we asked about babies... seems that decision was made for you guys?

Alex:  Yes, it was. And it was by far the best decision that has ever been made for me.
(Alex looks over at Blake and smiles. He puts his hand on her leg, giving it an affectionate squeeze.)

Blake:  (He turns to me and begins to laugh.) Yeah, Alex usually makes ALL the decisions, well, I let her think she does anyway. (He gives me a wink, while Alex sighs out loud.)

Alex, we saw throughout Recovery how hard it was for you to adjust from being a single mom to co-parenting again. Are things getting better in that area?

Yes, I’m definitely more relaxed now. It was definitely an adjustment at first, but I think we’ve gotten over that obstacle relatively well.  Right Blake?  I mean, really well. (She giggles at Blake.)

Blake:  Yes, I think that situation has been, er…handled?  (They both burst into laughter.  After a few seconds, they regain their composure.)

Blake, you took a pretty big leap by getting the girls that surprise! Did you imagine Alex's response would be as strong as it was?

(He pauses as though carefully choosing his words) Well, I knew she wasn’t going to be happy with it. But, it was something I felt strongly about, regarding the girls.  And, of course, I ended up being right. (Alex eyes widen and she gives him a sideways glare.  The corners of Blake’s mouth lift into an ornery smile.)

You 2 have been through a LOT together in such a short amount of time! On top of that, the girls have been through a lot. How are they adjusting?

Alex:  They are doing really well actually.  With Blake, they love him and he loves them.  He just stepped right in and stole all of our hearts, although they were definitely more well-adjusted in that situation than I was.  (She laughs)  It was easy for them to move right into this phase of our lives, together, as a family. It was a natural progression for them I think.

Blake: (Smiles at Alex) Don’t get us wrong, there are still things we are getting used to.  Well, that I am getting used to.  Like constant chaos for one. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’ve never wanted anything else. (Alex sighs and covers Blake’s hand on her leg with hers.)

Alex: He has this uncanny ability to constantly take my breath away.


So now some fun questions for the both of you!

What are 3 items each of you can't leave home without?

Alex:  Phone, elastic band to pull my hair back, and diaper bag

Blake:  Keys (He laughs), phone, and a smile on my face

Alex:  See? No air.

First thing you do when you wake up? How about the last thing you do before bed?

Alex:  First - Hug Rylie, because she is always up before me and insists on being my personal alarm clock. Last – Read.

Blake – First – Hug Rylie, because she also acts as my personal alarm clock. Last – Kiss Alex on the forehead.

Alex: What?  I never knew that!

Blake:  Every night.

Alex: (Smiles) You are so getting lucky tonight.

Blake: (Chuckles) I don’t think they want to know that, babe.

Favorite show to watch together?

Alex and Blake: Pawn Stars!

Dream vacation as a couple? Dream family vacation?

Alex:  As a couple, I would say anywhere that has a beach. Costa Rica, the Keyes, Bahamas.  I love the water.

Blake: Anywhere that has fishing.  And where Alex will be sportin’ a bikini.

Alex:  (Rolls her eyes) And as a family… (she looks at Blake)

Alex and Blake: Disneyworld!

3 things on each of your bucket lists

Alex:  Go to Europe, skydive, become a published author

Blake:   Make the perfect omelet, sing Karoke, get Alex to go to Vegas
Alex:  Sing Karoke? Let’s go!  We’ll mark that one off right now!

Well there ya have it, folks! They were just as much fun as the last time we got to hang out with them!


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About the Author

L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science.  She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years.  She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets. 



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