Writing this on Ernest Hemingway's birthday, I'm reminded of this statement he made:
"All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was. If you can get so that you can give that to people, then you are a writer.”
Jennifer Theriot is a writer.
I threw myself into reading this, the second in the promised Out of the Box series, without having read the first novel. In the best way, it felt like diving into a long-running daytime drama: a light, engaging, escapist story with humor, heart, and heat (oh, yes--prepare to be wowed!). Theriot introduces dozens of characters, with just enough characterization to get the reader on board, without bogging down the story line. Enough references are made to previous events to indicate what's already in progress. These people belong to me, now.
Olivia is evolving--coming to peace with wrongs done upon her, availing herself of new experiences, and finding her voice. This message resonates with every woman, especially those of her generation who are so woefully underrepresented in literature, especially Romance.
Ash Harper, Liv's white knight, fits the role while avoiding cliche. Without suspecting anything too nefarious, we get hints along the way that Ash's whole modus operandi has not yet been revealed. This creates just enough intrigue without overpowering the plot. Primarily, we're happy that, whatever he does for a living, it allows him to shower Liv with the devotion (and opulence!) she's lived without until now.
Fans of the first novel will be pleased to know that we get plenty of Todd O'Malley and his antics in this installment, as well as new challenges and opportunities for the band, Avenue. Interwoven with the rest, we also follow Liv's expecting daughter in Houston, giving Liv the chance to revisit her old stomping grounds. All of this is set against the story of Ash's newly engaged son, Tommy, and Emily, the wife-to-be, as they plan their wedding.
Whether you pick up this novel or its predecessor, you're in for a great read!
You always hear the saying when one door closes another opens. This saying fits these books so well. I cried when Olivia cried, I laughed when Olivia laughed, and I angry when Olivia got angry. But best of all, Ash stole my heart when he stole Olivia’s. Ash and Olivia make you believe love can happen in an instant at any point in your life. After years of a very vanilla sex life, Ash broadens Olivia’s horizons. Olivia is spoiled beyond her wildest dreams.
The books don’t just focus on Ash and Olivia’s romance and relationship but the relationships they have with their respective children; and their “adopted” family that make up the band Avenue. Olivia is everyone’s mom and Ash is everyone’s dad.
My favorite band member has to be Todd. OMG he is hysterical! The F-bomb must have been his first word. He is the class clown that has so much passion he doesn’t know what to do with himself. The badass with the heart of gold. The connection he makes with Olivia is from the soul. Blessed even. When he finds love, he loves deep and show it through his music.
Something very cool....when Todd sings “FairyTale Man” in the book, you can actually listen to it. The lyrics of the song has been transformed by Five time San Antonio Guitar Wars winner Mark Odom that you can buy and listen to. I bought it and am listening to it now as I write this review. Knowing the story behind it really does bring a tear to your eyes.
I bought Awakening under 24 hours ago and I have to say, I devoured it! I kept looking at my reading progress and was thrilled that even though so much happened in the story, I had so much more to go. I felt like I was watching a mini series on a cable channel or something (I can totally see that). Never wanted it to end! Then, I remembered... I still have another book to read. So at about 1am this morning I started Regifted. Eventually I had to put it down so I could get some sleep.
Thankfully, my boss is away and I could finish this book. Engagements, trips, tours, interventions, and chaos. This second book was just as intriguing as the first as we continue Olivia and Ash’s journey in their relationship and those close to them. I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t like to give any spoilers.
All I can say is that Ms. Theroit had me hooked within the first 5 minutes of reading the first book let alone clamoring for the second. In telling the story of Olivia and Ash we can take away that love can happen at any time and can be just as fun in your golden years as it was in your 20s.
Jennifer is currently working on the third book, Out of the Box Everlasting. 2 Novellas from her other character's POV are planned as well and I can’t wait!
I was emotionally invested with all of the wonderful characters. The stories were told so beautifully that I was laughing and crying along with them. Out of the Box Awakening and Out of the Box Regifted are books definitely worth reading and I highly recommend you add them to your summer reading lists now! I give both books 5 Hearts!
