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Learning #1
Learning to Live
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.
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.
294 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2013
About the author
R.D. Cole
7 books504 followers My name is Robin and I live in 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.
After that, the story took over. Even though some pieces of my life experience are within it, it is Tru and Jax’s story now. I have truly fell in love with this story and hope you all do too.
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.
After that, the story took over. Even though some pieces of my life experience are within it, it is Tru and Jax’s story now. I have truly fell in love with this story and hope you all do too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
September 13, 2013
I am the kind of reviewer that MUST begin writing all of the voices, emotions, and intense feelings I have after finishing the last page of the book I've just read. It is sad to say, but it must be said, that if there isn't a storm of craziness in my mind after I finish a book my followers can read in between the lines of my reviews and they can tell, with that being said this is SO FAR from that book, it is at the other end of the universe from that book. Now, I apologize for letting this crazy bitch off her leash before hand *unhooks leash* but if I don't let her out, she is going to take me out!Holy Shit! No, freaking seriously! Holy Shit!!!! I don't think the readers that had their hands on this book and wrote their reviews were able to fully grasp or accurately explain the total phenomenon of epic proportions that lies with in this books pages! And I am sorry but dammit I effin' SCOFF at you!! Why?!?! Damn you WHY am I just now reading this book!?!?! Sheesus! R.D. Cole where in the hell have you been sister!!! Damn girl! R.D. Cole has a style unlike any other author I've read to date. She does NOT pull a single punch, hell she grabs you by the nape of the neck while shoving fist after fist of the bad and the ugly down your throat! Then she turns around and feeds you with a silver spoon the hot sexy sweet and you eat that shit up like a kid on the living room floor after trick or treating on Halloween! And when you aren't even looking she delivers an excellent round house kick that leaves you babbling, confused, and asking WTFH!?!?! However her writing magic lies within her finesse to do all of this without flooding your mind with unnecessary details and her ability to put you through the proverbial wringer, yet at the end you are not left in the midst of a bitch cliffhanger, and you get the solitude of the character as she went through her journey of Learning how to live.Trudy Love has been handed shit cards from the dealer of life since the beginning. In and out of foster homes who only saw her as a monthly check, she grows up starved of love, attention, and a sense of family. When she is finally granted one good hand, she immerses herself in every piece of love she is granted. She excels in dance, her grades remain at a 4.0 or higher, and she is finally able to make someone happy, not for the monthly check, but to see her succeed. Until her next hand is dealt, and her happy house of cards fall all around her, uncaring of the despair and devastation she is also left alone to deal with. When a guy she sees around school, not a student though sees her grieving over the loss of the only mother she has ever known she is grateful for his offer of a place to stay. But unbeknownst to her she has just walked into the devil's den. His kindness doesn't last long, and his hurtful words aren't the only thing that hurts when fists and bloody lips begin to become her norm. Now with a baby growing daily in her womb she knows that all she has to do is make it through her last year of school. Brad aka Satan doesn't know it, but she has been granted a full scholarship to a college in another state. So with her plans set in motion all she has to do is make it to the finish line and she can see it, it's just barely out of her reach. But life and plans for Tru are just like a deck of twisted cards, a game that she always seems to be on the losing end of. And yet again, she falls, yet again her plans become meaningless, yet again she loses it all.Was Jax born with money? Yes. Does Jaxtake it for granted? Hell No. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph if I could hand select a fictional character to make fictional babies with, and ride away into our fictional future in our fictional minivan, it would be Jax, ALL DAY *coughs* AND ALL NIGHT BABY ;) I have loved a many fictional men, Kellen, Jake Wethers, Christian, Gideon, but I would take Jax's college boy ass over EVERYONE of them! He has a heart of an angel and the mouth with a sinful tongue. Holy cheese and crackers, he is perfection. Every damn sexy as hell inch of him.When he first lays eyes on Trudy there isn't a question of if, it's mothafuckin WHEN..... He will play the part of a friend, he will play the part of a hero, hell he'll play any damn part he needs to and it isn't to win the game, it is to win her heart and soul. Well, he won mine the second he strutted his fine ass, dark brown eyed, dimpled smile self onto the pages! Sorry this review isn't about how Jax turned me into a crazy bitch in heat.... back to the story ;)Nothing has ever come easy for Tru in life, and Jax's love and devotion seems to good to be true. With bumps in their paths left and right, and her deep need to keep her heart guarded, it seems like this is a love that cannot ever last. But Tru Love is Jax's True Love, and come all of hell and the highest floods of water, he isn't going to let her go, period.When I finished this story I was a hysterical, crying, hot damn mess! I loved it, I hated it, then I fell even more in love with it. I love the authors way of beating me down, then building me back up, and then kicking my ass making me bust it into my happy house of cards. This story is beautiful, heart wrenching, heart warming, it is brutal, and gives you closure while leaving you begging for more all over again. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Learning to live gracefully nabs 5-where the hell has this book been all my life-Kimmi Stars ★★★★★
October 6, 2013
Abandoned and left to starve. .. put into the system. .. loved, adored and treated like a child should be and then left again, not by anything that could be controlled. . back into Foster care.. shown affection by a man only to be treated like an unwanted possession. She is used, abused and almost killed..... this is the life the strikingly beautiful Trudy Love ( how cruelly ironic). How do you even function? Who do you trust when everyone that was suppose to love and care for you has left you behind.
WHY? Why would she want to trust or want to love anything else... Focus on school and making sure no one has to live through this kind of life that's all she has to do...That's really hard to do when everyone that continues to come into her life recently is completely the opposite of anything she has ever known.
And especially Jaxon her roommate's sexy brown eyed brother. He has everything, what would he need with her? She wasn't looking to be anyone's charity case or possession! The#1 problem with Jax, he broke down all her barriers with one glance into his gorgeous eyes. He could have any girl, but he wanted her. He was drawn to her. He could read the pain in her glorious green eyes. He wanted to know what caused it. He wanted to be her everything and he didn't even know why.
He just knew that her smile lit up his world and he wanted to make sure that's all she did. He just doesn't know how she will let him in. Do these two have a chance in hell? Or does it just suit both of their lives better if nothing ever becomes of the passion they share with one glance? This is an Amazeballs story. Agony, Pain, Love, Loss, Desire, and Hope will be all of the emotions you will experience in this book. This Totally gets 5 BadAssDirtyJustOneGlanceStars!!! For more reviews from me http://badanddirtybooks.blogspot.com/
WHY? Why would she want to trust or want to love anything else... Focus on school and making sure no one has to live through this kind of life that's all she has to do...That's really hard to do when everyone that continues to come into her life recently is completely the opposite of anything she has ever known.
And especially Jaxon her roommate's sexy brown eyed brother. He has everything, what would he need with her? She wasn't looking to be anyone's charity case or possession! The#1 problem with Jax, he broke down all her barriers with one glance into his gorgeous eyes. He could have any girl, but he wanted her. He was drawn to her. He could read the pain in her glorious green eyes. He wanted to know what caused it. He wanted to be her everything and he didn't even know why.
He just knew that her smile lit up his world and he wanted to make sure that's all she did. He just doesn't know how she will let him in. Do these two have a chance in hell? Or does it just suit both of their lives better if nothing ever becomes of the passion they share with one glance? This is an Amazeballs story. Agony, Pain, Love, Loss, Desire, and Hope will be all of the emotions you will experience in this book. This Totally gets 5 BadAssDirtyJustOneGlanceStars!!! For more reviews from me http://badanddirtybooks.blogspot.com/
October 19, 2013
4.5 It's Not Fair Stars
Not Fair. Yes, we know...Life is not fair. My mom said that to me All. The. Time. If you want fair, it comes to Dallas every Oct. That's the only Fair you can count on.
You want fair...go here. Unfortunately for Trudy, that was not an option. Trudy has had a hard life. Her parents died and she was left in foster care. Then her foster care mom died and left her to the system. When she ends up living with her boyfriend, life really gets unfair. No Ferris Wheels and Corny Dogs for Trudy. She wants to make a better life for herself but OMG...does life conspire against her.
Jaxon is the oldest child of a large non-traditional family. He has been raised privileged and he knows it. He takes nothing for granted and is grateful for his life, his family and the perks that gets him. He is a NICE guy. Whose sister ends up being Trudy's college roommate.
I just want you to know that whatever happens in life helps make us who we're meant to be and lead us to people we're meant to meet.
When Jax and Trudy meet, it is all goo-goo eyes and fast breathing. But Trudy has learned the "Not Fair" lesson. So she is much more wary of life, love and happiness than Jax. And...OMG...she is so right.
This is a great emotional read that is not the formula that many books fall into these days. The characters jump off the page. There are great secondary characters and BONUS...there is another book coming. Yeah Hurrah! Add a funnel cake to my corn dog cause this is one happy fair goer. Meet you at Big Tex with my One-Click Button for Lesson #2
Not Fair. Yes, we know...Life is not fair. My mom said that to me All. The. Time. If you want fair, it comes to Dallas every Oct. That's the only Fair you can count on.
You want fair...go here. Unfortunately for Trudy, that was not an option. Trudy has had a hard life. Her parents died and she was left in foster care. Then her foster care mom died and left her to the system. When she ends up living with her boyfriend, life really gets unfair. No Ferris Wheels and Corny Dogs for Trudy. She wants to make a better life for herself but OMG...does life conspire against her.
Jaxon is the oldest child of a large non-traditional family. He has been raised privileged and he knows it. He takes nothing for granted and is grateful for his life, his family and the perks that gets him. He is a NICE guy. Whose sister ends up being Trudy's college roommate.
I just want you to know that whatever happens in life helps make us who we're meant to be and lead us to people we're meant to meet.
When Jax and Trudy meet, it is all goo-goo eyes and fast breathing. But Trudy has learned the "Not Fair" lesson. So she is much more wary of life, love and happiness than Jax. And...OMG...she is so right.
This is a great emotional read that is not the formula that many books fall into these days. The characters jump off the page. There are great secondary characters and BONUS...there is another book coming. Yeah Hurrah! Add a funnel cake to my corn dog cause this is one happy fair goer. Meet you at Big Tex with my One-Click Button for Lesson #2
November 2, 2013
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
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.
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.
September 13, 2013
4.5 stars. this book blew me away to the point that I started to cry during the prologue. the reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the fact that I wanted to know more about her past. I felt so sorry for Trudy, but I'm glad she knows how to defend her self. I love how she was head strong. and how she over came everything. I loved the plot, love the characters even the secondary ones as well. the author did an amazing job telling this story. it was heart felt. I loved how Jax Coleman was protective of Trudy. and jazz she was an amazing friend. she's the friend that I would want by my side. this story is a must read. but if you don't like violence than I suggest don't read this book
June 19, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. I clearly felt the pain that Trudy went through, and the relationship between her and Jax was amazing.
April 15, 2015
DRAMA, mucho drama por todas partes. Todos los chicos locos por la misma chica y ella ni se entera. Y algún que otro WTF?!?!?!?!? sin venir a cuento... pero se puede leer.
Entretenido :)
Entretenido :)
October 29, 2013
4.5 stars by Jen Skewes
Learning to Live is one of those books that completely sucks you in with the prologue. It is one of those books where you heart completely breaks for the main character right from the start and you know that it is going to be one heck of an emotional journey. And it certainly was emotional, heart breaking and beautiful all in one.
Trudy Love has had a horrible life growing up. She spent her life going from foster home to foster home. She finally found someone who loved her for her and not just for the monthly check only to lose her. when she turned eighteen she was no longer apart of the system and was completely on her own. She started dating Brad whom she trusted. But she soon found that brad wasn't who she thought she was. Brad turned out to be an abusive drug addict. He treats her like no woman should ever be treated and it will completely break you heart to see what she goes through. Tru had plans to move on and leave Brad until that one tragic night when the abuse is taken to another level, leaving Trudy completely broken and shattered. But in time Trudy moves on. She is determined to live her life, to go to college and make something of herself. She wants to learn to live again, and Jaxon Coleman is just the person to teach her.
Jaxon Coleman (sigh). Jaxon is sweet, caring, sexy, a family man, and just amazing and perfect. His family has money but that never affected Jaxon as a person or how he treated people. When he first meets Trudy he knows that there is a connection between them. He knows that he wants to get to know her better, and not just for one night either. He wants Trudy Love for more than one night and has every intention of getting her. He just has to figure out how to get in touch with her. Well lucky for him Tru and his sister Jazz are friends, giving him the perfect opportunity to see Tru again.
Trudy can't deny her attraction for Jaxon. I mean any woman can see how sexy he is. But Tru has been through so much hurt and pain throughout her life, the last thing that she wants right now is a boyfriend, or someone to depend on. Right now this time in her life is about her. Jaxon knows that Tru is hiding some deep secrets from her past. He sees the hurt and knows that he needs to be careful when it comes to her. Right now he is willing to take her any way he can get her, even if it is just as friends. Jaxon and Trudy cannot deny the connection, the bond and the chemistry between the two of them. But Tru has these walls up to protect herself and as much as she knows she can trust Jaxon she is not sure that she is able to open up to him. But Jaxon is not willing to give up. He knows what he wants and when he wants something he usually gets it. And he wants Tru Love forever! Will she be able to open up to him, let him into her heart? Will she learn to live again?
"I leave the coffee shop with a smile on my face and a skip in my step. I don't care if I look like an idiot because I have hope that by this time next year I will have my Tru Love."
Learning to Live is a very emotional read at times. But there is also some really sweet scenes that will melt your heart. Jaxon knew how broken Trudy was and never rushed her. He was always so patient, and caring and loving with her. You knew how much he truly cared for her. But there is also a side to Jax that is very sexy! There is honestly not one thing that I would change about this man.
"Tru, look at me, You were beautiful before I knew all this, but you're the strongest and mot beautiful woman I've ever met. I'm in awe of how you've overcome the shit life has thrown at you."
"I'd buy her anything in this world as long as she continues to smile like that."
I loved Trudy and admired her strength. She was dealt one crappy hand and but she dealt with it with such amazing strength. She went through so much hurt and pain and it completely broke my heart to see her treated that way her ex treated her. But through all the tragedy, and the pain that she experienced she always made it through. She held her head high and was determined to fight through it. She was such a strong an amazing female character. I love her relationship with Jazz. Her and Jazz quickly became best friends, something that Tru never had before. And she treasured her friendship with Tru so much. I just adored the two of them.
"To wake up and live this life I was given. to learn to always get up even though people try to keep me down. And I plan on doing it with Jax no matter what happens in the future."
Learning to Live is an emotional, heart breaking, wonderful and amazing story of strength, love passion, trust and simply learning to live life again. This book will make you laugh, cry and will definitely cause some swooning. I loved watching Tru and Jaxon's friendship blossom into something more. And the chemistry between the two of them was undeniable and hot. I loved how sweet and tender he was with Tru. He knew from the moment he met her that she was his forever, he just needed to make her see that he was hers. He found his Tru Love and had no intention of letting her go. I was rooting for these two amazing characters to find their HEA from the very beginning. They certainly had their ups and downs and there were people who tried to keep them apart. But Jax kept fighting and never gave up. I honestly did not want their journey to end. But it did and let me tell you that the ending will completely leave you wanting more and wishing Jazz's story was out NOW. I fr one cannot wait for Jazz's story and am hoping to see a lot more of Jax and Tru. Amazing story and a must read!
"I picture those legs wrapped around my waist in nothing but those shoes as I pound into her and swallow loudly. Dammit, I need some ice chips for my dick."
I loved this line! And Jaxon is one sexy man! :)
Learning to Live is one of those books that completely sucks you in with the prologue. It is one of those books where you heart completely breaks for the main character right from the start and you know that it is going to be one heck of an emotional journey. And it certainly was emotional, heart breaking and beautiful all in one.
Trudy Love has had a horrible life growing up. She spent her life going from foster home to foster home. She finally found someone who loved her for her and not just for the monthly check only to lose her. when she turned eighteen she was no longer apart of the system and was completely on her own. She started dating Brad whom she trusted. But she soon found that brad wasn't who she thought she was. Brad turned out to be an abusive drug addict. He treats her like no woman should ever be treated and it will completely break you heart to see what she goes through. Tru had plans to move on and leave Brad until that one tragic night when the abuse is taken to another level, leaving Trudy completely broken and shattered. But in time Trudy moves on. She is determined to live her life, to go to college and make something of herself. She wants to learn to live again, and Jaxon Coleman is just the person to teach her.
Jaxon Coleman (sigh). Jaxon is sweet, caring, sexy, a family man, and just amazing and perfect. His family has money but that never affected Jaxon as a person or how he treated people. When he first meets Trudy he knows that there is a connection between them. He knows that he wants to get to know her better, and not just for one night either. He wants Trudy Love for more than one night and has every intention of getting her. He just has to figure out how to get in touch with her. Well lucky for him Tru and his sister Jazz are friends, giving him the perfect opportunity to see Tru again.
Trudy can't deny her attraction for Jaxon. I mean any woman can see how sexy he is. But Tru has been through so much hurt and pain throughout her life, the last thing that she wants right now is a boyfriend, or someone to depend on. Right now this time in her life is about her. Jaxon knows that Tru is hiding some deep secrets from her past. He sees the hurt and knows that he needs to be careful when it comes to her. Right now he is willing to take her any way he can get her, even if it is just as friends. Jaxon and Trudy cannot deny the connection, the bond and the chemistry between the two of them. But Tru has these walls up to protect herself and as much as she knows she can trust Jaxon she is not sure that she is able to open up to him. But Jaxon is not willing to give up. He knows what he wants and when he wants something he usually gets it. And he wants Tru Love forever! Will she be able to open up to him, let him into her heart? Will she learn to live again?
"I leave the coffee shop with a smile on my face and a skip in my step. I don't care if I look like an idiot because I have hope that by this time next year I will have my Tru Love."
Learning to Live is a very emotional read at times. But there is also some really sweet scenes that will melt your heart. Jaxon knew how broken Trudy was and never rushed her. He was always so patient, and caring and loving with her. You knew how much he truly cared for her. But there is also a side to Jax that is very sexy! There is honestly not one thing that I would change about this man.
"Tru, look at me, You were beautiful before I knew all this, but you're the strongest and mot beautiful woman I've ever met. I'm in awe of how you've overcome the shit life has thrown at you."
"I'd buy her anything in this world as long as she continues to smile like that."
I loved Trudy and admired her strength. She was dealt one crappy hand and but she dealt with it with such amazing strength. She went through so much hurt and pain and it completely broke my heart to see her treated that way her ex treated her. But through all the tragedy, and the pain that she experienced she always made it through. She held her head high and was determined to fight through it. She was such a strong an amazing female character. I love her relationship with Jazz. Her and Jazz quickly became best friends, something that Tru never had before. And she treasured her friendship with Tru so much. I just adored the two of them.
"To wake up and live this life I was given. to learn to always get up even though people try to keep me down. And I plan on doing it with Jax no matter what happens in the future."
Learning to Live is an emotional, heart breaking, wonderful and amazing story of strength, love passion, trust and simply learning to live life again. This book will make you laugh, cry and will definitely cause some swooning. I loved watching Tru and Jaxon's friendship blossom into something more. And the chemistry between the two of them was undeniable and hot. I loved how sweet and tender he was with Tru. He knew from the moment he met her that she was his forever, he just needed to make her see that he was hers. He found his Tru Love and had no intention of letting her go. I was rooting for these two amazing characters to find their HEA from the very beginning. They certainly had their ups and downs and there were people who tried to keep them apart. But Jax kept fighting and never gave up. I honestly did not want their journey to end. But it did and let me tell you that the ending will completely leave you wanting more and wishing Jazz's story was out NOW. I fr one cannot wait for Jazz's story and am hoping to see a lot more of Jax and Tru. Amazing story and a must read!
"I picture those legs wrapped around my waist in nothing but those shoes as I pound into her and swallow loudly. Dammit, I need some ice chips for my dick."
I loved this line! And Jaxon is one sexy man! :)
June 24, 2013
Learning to Live by: R.D. Cole
In Learning to Live, we are introduced to Trudy Love, who from a young age has lived a rough life, making it hard to open her heart to love and trust. After experiencing such loss, she began taking steps to gain control over her life. She wanted to finally have the life she had always dreamed of having. While attending college, she meets Jaxon Coleman, who is determined to have Trudy in his life, and she's determined to keep him at bay.
Trudy starts off seeming weak, battered, and broken, but as time goes on, we watch her grow into a strong, independent woman, who won't let any man abuse her. She learns to open up to new friends and develop a relationship with Jaxon's sister Jess. For the first time she feels like she is living and is scared it will come to an end.
Jaxon is the fun loving, charismatic, determined sweet heart you can't help but to fall for. He loves his family and lives a good life. Jaxon wants Trudy in his life and unlike a lot of the men we read about, doesn't try to win her over by dominance but with love and affection. He shows Trudy kindness and tries to teach her that he will always put her first.
This story really tuched my heart. You can't help but to connect with Trudy and Jaxon. You feel for Trudy and all she has gone through and hope she finds her happily ever after. You also can't help but to route for Jaxon and prey he can break through Trudy's walls.
This book will capture your heart, break your heart, and put it back together again. It will keep you page turning and not want to stop until you get to the end. I really love this book and the writing style of the author not only makes it easy to connect with the main charactor, but the secondary charactors as well.
Learning to Live, tuches on a lot of real life issues that I really think a lot of people will truely connect with and love as much as i did. The story between Trudy and Jaxon is such a good one that it will leave you with a book hangover. There is so much I want to say about this book but at the same time i really don't want to give any spoilers away. This really is a book you have to read for yourself. I truely can't wait for the next book to come out and will be sitting here on pins and needles until it does.
Thank you so much R.D. Cole for such a great read and putting yourself out there like you did. I hope you continue with your writing and allowing us ( the readers) into your world.
I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend this book! I think I will have this book on my mind for a long time to come!
In Learning to Live, we are introduced to Trudy Love, who from a young age has lived a rough life, making it hard to open her heart to love and trust. After experiencing such loss, she began taking steps to gain control over her life. She wanted to finally have the life she had always dreamed of having. While attending college, she meets Jaxon Coleman, who is determined to have Trudy in his life, and she's determined to keep him at bay.
Trudy starts off seeming weak, battered, and broken, but as time goes on, we watch her grow into a strong, independent woman, who won't let any man abuse her. She learns to open up to new friends and develop a relationship with Jaxon's sister Jess. For the first time she feels like she is living and is scared it will come to an end.
Jaxon is the fun loving, charismatic, determined sweet heart you can't help but to fall for. He loves his family and lives a good life. Jaxon wants Trudy in his life and unlike a lot of the men we read about, doesn't try to win her over by dominance but with love and affection. He shows Trudy kindness and tries to teach her that he will always put her first.
This story really tuched my heart. You can't help but to connect with Trudy and Jaxon. You feel for Trudy and all she has gone through and hope she finds her happily ever after. You also can't help but to route for Jaxon and prey he can break through Trudy's walls.
This book will capture your heart, break your heart, and put it back together again. It will keep you page turning and not want to stop until you get to the end. I really love this book and the writing style of the author not only makes it easy to connect with the main charactor, but the secondary charactors as well.
Learning to Live, tuches on a lot of real life issues that I really think a lot of people will truely connect with and love as much as i did. The story between Trudy and Jaxon is such a good one that it will leave you with a book hangover. There is so much I want to say about this book but at the same time i really don't want to give any spoilers away. This really is a book you have to read for yourself. I truely can't wait for the next book to come out and will be sitting here on pins and needles until it does.
Thank you so much R.D. Cole for such a great read and putting yourself out there like you did. I hope you continue with your writing and allowing us ( the readers) into your world.
I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend this book! I think I will have this book on my mind for a long time to come!
June 28, 2013
4 **** GOOSEBUMP STARS
This story has so much to tell and it kept me wanting more. As I neared the end of the book I hoped to have answers to so many questions and most were answered.
Trudy has had a difficult life. She has been forced to deal with neglectful parents, living between foster care and an abusive boyfriend.
She finds it difficult to trust because of her past and doesn't know if she will ever be able to love again. The one and only thing she ever did love...was taken away from her all too soon.
Jaxon is just AMAZING and is now part of my BBF list :)
He is lucky to have a strong family that supports one another. Not only does he have a tight bond with them, but they also come from wealth. This is not something that Jaxon flaunts, but still has use for it to help others.
He is strong, handsome and 100% willing to fight for the girl he wants.
This book gave me goosebumps more than once, I enjoyed it!
FAVORITE LINES...
"God what if they are swingers or something?
"I'd rather work on my calluses than touch her again....
"The right one is always worth the struggle"
"And you Tru, are mine."
CHARACTER CASTING...
Jaxon
Tru
This story has so much to tell and it kept me wanting more. As I neared the end of the book I hoped to have answers to so many questions and most were answered.
Trudy has had a difficult life. She has been forced to deal with neglectful parents, living between foster care and an abusive boyfriend.
She finds it difficult to trust because of her past and doesn't know if she will ever be able to love again. The one and only thing she ever did love...was taken away from her all too soon.
Jaxon is just AMAZING and is now part of my BBF list :)
He is lucky to have a strong family that supports one another. Not only does he have a tight bond with them, but they also come from wealth. This is not something that Jaxon flaunts, but still has use for it to help others.
He is strong, handsome and 100% willing to fight for the girl he wants.
This book gave me goosebumps more than once, I enjoyed it!
FAVORITE LINES...
"God what if they are swingers or something?
"I'd rather work on my calluses than touch her again....
"The right one is always worth the struggle"
"And you Tru, are mine."
CHARACTER CASTING...
Jaxon
Tru
September 12, 2013
I just bought this book two days ago and it was amazing!
There is so much drama and a major turn pager. It is in alternate POV's of Trudy and Jax. Trudy is a lost soul just hanging on by a thread due to an abusive relationship causing a tragedy in her life. She then ups and leaves her past behind to start freshly new but then she runs into someone whose eyes bring back memories of the one person she misses everyday. She is determined to fight off her emotions but she is caught up in a sea of emotions.
Jaxon Coleman is brought up by a family with 4 foster siblings since his parents couldn't have anymore kids after him. He is attending for his med degree just like his father. However, dreams can change in life especially when he meets this lost soul and he will never be the same. Jax knows she has secrets and he is willing to be patient with her to to find out what they are.
You will meet several background characters like Jazz, David, Benji, Blaire, and Mason. I really enjoyed reading About the Author R.D. Cole to get a little background information from her. She implements some pieces of her life that are within Tru and Jax's story.
The only thing I am confused about is Benji & Blairs background. I really need some closure on this. That was too tragic but something is missing there. Benji had mentioned it wasn't his story to tell, why he did drugs then Blair took off after the funeral & never came back???? What??
I truly fell in love with this story and cannot wait to read Jazz's because she so needs a HEA also!!
Favorite quotes:
Her voice is so grief stricken and angry I squeeze her tighter, desperate to make it better. "I wanted him so bad and I still do. I was going to finally have someone. Someone to love and love me in return, but he was taken away and I was left along again," ~Trudy
"I wouldn't be strong enough to make it without you. I love you so much, Tru, and I know this might be fast for you, but you're my forever." ~ Jax
Reviews posted on Amazon and Goodreads for authors rating
Read September 13, 2013
There is so much drama and a major turn pager. It is in alternate POV's of Trudy and Jax. Trudy is a lost soul just hanging on by a thread due to an abusive relationship causing a tragedy in her life. She then ups and leaves her past behind to start freshly new but then she runs into someone whose eyes bring back memories of the one person she misses everyday. She is determined to fight off her emotions but she is caught up in a sea of emotions.
Jaxon Coleman is brought up by a family with 4 foster siblings since his parents couldn't have anymore kids after him. He is attending for his med degree just like his father. However, dreams can change in life especially when he meets this lost soul and he will never be the same. Jax knows she has secrets and he is willing to be patient with her to to find out what they are.
You will meet several background characters like Jazz, David, Benji, Blaire, and Mason. I really enjoyed reading About the Author R.D. Cole to get a little background information from her. She implements some pieces of her life that are within Tru and Jax's story.
The only thing I am confused about is Benji & Blairs background. I really need some closure on this. That was too tragic but something is missing there. Benji had mentioned it wasn't his story to tell, why he did drugs then Blair took off after the funeral & never came back???? What??
I truly fell in love with this story and cannot wait to read Jazz's because she so needs a HEA also!!
Favorite quotes:
Her voice is so grief stricken and angry I squeeze her tighter, desperate to make it better. "I wanted him so bad and I still do. I was going to finally have someone. Someone to love and love me in return, but he was taken away and I was left along again," ~Trudy
"I wouldn't be strong enough to make it without you. I love you so much, Tru, and I know this might be fast for you, but you're my forever." ~ Jax
Reviews posted on Amazon and Goodreads for authors rating
Read September 13, 2013
September 23, 2013
This was one of the most emotional and inspirational books I’ve read this year. This book was beyond amazing. As soon as I started it I didn’t want to put it down.
You can’t help but feel compassionate towards Trudy. She went through so much just within the beginning of the book. It was heart wrenching and will break you to shreds. I was a mess and angry all at the same time because of what she went through. I loved Trudy. She was such a strong and wonderful girl.
I was so in love with Trudy and Jax’s connection. It was so strong and you just knew they were meant to be. I was grinning from ear to ear as big as the Cheshire cat through most of this book because I adored how Trudy and Jax made one another feel. I loved Jax and I mean LOVE this boy. He was so sweet and caring with Trudy and never once tried to push her. He was always considerate of her and wanted more for her. He just wanted her to feel loved. I loved Jax’s family as well. They were amazing. His parents are truly wonderful people and I adored them for adopting all of the kids they did. Jax’s sister Jazz was spunky and funny. I was so glad that Trudy made a friend like her to look out for her and help her.
You will love and adore Trudy in this book. I was blown away by the gift she got Jax’s little brother Cohen. It was so thoughtful and showed just how big of a heart she has. Be prepared to have tissues around when you read this book. It ripped my heart out when Trudy finally tells Jax what happened to her. It killed me. I couldn’t imagine what she went through. And be prepared to LOVE Jax even more as you read. He is without a doubt the sweetest, most caring, and gentlest man ever. The things that he does for Trudy will steal your heart.
The ending will have your emotions on high. I was terrified that something awful was going to happen and held my breath and prayed I was wrong…
All in All I LOVED this book and would recommend EVERYONE read it. It was amazing and one of the best books I’ve read this year.
You can’t help but feel compassionate towards Trudy. She went through so much just within the beginning of the book. It was heart wrenching and will break you to shreds. I was a mess and angry all at the same time because of what she went through. I loved Trudy. She was such a strong and wonderful girl.
I was so in love with Trudy and Jax’s connection. It was so strong and you just knew they were meant to be. I was grinning from ear to ear as big as the Cheshire cat through most of this book because I adored how Trudy and Jax made one another feel. I loved Jax and I mean LOVE this boy. He was so sweet and caring with Trudy and never once tried to push her. He was always considerate of her and wanted more for her. He just wanted her to feel loved. I loved Jax’s family as well. They were amazing. His parents are truly wonderful people and I adored them for adopting all of the kids they did. Jax’s sister Jazz was spunky and funny. I was so glad that Trudy made a friend like her to look out for her and help her.
You will love and adore Trudy in this book. I was blown away by the gift she got Jax’s little brother Cohen. It was so thoughtful and showed just how big of a heart she has. Be prepared to have tissues around when you read this book. It ripped my heart out when Trudy finally tells Jax what happened to her. It killed me. I couldn’t imagine what she went through. And be prepared to LOVE Jax even more as you read. He is without a doubt the sweetest, most caring, and gentlest man ever. The things that he does for Trudy will steal your heart.
The ending will have your emotions on high. I was terrified that something awful was going to happen and held my breath and prayed I was wrong…
All in All I LOVED this book and would recommend EVERYONE read it. It was amazing and one of the best books I’ve read this year.
November 15, 2013
Learning to Live by R.D. Cole
This was a gift for an honest review from the author and I am so glad that she gave me the opportunity to read her books. This book was absolutely spellbinding and I had to finish it in a sitting. The story is about Tru' strength and courage through loss and devastation. It is told from alternating POV's of Tru and Jaxon and I loved it.
Cole did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. I wept for Trudy and all that she has had to endure in her short life. To not only lose your childhood, but to lose her child from an abusive boyfriend would break anybody. My heart bleed for all that Tru went through but smiled at her feistiness and courage she portrayed throughout the book.
Earning herself a full paid scholarship to college, Trudy will do whatever it takes to make something of herself and make her child proud. Here she meets her roommate Jazz who is all girl and a ball of energy. She also meets Jaxon, who is sexy as hell and Jazz's older brother. She tries to fend off his flirting, but is unable to withstand him charm and starts to fall for him.
Jaxon has 4 other siblings who were all adopted and he absolutely adores him. He meets Tru on campus after he witnesses her kneeing one of his frat boys in the junk. He is instantly drawn to her and wants nothing more than to protect her, although she seemed to handle herself pretty well. Wanting nothing more than to be with her and protect her, he does what he must to get her to notice him. They begin seeing each other and fall head over heals in love, but there seems to be someone lurking in the background. Tru must once again battle to get her life fe back and find her forever with Jaxon.
There are several background characters like Jazz, David, Benji, Blaire, and Mason. I really enjoyed reading About the Author R.D. Cole to get a little background information from her. She implements some pieces of her life that are within Tru and Jax's story.
This was a gift for an honest review from the author and I am so glad that she gave me the opportunity to read her books. This book was absolutely spellbinding and I had to finish it in a sitting. The story is about Tru' strength and courage through loss and devastation. It is told from alternating POV's of Tru and Jaxon and I loved it.
Cole did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. I wept for Trudy and all that she has had to endure in her short life. To not only lose your childhood, but to lose her child from an abusive boyfriend would break anybody. My heart bleed for all that Tru went through but smiled at her feistiness and courage she portrayed throughout the book.
Earning herself a full paid scholarship to college, Trudy will do whatever it takes to make something of herself and make her child proud. Here she meets her roommate Jazz who is all girl and a ball of energy. She also meets Jaxon, who is sexy as hell and Jazz's older brother. She tries to fend off his flirting, but is unable to withstand him charm and starts to fall for him.
Jaxon has 4 other siblings who were all adopted and he absolutely adores him. He meets Tru on campus after he witnesses her kneeing one of his frat boys in the junk. He is instantly drawn to her and wants nothing more than to protect her, although she seemed to handle herself pretty well. Wanting nothing more than to be with her and protect her, he does what he must to get her to notice him. They begin seeing each other and fall head over heals in love, but there seems to be someone lurking in the background. Tru must once again battle to get her life fe back and find her forever with Jaxon.
There are several background characters like Jazz, David, Benji, Blaire, and Mason. I really enjoyed reading About the Author R.D. Cole to get a little background information from her. She implements some pieces of her life that are within Tru and Jax's story.
June 20, 2013
Learning to live is one of the most amazing stories I have read in 2014. I have to say that I am not sure why I did not hear about this book when it came out in 2013 because it is that amazing. I mean the way the story starts out you think okay another girl in trouble then something tragic happens to her and she moves on but there is so much more to this story that had me at the edge of my seat wondering holy eff what is going on here.
Trudy Love has not had the best of life. She lost her parents and grew up in foster care. Always going from one home to the next keeping her head low and never getting into trouble. She finds a boyfriend who she thinks is great but turns out to be a nightmare. He is abusive amongst other things he does to her. Then one day tragedy strikes her and strikes her hard and she decides she needs a change of scenery and decides going to college is her way out. Once she gets to college she sees a whole new life for herself and she begins to get friends and experience things she never did before. She also meets a Jaxon Coleman and she knows her life is about to change because feelings she has never felt stir in her and they only stir for Jax.
Jaxon Coleman has had a very privileged life but he is not one of those arse holes that are conceited or snobby. All he wants to do is follow in his fathers foot steps and go to med school and become the best doctor he can be. Jax has his life mapped out and nothing is going to deter him from reaching his goals and dreams. Well that is until he meets Tru. Tru comes in his life like a storm and changes everything for him and no matter what he tries he can't get over Tru. So instead of fighting the feelings he has he goes full fledged ahead and pursues Tru.
Will Jax be able to get through Tru's walls? Or will he give up?
Trudy Love has not had the best of life. She lost her parents and grew up in foster care. Always going from one home to the next keeping her head low and never getting into trouble. She finds a boyfriend who she thinks is great but turns out to be a nightmare. He is abusive amongst other things he does to her. Then one day tragedy strikes her and strikes her hard and she decides she needs a change of scenery and decides going to college is her way out. Once she gets to college she sees a whole new life for herself and she begins to get friends and experience things she never did before. She also meets a Jaxon Coleman and she knows her life is about to change because feelings she has never felt stir in her and they only stir for Jax.
Jaxon Coleman has had a very privileged life but he is not one of those arse holes that are conceited or snobby. All he wants to do is follow in his fathers foot steps and go to med school and become the best doctor he can be. Jax has his life mapped out and nothing is going to deter him from reaching his goals and dreams. Well that is until he meets Tru. Tru comes in his life like a storm and changes everything for him and no matter what he tries he can't get over Tru. So instead of fighting the feelings he has he goes full fledged ahead and pursues Tru.
Will Jax be able to get through Tru's walls? Or will he give up?
October 8, 2013
Ok breakout the tissues grab some chocolate and brace yourself for the emotionally draining and heart shattering journey of Tru Love.
When you are broken by events/circumstances that are not in your control. How do you learn to live again.
Trudy is a lost and broken soul when we meet her. This story will simply break your heart. She's failed by those who should live you unconditionally. Failed by a system that is support you when you have no one. She's taken in my her boyfriend. Someone she thought she could trust. She suffers greatly and suffers an unimaginable loss. Through this loss will she finally be able be Tru? But who is Tru?
This is were it gets good. Tru has started over all alone. She is determined to be free and live again. We meet the amazing Jaxon Coleman they are drawn to each other and he's determined to have his Tru Love and he gets what he wants. He helps her feel and live again. She makes an amazing group of friends and who help her deal with her past and move forward. It's not a easy journey she will go through ups and downs. People will enter her life and people will leave her life leaving hurt but not broken. In the end she will have something she never had before a family that loves her deeply.
Looking forward to Jazz's story especially since you left us hanging there in the end. I'm worried for her.
When you are broken by events/circumstances that are not in your control. How do you learn to live again.
Trudy is a lost and broken soul when we meet her. This story will simply break your heart. She's failed by those who should live you unconditionally. Failed by a system that is support you when you have no one. She's taken in my her boyfriend. Someone she thought she could trust. She suffers greatly and suffers an unimaginable loss. Through this loss will she finally be able be Tru? But who is Tru?
This is were it gets good. Tru has started over all alone. She is determined to be free and live again. We meet the amazing Jaxon Coleman they are drawn to each other and he's determined to have his Tru Love and he gets what he wants. He helps her feel and live again. She makes an amazing group of friends and who help her deal with her past and move forward. It's not a easy journey she will go through ups and downs. People will enter her life and people will leave her life leaving hurt but not broken. In the end she will have something she never had before a family that loves her deeply.
Looking forward to Jazz's story especially since you left us hanging there in the end. I'm worried for her.
October 30, 2013
Alright, I am honestly not giving anything away when I say that the traumatic experience that Trudy goes through happens literally in the first or second chapter- even within the first few pages. Immediately, I fell in love with this book because of what happened. It wasn't your typical book about a girl who at first is abused but overcomes that and.. you know how it goes, you probably have read the same types of stories a million times too.
Trudy was such an awesome character, and her pain was completely understandable, in comparison to many novels where I personally can't connect to the character's pain. AND EVEN BETTER- it wasn't the numb kind of pain you often get. When a person has such an internal struggle it leads them to draw into themselves… it just makes the novel boring. Just do what Stephanie Meyer did in New Moon and just make it a page a month. Save me all the pain of looking for the AMAZING novel everyone else is talking about.
Either way… end of that tangent. I felt as if everything that happened was real, and what made it even more gripping was the way the story was told.
I could sit here and talk about this, and that, but when you are reading the novel, you are literally in another world- so how could I portray those emotions onto paper?
I would recommend this book to those who like YA novels. I think this book is going to do really well!
Trudy was such an awesome character, and her pain was completely understandable, in comparison to many novels where I personally can't connect to the character's pain. AND EVEN BETTER- it wasn't the numb kind of pain you often get. When a person has such an internal struggle it leads them to draw into themselves… it just makes the novel boring. Just do what Stephanie Meyer did in New Moon and just make it a page a month. Save me all the pain of looking for the AMAZING novel everyone else is talking about.
Either way… end of that tangent. I felt as if everything that happened was real, and what made it even more gripping was the way the story was told.
I could sit here and talk about this, and that, but when you are reading the novel, you are literally in another world- so how could I portray those emotions onto paper?
I would recommend this book to those who like YA novels. I think this book is going to do really well!
October 4, 2013
Learning to Live by R.D. Cole
I found this book on amazon and was quite shocked I'd never heard of it, I love when I find these great books and can share with my friends.
R.D. Cole writing is really good, the story and plot flows well and the story had me right from the beginning. Its a definite Must Read!
I really cannot wait to read more of R.D. Cole's writing and this series, I hope book 2 is coming out very soon.
We meet Trudy Love who is living with a man who can only be described as the devil. Trudy has grown up in foster care and only has one experience in her young life of what it is like to be loved. Knowing this you can see why Trudy stayed with him. But it all comes to blows and Trudy suffers a great loss.
Leaving town and trying to move forward she heads off to college. Trudy has to work hard but she does succeed. Not only does she find friends and a job she meets Jax. The romance is intense and she and Jax feel as if their souls are connected.
Learning to Live is a story of a young woman who has never had anything in her life and the inner strength she has to learn to live, love and trust again.
R.D. Coles writing is fantastic. I have rated this book a 5 star rating and I couldn't put this book down.
I found this book on amazon and was quite shocked I'd never heard of it, I love when I find these great books and can share with my friends.
R.D. Cole writing is really good, the story and plot flows well and the story had me right from the beginning. Its a definite Must Read!
I really cannot wait to read more of R.D. Cole's writing and this series, I hope book 2 is coming out very soon.
We meet Trudy Love who is living with a man who can only be described as the devil. Trudy has grown up in foster care and only has one experience in her young life of what it is like to be loved. Knowing this you can see why Trudy stayed with him. But it all comes to blows and Trudy suffers a great loss.
Leaving town and trying to move forward she heads off to college. Trudy has to work hard but she does succeed. Not only does she find friends and a job she meets Jax. The romance is intense and she and Jax feel as if their souls are connected.
Learning to Live is a story of a young woman who has never had anything in her life and the inner strength she has to learn to live, love and trust again.
R.D. Coles writing is fantastic. I have rated this book a 5 star rating and I couldn't put this book down.
March 13, 2014
Wow you are definitely hooked on this story the minute you read the prologue!! This author really does a fantastic job because you can feel the sadness and all the other emotions the main character Tru goes through. I do love seeing a heroine bounce back and be strong after going through such a heavy ordeal and loved that she learned self defence and uses it on a deserving person ;) from the moment I read a few pages in Jaxs POV I knew I would love him. He was amazing right from the beginning and wasn't afraid to put it time, patience and effort to get to know Tru. He was a really genuine guy and I loved reading all of his chapters. I enjoyed all the surrounding characters - David with his chick magnet ways, he was still loyal to a fault. Jazz with her brightness, she bought some laughter. Though I think her judgement on a certain matter was silly but I'm very much looking forward to her side of the story in the next book coz the last paragraph of this book was a news bomb for her! I also can't wait to see more bits of Jax & Tru.
Want to Read
June 22, 2013GUEST BOOK REVIEW AND AUTHOR INTERVIEW: http://heabookshelf.blogspot.com/2013...
July 3, 2013
Very moving! I cried several times.
November 20, 2013
Such a sweet story.....wow is all I will say about Jax (swoon,swoon). No cheating which is always a plus.
October 23, 2013
**JODIE’S REVIEW**
“Sometimes life can throw rocks big enough to leave cracks in your soul. You can either hide them or turn the cracks into something beautiful. Like a story.” ~ Author R.D. Cole
I started this book with that quote and I should have known I was in for a powerful, grab a tissue, and get ready experience. I almost have no words for what I just experienced. It was beautiful, it was amazing and I might have met one of the strongest women in book characters. This book also gave me one of the hottest dance scenes ever. Seriously I was all I want to be a hip hop dancer right the hell now!!! This story truly has everything and keeps you sitting there just turning the pages and living in the moments.
“Well sh*t, 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.”
Honestly I was crying in public, I was telling people to just stop and read with me. I also need to check myself because there is so much I want to say but so much I don’t. This is told in dual POV’s which, I as a reader love. So where to start, Trudy, let’s start with her. I loved her, I was beyond attached to her and I wanted her to be happy something fierce.
“But honest to God, Tru, there is something about you, and I know this might sound like a line, but I feel a pull toward you. I can’t get you out of my head, and I want to know all there is to know about you. What’s your favorite color? Song? Movie? Everything. I want to know to your fears and what makes you laugh. I have to know you.”
That was me I wanted to know her whole story as soon as I started the first page. Trudy was this broken soul that has been through so much loss and tragedy in her life. But after a loss no women can recover from she decides to really put her past behind her to leave and live for one person. She is determined to live for that one person. And when she gets where she is going she meets the most amazing people a girl could every want or need in their life.
“You’re a beautiful woman and you shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are…inside and out. I love you like a sister and I’ll kick the ass of anyone that tells you different.”
The perfect best friend and since Tru has never had friends let alone a best friend that made Jazz what she was. She seen the beauty in Tru, the things that Tru couldn’t see. She brought out smiles and laughter. She was beautiful and she was priceless and I want her story next so let’s just get back to focusing on this one so we can get to hers. Jazz had one other thing and that was a completely hands down hottest, caring, sensitive big brother any girl could ever want.
“He’s hot and I want him.”
“I want him so bad that I’m going to pounce on him.”
“NOT HELPING! Okay, here goes nothing.”
Jaxon Coleman. Jax is from a family that is all unique each one adopted and each one has a story that makes you love him a little bit more. The moment he sees Trudy he knows he is looking at his forever. Jax knows she has secrets and he doesn’t care. He wants to protect her, love her and know every single thing about her. These two also have a sexual tension that well…
“I wish you two would just f*** and get it over with. This sexual tension is causing me to almost orgasm just by watching."
Serious I was like touch her, no touch him, PLEASE DEAR GOD SOMEONE JUMP ON ME!! Did I say me I meant I wanted them to jump each other. Yep I was in love with this couple and I have never wanted something so much as I wanted these two to get their HEA.
“I wouldn’t be strong enough to make it without you. I love you so much, Tru, and I know this might be fast for you, but you’re my forever.”
So now I guess I have to discuss why 4 stars if I loved it so much. There is one part that left me confused one story I really wish I could have. Benji’s because there is a story here and it is a tragic one. Benji and Blaire I think I need more of you right along with Jazz’s story! Yep going to need that ASAP!!!!
“I don’t mind waiting on you,”
“Take all the time you need.”
That’s a lie I don’t want to wait, I am still trying to dry the tears on my cheeks and I really don’t want to leave these characters.
“Sometimes life can throw rocks big enough to leave cracks in your soul. You can either hide them or turn the cracks into something beautiful. Like a story.” ~ Author R.D. Cole
I started this book with that quote and I should have known I was in for a powerful, grab a tissue, and get ready experience. I almost have no words for what I just experienced. It was beautiful, it was amazing and I might have met one of the strongest women in book characters. This book also gave me one of the hottest dance scenes ever. Seriously I was all I want to be a hip hop dancer right the hell now!!! This story truly has everything and keeps you sitting there just turning the pages and living in the moments.
“Well sh*t, 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.”
Honestly I was crying in public, I was telling people to just stop and read with me. I also need to check myself because there is so much I want to say but so much I don’t. This is told in dual POV’s which, I as a reader love. So where to start, Trudy, let’s start with her. I loved her, I was beyond attached to her and I wanted her to be happy something fierce.
“But honest to God, Tru, there is something about you, and I know this might sound like a line, but I feel a pull toward you. I can’t get you out of my head, and I want to know all there is to know about you. What’s your favorite color? Song? Movie? Everything. I want to know to your fears and what makes you laugh. I have to know you.”
That was me I wanted to know her whole story as soon as I started the first page. Trudy was this broken soul that has been through so much loss and tragedy in her life. But after a loss no women can recover from she decides to really put her past behind her to leave and live for one person. She is determined to live for that one person. And when she gets where she is going she meets the most amazing people a girl could every want or need in their life.
“You’re a beautiful woman and you shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are…inside and out. I love you like a sister and I’ll kick the ass of anyone that tells you different.”
The perfect best friend and since Tru has never had friends let alone a best friend that made Jazz what she was. She seen the beauty in Tru, the things that Tru couldn’t see. She brought out smiles and laughter. She was beautiful and she was priceless and I want her story next so let’s just get back to focusing on this one so we can get to hers. Jazz had one other thing and that was a completely hands down hottest, caring, sensitive big brother any girl could ever want.
“He’s hot and I want him.”
“I want him so bad that I’m going to pounce on him.”
“NOT HELPING! Okay, here goes nothing.”
Jaxon Coleman. Jax is from a family that is all unique each one adopted and each one has a story that makes you love him a little bit more. The moment he sees Trudy he knows he is looking at his forever. Jax knows she has secrets and he doesn’t care. He wants to protect her, love her and know every single thing about her. These two also have a sexual tension that well…
“I wish you two would just f*** and get it over with. This sexual tension is causing me to almost orgasm just by watching."
Serious I was like touch her, no touch him, PLEASE DEAR GOD SOMEONE JUMP ON ME!! Did I say me I meant I wanted them to jump each other. Yep I was in love with this couple and I have never wanted something so much as I wanted these two to get their HEA.
“I wouldn’t be strong enough to make it without you. I love you so much, Tru, and I know this might be fast for you, but you’re my forever.”
So now I guess I have to discuss why 4 stars if I loved it so much. There is one part that left me confused one story I really wish I could have. Benji’s because there is a story here and it is a tragic one. Benji and Blaire I think I need more of you right along with Jazz’s story! Yep going to need that ASAP!!!!
“I don’t mind waiting on you,”
“Take all the time you need.”
That’s a lie I don’t want to wait, I am still trying to dry the tears on my cheeks and I really don’t want to leave these characters.
September 4, 2013
This book is amazing. I am not really a huge fan of books about college, but this one had a maturity to it that you couldn’t help but fall in love with Tru and Jax and Jazz and the rest of the characters. Yes there are some hot scenes but this was not a book about love and romance alone, this was about surviving abuse, loss and overcoming the bad hand that life dealt you.
Trudy Love, AKA Tru to her friends (get it Tru Love) was abandoned by her parents at a young age. Drugs tore this family apart and she was found alone and hungry. A woman took her in as a foster child and treated her well till the lady was killed. After that Tru just bounced from foster home to foster home enduring abuse till she was 18 and kicked out of the system. The only other choice she had, was to move in with her boyfriend who was also a drug user and abuser until she could finish high school.
She found herself pregnant and decided she needed to break free and make a life for her son and herself. Attending college was the best way to do so she earned scholarships and kept it a secret from him but her boyfriend found out and beat her to till she almost died. Knowing that he is in jail and she has hospital bills to pay, she takes a job at an adult club as a waitress and saves her money till she can get her bills paid and move to the dorms at her new college. Months later she finally makes it to college and meets her roommate Jazz. Never having had a friend before Jazz was a lot to adjust to but they soon become like sisters.
Jax is the brother to Jazz and their whole family is just a wonderful group to read about and love. Jax is a dream man and he will melt your heart immediately. He falls for Tru and devotes his life to protecting her and teaching her it is safe to trust again. There are some stunning events that happen during the last half of the book that brought me to tears, yet another loss for Tru but Jax was there to wrap her in his arms and comfort her. R.D.Cole is yet another author that gives you major twists at the end of the book. I will admit I usually have the twist figured out but she surprised me with this one. Just made the book even better if that was possible.
I will leave the rest of the story for you to read, but it has to be said that this book is more than a love story. It is a story of the damage that drugs cause in families and with friends. It is a story of violence and how the evil deeds of others can make even the youngest become victims. It is a story of acceptance, not only of the person but of the baggage that they carry into relationships. You will see the courage to rebuild a life after it has been destroyed. Most of all you will find love, not only between Jax and Tru but the love Tru carries in her heart for others and how she slowly opens up to realize she has a family. Jax and Jazz parents taught them that blood doesn’t make a family, love does.
The book can be intense at times, there are parts at the end that could be triggering to past victims of domestic violence, but it is very well written. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into how she was going to present this story. Sugar coated enough to not attempt to trigger the reader, but raw enough to keep it real. It was easy to invest in the character and their stories and to wish you were part of Jax family and friends. It was a wonderful moment to see how his circle of family kept growing each time he found more people who needed love and acceptance. I think we can all take a chapter out of this book and apply it to our daily life because although it was fiction, it is also real and the events are happening every day around us.
I will say the ending is one that I have never encountered before. I am hoping this means that we will get a story for Jazz and that we are not left with her last sentence to torment us for eternity. Jazz is another one I fell in love with and I hope we can see what she is going to do with her mess she has created. She is just to cute not to love. Well done R.D. Cole for giving us book that is entertaining and contains very important social messages that all need to see.
Trudy Love, AKA Tru to her friends (get it Tru Love) was abandoned by her parents at a young age. Drugs tore this family apart and she was found alone and hungry. A woman took her in as a foster child and treated her well till the lady was killed. After that Tru just bounced from foster home to foster home enduring abuse till she was 18 and kicked out of the system. The only other choice she had, was to move in with her boyfriend who was also a drug user and abuser until she could finish high school.
She found herself pregnant and decided she needed to break free and make a life for her son and herself. Attending college was the best way to do so she earned scholarships and kept it a secret from him but her boyfriend found out and beat her to till she almost died. Knowing that he is in jail and she has hospital bills to pay, she takes a job at an adult club as a waitress and saves her money till she can get her bills paid and move to the dorms at her new college. Months later she finally makes it to college and meets her roommate Jazz. Never having had a friend before Jazz was a lot to adjust to but they soon become like sisters.
Jax is the brother to Jazz and their whole family is just a wonderful group to read about and love. Jax is a dream man and he will melt your heart immediately. He falls for Tru and devotes his life to protecting her and teaching her it is safe to trust again. There are some stunning events that happen during the last half of the book that brought me to tears, yet another loss for Tru but Jax was there to wrap her in his arms and comfort her. R.D.Cole is yet another author that gives you major twists at the end of the book. I will admit I usually have the twist figured out but she surprised me with this one. Just made the book even better if that was possible.
I will leave the rest of the story for you to read, but it has to be said that this book is more than a love story. It is a story of the damage that drugs cause in families and with friends. It is a story of violence and how the evil deeds of others can make even the youngest become victims. It is a story of acceptance, not only of the person but of the baggage that they carry into relationships. You will see the courage to rebuild a life after it has been destroyed. Most of all you will find love, not only between Jax and Tru but the love Tru carries in her heart for others and how she slowly opens up to realize she has a family. Jax and Jazz parents taught them that blood doesn’t make a family, love does.
The book can be intense at times, there are parts at the end that could be triggering to past victims of domestic violence, but it is very well written. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into how she was going to present this story. Sugar coated enough to not attempt to trigger the reader, but raw enough to keep it real. It was easy to invest in the character and their stories and to wish you were part of Jax family and friends. It was a wonderful moment to see how his circle of family kept growing each time he found more people who needed love and acceptance. I think we can all take a chapter out of this book and apply it to our daily life because although it was fiction, it is also real and the events are happening every day around us.
I will say the ending is one that I have never encountered before. I am hoping this means that we will get a story for Jazz and that we are not left with her last sentence to torment us for eternity. Jazz is another one I fell in love with and I hope we can see what she is going to do with her mess she has created. She is just to cute not to love. Well done R.D. Cole for giving us book that is entertaining and contains very important social messages that all need to see.
October 31, 2013
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Stars: 5
Learning to Live is a beautiful story about heartbreak, pain, healing, and love. This book had me hooked from the start, I couldn't stop reading about Tru's unfortunate life and how strong she was to have the strength to move on from her terrible circumstances. I fell in love with each and every character and found myself dreading the end of the book because I knew I wouldn't be able to read anymore of Tru and Jax's relationship. I felt inspired by Tru's strength to move on from her past and "learning to live" her life.
Get some tissues ready for this tear-jerking story of Tru and ready your hearts for the amazing love that Tru and Jax share. Jazz will steal your heart with her bubbly personality and you'll find yourself only wanting to know more of the beautiful and crazy lives of the characters in this book. I am crossing my fingers in hope that there are more books to come after this. I look forward to reading more by R.D. Cole.
Reviewer #2 --
Thank you Melissa.
She also gave this book 5 stars
Freshman Trudy Love has finally started to do what she wants to do. After
surviving a horrific tragedy at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, she starts to
live life. Well as much as she can anyways because her past keeps her up at
night and she is having a harder time moving on then she thought. After beating
the ass of some frat guy, one of his brothers Jax has figured out that he might
have just found his Tru Love. He has lived a privilaged life but in a family
that made sure he knew how to work and earn for what he has. Can he convince Tru
that he's the genuine person he is seemingly to be? Will Tru be able to trust
Jax with her secrets and when her past makes an unwanted presence, will Jax
stick around?
My take on this book....
I can honestly say that I can't remember if I've ever read R.D. Cole before, but
I can say that I will read more. Hands down a great book and I was excited to
have the next two to read after this one because I loved this book. What Tru
went through and survived, makes her one of the strongest women in my eyes. The
book was heartbreaking, warm, fuzzy, and had just the right amount of drama in
it. The story flowed and as heartbreaking as it was I enjoyed going through the
journey with Tru and Jax. Jax is, hmmmmm, well scruptious and I want to have his
babies. Well maybe not, but he is yummy.
The book gets a solid 4.5 stars and the only reason it didn't get a five was a
few editing errors but the story flowed. The characters were well developed and
I adored almost everyone in the book. Read this book and fall in love with the
characters like I did. Enkoy!
December 28, 2013
Rating: 3.5
I really enjoyed this book because (top three):
- Trudy Love is an imperfect realistic character. She basically had a shitty childhood and then had an even shittier boyfriend who was abusive and cruel and just scum. What I loved most about Tru is that she is able to grieve but she learns that, yes you're allowed to grieve the loss of a loved one, but you shouldn't make your life all about grieving. You are allowed to move on and live life and love, and grieve at the same time. She also learns from her abusive past and takes steps to arm herself so that she doesn't fall victim to someone like her boyfriend ever again. There's nothing I hate more than heroines who just don't do anything, who jut sit there and bitch and moan about how unfair their life is and just don't do anything to change it. So yeah, Tru Love is an awesome heroine.
- Jazz and Jax and their wonderful family. I want to adopt them all. I love the way they interact and I love their story and how their family came to be together. Jazz is the kind of girl that I would to have as a friend but I might end up wanting to strangle her at least once a day - since I'm not the most chipper and happy person around - but I'll love her regardless. Jax is what we all look for in a potential Forever Man: he's protective, smart, sexy as hell, but he understands boundaries and knows when he should just keep his possessive nature to himself, he also knows to trust his lady to be faithful to him. I think that's what I loved most about him, his ability to trust Tru and not push her.
- I enjoyed the pace of the book. It wasn't slow but wasn't super fast either.
Why this book isn't a 5 Star book (top three):
- insta-love is a one of me pet peeves. Yeah, it's a good tool to move the story along and I get that, but I just don't understand how anyone can instantly fall in love with someone else. I do believe in insta-lust because hey, we've all done it. But love takes time. But what I do appreciate is that Tru and Jax do try to start out as friends before taking the plunge - that's more than some of the other books I've get.
- There were some cheesy moments where I rolled my eyes (won't pin point any so you can judge for yourself) and it's moments like these that makes me put the book down and that's not a good sign.
- I felt like their story was left unfinished. I was left wanting more of Jax and Tru because I felt there was potential for more but apparently the second book is about Jazz. Yeah, I know that with books like these (a series that focuses on different characters in the same circle of friends) that we will be able to get glimpses of Tru and Jax, but that's not the same. I was left disappointed.
So yeah, that's pretty much it in a nut shell. I don't regret reading this book since I really did enjoy it and loved getting to know this cast of characters (I stayed up all night reading this in one sitting - my freaking eyes were practically bleeding - but I was left wanting more.
I really enjoyed this book because (top three):
- Trudy Love is an imperfect realistic character. She basically had a shitty childhood and then had an even shittier boyfriend who was abusive and cruel and just scum. What I loved most about Tru is that she is able to grieve but she learns that, yes you're allowed to grieve the loss of a loved one, but you shouldn't make your life all about grieving. You are allowed to move on and live life and love, and grieve at the same time. She also learns from her abusive past and takes steps to arm herself so that she doesn't fall victim to someone like her boyfriend ever again. There's nothing I hate more than heroines who just don't do anything, who jut sit there and bitch and moan about how unfair their life is and just don't do anything to change it. So yeah, Tru Love is an awesome heroine.
- Jazz and Jax and their wonderful family. I want to adopt them all. I love the way they interact and I love their story and how their family came to be together. Jazz is the kind of girl that I would to have as a friend but I might end up wanting to strangle her at least once a day - since I'm not the most chipper and happy person around - but I'll love her regardless. Jax is what we all look for in a potential Forever Man: he's protective, smart, sexy as hell, but he understands boundaries and knows when he should just keep his possessive nature to himself, he also knows to trust his lady to be faithful to him. I think that's what I loved most about him, his ability to trust Tru and not push her.
- I enjoyed the pace of the book. It wasn't slow but wasn't super fast either.
Why this book isn't a 5 Star book (top three):
- insta-love is a one of me pet peeves. Yeah, it's a good tool to move the story along and I get that, but I just don't understand how anyone can instantly fall in love with someone else. I do believe in insta-lust because hey, we've all done it. But love takes time. But what I do appreciate is that Tru and Jax do try to start out as friends before taking the plunge - that's more than some of the other books I've get.
- There were some cheesy moments where I rolled my eyes (won't pin point any so you can judge for yourself) and it's moments like these that makes me put the book down and that's not a good sign.
- I felt like their story was left unfinished. I was left wanting more of Jax and Tru because I felt there was potential for more but apparently the second book is about Jazz. Yeah, I know that with books like these (a series that focuses on different characters in the same circle of friends) that we will be able to get glimpses of Tru and Jax, but that's not the same. I was left disappointed.
So yeah, that's pretty much it in a nut shell. I don't regret reading this book since I really did enjoy it and loved getting to know this cast of characters (I stayed up all night reading this in one sitting - my freaking eyes were practically bleeding - but I was left wanting more.
September 24, 2013
This book broke my heart first as a women second as a Mom. In the beginning of this book we find a beaten Trudy Love, pregnant and in an abusive relationship with a drug addict. She was a foster child abandoned at 6 years old and tossed around the system until she was kicked out at 18. She is striving to make a better life. She has a scholarship and plans to take her baby and leave. When the boyfriend finds out he freaks and does the unthinkable. She wakes in the hospital no longer pregnant. Fast forward 6 months she’s at school in Mobile Alabama.
Jaxon, is the son of a doctor whose family is made up of mismatched kids from all different walks of life. His little sister Jazz just happens to be Trudy’s new roommate. Jaxon is immediately taken with Tru. Tru is trying to avoid Jax. This doesn’t exactly workout for her. As they build a relationship Jaxon has to overcome all of Tru’s demons. Slowly but surely Tru begins to heal but there’s something from her past that just doesn’t want to let go.
Jammie I don’t know about you but this book hurt to read. In a good way I was holding my boys a little tighter after reading the first chapter. Tru’s strength was breathtaking and Jaxon’s patience with her was heartwarming. I loved that this book didn’t have the stereotypical love triangle BS that is so popular with a lot of YA books these days. There is plenty of angst and the nightmares made me gasp and cry for the pain that she had to continue to endure. As the plot continued to build I knew what was coming but I still wasn’t prepared for it when it happened. The only thing I didn’t like was the side story about Benji He starts out as a fun flirty kinda guy and ends up tragic. I know it was setting the stage for the next book in the series and that’s okay with me I don’t mind when an author does that I just wasn’t expecting it at all. I loved the relationship between the siblings and how quickly everyone in the family falls in love with Tru. This was a dynamic read that was fast paced and kept me turning the page. I can’t wait to read the next one. I want to know what happens next.
Lisa
I have to say I agree, this book gripped you from the first moment! Ripped your heart out and then it just left you standing there bleeding. Trudy was beaten but refused to be broken. Determined to make a better life for herself, so that everything she suffered wasn’t in vain. Then we meet Jaxon, and he is in love with the first glimpse he gets of Tru. And it seems to be the most sweet and understand love. I agree with you Lisa, I hated when that final twist came. But unlike you I did like Benji, I think he had a bigger story than what was told. And hopefully maybe we will get a little glimpse of that story. Yes he obviously had some deep issues but where did they come from? I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Jammie
Jaxon, is the son of a doctor whose family is made up of mismatched kids from all different walks of life. His little sister Jazz just happens to be Trudy’s new roommate. Jaxon is immediately taken with Tru. Tru is trying to avoid Jax. This doesn’t exactly workout for her. As they build a relationship Jaxon has to overcome all of Tru’s demons. Slowly but surely Tru begins to heal but there’s something from her past that just doesn’t want to let go.
Jammie I don’t know about you but this book hurt to read. In a good way I was holding my boys a little tighter after reading the first chapter. Tru’s strength was breathtaking and Jaxon’s patience with her was heartwarming. I loved that this book didn’t have the stereotypical love triangle BS that is so popular with a lot of YA books these days. There is plenty of angst and the nightmares made me gasp and cry for the pain that she had to continue to endure. As the plot continued to build I knew what was coming but I still wasn’t prepared for it when it happened. The only thing I didn’t like was the side story about Benji He starts out as a fun flirty kinda guy and ends up tragic. I know it was setting the stage for the next book in the series and that’s okay with me I don’t mind when an author does that I just wasn’t expecting it at all. I loved the relationship between the siblings and how quickly everyone in the family falls in love with Tru. This was a dynamic read that was fast paced and kept me turning the page. I can’t wait to read the next one. I want to know what happens next.
Lisa
I have to say I agree, this book gripped you from the first moment! Ripped your heart out and then it just left you standing there bleeding. Trudy was beaten but refused to be broken. Determined to make a better life for herself, so that everything she suffered wasn’t in vain. Then we meet Jaxon, and he is in love with the first glimpse he gets of Tru. And it seems to be the most sweet and understand love. I agree with you Lisa, I hated when that final twist came. But unlike you I did like Benji, I think he had a bigger story than what was told. And hopefully maybe we will get a little glimpse of that story. Yes he obviously had some deep issues but where did they come from? I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Jammie
April 3, 2014
I originally bought this book in paperback so I could take it to a signing in July to get it signed by the lovely R.D. Cole herself. I never read the synopsis, so when I picked it up to read it for a blog tour, I was blown away! Now when I get it signed, it’ll mean that much more to be, because this book was flipping fantastic!
Trudy Love was raised in different foster homes all her life. She never felt loved, except when she was with Ms. Freeman for a few years. When she turned eighteen, she was kicked out of the system, since she no longer brought in money.
Devastated and nowhere to go, Trudy moves in with her boyfriend, Brad. Everything is fine and good, and she even becomes pregnant. Then, the abuse starts to get worse. One day, all goes wrong and she loses her baby.
Trudy is offered a scholarship at the University of Southern Alabama. She eagerly takes it, happy to be away from her old life. She meets Jaxon and Jasmine Coleman, brother and sister. Jasmine and Trudy become fast friends, while it takes longer for Jaxon to get on Trudy’s good side.
Soon Jaxon and Trudy let their feelings for each other take over. But one night, her past comes back to haunt her. Will Jaxon be there in time to save her?
Let me just say this, I read this book in about twenty-four hours. I also complained to my friends about the b***h of an ex-girlfriend that Jaxon has. R.D. Cole had the ability to make me cry one minute (the prologue, OH THE PROLOGUE HAD ME IN TEARS!!!!) and then screaming the next (oh god, I will kill Ashton (Jax’s ex)).
Other than minor grammar errors, which I know that she knows about and is getting fixed, this book was phenomenal. I heard a lot about it, but never got around to reading it. I hate I waited so long. There is definitely a true love between Jaxon and Trudy. Their connection is undeniable and R.D. does an excellent job of having that come across.
I think R.D. Cole did a superb job with her first book. She definitely left this one with a cliffhanger, one that’s not too bad, but leaves you with your mouth agape as you think “WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?!” Thankfully, the second book, which follows Jazz and Jaxon’s friend Mason, Learning to Heal, is already out. I am already far into that book, and I have not been disappointed with that one either.
Keep up the good work, R.D. Cole! You have some amazing talent! Five stars from me!
Trudy Love was raised in different foster homes all her life. She never felt loved, except when she was with Ms. Freeman for a few years. When she turned eighteen, she was kicked out of the system, since she no longer brought in money.
Devastated and nowhere to go, Trudy moves in with her boyfriend, Brad. Everything is fine and good, and she even becomes pregnant. Then, the abuse starts to get worse. One day, all goes wrong and she loses her baby.
Trudy is offered a scholarship at the University of Southern Alabama. She eagerly takes it, happy to be away from her old life. She meets Jaxon and Jasmine Coleman, brother and sister. Jasmine and Trudy become fast friends, while it takes longer for Jaxon to get on Trudy’s good side.
Soon Jaxon and Trudy let their feelings for each other take over. But one night, her past comes back to haunt her. Will Jaxon be there in time to save her?
Let me just say this, I read this book in about twenty-four hours. I also complained to my friends about the b***h of an ex-girlfriend that Jaxon has. R.D. Cole had the ability to make me cry one minute (the prologue, OH THE PROLOGUE HAD ME IN TEARS!!!!) and then screaming the next (oh god, I will kill Ashton (Jax’s ex)).
Other than minor grammar errors, which I know that she knows about and is getting fixed, this book was phenomenal. I heard a lot about it, but never got around to reading it. I hate I waited so long. There is definitely a true love between Jaxon and Trudy. Their connection is undeniable and R.D. does an excellent job of having that come across.
I think R.D. Cole did a superb job with her first book. She definitely left this one with a cliffhanger, one that’s not too bad, but leaves you with your mouth agape as you think “WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?!” Thankfully, the second book, which follows Jazz and Jaxon’s friend Mason, Learning to Heal, is already out. I am already far into that book, and I have not been disappointed with that one either.
Keep up the good work, R.D. Cole! You have some amazing talent! Five stars from me!
August 17, 2013
Wow ,,, this is one totally awesome book ,,, if you haven't read give it a go you'll not be disappointed.
Gripped from the very first moment I began to read every moment had me gripped wanting ,,, needing ,,, to read a little more to find out more about these characters and what has happened and what is about to happen ,,, I honestly didn't want to put it down at any moment ,,, at the same time the closer I got to the end of the book I knew that it would be finished soon and I didn't want it to be over.
Trudy has been dealt the worst hand in life you could possibly imagine, you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy. You'll feel compassion for her immediately and just want to give her a hug. Life has thrown so much at her, most people would crumble, but still fights with a strength that even she is unaware of.
In hopes of making improvements to her life she does what is necessary after a series of tragic events and accepted her scholarship and moves off to college. Not looking for anything other than to keep her head down and maintain her grades so that she can make a special someone she holds in her heart proud of her. Not expecting to make friends and a relationship was out of the question until two people came into her life. Jax and Jaz. They were both aware that trudy had things to hide within and neither pushed her for information until she felt truly comfortable and was able to open up to them. Trust was a real big issue with trudy but these two had been so genuine with her and she had felt an instant connection.
Times were looking up for trudy, she had school, a job, some great friends, a great boyfriend and so much going right in her life. She was at last happy.
This in trudy's world is not something that happens and unfortunately it doesn't last :( Will Jax know her well enough to know when she NEEDS him? Will he know the changes in her moods mean something? Will he get to her and keep her safe?
Trudy is a character that you will be praying gets her HEA and even after finishing this book you'll have her ingrained in your mind wondering what else happens in her life ,,, does she make it to where she needed to be? ,,,,,, I hope so!!!!
Gripped from the very first moment I began to read every moment had me gripped wanting ,,, needing ,,, to read a little more to find out more about these characters and what has happened and what is about to happen ,,, I honestly didn't want to put it down at any moment ,,, at the same time the closer I got to the end of the book I knew that it would be finished soon and I didn't want it to be over.
Trudy has been dealt the worst hand in life you could possibly imagine, you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy. You'll feel compassion for her immediately and just want to give her a hug. Life has thrown so much at her, most people would crumble, but still fights with a strength that even she is unaware of.
In hopes of making improvements to her life she does what is necessary after a series of tragic events and accepted her scholarship and moves off to college. Not looking for anything other than to keep her head down and maintain her grades so that she can make a special someone she holds in her heart proud of her. Not expecting to make friends and a relationship was out of the question until two people came into her life. Jax and Jaz. They were both aware that trudy had things to hide within and neither pushed her for information until she felt truly comfortable and was able to open up to them. Trust was a real big issue with trudy but these two had been so genuine with her and she had felt an instant connection.
Times were looking up for trudy, she had school, a job, some great friends, a great boyfriend and so much going right in her life. She was at last happy.
This in trudy's world is not something that happens and unfortunately it doesn't last :( Will Jax know her well enough to know when she NEEDS him? Will he know the changes in her moods mean something? Will he get to her and keep her safe?
Trudy is a character that you will be praying gets her HEA and even after finishing this book you'll have her ingrained in your mind wondering what else happens in her life ,,, does she make it to where she needed to be? ,,,,,, I hope so!!!!
October 14, 2013
I just finished Learning to Live and just absolutely loved it. Trudy and Jax are so cute together, you just cannot help but fall in love with them. At the beginning you see Trudy in a bad relationship with Brad. He does a lot of drugs and he is very abusive. You find out that she is 8 months pregnant and is trying to leave to better herself and her baby. She accepts a scholarship but Brad finds out that she is leaving and just about beats her to death. Fast forward to 6 months later and you see its her first day at college. She is a beautiful girl so you see that she gets hit on by a douche bag and she defends herself but before she can finish it, Jaxson "Jax" saves the day. She is not wanting anything to do with guys (do not blame her) so she blows Jax off. Jax is smitten from the word GO so he ends up being persistent. Trudy has built some walls toward anything and everyone so will the crumble when Jax tries to show her that he is a good guy and wants to share his life and heart with her? What will Jax's re-action be when he finds out about Trudy's past? You will have to read and see....
I was quite surprised how good the story was. I'm not trying to be mean or anything but when you read someone's book and they are a first time author, you get a little hesitant. I was pleasantly surprised. Story line was great. I truly feel like it flowed really well. I loved how it was in both POV's with Trudy's going back to the past a couple of times. I will say it again, you really get a feel for the characters and what they are feeling. The secondary characters were awesome. Jazz, David, Mason, Jax's Parents and Family. You will fall in love with all of them. They made such an impact for me that I cannot wait to see what happens in hopefully (fingers crossed) more books!!!
There wasn't anything that I disliked. I did see a few instances coming but it didn't take anything away from the story. There are ups and downs in this story. You will feel sadness, heartbreak, happiness, and most of all love.
Get this one, you will not be disappointed!
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5+++++
Reviewed by Beggin of Mommys a Book Whore!
I was quite surprised how good the story was. I'm not trying to be mean or anything but when you read someone's book and they are a first time author, you get a little hesitant. I was pleasantly surprised. Story line was great. I truly feel like it flowed really well. I loved how it was in both POV's with Trudy's going back to the past a couple of times. I will say it again, you really get a feel for the characters and what they are feeling. The secondary characters were awesome. Jazz, David, Mason, Jax's Parents and Family. You will fall in love with all of them. They made such an impact for me that I cannot wait to see what happens in hopefully (fingers crossed) more books!!!
There wasn't anything that I disliked. I did see a few instances coming but it didn't take anything away from the story. There are ups and downs in this story. You will feel sadness, heartbreak, happiness, and most of all love.
Get this one, you will not be disappointed!
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5+++++
Reviewed by Beggin of Mommys a Book Whore!
January 4, 2014
4/5 stars!
Trudy Love has always been alone. She grew up in foster care and the second she turned 18, they kicked her out. Trudy had no where to go, so her boyfriend, Brad offered her to stay with him. At first it wasn't bad, Trudy said. It got worse when he started doing drugs with his friend. It was just a slap here and there, but they turned unto fists. Trudy had hope, she wanted to go to college so she could support herself. She didn't want to be dependant. When her acceptance letter come in the mail, Brad saw red. Trudy tried to protect herself from his abuse, she had a reason. The reason was a miracle in her belly. One excruciating evening turned her life upside down.
Jaxon Coleman has a good life. His parents are rich, but he still gets enough love. Their family is a real big one. He has adopted siblings from all over the world. Jaxon attends one of the finest Med schools and he just happens to run into Trudy there. She's different than anyone he has ever seen before. She knows how to defend herself. Every time he looks into her eyes he gets lost, because the green pulls him in. All Jax was is Tru Love. Can Trudy open herself to love again?
“..whatever happens in life helps make us who we're meant to be and leads us to people we're meant to meet”
Learning to live is a story where Trudy really learns to live again. The things she went through are unimaginable and she stood strong in her shoes. I loved Trudy, she was a strong character that tried to move on. Jaxon was something different, in my opinion. He wasn't stuck up, because his parents were loaded. He didn't sleep with a bunch of girls, because he could. He had the looks and the money to do it, but he didn't. And that's why I loved this book. It was different than the others. Jaxon was so down to earth and selfless. The love he has for his family just makes me love him even more. The side characters, such as Jazz, Mason, David, were also very loveable. I'm happy that the second book in this series is about Jazz and Mason, because I was shipping them as hard as Trudy and Jaxon.
This book was a good read, I'd highly recommend it.
Trudy Love has always been alone. She grew up in foster care and the second she turned 18, they kicked her out. Trudy had no where to go, so her boyfriend, Brad offered her to stay with him. At first it wasn't bad, Trudy said. It got worse when he started doing drugs with his friend. It was just a slap here and there, but they turned unto fists. Trudy had hope, she wanted to go to college so she could support herself. She didn't want to be dependant. When her acceptance letter come in the mail, Brad saw red. Trudy tried to protect herself from his abuse, she had a reason. The reason was a miracle in her belly. One excruciating evening turned her life upside down.
Jaxon Coleman has a good life. His parents are rich, but he still gets enough love. Their family is a real big one. He has adopted siblings from all over the world. Jaxon attends one of the finest Med schools and he just happens to run into Trudy there. She's different than anyone he has ever seen before. She knows how to defend herself. Every time he looks into her eyes he gets lost, because the green pulls him in. All Jax was is Tru Love. Can Trudy open herself to love again?
“..whatever happens in life helps make us who we're meant to be and leads us to people we're meant to meet”
Learning to live is a story where Trudy really learns to live again. The things she went through are unimaginable and she stood strong in her shoes. I loved Trudy, she was a strong character that tried to move on. Jaxon was something different, in my opinion. He wasn't stuck up, because his parents were loaded. He didn't sleep with a bunch of girls, because he could. He had the looks and the money to do it, but he didn't. And that's why I loved this book. It was different than the others. Jaxon was so down to earth and selfless. The love he has for his family just makes me love him even more. The side characters, such as Jazz, Mason, David, were also very loveable. I'm happy that the second book in this series is about Jazz and Mason, because I was shipping them as hard as Trudy and Jaxon.
This book was a good read, I'd highly recommend it.
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