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Life Series #1
A Life Interrupted
When tragedy strikes, will Dan and Travis be able to find their way back from a life interrupted?
A chance meeting in a college bar brought them together. They were the unlikeliest of pairs: the geek and the jock. For the past twenty-two years, Dan has lived his own version of happily-ever-after, with Travis by his side. Then tragedy strikes, threatening the life they’ve built. Will their love be strong enough to survive a life interrupted?
While Travis fights for his life, Dan can’t help but lose himself in the past. In all those little moments that made up their life, things he took for granted at the time. Those very same events may end up being all he has left of the man who is his entire world.
A chance meeting in a college bar brought them together. They were the unlikeliest of pairs: the geek and the jock. For the past twenty-two years, Dan has lived his own version of happily-ever-after, with Travis by his side. Then tragedy strikes, threatening the life they’ve built. Will their love be strong enough to survive a life interrupted?
While Travis fights for his life, Dan can’t help but lose himself in the past. In all those little moments that made up their life, things he took for granted at the time. Those very same events may end up being all he has left of the man who is his entire world.
89 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Lynley Wayne
9 books28 followersLynley Wayne is the pen name of a thirty-something female living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 2014 she was a Lambda Literary Awards Finalist. When not writing, she can usually be found reading and thinking up creative ways to avoid housework.
While Lynley Wayne may be a pen name, the woman behind it is very real and believes everyone is entitled to their own version of happiness; no matter how it may differ from the norm. She writes characters she wants to read and hopes others like reading about them as much as she enjoyed writing them.
It is her hope that one day society will be able to look past the labels and see the person behind them. That they will realize we are all the same. Until that time comes, she will continue telling stories of a love others may believe is wrong, but she thinks is nothing short of beautiful.
While Lynley Wayne may be a pen name, the woman behind it is very real and believes everyone is entitled to their own version of happiness; no matter how it may differ from the norm. She writes characters she wants to read and hopes others like reading about them as much as she enjoyed writing them.
It is her hope that one day society will be able to look past the labels and see the person behind them. That they will realize we are all the same. Until that time comes, she will continue telling stories of a love others may believe is wrong, but she thinks is nothing short of beautiful.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 23, 2014
This is a new author for me, and I can’t wait to read more! I loved everything about this novella and it was so incredible wonderful to read about over 40 characters in an established relationship with normal lives told simply and beautifully.
Dan and Travis met twenty-two years ago at a sports bar and the two, while opposites, feel an instant connection. What I loved about their initial outings is that both felt an attraction, but neither knew what to name it, if you will, or whether to act on it. So things started out slowly. The men developed a genuine friendship before they consummated their attraction. Even though the men have been husbands for many years, the story starts out present day while Travis is in the hospital and Dan waits for news on his husband’s health status. The flashbacks are fairly short and always serve a purpose. Little perfect segments in their lives, almost like reading a written scrapbook. The reader is along for all the important parts: their first kiss, their first apartment, the move in to their own home, and eventually their kids. It could have been maudlin and cheesy, but it was lovely and sweet.
What broke my heart is the way the author wrote Dan’s moments reminiscing on his husband and their lives together, what their present situation was, and the fear and anger he felt, and the hope he desperately needed. I thought how he was, in many ways, avoiding his kids because he didn’t have Travis to lean on was also realistic and tore my heart out at the descriptions of how the kids viewed their daddy.
The love between these two characters felt palpable and that can be a very hard thing to write from one character’s POV and with the other character not really ‘there’. But I felt it. From beginning till the end. And when Dan walked in to Travis’ shop once home, I about started bawling with him.
There will be a continuance of Dan and Travis’ story and I very much look forward to it, and despite how the novella ends, I’m hopeful for the next step in their journey.
Loved!
Dan and Travis met twenty-two years ago at a sports bar and the two, while opposites, feel an instant connection. What I loved about their initial outings is that both felt an attraction, but neither knew what to name it, if you will, or whether to act on it. So things started out slowly. The men developed a genuine friendship before they consummated their attraction. Even though the men have been husbands for many years, the story starts out present day while Travis is in the hospital and Dan waits for news on his husband’s health status. The flashbacks are fairly short and always serve a purpose. Little perfect segments in their lives, almost like reading a written scrapbook. The reader is along for all the important parts: their first kiss, their first apartment, the move in to their own home, and eventually their kids. It could have been maudlin and cheesy, but it was lovely and sweet.
What broke my heart is the way the author wrote Dan’s moments reminiscing on his husband and their lives together, what their present situation was, and the fear and anger he felt, and the hope he desperately needed. I thought how he was, in many ways, avoiding his kids because he didn’t have Travis to lean on was also realistic and tore my heart out at the descriptions of how the kids viewed their daddy.
The love between these two characters felt palpable and that can be a very hard thing to write from one character’s POV and with the other character not really ‘there’. But I felt it. From beginning till the end. And when Dan walked in to Travis’ shop once home, I about started bawling with him.
There will be a continuance of Dan and Travis’ story and I very much look forward to it, and despite how the novella ends, I’m hopeful for the next step in their journey.
Loved!
September 24, 2013
This is my absolute favorite story, Lynley, you know it! From the first version this stayed with me. Such a powerful read! I'm so glad that this will be released soon! Can't wait to read it again:)
May 19, 2014
Are you ready to have your heart pulverized? Do you think you could fall in love with a couple more characters? Yes? Excellent, now let’s proceed.
This is a lovely story about two people who were destined to be together. It’s about young and evolving love and the commitment two people make to each other. Written from one character’s (Dan’s) POV, the story spans across two decades of their shared life while showing us exactly what it is that Dan loves so much about Travis: and it’s really quite easy to fall in love with both these characters. The story clearly shifts between past and present, so there’s never any confusion as to whether we’re reading about “then” or “now”.
Sure, the dialogue is cheesy at times (as noted by one of the characters too), but if you can forgive that, and some imperfections here and there, it’s really a very emotive story with some heart wrenching hurdles. I loved reading about the lengths Travis went to to meet Dan. I adored the portrayal of Travis’ unwavering commitment to Dan.
There’s also some great humour here, too. Both character’s are distinct and their interactions are so sweet and believable that I had a huge grin on my face. But mostly, this story is heartbreaking and sweet.
I’ll also let you know that this is book one in a two-part series. The continuation of the story, “Fingers Crossed” is a work in progress and is written in Travis’ POV.
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This is a lovely story about two people who were destined to be together. It’s about young and evolving love and the commitment two people make to each other. Written from one character’s (Dan’s) POV, the story spans across two decades of their shared life while showing us exactly what it is that Dan loves so much about Travis: and it’s really quite easy to fall in love with both these characters. The story clearly shifts between past and present, so there’s never any confusion as to whether we’re reading about “then” or “now”.
Sure, the dialogue is cheesy at times (as noted by one of the characters too), but if you can forgive that, and some imperfections here and there, it’s really a very emotive story with some heart wrenching hurdles. I loved reading about the lengths Travis went to to meet Dan. I adored the portrayal of Travis’ unwavering commitment to Dan.
There’s also some great humour here, too. Both character’s are distinct and their interactions are so sweet and believable that I had a huge grin on my face. But mostly, this story is heartbreaking and sweet.
I’ll also let you know that this is book one in a two-part series. The continuation of the story, “Fingers Crossed” is a work in progress and is written in Travis’ POV.
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May 10, 2016
A Life Interrupted begins 22 years after Dan and Travis meet and marry but the intervening years are filled in with the best use of flashback I’ve ever read. Travis has unexpectedly suffered a seizure from an undiagnosed brain condition and Dan spends most of the book in hospital waiting rooms or Travis’ room waiting. While on this vigil Dan recalls small moments from their past, beginning with meeting at a sports bar and continuing through discovering their sexuality, living together, marriage, having children, and their normal everyday work and family experiences. It’s a sweet life that includes college, a house, a loving spouse, and kids, but with all their planning Dan never expected to have to go on without Travis.
You may think that the worst tragedy would be for Travis to die and leave Dan a widower but Ms. Lynley expertly guides the reader through the heartache that a different outcome brings to this couple.
This story is devastating in its heart stabbing pain. Through Dan’s memories we see what it is that the past two decades have brought to these men and their children, as well as to their extended family.
The ending is a bit satisfying in that Travis doesn’t die but what really happens is horrifying and leaves Dan not knowing what to do. Travis has had something taken from him that leaves him virtually alone. This is a cliffhanger ending, make no mistake, but it is how cliffhangers should be written. The progress of the story makes it well worth reading, even if you don’t get the HEA by the last page. Ms. Lynley is a consummate story teller and I loved this book so very much. Of course, I’m looking forward to the sequel, too. What happens next? Who knows?
You may think that the worst tragedy would be for Travis to die and leave Dan a widower but Ms. Lynley expertly guides the reader through the heartache that a different outcome brings to this couple.
This story is devastating in its heart stabbing pain. Through Dan’s memories we see what it is that the past two decades have brought to these men and their children, as well as to their extended family.
The ending is a bit satisfying in that Travis doesn’t die but what really happens is horrifying and leaves Dan not knowing what to do. Travis has had something taken from him that leaves him virtually alone. This is a cliffhanger ending, make no mistake, but it is how cliffhangers should be written. The progress of the story makes it well worth reading, even if you don’t get the HEA by the last page. Ms. Lynley is a consummate story teller and I loved this book so very much. Of course, I’m looking forward to the sequel, too. What happens next? Who knows?
May 19, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Dan and Travis have a true love story. Their story is told simply, as they are two men who have been in love with each other for a long time. It’s everyday life where they each have jobs, they have a family, and they are deeply connected. Travis takes care of the day to day details of running their home and without him, Dan is lost for so many reasons.
There is a balance between the past and present throughout the story. We see how Travis and Dan met and how their love evolved from immediate and unexpected attraction, to friendship, to true love and shared intimacy. Some areas are more detailed than others, but there is still a true sense shown of both characters, as well as their relationship. Even the stories from the past are offered with enough clarity to put us right there with both men as they fell in love. Now Dan can only function to get himself back and forth from the hospital as his entire world is falling apart.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Dan and Travis have a true love story. Their story is told simply, as they are two men who have been in love with each other for a long time. It’s everyday life where they each have jobs, they have a family, and they are deeply connected. Travis takes care of the day to day details of running their home and without him, Dan is lost for so many reasons.
There is a balance between the past and present throughout the story. We see how Travis and Dan met and how their love evolved from immediate and unexpected attraction, to friendship, to true love and shared intimacy. Some areas are more detailed than others, but there is still a true sense shown of both characters, as well as their relationship. Even the stories from the past are offered with enough clarity to put us right there with both men as they fell in love. Now Dan can only function to get himself back and forth from the hospital as his entire world is falling apart.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
December 15, 2013
What made this story so special to me, and one I’ll remember for a very long time, is the way the author portrayed the characters love for each other. There have been a few books I’ve read where I get that the characters love each other, but very few authors can make you feel it in your gut. Dan and Travis’s love for each other literally knocked me off my feet. I think that’s why this was such and emotionally charged story for me. I just wanted to hug Dan tight and cry right along with him.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
January 29, 2014
I loved this book, it was well written, the characters were great. a must read.
June 7, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
A Life Interrupted is told in a series of flashbacks that are a much happier place than the present.
This is the story of Dan and Travis who have led a mostly happy life for the last 22 years. They are married with two kids, they both have jobs, they have family issues, in other words they are your average family, until one morning when all of that is wiped away and their lives are interrupted.
The story is told from Dan’s POV whilst Travis fights for his life after an undiagnosed brain tumour causes him to have a fit. Dan and the children are left broken, bewildered and are clawing at any small possibility that Travis will wake up and things will be ok. As Dan falls apart, silently and privately, his thoughts are consumed with memories of the past. How they met, how they fell in love and they how they decided to commit to each other for the rest of their lives. The overwhelming feeling you take from this story is just how much they love each other – it’s so powerful yet it can’t even begin to fix what’s gone wrong and for one of them – at least at the moment – it is woefully missing.
The answer to Dan’s prayers is that Travis will wake up, his entire life hangs on this one thing happening, but when Travis finally opens his eyes Dan is thrown into another kind of nightmare and it takes everything he has left just to remain standing. Dan rails against the unfairness of the situation before picking himself up, brushing himself down and trying with everything he has to put his family back together. The story feels unfinished and of course it is as a second book is due but failing some miracle cure you are left to ponder where Dan and Travis will end up and how they will even begin to come back with any semblance of who they were before.
4.5 Stars
A Life Interrupted is told in a series of flashbacks that are a much happier place than the present.
This is the story of Dan and Travis who have led a mostly happy life for the last 22 years. They are married with two kids, they both have jobs, they have family issues, in other words they are your average family, until one morning when all of that is wiped away and their lives are interrupted.
The story is told from Dan’s POV whilst Travis fights for his life after an undiagnosed brain tumour causes him to have a fit. Dan and the children are left broken, bewildered and are clawing at any small possibility that Travis will wake up and things will be ok. As Dan falls apart, silently and privately, his thoughts are consumed with memories of the past. How they met, how they fell in love and they how they decided to commit to each other for the rest of their lives. The overwhelming feeling you take from this story is just how much they love each other – it’s so powerful yet it can’t even begin to fix what’s gone wrong and for one of them – at least at the moment – it is woefully missing.
The answer to Dan’s prayers is that Travis will wake up, his entire life hangs on this one thing happening, but when Travis finally opens his eyes Dan is thrown into another kind of nightmare and it takes everything he has left just to remain standing. Dan rails against the unfairness of the situation before picking himself up, brushing himself down and trying with everything he has to put his family back together. The story feels unfinished and of course it is as a second book is due but failing some miracle cure you are left to ponder where Dan and Travis will end up and how they will even begin to come back with any semblance of who they were before.
January 19, 2014
The characters: I liked Travis, but Dan came across as too self-absorbed and I just didn't find him likeable. I understood he was devastated by what was happening, but his inability to deal with it, and his helplessness in general, irritated me. As did all the agonizing, and the seemingly endless and repetitious brooding. And all that reflection was how this was affecting him, with little thought of how it was affecting the man he had a "soul deep connection" with. I also had a hard time understanding how he could basically abandon his kids in the beginning, especially when they were scared, too. I sympathized with Dan, but I couldn't connect with him.
The writing: There was too much telling, not enough showing, both in present day and during the frequent flashbacks where their history was summarized for us. Some of the writing was overly detailed and I got bogged down in the minutiae of Dan's life. Other times, too many details were skipped and I was left with unanswered questions.
This was almost a DNF for me, but I wanted to see how it ended. And then it didn't.... -_-
The writing: There was too much telling, not enough showing, both in present day and during the frequent flashbacks where their history was summarized for us. Some of the writing was overly detailed and I got bogged down in the minutiae of Dan's life. Other times, too many details were skipped and I was left with unanswered questions.
This was almost a DNF for me, but I wanted to see how it ended. And then it didn't.... -_-
May 5, 2016
What a complete and total heart-breaker. This short story takes place over a few weeks, and begins just after tragedy strikes established couple, Dan and Travis. The entire time that Dan has to wait and see if Travis can recover from his devastating illness, the reader is thrust into flashbacks depicting the first twenty two years of their lives. These two guys are totally in love and there is no mistaking that it is true and everlasting. Dan and Travis had it all, the house, the kids, and a love for one another that many would give anything to experience, until the worst happens.
This story is very romantic, extremely loving, but is also horrifyingly real and traumatic. What happens when everything you’ve worked so hard for is snatched away, and what happens when you are given a tiny bit of hope only to have it come with conditions that you don’t know how to navigate? Dan is willing to do anything to get Travis back, but Travis is changed and Dan has to come to terms with, and accept, that his family, and his love life with Travis, will have to start all over again.
Dan and Travis’ story ends on a positive and hopeful note, but there is still so much to be told. I am under the impression that another book is in the works, and believe me when I say that this story needs one. I wasn’t a fan of how this story ended, but life is not always about what we want. I am looking forward to seeing how Dan and Travis come to terms with their new reality.
The Blogger Girls
This story is very romantic, extremely loving, but is also horrifyingly real and traumatic. What happens when everything you’ve worked so hard for is snatched away, and what happens when you are given a tiny bit of hope only to have it come with conditions that you don’t know how to navigate? Dan is willing to do anything to get Travis back, but Travis is changed and Dan has to come to terms with, and accept, that his family, and his love life with Travis, will have to start all over again.
Dan and Travis’ story ends on a positive and hopeful note, but there is still so much to be told. I am under the impression that another book is in the works, and believe me when I say that this story needs one. I wasn’t a fan of how this story ended, but life is not always about what we want. I am looking forward to seeing how Dan and Travis come to terms with their new reality.
The Blogger Girls
July 17, 2022
All in all, this is a very good book. It's well written and you can't help but love these characters. I would have liked to give it a higher rating, but in all honesty, this book also made me feel down. I'm not sure how to explain it without discouraging someone from reading it, but I'll try. I guess my main problem lies in the fact that I felt emotionally exhausted by the time I finished the book. I wouldn't have minded if not for the fact that I needed more than a page at the end to assure me that it will get better. I understand that there will be a sequel, but it doesn't change the way I feel about this particular book. It's kind of sad and heartbreaking, and it makes me want to look for something to cheer me up. That being said, decide for yourself whether or not you want to read it.
I won an e-copy of this book in a Teaser Tuesday Book Giveaway on Z.A. Maxfield's blog.
I won an e-copy of this book in a Teaser Tuesday Book Giveaway on Z.A. Maxfield's blog.
August 5, 2016
Dan and Travis have been together for 22 yrs and we get to find out the edited highlights through Dan's reminiscing while he waits for Travis to recover from a devastating trauma and surgery. The final outcome is equally distressing for both men - and puts the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions - with a hopeful ending.
I will be keen to read the next installment
Fairly short story, well written and fast paced - definitely kept me glued to my reader for the duration.
I will be keen to read the next installment
Fairly short story, well written and fast paced - definitely kept me glued to my reader for the duration.
May 22, 2014
I think this book suffered the disadvantage of being read close after I finished with The River Leith. It just couldn't keep my interest when another book dealing with a mostly similar topic was so expertly written. So, I can't really look at it with my "before" The river Leith goggles and review it properly.
February 5, 2014
Decent story, marked down for the surprise 'tbc' ending. :/
December 26, 2015
It would have got 4 stars, gave it 3.5 due to the end sentence, to be continued argghh
March 11, 2014
4.5 stars. I can't wait for the sequel!
September 8, 2016
3.5 stars
Looking forward to finding out what happens to these guys.
Looking forward to finding out what happens to these guys.
November 23, 2013
Darned cliffhanger!!!!
December 1, 2013
3.5 stars only because of those three little words...To Be Continued.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews