New Year: A New Life Story

New Life #2

by Bonnie Dee

Tension and family holidays go together like eggnog and candy canes.

When lawyer Anna brings her boyfriend Jason home for the holidays, it’s a recipe for family drama. Her parents have high expectations for her fast-track future. And those don’t include her hooking up with a kennel worker suffering the results of traumatic brain injury.

With a lousy memory and a shaky past, Jason knows he’s no prize. But what he and Anna have together is priceless. An impulsive proposal on the way to her family’s house seems the best way to prove his feelings for her are forever. Anna’s hesitation to accept stops his heart. And when she seems willing to use him to get back at her manipulative mom, Jason wonders if he’s made the mistake of his life.

Exposed to the light of critical eyes, Jason and Anna’s fairy-tale romance threatens to crumble. The hurdles of their pasts may prove too much for this princess and her pauper. And this new year may ring in bright beginnings – or the end of all their hopes and dreams.

Sequel to New Life.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Christmas, Holiday

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

I began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.

I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★ 1/2! New Year, book 2 of 2. A holiday novella visiting with Jason & Anna. A poignant & beautiful tale of life, love, hope, forgiveness & second chances!

“I’d always known the power balance between us was weighted in Anna’s favor. She had more to sacrifice by being involved with me. I had everything to gain by being with her.”

Books in the New Life series should be read in order:
Part 1: New Life
Part 2: New Year

In New Life Jason Reitmiller met attorney Anna Stevens while working as a janitor in her building. Jason made the mistake of driving drunk while in College and the accident caused memory loss, lack of organizational skills and “social” filters and much more. But his mental capacity is not affected and he has worked tirelessly to regain his independence; motor skills, memory and learning to function in society

The story followed them in their intense attraction that put both of their lives into a tailspin with Jason having to deal with his past, lack or memory and most importantly his insecurities with dating a successful career woman while he is scarping by. Anna had to do some soul searching whether to get involved with someone as complicated as Jason as well as social prejudices and pressure from family.

In New Year, a novella we meet up a couple of months after the ending of book 1. Jason and Anna are visiting her parents’ house for the holidays and they have brought their puppy Baby. Their visit opens up wounds forcing them to yet again tackle expectations of society and family. While there are some surprises and developments this novella mostly illustrates the ongoing pressure on their relationship.



Jason Reitmiller: 24 years/janitor/accident victim-former college student/black hair/black eyes.

Jason’s POV is poignant, reflective, yet droll; It hurts my heart to read his insightful reflections and observations about being looked upon as an underachiever. He truly is an amazing, smart, beautiful, handsome, witty, engaging, and loveable man trapped in a body of a damaged person.

Six words to describe Jason: Reflective, witty, lovable, broken, insightful and unforgettable.



Anna Stevens: ~ 25 years/attorney/golden brown hair/brown eyes (blue).

Seven words to describe Anna: Open-minded, endearing, smart, focused, forgiving, insightful and strong.

New Year has a very happy ending and closure, but I would welcome a sequel years into the future.

The New Life series is a poignant & beautiful tale of life, love, hope, forgiveness and second chances! Jason is a captivating and memorable hero! I love his voice! Ms. Dee is a spellbinding storyteller! I’m highly recommending!

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.



ARC provided to me by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!! A beautiful and poignant follow up to New Life!

I like that the author didn't sugar coat or make Jason's life any easier in this book. She kept him and his circumstances, his mental and physical disabilities as the result of an accident, very real. He doesn't magically get better now that he has Anna in his life. As a matter of fact, it's actually more trying for him, since he wants to please her family, but easier in the respect that she's by his side and he has her support. Jason still struggles every day, but he takes the life he has and makes the most of it. He knows his limitations, what he's capable of, accepts it and works it out the best he can.

I'm not usually one for dragging out a story, but I would love for this author to give us shorts or vignettes in the future. As Jason and Anna's lives move forward, it would be wonderful to see how they deal with it. I'm wondering if children will be in their future. I think Jason would make a great dad! I'm having trouble letting go of him...can't you tell?!

[Annery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice look at Anna & Jason some months down the road. They're still getting their sea legs, the author does a nice job of not sugarcoating the path and also shows that it's not just Jason who has to work and adapt.

The AB by Holly Chandler and Douglas Berger was as good as BK.1 and I'm left with the curious idea that Douglas Berger is an aka for another of my favorite narrators but I can't quite figure out who. *frustrated*

ps. I don't have Audio CD but the Audible edition isn't an option

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

*happy sobs* that was a great ending and great sequel to Jason and Anna's story:')

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Jason in New Life, and I loved him just as much in New Year! I love Bonnie Dee's writing.

Messing up the name Woody with Woolly....PRICELESS, I am still laughing now.

Total reading fulfillment :)

[~ Cariad ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's my choice!
Thanks so much Bonnie Dee for giving us the copy and also for sending one that fans can win in our rafflecopter too!

Please check out my review...
http://cariads-sizzling-pages.blogspo...

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[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked "New Life" the first book for which this novella is kind of a holiday sequel.

I completely enjoyed getting involved with the characters again. I just love Jason, the brain-damaged accident survivor with a great sense of humor trying now to fit in today's society having social anxiety issues and memory loss problems from his crash.

I kind of really enjoy Anna, the lawyer Jason meets while he's the graveyard shift janitor in her building. At the end of "New Life" she and Jason have started a relationship.

This short book has Anna taking Jason to her parent's house for the holidays. If you think Anna is neurotic and antsy, wait till you meet her mother. Of course, it's a big step for Jason. Not only does he have to cope with Anna's nervousness, but also her mother's biting comments and not so subtle doubts about her daughter's relationship with "the dog wash guy" (Jason's job now).

But, you know what, Jason stood up to the challenge almost better than Anna and I was so proud of him. A major relationship development happened during this book, and I couldn't be happier for both of them. Even Anna's mother eventually saw the light.

A short, short book, probably not worth $2.99, but Jason makes it all worthwhile.

[-ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little novella has only 40 pages and it is a sweet addition to New Life book 1. I read book #1 almost a year ago and still have clear recollection of the story and the characters. The novella gives the best marriage advice and the sweetest proposal I thought.

If you want to read unusual heroes, Bonnie Dee's Bone Deep and New Life are good picks.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely recommend reading this not too long after reading New Life. I waited way too long and as such, the time the author spends building the relationship and love between Jason and Anna kinda gets lost. So for me, I couldn't feel their love that made it worth all the sacrifice...because Jason, with his TBI, isn't an easy guy to live with or be in a relationship with, so you need to believe that he's worth it. Likewise, in this story, Anna isn't extremely likeable, so you need the first story to be fresh in order to remember why she's worth it to Jason. So this story was cute, but it didn't do much for me, but I strongly believe that would be different for someone reading it straight after the first story. I like the fact that this is a romance that puts two very different people together and puts some seriously real challenges in their way. But I also wasn't sure I bought into their HEA because I wasn't convinced they'd be able to overcome those challenges for the long-term.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing.
I am following this author but as she is one of many authors that is on that list and some, as Ms. Dee was, get unintentionally forgotten or set aside 'whilst on my quest' (tehe) for that perfect read.
New Year (New Life #2) is my 6th read of Ms. Dee's and at 3-stars it comes in at my lowest rating for her. I complained after reading New Life (New Life #1) that it didn't have an epilogue and this was it. Yes, longer than an epilogue but too short for a novella. It is not a stand-alone read and would recommend reading New Life #1 first for it to be appreciated. Strange that at the end of this novel, the author gives you a summary of the storyline of the previous novel. I don't understand the writing/publishing formula other than you have to buy 2 books...and now I have changed my mind to a 2-star rating.

Cheers🥂

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Year was a sweet story, i loved Anna and Jason in New Life..and getting more of their story was great.. I wish it would have been a little longer. I always want more of Bonnie Dee. This series is a must read!!!

[Joan (official heroine hater) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice little novella/follow up to the original novel. I like these characters and really wouldn't mind reading more of them.

[Awilk -never sleeps-]

This would cost me $3.99 for just over 60 pages. I just can't afford to waste my book budget that way. I could buy a full size book cheaper. I would love to read this though.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ****

[Svalora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible. The narration was good so added to the enjoyment of the book.

It's short, but a good addition to the series. I'm not sure that I agree that it could be read as a stand alone.... I mean, yes, but then I guess any book could be... I really feel like you need so much more of the background from the first book!

This series, for me is about hope! I hope there will be more in the future! :-)

[Ani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella made me uncomfortable actually. I expected a bit more fluff than the previous book cause it's a novella and all but it was a bit more somber for me. Only the last 10-15% made it all worth it!

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this sequel more than the first book. It was a pretty sweet follow-up to the original.

[Happynewyear2021a]

Happy new year 2021 Wishes to your friends, relatives, family, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife in their own language.

[Haywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

also a good read

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "New Life: The Complete Series"

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appreciate the solid use of PTSD and anxiety without being patronizing. Good couple thread, even as an unread series reader.

[Callixta · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...

Bonnie Dee est une grande auteure qui se moque sans doute de vendre des milliers de tomes mais ses choix de personnages et son talent pour les mettre en scène mériteraient vraiment d’être plus connus encore. Dans cette assez longue nouvelle, elle reprend les personnages de New Life. Jason et Anna vivent ensemble maintenant et s’apprête à passer Noël chez les parents de la jeune femme. Pour bien comprendre que ce n’est pas exactement un jour de fête classique pour eux, il faut rappeler que Jason est physiquement et mentalement diminué par un accident de voiture. Il a rencontré Anna qui est avocate car il faisait le ménage dans son bureau. Depuis, il est devenu toiletteur pour chien. Il n’est en rien le gendre que les parents d’Anna voudraient. Le couple part donc avec une certaine tension rejoindre la grande maison familiale des parents d’Anna. Chacun a des raisons de craindre ce court séjour.

Une fois de plus, Bonnie Dee réussit à nous captiver avec ce magnifique héros qu’est Jason. Il est plus à l’aise que dans le premier tome tout simplement parce qu’il est heureux et amoureux. Cela lui donne confiance en lui et limite un peu les effets de l’accident mais il demeure un être un peu à part. Anna est elle-même aux prises avec des problèmes qu’elle traine depuis l’adolescence, surtout avec sa mère, femme brillante, autoritaire et qui, évidemment, met son grain de sel dans l’histoire de sa fille.

C’est simple, beaucoup plus profond que les romances de Noël le sont habituellement.Nous avons bien droit à quelques passages obligés avec promenade sous la neige et repas de famille mais c’est surtout un pas de plus dans la vie des héros. Tous deux commettent encore des maladresses. Jason a a encore bien du mal à mettre de l’ordre dans ses idées et Anna n’est peut-être pas tout à fait sûre d’assumer cet homme différent mais qu’elle aime profondément C’est intelligent, très touchant encore une fois et délivré avec un talent inégalable. Il n’est pas facile de parler d’un héros comme Jason sans tomber dans le pathos ou limiter ses problèmes, elle s’en sort superbement.

Cette grande nouvelle complète parfaitement le premier tome et il y aurait sans doute encore place pour quelques développements tellement ils ont de chemin à parcourir et l’envie de le faire à deux. Superbe.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to know what happens to the happy couple once the final page is turned? In New Year you get to find out as the stress of the holidays puts stress on the burgeoning relationship between Jason and Anna and puts their HEA in jeopardy. Things have been going well between them with Jason keeping his chaotic emotions under control and doing better dealing with his disability and his limitations. He's accepted that Anna will always be the big breadwinner and just wants to be with her and make her happy. To prove his love he decides to propose which doesn't go as planned and brings feelings to the surface Anna's been trying to ignore.

Jason is still the same charming and sexy man as before. He's gained confidence and is taking baby steps to improve his future. Love has given him the boost he needed and I applaud his calming influence in moving towards the future. Anna needs something calming as her mother continues to bring out her defensiveness. She feels as if she has to constantly defend what she has with Jason which doesn't bode well for their future. It takes a surprising confession from her mother to convince her to just live her life and stop stressing about what might happen. She needs to embrace the happiness and support Jason brings her now and stop worrying about others. It's a heartwarming and picture perfect ending with this new-found family ringing in the new year together.

Again, the realities of his disability were made apparent in a believable way. This time around though he was able to cope on his own which showed a stronger more confident man. Anna didn't display quite as much growth but her fear was believable and her working through it progressed naturally as well. The inclusion of Anna's family demonstrated the chaos of the holidays and leant believability to what Jason and Anna will always have to deal with in regards to people's view of their relationship. This was ultimately an uplifting story that nicely balanced some sexy interludes with truly profound and romantic moments. It brought a smile to my face and I'm once again impressed by how much emotion was packed into less than 100 pages. Ms. Dee is quickly becoming a favorite author and I highly recommend this series, reading it in order to get the full impact of their romantic journey.

[Priyanka Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that story and it's unusual characters, Anna and Jason, and their challenging relationship. In my review, I commented I wanted to read more. This gave me more. I was able to check in with the couple. They've settled into their relationship, but still have more challenges than the average couple. I'm so glad Anna was able to see past the surface of Jason, and see what she needed in a man and a relationship. The New Year 2020 is the most envisioned and most significant occasion praised each year in each nation. Look at the most recent gathering of Happy New Year 2021 Wishes for Friends and Family statements here.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a follow-up to NEW LIFE. I really liked that story and it's unusual characters, Anna and Jason, and their challenging relationship. In my review, I commented I wanted to read more.

This gave me more. I was able to check in with the couple. They've settled into their relationship, but still have more challenges than the average couple. I'm so glad Anna was able to see past the surface of Jason, and see what she needed in a man and a relationship. Even knowing they'll always have continual bumps in the road, they're willing put in the effort. Wouldn't recommend as a stand-alone, but as a sequel to NEW LIFE, it's great.

[Peach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella continues the relationship of Anna and Jason after they got together at the end of New Life. Told in alternating point of views, Jason and Anna had kinks to work through especially how they perceived their relationship in the eyes of others (i.e. Anna’s family). There were insecurities from both parties – Jason felt that he was not good enough for Anna because of his mental and physical limitations and Anna’s insecurity about her parents’ acceptance of the relationship. The author did a good and realistic job telling things from Jason’s viewpoint such as how he got confused easily and how things became too overwhelming.

[Meagz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about this couple that I just LOVE reading. I don't know if its how endearing I find the male character, despite his disabilities - or how warm and understanding the heroine is because of his disabilities. I just think the dynamic between these two characters SO fascinating and I can't get enough of them. Plus I love dogs and Baby is just so adorable, even when she's pissing on the carpet.

This was a short read, unfortunately. It didn't take me long to get through it. If I had one complaint, it would be that I wish the author would continue these books but in longer, fuller lengths. I love watching the trials and tribulations of their love!

Great, quick read!

[~Nichole~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews]

Sizzling Pages 3rd Day of Sizzling Christmas Reads. (~Cariad's~ PICK posting 12/16)



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[Sofia Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this amazing and tear-jerking sequel to New Life. Check out my full review and Silken Sheets & Seduction:

http://silkensheetsandseduction.wordp...