Keith Thomas Walker, known as the Master of Romantic Suspense and Urban Fiction, is the author of more than a dozen novels, including Fixin’ Tyrone, Dripping Chocolate and The Realest Ever. Keith enjoys reading, poetry and music of all genres. Originally from Fort Worth, Keith is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. Visit him at www.keithwalkerbooks.com.
What is a mother to do when she loses the love of her life; what is a father to when he loses the love of his life? Donna & Marcel are two people whom I absolutely adored from the start they appeared to be so well put together however what you see on the outside can sometime be deceiving!
Once again Keith T Walker has written a book that is so realistic; I always love how he makes his characters real and normal. Great Job
This was a well written piece of work. The author let you know that you can still find true happiness even if you thought you've found it prior. Nolan was something else but my hear went out to Marcel and Donna. Hopefully it will be a follow up story of some kind.
I'm new to this author's work, having read him for the first time at the beginning of this year. I love his realistic situations and characters, and the fact that he doesn't resort to the gimmick of writing about super-wealthy people leading charmed lives. His protagonists are regular Janes and Joes, who struggle with basic issues like bills, jobs, and family. And beyond that, he goes even deeper, and looks at addiction, infidelity, abuse, and incarceration.
In Life After, the issues are big ones. Donna and Marcel are two people who have been deeply hurt. (I won't say how, because I want you to read it for yourself!) But while Donna is getting along in her healing process, Marcel is still in the thick of the struggle. And given the nature of his pain, its completely understandable. When they meet, the two have an immediate connection that is mostly physical, but has hints of the possibility of something deeper. And though neither of them is in a place to have a relationship, they embark on one anyway. Donna is more cautious, but Marcel is pretty much all in right away, though he knows that there is a significant obstacle up ahead if they're to get serious.
Keith Thomas Walker took me on the ups and downs of figuring out a relationship while figuring yourself out, and it was a heartrending journey. Once I learned the nature of Marcel's loss, I understood why he was where he was. And as for Donna, I admired her ability to ever take a chance at love after what she went through. As always, the dialogue was realistic, the characters endearing and relatable and the situations completely within the realm of the possible.
What made this book a four-star rather than a five-star read for me was that while I fell in love with the main characters, I wasn't entirely convinced that they had fallen in love with each other. Donna in particular remained ambivalent about Marcel almost the entire way, and when he
***SPOILER AHEAD***
proposed to her, I was actually surprised that she said 'yes' even though I knew I was reading a romance, and it probably contained an HEA. The latter part of their journey together felt like it should have been a beginning of a new journey. Because of the secret that Marcel concealed from her, I thought that they were only TRULY beginning to get to know each other around the time they decided to get married. THAT, at least for me, was when the love story had the potential to really BEGIN rather than end. I would have been happier, strangely enough, if there had been no wedding but a commitment to begin to help each other heal and learn about each other with their truths finally out in the open.
But this might be just a minor quibble for most readers, and as always, I highly recommend this author. Sometime this year, I'm quite sure I will have read everything he's ever written. Nia Forrester
Donna thought she had a great life, a career she enjoyed, a beautiful child, and the perfect husband. After loosing her husband in a horrific accident, Donna realized he wasn't as perfect as she thought. Marcel tried hard to make his marriage work, but his wife left him for another man anyway. He was able to get through the divorce because even though he lost his wife, he still had his son and know one was more important to him than Jaylen. Then the unthinkable happened and now Jaylen was gone too. Marcel tried to get through the devastating situations he was going through on his own, but he wasn't doing a great job of it. How long will he struggle on his own before he realizes he needs help, and will it be to little to late to turn his life around? Donna and Marcel were both trying to recover from tragic events that turned their lives upside down. They both also had trust issues that could've kept them from their second chances at happiness. I enjoyed the relationship between the hero and heroine and how they didn't jump into bed together early on in the story. I liked how they took time to build a relationship that was built on more than just sexual gratification. I also loved Marcel never gave up on Donna when she decided she couldn't trust him anymore, and he worked at earning another chance with her. I love when both the hero and heroine are portrayed as strong willed and determined characters. This was my time reading any of this authors work, and I look forward to reading more. I give Life After 3.5 stars.
This is my second story by Mr. Walker and I can honestly say, in a genre that tends to be over saturated with nonsense he has managed to carve out a niche for himself that is hard to replicate. Especially being a male romance writer.
Marcel and Donna two unlikely people who may have never met if not for the deep soul shattering tragedies in their lives. Donna was a happily married woman to her husband of almost 20 years. Nolan was strong, ambitious and seem to be on the right political track that would take him straight to the top, maybe even the White House. But then the unthinkable happened, Nolan lost his life in a terrible car accident and she learned that her husband was not whom he portrayed himself to be. The ugliness that came from him dying was a complete slap in the face where she questioned if even their marriage were real.
Marcel, divorced, on fire detective, loving dad and on the fast track up the ladder of the police department. Nothing could go wrong and everything was going right until that one fateful day, he received a phone call that would forever change his life and plunge him right into the darkest of alleys with no seeing way of escape but to sink lower and lower with the hopes of he too disappearing, never to return to the land of the living. Because where he lived was in the halls of the dead.
But one chance meeting in a restaurant, Marcel and Donna met and although the encounter was brief with a phone number being exchanged, there sparked a little glimmer of hope. Sometimes that's all we really need. Not the great big bang theory, no not at all, just a glimmer. Somehow from that brief encounter they both knew in their heart of hearts that maybe just maybe, a life of renewal can take tiny root.
A remarkable story, with real life scenarios. It made you laugh and cry. It caused you to think about your own life and the what if this were to happen to me? What would I do? Would I be able move forward or would I be forever stuck in that awful moment in time?
If you haven't read anything by this incredible author I most certainly implore you do so. Quick, fast and in a hurry!
Donna Hodge thought she had a picture-perfect marriage until another woman showed up in that picture. A very pregnant woman.
As a police officer, Marcel Webber swore to protect and serve. Unfortunately, he was not able to protect the one closest to him.
The paths of two wounded souls, dealing with life after tragedy, cross one evening. Is each just what the other needs?
Walker follows Donna and Marcel through their sorrow and triumphs. His writing pulls in readers, forcing them to engage through each of the character’s experiences and feel their emotions, both highs and lows.
Since reading this book, I have gone on to read two additional titles by Walker. It’s been a long time since I found an author that piqued my interest enough to immediately check out their other books. A very LONG time. I enjoyed them as well. Walker has quickly found a spot on my shelf with relatable characters and entertaining plots.
I was, however, a little taken aback with the presentation of this book. With so many books under his belt, I expected a certain level of quality. I would strongly urge the author to employ and surround himself with qualified professionals to avoid amateurish mistakes that scream self-published (not in a good way) like page numbers and headers on the title, copyright and pages before the story began, a super-sized ISBN bar code, font size of the book’s description on the back of the book, and the announcement of the end. Walker certainly has the talent and I’d like to see him reach his full potential.
I should've known better than to start reading a Keith Thomas Walker book while on my way to work. His books always draw me in from Page 1, and this one was no exception.
I LOVE KTW, and bought this book as soon as it came out, but I knew it was going to be a little heavy, and since I'm a cryer, I put off reading it until I was ready to handle whatever emotions the book would bring out. It was heavy at times, but never too heavy. I don't want to re-hash the story, but it was interesting to see how those two characters handled their grief, especially big, strong Marcel. I wanted to reach out and hug him so many times (and not always to comfort him, lol).
I love that KTW always gives us real people, in real-life situations, and gives them beautiful love stories. The characters are always flawed, and there's always drama and craziness, but that's real life. That Overbrook Meadow is the place to be, LOL! I especially loved that Donna and Marcel were older; it's nice to read about more mature characters every now and then.
Keep doing what you're doing, Mr. Walker and I'll keep buying and reading (and I'm sure loving!), whatever you put out.
When ever I read a book by Keith Thomas Walker I am surprised because I never know what to expect. I knew I wanted to read this book once I read the synopsis . The story he wrote was so good that it touched me . Donna and Marcel's love story is not your typical read and I really liked that. I fell in love with Marcel along with Donna, he was mine and he was flawed but I liked him and Donna so much together . Keith has away of writing characters that are so down to earth you feel like their story could be your story too. You can have the relationship because these are everyday people, with regular jobs, and real problems and realistic solutions. This is my favorite book by KTW, but you know what ,I say that every time I read his books.
PS: I did feel there was more of this story that needed to be told so I hope we can get one more book about Marcel and Donna. :)
When you open a Keith Thomas Walker's book, you never know what you're giving to get, except you know it will be good. This book did not disappoint, the main characters Donna and Marcel were so likeable that you have no choice but to cheer for them.
Donna lost her husband to a traffic accident and then she found out he was on his way to visit his mistress. Marcel's only son was killed in a burglary gone bad in his home. When they met, Marcel was still grieving, although he tried to cope. I love stories that deals with real life issues that people experience, and their ability to overcome their issues.
This tale of loss, alcoholism, infidelity and triumph makes this a must read.
When demons come to roost. How does Donna bounce back after learning of her husband's infidelity? How does Marcel cope with the death of his son, Jaylen? What does those two incidents have in common? Forgiveness and betrayal, love and sacrifice . You're taken on a journey of what it means to trust and love again, after a dark hour. Donna and Marcel go through what others hope never to endure, loss. See how they come together to mend the loss of loved ones.
This was a real book with real issues, real circumstances. Donna was a working woman who loved her family and wanted to be happy. She was just like most women who want that happily ever after, but life happens to throw a curve ball her way. Her life is turned upside down. Marcel has been through a lot also. He's lost more than he could imagine. This was a story of redemption, second chances. life's not always a easy ride, but it's worth it in the end.
Donna and Nolan were living and loving their life until the unexpected happens. Donna is left to pick up the pieces as she deals with a big secret. Life goes on and love comes knocking at her door. Great story.
Best book I've read so far this year. The main character was a good woman who in the end married her Prince charming. Two broken souls came together as one.
Life After opens up with Donna and her husband who is the love of her life. Donna is soon is dealing with the tragic loss of her husband but after he dies a lot of things are coming to light about him. Slowly she is getting her life back and she meets Marcel who has demons of his own to deal with. The chemistry is immediate between the both of them but Marcel is holding something back from Donna. After learning the truth Donna has to decide whether or not she can forgive him and Marcel has to come to terms with everything in his life. I thought this was a great read and I loved how real the characters were!!
One of the reasons I like Keith Thomas Walker is because of his writing skills and he can tell a GOOD story. I don't know what happened in this book but the writing was NOT up to par. It felt like I was reading an author's first novel in which they had to explain everything. This could have been a 5 star story with the Heroine cheating husband and the Hero dealing with alcoholism, but the way it was delivered it was just an ok read. I want the Keith Walker back who wrote excellent books like the "Harlot", "A Good Dude", The Realest Ever", and "Fixin' Tyrone".
This is my first book by Keith Thomas Walker, but not my last. He's gained a new fan. This story was well-written. Keith definitely has a way with words. Nolan, Smdh...I hate what happened to him, but he brought that on himself. I loved each of the characters..Donna and her friends sound like fun. My heart went out to Marcel, after all he'd gone through, but I'm so glad he got himself some help, and everything worked out between him and Donna. Those love scene...I had to fan myself..they were very well-written and sensual. Great job.
Donna was a widow raising her teen son, Colton, after her husband was killed in an automobile accident. She began to date Sgt Marcel Webber, a Dallas police narc officer. His son, Jaylen, was murdered in a home invasion but he chose to drink his pain away and hide his alcoholism from them. Yet they became the 🚗 force behind his rehab and weekly AA meeting attendance. Donna became Mrs. a year later. This was a touching novel which explores relationships, bad habits, mental issues and acceptance of professional help to balance life's challenges. 8/5/2017.
Another great read by Mr. Walker. I really enjoyed this story - especially the first third of the book (WHOA!!). I just wish Marcus' character/background was a bit more developed. I feel like I had a better understanding of what made Donna tick (probably based on the events of the first few chapters).
I also enjoyed the scenes with Donna and her girlfriends. The dialogue was so realistic and funny.
We can learn to love again..it's a KTW gift...real life
Donna's life has changed. Marcel has lost his.most precious gift. They meet. They're attracted to one another when they don't want to be connected to anyone. Keith Thomas Walker has done it again. He's put the good, the bad, the ugly, and the second chances of real life on paper. This story has love, betrayal, drama, and the gift too love again if we're smart enough to leave the past. A recommend read.
Great read. A good story about human strength, love, and second chances. Good to read a story about how life throws you fast paced curve balls that come really close to knocking you down and how the human spirit fights to remain standing!
This book was off the chain. I wanted to kick Nolan in his rear, but I guess he got what was due him. Poor Marcel. I didn't think he would ever come clean. Donna was what he needed to get his life for. I give this a 4.5, because I really wanted Donna to whoop up on Bettye.
This was a very good and predictable read. Even being predictable it was also entertaining. It wasn't a thrilling page turner, but I couldn't stop until I completed the whole book. The characters we're real people and I really liked that no one was perfect. Definitely recommended.
I got this book based on several recommendations from ladies in my online book group; I am so happy I did! The story was so real for me; I laughed, I cried and I felt the pain of both characters. I will definitely read more by this author!