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Surviving December
After eight years, Chase Rogan still battles with the tormenting reality of a past he can’t seem to leave behind. A past he ran from, sure to never return. A past that ripped away the one person he trusted most. As another cold Midwestern December sets in, Chase succumbs to the reality that the pain and resentment he harbors may prevent him from ever trusting again, forcing him to fail at every relationship he gives a chance – until he meets Alaina Brooks.
With an equally broken past, Alaina comes face-to-face with her own harsh realities. Amidst struggles to understand why she clings to a relationship that seems to be taking a turn for the worst, her encounter with Chase proves to be much more than happenstance.
With Chase forced to come to Alaina’s rescue more than once, they both begin to question what it all means. Has fate drawn them together? Is this meant to be, or simply something they’ve been hoping for? With their connection growing undeniably stronger each time they’re together, they learn to lean on each other as they revisit the parts of their pasts that may be holding them from their futures.
With an equally broken past, Alaina comes face-to-face with her own harsh realities. Amidst struggles to understand why she clings to a relationship that seems to be taking a turn for the worst, her encounter with Chase proves to be much more than happenstance.
With Chase forced to come to Alaina’s rescue more than once, they both begin to question what it all means. Has fate drawn them together? Is this meant to be, or simply something they’ve been hoping for? With their connection growing undeniably stronger each time they’re together, they learn to lean on each other as they revisit the parts of their pasts that may be holding them from their futures.
328 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2024
24 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 29, 2024
Surviving December captivated me from the start! The authors ability to convey the story line through multiple points of view had me constantly turning the page waiting to see what happened next. I was drawn to the characters stories and what they had to overcome to get to where they are now. It’s a story of overcoming personal challenges from their past and opening your heart up. A story of second chances and forgiveness when you least expect it. Great debut novel, can’t wait to read what’s next!
February 7, 2025
is fate real?
2 people meet by fate, slow burn, learning to forgive, helping each other through their pasts. The book was excellent and it kept me engaged through the whole story. This was the authors first book and I gave it a 4 star review! I absolutely loved the story love fate, love & forgiveness!
2 people meet by fate, slow burn, learning to forgive, helping each other through their pasts. The book was excellent and it kept me engaged through the whole story. This was the authors first book and I gave it a 4 star review! I absolutely loved the story love fate, love & forgiveness!
October 15, 2024
I loved this book and would definitely recommend! It’s a contemporary romance and I loved how it’s dual pov.
Trigger warning: domestic violence, grief
This was a story of 2 people who always have a hard time during the month of December. Chase with losing his mom and Alaina losing her dad. I loved Alaina’s character so much. She’s literally so kind and I found her character to be very likable. Chase always finds himself messing up/ sucks at being in relationships at the start, but once he meets Alaina everything changes for him. The way they kept running into each other kept me on my toes, I just wanted them to be together already! This book also gave me It Ends With Us vibes and I definitely prefer it over it ! I also loved the theme of forgiveness and all the character development. While it was sad what these characters had to go through, their trauma, struggles etc. there was a happy ending! Had me smiling at the end!
Also, the side characters were so great!
Psa this book is a bit spicy! I’m a little to no spice type of reader but you can always skim over lol
I also loved the authors writing style and I will definitely read more of her books and hope she writes more books!
Trigger warning: domestic violence, grief
This was a story of 2 people who always have a hard time during the month of December. Chase with losing his mom and Alaina losing her dad. I loved Alaina’s character so much. She’s literally so kind and I found her character to be very likable. Chase always finds himself messing up/ sucks at being in relationships at the start, but once he meets Alaina everything changes for him. The way they kept running into each other kept me on my toes, I just wanted them to be together already! This book also gave me It Ends With Us vibes and I definitely prefer it over it ! I also loved the theme of forgiveness and all the character development. While it was sad what these characters had to go through, their trauma, struggles etc. there was a happy ending! Had me smiling at the end!
Also, the side characters were so great!
Psa this book is a bit spicy! I’m a little to no spice type of reader but you can always skim over lol
I also loved the authors writing style and I will definitely read more of her books and hope she writes more books!
September 2, 2024
Surviving December is an absolute must read. From the beginning I was completely sucked in. It’s a story I did not want to end.
I went through so many phases of emotions from being mad at characters to falling in love with others. My heart broke, but was mended back together. The wholesomeness of this story is heartwarming and will leave a smile on your face.
I can’t wait to read more from Lea!
I went through so many phases of emotions from being mad at characters to falling in love with others. My heart broke, but was mended back together. The wholesomeness of this story is heartwarming and will leave a smile on your face.
I can’t wait to read more from Lea!
December 8, 2024
Surviving December is a heartfelt story about healing and second chances. Chase and Alaina’s connection felt raw and authentic, and I loved how they helped each other face their pasts. The cozy Midwest winter vibe added the perfect touch. A little slow at times, but overall, a beautiful, emotional read!
September 29, 2024
This was a good book!! The chemistry between Alaina and Chase is what I want in my life!! The fact that they have similar past trauma and that is what they are able to get through together! Absolutely loved this book!
September 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Typically I’m not a contemporary romance kind of gal, but while this one had some spice, it also had plot. And character development.
Chase and Alaina meet by chance. They feel a sort of connection, but neither are in a good headspace and one in a relationship. December is a tough month for both of them, especially for Chase. Life has thrown both of them, but they move through those challenges and work to survive December.
Chase and Alaina meet by chance. They feel a sort of connection, but neither are in a good headspace and one in a relationship. December is a tough month for both of them, especially for Chase. Life has thrown both of them, but they move through those challenges and work to survive December.
September 10, 2024
I loved this book so much!! I immediately fell in love with the characters and didn’t want it to end! Looking forward to more books from this author!
October 5, 2024
Not your typical Christmas book!
I chose this book in the middle of fall and I don’t regret it. I love December, I love Christmas and winter. But what I love the most is a happy ending.
This is a slow burn book but very captivating by what both MC go through in life. Alaina, the FMC and Chase, the MMC, are two broken over thinkers that the universe brought together at the right time and the right moment. I identified so much with both but I found myself gravitating more towards Alaina and her need for approval.
I loved the second chances and the redemption that unfolded at the end for both of them. It has some spice but not overly explicit and I found super funny how his friend unintentionally blocked Chase’s physical chances at first.
There is mention of domestic violence, drug addiction and drunk driving resulting in a hit and run of a child so be mindful of the topics if this are triggering for some.
Overall, I truly recommend this book for a cozy, feel good read!
I chose this book in the middle of fall and I don’t regret it. I love December, I love Christmas and winter. But what I love the most is a happy ending.
This is a slow burn book but very captivating by what both MC go through in life. Alaina, the FMC and Chase, the MMC, are two broken over thinkers that the universe brought together at the right time and the right moment. I identified so much with both but I found myself gravitating more towards Alaina and her need for approval.
I loved the second chances and the redemption that unfolded at the end for both of them. It has some spice but not overly explicit and I found super funny how his friend unintentionally blocked Chase’s physical chances at first.
There is mention of domestic violence, drug addiction and drunk driving resulting in a hit and run of a child so be mindful of the topics if this are triggering for some.
Overall, I truly recommend this book for a cozy, feel good read!
November 3, 2024
**4 stars**
This book pulled me out of a reading slump I was in in the middle of October. For clarity, this is not a Christmas book… the month of December as a whole is important.
I don’t do spoilers so at a high level, this is a contemporary romance that has a dual POV. We have two characters Alaina and Chase who start in their own independent story lines with toxic relationships and then through fate, encounter each other and continue to run into each other with Chase rescuing Alaina on more than one occasion. It definitely seems like they are being drawn together by the universe for a reason.
As they allow their situationship to grow, we learn that each have their own really broken pasts that have December being a pretty tough month for them but they can’t let that past go and trusting others is hard. What is for certain though, is if they don’t let things go, their futures will most certainly be impacted in a negative way.
What I really loved about the author’s approach to the history of their pasts, is that these pasts were woven into what was happening in the present in bite sized pieces so it left you on your toes for when you get to find out the next piece to learn more.
We have good plot, we have characters that you root for (Alaina had so much patience and understanding that I admired because that Is not me at all), a little spice and I really enjoyed the writing style. Please note that this book does have suggestions of alcohol dependency/abuse, and themes of DV, loss, and grief.
I loved it...Lea, I hope that you are writing more!
This book pulled me out of a reading slump I was in in the middle of October. For clarity, this is not a Christmas book… the month of December as a whole is important.
I don’t do spoilers so at a high level, this is a contemporary romance that has a dual POV. We have two characters Alaina and Chase who start in their own independent story lines with toxic relationships and then through fate, encounter each other and continue to run into each other with Chase rescuing Alaina on more than one occasion. It definitely seems like they are being drawn together by the universe for a reason.
As they allow their situationship to grow, we learn that each have their own really broken pasts that have December being a pretty tough month for them but they can’t let that past go and trusting others is hard. What is for certain though, is if they don’t let things go, their futures will most certainly be impacted in a negative way.
What I really loved about the author’s approach to the history of their pasts, is that these pasts were woven into what was happening in the present in bite sized pieces so it left you on your toes for when you get to find out the next piece to learn more.
We have good plot, we have characters that you root for (Alaina had so much patience and understanding that I admired because that Is not me at all), a little spice and I really enjoyed the writing style. Please note that this book does have suggestions of alcohol dependency/abuse, and themes of DV, loss, and grief.
I loved it...Lea, I hope that you are writing more!
August 30, 2024
This book was such a good read! The descriptions and the plot that are interwoven throughout the whole book make it so hard to put down! I also love the character development throughout the book as well! A must read and can’t wait for future books from this author!
September 24, 2024
Loved this book!
Love how fate always brings Chase and Alaina together when she needs him most. And he also needs her! How they grow together and lean on each other for support. Such a touching story!
Love how fate always brings Chase and Alaina together when she needs him most. And he also needs her! How they grow together and lean on each other for support. Such a touching story!
April 3, 2025
Great Read
This book is just adorable, and it has a bit of spice to it, but in a really classy way! It follows the journey of two people dealing with their emotional baggage who find each other and help each other heal. It totally gives off those cozy Hallmark movie vibes—so sweet! If you’re into feel-good stories that have a little spice without going overboard, this is definitely the book for you!
This book is just adorable, and it has a bit of spice to it, but in a really classy way! It follows the journey of two people dealing with their emotional baggage who find each other and help each other heal. It totally gives off those cozy Hallmark movie vibes—so sweet! If you’re into feel-good stories that have a little spice without going overboard, this is definitely the book for you!
December 16, 2024
healing
Alaina and chase both have things they haven’t worked thru and they are with people who don’t understand them. After both relationships fail their new found friendship takes a healing turn where these two hurt souls heal each other.
Alaina and chase both have things they haven’t worked thru and they are with people who don’t understand them. After both relationships fail their new found friendship takes a healing turn where these two hurt souls heal each other.
December 30, 2024
I loved this book it was so good definitely a 5 star read 😊
September 11, 2024
2.5
I really loved the dual POV this author provided as well as some of the dialogue! However, I wish the setting & character descriptions were just a bit more! I had a difficult time picturing these characters when they spoke & the setting was somewhat in my mind, but it just didn’t do it for me. The plot was there, but I feel like it was hard getting there as well - I feel like it could’ve been executed more just ever so slightly.
I enjoyed how the characters spoke to each other & it makes you feel comfortable around them, but it just wasn’t something like “wow” you know? It didn’t flow as smoothly for me as other books do.
It was a great concept this book, however, it just isn’t one I loved & that is okay. The synopsis really spoke to me & I did find a few parts of it relatable, but it didn’t evoke really any emotion for me, hence the rating.
I really loved the dual POV this author provided as well as some of the dialogue! However, I wish the setting & character descriptions were just a bit more! I had a difficult time picturing these characters when they spoke & the setting was somewhat in my mind, but it just didn’t do it for me. The plot was there, but I feel like it was hard getting there as well - I feel like it could’ve been executed more just ever so slightly.
I enjoyed how the characters spoke to each other & it makes you feel comfortable around them, but it just wasn’t something like “wow” you know? It didn’t flow as smoothly for me as other books do.
It was a great concept this book, however, it just isn’t one I loved & that is okay. The synopsis really spoke to me & I did find a few parts of it relatable, but it didn’t evoke really any emotion for me, hence the rating.
December 31, 2025
By far the cutest, sweetest book I've read that gives me all the fluffy vibes I needed on cold winter days in the Midwest! The storyline is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me dog. The spice was a 🌶️ and definitely needed more descriptors, but the story wasn't about the spice so I wasn't even mad at it.
Now, the spacing in the book did throw me off more than I thought it would. It took me a LONG time to get over that and just power through the book, and I'm SO glad that I did because it's been a while since I've given a book a 5. Gave me a couple tears here and there, happy tears! The book reminded me of mine and my husband's love story in a way. The communication and the growth was something you truly want to find, and I've found myself so it was amazing to read it in a book for once.
10/10 would recommend.
Now, the spacing in the book did throw me off more than I thought it would. It took me a LONG time to get over that and just power through the book, and I'm SO glad that I did because it's been a while since I've given a book a 5. Gave me a couple tears here and there, happy tears! The book reminded me of mine and my husband's love story in a way. The communication and the growth was something you truly want to find, and I've found myself so it was amazing to read it in a book for once.
10/10 would recommend.
December 29, 2024
The two main characters in this book, Chase and Alaina, are no strangers to struggle, both in relationships and everyday life. Though they both have their challenges, they manage to stay kind and loving, which is what draws them to each other. Their love story is inspiring, and I really found myself rooting for them. Anyone who enjoys a sweet, contemporary romance would enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews