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Living Again #4.5
Breaking Free
Alexis Carson-Nichols has had what anyone would describe as an idyllic childhood. She has great parents, little brothers and sister that mean the world to her, and friends that are always there for her. As she graduates from high school and gets ready to go to college, she feels like she has the world at her fingertips. She can’t wait to experience life as a young adult. Maybe even get a boyfriend…as long as her school comes first.
What she doesn’t expect is to meet Greer Henderson. Greer hasn’t had a life anything like Alexis’. Sure, he’s had the parents that loved him, but that was about it. He’s never been understood or even tolerated. He’s spent his life in a constant state of inner chaos and outer turmoil. See, Greer has Aspergers. When he finally gets up enough courage to take a few classes at his local college, he becomes lab partners with Alexis. He thinks she’s the most beautiful person he’s ever laid eyes on, but he knows she won’t want anything to do with him. None of the kids ever do. But if there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s science.
As Alexis tries to break through Greer’s tough exterior and understand his idiosyncrasies, she realizes that Greer may just be teaching her more than she could ever imagine, and changing her life in insurmountable ways. Can Alexis teach others how to love and accept Greer, even if he’s different? And can Greer, through Alexis, realize that all of his dreams are within his reach and that he’s worthy of love after all
What she doesn’t expect is to meet Greer Henderson. Greer hasn’t had a life anything like Alexis’. Sure, he’s had the parents that loved him, but that was about it. He’s never been understood or even tolerated. He’s spent his life in a constant state of inner chaos and outer turmoil. See, Greer has Aspergers. When he finally gets up enough courage to take a few classes at his local college, he becomes lab partners with Alexis. He thinks she’s the most beautiful person he’s ever laid eyes on, but he knows she won’t want anything to do with him. None of the kids ever do. But if there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s science.
As Alexis tries to break through Greer’s tough exterior and understand his idiosyncrasies, she realizes that Greer may just be teaching her more than she could ever imagine, and changing her life in insurmountable ways. Can Alexis teach others how to love and accept Greer, even if he’s different? And can Greer, through Alexis, realize that all of his dreams are within his reach and that he’s worthy of love after all
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2014
5 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
L.L. Collins
21 books905 followersL.L. Collins was born and raised in the eternal summer state of Florida. She lives with her high school sweetheart husband and is driven mad daily by her young adult boys, but her three doodles keep her sane and well loved. LL has been writing since she was old enough to write. Always a story in her head, she made her lifelong dream of becoming an author come true in the self-publishing world. She's the author of contemporary romance novels. Look for more of her emotionally charged novels exclusively on Amazon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 29, 2014
I was so happy to see Alexis all grown up. Such a sweet girl deserved her own story. This was such a great fast read an awesome way to end the living again series.
February 17, 2015
I have loved little Alexis since we first met her as a toddler in book one. She has turned out to be my favorite character in the entire series. Daddy Ben and Kayley did a great job raising our little princess.
Alexis is away at college now and has turned out to be the perfect all American girl. She has a bright future in the medical world and is her mom and dad's pride and joy. She is a kind and caring friend.
Greer is also in college with Alexis and has become quick friends with her. Greer is different, and as we know, in this cruel world when you are different ignorant people around you can be mean. Greer has Asperger's syndrome and lives with his family. He is very handsome and very intelligent, but still at his age, fighting the good fight to live as normal a life as he can.
Greer>>>> " I have Asperger's" ...I am never going to be normal. My brain doesn't work the same as everyone else's."
Alexis>>>> " Asperger's makes you who you are. That's not something I would ever want to change about you. What is normal anyway? I surely don't care about being normal, so why would you? Your brain is awesome."
Alexis and Greer have a beautiful friendship but does she want more? Is he as attracted to her and if so how would he react to a physical relationship with her?
".....They kissed for what could've been seconds or days. All he knew was that his head was in the clouds and it was like she had just unlocked something inside him that had been waiting for her his entire life."
L.L. Collins >>>>>> Bravo !!! As with all your books in this series, you have shed light on a tough subject and made us feel happy, sad and all those emotions in between. If this book enlightens one person as to what Asperger's is, you have done your job well. Thank you.
PS. Kayley's diary made me cry all kinds of tears.
Alexis is away at college now and has turned out to be the perfect all American girl. She has a bright future in the medical world and is her mom and dad's pride and joy. She is a kind and caring friend.
Greer is also in college with Alexis and has become quick friends with her. Greer is different, and as we know, in this cruel world when you are different ignorant people around you can be mean. Greer has Asperger's syndrome and lives with his family. He is very handsome and very intelligent, but still at his age, fighting the good fight to live as normal a life as he can.
Greer>>>> " I have Asperger's" ...I am never going to be normal. My brain doesn't work the same as everyone else's."
Alexis>>>> " Asperger's makes you who you are. That's not something I would ever want to change about you. What is normal anyway? I surely don't care about being normal, so why would you? Your brain is awesome."
Alexis and Greer have a beautiful friendship but does she want more? Is he as attracted to her and if so how would he react to a physical relationship with her?
".....They kissed for what could've been seconds or days. All he knew was that his head was in the clouds and it was like she had just unlocked something inside him that had been waiting for her his entire life."
L.L. Collins >>>>>> Bravo !!! As with all your books in this series, you have shed light on a tough subject and made us feel happy, sad and all those emotions in between. If this book enlightens one person as to what Asperger's is, you have done your job well. Thank you.
PS. Kayley's diary made me cry all kinds of tears.
October 6, 2014
Wow!!! LL Collins is brilliant and a talented author. This book was beautiful, heartwarming and sad at times. I haven’t read all her books yet, but I really wanted to read this book. I read this book in one sitting, it is a fast pace book but it is so good. Alexis is a beautiful soul, she has grown up since book one and she is off to college, she meets the handsome, loving Greer. Greer is a little different he has Asperger. Asperger/Autism is special to me, my son is autistic. So I related to Greer on so many levels. He has been bullied and called names all his life. My heart literally broke for him. After he meets Alexis he starts to open up to her. Then something horrid happens to him, but Alexis never left his side. I won’t give anything away, but this book and series is a must read. I am so glad I got to read this book, it really touched me and it is a book that will definitely stick with me. This is hands down in my top 5 books ever. I hope my son finds a Alexis when he gets older, because her heart is made of gold. I love her. Thank you LL for writing an amazing book. This book deserves 10 stars!!!
July 21, 2014
Alexis is all grown up. Dr Ben Nichols and Kayley did an excellent job in raising Alexis to be an independent, loving, kind and caring person who loves completely. She graduates high school and heads off to college. Her social life is not much and she is a cheerleader for the school. Alexis is focused in getting good grades and making her parents proud. She meets Greer, a college student, that has Aspergers and they become friends. Not instant friends because she had to break down his walls. Everyone on campus had always been so mean to him. Alexis was the first female that ever showed him kindness. And wanted to spend time with him for being who he was. Sure other girls thought he was good looking but they treated him bad and called him names. Alexis thought he was attractive too but she cared about him as a person. This is a great story of caring, being patient with someone who is different, and love.
February 26, 2019
LOVEEEEEEE ITT
October 8, 2014
OHH MY.....LL Collins I abso-freaking-lutely love you!!! Every time I read one of your books I swear it is my absolute favorite and then you come out with a new one and you have me falling in love all over again!! The Living Again Series has completely wrecked me from the start but I have loved every second of it!! I am soooo not ready for this series to be over but the way you ended it all was PERFECT!!
Breaking Free is the story of Alexis Nichols. I have loved Lexie from the very start. Her and Ben together always had a smile on my face and melted my heart. Now Lexie is all grown up, has just graduated high school and is heading off to college. It is there she meets Greer Henderson. She can tell right from the start that Greer is different than all the other boys she has ever met and that there is something very special about him.
Greer is distant at first. Everyone has always been mean and cruel to him so he doesn't understand why Alexis wants to spend time with him and is always so nice but he knows the feelings he has for her are very different than anything he has ever felt. I absolutely LOVED seeing the relationship between Greer and Alexis grow.
Once I started reading this book there was no putting it down!! My emotions were all over the place but I loved every single second of it!! I so totally cried at different parts and not just bc they were sad but bc you could just feel the love and emotions coming off of every single page. The love between Greer and Alexis will truly melt your heart!! There really should be more Lexie's in the world!!
The ending.....LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and now I am crying again!! Does it really have to all be over? All the characters from the Living Again Series will forever be in my heart!! Amazing job LL Collins and I can't wait to see what beautiful series you come up with next!!
Breaking Free is the story of Alexis Nichols. I have loved Lexie from the very start. Her and Ben together always had a smile on my face and melted my heart. Now Lexie is all grown up, has just graduated high school and is heading off to college. It is there she meets Greer Henderson. She can tell right from the start that Greer is different than all the other boys she has ever met and that there is something very special about him.
Greer is distant at first. Everyone has always been mean and cruel to him so he doesn't understand why Alexis wants to spend time with him and is always so nice but he knows the feelings he has for her are very different than anything he has ever felt. I absolutely LOVED seeing the relationship between Greer and Alexis grow.
Once I started reading this book there was no putting it down!! My emotions were all over the place but I loved every single second of it!! I so totally cried at different parts and not just bc they were sad but bc you could just feel the love and emotions coming off of every single page. The love between Greer and Alexis will truly melt your heart!! There really should be more Lexie's in the world!!
The ending.....LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and now I am crying again!! Does it really have to all be over? All the characters from the Living Again Series will forever be in my heart!! Amazing job LL Collins and I can't wait to see what beautiful series you come up with next!!
October 4, 2014
This is book 4.5 in the Living Again Series.
This is the final book.
It is Alexis and Greer's story.
I gave this book 5 stars.
What a way to end the series. High five to LL Collins for an amazing ride. This is a novella about Alexis who was a baby in Living Again the first book in the series. This book is not a standalone.
When we first meet Alexis we see her as a baby. We watch her grow and we fall in love with her almost instantly. She is spunky and full of life, she is loving and caring, she is a beautiful soul that you just know from the beginning that she would have to fall in love with someone just as special. Greer has Aspergers he is as special as they come, but not everyone sees him that way. He gets picked on and bullied and who better to stand up for him then the vivacious Alexis. This is their story, of friendship and love. Come join Alexis as she shows the world just how grown up she is. As she becomes a woman and learns about life. Things aren't always easy, but they are worth it.
This was a beautiful story of two people that have gone throw so much in their young lives. A story of acceptance and understanding. It was done with such class and depth. I have a son who is autistic and this book broke my heart, but it also showed me things that I wish I could see in my young son. It was great to see how Greer handled the things that went on in his life and to get a look inside his head. Thank you LL for a beautiful series that will stick with me for the rest of my life. This is a series that I am going to be reading over and over again. I fell in love with each character and felt that I was a big part of their lives while reading their book. Don't miss out on this !!
October 31, 2014
What a brilliant and emotional end to one of my favourite series. I was sorry to see the Living Again series finish but am glad that we got to revisit some of the characters in this novella. I think that this is a perfect ending and rounds of the series in a way that makes you want to read them all over again.
Instead of revisiting a previous couple in the series, we are given Lex's story of her finding her own feet and 'breaking free' into her own life. This book is set during Lex's college years where she is deciding what branch of medicine to go in, wanting to follow in her fathers (Ben's) footsteps. It is here that she meets Greer. He is her lab partner and is pretty closed off from the world. He's handsome, but he's different and because of this is bullied and singled out from the others. When Alexis tries to get him to open up and spend time with her, he is unsure of her intentions and hesitant to trust. Can Alexis break down his walls and show him that it is ok to let people in?
This is unlike a lot of other romance stories as it focuses not only on the budding romance of Alexis and Greer, but also focuses on the underlying story of the acceptance of people and what some associate to be 'normal'. The issues touched in this story are those that many could relate to and lets people see things from different perspectives, offering a glimpse to the other side of things.
Overall this is a beautiful story of love and inner transformations and perceptions and I could not be happier with how this series ended. LL Collins continues to surprise me with her work, and each story keeps getting better. I am sad to see this series finish but CANNOT wait for her next work!
Instead of revisiting a previous couple in the series, we are given Lex's story of her finding her own feet and 'breaking free' into her own life. This book is set during Lex's college years where she is deciding what branch of medicine to go in, wanting to follow in her fathers (Ben's) footsteps. It is here that she meets Greer. He is her lab partner and is pretty closed off from the world. He's handsome, but he's different and because of this is bullied and singled out from the others. When Alexis tries to get him to open up and spend time with her, he is unsure of her intentions and hesitant to trust. Can Alexis break down his walls and show him that it is ok to let people in?
This is unlike a lot of other romance stories as it focuses not only on the budding romance of Alexis and Greer, but also focuses on the underlying story of the acceptance of people and what some associate to be 'normal'. The issues touched in this story are those that many could relate to and lets people see things from different perspectives, offering a glimpse to the other side of things.
Overall this is a beautiful story of love and inner transformations and perceptions and I could not be happier with how this series ended. LL Collins continues to surprise me with her work, and each story keeps getting better. I am sad to see this series finish but CANNOT wait for her next work!
October 4, 2014
Breaking Free is a phenomenal book that I couldn't put down. This book was refreshing because it doesn't fall into the typical romance book. There are so many issues that children have to deal with growing up and often carries into adulthood. Growing up without friends because you are considered different is not right. Others should attempt to understand the differences to find away to connect.
Alexis graduates from high school and goes away to college to follow her dream to be a doctor like her father Ben. She isn't sure what specialty to go into but she has time to figure that out. Alexis meets two hot guys within the first few days of starting college. She likes them both but in different ways and isn't looking to have a boyfriend. She went out with a few guys in high school but nothing ever resulted from them.
She begins to go on dates with Luke who she really isn't sure how she feels about him. Greer is her Biology Lab partner who was assigned to her by their professor. She finds him handsome but wants to get him to open up more to her and be her friend. She finds out that Greer has and continues to be bullied and is extremely angry about this. He feels unsure of her intentions and how she will react when she sees him as everyone else seems to and turn and run.
This book is a must read! I am finding it difficult to write the review because I don't want to put any spoilers in it. Read this book to see how inspirational Alexis is. This is an awesome read!
Alexis graduates from high school and goes away to college to follow her dream to be a doctor like her father Ben. She isn't sure what specialty to go into but she has time to figure that out. Alexis meets two hot guys within the first few days of starting college. She likes them both but in different ways and isn't looking to have a boyfriend. She went out with a few guys in high school but nothing ever resulted from them.
She begins to go on dates with Luke who she really isn't sure how she feels about him. Greer is her Biology Lab partner who was assigned to her by their professor. She finds him handsome but wants to get him to open up more to her and be her friend. She finds out that Greer has and continues to be bullied and is extremely angry about this. He feels unsure of her intentions and how she will react when she sees him as everyone else seems to and turn and run.
This book is a must read! I am finding it difficult to write the review because I don't want to put any spoilers in it. Read this book to see how inspirational Alexis is. This is an awesome read!
October 7, 2014
The author makes it clear that this novella is the final book in the Living Again series. There will be many fans disappointed at that but they can at least take pleasure in another wonderfully crafted book.
Alexis was in the very first book - even before she was born! This novella takes her from the last months of high school thru college, relationships and into work.
The fact that her main relationship could be seen as being controversial, or unusual adds a level of understanding and compassion seldom seen in one so young.
LL Collins has already shown that she will tackle important subjects that are often avoided because they are difficult and taboo. She handles these subjects well. With care but not like Ming vases.
Novellas are short but the author hasn't skimped on the important parts of the story. I didn't feel short-changed at missing out on every graduation tale or descriptions of each piece of furniture in Alexis' first real home.
We are being given a short book to round off the life of one of the series' first characters. Ms Collins does that without making it feel like a quick addition. I enjoyed crossing the t's and dotting the i's to bring together many of the players gathered together in support of a young woman making her way in the world.
Whatever comes next from Ms Collins is on my wish list. Talent such as she has will always be worth reading.
Alexis was in the very first book - even before she was born! This novella takes her from the last months of high school thru college, relationships and into work.
The fact that her main relationship could be seen as being controversial, or unusual adds a level of understanding and compassion seldom seen in one so young.
LL Collins has already shown that she will tackle important subjects that are often avoided because they are difficult and taboo. She handles these subjects well. With care but not like Ming vases.
Novellas are short but the author hasn't skimped on the important parts of the story. I didn't feel short-changed at missing out on every graduation tale or descriptions of each piece of furniture in Alexis' first real home.
We are being given a short book to round off the life of one of the series' first characters. Ms Collins does that without making it feel like a quick addition. I enjoyed crossing the t's and dotting the i's to bring together many of the players gathered together in support of a young woman making her way in the world.
Whatever comes next from Ms Collins is on my wish list. Talent such as she has will always be worth reading.
October 12, 2014
Yes, I am aware this is the last book in the Living Again series. And no I haven’t read any of the others in this series. I heard about this book from a friend and decided to read it since I enjoy YA and I wanted to see how the topics of this story were handled. I was impressed with how easy it was for me to come into this story blind of the past books and not become confused. There were times I could tell things hinted at situations in the past books, but never did I feel as if I were missing vital information. This is a very heartfelt book. Alexis starts her freshman year in college and finds a friend in her new lab partner, Greer. Greer has Aspergers. Things are difficult for him, but he wants to try new things for Alexis. Their story is sweet and tender. Alexis sees Greer for who he is, not his Aspergers and Greer’s strength amazed me at every turn. The writing style didn't quite connect me fully to the emotions in the story but I enjoyed Breaking Free, as it is a very touching story.
October 5, 2014
Wow! An emotional end to a super emotional series! I can't believe the Living Again series is finally over, but this story was the perfect end to such a powerful series!
Lex is all grown up and starting college, excited to live on her own. She meets Greer who's her lab partner and instantly takes a liking to him, but Greer is different than the other guys she knows.
Their friendship progresses and you fall more in love with these characters. Lex is an amazingly strong character who definitely stands up for what she believes in. For a character to do as much as she did being so young is simply amazing
I loved these two characters and their story. LL Collins has a way of pulling you into a story and refusing to let you go till the last word is read, and the same can be said for Breaking Free.
This story is emotional, powerful, and amazing! I highly recommend this novella and can't wait to see what's next from LL Collins! We all know it will be amazing!
Lex is all grown up and starting college, excited to live on her own. She meets Greer who's her lab partner and instantly takes a liking to him, but Greer is different than the other guys she knows.
Their friendship progresses and you fall more in love with these characters. Lex is an amazingly strong character who definitely stands up for what she believes in. For a character to do as much as she did being so young is simply amazing
I loved these two characters and their story. LL Collins has a way of pulling you into a story and refusing to let you go till the last word is read, and the same can be said for Breaking Free.
This story is emotional, powerful, and amazing! I highly recommend this novella and can't wait to see what's next from LL Collins! We all know it will be amazing!
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October 24, 2014Another truly amazing read by one of my fave Authors.
Breaking free is a Novella about Alexis...Who we have grown to love throughout the other books in this series...she has turned into a beautiful young compassionate woman...this is her journey of finding herself and finding love with a truly remarkable man.
Greer...oh Greer where do I start? ...he had an amazing heart and a beautiful soul but he also lived with a fight every single day of his life...he struggled and fought each day but Alexis 'saw him' and together they made something truly heartwarming together.
This book was emotional, my heart broke for Greer many times...I was sad for him....angry for him and I just loved him.
L L Collins wrote with such empathy and accuracy about a much misunderstood condition and for that I applaud her
It was a truly brilliant end to a brilliant series and I loved catching up with everyone from the previous books
I am sad it's all over.
Breaking free is a Novella about Alexis...Who we have grown to love throughout the other books in this series...she has turned into a beautiful young compassionate woman...this is her journey of finding herself and finding love with a truly remarkable man.
Greer...oh Greer where do I start? ...he had an amazing heart and a beautiful soul but he also lived with a fight every single day of his life...he struggled and fought each day but Alexis 'saw him' and together they made something truly heartwarming together.
This book was emotional, my heart broke for Greer many times...I was sad for him....angry for him and I just loved him.
L L Collins wrote with such empathy and accuracy about a much misunderstood condition and for that I applaud her
It was a truly brilliant end to a brilliant series and I loved catching up with everyone from the previous books
I am sad it's all over.
November 21, 2014
This book was beautifully written from the heart, there is no other way to explain it. I loved hearing about what an amazing young woman Alexis grew up to be. She had my heart for so long, you couldn't fall in love with her anymore in Living Again. Everybody has obstacles in life, some are harder and some don't seem so bad. But everything is always easier if there is someone there who gets you, really gets you. This is what this story is about, to me it is anyways. Alexis befriends a beautiful boy Greer. But is not your average boy, he is so lonely and needs someone to understand him. And Alexis has a beautiful heart, she knows there's something special about him. I just love how they are, what they do, and most importantly the way Alexis transforms Greer. This truly is a beautiful story. I couldn't have been happier with the life Alexis leads.
October 5, 2014
What a perfect end to a perfect series!!!! I would have expected no less from L. L. Collins. Alexis is a sweetheart. Of course, I expected nothing less from Ben and Kayley's daughter. They raised her right. She is not only beautiful on the outside, but her inside beauty shines greater than that of the outside. Alexis is all grown up and going to college. While there she meets Greer. Greer has a disability that cause him to be bullied. Alexis sees past all of his insecurities and worms her way into his life. This wouldn't be a L. L. Collins book if you didn't need a tissue. The scenes between Ben and Alexis are simply beautiful. I sure do hate to see this family go. Dual point of views. No cliffhanger. This is a novella. I really suggest that you read the other books first, but I still believe you could read this without the others and be semi okay.
August 5, 2014
Another home run for LL Collins! Even though this was only a novella, boy did it come with a punch of emotions!! The author hits home on situations that society has been trying to deal with and solve for the last number of years. I loved that she brought it to the forefront and addressed in a very positive and healing way!
Alexis is all grown up and headed to college. There she meets Greer. He isn't the same as all the other boys and she likes that about him. Greer keeps his distance not understanding why Alexis wants to spend time with him or is so nice to him. Can Alexis break through and help Greer understand that she isn't like everyone else?
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! A must read in this collection!!
Alexis is all grown up and headed to college. There she meets Greer. He isn't the same as all the other boys and she likes that about him. Greer keeps his distance not understanding why Alexis wants to spend time with him or is so nice to him. Can Alexis break through and help Greer understand that she isn't like everyone else?
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! A must read in this collection!!
January 23, 2015
LL Collins has done it, again! This novella brings the Living Again series full circle, showing us how Lexi, from Living Again, grew up into a beautiful, kind woman, who fights for the rights of those being bullied. We would expect nothing less of her character.
You will meet Greer and fall in love with this young man who has his share of hurt and loneliness. You will get a look at the life of those bullied on a daily basis; a look at the life of those that may seem 'different' to everyone around them, but who, deep down, need to be loved, like everyone else.
I loved this story and would highly recommend it for all teens and their parents. This is a beautiful story. Oh, and don't forget the tissues, as there are always tears with any LL Collins story.
You will meet Greer and fall in love with this young man who has his share of hurt and loneliness. You will get a look at the life of those bullied on a daily basis; a look at the life of those that may seem 'different' to everyone around them, but who, deep down, need to be loved, like everyone else.
I loved this story and would highly recommend it for all teens and their parents. This is a beautiful story. Oh, and don't forget the tissues, as there are always tears with any LL Collins story.
October 4, 2014
Wow, Alexis is all grown up. She is a beautiful, loving and caring women. She is now at college and meets a boy who has Aspergers. She tried to break through to him to become friends, he is hesitant since he isn't used to girls wanting to be his friend. She discovers what a great guy he is and loves spending time with him. Could they become more than friends?
Just like the other books in this series, it is an emotional read. Have your Kleenex ready. This is a beautiful story and a great way to end the series we all love so much.
Just like the other books in this series, it is an emotional read. Have your Kleenex ready. This is a beautiful story and a great way to end the series we all love so much.
March 31, 2016
Love this whole series!
Breaking free closes out the loving again series. :*) we get so see Alexis all grown up and going have to her dream college. Lexi gets partnered with Greer, he has Aspergers and isn't a fan of being touched. Greer and Lexi become close. I loved following the budding relationship and seeing where everyone from books 1-4 are now. I'm going to miss everyone In this series but I know L. L. Collins will give us something wonderful to follow
Breaking free closes out the loving again series. :*) we get so see Alexis all grown up and going have to her dream college. Lexi gets partnered with Greer, he has Aspergers and isn't a fan of being touched. Greer and Lexi become close. I loved following the budding relationship and seeing where everyone from books 1-4 are now. I'm going to miss everyone In this series but I know L. L. Collins will give us something wonderful to follow
October 4, 2014
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is all kinds of wow! I loved the romance, the friendship and the overall message of tolerance. Absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend the entire series. Each book is extremely worth reading.
This book is all kinds of wow! I loved the romance, the friendship and the overall message of tolerance. Absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend the entire series. Each book is extremely worth reading.
September 26, 2014
Will write a better review when Breaking Free releases. But for now.....
All I can say is this book is special and it's truly the most sweetest book I've ever read. Alexis is all grown up and we get to see the amazing woman she is growing into. Highly recommended for any age group!!!!!
All I can say is this book is special and it's truly the most sweetest book I've ever read. Alexis is all grown up and we get to see the amazing woman she is growing into. Highly recommended for any age group!!!!!
Want to read
February 12, 2014Awww this is gonna be so cute to read, can't wait ;)
March 14, 2019
This one will probably touch a little too close to home for me because my son is autistic but I can't wait to read it
June 21, 2017
Just wow!
Bittersweet story after having read this whole series. Reading Alexis and Greer's love story had me in happy tears. Reading Alexis all grown up, had me in reminiscent tears. Reading about Greers story and bullying had me in sad and angry tears. You must definitely read all the books in the series prior to this novella...but I highly recommend! I'm going to miss the whole gang so very much!!
Bittersweet story after having read this whole series. Reading Alexis and Greer's love story had me in happy tears. Reading Alexis all grown up, had me in reminiscent tears. Reading about Greers story and bullying had me in sad and angry tears. You must definitely read all the books in the series prior to this novella...but I highly recommend! I'm going to miss the whole gang so very much!!
October 7, 2014
Breaking Free is the final story in the Living Again Series. And while it’s only a Novella, it sure packs one hell of a punch.
This story is one of true acceptance, learning to be comfortable in your own skin and be comfortable in who you are, and finding someone who’s willing to love you for simply just being you. Differences and all.
Alexis was first introduced to us in the first book in this series ‘Living Again’, as a baby. She makes an appearance in all the books in the series, and throughout them all, we get to see her as one of those people. One of those truly good and genuine people. We see it most in her acceptance of her step dad, Ben, and the only father she’s ever known, as just a toddler. And her open mindedness, her acceptance of everyone follows her throughout her life into adulthood where she meets Greer Henderson.
Greer Henderson is a seemingly normal adult. He’s attractive and smart. But he’s different. And everyone knows it. You see, Greer has Aspergers. Constantly living in a state of scheduled chaos, Greer doesn’t do well around other people. And other people don’t understand him. Don’t want to understand him. Don’t even bother to try. Until Alexis is partnered up with him in their Biology 2 class.
This book follows the friendship that blooms between Alexis and Greer. Greer’s never really had a friend before. Especially not one that was a girl. As Alexis learns Greer’s habits and idiosyncrasies, Greer learns that maybe, just maybe, not all people are bad.
It’s no secret that I read….Like..A LOT…I’ve been avidly reading since I was in middle school. Nine years of avid reading, and I’ve only come across a handful of books that really made an impact on my heart in my soul. In my psyche. Only a handful of books that have made me want to do something different with my life, that made me sit back and actually look at my life and some of the choices I’ve made. Only a handful of books that made me want—no need—to be a better version of myself.
Breaking Free did that to me. Did that for me. You learn at a very young age to be accepting of all people. That’s why kids are such a damned joy to be around. They don’t judge, they don’t ostracize, they are accepting of everyone. But somewhere along the way children—we—forget those things. We forget to remain open to the fact that everyone is different, and some more so than others. We let peer pressure, societal norms, cliques, and other people’s judgments effect our own. And that just sucks. Not to say that there aren’t some truly good and genuine people out there, but a lot of us look at others who are different, and see only that. See these people for nothing more than what makes them different from us. We’ve lost our ability to look beyond what the eye can see.
So to read a book about one of those “truly good and genuine people” that I mentioned before, made me want to make a change in myself. Made me want to be one of those people. If this book touches even one person the way that it’s touched me, LL Collins will have accomplished something major with her words.
I have a six year old cousin who is severely autistic, and shares a lot of the same traits as Greer. He can’t be touched, he doesn’t do well in overwhelming settings, he has a schedule that he follows, and for a six year old, he’s absolutely brilliant. The people who aren’t in his circle, don’t understand. And I can only hope, that even with his differences, he’ll be so lucky as to find himself an Alexis someday.
LL Collins, since the very beginning you’ve written books that grip your soul. That are relatable! And I think that’s what makes your books so great. You write books people can sympathize with, that people can relate to and say “Yeah, I know what these characters are feeling. I’ve been there.” And even for those of us who cant sympathize with your characters and all that they’re going through, you write them so well that we can empathize with them.
I’m so sad that the Living Again Series has come to a close, but you couldn’t have ended it with more of a bang.
For those of you who may be reading this review right now, buy this book. Let it be the reason you change someone’s life by just being their friend. By looking past their differences. Let this be your “How-To” guide on acceptance. On understanding. Let your pre-teen kids read this so they don’t forget to always be accepting. To never lose that innocence that makes them so open minded. To always remember that just because they may be different, doesn’t mean they aren’t human. To Stand Up and Speak Out against others who have forgotten these things.
This story is one of true acceptance, learning to be comfortable in your own skin and be comfortable in who you are, and finding someone who’s willing to love you for simply just being you. Differences and all.
Alexis was first introduced to us in the first book in this series ‘Living Again’, as a baby. She makes an appearance in all the books in the series, and throughout them all, we get to see her as one of those people. One of those truly good and genuine people. We see it most in her acceptance of her step dad, Ben, and the only father she’s ever known, as just a toddler. And her open mindedness, her acceptance of everyone follows her throughout her life into adulthood where she meets Greer Henderson.
Greer Henderson is a seemingly normal adult. He’s attractive and smart. But he’s different. And everyone knows it. You see, Greer has Aspergers. Constantly living in a state of scheduled chaos, Greer doesn’t do well around other people. And other people don’t understand him. Don’t want to understand him. Don’t even bother to try. Until Alexis is partnered up with him in their Biology 2 class.
This book follows the friendship that blooms between Alexis and Greer. Greer’s never really had a friend before. Especially not one that was a girl. As Alexis learns Greer’s habits and idiosyncrasies, Greer learns that maybe, just maybe, not all people are bad.
It’s no secret that I read….Like..A LOT…I’ve been avidly reading since I was in middle school. Nine years of avid reading, and I’ve only come across a handful of books that really made an impact on my heart in my soul. In my psyche. Only a handful of books that have made me want to do something different with my life, that made me sit back and actually look at my life and some of the choices I’ve made. Only a handful of books that made me want—no need—to be a better version of myself.
Breaking Free did that to me. Did that for me. You learn at a very young age to be accepting of all people. That’s why kids are such a damned joy to be around. They don’t judge, they don’t ostracize, they are accepting of everyone. But somewhere along the way children—we—forget those things. We forget to remain open to the fact that everyone is different, and some more so than others. We let peer pressure, societal norms, cliques, and other people’s judgments effect our own. And that just sucks. Not to say that there aren’t some truly good and genuine people out there, but a lot of us look at others who are different, and see only that. See these people for nothing more than what makes them different from us. We’ve lost our ability to look beyond what the eye can see.
So to read a book about one of those “truly good and genuine people” that I mentioned before, made me want to make a change in myself. Made me want to be one of those people. If this book touches even one person the way that it’s touched me, LL Collins will have accomplished something major with her words.
I have a six year old cousin who is severely autistic, and shares a lot of the same traits as Greer. He can’t be touched, he doesn’t do well in overwhelming settings, he has a schedule that he follows, and for a six year old, he’s absolutely brilliant. The people who aren’t in his circle, don’t understand. And I can only hope, that even with his differences, he’ll be so lucky as to find himself an Alexis someday.
LL Collins, since the very beginning you’ve written books that grip your soul. That are relatable! And I think that’s what makes your books so great. You write books people can sympathize with, that people can relate to and say “Yeah, I know what these characters are feeling. I’ve been there.” And even for those of us who cant sympathize with your characters and all that they’re going through, you write them so well that we can empathize with them.
I’m so sad that the Living Again Series has come to a close, but you couldn’t have ended it with more of a bang.
For those of you who may be reading this review right now, buy this book. Let it be the reason you change someone’s life by just being their friend. By looking past their differences. Let this be your “How-To” guide on acceptance. On understanding. Let your pre-teen kids read this so they don’t forget to always be accepting. To never lose that innocence that makes them so open minded. To always remember that just because they may be different, doesn’t mean they aren’t human. To Stand Up and Speak Out against others who have forgotten these things.
October 29, 2014
✯✯5 Break Out Stars!!✯✯
Well, I sound like a broken record when it comes to LL Collins!! This series is one of my favorites. I fell in love with Alexis AKA Lexie in the 1st book of the series Living Again about her mom Kayley. I felt like from page 1 to the very last page I cried. And, somehow it doesn't surprise me that Alexis is all grown up and I'm crying again!
Now, Alexis is all grown up and headed to college. Her relationship with her father Ben still brings me to tears. Ever since the day he met her the day her mother brought her into the hospital on her 1st birthday, he was her father.
Alexis can not wait to go to college. She is a cheerleader and has excellent grades. Alexis plans on being a doctor like her father. So, Alexis can not wait to go off to college and start her life.
Alexis goes to her science class and is paired up for the year with a lab partner by her teacher. Her partner is Greer. Alexis can tell almost instantly he is not like anybody she's ever met. They go out to get something for lunch to figure out a schedule for the year. When some of the other girls on Alexis cheer leading team start making fun of him. Greer runs out and Alexis is left shaking her head.
I fell in love with Greer instantly!! This kid has Aspergers and has been dealing with it his whole life. His days go by a schedule. He has his parents and 1 friend. Unfortunately, his friend went away for college so it's just Greer. He has been bullied, harassed and made fun of his whole life. But, seeing and having lunch with Alexis he thinks things could be different. Maybe she'd want to become his friend. Until those girls start making fun of him at lunch and he runs off.
Alexis can see right away that Greer is one of the good guys. She does whatever she can to break his walls down little by little. Alexis knows she can't push him. Greer knows Alexis isn't like the other girls he has grown up with. There is something about Alexis. Greer finds himself wanting to do things for Alexis. Something easy for us like everyday go somewhere different for lunch. Or changing our nightly plans just because is no big deal. But, Greer. It doesn't work like that. Yet, for Alexis he'll do it. Little at a time.
But, of course it's not all butterflies and rainbows. It's not all easy. When they think they've gotten ahead Greer gets setback. This poor guy just can't win. There are people that won't let him be happy. Live his life. They live to wake up everyday to find away to make fun or hurt him. It's sad.
Of course Alexis being the Lexi I remember from all the books. She is strong and won't back down from anything. She makes sure Greer knows just how much she loves him. And, that anyone who tries to stop Greer she makes it her mission to have them all pay!
I was really glad that Ben, Kayley and Alexis's 2 brothers & sister were in it. I was stoked to see bits of Kayley's past with Alexis father as well. Plus, the rest of the Living Again Series is back in full force. And, I cried the whole book!! But, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Even though this is a novella you'd forget it. LL did such a great job at making you feel every emotion that was going on in this story. My heart felt for Greer the whole book. But, she did it perfectly! I was glad to get to see Lexie go from college all the way to adulthood was fantastic to see. I am really going to miss this series so much. But, LL has a fan in me!!
Well, I sound like a broken record when it comes to LL Collins!! This series is one of my favorites. I fell in love with Alexis AKA Lexie in the 1st book of the series Living Again about her mom Kayley. I felt like from page 1 to the very last page I cried. And, somehow it doesn't surprise me that Alexis is all grown up and I'm crying again!
Now, Alexis is all grown up and headed to college. Her relationship with her father Ben still brings me to tears. Ever since the day he met her the day her mother brought her into the hospital on her 1st birthday, he was her father.
Alexis can not wait to go to college. She is a cheerleader and has excellent grades. Alexis plans on being a doctor like her father. So, Alexis can not wait to go off to college and start her life.
Alexis goes to her science class and is paired up for the year with a lab partner by her teacher. Her partner is Greer. Alexis can tell almost instantly he is not like anybody she's ever met. They go out to get something for lunch to figure out a schedule for the year. When some of the other girls on Alexis cheer leading team start making fun of him. Greer runs out and Alexis is left shaking her head.
I fell in love with Greer instantly!! This kid has Aspergers and has been dealing with it his whole life. His days go by a schedule. He has his parents and 1 friend. Unfortunately, his friend went away for college so it's just Greer. He has been bullied, harassed and made fun of his whole life. But, seeing and having lunch with Alexis he thinks things could be different. Maybe she'd want to become his friend. Until those girls start making fun of him at lunch and he runs off.
Alexis can see right away that Greer is one of the good guys. She does whatever she can to break his walls down little by little. Alexis knows she can't push him. Greer knows Alexis isn't like the other girls he has grown up with. There is something about Alexis. Greer finds himself wanting to do things for Alexis. Something easy for us like everyday go somewhere different for lunch. Or changing our nightly plans just because is no big deal. But, Greer. It doesn't work like that. Yet, for Alexis he'll do it. Little at a time.
But, of course it's not all butterflies and rainbows. It's not all easy. When they think they've gotten ahead Greer gets setback. This poor guy just can't win. There are people that won't let him be happy. Live his life. They live to wake up everyday to find away to make fun or hurt him. It's sad.
Of course Alexis being the Lexi I remember from all the books. She is strong and won't back down from anything. She makes sure Greer knows just how much she loves him. And, that anyone who tries to stop Greer she makes it her mission to have them all pay!
I was really glad that Ben, Kayley and Alexis's 2 brothers & sister were in it. I was stoked to see bits of Kayley's past with Alexis father as well. Plus, the rest of the Living Again Series is back in full force. And, I cried the whole book!! But, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Even though this is a novella you'd forget it. LL did such a great job at making you feel every emotion that was going on in this story. My heart felt for Greer the whole book. But, she did it perfectly! I was glad to get to see Lexie go from college all the way to adulthood was fantastic to see. I am really going to miss this series so much. But, LL has a fan in me!!
September 12, 2015
Very good series, but took a little bit to get through all five books. I think that I experienced every emotion while reading the box set. L.L Colin's came through again with awesome writing and it seems like she transfers you into her books. All five books had very strong characters and each situation was different. You will want to rad all five because they build off each other.
Living again is the first book and it is a heart wrenching story. This book is the foundation of the box set. Kayley is a very strong woman and Ben not taking no, or giving up. I felt that Ben really mad this story and I was a huge fan of his. I am glad that at the end he had his family. Kayley hard to get attitude at first made this story, and her heart breaking experience. I think out of the five main characters she falls into the category of one of the strongest. I think that at first the story took a little bit to take off because she was setting the scene.
Reaching Rachel was probably the one out of the five that I didn't like. It was not until I got to the end that I realized that it built off the first book. Rachel went through horrible events, and I am happy at the end she gets her guy. I hated Justin and glad that Devin saved her. I think out of all the men characters Devin was the one that I wanted the most.
Guarding heart hit home to me the most since I am a social worker and work with foster kids. The story was a story that as you read you can dream and hope. Ellis was a broken man and I was glad he started to come back where he was able to feel again. To me the ending was probably the most good hearted because everything comes together and he has his happy ending.
Finding forever was the one book that had me crying and probably the most real book. Lacey is the most strongest character that I have read about. L.L Colin's had my emotions on a roller coaster and I was so glad Lacey and Brant had their happy ever after.
Breaking Free wraps the whole box set up and looks at people that are diagnosed with a illness. This story tells the reader what I tell a lot of my kids that the diagnosis does not make who you are, and it is good to see him win out in the end and not the jock. This goes back to Ben and Kayleys daughter and her at college.
L.L. Colin's out did herself in this box set and I would recommend this to anyone to read.
This review was done for Kylie's Fiction Adiction.
Living again is the first book and it is a heart wrenching story. This book is the foundation of the box set. Kayley is a very strong woman and Ben not taking no, or giving up. I felt that Ben really mad this story and I was a huge fan of his. I am glad that at the end he had his family. Kayley hard to get attitude at first made this story, and her heart breaking experience. I think out of the five main characters she falls into the category of one of the strongest. I think that at first the story took a little bit to take off because she was setting the scene.
Reaching Rachel was probably the one out of the five that I didn't like. It was not until I got to the end that I realized that it built off the first book. Rachel went through horrible events, and I am happy at the end she gets her guy. I hated Justin and glad that Devin saved her. I think out of all the men characters Devin was the one that I wanted the most.
Guarding heart hit home to me the most since I am a social worker and work with foster kids. The story was a story that as you read you can dream and hope. Ellis was a broken man and I was glad he started to come back where he was able to feel again. To me the ending was probably the most good hearted because everything comes together and he has his happy ending.
Finding forever was the one book that had me crying and probably the most real book. Lacey is the most strongest character that I have read about. L.L Colin's had my emotions on a roller coaster and I was so glad Lacey and Brant had their happy ever after.
Breaking Free wraps the whole box set up and looks at people that are diagnosed with a illness. This story tells the reader what I tell a lot of my kids that the diagnosis does not make who you are, and it is good to see him win out in the end and not the jock. This goes back to Ben and Kayleys daughter and her at college.
L.L. Colin's out did herself in this box set and I would recommend this to anyone to read.
This review was done for Kylie's Fiction Adiction.
December 23, 2015
This is all about a young girl’s will to “break free” from her home and family to find independence at a college university. Right away, I applauded the pursuit of higher education and growing up. I agree that high school is nothing like college—it’s better.
On first impression, Alexis seemed too perky and perfect—valedictorian, cheerleader, lots of friends, guys asking her out, and wanting to be a doctor. And then there was Greer, who was the opposite—the nerd, the tech-geek, the friendless, the one people made fun of. The fact is that Greer has Aspergers. So when the two get teamed up as lab partners, it made for an compelling spin. This is all about looking beyond first impressions.
The interesting thing with both of these characters is that they don’t necessarily fit the stereotype. Alexis may be a cheerleader, but that didn’t make her a blonde bimbo; and Greer may be called a loser, but he had movie-star good looks and a sculpted body.
I liked Greer. He may not be sociable and his communication skills may need some work, but he was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. I find that interesting, and, apparently, so did Alexis. I found it sad how the college cheerleaders can be just as mean as high school cheerleaders. What problem did they have with Greer? He was a nice guy! Like Alexis said: Why are people so mean?
This is a cute college friendship-turned-romance. The story is sub-par and somewhat banal. It’s practically an after-school special to teach kids good behavior (a must, in my opinion!) “If we all spent more time worrying about helping others rather than thinking we’re so much better than them, the world would be a much better place.” (36) A cliché you’d so hear in one of those programs.
On first impression, Alexis seemed too perky and perfect—valedictorian, cheerleader, lots of friends, guys asking her out, and wanting to be a doctor. And then there was Greer, who was the opposite—the nerd, the tech-geek, the friendless, the one people made fun of. The fact is that Greer has Aspergers. So when the two get teamed up as lab partners, it made for an compelling spin. This is all about looking beyond first impressions.
The interesting thing with both of these characters is that they don’t necessarily fit the stereotype. Alexis may be a cheerleader, but that didn’t make her a blonde bimbo; and Greer may be called a loser, but he had movie-star good looks and a sculpted body.
I liked Greer. He may not be sociable and his communication skills may need some work, but he was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. I find that interesting, and, apparently, so did Alexis. I found it sad how the college cheerleaders can be just as mean as high school cheerleaders. What problem did they have with Greer? He was a nice guy! Like Alexis said: Why are people so mean?
This is a cute college friendship-turned-romance. The story is sub-par and somewhat banal. It’s practically an after-school special to teach kids good behavior (a must, in my opinion!) “If we all spent more time worrying about helping others rather than thinking we’re so much better than them, the world would be a much better place.” (36) A cliché you’d so hear in one of those programs.
October 31, 2014
This novella was a fantastic ending to the Living Again series. It was also bitter/sweet; I’m going to miss all of these characters so very much.
Seeing how Alexis Nichols has turned out was awesome. She has always been a very special, intelligent, caring and exceptional girl and growing up hasn’t changed that in the slightest. It was a foregone conclusion that she would find someone just as exceptional to spend her life with and Greer Henderson didn’t disappoint. Everyday life was a struggle for Greer but that didn’t stop him from reaching his potential. He was an amazingly strong willed, intelligent young man. For me Greer totally stole the show in this book. L.L Collins did an amazing job of making Greer feel very real and relatable, portraying his Asperger’s with honesty.
I loved Alexis and Greer’s relationship, they were so great together. They were very comfortable with each other and for Greer that was a huge accomplishment that doesn’t happen lightly. Their relationship was so sweet and pure and one that I will be thinking about for some time. I have to say, their first kiss was so very sweet and perfect for them, it had my heart sighing!
If you have read Living Again you definitely need to read this, it’s perfect! I can’t wait to see what L.L has in store for us next!!
Seeing how Alexis Nichols has turned out was awesome. She has always been a very special, intelligent, caring and exceptional girl and growing up hasn’t changed that in the slightest. It was a foregone conclusion that she would find someone just as exceptional to spend her life with and Greer Henderson didn’t disappoint. Everyday life was a struggle for Greer but that didn’t stop him from reaching his potential. He was an amazingly strong willed, intelligent young man. For me Greer totally stole the show in this book. L.L Collins did an amazing job of making Greer feel very real and relatable, portraying his Asperger’s with honesty.
I loved Alexis and Greer’s relationship, they were so great together. They were very comfortable with each other and for Greer that was a huge accomplishment that doesn’t happen lightly. Their relationship was so sweet and pure and one that I will be thinking about for some time. I have to say, their first kiss was so very sweet and perfect for them, it had my heart sighing!
If you have read Living Again you definitely need to read this, it’s perfect! I can’t wait to see what L.L has in store for us next!!
November 13, 2014
This series is one of my all-time favorite series! I am so sad to know it is over, but am glad I rode the ride. If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend it! Just be warned: you will need massive amounts of tissues! LL Collins can write one hell of a tear jerker, but the stories are always amazing.
This is a novella about Alexis. You can read it as a standalone but to get the full impact of the story, you should read the series first. We met Alexis in the first book of the series, Living Again. She has grown up and now heading off to college. It’s a bittersweet time for her as it is for most kids heading off into a new stage in their life.
Her first day of college, she is assigned as a lab partner to Greer. Alexis is nervous but excited to meet her new partner and classmate but as we learn, he is not so excited. You will learn why once you read the book. I really don’t want to tell you too much because I don’t want to give it all away, but I highly recommend the book and the series.
This is a book about courage. New beginnings. Finding out who you truly are on the inside. It is a beautiful and touching story that had me in tears and beaming with love for LL Collins. Breaking Free touched me deeply and I will never forget the journey. Go 1-click and enjoy it along with the many others who have already read this wonderful book.
This is a novella about Alexis. You can read it as a standalone but to get the full impact of the story, you should read the series first. We met Alexis in the first book of the series, Living Again. She has grown up and now heading off to college. It’s a bittersweet time for her as it is for most kids heading off into a new stage in their life.
Her first day of college, she is assigned as a lab partner to Greer. Alexis is nervous but excited to meet her new partner and classmate but as we learn, he is not so excited. You will learn why once you read the book. I really don’t want to tell you too much because I don’t want to give it all away, but I highly recommend the book and the series.
This is a book about courage. New beginnings. Finding out who you truly are on the inside. It is a beautiful and touching story that had me in tears and beaming with love for LL Collins. Breaking Free touched me deeply and I will never forget the journey. Go 1-click and enjoy it along with the many others who have already read this wonderful book.
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