Lilies

In the Light #1

by Addyson Thompson

Hayden Sanders is a history professor at Rockstein University. She has only ever loved one man, Gavin Hudson, her childhood best friend. Friends since birth, they were inseparable until petty high school jealousy ripped him from her life. Now at 32, she doesn't date. She’s steers clear of men, in general.

Gavin is head of a trauma team at Rockstein University Hospital. He finally has everything he wants in life, except the one person he walked away from 15 years ago. After years of searching fate lies right around the corner.

Can he win back the one person he loves more than life? Or will their past collide and ruin a chance at a future together?

Lilies is part of the In the Light series. Each book follows a different couple. HEA. No cliffhangers. Recommended 18+ Due to strong language and sexual content.

Genres: Second Chance Romance

474 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2015

About the author

By day, I am a college instructor, wife and mom. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. My husband, son, family (as crazy and chaotic as it can be) and friends are the best part of me.
By night, I’m an avid reader of romance. February 2015 brought the release of my debut novel, Lilies. Here I am nine months later releasing Orchids, Book 2: In the Light Series. I didn’t think it was possible but it is a dream come true. I’ve always had stories running through my head but didn’t have the courage to put them on paper, until now. This road hasn’t been all roses and sunshine. It’s been long filled with happiness, laughs and tears but I’ve learned so much. I hope you have enjoyed Brooklyn and Carver’s story as much as I’ve enjoyed taking the journey with them.
Want to keep up on the latest with the In the Light Series? I love to hear from my readers. Please feel free to contact at any of the social media sites below.

addysonthompson13@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising start to this series by debut author Addyson Thompson.

Lilies was a sweet second chance, friends to lovers romance. It's the kind of story where you root for the couple from the start, feel their pain when they're apart and squeal in delight when they reunite and are able to conquer surprise obstacles in their path towards their HEA.

Hayden (our heroine) was able to draw a lot of different emotions out of me; sadness for when her heart broke at such a young age & for how long it took to reunite with Gavin, happiness for when she shared fun times with her BFF Brooklyn & for when she finally let love in and anger for when she ran, instead of talking it out with Gavin.

Gavin (our Hero) was able to pull out those same feelings in me but he brought others to the table as well; disbelief/irritation for when the real reason was revealed of why he ended his friendship with Hayden 15 years ago, love/swoon for every creative declaration of love he made to her and humor for every time he was c***-blocked by someone.

The supporting cast of characters was fun and provided some great moments both from the past & in the present. There were times I thought the memories from the past may have been a little too wordy but I generally prefer that, rather than glossing over things. I like learning about where my Hero & heroine came from!

I think the story may have flowed a bit more smoothly with a closer look editing-wise but overall, that didn't detract from it.

The ending chapters were cute & filled with my much desired HEA. Hayden exclaiming that Gavin "would never get his demon d*** near her again"... Awesome.

Excited to see how Brooklyn's story will play out in the next book!

[Chianti Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous debut for Addyson Thompson. The characters are well developed. Gavin and Hayden a love story that started a long time ago. The twists and turns that bring them back together are amazing to read. When the truth to the past is shown, the emotions fly. I enjoyed this read and the story just melts your heart. Gavin goodness, there is one scene that I would have loved to have been Hayden. There is something to be said when an author can make you enjoy each word that is written. I liked how the story unfolded, the heat that was brought and the piece of suspense from a side character. I look forward to more of Addyson Thompson's work.

[Author Annelise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I'm not usually into the long lost love thing, but I could not help myself with this one! I loved Gavin from page 2. He's a refreshing change for a lot of male characters out there. He's very solid, and when he let's his dominant side out (insert shivers here) it's HOTT! Hayden is scared of commitment, and used to running which is very relatable since that is an instinct for some. I found Lilies to be a beautiful story, and I cannot wait for the next one. Brooklyn and Carver were smoking in the background of Lilies. I can't wait to see the flames in Orchids!

[Emily]

DNF at 60%.

[Ratatosk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried so hard to power through. Not just the bad grammar, spacing and punctuation....storyline was trite, no character development, constant repeating of details.