Live and Love Again

by Jan Gayle

Even after three years, Sarah Jarret struggles every day with the death of her long-time partner. Her tough exterior and extreme independence has made her almost completely isolate herself, but Sarah may finally be beginning to get herself back together. Her small custom furniture building business is showing real potential and forcing her out of her comfort zone. And Jessica Whitney, a beautiful and successful Chicago architect, just walked into her life. Jessica and Sarah are immediately attracted to each other, and they fall fast and hard, but Sarah’s guilt and pride may push Jessica away and keep Sarah from opening up to the possibility of new love.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Femme Femme, Fiction, Lesbian Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2016

About the author

Jan Gayle was raised in a small farming community in central Illinois. Upon graduating from college with a B.S. in social studies education, Jan joined the U.S. Air Force. She later accepted a commission and served for twenty years as an Air Force officer. As a new lieutenant, she deployed to Desert Storm. She returned to the Middle East for another deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom fourteen years later. While on active duty, Jan visited over forty countries and was assigned to locations all over the United States. She continues to work for the Air Force as a civil servant, but her true passion is her small woodworking business where she builds custom wood furniture. Jan lives with her wife Jules and their two boys. She started writing on a dare and was immediately hooked. Live and Love Again is Jan’s debut novel.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok read! same old storytelling...about a very lonely rich female/lesbian executive who has her own company but is looking for "real love" then she meets this poor/middle-class female who is also struggling with her finances but then 'WHAM' one day they meet and an incredible thing happen,they have instant chemistry(fall in love)..well this is most of what the author wrote and supply to us the readers as a plotline. Good supporting cast,nice love scenes with very graphic description were the only positive things going for this book..recommend

[Agirlcandream · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Jan Gayle’s debut novel, Live and Love Again. The author adds a twist to the standard player sees the error of her ways and settles down in a committed relationship and instead gives us a one night stand which develops into something more.

It’s been three years since Sarah Jarret lost the love of her life. She is struggling to move on with her life. Her custom furniture building business has potential for real growth with a business opportunity in Chicago. A beautiful woman catches her eye at the airport and as luck would have it, her and Jessica Whitney, a successful Chicago architect share seats and a mutual attraction on their flight. Can two women with different backgrounds, separated by hundreds of miles find a way to move past their brief encounter and find a lasting relationship?

I found Live and Love Again to be a sweet read. It’s impossible to not like both Sarah and Jessica. They are both so nice and yes, the sex scenes are quite well done considering this is a debut novel . What I loved was the humour mixed in with the challenges our two leading ladies face in their quest to make their relationship work. I got a kick out of the exhaustion levels experienced by Sarah and Jessica after multiple lovemaking sessions lasting all night long.

I did find some of the dialogue and premise a bit eye rolling. The frequent references to how beautiful and gorgeous the women are reminded me that this is indeed a work of fiction. We readers get to pretend and hope that one day some gorgeous woman will swoop in and make all our dreams come true. Word choices were occasionally awkward (a thin waist instead of a slim or trim waist) and the ending was telegraphed and predictable.

That said I found this book difficult to put down. Gayle succeeded in developing her characters, especially Sarah to the point where I wanted to know how they were going to cope with the challenges they faced. A book which flows smoothly and makes me care about the lives of fictional characters is a winner for me.

ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley

[Pin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In short -- a widow who is still in mourning fights the attraction to her new good-looking love interest because of feelings of betrayal and guilt towards her deceased partner.
I liked the main characters and their story, although it is not particularly original, but I never had problems with that. The author plays it safe, and there are a few common tropes in the story for creating drama and tension between the characters and pushing the plot toward (a rich girl - poor girl discord, keeping secrets for the sake of more drama, one character has to be seriously injured for the other character to accept her true feelings etc.), but the same could be said for most romance novels.
I’m not quite satisfied with the rushed and happy-for-now type of ending.
All in all, this is a solid read for a debut novel, so I will definitely check out the next book from Jan Gayle.

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[~ * K E L L I E * ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Jarret and Jessica Whitney meet on a plane and the sparks of attraction immediately soar. A conversation strikes up between the ladies regarding work and why Sarah is traveling to Chicago. A friendship soon blossoms during the 3 hour flight between Phoenix and Chicago and, once back on the ground, Jess offers Sarah a ride to her meeting in city and makes plans for dinner afterwards… the rest of the story you’ll have to read for yourself :-)

The narrative was rather fast paced with the storyline taking place over a month. The ladies were quick to take their relationship to the next level, which was steamy and didn't have the usual reserve most debut authors have with writing sex scenes. There were a few typical lesfic cliché moments and what is it with ‘bashing’ scenes popping up left, right and center in many new release lesfic books of late?.

Overall, this was a nice debut novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m satisfied with the ending, however I would’ve liked an epilogue. I’m looking forward to Ms Gayle’s next book, Best Laid Plans, due out in July 2016.

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instant attraction, kinda hot. Jessica Whitney, successful well-to-do architect with a warm and caring personality. Jessica works long hours and does not desire a permanent relationship or so she thinks. Sarah Jarret, wood worker extraordinaire, widow, unsure if she can love again. Corny but sweet and I enjoyed every single page (well accept a couple). Being the romantic that I am, "In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight". Oh yeah, hot and sexy.

[Tiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Live and Love Again by Jan Gail is fine. It's not great, but it's not bad either. This quick read is a story you've most certainly have read before. Wounded working class woman meets hot rich corporate executive. They hook up and fall desperately in love withing in a matter of weeks.

Sarah Jarrett is a widow. She lost the love of her life years ago and has not dated since. That is until one day while boarding a plane to Chicago she meets Jessica Whitney. Jessica takes her breath away, and guess what, she is seated right next to Sarah. This is where the relationship takes off, literally.

Really there isn't much else's to say. The protagonists hookup and have rich girl, poor girl conversations ad nauseam. Neither character is really fleshed out, mostly what we learn about them is superficial and surface. Jessica is too nice and Sarah acts like a jerk way too much. She literally has hangups upon hangups.

This book is rather ordinary and doesn't have much substance. My personal rating would be a 2.75.

[emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inching closer to 3.5 stars tbh. There was a lot to enjoy abt this read, mostly with both MCs and their dynamic. In particular I had a bit of a crush on Jessica, esp bc Lori Prince gave her one of my fav voices in her repertoire. It was moooostly a light and quick read/listen that’s decently solid, but it felt a teeny bit cringy/cheesy at times. I could have forgiven a lot of that, except the ending (which was the most dramatic part of the novel) rlly just felt a bit too rushed for me. Vaguely when Jess is released shall we say, it felt like we def needed a little bit longer with them to breathe and settle in after everything and get it enjoy them happy and getting more solid. It felt just a little too abrupt and I enjoyed both characters! So I wanted to get to see a bit more of an ending for them. Overall tho, cute full fantasy of a gorgeous, generous, rich woman swooping in and falling in love with a still kinda lonely grieving widow with likable characters all around. A bit cheesy/heavy handed at times, sure. But it was fun and I spent most of today invested in it! Lori Prince’s narration was as fantastic as always, and why I picked up the title in the first place, but I enjoyed myself enough that I would check out another one by this author in hopes that they write a slightly longer one with a bit more fleshed out ending next time. And I’d rec it if you’re looking for something fairly quick and overall kinda sweet.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hi ho, hi ho, a trope-ing we will go...

Live and Love Again is average all around. You have seen these characters before. You have seen this plot before. The quality of the prose was...you guessed it, average (very static - very outside the characters rather than with them). By the end of the book I was playing trope bingo [big I almost did a victory dance when I got to the 'accident and hospital vigil brings characters back together and brings on declarations of love' scene ]. Now don't get me wrong - tropes exist for a reason - and, when done well, I'll happily read trope-fests over and over again. However. as they say in Bake Off 'if you're going to do bake something simple it has to taste fantastic'. Live and Love Again may have avoided the dreaded soggy bottom but it definitely left a great deal to be desired in the flavor department.

I think I'm a bit let down by this book: I love me a wounded protagonist, crying out for the love of a good woman - and I don't mind a bit of 'lonely exec finds the one thing money can't buy' thing either... and I guess I got the paint by numbers version of that... but when I'm paying good money (or if I'm considering if others should pay good money as the case may be) I expect a little more.

I will say, I really liked the front cover - it's great to see a BSB publication with a fresher look, some of their works have a very old school, amateurish look that lets down a work that has, at least, been edited to a professional standard.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable 'read and forget' book then you could do worse - and it never hurts to support a debut author - but, given the best thing I could say about it was that it had an eye-catching front cover, it's fair to say you should look elsewhere if you're in need of some quality, engaging swoon.

*I was provided with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and was disappointed when it finished. The main pull for me was the characters who I fell in love with from the beginning. I loved Jess's generosity and kindness to people. I liked how Sarah was able to work through her issues and able to eventually find her way through a difficult time.

The story line moved at a good pace keeping me turning the pages. I was surprised how quickly I finished the book. I did enjoy how their relationship start so early and continued to build throughout the book with the standard angst added in.

The two characters had there own issues to work through and my main issue with the book would be that I felt we only scratched the surface of dealing with their issues. I would have liked to have worked through these issues as a couple instead of focusing on certain events towards the end of the book that ended up bringing them together. I felt the book did end too quickly.

I did really enjoy the read and would love to read more about these two characters.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Endlesscribbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly good book for a first time author and will read Jan Gayle's second book when it comes out.

I would have liked an epilogue or at least knowing that there is a sequel due to the fact that this book just seemed to end so abruptly for me. I would've liked to learn more deeply about the characters and where they are headed.

My rating is actually 3.5

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three years ago, Sarah lost her partner, Cheryl, in a terrible accident. A former Colonel in the military, Sarah remains shattered by Cheryl's death and closed off to those around her. She focuses on her furniture business and her dog, Benny. But on a flight to Chicago, she meets Jessica Whitney, a beautiful, successful, businesswoman. The two hit it off immediately and feel an instant connection. The sudden sparks force Sarah to re-think everything - is she ready to move one? Can she really imagine herself with a wealthy and strong woman?

This book is admittedly, a fairly stereotypical cheesy romance. But if the New Adult genre can write them so prolifically, then I think it's refreshing to find a novel that actually offers lesbian characters. True, I probably overlooked a few flaws in this book because I'm completely starved for books with lesbian protagonists and romance, but it was still an enjoyable story. The book engages you early on, when Jessica and Sarah meet. I read the first 150 pages rapidly - it drew me in immediately. Sarah is a likable character; as is Jessica, really. You can imagine knowing either of them in your lesbian circles (beyond Jessica's money, perhaps).

Speaking of the money, the book hammers home that point a bit much: Sarah has no money, Jessica has plenty of it. That gets a bit repetitive and the book stalls a little in the middle. That stall is helped by the cliche of the "wounded character hurt by a death in a previous relationship who can't move on." However, that cliche is found in plenty of genres, not just LGBT. Still, Gayle maneuvers her characters around all their issues fairly deftly. You're pretty sure you know how Jessica and Sarah will wind up, but it's still fun watching them get there. The book is sexy (especially early on - maybe that's the real lesbian cliche - ha!), fun, and, as always, refreshing to see some lesbian characters portrayed as real people. Points for the sweet and loyal supporting character of Jimmy the Driver, too. Definitely a fun, quick read.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley (thank you!); it is available for publication on 1/19. You can check out a review of this novel and many others on my blog.

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an honest review thanks to NetGalley, this was a great fast heartwarming read. I felt the connection between the two woman from the beginning, and hearing about their struggles and their love for each other warmed my heart. This book would have been an easy four, but the ending left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Even with the ending this is a book that I will read again.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 lonely souls hook up…

“Sarah had no idea she could ever feel like this again. It was scary to think that someone else could make her feel the way she felt with Cheryl. She never dreamed anyone else could make her feel alive again.”
+ • + • + • +

About the discovery, uncertainty & passion of a relationship between two women— both bearing the scars from the pain of a deceased wife & the loneliness family abandonment, as they consider the possibility of love & family with each other that's able to overcome & heal their wounds!

[Tq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love a good romance with characters that keep me interested. I recommend this if you are looking for a sexy romance. What a page turner. I couldn't put it down.

[Chantel DaCosta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jan Gayle's debut novel is a short and sweet love story. Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for granting me access.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely book. Little ups and downs. little tear shedding....perfect😊

[Sean Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong, likeable characters, good buildup of sexual tension with passionate results, lovers with emotional obstacles that I want them to overcome, a heartfelt enjoyable read.

[Cornelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warning for violence. I didn't expect it, and I didn't appreciate it. Otherwise, it's a very standard romance novel.

[Christine Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, enjoyable and addictive read.

This book stood out because of its brilliantly portrayed characters. Both woman were professional business women, both had reached where they wanted to be careers wise, they were both mature and they were both had very credible personalities. I particularly admired the way the author gave both women histories that reflected the way they conducted their lives, ambitions and insecurities at the time the novel occurred.

The way the women handled their blossoming relationship in their own individual way was imaginatively portrayed. It entailed coming to terms with lots of emotional baggage for one, while the other had to surmount being able to commit emotionally for the first time in her life.

I thought the ending was not only positive, giving the reader a real feel good factor but quite creative. The conclusion allowed the reader scope to define the way the couples relationship might proceed.

Ms Gayle has produced an excellent read, one that I thoroughly recommend.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
This was a nice romance. It explores the story of two women, one who has never loved before and one who has loved and lost, and is still trying to recover from that loss. Both women feel the attraction and chemistry between them, and both decided there was nothing wrong with having a little fun. Like things do, however, things change slowly, and without them noticing, and before either one knows it, they have to confront the fact that they feel more than they ever expected to. This isn't much of a problem for Jessica, but it causes a lot of guilt for Sarah, and forces her to confront her unresolved feelings about the death of her wife. The story follows the two as they try to push past the things holding them back from each other.
The story was engaging, and makes you hope the two characters are able to resolve their feelings for each other. All in all, a nice romantic story.

[Christie Devaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a good love story with a little spice? Live and Love Again has just that. Right from the beginning the author builds the characters in a way that I found myself thinking about Sarah and Jessica as if they were my dear friends. I enjoyed the realness of the relationship and not just the same old storybook love story. I absolutely fell in love with Benny, Sarah's faithful furry companion! I'm looking forward to reading more from Jan Gayle.

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

I really enjoyed this book. Great characters and great story. It really holds your interest. The trials and tribulations of both main characters really capture your heart.

[Mirtha Siblesz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I enjoyed the story very much. Very well written. The description of the wood and the artistry of the furniture making was very beautiful. The love story was sweet with enough angst to make it interesting. Good first effort!