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Surviving For Us

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Angie Smith has been through a lot in her life. After surviving a horrible break up, she gave up on love and instead spent countless nights focusing on nursing school. Now working her dream job and spending time with friends, Angie is happier than ever. But when one fateful night has her reuniting with the boy who use to live next door, she isn’t sure she can resist him. Chase Johnson had nothing keeping him in town, and knew the Marines were what was best for him. Home on leave after boot camp Chase is ready to set off and see the world, not looking for a woman to capture his heart. That all changes the night he meets the neighbor from his past. Angie is beautiful, down to earth and everything he never knew he wanted. Unable to ignore their feelings for each other Chase and Angie surrender to the undeniable chemistry. But when the Marine Corps ships Chase off, Angie is left behind, waiting and wondering if their love is really strong enough to survive. Adult Content 18 and Over

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2015

26 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Nicole

4 books104 followers

Lauren Nicole is a Contemporary Romance author from Florida. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with her three boys and husband, usually at a football field. She loves to watch and play sports. When she gets some downtime you will find her curled up with a good book.

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5 stars
121 (38%)
4 stars
96 (30%)
3 stars
63 (19%)
2 stars
29 (9%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Nicla.
416 reviews347 followers
October 24, 2015
Really enjoyable read. Surviving for us is a beautiful & heartfelt story. It had all the things I like in a good romance. A hero who knows what he wants, a relatable heroine and romance that didn't have a lot of over the top unnecessary drama. Recommend if you are looking for a sweet instant love story.

I looking forward to reading more from Lauren Nicole.

HEA
Cheating/OW
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: Medium
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
June 12, 2016
This was certainly a pleasant surprise. As a former military wife, this was especially emotional for me. I don't often read books about military life because they are often nothing like what really goes on and that bugs me. This book hit it pretty spot on in my opinion. Chase and Angie met right before he was heading out for Marine training. Angie had a hard time trusting men after a bad breakup years prior so at first was apprehensive about trusting Chase. Chase, had never had anyone serious in his life and wasn't looking for it, especially since he was going to be leaving for a few months. Imagine his surprise when he fell head over heals for this sweet girl. So starts a romantic love affair that is tested by surprises, separations for training, a deployment and the after effects of that deployment. I loved Chase because once he met Angie, there was no one else for him. There was no cheating, there was a misunderstanding about a woman when he is out, but that is quickly resolved and not made into an issue. He is totally devoted to Angie. Looking forward to reading the novella released about this couple next! We get a HEA with an epilogue that is 2 years out.
Profile Image for Stacy Hahn.
810 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2015
Surviving for US is the debut novel from Lauren Nicole. This is a beautiful love story about taking chances and opening your heart up to love again.
Angie was hurt badly by her high school sweetheart and she doesn’t think she’ll be able to fall in love or trust again. All that changed when she met Chase through a mutual friend. Chase is beyond gorgeous and sweet. Chase was drawn to Angie immediately recognizing her as his neighbor when he was in high school. He could tell he had his work cut out for him for her to even allow him in as a friend. Having a girlfriend would be hard for him since he is leaving to go back to school for his military training as a Marine. Soon Angie and Chase are unable to fight the feelings they have for each other and they become so much more. Leaving her was painful and harder than he expected. Chase and Angie have so much love, but will that be enough for their relationship to survive the challenges it faces?
I loved this book because of all the “feels” it evokes. I laughed and cried right along with the characters. I loved the secondary characters, Jenn and Chris, as much as I did Angie and Chase. I can’t wait to see what else Lauren has in store for us!
Profile Image for Jessi .
178 reviews57 followers
April 25, 2016
Such a sweet story. I really enjoyed the flow of this book. The author wrote a really sweet love story that isn't a insta-love. From the bio, I was expecting some fatal event to bring Angie and Chase together, it wasn't bad. It was actually nice, kind of funny they lived next door growing up and then met again years later.

The romance was aspect was believable, not rushed. This is the first book of hers that I have read, and I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Nancy.
360 reviews
October 22, 2015
3.5 Awesome Debut Novel Stars!!!!!

I have been looking forward to reading this book since the first teaser came out!!! I just knew I was going to fall in love with these characters and Ms. Nicole did not disappoint me!

I loved Angie and Chase’s story. They come together unexpectedly one night and neither one of them can fight the attraction or chemistry that surrounds them. Angie tries though, but she just can’t resist the hot military man that is Chase, not even a little bit lol ☺

“Look at me baby. I wait until her eyes find mine. Remember this feeling right here. Don’t forget what it feels like to be full of me. I want you to feel it all so when I’m gone you will remember this. How perfectly we fit together, and how we can’t tell where you begin and I end. I love you, baby.”

See what I mean, the boy is hott!!!

I really enjoyed getting to know both of them and watching their relationship grow. I won’t lie to y’all they have a struggle ahead of them just because of the circumstances and situation before them. But together and with the help of some really great side characters -- true love prevails!

I am really looking forward to more from Lauren Nicole, maybe a book for Chris and Jenn…. Hint Hint….
136 reviews
October 13, 2015
Surviving For Us is the debut novel by Lauren and once I seen the cover and read the blurb I was immediately intrigued and was dying to read it!! Wow, this story was absolutely beautiful, it brought out all the "feels" with so many different emotions!

This is a story about second chances and learning to once again be open to someone. I loved Angie and of course Chase! They seemed perfect for each other right out of the gate. But sometimes life and circumstances you have no control over creep in and cause challenges!!

I am blown away this is Laurens first book. I was sucked in from page one and it held me until the end. I would be totally lying if I didnt say I am actually wanting more from these characters. Even the secondary characters brought a lot to thw table and added so much to the story! And gahh....all the emotions, I laughed and yes there were times I got teary eyed! This is definitely one of those books that will stay with you!!

I would definitley recommend this book to everyone. It is a well written, superb story that leaves your heart and head reeling. I look forward to more in the hear future from Lauren!!
Profile Image for Jamie .
1,490 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2016
Perfect story

Angie has sworn off relationships after a bad breakup years ago when her long time boyfriend moves then breakup with her. Jenn's her best Friend, and on a night out on the town Jenn introduces her to a long time friend Chase. Well sparks fly for Chase, and Angie trys to ignore the feelings she feel. With Chase making his presence known he wins out and get a date. That date turns into a relationship, things are good until Angie has some news to tell Chase the same day Chase has been given his orders to deploy can they make this work with a long distance relationship. Can things be the same when he comes back or will they both need to fine a happy medium to make their relationship work. Can Love Win Out. This is The Author's Debut Novel, I truly enjoyed the story and didn't want to put it down. I recommend this book to all.
Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews82 followers
May 26, 2016
3.5 stars. This is a decent, low angst read. It is the debut novel for this author I believe. As the book went on the writing matured and got better. One part of the book had my heart racing and not in a good way. It was resolved fairly quickly though. While the hero suffers from PTSD, it's not graphically done. Other authors have done a better portrayal but like I said for a debut novel not too bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,029 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2016
*3.5 stars*

The road to love is bumpy indeed…

Angie Smith, from the start, is not having good luck in love. Giving up on trusting men, she concentrates on school and, afterwards, getting a good job. She is happy though still closed off to thoughts of love and forever. When Chase Johnson just happens to walk in her life he is there for only a short time…

Angie and Chase hit it off right away despite the fact neither are looking for even a short-term relationship. Chase is months away from being a Marine and leaving his hometown indefinitely. Despite that, they each can’t deny the attraction or the sparks that fly between them…

More character development would have helped me enjoy this story more as Angie and Chase take insta-love very seriously. They both say they aren’t looking for a lover, or a partner, yet, there they are. And with any quickly-developing relationship the uncertainty between them – mistrust, jealousy and soon, distance – will test their bonds over and over.

A strong debut read and I’m looking forward to where this author goes.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for R.C. Martin.
Author 31 books295 followers
November 29, 2015
Actual rating, 3.5 stars!

I enjoyed this debut by Lauren! I read it in just about one sitting. The plot definitely kept me intrigued and I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. There was decent character development and the conflict kept things moving. There's a lot that happens in Angie and Chase's story and it all fit nicely between the beginning and the end.

I'm all about the details in a story. I can't help myself. And there were some things that I wanted to be explained more that weren't--internally, mostly. It's not even necessarily that I needed a whole lot more development, but I think it would have smoothed things out a little bit. There were also moments when I felt the dialogue and transitions could have been handled differently, making the writing a little stronger.

Having said all of that, I believed in the love that Chase and Angie had for one another and I think this was a pretty good debut!
1,465 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2016
4.5 Beautiful Stars!

This is my first Lauren Nicole book and I was not disappointed. I started this and could not put it down until the very last page. Surviving for Us is a heartwarming story about two people falling in love and facing obstacles that come their way. Military life is difficult for established relationships but for new love it is so much more challenging. We witness how they handle a long distance relationship and how to maintain normalcy at home when our hero returns home from deployment.

The struggles felt so real with Angie and Chase. I loved how Chase and Angie didn't give up on each other and did what they had to do to overcome the challenges they faced.

I look forward to reading Living for Us next.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
77 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2016
A great intro to Lauren Nicole! Surviving For Us has some of my favorite components... Love interest, sexy lead man, soldier, and great supporting characters! Angie and Chase are kind of a set up, blind date but not really. Having a friend in common puts them together. But haven't they met before?? Why yes indeed!!! Angie has some solid steel enforced concrete walls around her heart. One bad breakup was enough for her, thank you very much!! She does not have time or energy for that sexy sexy hunk of soldier, Chase. Or does she??
Chase was just looking for a friendly good time and boy did he find it!!
Can they over come some major obstacles?
Lauren does a fabulous job addressing a very tough subject but handled it with class and dignity.
I really enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Lisa Callen.
101 reviews
April 27, 2016
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

'Surviving for us' by Lauren Nicole is about a couple who go through a lot to be together.

Angie's previous relationship ended badly and has tainted her trust in men and relationships. Chase knew Angie when they were in school together but he never persuade her due to her relationship.

Fast forward a few years and they meet again by chance and they instantly feel a connection. They fall fast and hard. They have two life changes events that could make them stronger or break them apart.

They fight hard for there relationship and for their happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading the Novella to find out more about Angie and Chase's relationship.
Profile Image for Emma.
822 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2016
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I loved Chase and Angie's story. It was cool that they knew each other as kids, but got to re-discover one another in new roles and as new people. I love books in dual points of view, and this book's POV switches were excellent. It felt like two different people were speaking. Lauren Nicole made Chase's struggle so real without making light of the very important issue. I also admired how strong Angie was written. She was given hard choices and was able to stand as an independent woman. She and Chase were each other's rock. It was an equal give and take. The plot was great, and I loved the ending. This book was a wonderful read.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,010 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2015
This book is one of those that drew me in and kept me interested, wondering how the story would play out. Angie has had her heart broken and Chase doesn't do relationships. When they are brought together, they have a beautiful and heartfelt story. I felt so bad for Angie and what she had been through. Poor Chase; when he finally opened his heart, he was shipped away.

I enjoyed getting into his story and even his tour. I think the story was played out beautifully and I was glad to see their happy ending. Such a touching story!
Profile Image for Cassie.
1,567 reviews
April 25, 2016
3.75 Stars

This was a sweet, heartfelt story that I was totally able to relate to. The story-line itself was very good, the characters were likable (well except for the Ex), the friend and family relationships were perfect, the "sexy: level was in-balance with the rest of the story. At some points I felt like I was reading a journal, at times I needed a bit more information and I felt like a missed a whole lot of the military thing as he didn't seem to spend very long enlisted.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and would definitely read more by Lauren Nicole.
Profile Image for Lisa Gerkey.
Author 5 books26 followers
April 26, 2016
I loved it! I cannot believe this is the first book from this author. Writing reviews terrify me because I am always afraid of spoiling it for someone else. I love stories where guy meets girl, a little excitement and a few bumps here and there and they find their happily ever after. This book fit that perfectly for me. I am excited to have found this author and I will most definitely be buying her next book!
Profile Image for Tracy.
11 reviews
November 18, 2015
I was looking forward to reading his book for a while! I was excited when I finally had my copy! I was able to read this in one sleepless night at the hospital with my little guy! I couldn't put it down. It was a really good book! I liked the way that she wrote each character! Awesome book! I can not wait to read more from her!!
Profile Image for Melissa Hefel.
6 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2016
Theses not many books that when I start reading I can't stop. This book was definitely one of those!! I fell in love with Angie and Chase. It's a love story and a tear jerker!! Make sure you have a box of tissues ready you will need them. There are definitely highs and lows through their relationship but love and being each other rock gets them through. I highly recommend this to anyone!
Profile Image for Stacy Dow.
326 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2016
This was a brilliant read that leaves you wanting Lauren to write more about the leading characters. The story line is well written and very believable, loved the pacing of the developing relationship between the main characters, look forward to reading more from Lauren it is hard to believe this was her debut as it was such a great flowing read that you don't want to put down.
Profile Image for Kristin ~ Book Lovers Obsession.
994 reviews15 followers
October 27, 2015
Surviving for Us is the debut novel from Lauren Nicole. This was a super easy, super sweet read but for me it kind of felt predictable and rushed. I liked the idea and I think with a little more depth this would have been an out of the park book. I'll definitely read more from this author.
Profile Image for Jeanie Robinson.
145 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2015
I finally had time to read this novel by Lauren! Some parts of the story made me feel like she was telling my story. The writing was easy to read and had everything flowing perfectly! Romantic love story that had you begging for more!!!!
Profile Image for Gabby Hillier.
101 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2016
So Angie had a scummy ex that total ruined her three years ago. But along comes the boy next door literally who happens to be a hunky yummy military man. This is a awesome and sweet, and it shows what real people go through when their spouse is part of the military. A truly touching story
Profile Image for Amy Sperry.
66 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2015
A very heartfelt and loving story that makes you believe in true love all over again.
9 reviews
December 30, 2015
Beautifully written. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
1,023 reviews79 followers
February 5, 2016
Wonderful love story

Boy meets girl. Boy goes off to war. A very sad and romantic love story .just when your in love ..
Profile Image for ReadTillDawnBooks ~ IG.
544 reviews15 followers
April 12, 2018
Cute live story

The storyline was nice. Went a little to fast for me when developing the love between these to. Writing was good, just not mind blowing. If you want light hearted with not to much thick plot, then this book is for you. Definitely a good box of you want something not to intense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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