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Live For This
Two wounded souls are adrift in a sea of shattered dreams and broken promises.
Samirah Lundgren has lost everything she holds dear. Abandoned by her father and haunted by the memory of her mother, she seeks solace at the bottom of a bottle amidst the dazzling chaos of the Manhattan party scene. But her reckless choices lead her into a dangerous world, and she is left utterly alone, convinced that trust is a luxury she can never afford again.
Michael Salinger, once a vibrant and successful man, now knows the cruel sting of loss all too well. A tragic accident left him paralyzed, and his fiancée's betrayal shattered his heart. As he watches her prepare to marry his former best friend, he never expected to find himself so alone and abandoned.
In the shadows of their broken lives, these two lost souls will cross paths, bound by their shared pain and isolation. Can a body shattered by fate and a soul scarred by trauma find the redemption they so desperately crave?
Live for This is a powerful tale of love, healing, and the resilience of the human spirit. In a world where trust seems lost forever, can two fractured pieces come together to form a stronger whole? Will their journey lead them to rediscover hope, faith, and the possibility of love once more?
Content Warning: This book contains sensitive themes and an off-the-page sexual assault. It explores the depths of human despair and the strength it takes to rise from the ashes.
Samirah Lundgren has lost everything she holds dear. Abandoned by her father and haunted by the memory of her mother, she seeks solace at the bottom of a bottle amidst the dazzling chaos of the Manhattan party scene. But her reckless choices lead her into a dangerous world, and she is left utterly alone, convinced that trust is a luxury she can never afford again.
Michael Salinger, once a vibrant and successful man, now knows the cruel sting of loss all too well. A tragic accident left him paralyzed, and his fiancée's betrayal shattered his heart. As he watches her prepare to marry his former best friend, he never expected to find himself so alone and abandoned.
In the shadows of their broken lives, these two lost souls will cross paths, bound by their shared pain and isolation. Can a body shattered by fate and a soul scarred by trauma find the redemption they so desperately crave?
Live for This is a powerful tale of love, healing, and the resilience of the human spirit. In a world where trust seems lost forever, can two fractured pieces come together to form a stronger whole? Will their journey lead them to rediscover hope, faith, and the possibility of love once more?
Content Warning: This book contains sensitive themes and an off-the-page sexual assault. It explores the depths of human despair and the strength it takes to rise from the ashes.
221 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2016
39 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn R. Biel
27 books374 followersKathryn R. Biel writes low-to-no spice contemporary romance, rom-com, sports romance, and women’s fiction full of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books balance the drama and challenges of real life with witty banter, strong heroines, and swoony cinnamon-roll heroes. Whether she’s writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, emotional women’s fiction, or heartfelt sports romances, Kathryn delivers stories where resilience, love, and laughter take center stage.
Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).
Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 25, 2019
Trigger warnings: Rape, adultery, physical disabilities
The h was NOT a good person to begin with. In fact, she was a terrible person. But she learned. She grew. People who took advantage of her, not so much.
TBH, H wasn’t a nice person in his old life either, he’d make fun of overweight woman and would let his friends insult them. Term “chubby chaser” was a well known phrase in his life. He also grew from there.
So neither characters were black and white.
To be perfectly honest, it was too easy after the main conflict, too unrealistic. But I still liked it enough to rate it 4 stars
The h was NOT a good person to begin with. In fact, she was a terrible person. But she learned. She grew. People who took advantage of her, not so much.
TBH, H wasn’t a nice person in his old life either, he’d make fun of overweight woman and would let his friends insult them. Term “chubby chaser” was a well known phrase in his life. He also grew from there.
So neither characters were black and white.
To be perfectly honest, it was too easy after the main conflict, too unrealistic. But I still liked it enough to rate it 4 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2018
This was a heartwarming, uplifting, easy to read story about Samirah, a woman whose soul and spirit are shattered and Michael, a man whose body is broken. They meet through a fortuitous bit of serendipity, and together they heal each other through friendship and being just what the other one needs at the time they need it. This one made my heart feel good!! And it a did a magnificent job of portraying the complexities of living life as a paraplegic. Well done, Ms. Biel! I'll be back to read more from you.
May 31, 2017
Hero - Michael Salinger
Heroine - Samirah Lundgren
This is not the typical story that I usually like. Sam is not the type of heroine I usually sympathize with, but it took me no time. The author did a good job with me not wanting to think that Sam was simply a unsympathetic slut who sleeps with married men. What Sam was doing was wrong, but I was able to see that there was more.
Sam dresses skimpy and is having an affair with a married man. She really cares little for herself. It shows at how she dresses and treats other people. One night things get carried away and something horrific happens to Sam and she runs away. One the run, she is picked up by Michael is in a wheelchair. Michael takes Sam in because for once he can take care of someone instead of people are taking care of him. This is story of two broken people who try to help/heal one another. This is not insta-love.
I was questioning whether Michael and Sam were just lonely and that is why feelings were changing between them, but it kind of all cleared up.
Heroine - Samirah Lundgren
This is not the typical story that I usually like. Sam is not the type of heroine I usually sympathize with, but it took me no time. The author did a good job with me not wanting to think that Sam was simply a unsympathetic slut who sleeps with married men. What Sam was doing was wrong, but I was able to see that there was more.
Sam dresses skimpy and is having an affair with a married man. She really cares little for herself. It shows at how she dresses and treats other people. One night things get carried away and something horrific happens to Sam and she runs away. One the run, she is picked up by Michael is in a wheelchair. Michael takes Sam in because for once he can take care of someone instead of people are taking care of him. This is story of two broken people who try to help/heal one another. This is not insta-love.
I was questioning whether Michael and Sam were just lonely and that is why feelings were changing between them, but it kind of all cleared up.
May 8, 2019
4.5 stars
So good it made me lose sleep to keep going.
Every now and then I make myself read a book that I wouldn't automatically read. I mean, lol it can't all be bikers, mountain men and billionaire's, can it?!
I'll be looking for more by this author
So good it made me lose sleep to keep going.
Every now and then I make myself read a book that I wouldn't automatically read. I mean, lol it can't all be bikers, mountain men and billionaire's, can it?!
I'll be looking for more by this author
March 4, 2016
Life hasn’t been kind to Samirah. After losing her mother to cancer and her father walking out on her again, she hides behind the façade of a party girl to get her through each day. She knows that her relationship with a married man isn’t the wisest choice, but she holds on to his promise of leaving his wife to justify her actions. But the man she loved and the man he showed himself to be are two completely different people. And when he does the unthinkable, Samirah’s life will forever be tarnished.
Michael had it all. A great job, an amazing family and a girlfriend who he was sure would accept the ring that was currently tucked safely in his pocket. But life can change in the blink of an eye … As Michael crossed the street, he was struck by a car that left him paralyzed and his relationship severed. He couldn’t blame his girlfriend for leaving. Not many people could stick it out when they go from having a perfectly healthy and fully functioning partner, to someone who had to rely on others for everyday tasks.
Samirah had to get away, but where does someone go when they have no one? Catching a bus upstate, she didn’t have a real plan, but anywhere was better than where she was. When fate crosses her path with Michael’s, she’s in desperate need of some help and a friend. And Michael feels like he has purpose when he is able to offer her assistance, instead of being on the receiving end for far too long since his accident.
Can a person who is broken in spirit and another who’s physically broken help heal each other?
This was, by far, one of the best books I’ve ever read! The emotion that the author brings just seeps off of the pages. The story is both heart-breaking and uplifting and stays with you long after you turned the last page. Sure to be a bestseller, Live For This is phenomenal and a book that I would absolutely recommend!
May 15, 2016
Addicting! This book had my attention from the beginning and I struggled in having to 'adult' while reading. I found myself taking a few more minutes during a break to read and falling asleep while reading because it was so late. What a gripping storyline and was written so well! The story is written as if you are experiencing the story in person, it feels so real and believable. I have read other books by this author and have yet to come across a story that I do not like. This book would be great at the beach and opens the minds of the readers about the lives of the handicapped. Great book!
I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2016
Can two broken people help each other heal? There's one way to find out.... Read the book :)
I loved Kathryn's writing style. It's emotionally engaging without making me cry, well not cry the whole way through anyway. I loved both main characters and hoped they would let each other in.
It was interesting to read about a character with a spinal injury and how he managed so independently. Kathryn has experience as a physical therapist, so the details about Michael's spinal cord injury and rehab are authentic.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Kathryn's writing style. It's emotionally engaging without making me cry, well not cry the whole way through anyway. I loved both main characters and hoped they would let each other in.
It was interesting to read about a character with a spinal injury and how he managed so independently. Kathryn has experience as a physical therapist, so the details about Michael's spinal cord injury and rehab are authentic.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
Very real look at life in a wheelchair.
Of the books I've read that have a wheelchair bound character, this is the most honest of what it's like. I liked that the author showed that each of them needed and helped the other.
Of the books I've read that have a wheelchair bound character, this is the most honest of what it's like. I liked that the author showed that each of them needed and helped the other.
Read
June 13, 2022For your consideration, this book contains the following topics:
Significant SA (off the page), depression, suicidal thoughts, parental death, injury, disability (spinal cord injury and paraplegia)
Significant SA (off the page), depression, suicidal thoughts, parental death, injury, disability (spinal cord injury and paraplegia)
January 3, 2022
I have really enjoyed this read. I was in a slump, fed up with the typical romance tropes and samey samey characters. I enjoyed this from the get go. A slow burner about friendship. I really liked Sally. He was on a downer because of his injury but knew that over all he was a lucky guy. Sam was lost in her life. Abandoned and alone. A heart breaking moment tears apart her soulless existence. She and Sal meet and a friendship grows. It is nice and slow. I wasn’t fond of his brother, his reaction could have been more subtle but it didn’t put me off. I enjoyed this and hope it has gone some way to get me out my reading slump.
October 20, 2019
Beautiful story, love the characters. The story just seem so down to earth. Love the ending.
February 11, 2021
sigh...
There are good elements in this story and some situations were interesting to read about. It was also easy to just want to turn the pages.
However, I wanted this story to be a lot more complex and special than what it was. I kept sensing the distance between what I was reading and what was happening, it was difficult to really empathize with the main characters and the themes of the book shouldn't be dealt with as quickly/easily as it looked like to me.
The pace wasn't executed as well as it could and there's a lot of telling instead of showing, so the reader couldn't reach their own conclusions about what the characters were facing/going trough. And why? Because this is told in first person, a tactic I feel was completely wrong for this story!
There are good elements in this story and some situations were interesting to read about. It was also easy to just want to turn the pages.
However, I wanted this story to be a lot more complex and special than what it was. I kept sensing the distance between what I was reading and what was happening, it was difficult to really empathize with the main characters and the themes of the book shouldn't be dealt with as quickly/easily as it looked like to me.
The pace wasn't executed as well as it could and there's a lot of telling instead of showing, so the reader couldn't reach their own conclusions about what the characters were facing/going trough. And why? Because this is told in first person, a tactic I feel was completely wrong for this story!
March 3, 2018
“What would you rather do—win the lottery or be a paraplegic?”
I think we all know what Samirah’s response to Michael would have been but his insight related to the question was an eye opener to me.
Samirah had a loving mother, absent father and a childhood that was not necessarily easy. When the rug was pulled out from under while in college she headed to the big city and in so doing set herself up to use and ultimately be abused by others. In her time of need she happens upon a “good man” and after her recent experiences meeting Michael is probably the best thing to happen to her – ever. She has some healing, physical and mental, to deal with and Michael is there for her. Michael may be neurologically impaired but a stronger, more mentally healthy and complete man would be difficult to find.
This book is at times gritty dark and very real whether telling of rape and its aftermath or of paraplegia and how it can impact lives. The story is one of strength and courage in adversity and friendship forged through fire...a friendship that ultimately leads to a HEA for two broken people that manage to be glued together into one loving couple.
Having worked as an RN in neurosurgical intensive care and also having been in charge of a nursing home for mentally alert neurologically impaired I have some insight into what life as a paraplegic is like. This book handled the subject matter with wisdom, knowledge, compassion and a sense of realness that most books never manage.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read other books by this author? Yes
Do I recommend this book? Definitely
NOTE: I did not like Samirah in the beginning part of the story and wondered how the author could possibly redeem her to create a character I could ever like…it happened…but if I had not persevered with the story I would not have been able to write this glowing review – and glowing it truly is.
Thank you to NetGalley and KOBO Writing Life for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
I think we all know what Samirah’s response to Michael would have been but his insight related to the question was an eye opener to me.
Samirah had a loving mother, absent father and a childhood that was not necessarily easy. When the rug was pulled out from under while in college she headed to the big city and in so doing set herself up to use and ultimately be abused by others. In her time of need she happens upon a “good man” and after her recent experiences meeting Michael is probably the best thing to happen to her – ever. She has some healing, physical and mental, to deal with and Michael is there for her. Michael may be neurologically impaired but a stronger, more mentally healthy and complete man would be difficult to find.
This book is at times gritty dark and very real whether telling of rape and its aftermath or of paraplegia and how it can impact lives. The story is one of strength and courage in adversity and friendship forged through fire...a friendship that ultimately leads to a HEA for two broken people that manage to be glued together into one loving couple.
Having worked as an RN in neurosurgical intensive care and also having been in charge of a nursing home for mentally alert neurologically impaired I have some insight into what life as a paraplegic is like. This book handled the subject matter with wisdom, knowledge, compassion and a sense of realness that most books never manage.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read other books by this author? Yes
Do I recommend this book? Definitely
NOTE: I did not like Samirah in the beginning part of the story and wondered how the author could possibly redeem her to create a character I could ever like…it happened…but if I had not persevered with the story I would not have been able to write this glowing review – and glowing it truly is.
Thank you to NetGalley and KOBO Writing Life for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
September 23, 2021
He’s 30, she’s 24.
He’s a paraplegic who’s fiancée has left him six months after his accident.
She’s dating a married man.
Something horrific happens to Samirah and her entire world changes. This happens off page but I’ll include it with a spoiler for those that might need the trigger warning.
Both Michael and Samirah have survived tragedies. These two characters share interesting similarities before their lives change. They were both vain, and overly critical of anyone they consider ‘below them’. I really loved watching their interactions, seeing them grow emotionally and then slowly romantically.
I would have liked to have seen more on their romance and a little bit of their intimacy. (one brief kissing scene) A tastefully written scene with him loving her would have really rounded out the story. They were both broken physically, and it would have been sweetly tender to see them loving each other in ways that other people had discarded them.
He’s a paraplegic who’s fiancée has left him six months after his accident.
She’s dating a married man.
All the signs are pointing toward him getting close to leaving his wife for me. She’s a raging bitch, who’s fat and old - forty already. That’s a huge reason why Chase loves me. I’m young and nubile, and I'll be able to give him the children he deserves.This book brought out some interesting emotions in me. I dislike reading a character I have zero respect for. Kathryn R. Biel has some fabulous writing chops to turn this character around in under 250 pages.
Something horrific happens to Samirah and her entire world changes. This happens off page but I’ll include it with a spoiler for those that might need the trigger warning.
Both Michael and Samirah have survived tragedies. These two characters share interesting similarities before their lives change. They were both vain, and overly critical of anyone they consider ‘below them’. I really loved watching their interactions, seeing them grow emotionally and then slowly romantically.
I would have liked to have seen more on their romance and a little bit of their intimacy. (one brief kissing scene) A tastefully written scene with him loving her would have really rounded out the story. They were both broken physically, and it would have been sweetly tender to see them loving each other in ways that other people had discarded them.
May 10, 2016
One of the best friendship to romance books I've ever read to date.
April 20, 2018
This was an incredibly moving story. It starts out with a questionable heroine that I wasn't sure I was going to like or want to root for. But I ended up falling in love with Sami. I quickly realized that she wasn't out to hurt people or steal someone's husband, but she was trying to find something in herself to value. Within the first couple chapters, I found a depth in her character that was unexpected and wonderful.
Michael was another one I had a hard time with at first. I think I was supposed to. He's put up a wall around everything in his life and pushed everyone away. He's so determined not to let anyone hurt him again, that he's destroying himself. You can't help but feel for the man who lost so much, and you really want him to just open up and let life back in.
Their romance isn't a traditional one. They both have so much to work through and it almost consumes their lives. But watching as they slowly build each other up in such positive ways was amazing. It was a true romance - not love/lust at first sight. It was life, pure and not so simple.
These two broken souls ended up being perfect for each other. Both looking for someone to trust and relate to. Someone that understands their brokenness in a way most people never will. A beautifully told, semi-clean romance with an HEA that almost made me cry.
Michael was another one I had a hard time with at first. I think I was supposed to. He's put up a wall around everything in his life and pushed everyone away. He's so determined not to let anyone hurt him again, that he's destroying himself. You can't help but feel for the man who lost so much, and you really want him to just open up and let life back in.
Their romance isn't a traditional one. They both have so much to work through and it almost consumes their lives. But watching as they slowly build each other up in such positive ways was amazing. It was a true romance - not love/lust at first sight. It was life, pure and not so simple.
These two broken souls ended up being perfect for each other. Both looking for someone to trust and relate to. Someone that understands their brokenness in a way most people never will. A beautifully told, semi-clean romance with an HEA that almost made me cry.
April 4, 2018
What an amazingly sweet story. I wasn’t sure how it would go when at five percent I was truly disliking Samirah Lundgren the female lead. The author went to great lengths to make her unlikeable.
But as they progress from that point on this character evolves not totally by choices, in fact, no choices really. As to why you will have to read it. But her roommate thinks she’s to blame. So, she wants her out by that night. Feeling she may in some way have added to the chain of events she leaves with only what she moved in with several years before when her mom died. A backpack, with pictures, clothes, and some money. She had been saving so long with her purse, phone, and her mail she left.
She had been out with her married boyfriend Chase the night before but things are super blurry. Now she has already admitted to herself that she has a drinking problem but this is different. This time she’s sore between her legs yet he brought her home. She doesn’t remember going to his apartment here in the city.
She gets to Union Station as she is sitting she finds herself extremely thirsty. When she hears a town that sounds familiar. When it dawns on her it’s from a card out of the mail she grabbed on her way out. It’s a, ‘Save the date’ for her third cousin's wedding. She is her mom’s cousin’s daughter. Barb and her mom were close as children. They weren’t close but their moms were. It’s a place to start anew.
When she gets to the little town she is hurting so bad she is shaking from fever and pissing razor blades. So, she decides to find a clinic. She neglects to ask which way and just starts walking but in the wrong direction. It starts raining being in a ditch she squats to pee and while doing so she gets beaned in the head by what she thought was a rock.
Instead what she finds out is that a guy across the street, Michael Salinger (Sally) to his friends. He has been a paraplegic for the past three years and has just gotten some bad news today from his ex-girlfriend for the six years prior to that. She had given the engagement ring back that he had planned on giving to her the day he was struck down by a drunk driver while waiting for a light at a crosswalk.
In fact, he had just left the jewelry store. Sally can’t take that fact that not only does she not love him anymore but that she has just told him she is marrying one of his three best friends who he just went out for drinks with two days ago. It explained now why he had been distant and had a chip on his shoulder.
He apologies to Sam for throwing the ring at her when she yells in pain. She tells him to watch it. He asks if she needs a ride. She is in such a panic by just the simple question that says, fine. Then just peels out and goes home.
The next morning on his way to work he comes to screeching halt across the street because there she is this same chick at least it has to be because she is almost about where he had left her but she is not looking that good. So, again he asks do you need a ride. She says no, then he establishes she needs to get to a clinic. But she still looks like a scared animal.
So, he asks her to keep an eye out for traffic. He gets himself out of the car and that is when she sees the wheelchair and her fear factor scales way down. That is when she finally agrees to go with him to the clinic. But instead, he takes her to the hospital because he says he would take his dog to the clinic.
See how these two broken and battered people become whole again on so many levels. What exactly makes you a good person? What exactly makes you whole? See how these two, work through all the twist and turns of their pasts and confront the irony of the present. I wish I could give this more than my 5++++ stars.
But as they progress from that point on this character evolves not totally by choices, in fact, no choices really. As to why you will have to read it. But her roommate thinks she’s to blame. So, she wants her out by that night. Feeling she may in some way have added to the chain of events she leaves with only what she moved in with several years before when her mom died. A backpack, with pictures, clothes, and some money. She had been saving so long with her purse, phone, and her mail she left.
She had been out with her married boyfriend Chase the night before but things are super blurry. Now she has already admitted to herself that she has a drinking problem but this is different. This time she’s sore between her legs yet he brought her home. She doesn’t remember going to his apartment here in the city.
She gets to Union Station as she is sitting she finds herself extremely thirsty. When she hears a town that sounds familiar. When it dawns on her it’s from a card out of the mail she grabbed on her way out. It’s a, ‘Save the date’ for her third cousin's wedding. She is her mom’s cousin’s daughter. Barb and her mom were close as children. They weren’t close but their moms were. It’s a place to start anew.
When she gets to the little town she is hurting so bad she is shaking from fever and pissing razor blades. So, she decides to find a clinic. She neglects to ask which way and just starts walking but in the wrong direction. It starts raining being in a ditch she squats to pee and while doing so she gets beaned in the head by what she thought was a rock.
Instead what she finds out is that a guy across the street, Michael Salinger (Sally) to his friends. He has been a paraplegic for the past three years and has just gotten some bad news today from his ex-girlfriend for the six years prior to that. She had given the engagement ring back that he had planned on giving to her the day he was struck down by a drunk driver while waiting for a light at a crosswalk.
In fact, he had just left the jewelry store. Sally can’t take that fact that not only does she not love him anymore but that she has just told him she is marrying one of his three best friends who he just went out for drinks with two days ago. It explained now why he had been distant and had a chip on his shoulder.
He apologies to Sam for throwing the ring at her when she yells in pain. She tells him to watch it. He asks if she needs a ride. She is in such a panic by just the simple question that says, fine. Then just peels out and goes home.
The next morning on his way to work he comes to screeching halt across the street because there she is this same chick at least it has to be because she is almost about where he had left her but she is not looking that good. So, again he asks do you need a ride. She says no, then he establishes she needs to get to a clinic. But she still looks like a scared animal.
So, he asks her to keep an eye out for traffic. He gets himself out of the car and that is when she sees the wheelchair and her fear factor scales way down. That is when she finally agrees to go with him to the clinic. But instead, he takes her to the hospital because he says he would take his dog to the clinic.
See how these two broken and battered people become whole again on so many levels. What exactly makes you a good person? What exactly makes you whole? See how these two, work through all the twist and turns of their pasts and confront the irony of the present. I wish I could give this more than my 5++++ stars.
May 11, 2024
Hard but worth it!
The subject matter is difficult but the writing is easy, free-flowing, and well paced. It's truly a lovely story of finding a partner to heal with. Well done, Kathryn!
The subject matter is difficult but the writing is easy, free-flowing, and well paced. It's truly a lovely story of finding a partner to heal with. Well done, Kathryn!
February 20, 2021
2.7 really.
July 24, 2018
I loved this book. It totally made me cheer and cry.
May 7, 2019
A really great read
This is a great love story with two really strong lead characters. Samirah and Michael meet at a time when both are broken: physically and emotionally. Their gentle, slow burn friendship that turns to romance is written so beautifully and naturally.
It’s also great to read a romance with a disabled hero. Michael is a T4 paraplegic, meaning he is paralysed from the chest down. The book deals with the practicalities of living with, and loving, a disabled person with grace and eloquence without being condescending.
The emotional process that the two characters go through is written sympathetically without over-dramatising their trials and tribulations. All in all this is a real feel-good book despite the subject matters. A charming read.
This is a great love story with two really strong lead characters. Samirah and Michael meet at a time when both are broken: physically and emotionally. Their gentle, slow burn friendship that turns to romance is written so beautifully and naturally.
It’s also great to read a romance with a disabled hero. Michael is a T4 paraplegic, meaning he is paralysed from the chest down. The book deals with the practicalities of living with, and loving, a disabled person with grace and eloquence without being condescending.
The emotional process that the two characters go through is written sympathetically without over-dramatising their trials and tribulations. All in all this is a real feel-good book despite the subject matters. A charming read.
April 28, 2019
This was quite the read. If you are looking for something with emotional ups and downs I recommend this book! I read a LOT of romance and it's not often I get the chance to read a great love story but learn in the same book. Its different and refreshing. Not all love is hot and heavy.
August 25, 2019
Sometimes we think our baggage makes us unlovable, but, as "Live for This" shows - to that perfect person, it is what makes them love us all the more. Biel tackles tough topics - drunk driving, cancer, sexual assault, death, abandonment, becoming paralyzed and having to adjust to a new way to move in the world - with humor and class. The baggage of our heroine, Samirah, and hero, Michael, are real and so raw that these characters jump off the page. This is a beautifully written story of resilience.
May 20, 2020
A lot like a JoJo Moyes book I’ve read but with a happier ending.
March 5, 2018
I’m writing this review at 1:30 in the morning. That alone says a lot about this book.
First off, the good:
-I love reading books about characters with disabilities (mental and physical) and it is great to read one written by an author who knows her stuff. I hate when authors shy away from the harsh realities so I was pleased that no punches were pulled here.
-Michael is awesome and I want to squish him. He’s got a great sense of humor and a good head on his shoulders. It was great to see him reaching out to his therapist when he was having trouble dealing with his feelings.
-the relationship between Samira and Michael was smooth and honest and had a minimum of issues related to poor communication which pleases me. Their friendship progressed organically and they didn’t move too fast. Instead they took their time and got their heads screwed on straight.
The less-than-good:
-The beginning was hard to read. There was a lot of telling, not showing, and I felt like information was being dumped that would have been better spread liberally throughout the rest of the story.
-I hated Samira. I know that was the point, but wow I wanted to shake her.
-There is a scene at a bar where Michael introduces himself to a larger girl (who isn’t interested) and the resulting fat phobia and insults from his friends AND him almost made me stop reading. It was the one time I was not rooting for him and if I hadn’t been interested in seeing what happened when he and Samira finally met I might not have read on.
-Semi-graphic rape scene. I wasn’t expecting it, and since Samira didn’t remember everything that happened I’m not sure why I had to.
Overall:
I liked this book. I had no intention of finishing it tonight but here I am. I feel like that says more about the plot and pacing than whatever words I can put together.
My rating is really a 3.5 Stars, but I rounded up because after the 20-25% mark the story picked up and I was completely engrossed. I fully intend to check out this author’s other works. (After some sleep!)
First off, the good:
-I love reading books about characters with disabilities (mental and physical) and it is great to read one written by an author who knows her stuff. I hate when authors shy away from the harsh realities so I was pleased that no punches were pulled here.
-Michael is awesome and I want to squish him. He’s got a great sense of humor and a good head on his shoulders. It was great to see him reaching out to his therapist when he was having trouble dealing with his feelings.
-the relationship between Samira and Michael was smooth and honest and had a minimum of issues related to poor communication which pleases me. Their friendship progressed organically and they didn’t move too fast. Instead they took their time and got their heads screwed on straight.
The less-than-good:
-The beginning was hard to read. There was a lot of telling, not showing, and I felt like information was being dumped that would have been better spread liberally throughout the rest of the story.
-I hated Samira. I know that was the point, but wow I wanted to shake her.
-There is a scene at a bar where Michael introduces himself to a larger girl (who isn’t interested) and the resulting fat phobia and insults from his friends AND him almost made me stop reading. It was the one time I was not rooting for him and if I hadn’t been interested in seeing what happened when he and Samira finally met I might not have read on.
-Semi-graphic rape scene. I wasn’t expecting it, and since Samira didn’t remember everything that happened I’m not sure why I had to.
Overall:
I liked this book. I had no intention of finishing it tonight but here I am. I feel like that says more about the plot and pacing than whatever words I can put together.
My rating is really a 3.5 Stars, but I rounded up because after the 20-25% mark the story picked up and I was completely engrossed. I fully intend to check out this author’s other works. (After some sleep!)
February 8, 2017
This book starts out with the life of the main character, Samirah. It's not pretty. She comes across as shallow and not very nice. She is having an affair with a married man and thinks he is going to leave his wife for her, which of course is what he wants her to believe. He buys her clothes, but from the description they are basically clothes that make her look slutty. She lives with an even more shallow woman (you wouldn't think that was possible, but it is). She is brought face to face with reality when she is called in to work for an absent coworker and it is a baby shower for her boyfriend's wife. She realizes that she is a genuinely nice person and her boyfriend is a pig (and that's being mild). She confronts him outside the shower and he talks her into continuing to go out with him. But the next time she goes out with him he drugs her and rapes her along with his two friends and videotapes the whole thing then emails it to her. One of the men is her roommates ex and the roommate chooses to believe that she "willingly" has sex with her ex. The roommate kicks her out without even listening to Samirah's side of the story. Samirah, who has just been beaten and raped has no where to go and no one to turn to. So she ends up at the bus station and decides to take a bus to the town where a distant cousin lives. The cousin has just sent her a wedding invitation and she thinks maybe they will help her. It is after she gets to the town that she has no idea what to do. She is sure she has a bladder infection and is miserable and sore. It at this point that she realizes she's hit bottom and her life takes a turn.
This is a story with realistic events that are difficult to read about. The story is well written and has a happy ending for both her and the man who takes her in. I was impressed with the writing.
This is a story with realistic events that are difficult to read about. The story is well written and has a happy ending for both her and the man who takes her in. I was impressed with the writing.
March 6, 2018
I will admit that the beginning of the book got off to a slow start. I was wondering when we would really get into the element of story and it came about a quarter way through. Aside from the beginning going a bit slow to start, the only other problem I had with the book was towards the beginning where Michael & his friends were at the bar, and he approached his trivia partner. When she turned him down, he then proceeded to make comments about her weight with his friends. That was distasteful, in my opinion. He did redeem himself though throughout the rest of the book, so that was my only complaint. After that, it was smooth sailing for me & I absolutely LOVED it.
I really enjoy reading books where the author knows their stuff. For example, this book was heavily focused around one of the characters' disabilities. You could tell that the author did her research and knew exactly what she was talking about throughout the storyline.
I loved that Michael, despite his hardships, was helping out someone for the sole purpose of being able to "give." He wanted to be seen as a person regardless of his disability & he demonstrated how hard he has worked throughout the past few years to get to where he is. I really enjoyed how Michael & Samirah's relationship progressed throughout the book. They took the time to get to know each other, to get things figured out in their lives, and developed a real connection. It attests to a real relationship, which is always great to relate with.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to someone interested in reading this genre. It was written well, I loved the storyline, & I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters!
I really enjoy reading books where the author knows their stuff. For example, this book was heavily focused around one of the characters' disabilities. You could tell that the author did her research and knew exactly what she was talking about throughout the storyline.
I loved that Michael, despite his hardships, was helping out someone for the sole purpose of being able to "give." He wanted to be seen as a person regardless of his disability & he demonstrated how hard he has worked throughout the past few years to get to where he is. I really enjoyed how Michael & Samirah's relationship progressed throughout the book. They took the time to get to know each other, to get things figured out in their lives, and developed a real connection. It attests to a real relationship, which is always great to relate with.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to someone interested in reading this genre. It was written well, I loved the storyline, & I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters!
April 18, 2016
There have never been two people who have needed each other more than Sam and Michael. Both of these people are living a partial life, just getting through each day and not really enjoying life. When circumstances throw them together I could see how the story would go. Well, maybe not exactly how the story would go since Kathryn Biel threw a few surprises in their story, but I knew how I wanted it to go. As usual, the author knew better than me and their story was better than I had imagined.
I started the book when I didn’t really have a lot of time, hoping to just get through a few chapters and getting time later to finish it. Boy was I wrong! I couldn’t stop reading! The pages flew by, the chapters just kept coming, and then boosh I was at the end. I went to bed, wanting to think about this book. I woke up still thinking about the book. Live For This is going to be a book that stays with me.
Kathryn R. Biel has always been a go to author for me. Live For This just cemented that she will continue to be that author. There are lessons learned, lives changes, and relationships made within this book. I recommend checking it out.
I started the book when I didn’t really have a lot of time, hoping to just get through a few chapters and getting time later to finish it. Boy was I wrong! I couldn’t stop reading! The pages flew by, the chapters just kept coming, and then boosh I was at the end. I went to bed, wanting to think about this book. I woke up still thinking about the book. Live For This is going to be a book that stays with me.
Kathryn R. Biel has always been a go to author for me. Live For This just cemented that she will continue to be that author. There are lessons learned, lives changes, and relationships made within this book. I recommend checking it out.
May 13, 2016
Samirah Lundgren has hit rock bottom, and is broken heart and soul, to the point that she doesn't want to think about things that should matter like convictions, morals, ethics and family. Michael Salinger has a broken body due to a spinal cord injury, and broken heart due to the rejection of his fiance due to his life changing condition. “A car may have broken my body, but Lainie broke my heart.” These two unlikely people find themselves needing each other, at a very low point in both their lives. Can two strangers who fate seems to have brought together, really start to heal each other?
I enjoy mismatched couple's stories. This book was realistic in the difficulties both of them would have, and need to overcome. I enjoyed the journey of their story. I appreciated Michael's attitude. “There are some things about it that suck, but I'm lucky to be alive. Every day I have is a gift.” Samirah, in a small voice, she says, “I wasn't a good person, but least now, I'm trying.” I really liked the book and hope you will read and enjoy, too.
I enjoy mismatched couple's stories. This book was realistic in the difficulties both of them would have, and need to overcome. I enjoyed the journey of their story. I appreciated Michael's attitude. “There are some things about it that suck, but I'm lucky to be alive. Every day I have is a gift.” Samirah, in a small voice, she says, “I wasn't a good person, but least now, I'm trying.” I really liked the book and hope you will read and enjoy, too.
June 23, 2016
I didn’t plan on reading Live For This by Kathryn Biel because in my mind, it’s one of those stories that will make me feel miserable after reading. Surely, a man with a broken body and woman with a shattered soul is a downright depressing combination, yeah?
Well, guess what? It’s not that at all. I didn’t feel like the world is crashing down on me. There’s no feeling of heaviness or misery or grief. Nothing of that sort.
This is superbly written. It’s hitting the right notes. The jokes are landing. The drama bits are heart-rending and just tug at this ninja’s heartstrings.
Perhaps the only problem here is that it has similarities to Jojo Moyes’ “Me Before You”. Now, I don’t know if this was inspired by the book or the similar events are just mere coincidences. It might bother some readers, but it does not bother me all that much because there is a clear divergence in storyline.
This is not a story that’s just written for the sake of eliciting strong emotions. It not only sends a message of hope, but also the acceptance of hard realities.
Two words: Read this.
Well, guess what? It’s not that at all. I didn’t feel like the world is crashing down on me. There’s no feeling of heaviness or misery or grief. Nothing of that sort.
This is superbly written. It’s hitting the right notes. The jokes are landing. The drama bits are heart-rending and just tug at this ninja’s heartstrings.
Perhaps the only problem here is that it has similarities to Jojo Moyes’ “Me Before You”. Now, I don’t know if this was inspired by the book or the similar events are just mere coincidences. It might bother some readers, but it does not bother me all that much because there is a clear divergence in storyline.
This is not a story that’s just written for the sake of eliciting strong emotions. It not only sends a message of hope, but also the acceptance of hard realities.
Two words: Read this.
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