Purple Haze

Blue Dream #2

by Xavier Neal

Second chance. Last chance. Only chance. Well, at least that's how Ryder Collins feels when he's reconnected with the lost love of his life. While Ryder is battling the grim reality outside of rehab, he will be forced to face his past mistakes and the possible pitfalls of his present. Will the purple haze he's relit be enough to keep him moving towards a beautiful future or will Ryder Collins repeat his misguided history?

(This is part 2 to Blue Dream. This is the conclusion of Ryder and Presley's story.)

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance

ebook

First published March 21, 2016

About the author

I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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Reviews

[Musings of A Romance Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Word: DEEP!

Deep as the fucking pits of hell. This is no sugarcoating of what the life of an addict is like AFTER the rehab is over and that person must learn to live clean and sober and confront all the triggers and all the hurt they’ve caused the people they love. And in between is a sweet, endearing romance, but that’s just the backdrop. This is a powerful story of undying love and forgiveness, and you often hear that love is a drug, and I never really understood how that could be until I read Blue Dream (book 1) and Purple Haze. Some of us have very addictive personalities, and this story shows the depths a person will take to keep chasing that love high. Whew…dis tew much! Great story though. Click it up!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ryder's pride at times, “no way in hell am I going to let you pay for our first date .” The sternness in his voice is covered with a tease. “If I've gotta walk Big Mike's poodle for some extra cash to take you somewhere, I'll do it.” I had to praise Ryder throughout the book he had some troubles but he prevailed through it. His woman was a saint in my book standing by him, always encouraging him that's how a relationship should be.

[Gisele Walko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful conclusion for Presley and Ryder I feel that I got a realistic look at the struggle of a recovering addict couldn't have ended better. Fantastic Author! So happy to finally be on the Xavier Neal bandwagon.

[Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book allows you to really empathize with both of the main characters. It was really well written and a very enjoyable read. I loved it! It is a must read!

[Melissa Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved this continuation of Ryder and Presley's story
Ryder fell in love with Pres at an early age but due to some circumstances they broke up and he became an addict. Now he's recovering, trying to live his life and move on. until Pres cones back into his life.
Presley just got out of a relationship and was trying to find herself again. She is a smart business owner who just wants to find someone to become part of her life. will she let that happen?
As I said this is a continuation of their story. Reading Blue Dream first is highly suggested.
This is a great book and I love the cross over chapters show up!!!
someone has a baby!?!

[Wendy Leonard-Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gritty romance from Xavier Neal. I really enjoyed this conclusion to Blue Dream. You do need to read that before this one or you will not have any idea what is going on. This is the conclusion to Ryder and Presley's story.

The author does not sugar coat the topic of addiction which I feel enhanced the storyline. This book is not a sweet hea, it is angst filled and gritty.

In my review of Blue Dream I noted that the author had a propensity for obscure words. It is toned down in this one. The editing deficits do remain but also seemed to be a bit improved as well.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit! The characters and the book have stuck with me for several days now, which means, it's a story I love. Hence I bumped up the rating to five stars. Still loved Blue Dream slightly more, but Purple Haze just won't let go!

The conclusion to Blue Dream. Sigh...
I love Ryder and Presley and just wanted it to be longer. I know I'll always read a great story with Xavier's writing. Really enjoyed this one- though I think Blue Dream I loved just a bit more.
But still, great job.

[Karry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book by the author in return for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I love how Xavier put so much effort into making sure the reader knows (even a smidgen) how terrible addiction is. I love how the main characters just get that it's about the two of them. Two halves of a whole. It may be a jagged line between the two pieces, but in the end the seam will fit better. HEA!!

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to finish this book, someday I will. I just can't get into Ryder and Presley. I've read a number of Xavier Neal's books between now and then. I've finished plenty of other books, but for some reason, no matter how hard I try, I can barely read a chapter.

I gave it three stars because it's well written.

[Annmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the end, honestly I don't know if would have taken him back after what he did in book one but they had an amazing HEA. I want his brother Noah's story and what's going on with the secretary. Are we getting that?

[Jamilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys!!!!!!!! This is sooo good! This series is DEFINITELY a must read!
The author was so real with you, geez, this is a story that will stick with you.

[Sybil Pun · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Double WOW

This 2 part book was the best... I did not put a long review to the first book because I wanted to get to this one where Ryder returns and get back to Presley.
Where do I start: well for starters I was a little bit disappointed on how they actually rekindle when on the first book they were never on home run, but ok... Then another disappointment was the fact that Ryder did not have any visitors yet the underlining was he was there for a while, was it for 10 years or in an out?
But that said, man, this book was so real and so educational that at one point I literally asked my self is it a romance I was reading (for real); yet I felt so much understanding on the character of Ryder specially on how addiction can destroyed things, people and family (this was so close to home)
On the upside, you have Presley who does not have an addiction to be locked up somewhere but being a survival is as detrimental as the first one...
That said, grab this 2 book series and settle because not even a good cup of coffee or tea will be able to be made unless someone brings it you

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't find the words for the review..

This rollercoaster of emotions that these two characters face after life threw a wrench into your dreams will make you so emotionally raw from all the feels that Xavier Neal is known for..
Presley is emotionally in a stand still after all these years because she closed herself off to love after Ryder broke her heart.. She feels apart of her is missing till an employee invites her out to a group outing where she runs into the missing piece that she didn't was what she needed again..

Ryder has gone through some major issues in his life that have dragged him through the mud and now he's getting a chance of making a man of himself.. And he keeps that chance when the one that got away walks back into his life..

Read this after Blue Dream as it's a sequel.. Great characters.. Great story.. Emotional

[Stephanie Jynelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption

Ryder and Presley took a long winding road to get back to each other. Addiction is a moment by moment, hour by hour and day by day battle. Love is the strength to overcome the need for self destruction. Love is the biggest need.
Facing truths about the choices made as a teenager has a profound hold on certain events. It starts with forgiveness and telling the truth. Old habits, shame are hard to shed but with love, understanding and communication it can be done.
I love that their story encompasses more than them. Family, friends and sponsors make it stick. There is a truth in here we all can find.

[Tricia Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

As someone going through a similar situation as Presley (minus the first love and 10 years apart) I can only hope that my story ends as well as hers. I can also only hope that the man that I'm in love with's story ends as well as Ryder. Their story has so much truth about the struggles people face with addiction. It's not just struggles for the addict either, but those who love them. They have an amazing story with a great ending. I actually wish there was more 😔

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, great book!

Such a good book. Loved Pres and Ryder..I was so glad they found their way back to each other. I loved the way the subject matter of substance abuse was discussed..was both informative and encouraging. Loved this book!

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: 3.9

Full review of this book and the Blue Dream series forthcoming... *stay tuned*

[Yvonne Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!!

I loved this book. I loved how the story was wrote. I would definitely recommend this book. Can’t wait to read your other books!!!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Very well written.. the story flows... second chances, love, forgiveness, and learning to trust yourself as well as your partner.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Patti Gunkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This really touched me deeply.. Addiction has hit my life more than once, not me persisting people i love. I cried a lot thru this series. Took me a few days to leave this review.

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

~5 ++ Stars~

No other words except….another outstanding, emotional book by Xavier Neal! I had been IMPATIENTLY awaiting this sequel since I finished the last page of Blue Dream. This is the continuation to Ryder and Presley’s story, and what a story it was. It was worth the wait!!!!

Without spoiling anything for those who haven’t read Blue Dream, this picks up not long after the end of that book. Ryder is continuing his recovery as an addict, and Presley is still the workaholic she was in the first book. Both are just merely moving from day to day but not really living. All that changes when they meet face-to-face. So begins their journey back to one another. It’s intense and somewhat quick, but will this be their forever? Or, will they allow the past to continue to haunt them and destroy any future they may have together?

Their reunion is intense and of course, the sex is intense and emotional, but phenomenal sex can’t bridge every problem in a relationship. In fact, it can cause a couple to ignore real issues which appears to happen with Ryder and Presley. They use it as a way to express what their feeling instead of talking to one another. They have HUGE obstacles to overcome. Presley deals with major trust issues, and she is incredibly self-reliant and independent which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, it is when she won’t allow Ryder to help her with anything. Although, I can understand why she is the way she is. Of course, Ryder has his own issues. He doesn’t want Presley to doubt his recovery and have any reason to leave again. He has a great deal of self-loathing about the horrible things he did when he was using, and he thinks she deserves better than him. So, he hides these things from her as well as his meetings and sponsor. Their relationship is so intense that they both have to make sure they don’t get caught up in a “purple haze, the term artists use to describe how passionately they feel about their project that nothing else exists.” They have to make sure they don’t lose each of their identities in each other and repeat their past mistakes.

This series is my favorite from Neal. They are emotional, and at times, very difficult to read. Before writing a review, I have to process it because they invoke such strong emotions in my heart. While there is sadness, there is beauty and hope! It’s a realistic portrayal of addiction and the road to recovery, not only must the deal with their own feelings of self-hate, but there is guilt, and bridging the holes their addiction brought to the people they love. But, some people, like Ryder are given a second chance, and I hope that through his story and Xavier Neal’s writing, other’s may find strength and healing! Xavier Neal continues to amaze me with the depth of her talent….she not only writes one heck of a story, but she touches people’s lives!

***Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

When fate hands Ryder and Presley their second chance, can they forgive their past and learn to fight for their future? Can Ryder fight the demons and let Presley in to save him, to save them both!

Purple Haze is Ryder and Presley's fight for love, their fight to find their true selves, their passion, their love and above all else their soulmate connection that combines them as one. Fate has given them their second chance and they now have to show they deserve that chance, that they will go to the ends of the earth to make it work and they won't allow their demons to win.

Ryder is an inspiration, he shows you, if it's worth having, it’s worth fighting for. He found himself again with Presley; we got to know the sweet, intelligent and loyal man and the hardworking, caring person he had always been and not just the broken boy seeking acceptance.

Presley showed us that no matter how hurt we have been or how hard it is to find the strength, forgiveness is worth it when the person you can't live without not only shows you they have changed and are truly sorry for their behaviour but also bring out the best in you, they help you to rebuild your life and let down the solid walls you built up to protect yourself.

This story will take your breath away, their struggle is real, you can feel the heartache, and the pain they are going through and you wait with abated breath for someone to take away their second chance. If nothing else this story will show the struggles and pain addicts live with each day, that change is hard and they have to work at it to keep it.

I wanted to hug Ryder and show him how much he deserved love, I wanted to tell Presley how amazing she was and that she was choosing the right path and I also wanted to crawl into my kindle and give at least two people a peace of my mind!

Xavier Neal brings out all the emotions in her books and has you falling in love with her characters; she really knows how to write a captivating, passionate, emotional and brilliant story, always with a little added humour.

If you read Blue Dream you will want to read Purple Haze and if you haven’t, in order to fully enjoy Purple Haze you need to read Blue Dream first. This story is a passionate romance, with heartache suspense and hope.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purple Haze is the continuation of Blue Dream and we already learned in Compassion how this story end :-(. In this book Presley has broken-up with Xander and moved out. However, she is having trouble with moving into her own place and has asked Merrick to assist her with the move. Ryder has been attending meeting and living with his brother Noah, who is constantly trying to get him to go see thier father. Something Ryder wants nothing to do with. Ryder is answering an ad for a roommate place by Merrick and after some questioning. They become roommate and Merrick enlist his help in moving Merrick's "Boss Lady" aka Presley. Ryder is not aware of this. Merrick even hooks Ryder up with a job. One night Merrick invites Presley and Ryder out bowling. Presley show-up first and he's having fun although feeling a little uncomfortable with the affection displayed by Merrick and Jovi. (She wants that, but she wants it with the one person she believes she can't have.) Ryder shows up and when Merrick tries to introduce them Presley abruptly leaves with Ryder calling after her and then having to explain it to Merrick and Jovi thier connection when Jovi asked if Presley is coming back. Jovi convinces him to do just that. After one trying day Presley gets home and Ryder is waiting for her and she denies all of two milliseconds and the sparks fly and they hit the sheets HARD.

Knowing they need to talk these two cannot seem to keep their hand off of each other. Ryder is keeping things from Presley and Presley already told him she is not going back down that road with him again like they did in high school. Will Ryder be able to keep Presley in his life or will he make the mistakes of the past and lose her for good.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purple Haze is the conclusion to Blue Dream, so if you haven't read it, go back & do so. For so many reasons. It's worth it.

I loved how open and honest Purple Haze is! Xavier wraps you in a blanket full of emotion, sheltering you from the outside world as you become fully immersed in the story of Ryder and Presley. Recovery isn't easy, it's full of pitfalls. Ryder knows he's one poor choice away from relapsing. His goal is to make it through, one day at a time, one step at a time. He's learning to trust, to love and most importantly, how to be sober. Presley is stepping away from her ok life. She doesn't know what she wants, but knows she isn't satisfied. Between the letter from Ryder and her best friend, Presley is moving on. When Ryder and Presley take a chance, step out of their comfort zone, they come face to face with each other. When the past collides with your present, life gets real, fast!

Xavier does a great job of creating characters that become your friends, family. Purple Haze draws you in from the very first page. I read it in one sitting, carrying my kindle with me. This is one of those books that I had to pause after. I couldn't just pick up another book. It left me thinking, feeling. The added bonus if you have read other Xavier Neal books, you get to see some familiar faces.<3










"The key is to find someone you can't live without." Dad said with a smile. "Then fighting like hell every day to keep them. Through the good, the bad, and the unbrushed hair."

[Andrea Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Presley's story continues on this epic conclusion. We left off with Ryder in rehab, and Pres engaged to another man. Ryder has been working hard on himself and wanting to stay sober. He wrote Pres a letter so he could move on. Ten years is a long time to hold onto something and even harder to let it go.

So we fast forward a little bit... Pres is now trying to find her way on her own. She's been successful in her life. Opening her own private Pre-School for children and she runs it like nobody business. But now she realizes that the school is all she has. She needs to get out more, so one of our favorite men invites her to come hang with the crew. But fate can be a nasty B!!
Ryder has worked his butt off staying clean and trying to do better with his life. Everyday is a struggle. Not being able to go to the one thing you are use to is a killer. He knows he has to take one day at a time. The struggle is real!!!! Ryder needs Presley though, he knows he has messed up but can only hope that she will forgive him.

Once these two find their way back to each other there is no going back. Working hard to let each other in, building trust, knowing you can lean on one another, and not keeping secrets is something these two are fighting for. But I will say when Ryder gets lost in Presley... It's steamy, sexy, and a whole lot of fun! These two are going to make you crazy, but in a good way!!!!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGosh i seriously am in love with this couple! I've cheered for them since Xavier started teasing us with comments about them lol. I really love that this is a normal couple that are facing problems that literally millions of people around the world are suffering from and struggling with. I really appreciated that she shows how in depth and hard the daily temptation and struggle is for recovering addicts and the hardships they face and overcome on their journey to sobriety.

Ryder and Presley had to fight from the very start for their relationship. After years apart they are living two very different lifestyles. Can their past love and feelings for each other make it thru the challenges or will they once again just end up hurting each other? Can time really heal old wounds? Do people really change? Can you really earn back the trust of a loved one when you've shown time and time again that your not worthy of it?

[bookramblings1. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic justice at its very best.
I absolutely loved Ryder and Presley's story.
This is a second chance romance like no other.
This series Will give you a serious case of the feels.
Poor Ryder has been through so much. His whole life being unwanted. Giving up on the one person he truly loved. Addiction. And then the long journey of self discovery. Can he ever truly come out on top after always coming second/third best or is he set to fail?
Yeah this is the kinda feels to expect. It's so eye opening.
Pres. is bloody amazing. Strong, independent, witty and so bloody supportive, she's a breath of fresh air.

The ending was so beautiful. #smiles

Stalk Mrs neals FB page for updates on the release and grab blue dream and get up to speed this is one series you don't want to miss xx

[Lynda Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazy..with a chance of purple sky

Purple is the color of euphoria...bliss...eternal peace....however the road to recovery after drug addiction is not paved with gold cobblestones...therefore the purple haze is merely within your grasps...if you play the game right...if you have strong positive role models in your life...if the one person who believes in you and your self worth happens to be your one and only true love..then it's smooth sailing..the one true love of Ryder is Presley...as long as he trusts and believe that she is his saving grace...trust her to love him mind,body and soul...Presley and Ryder's reunion is passionate and beautiful...now all they have to do is trust each other..

[Mariana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to Ryder and Presley's story. These two have been through so much heartache. Presley became independent, strong, assertive and very successful. Ryder after a very difficult 10 years has finally realised that he needed to take control of his life and therefore started on a journey of recovery and self discovery. After 10 years apart their path crosses again and they start the most incredible journey together. They rekindle the relationship they had previously and together they help each other become whole again. I gave read numerous books by Xavier now and I can only say that each book is better than the last.