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Firebird #2
What's Left of Me
Recovering from years of living the superstar hockey life wasn’t easy, but now Aleksandr Volynsky finally has everything…
He’s married to the love of his life, expecting a daughter, and has a new job as an assistant coach with his old team, the Buffalo Gladiators. His happiness is short lived, however, when a sexual assault allegation surfaces, and Alex is forced to cooperate with an investigation for a crime he didn’t commit.
Stephanie Hartwell is juggling her dream job with marriage and motherhood, but she’s not convinced she’s doing any of it well…
Stephanie’s stress level goes from bad to worse when she’s diagnosed with a serious illness. Battling declining health and the critics who question her commitment to Alex in light of the allegation, she makes a decision that could change their relationship forever.
Alex is afraid he’s about to lose everything—especially when he sees Stephanie’s friend kiss her…
Devastated that his life is spiraling out of control again, Alex turns to his friend, Natasha, a Russian pop star. Convinced that Stephanie and her friend Brandon are having an affair, Alex resumes his self-destructive behavior.
What Alex doesn’t know is Stephanie has been conducting a secret investigation of her own. She learns the truth behind the sexual assault—a truth no one, especially Alex, expects.
With everything now out in the open, can Stephanie and Alex commit to a fresh start for the sake of their daughter, or will the ghosts of their pasts finally tear apart everything they have left?
He’s married to the love of his life, expecting a daughter, and has a new job as an assistant coach with his old team, the Buffalo Gladiators. His happiness is short lived, however, when a sexual assault allegation surfaces, and Alex is forced to cooperate with an investigation for a crime he didn’t commit.
Stephanie Hartwell is juggling her dream job with marriage and motherhood, but she’s not convinced she’s doing any of it well…
Stephanie’s stress level goes from bad to worse when she’s diagnosed with a serious illness. Battling declining health and the critics who question her commitment to Alex in light of the allegation, she makes a decision that could change their relationship forever.
Alex is afraid he’s about to lose everything—especially when he sees Stephanie’s friend kiss her…
Devastated that his life is spiraling out of control again, Alex turns to his friend, Natasha, a Russian pop star. Convinced that Stephanie and her friend Brandon are having an affair, Alex resumes his self-destructive behavior.
What Alex doesn’t know is Stephanie has been conducting a secret investigation of her own. She learns the truth behind the sexual assault—a truth no one, especially Alex, expects.
With everything now out in the open, can Stephanie and Alex commit to a fresh start for the sake of their daughter, or will the ghosts of their pasts finally tear apart everything they have left?
290 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2016
8 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Loring
43 books77 followersJennifer Loring's short fiction has been widely published in numerous magazines, webzines, and anthologies. She received an honorable mention in The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror for her short story “The Bombay Trash Service”, and in 2013 won first place in Crystal Lake Publishing's inaugural Tales from the Lake horror writing competition. Since then, her work has appeared in two Bram Stoker Award-nominated anthologies.
Jennifer completed her PhD in Humanities and Culture with a graduate certificate in Women's and Gender Studies. She also received an MFA from Seton Hill University’s program in Writing Popular Fiction, with a concentration in horror. Jenn lives in Philly with her husband, turtle, and a basset shepherd.
Jennifer completed her PhD in Humanities and Culture with a graduate certificate in Women's and Gender Studies. She also received an MFA from Seton Hill University’s program in Writing Popular Fiction, with a concentration in horror. Jenn lives in Philly with her husband, turtle, and a basset shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 21, 2016
What's Left of Me by Jennifer Loring is the continuation of Aleksandr & Stephanie's story from Firebird, book one in the trilogy, which must be read in order. This is a sexy multi-layered romance with true to life elements and touches on a variety taboo topics including sexual assault & mental illness. Aleksandr Volynsky, retired NHL player after a career ending injury, finally feels at peace. With the offer of coaching in the NHL, his childhood sweetheart as his wife and a child on the way life couldn't get better for Aleksandr. Living the celebrity lifestyle has given him quite the reputation but when he's accused of sexual assault his world starts to crumble. Stephanie Hartwell, loves her job and her family but when diagnosed with a life threatening illness she starts to question everything including her place in the family and can she fight for what she loves and herself too? Can a love that started at 17 be forever even with everything that has happened in Aleksandr & Stephanie's pasts?
Jennifer has blown me away again! This is not your typical hockey or sports romance. What's Left of Me is completely gripping and I had a hard time putting it down. It's sexy, heartbreaking and swoon worthy at times. I loved seeing the struggle of their 1st year of marriage and bring a child into the world alongside challenges they face being in the public eye. There's so many levels to this novel that it's elevated beyond what I expected and what we see touched upon in most romance novels. Mental illness, sexual assault, life threatening illness, drug & alcohol abuse and even the standard box we fit mothers and fathers into are all part of this fantastic story. 5 beautiful stars and I can't wait for the next and final installment of Aleksandr & Stephanie!
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
Jennifer has blown me away again! This is not your typical hockey or sports romance. What's Left of Me is completely gripping and I had a hard time putting it down. It's sexy, heartbreaking and swoon worthy at times. I loved seeing the struggle of their 1st year of marriage and bring a child into the world alongside challenges they face being in the public eye. There's so many levels to this novel that it's elevated beyond what I expected and what we see touched upon in most romance novels. Mental illness, sexual assault, life threatening illness, drug & alcohol abuse and even the standard box we fit mothers and fathers into are all part of this fantastic story. 5 beautiful stars and I can't wait for the next and final installment of Aleksandr & Stephanie!
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
August 19, 2016
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What’s left of me was a great 5 star read.
We met Stephanie and Alex in Firebird, in “What’s left of me” they are moving forward in their relationship. They are under an extreme amount of stress. Alex has been accused of sexual assault and Stephanie has a health scare. Stephanie is also still struggling with trust issues.
“Does your wife know what you really like to do during sex?”
There was so much going on for this couple,I couldn’t put it down. When it rains it pours for these two. Can they make their marriage work with all the allegations? Can they get the trust back?
Jennifer Loring has done a great job with her writing, you get pulled right into the story. I had several different emotions while reading. I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. There are so many important topics addressed Bipolar, alcoholism, sexual assault and drug abuse. Even through everything my heart went out to Alex. I’m not sure how I feel about some of the choices Stephanie made. I’m looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend you 1-click and get started on this great series.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
What’s left of me was a great 5 star read.
We met Stephanie and Alex in Firebird, in “What’s left of me” they are moving forward in their relationship. They are under an extreme amount of stress. Alex has been accused of sexual assault and Stephanie has a health scare. Stephanie is also still struggling with trust issues.
“Does your wife know what you really like to do during sex?”
There was so much going on for this couple,I couldn’t put it down. When it rains it pours for these two. Can they make their marriage work with all the allegations? Can they get the trust back?
Jennifer Loring has done a great job with her writing, you get pulled right into the story. I had several different emotions while reading. I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. There are so many important topics addressed Bipolar, alcoholism, sexual assault and drug abuse. Even through everything my heart went out to Alex. I’m not sure how I feel about some of the choices Stephanie made. I’m looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend you 1-click and get started on this great series.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
August 16, 2020
I don't know what to say about this. I loved the continuation of Alex and Stephanie's story, the trials and tribulations they had to go through to come back to each other.
June 8, 2018
What's left Of Me
This was the second part of a trilogy. In this we see despair and renewed love. Some low points when rocked with a past of possibilities and a rape to infidelity. With his past comic g at all sides they take a break. But can things get more complicated? Will they last a lifetime of just now?
This was the second part of a trilogy. In this we see despair and renewed love. Some low points when rocked with a past of possibilities and a rape to infidelity. With his past comic g at all sides they take a break. But can things get more complicated? Will they last a lifetime of just now?
July 26, 2016
When Jennifer Loring sent me an advanced reader’s copy of What’s Left of Me, I literally almost peed myself in excitement. Charming, right? Well, I stopped what I was doing to start reading it. But, I digress. This book is the second in the The Firebird Trilogy, the first of which I reviewed several weeks ago. So, if you haven’t read Firebird (book one), then stop ruining your life and go spend a few hours getting lost in some hot Russian hockey drama. Also, if you aren’t already familiar with the first one, there will be some spoilers.
When we left Alex and Stephanie, it looked as if things were finally settling into place for them, which is why I was almost afraid to read the book. When the first one ends with a happily every after and there’s a second in the series to be read, you can bet your sweet ass some terrible stuff will happen. And terrible stuff did happen. And I loved it.
Anyways, Alex and Stephanie got married, he had a job lined up to be an assistant coach for his old team in Buffalo, and they were expecting a baby. But, things go south pretty fast. Just as they were getting comfortable with parenthood, Alex is hit with an allegation of sexual assault! Since this was during his dark bender months of drugs and alcohol, while he and Stephanie were broken up, he can’t even remember if he was guilty, something that doesn’t sit well with anyone, especially Stephanie.
Stephanie can’t take the pressure of motherhood, her crumbling marriage, the paparazzi breathing down her neck, the judgmental looks from her coworkers, or the new medical issue she finds herself faced with. The addition of some old ghosts might make it so the pair stays separated for good, that is unless Stephanie can use her investigative skills to figure everything out. Or they get divorced and everything is terrible. Read for yourself
This book, as the first one, had me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up until 4am reading because I needed to know what happened to my favorite American/Russian couple, and their new baby. I can not recommend this book enough and implore you to add it to your own collection. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.
When we left Alex and Stephanie, it looked as if things were finally settling into place for them, which is why I was almost afraid to read the book. When the first one ends with a happily every after and there’s a second in the series to be read, you can bet your sweet ass some terrible stuff will happen. And terrible stuff did happen. And I loved it.
Anyways, Alex and Stephanie got married, he had a job lined up to be an assistant coach for his old team in Buffalo, and they were expecting a baby. But, things go south pretty fast. Just as they were getting comfortable with parenthood, Alex is hit with an allegation of sexual assault! Since this was during his dark bender months of drugs and alcohol, while he and Stephanie were broken up, he can’t even remember if he was guilty, something that doesn’t sit well with anyone, especially Stephanie.
Stephanie can’t take the pressure of motherhood, her crumbling marriage, the paparazzi breathing down her neck, the judgmental looks from her coworkers, or the new medical issue she finds herself faced with. The addition of some old ghosts might make it so the pair stays separated for good, that is unless Stephanie can use her investigative skills to figure everything out. Or they get divorced and everything is terrible. Read for yourself
This book, as the first one, had me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up until 4am reading because I needed to know what happened to my favorite American/Russian couple, and their new baby. I can not recommend this book enough and implore you to add it to your own collection. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.
August 16, 2016
This is probably bad to admit, but I could almost just copy and paste my review from Firebird (The Firebird Trilogy, #1) in and call it good. While the story in What's Left of Me is different than that in the first book, the characters are exactly how I remember them. And that's a great thing!
What's Left of Me picks up not too far from where Firebird left off. Stephanie and Alex have finally found their happily ever after with each other, but sadly, it doesn't last long. Both are under serious stress. Stephanie and Alex are coping with a rape scandal against Alex. It drives a wedge between them that is further widened by the lack of trust they still have in each other and a health scare for Stephanie. The rift between them causes both of them to spiral out of control.
What's Left of Me was another amazing story that was constantly building. What stood out to me the most about it was the all of the drama in the story. I was completely sucked into it. There were so many raw moments. The characters went through so many real life situations. New struggles were constantly popping up, the way they do sometimes in life, and they just couldn't catch a break. Their reactions and emotions were honest and relatable.
I continued to love the hotheaded jerk that Aleksandr was. He may not have always handled things well or appropriately, but he loved his girls fiercely. He would have done anything for them.
Stephanie still drove me nuts. She made some tough decisions that I didn't agree with, but I couldn't fault her for them. I understood why she needed to do the things she did. But, in the end, I loved what her influence did for Alex.
I absolutely loved the journey this book took me on. It was filled with so many ups and downs, but I couldn't have been happier with the end. I would highly recommend What's Left of Me -- just make sure to read Firebird first so you don't miss out on the beginning of Aleksandr and Stephanie's love story.
What's Left of Me picks up not too far from where Firebird left off. Stephanie and Alex have finally found their happily ever after with each other, but sadly, it doesn't last long. Both are under serious stress. Stephanie and Alex are coping with a rape scandal against Alex. It drives a wedge between them that is further widened by the lack of trust they still have in each other and a health scare for Stephanie. The rift between them causes both of them to spiral out of control.
What's Left of Me was another amazing story that was constantly building. What stood out to me the most about it was the all of the drama in the story. I was completely sucked into it. There were so many raw moments. The characters went through so many real life situations. New struggles were constantly popping up, the way they do sometimes in life, and they just couldn't catch a break. Their reactions and emotions were honest and relatable.
I continued to love the hotheaded jerk that Aleksandr was. He may not have always handled things well or appropriately, but he loved his girls fiercely. He would have done anything for them.
Stephanie still drove me nuts. She made some tough decisions that I didn't agree with, but I couldn't fault her for them. I understood why she needed to do the things she did. But, in the end, I loved what her influence did for Alex.
I absolutely loved the journey this book took me on. It was filled with so many ups and downs, but I couldn't have been happier with the end. I would highly recommend What's Left of Me -- just make sure to read Firebird first so you don't miss out on the beginning of Aleksandr and Stephanie's love story.
August 26, 2016
What's Left of Me (Firebird Trilogy #2) by Jennifer Loring Jennifer Loring does a wonderful job of continuing Stephanie Hartwell’s and former NHL Star Aleksandr Volynsky’s story in the second book of the Firebird Trilogy, WHAT'S LEFT OF ME. Alex and Stephanie have not had it easy. Just when it looks like everything is finally going to go their way, Alex is accused of sexual assault allegations, and Stephanie is diagnosed with a serious illness. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Buffalo and is suitable for adult audiences.
Jennifer Loring does an admirable job with her character development. Both main characters have gone through a lot and grown tremendously. I felt bad for everything that the couple went through. The characters are likeable. Alex is now aware of his mental illness and trying to deal with it. He had to end his NHL career early due to an injury. He was given the opportunity to coach his old team the Buffalo Gladiators. He is a good man, and he tries hard to be a decent husband and father. I love Alex’s sense of humor. Stephanie is a strong heroine. I love that she plays hockey. I was often disappointed in how she treated Alex in this story, and that she kept her illness from him, but I get that people respond to situations differently. I like that Stephanie is ruthless when it comes to investigating accusations against her loved ones.
The plot was realistic and thought-provoking. The issues were pertinent with today’s society. The couple was put through some test in their relationship. Both being public figures made their ordeals even more difficult. I like how the story was resolved, and I look forward to the last book in the trilogy.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer Loring does an admirable job with her character development. Both main characters have gone through a lot and grown tremendously. I felt bad for everything that the couple went through. The characters are likeable. Alex is now aware of his mental illness and trying to deal with it. He had to end his NHL career early due to an injury. He was given the opportunity to coach his old team the Buffalo Gladiators. He is a good man, and he tries hard to be a decent husband and father. I love Alex’s sense of humor. Stephanie is a strong heroine. I love that she plays hockey. I was often disappointed in how she treated Alex in this story, and that she kept her illness from him, but I get that people respond to situations differently. I like that Stephanie is ruthless when it comes to investigating accusations against her loved ones.
The plot was realistic and thought-provoking. The issues were pertinent with today’s society. The couple was put through some test in their relationship. Both being public figures made their ordeals even more difficult. I like how the story was resolved, and I look forward to the last book in the trilogy.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2016
Jennifer Loring does a wonderful job of continuing Stephanie Hartwell’s and former NHL Star Aleksandr Volynsky’s story in the second book of the Firebird Trilogy, WHAT'S LEFT OF ME. Alex and Stephanie have not had it easy. Just when it looks like everything is finally going to go their way, Alex is accused of sexual assault allegations, and Stephanie is diagnosed with a serious illness. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Buffalo and is suitable for adult audiences.
Jennifer Loring does an admirable job with her character development. Both main characters have gone through a lot and grown tremendously. I felt bad for everything that the couple went through. The characters are likeable. Alex is now aware of his mental illness and trying to deal with it. He had to end his NHL career early due to an injury. He was given the opportunity to coach his old team the Buffalo Gladiators. He is a good man, and he tries hard to be a decent husband and father. I love Alex’s sense of humor. Stephanie is a strong heroine. I love that she plays hockey. I was often disappointed in how she treated Alex in this story, and that she kept her illness from him, but I get that people respond to situations differently. I like that Stephanie is ruthless when it comes to investigating accusations against her loved ones.
The plot was realistic and thought-provoking. The issues were pertinent with today’s society. The couple was put through some test in their relationship. Both being public figures made their ordeals even more difficult. I like how the story was resolved, and I look forward to the last book in the trilogy.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer Loring does an admirable job with her character development. Both main characters have gone through a lot and grown tremendously. I felt bad for everything that the couple went through. The characters are likeable. Alex is now aware of his mental illness and trying to deal with it. He had to end his NHL career early due to an injury. He was given the opportunity to coach his old team the Buffalo Gladiators. He is a good man, and he tries hard to be a decent husband and father. I love Alex’s sense of humor. Stephanie is a strong heroine. I love that she plays hockey. I was often disappointed in how she treated Alex in this story, and that she kept her illness from him, but I get that people respond to situations differently. I like that Stephanie is ruthless when it comes to investigating accusations against her loved ones.
The plot was realistic and thought-provoking. The issues were pertinent with today’s society. The couple was put through some test in their relationship. Both being public figures made their ordeals even more difficult. I like how the story was resolved, and I look forward to the last book in the trilogy.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I wondered what Jennifer Loring was going to do to continue on with this couple. Alex was such a mixed bag that anything could happen and I'd honestly not be surprised. But what I didn't expect was an Alex that spent a lot of time being weepy and Stephanie to become a character I couldn't be very sympathetic towards (even when I really should have been).
I wanted to see who these two characters had grown since we last saw them. And with their new role as parents, I figured we'd see what as the fought the allegations against Alex. Instead, both of the characters were selfish and didn't know how to work together.
I wanted to see who these two characters had grown since we last saw them. And with their new role as parents, I figured we'd see what as the fought the allegations against Alex. Instead, both of the characters were selfish and didn't know how to work together.
July 28, 2016
When things get tough, the tough get going. When everything seems to be going perfect for Alex and Stephanie something else arises from Alex's past to only test each other and it seems not just for Alex but for Stephanie too! Stephanie as always will look out for her family but can Alex be strong for Stephanie??? Gotta say the beginning is filled with endearment between Alex, Steph and their daughter. Love how Stephanie is a true Lioness who looks out for her family regardless of anything!! Can't wait till the next one!
August 13, 2016
Not a bad story
This story was ok . I just didn't get her. She doesn't even question what he did at the hotel with the Russian. It was like she didn't even care if he cheats. I don't even think she loves him at times or the baby for that matter. I didn't care for either character. The writing was good. Lots of drama and some romance and sex.
This story was ok . I just didn't get her. She doesn't even question what he did at the hotel with the Russian. It was like she didn't even care if he cheats. I don't even think she loves him at times or the baby for that matter. I didn't care for either character. The writing was good. Lots of drama and some romance and sex.
August 12, 2016
Rating 3.5
September 21, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews