I Can't Die Alone

by Regina Bartley

She was alone on a journey to find a man she’d never met. She had a backpack filled with three days worth of clothing, and old photograph, and a letter dated 1997. With one goal in mind she set out to find the man from the letter, the man named Benjamin Cooper. The only thing that she knew about this man was that he was married to her mother many years ago, and according to his letter he loved her. That was the only conformation she needed to search for him.

Tori Holt had no family left that she knew of, and one chance to find someone to share her last days with. Otherwise, she’d die alone. The doctors said she wouldn’t live to see her twenty-first birthday, the birthday that was only three months away. Time was not on her side, but she didn’t care. Tori knew right from the beginning that this journey wouldn’t be easy. But it didn’t stop her, because nothing about her life had been easy.

Then she met Bo, the handsome boy who kept her company on a park bench.
Bo was the son of a man named Benjamin, the man from a letter dated 1997.

The hardest part about finding love is letting it go.
The easiest part about the journey is the moment it all makes sense.

*Sensitive subject matter. Tissues may be needed*

Genres: Contemporary, Emotional, Young Adult, Romance

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Author Regina Bartley was born and still resides in the great state of Kentucky. She lives there with her husband, two kids, and one spoiled rotten french bulldog named Gus. When Regina isn't tucked away behind her computer screen, she loves to read, and has an obsession with professional football. She dreams of one day visiting New York City, because she swears that her alter ego is a city girl. ;)

Come join Regina and her friends in the facebook group REGINA'S ROYALS, where she shares all things book related. A Royal is always the first to know.

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Regina Bartley" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!

TITLE: I Can't Die Alone
AUTHOR: Regina Bartley
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
CHAPTERS: 21 + Epilogue
RELEASE DATE: August, 2016

MY RATING: 5 STARS



I CAN'T DIE ALONE: Passing out at work and waking up in the hospital twenty year old Tori has been informed by the Doctor that she has pancreatic cancer and may not live to celebrate her twenty-first birthday which is shy of three months away.

The C word had been a constant killer in her family, it had not only killed her mother and her Aunt but it was coming for her too.

This is the first book I've read by 'Regina Bartley' your thrust straight away into the devastating news that Tori has just received, no family, no friends, no one to lean on and help her through this time, the storyline flows effortlessly, you connect with the story and the heroine as soon as you start reading.



Setting out on a journey to find the last man that loved her mother, she never expected so many life experiences to occur along the way of self discovery, happiness, love and fulfillment. Even though this journey didn't have a happy ending it ended how it should've.

Such a bittersweet read, I loved Bo but reading how her sickness was affecting him broke my heart into smithereens.



This journey that I'd set out on
was the best thing that could've ever
happened to me.
I found love, friendship, kindness, and someone
to be with me so that I didn't have to die alone.

This was shorter than what I would normally read, finished in one sitting, BUT there was so much jam packed within I don't think it needed to be any longer. GODS THE FEELS, that leaky eye syndrome got me wiping them a few times, Tori was such a brave character, who knew when she set out on her journey what she would find along the way. It wasn't all about the BIG C, even though that played a big part in this book. I am so glad I took a chance on this book..

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Heartbreaking, sweet, inspiriting, the journey of a young girl, Tori who in spite of her devastating situation sets out on a trip to find one person so that she does not die alone. But instead finds two amazing guys, Ben, her mom's first love and his son, Bo.
This guys who take her in and love her and make her so happy. Seeing Tori being loved like that after not having anyone since she lost her mom, was so wonderful. Tori, was such a brave girl, so young and and full of dreams, I cried for her, for all she would miss. But I was so happy that she enjoyed her time with her two guys and how they made some of her wishes come true. I wished Tori and Bo would of had more time together, but the short time they had they shared a special kinda love.
This is one of those books that'll stay with me for a long time.

"I love you with all my heart and soul, and I hope that one day I'll see you again."

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.




This was a bittersweet story about a sick young woman who is trying to locate a man from her mother's past.
The book deals with a very sensitive subject matter and it was a very emotional journey.
Tori was strong but just as she got to know true love, her life took an unexpected and tragic turn.
The book is fast paced and it would have been a five star read for me if it was a bit more lengthy. Given the subject matter I wanted some more detail in the bonds she created with the new people in her life.
Nevertheless, the book managed to captivate me and even though it was hard to read at points, it left me with a smile.
I recommend it.
4 Stars

[Dri ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,7 stars.

“You’ll always be my sleeping beauty.”

[Micalea Smeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down Regina's best work to date. It's a story that makes you stop and think about how you would think and feel in Tori's position. I loved all the characters and I admire Regina's ability to make you fall in love with her characters so quickly. Even though this is a sadder story there were more than a few times where I had a smile on my face. I can't wait to see what Regina does next.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few of this authors books and loved them so as soon as I saw this I knew I'd be reading it.
This was a really sad and emotional story. From reading it I can see that the author put her heart and soul right into this story.

Tori was alone in the world and just been told she has cancer. Not wanting to die alone she goes on a trip to find a man from her mothers past. She meets Bo on a park bench who turns out to be the mans son that she's looking for. Will they open their hearts to her or will she die alone.

Although I really liked this story I felt the author rushed it. I don't normally moan about the length of a story but I feel that if it was a little longer I'd be certainly giving it five stars.

[Melyssa Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: I Can’t Die Alone
Author: Regina Bartley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★

Review




When this hit my kindle, I knew I would drop everything I had to do and devour it. When it’s a Regina Bartley book it goes without saying. It’s been that way with every single one I’ve read thus far and I imagine it will be much the same in the future.

What I also knew was that just based on title alone, I was going to be gutted emotionally. More like slaughtered, and I was. This book delivered on that assumption easily because it deals with such an emotional journey. One that even if you have never gone through it yourself or know any one that has, you’ll still feel something, quite possibly everything for as its unfolding.

I can identify with the subject matter apart from the romance easily, having lived with it, in different ways in my own life. I may have dealt with everything differently than our lovely main character, Tori, but those differences did not make me understand her side of things any less. In fact, her reasoning for the decision she makes here as it pertains to her own life, well, for her, and for a lot of people that are faced with the same issue of their own mortality in life, it made perfect sense.

And in the end, that decision delivered one hell of a journey, both in love and in life. She experienced so much in such a short amount of time and I was captivated, riveted really, by it all.

Enter Bo.

We’ve already talked about how drenched in reality Tori’s situation was, but it was the same for Bo. Showing up on a bench at the perfect time, and happening to be in more ways than one, exactly what she needed, well it was magic. It was real in how he responded to a lot of what she faced, what he would face without her and because of how connected I felt to him apart from her, along with them together, I really was rooting for a beautiful end here.

Which, I’m happy to say I did in fact receive though it may not be the end that most other people will agree with me on. It was heavy and moving and beautiful in its own way and I feel now that I’ve closed the book on the story, on this couple, I got everything I could have wanted and more.

I witnessed love, in all its many forms. I witnessed strength in the midst of pain, happiness like our characters have never truly seen before and in the end, I felt much like Tori near the end. I wasn’t alone. I was there with them, as they were with me. In my heart and soul, where it counts.
5 Beautiful, Emotionally Heartfelt and Moving Stars for this wonderful read.

My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read an ARC of this before its official release. It was a journey for all characters involved that I am so incredibly glad I got to be a part of.

Bring on the next one, author lady!

[Evie Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: I Can't Die Alone
Author: Regina Bartley
Series: standalone
Genre: new adult, romantic drama
Rating: 3/5

This is one of those novels dealing with a very difficult subject matter, hard to read for anyone in possession of a heart. I'm not embarrassed to say I cried pretty much all the way through, and that the final 25% I couldn't actually see through my tears any more.

I think, however, the only real criticism I have is that it was too short a read. For something so heavy, extra time could have been devoted to developing both the characters and the relationships a little further. Because of the length, it felt like Bo and Tori fell for one another a little too quickly, and I didn't have enough time to really explore either of the characters enough to really become invested and cry in a more gutted way. Regardless, this was a heartwarming but bittersweet journey, with an excellent premise.

See more of our reviews.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC from Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review*


Thank you so very much Give Me Books Promotions for sending me a copy of I Can't Die Alone!! I am honored and grateful!! :)





4.5 Heartbreaking Stars!!






This was my first time reading Ms.Bartley's work and I really enjoyed this heartbreaking story. I never expected all of the little twists and I liked how those things added to the story. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride of a story. I got teary eyed during various parts and I couldn't help but be touched by all of the characters. I liked the fact that it showed how we can meet people in this life that change our worlds forever. It's beautiful, sweet, humorous, and sad. Ms.Bartley wrote a story that is bound to touch readers and leave them an emotional wreck. I look forward to reading more of her work!!



Letters can bring hope . . .




Tori Holt was a character who was a bit of a loner. Once she found out she was dying her one fear was of leaving this world all alone. A letter she discovered brings new found hope and determination to find someone to spend short time with. I liked her weird sense of humor and at times how honest she could be. My heart broke for her and hated the pain she endured. I loved her relationships with both Bo and Ben! I adored her hilarious cat Duncan. I hoped in the end that she would get to live the way she wanted and with the people she wanted in her life.




I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a read that's quick but sure packs a punch. You better get tissues before reading and be prepared to cry. It deals with serious and realistic issues. This story may not be everyone's cup of tea but it's definitely worth the read and it'll stick with you. I'm sorry if my review is vague but its a story best to discover on your own. If you haven't already One-Clicked Buy it Today!! :) 4.5 Stars all around!!

[Book Loving Fairy-Blog · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

I have so much to say about this book, and I don't even know where to start. I will say that this probably is just down to taste, but I want to give an honest review.... So here we go.

From the beginning of this book, you pretty much know it will not be your typical happily ever after. In the first chapter the main character is given a death sentence. Pancreatic cancer and with no other family other than a cat and a grandmother with Alzheimer's, she's resigned to the fact she will die alone. Upon returning home from her diagnosis, begins to reflect and realizes that she doesn't want to be alone. She goes through her mom's things and finds the love letter from an old sweetheart her mother never talked about. And thus begins the journey.

There were just a lot of moments in this book that had me scratching my head. From random detours from the main storyline that NEVER get brought back up, to the mellow dramatic dialogue between the characters, and not to mention these characters are very one dimensional. There was just no depth and in the end, I just didn't care. It seemed rushed and the writing felt immature. It shocked me that I have actually read and loved other works from this author! It makes me sad to have to write a bad review.

~ Renne

[Kim Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....just wow....I can't fathom being 20 years old and told that I have a mere months to live and being ALONE. Tori is that girl and she sets on a path to find the man that loved her mom back in the day....to share memories of her mom AND in hopes that this man won't let her die alone.....I sobbed LOUDLY, I had to put the book down because my eyes were burning from the tears that were streaming down my face, my nose running and the lumps in my throat as I tried to get myself together to finish. There is no HEA....she dies, yup....no magic unicorn, but it's the way she lived and the way she loved and was loved in return that forced me to continue....my poor dogs probably think I have lost my damn mind. But I would do it again, in a minute.....sometimes we all need a reminder that life is short and the time we are given here on this earth not guaranteed. Thank you Regina Bartley for giving me that reminder and sharing your gift with me and the others who experience the journey....

[Amy Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.
*I received a copy of this book from Be My Book Boyfriend & Author Regina Bartley in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Wow. My heart is broken. My eyes and face are wet with tears. My nose is running. I'm broken. This book. Okay, so I knew it was going to be sad by the title, that's a given. I had something in me that just kept repeating over and over "it will turn around and things will change, just keep reading." Well, I was wrong. Darnit. I was wrong.

This is a pretty fast read but is written well. The details and descriptions are great and on par to give you the ultimate experience while reading. The story line, overall, is a great story line. It's all about loving, opening up to love, letting go, and living in the moment. Sometimes we just want to hurry up and get things done when we need to savor our time with our loved ones.

Can you imagine planning your funeral at the age of 20, after you bury your mom and aunt? Wow. That was a crushing blow. Author Regina Bartley did such a good job writing this story in such a delicate way. She wrote a realistic story and provided realistic details. There was no sugar coating things - it was blunt and out there.

There were a few spots of laughter - the cookie dough incident was my favorite. That little humor was definitely needed to take a break from such a heavy topic. I absolutely loved that Regina put in a bucket list of sorts but one that was more realistic and with things that could be completed. Another home run there.

All in all, this was a great story. I have no complaints other than I spent the last 3-4 chapter in tears, the words blurry, hoping my boss wouldn't walk into my office wondering why in the world I was crying on my lunch break. Thanks Regina for knocking us all back a notch and making us open our eyes a little more to see the important things in life that really matter.

[Ebbie ~Author Groupies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.50 Stars

I Can't Die Alone is the first book I've read by Ms. Bartley. I liked the plot; it was different from any other book I've read.

Tori didn't have any family left, so when she was told that she would die before her next birthday she set out to find Benjamin Cooper. He was a man who had loved her mother. She found a letter and a picture of him and was determined to find him so that she wouldn't die alone. My heart broke for her when she found out her fate. I can't imagine how scared and alone she must have felt. Tori set out on her adventure with only her backpack, the letter and picture. Would she find Benjamin in time or would she die alone?

This was a great story and it was about so much more than death. It was about meeting people and getting to know them for who they were. Tori met some good people along the way that were willing to help her out and expect nothing in return.

I don't want to ruin or spoil anything for anyone but I will say that I think the people she met along the way were the ones who received the biggest blessing. They got to know Tori for the wonderful woman that she was. She was beautiful inside and out. She was also wise beyond her years. It seems like the good always die young. I was so happy with the ending, it was perfect. I only wish that we could get a view into the future and see how things turn out for the other characters. I highly recommend this book! It is a great book about living and experiencing life.

[Shelby (BookLoversHaveMoreFun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this one since Regina is one of my favorite authors. The cover is also my favorite of hers to date.

As it's pretty self-explanatory in the title you WILL need tissues. I needed a good cry and this book delivered.

This story was heartbreakingly beautiful. I very much loved the characters. My heart went out to Tori, my heart swooned for Bo, and my heart felt full of Benjamin. Seeing these characters come together to help each other, complete strangers, was amazing. And then seeing some of those characters becoming a family.

I wish that I Can't Die Alone was a bit longer. I feel like I could've gotten to know the characters more. I understand why it was written the way it was and I liked the book as whole. The story would've been even more heartbreaking to me if was longer, and I already shed too many tears.

I loved how Regina executed the ending with the different POV. Without spoiling it I wish the ending was a LITTLE bit longer. I would've like a chapter years on down the road, or something like that.

I'm very excited to read Regina's next book! She's proven herself time again on her versatility so I have no clue what I'm in store for next.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

ARC Provided and Reviewed by We’ve Licked that book blog!



I just finished it and am completely a mess. My eyes are so sore from crying. This story is raw and heart-breaking but beautiful at the same time. But such an emotional story.

Tori Holt has no family left and her grandmother in a home and hardly remembers who she is. She has no one and doesn’t want to die alone.

She had found a letter that belonged to her mother from a guy that was her mother’s first love and she packs a bag and go searching for him.

What she doesn’t expect to find is some stranger on a park bench. He will make her happy for the last few months of her life… I will not go into details don’t want to spoil it for you.

But was it Fate she meet this stranger and the connection and who is he.

The hardest part about finding love is letting it go.
The easiest part about the journey is the moment it all makes sense.


This is my first book by this Author I will be sure to check her other books out. I really enjoyed this book as heart breaking as it was to read. So grab the tissues and enjoy

[Jae Mod · Rating 5 out of 5]

** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **

This .. OMG .. this book has left me reeling. Regina Bartley has yet again written a powerful, emotional novel that will shaken to the core.

Tori has just received life altering news about her health. With only a few precious months left on this earth she embarks on a journey to find a man, the last connection to her mother who has passed. With little to no family, Tori's biggest fear is dying alone. Setting forth on this journey she will come to find that love is unexpected and that fate is always ever present.

Benjamin Cooper was the man her mother had only truly loved. It is Tori's mission to locate him and in her final days feel a connection with someone who knew her family one last time. Ben is not the only man who comes into life however, Bo .. oh Bo he will be the one to show this beautiful soul what true love means and how bittersweet it can be. The evolution of this story between the characters is magical and with every turn of the page will have you more and more invested.

I Can't Die Alone will gut you, tear you apart, leave you bawling but make no mistake about it .. it will forever remain with you.

[Julie Gustafson-Monk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog

Dear Mrs. Regina, you have completely gutted me..You have written a book that is and will always be close to my heart.
Tori has no one left in her life. She lost her closest best friend and mother to cancer. Her grandmother is in a home and doesn't know who she is. So its her alone..
She finds out she will suffer the same fate as her mother. She will soon die. But she has to get through one thing. Finding Benjamin Cooper. He is her mothers one and only true love. She wanted to share her memories of her mother with him.
Fate is crazy sometimes. Not only does she find Ben, she also finds her one and only true love. The only love she will ever know.
She has her first everything with him.. Bo is her dream come true.

She knows that her dying alone will not happen. She has her family with her now. Ben and Bo are with her every step of the way.

This has hit me pretty hard. Reasons I won't go into. But know Regina you have hit home with me.
❤❤❤❤❤
10 stars!

[Judy Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept hoping and praying through this entire book that there was something that could be done to help Tori live a longer life. I was sucked in from page one and had my heart broken time and time again for all the pain Tori had to go through. But there were also just as many times that I laughed and smiled.

Regina Bartley knows how to deliver a story that can hit close to home for may people on the subject matter while giving you a love story to end all love stories.

Even though you know how things are going to end Regina has a way of having you so engrossed in the story all along the way that once you get hit with that part of it you will be a blubbering mess. And me personally I wouldn't have it any other way.

Amazingly emotional read that will have your heart breaking and pounding out of your chest while you fall in love all over again. Cant wait to see what Regina brings to the table next.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWER: JESSICA

I was not prepared for this story. A real tear jerker. Tori is a 20 year old girl, who finds out she has the same cancer her mother died from six months ago. Her aunt had died years before of the same cancer. She is alone and refuses the treatment may since she just saw her mother go through it. She finds a letter in her mothers coat from an old boyfriend. Even though in pain and weak she goes on this journey to find the guy so she wouldn't be alone. She didn't expect to find him as easy as she did and didn't plan on falling in love with his son. The story was very moving and the people she came across , showed compassion and caring. I cried through the whole book. It hit home for me.

[evieo17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the first chapter of this book at the end of The Game that Breaks Us and was hooked. I trolled the Internet looking for the book but couldn't find anything. I friended Regina on Facebook just to see if she would give more info and found out that the book hasn't been released yet. Imagine my surprise when I got an ARC! I just finished it and am completely GUTTED. At first I didn't want to read this book but I had to... Needed to. I needed to know what becomes of Tori and if she found Benjamin. What happens with Bo.... GAH! This story had all the feels. Be prepared for some ugly cries. A truly beautiful story.

[Jessica St Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not prepared for this story. A real tear jerker. Tori is a 20 year old girl, who finds out she has the same cancer her mother died from six months ago. Her aunt had died years before of the same cancer. She is alone and refuses the treatment may since she just saw her mother go through it. She finds a letter in her mothers coat from an old boyfriend. Even though in pain and weak she goes on this journey to find the guy so she wouldn't be alone. She didn't expect to find him as easy as she did and didn't plan on falling in love with his son. The story was very moving and the people she came across , showed compassion and caring. I cried through the whole book. It hit home for me.

[Maria Lazarou · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you first read the blurb of this book, you think that this is going to be an emotional read.

I was wrong, this was an utterly devastating emotional read, I was in tears from this book and it is really a heartbreaking read.

It is written so well, and this read makes you put things in to prospective, life can change at any second and I think that you need to live it to the fullest. Regina has brought this fact to the surface, and for her to write this book, must have been very hard to do.

I really do recommend this book, but be warned you really need to have the tissues ready.

***Copy received in exchange for an honest and unbiased review***

[Julie Wessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori was such a courageous woman. She decided she was not going to take death lying down and decided to make her last few months last a lifetime. It wasn’t just your typical romantic story; she was on a journey to make her life count. This book takes you on an emotional journey that you will never forget. Regina Bartley really makes you think about life and how fleeting it can be. I definitely recommend this book.

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about heartbreaking and crushing and beautiful..oh my God!!!
Tori was all alone and she was going to die..so she packed up and decide to look for a man who once loved her mother..as fate does, she meets Bo, the son of the man she is looking for..
Now I won't even go into the story..but I cried like mad and by God..I wish the story was longer to get to love Tori and Bo even more.
A great story tho.

[Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recommend a book more. I had read a short extract of this book a couple of months ago at the end of another book, couldn't wait to read it. I literally got sucked in from the first page. Such heartfelt emotional roller coaster - this book months later has still stuck in my mind.

[Autumn Breier · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 Stars

ARC was Given by Author Regina Bartley

Have your tissues near you when you read I Can't Die Alone.
I Can't Die Alone is a beautiful written story. I really enjoyed I Can't Die Alone. I loved Tori and Bo. I Can't Die Alone is my favorite book by Regina Bartley.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Just by the title alone, I knew this was going to be very emotional book. Excellent book, well written, sad subject. I highly recommend it.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh noooo what have I just read, this is so dam sad. This author sure did the works on me, my tears were rolling down my cheeks.

Yes, a story about someone with cancer, but hey folks, its life [unfortunately] and we have to face its happens although we don't want it to.

Tori has been diagnosed with cancer, shes only 20 years old for gods sake.

Her Mother had cancer so shes well aware of whats ahead. Tori refuses treatment, instead she decides to travel after finding a letter in her mothers coat pocket. The letters from an old boyfriend.
So she goes off travelling to find him, but what she gets is a warm glow.......

and I'm stopping there on purpose, you really need to read this well put together short story.

[Adricrisuruta · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been a beautiful story and although the love story is very romantic, the pain it conveys is so real.

Tori proved to be a great warrior and Bo the best man accepting the situation and giving her everything he could to make her happy in her last days.

Even though I knew how the story ended, it was difficult not to stop crying at the end.

[VANESSA BARRITT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody hell

Damn this book should have for with a warning.

I literally had to stop and start reading this book because of the ugly tears.

This book was wow it was powerful and beautiful and so damn emotional.