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Back to Life #3
Back to December
Back to December
Back to Life #3
***STANDALONE SPIN-OFF in the BACK TO LIFE SERIES***
Life made me resilient.
Love made me vulnerable.
Marriage made me… Emily Diaz.
When I married the man of my dreams, I assumed it was forever.
So when circumstances called for me to leave the man I loved, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life.
But betrayal changes everything.
And everything happens for a reason.
Being in love with myself enough to walk away brought me back to life.
Being in love with my life again brought me back to reality.
Being in love with someone else, well, that brought me back to December.
Back to Life #3
***STANDALONE SPIN-OFF in the BACK TO LIFE SERIES***
Life made me resilient.
Love made me vulnerable.
Marriage made me… Emily Diaz.
When I married the man of my dreams, I assumed it was forever.
So when circumstances called for me to leave the man I loved, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life.
But betrayal changes everything.
And everything happens for a reason.
Being in love with myself enough to walk away brought me back to life.
Being in love with my life again brought me back to reality.
Being in love with someone else, well, that brought me back to December.
- GenresRomance
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2016
8 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 13, 2017
Awesome
This is my first read by Mrs. Allen and I was not disappointed at all. The connection between Cedi and Emily was so intense and I loved every moment of it. I love romance stories with a bit of drama and boy did this story have some drama. The ex husband surely needed more than he got but I won't spoil it for other readers. What I will say...run and one-click Back to December you won't be disappointed.
This is my first read by Mrs. Allen and I was not disappointed at all. The connection between Cedi and Emily was so intense and I loved every moment of it. I love romance stories with a bit of drama and boy did this story have some drama. The ex husband surely needed more than he got but I won't spoil it for other readers. What I will say...run and one-click Back to December you won't be disappointed.
November 19, 2016
Since I haven’t read the other books in the series, I can testify that this is a true stand-alone and it is not necessary to read the other books in the series to get the story. (I will now because DRAMA! I need to know what happened!)
Ms. Allen has done it again with Back to December. Seriously, the anticipation nearly killed me! I loved how Ms. Allen testified to the heartbreak of failed marriages, the judgment you get even when you’re not at fault, and the utter b.s. that call fall out of a narcissist’s mouth. (We’ve all been there, babe. Spot on!) I loved the well-rounded characters of CJ & Emily, and the supporting characters are fabulous. Five stars!
Ms. Allen has done it again with Back to December. Seriously, the anticipation nearly killed me! I loved how Ms. Allen testified to the heartbreak of failed marriages, the judgment you get even when you’re not at fault, and the utter b.s. that call fall out of a narcissist’s mouth. (We’ve all been there, babe. Spot on!) I loved the well-rounded characters of CJ & Emily, and the supporting characters are fabulous. Five stars!
November 17, 2016
I think this may be my favorite Danielle Allen book.
Emily is down, but refuses to believe she's out. She's written with vulnerability and a strong undercurrent of tenacity and strength. She has to pick up the pieces after life takes an unexpected and awful turn, but learns to love herself and maybe even someone else.
The attraction between Emily and CJ is a perfectly executed and torturous slow burn. Your heart races right along with Emily's.
Now, I need to go back to the beginning to Sahara's story! 5 amazing stars!
Emily is down, but refuses to believe she's out. She's written with vulnerability and a strong undercurrent of tenacity and strength. She has to pick up the pieces after life takes an unexpected and awful turn, but learns to love herself and maybe even someone else.
The attraction between Emily and CJ is a perfectly executed and torturous slow burn. Your heart races right along with Emily's.
Now, I need to go back to the beginning to Sahara's story! 5 amazing stars!
February 23, 2017
Emily…Em…Auntie Em…Whatever name she is going by, the main character in Back to December is a woman that we currently are, we once were, or she reflects one of our girlfriends. I honestly have never felt this personally connected to a character since Ben from Arsen which I read back in 2014. Emily is a broken woman due to an unfortunate string of events but the main reason is being betrayed by her husband.
Emily starts on a journey to see who she really is as a woman without a husband. The agony, pain, and the feeling of being defeated is beautifully and perfectly written by Allen. And, to be completely transparent, I make that statement because I could have easily switched out a few of the details as far as the husband’s profession and his choice of words and Back to December could be a part of my life story. There is something exceptionally special about a book that truly touches your spirit and this book does just that.
“You said you don’t know about marriage, but do you have it in you to love again?”
Emily meets a colorful cast of characters during her journey of finding self. And, the question posed above is one that made me sit and reflect on how I would even answer that. Love in itself is hard, but love after divorce is even harder. We get a row seat into how Emily navigates life as she goes through a divorce and shortly thereafter. Ms. Allen has a tremendous gift in being able to perfectly illustrate with words what it means to allow yourself time to hurt/mourn, bounce back, to allow others in again, and most importantly, how to fall completely in love with yourself after someone tried their best to break you!!!
I don’t do this often, but I highly recommend Back to December. This could totally be because of selfish reasons because I am pretty sure that I am not the only woman in the world that has been through and/or will share an experience similar to Emily’s. This was my first time reading a book by Danielle Allen, but it definitely won’t be my last!
Emily starts on a journey to see who she really is as a woman without a husband. The agony, pain, and the feeling of being defeated is beautifully and perfectly written by Allen. And, to be completely transparent, I make that statement because I could have easily switched out a few of the details as far as the husband’s profession and his choice of words and Back to December could be a part of my life story. There is something exceptionally special about a book that truly touches your spirit and this book does just that.
“You said you don’t know about marriage, but do you have it in you to love again?”
Emily meets a colorful cast of characters during her journey of finding self. And, the question posed above is one that made me sit and reflect on how I would even answer that. Love in itself is hard, but love after divorce is even harder. We get a row seat into how Emily navigates life as she goes through a divorce and shortly thereafter. Ms. Allen has a tremendous gift in being able to perfectly illustrate with words what it means to allow yourself time to hurt/mourn, bounce back, to allow others in again, and most importantly, how to fall completely in love with yourself after someone tried their best to break you!!!
I don’t do this often, but I highly recommend Back to December. This could totally be because of selfish reasons because I am pretty sure that I am not the only woman in the world that has been through and/or will share an experience similar to Emily’s. This was my first time reading a book by Danielle Allen, but it definitely won’t be my last!
October 17, 2016
LAWD HAVE MERCY!!! This author yall!!! She has my readers heart always. She can turn your whole world upside down then right side up by mere words. That to me is just amazing!! I am such a slow reader but I read this book in a lil under 24hrs. Just WOW!!!
Being that this can be a stand alone I can't say much so I will just a few words here but not much because I don't want to ruin ANYTHING!! So, what can I put here? AHHHH
Let's just say if you love brooding, sexy, alphaish teddy bears, read this book. If you love strong, sexy, sassy women this is it for you!! If you love emotional roller coasters but more humor READ THIS!!!
Danielle made these men and women funny, sexy, strong, and stylish as all get out.. lol So get this book when you can and if you have the time GET THE OTHER TWO!!! You will not be disappointed!!!
Being that this can be a stand alone I can't say much so I will just a few words here but not much because I don't want to ruin ANYTHING!! So, what can I put here? AHHHH
Let's just say if you love brooding, sexy, alphaish teddy bears, read this book. If you love strong, sexy, sassy women this is it for you!! If you love emotional roller coasters but more humor READ THIS!!!
Danielle made these men and women funny, sexy, strong, and stylish as all get out.. lol So get this book when you can and if you have the time GET THE OTHER TWO!!! You will not be disappointed!!!
October 23, 2016
Emily is the embodiment of self love and resilience! <3 The Back to Life Series is officially complete!!
It is so fitting that Back to December would be my tenth book. Things have come full circle. Back to Life was my first... Back to December was my tenth. The growth between the two books is amazing. I'm amazed.
I give this book FIVE stars because if I didn't think it was a FIVE STAR novel, I wouldn't release it. Hope you love it (and CJ Addo) as much as I do!
It is so fitting that Back to December would be my tenth book. Things have come full circle. Back to Life was my first... Back to December was my tenth. The growth between the two books is amazing. I'm amazed.
I give this book FIVE stars because if I didn't think it was a FIVE STAR novel, I wouldn't release it. Hope you love it (and CJ Addo) as much as I do!
December 8, 2016
A woman in pain learning how to live once again. Slow burn, angsty with a very beautiful ending.
For all the Emily's out there, this is your story.
*An arc was received by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
For all the Emily's out there, this is your story.
*An arc was received by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
May 9, 2021
I was glad that this book moved on from Sahara and all of her ridiculous crying. Unfortunately, I didn’t find Emily to be any more likable than Sahara. She just wasn’t a very interesting character. The story had some drama and plenty of unnecessary angst. It just never warmed up for me. The series as a whole was underwhelming. I didn’t love how it all unfolded by book three. The best part of the series for me was Tyree. I didn’t get the ending that I wanted for him. I’m a big fan of Danielle Allen’s other work. I pushed through and finished the series simply because of her.
April 6, 2017
Great Read!!
February 4, 2017
This book tugged at the heart strings. It reminded me of all the reasons why a second chance at love is completely possible . Emily reminded me of every girl that thought she found the one, only to realize she found the one for the moment. It was only through experiencing heartache was she able to become a much stronger, more confident version of who she was always meant to be. And Cedi , he reminded me of all the men who see the true value of a woman. I appreciated how he waited , supported , and never imposed his needs over Emily's.
I loved how the book used the months of the year to show progress over time. There were times that I felt the story was dragging , just a little, specifically towards the end when I kept thinking it was over and then there was more. I'll be honest I found myself breezing through the pages at that part only because in my mind I was already satisfied with the story at the point that he proposed to her; however, I'm the type of reader that likes to see it to the end so I gave it that final stretch.
The book had good content, not too many cliffhangers with the exception of when Anthony was caught screwing some nurse. I was completely floored by that scene ,wasn't expecting it or his arrogance after he was caught.
Would I recommend this to a friend ? Hell yes ! Lol this book was awesome. I've read a lot of Danielle Allen books and I've always enjoyed the way she develops the story and reels the reader in. She keeps you interested and thinking and always manages to drop gems along the way .
I loved how the book used the months of the year to show progress over time. There were times that I felt the story was dragging , just a little, specifically towards the end when I kept thinking it was over and then there was more. I'll be honest I found myself breezing through the pages at that part only because in my mind I was already satisfied with the story at the point that he proposed to her; however, I'm the type of reader that likes to see it to the end so I gave it that final stretch.
The book had good content, not too many cliffhangers with the exception of when Anthony was caught screwing some nurse. I was completely floored by that scene ,wasn't expecting it or his arrogance after he was caught.
Would I recommend this to a friend ? Hell yes ! Lol this book was awesome. I've read a lot of Danielle Allen books and I've always enjoyed the way she develops the story and reels the reader in. She keeps you interested and thinking and always manages to drop gems along the way .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2016
What an awesome story. I have not read the other books in the series but I have to say I really enjoyed Emily and CJ's story. Her pain is felt throughout the story, the accident, her unfulfilled dreams of being a dancer and then her husband’s betrayal and hurtful behavior following the betrayal....whew! how much can a woman take. I absolutely loved Emily's character. She did not give up. She’s strong and resilient and determined to not let any of this break her.
On her road to self-discovery she decides to have a night out to forget all her problems and she ends up in December, a club owned by Addison and CJ. Oh CJ!! So swoon-worthy, confident, HOT and delicious! Addison and Em become fast friends but it’s a little more complicated with CJ, who she is instantly attracted to. CJ is a little harder to read. He’s learned to be guarded and closed off to people due to his tragic loss. Only with Emily does he begin to open up and actually live and learn to love.
I enjoyed taking this journey with Emily and watching her grow and evolve as a woman and to really love herself and of course love CJ. FINALLY!! I was sad to see the story end. I wanted so much more especially with that ending. OMG!! what a little twist thrown in there. I loved it but I wanted MORE!!!!
On her road to self-discovery she decides to have a night out to forget all her problems and she ends up in December, a club owned by Addison and CJ. Oh CJ!! So swoon-worthy, confident, HOT and delicious! Addison and Em become fast friends but it’s a little more complicated with CJ, who she is instantly attracted to. CJ is a little harder to read. He’s learned to be guarded and closed off to people due to his tragic loss. Only with Emily does he begin to open up and actually live and learn to love.
I enjoyed taking this journey with Emily and watching her grow and evolve as a woman and to really love herself and of course love CJ. FINALLY!! I was sad to see the story end. I wanted so much more especially with that ending. OMG!! what a little twist thrown in there. I loved it but I wanted MORE!!!!
October 24, 2016
I swear each book I read by Danielle draws me in and I fall in love with her characters. Danielle is one of my go to authors. I will always buy and read her books.
I never thought I could fall in love with another character like I did Tyree Barker. But CJ Addo is just as amazing. It's a tie between the two but Tyree will always hold a piece of my heart because I fell in love with him first.
Now onto this story! It will draw you in from the first page. You will be rooting for Emily to overcome everything she's been dealt. She's got a lot of stuff to work out and the last thing she needed was a guy complicating things. But sometimes people come into our lives whether we're ready or not. And sometimes people come into our lives for a season.
This is the third book in this series and you don't have to read Back to Life and Back to Reality. BUT you should. You get some backstory on Emily. Plus, you get to meet Sahara (since the first two books are her story).
I never thought I could fall in love with another character like I did Tyree Barker. But CJ Addo is just as amazing. It's a tie between the two but Tyree will always hold a piece of my heart because I fell in love with him first.
Now onto this story! It will draw you in from the first page. You will be rooting for Emily to overcome everything she's been dealt. She's got a lot of stuff to work out and the last thing she needed was a guy complicating things. But sometimes people come into our lives whether we're ready or not. And sometimes people come into our lives for a season.
This is the third book in this series and you don't have to read Back to Life and Back to Reality. BUT you should. You get some backstory on Emily. Plus, you get to meet Sahara (since the first two books are her story).
November 21, 2016
Every time I pick up a Danielle Allen book I know I'm in for a special treat. She has a way of taking me on an emotional yet fulfilling ride. I walk away learning things not only about the characters but also about myself. Ms. Allen has a way to make you love yourself, and I love her for it. This book... It touched me more than any other of her works. Emily is such a strong intelligent, beautiful woman who despite everything thrown her way stays true to herself. It would be easy to bend her convictions, to go against what she believes in but she stays strong. Cedi, the leading man, is my absolute favorite of all Ms. Allen's, and that's saying a lot. Cedi is enchanting, charming and a great example of what a real man is! I hated saying goodbye to this cast of people at the end but look forward to more of this author's work.
November 21, 2016
Emily's story in Back to December is so engaging I found myself crying when she cried. Her journey to love was not rushed but developed at a realistic pace. I love how Danielle Allen was able keep me wanting more from the growing relationships in the story. Emily developed very lasting relationships while losing a couple of dangerous ones. The relationships forged adds to the already loving person we know Emily to be from the other books in the Back to Life Series. This book has me examining relationships in my life to make sure they were healthy and bringing forth the best person I can be just as Emily did. This book is a great stand alone but I would suggest reading the whole series. It is well worth it! Amazing job Danielle Allen!
October 27, 2016
Another hit from Danielle!! Review soon <3
November 20, 2016
"I rescue myself."
If you follow Danielle Allen anywhere on social media you know she is one of the most positive people you'll ever come across. She's encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting...and those are just a few of the words I'd used to describe her. Why does it sound like I'm reviewing Ms. Allen, instead of her book? Because everything that she is, everything that she represents, just radiates out of this book. I could feel her positivity coming through as I read Back to December.
Emily's been dealt a terrible blow by her husband's betrayal but she is not going to allow that keep her down for long. She picks herself up, dusts herself off, and she takes back her life. She is so strong yet vulnerable. With everything thrown her way she doesn't back down, she doesn't give up, and she slowly begins to heal. And if that healing process just happens to include an oh so sexy, oh so caring, and oh so protective new friend...all the better.
Beware ladies, CJ Addo will have you questioning everything you thought you wanted in a man...bbf or real. It's a crying shame that he is not real, a damn crying shame. If only there was some way to bring him to life.
Back to December is such a hopeful story. It's one of love and loss, of friendships, growth, and change. It slowly, oh so slowly, builds to a really wonderful, conclusion. I had tears running down my face even as I sat there with a smile.
November 13, 2016
After reading Sahara, Ty, and Emanuel's story I didn't know if his series could get any better. Boy was I wrong!!! I've adored Emily since book 1 of this series. She's always been there for Sahara and I would love to have her as a best friend! So when i knew this one was about Emily i couldn't wait to dig in! But of course first my heart broke. Emily's story shattered my heart! Until she stumbled into a place called December. Addison and CJ change her life for the better. And CJ, let me tell you..... he is the ABSOLUTE perfect man! I adore him and he just ahhhhhh!!!! Between the 3 of these characters life gets tumbled around and thrown around and sometimes in the best way possible! There are plenty of surprises reading this story that make it all the more better than I originally thought it would be! True love no matter what will always prevail. Even when you are least expecting it in the least likely of situations! And sometimes, sometimes life surprises the crap out of you! Just ask Emily, CJ, and Addison!
December 11, 2017
Heartfelt Journey
This author was new for me and I absolutely loved her book! CJ and Emily were Fantastic! Their Chemistry was so Hot! It burned so strong I about caught fire! I couldn’t get enough of them! Emily, bless her heart she has been through so much! My heart physically Bled for her! But she is strong and tough as nails! And she had CJ as a rock! CJ was so absolutely perfect! He is what every woman wants! He loves Emily so fiercely, he is so Loyal! Gah! Don’t pass up this read! It was Freaking great!!
This author was new for me and I absolutely loved her book! CJ and Emily were Fantastic! Their Chemistry was so Hot! It burned so strong I about caught fire! I couldn’t get enough of them! Emily, bless her heart she has been through so much! My heart physically Bled for her! But she is strong and tough as nails! And she had CJ as a rock! CJ was so absolutely perfect! He is what every woman wants! He loves Emily so fiercely, he is so Loyal! Gah! Don’t pass up this read! It was Freaking great!!
December 11, 2017
Danielle Allen does it again! She had my heart going up and down throughout the entire book! I loved Emily's strength. I loved the intensity between her and CJ. I loved the realistic aspect of the storyline and the rawness of the feelings involved. I loved it so much, I read the book from start to finish in 6 hours!
November 25, 2016
I absolutely loved this series and these characters. I felt like I was truly along for the journey. I loved how it all intertwined and made me feel like I really know these people. I am wondering what the extra footage is....lol Great series Danielle!
November 13, 2016
Review to follow.
*An ARC was provided for an honest review.
*An ARC was provided for an honest review.
November 20, 2016
Beginning this, I wasn't sure what to expect, and was certainly blindsided with the Anthony bombshell. Throughout this series, Emily remained the level headed one and was always there to help keep Sahara grounded, and that was no easy feat. Emily is the model of “what doesn't break you, makes you stronger" because once again she finds herself in a situation where she is detoured from her happily ever after, but Emily proves that she can hold her own. When she decides that she is more than her circumstances and unveils the original Emily Mills, December just happens to be the perfect place. It was a great opening to the start of a new chapter. It is there you meet and immediately fall in love with Cedi and Addison, with them the story is brought full circle.
Once again, the author gives a good dose of drama, but not without a message in the mess! You witness classic examples of “Delay does not mean Denied”.
I have determined that this is my favorite book in the series and my weekend book hangover.
Once again, the author gives a good dose of drama, but not without a message in the mess! You witness classic examples of “Delay does not mean Denied”.
I have determined that this is my favorite book in the series and my weekend book hangover.
November 24, 2016
The inner dialogue was terrible, I skimmed most of it and I was good enough with the ending at 85%. Kinda blah, but the premise was good enough for me to finish... mostly.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews