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Here Without You
Anna Romano had the picture perfect life. As a brilliant high school student and talented artist with a supportive family, she couldn’t imagine her life being any better. Her days were spent fantasizing about finishing high school, and dreaming of a future with her loving boyfriend.Ryan Jacobs had his life figured out. He was enlisting in the Navy, and his high school sweetheart was applying to art school. Just a few more months and the life they’d planned together would become a reality.On a cold February day, tragedy struck and flipped Anna’s life upside down. The bright and colorful world she once lived in turned to gray. Retreating into herself, she pushed Ryan away. She pushed everyone away. Then she ran.Ryan was lost without Anna, but truthfully, she had been gone long before she even left. He did the only thing he could do, he went on with his life. Years later, the last thing he expected was to bump into her more than two thousand miles from home.Love, pain, distance, and secrets.Would their challenges tear them apart?Or was their love strong enough to mend them forever?Here Without You is a standalone romance with a trigger warning. A mass shooting takes place in the prologue and is referenced periodically throughout the book.
260 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2017
26 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Allen
16 books210 followersJennifer was born and raised on Long Island, in New York. She relocated to South Carolina in 2002, where she met the love of her life. They got married in 2008, and live their happily ever after just outside of Charleston with their fur-kid. When she’s not reading or writing, she works as a behavioral therapist for children with autism. She is also a graduate student, pursuing a graduate degree and certification as a behavior analyst. She enjoys amateur photography, traveling, and music…it’s a bonus when she can combine all three. Jennifer is also a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed in 2017 and declared cancer-free in 2018. She independently published her debut novel, Our Moon (JACT 1), in June 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 5, 2017
Love, love, love!!! With every book Jennifer L. Allen writes she gets better and better. She made me feel the pain and horror that Anna was going through. Then to turn around and make me understand the love that Ryan still had for Anna; swoon. I felt I was right there in the story going along with every struggle that Anna was going through; she becomes your best friend. You will totally root for her to believe in her self again.
I loved Ryan and Anna; the emails back and forth were the best part of the book for me.
I loved Ryan and Anna; the emails back and forth were the best part of the book for me.
April 19, 2017
Here Without You was about Anna processing one fleeting moment that changed her outlook on life. Anna and Ryan had their future mapped out until one tragic moment sent Anna into isolation. Anna walked away from Ryan and her family in hopes of finding herself. For five years Anna remained numb, alone, and scared. Anna refused help because she was not ready to face the tragic event that changed her life.
Told in alternating points of view between Anna and Ryan. Ryan and Anna were the main characters who had fallen in love in high school. They were together for three years before their future was stripped away. This was a second chance love story. It was also about being ready to accept help and wanting to change. The story focused on new beginnings, starting new chapters in life, and progressing in life.
Here Without You was about Anna coping with loss and feeling lonely even when she had a stable, loving, and supporting family. Anna changed when an unexpected occurrence affected her outlook on life. Anna withdrew from people and chose to numb herself from feeling.
Anna did not cope well after the tragic incident that changed her life. Anna refused help and set off by herself. Ryan crossed paths with Anna helping her get back to her family. Anna had a long road of recovery and needed time to heal wounds left opened.
The story progressed in stages as Anna gained control of her life. Each step brought her closer to her goals that were set from three years ago. Anna stepped away from her responsibilities after the incident that left her feeling guilty, scared, and panicked.
I liked the steps used by the therapist to rehabilitate Anna back into society. Anna set goals, made lists, and journaled her emotions helping her progress.
I did not love this book in the beginning. I struggled to connect with the characters. It took me awhile to find my rhythm. The writing style did not grab ahold me at first. Anna's character was mostly the cause of this. Not until the author explained why Anna behaved the way she did did I finally find my groove.
Anna's breakdown was hard for me to associate with. The way Anna dealt with the incident did not get explained in a timely manner that made connecting with her a challenge. Everything got pushed while rehabilitating Anna's character. The stages of her transition were understandably slow but her progression also kept the pace of the story slow hindering the development of her and Ryan's relationship.
The characters interacted via email. Ryan was deployed over seas in the Navy so the only correspondence to be made was either Skype or email. This was the best transition for the story. The much needed memories of a loving bond helped bridge the gap I needed to connect with these characters.
Told in alternating points of view between Anna and Ryan. Ryan and Anna were the main characters who had fallen in love in high school. They were together for three years before their future was stripped away. This was a second chance love story. It was also about being ready to accept help and wanting to change. The story focused on new beginnings, starting new chapters in life, and progressing in life.
Here Without You was about Anna coping with loss and feeling lonely even when she had a stable, loving, and supporting family. Anna changed when an unexpected occurrence affected her outlook on life. Anna withdrew from people and chose to numb herself from feeling.
Anna did not cope well after the tragic incident that changed her life. Anna refused help and set off by herself. Ryan crossed paths with Anna helping her get back to her family. Anna had a long road of recovery and needed time to heal wounds left opened.
The story progressed in stages as Anna gained control of her life. Each step brought her closer to her goals that were set from three years ago. Anna stepped away from her responsibilities after the incident that left her feeling guilty, scared, and panicked.
I liked the steps used by the therapist to rehabilitate Anna back into society. Anna set goals, made lists, and journaled her emotions helping her progress.
I did not love this book in the beginning. I struggled to connect with the characters. It took me awhile to find my rhythm. The writing style did not grab ahold me at first. Anna's character was mostly the cause of this. Not until the author explained why Anna behaved the way she did did I finally find my groove.
Anna's breakdown was hard for me to associate with. The way Anna dealt with the incident did not get explained in a timely manner that made connecting with her a challenge. Everything got pushed while rehabilitating Anna's character. The stages of her transition were understandably slow but her progression also kept the pace of the story slow hindering the development of her and Ryan's relationship.
The characters interacted via email. Ryan was deployed over seas in the Navy so the only correspondence to be made was either Skype or email. This was the best transition for the story. The much needed memories of a loving bond helped bridge the gap I needed to connect with these characters.
April 6, 2017
What can I say about this book! It ripped my heart out, put it back in and then turned around and ripped it from my chest, threw it on the ground, stomped on it, and kicked it a few times for good measure. I shed a few tears at 12%, and was full-on crying at 78%, and was smiling like a loon at 100%!
This was such a touching story. I couldn't help but become emotionally attached to Anna and Ryan's story from the very start. The struggles they went through, only to become stronger in the end, had me rooting for them, and believing in the power of true love.
I've read all of Jennifer's books, and let me tell you, each one is better than the last. She has hit her stride as an author. Knowing just how to evoke the right emotion from the reader.
This was such a touching story. I couldn't help but become emotionally attached to Anna and Ryan's story from the very start. The struggles they went through, only to become stronger in the end, had me rooting for them, and believing in the power of true love.
I've read all of Jennifer's books, and let me tell you, each one is better than the last. She has hit her stride as an author. Knowing just how to evoke the right emotion from the reader.
April 5, 2017
I absolutely fell in love with Ryan and Anna's story. What Anna experienced the day of the shootings changed her life. She was so lost and wanted to be numb. She left everything behind and let go of the love of her life. Ryan moved forward with his life and began his career with the Navy. When lives are supposed to intertwine fate will step in...Ryan comes back into her life when she is finally ready to go home and get the help she needs to move past the tragedy. I loved the long distance relationship. Anna needed it so she could slowly get her life back. I needed to know who Kelsey was when she was first introduced! It made me speed read!!! I predicted what the big fallout would be. The epilogue was great and tied up a lot for the side characters. This book gave me all the feels and I highly recommend it!! Amazing!
April 18, 2017
“I want to Live again… really live.”
Well it is difficult to decide where to start with this book, or even really share any little hints of its secrets for fear of ruining the experience for the person reading this. I know for sure this is one of those books that will stay with me forever. One I may want to keep in the back of my mind, as a guide to addressing many of the issues laid out in the novel with my daughter, should I ever be in these situations. Definitely pull out your favorite blanket and a box of tissues, get your tea or coffee and settle in, this is one you will not put down until you are finished with the very last page.
Anna and Ronnie, two sisters that are so close in age they may as well be twins. Actually, they are called Irish twins, born only eleven months apart in the same year. Their bond is deeply rooted and shows from the beginning of the book. This is just one of the relationships that are woven into the plot. There is also Ryan, Anna’s boyfriend and high school sweetheart, the man of her dreams. Everything in life is going so perfectly. School is almost over for Ryan and she only has one more year left. They have planned their entire futures at least for the next ten or so years out. Anna will attend a prestigious college for art in California, and Ryan will be a year into his service for the NAVY by the end of the next year. We meet these three first in the book, set 5 years from the here and now. The sisters are shopping for Ronnie’s prom dress, Ryan is looking to crash the girls’ day party and see Anna. It is the perfect setting, everything is well and good in the world. “I loved people watching… It was one of the reasons my artistic specialty had always been portraits, sometimes straightforward, and sometimes abstract. I loved portraying people on canvas in my own creative style, the same way I assumed photographers enjoyed capturing them on film.” People watching in the food court of the local mall, is just exactly what Anna is doing when the world comes crashing down on all of them. Anna~ “I was so naïve. Before that day, I’d heard the stories and read the news reports of shootings, but I never thought something like that would happen in my town, let alone in such proximity to me. I was a happy-go-lucky-teenager with nothing on my mind but my next school assignment and what the weekend would bring. In one moment, all of that was taken away from me.” The events lead to almost complete destruction of Anna’s psyche. I felt that this was portrayed so very well by Jennifer Allen. Depression and PTSD are ugly things we are often afraid to talk about, regardless of the reasoning behind anything. Our society makes it a crime to feel at times, and I felt that Anna struggled with that. She was so afraid to feel, to deal with what had happened to her and to her sister and Ryan. She ran, fight or flight kicked in, and five years later she finds herself on a cold blustery street in Seattle, Washington. She is just about to give up when she stumbles into Ryan. “Jesus Anna, I never thought I’d see you again.”
The rest of the book is a story of patience, healing and courage, not without more twists and turns but that is life, isn’t it? “Patience. Right. Not my strong suit. Not after spending years apart and finally being back in a comfortable place with Anna… Now, I waited.”
Well it is difficult to decide where to start with this book, or even really share any little hints of its secrets for fear of ruining the experience for the person reading this. I know for sure this is one of those books that will stay with me forever. One I may want to keep in the back of my mind, as a guide to addressing many of the issues laid out in the novel with my daughter, should I ever be in these situations. Definitely pull out your favorite blanket and a box of tissues, get your tea or coffee and settle in, this is one you will not put down until you are finished with the very last page.
Anna and Ronnie, two sisters that are so close in age they may as well be twins. Actually, they are called Irish twins, born only eleven months apart in the same year. Their bond is deeply rooted and shows from the beginning of the book. This is just one of the relationships that are woven into the plot. There is also Ryan, Anna’s boyfriend and high school sweetheart, the man of her dreams. Everything in life is going so perfectly. School is almost over for Ryan and she only has one more year left. They have planned their entire futures at least for the next ten or so years out. Anna will attend a prestigious college for art in California, and Ryan will be a year into his service for the NAVY by the end of the next year. We meet these three first in the book, set 5 years from the here and now. The sisters are shopping for Ronnie’s prom dress, Ryan is looking to crash the girls’ day party and see Anna. It is the perfect setting, everything is well and good in the world. “I loved people watching… It was one of the reasons my artistic specialty had always been portraits, sometimes straightforward, and sometimes abstract. I loved portraying people on canvas in my own creative style, the same way I assumed photographers enjoyed capturing them on film.” People watching in the food court of the local mall, is just exactly what Anna is doing when the world comes crashing down on all of them. Anna~ “I was so naïve. Before that day, I’d heard the stories and read the news reports of shootings, but I never thought something like that would happen in my town, let alone in such proximity to me. I was a happy-go-lucky-teenager with nothing on my mind but my next school assignment and what the weekend would bring. In one moment, all of that was taken away from me.” The events lead to almost complete destruction of Anna’s psyche. I felt that this was portrayed so very well by Jennifer Allen. Depression and PTSD are ugly things we are often afraid to talk about, regardless of the reasoning behind anything. Our society makes it a crime to feel at times, and I felt that Anna struggled with that. She was so afraid to feel, to deal with what had happened to her and to her sister and Ryan. She ran, fight or flight kicked in, and five years later she finds herself on a cold blustery street in Seattle, Washington. She is just about to give up when she stumbles into Ryan. “Jesus Anna, I never thought I’d see you again.”
The rest of the book is a story of patience, healing and courage, not without more twists and turns but that is life, isn’t it? “Patience. Right. Not my strong suit. Not after spending years apart and finally being back in a comfortable place with Anna… Now, I waited.”
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April 18, 2017Here Without You
Author Jennifer L. Allen
5 Stars
Five Years Previously
Anna and her sister Ronnie were out shopping for Ronnie’s prom dress. Anna loved the clothes that Ronnie always picked and used her fashion sense when it came to picking her own clothing. After the dress had been picked Ronnie wanted to go buy a new lipstick and the girls decided to meet up for coffee in the mall. Before Anna left the shop, she got a phone call from Ryan her boyfriend, he was telling her he missed her and could he crash the girl day out. All was quiet in the mall with the shopper doing their own thing when gun shots rang out sending people scattering for safety. Suddenly Anna felt some one on top of her and struggled until she realised it was Ryan laying his body over hr to protect her. When the shooting was, all done Anna saw, Ronnie laying on the ground injured. This day would change everyone’s lives.
Five Years Later
Not being able to cope with what had happened Anna left her family and Ryan breaking his heart. Anna was now living in Seattle she missed her family and Ryan a lot. One night on her at home she heard a man’s voice calling her name, ignoring it she continued to walk to the bus stop when she heard the voice again realizing it was Ryan of all people. Ryan was dismayed as how she looked, and asked her if she wanted something to eat and drink but she told him no. To get her out of the cold her took her back to his hotel where they sat in the lobby talking. Anna suddenly burst into tears telling Ryan she wanted to go home, he thought she meant to her apartment but in fact she meant Lakeside. That wasn’t a problem for Ryan he told her he would take her after his friend wedding.
Anna and Ryan re-established their relationship and knew that the love they had for each other had never gone away. Anna was counting down the days until Ryan was coming back state side and decided to surprise him at the airport. However, the surprise would be on her. What she didn’t know was that Ryan had a little girl, he wanted to tell her face to face but she saw him hug the little girl and a woman she assumed to be his wife. Thinking he was married she angry and upset and left the airport. Ryan could not work out why he had not heard from her and went to hr college and saw her walking with another man. Both are angry with each other; would they be able to get through this and would Anna take Ryan back when he finally tells her about Charlotte his daughter and Kelsey his little girls mother.
Author Jennifer L. Allen
5 Stars
Five Years Previously
Anna and her sister Ronnie were out shopping for Ronnie’s prom dress. Anna loved the clothes that Ronnie always picked and used her fashion sense when it came to picking her own clothing. After the dress had been picked Ronnie wanted to go buy a new lipstick and the girls decided to meet up for coffee in the mall. Before Anna left the shop, she got a phone call from Ryan her boyfriend, he was telling her he missed her and could he crash the girl day out. All was quiet in the mall with the shopper doing their own thing when gun shots rang out sending people scattering for safety. Suddenly Anna felt some one on top of her and struggled until she realised it was Ryan laying his body over hr to protect her. When the shooting was, all done Anna saw, Ronnie laying on the ground injured. This day would change everyone’s lives.
Five Years Later
Not being able to cope with what had happened Anna left her family and Ryan breaking his heart. Anna was now living in Seattle she missed her family and Ryan a lot. One night on her at home she heard a man’s voice calling her name, ignoring it she continued to walk to the bus stop when she heard the voice again realizing it was Ryan of all people. Ryan was dismayed as how she looked, and asked her if she wanted something to eat and drink but she told him no. To get her out of the cold her took her back to his hotel where they sat in the lobby talking. Anna suddenly burst into tears telling Ryan she wanted to go home, he thought she meant to her apartment but in fact she meant Lakeside. That wasn’t a problem for Ryan he told her he would take her after his friend wedding.
Anna and Ryan re-established their relationship and knew that the love they had for each other had never gone away. Anna was counting down the days until Ryan was coming back state side and decided to surprise him at the airport. However, the surprise would be on her. What she didn’t know was that Ryan had a little girl, he wanted to tell her face to face but she saw him hug the little girl and a woman she assumed to be his wife. Thinking he was married she angry and upset and left the airport. Ryan could not work out why he had not heard from her and went to hr college and saw her walking with another man. Both are angry with each other; would they be able to get through this and would Anna take Ryan back when he finally tells her about Charlotte his daughter and Kelsey his little girls mother.
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Blurb:
Anna Romano had the picture perfect life. As a brilliant high school student and talented artist with a supportive family, she couldn’t imagine her life being any better. Her days were spent fantasizing about finishing high school, and dreaming of a future with her loving boyfriend.
Ryan Jacobs had his life figured out. He was enlisting in the Navy, and his high school sweetheart was applying to art school. Just a few more months and the life they’d planned together would become a reality.
On a cold February day, tragedy struck and flipped Anna’s life upside down. The bright and colorful world she once lived in turned to gray. Retreating into herself, she pushed Ryan away. She pushed everyone away. Then she ran.
Ryan was lost without Anna, but truthfully, she had been gone long before she even left. He did the only thing he could do, he went on with his life. Years later, the last thing he expected was to bump into her more than two thousand miles from home.
Love, pain, distance, and secrets.
Would their challenges tear them apart?
Or was their love strong enough to mend them forever?
Blurb:
Anna Romano had the picture perfect life. As a brilliant high school student and talented artist with a supportive family, she couldn’t imagine her life being any better. Her days were spent fantasizing about finishing high school, and dreaming of a future with her loving boyfriend.
Ryan Jacobs had his life figured out. He was enlisting in the Navy, and his high school sweetheart was applying to art school. Just a few more months and the life they’d planned together would become a reality.
On a cold February day, tragedy struck and flipped Anna’s life upside down. The bright and colorful world she once lived in turned to gray. Retreating into herself, she pushed Ryan away. She pushed everyone away. Then she ran.
Ryan was lost without Anna, but truthfully, she had been gone long before she even left. He did the only thing he could do, he went on with his life. Years later, the last thing he expected was to bump into her more than two thousand miles from home.
Love, pain, distance, and secrets.
Would their challenges tear them apart?
Or was their love strong enough to mend them forever?
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars
April 19, 2017
Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen is kind of dark, emotional story about loss, PTSD and Depression. This story has a graphic situation that really kind of sets the tone for this story. I really enjoyed how the author has created characters that you will be able to relate to and connect to on some level. This story will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions anything from compassion to anger. This story will really hit you in the heart and make you feel what the characters are feeling. The author has really created a story that will make you think about your life and if this was you what would you do. Find out what happens when one event changes life as you know forever.
Anna Romano is a young woman who thought she had it all. She knows what she wants with her future, a loving boyfriend, and a supportive family. Then tragedy strikes and her whole world is turned upside down. She did the only thing she could think of, she pushed him and everyone away and then she ran.
Ryan Jacobs thought he had his life all planned out. He is going into the Navy, Anna was applying for art school and in just a few months they would be together. Then Anna up and left. What was he going to do? He did the only thing he knew to do and that is to move on. The one thing he never expected to happen, happened a few years later. He bumped into her.
Anna and Ryan's relationship was a loving one until that tragic event that changed everything for them. But years later they bump into each other, so now what? Will they feel the same about each other? Has to much time passed between them? Will pain and distance be their determining factor? Or will love conquer all? Their journey together will take you on many twists and turns and have you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen on the next page. Will they heal each other? Do they have the courage and the patience to see this through? I fully enjoyed these characters and how they pulled at my heart for them. Anna is a strong character and the situations she goes through just make her stronger throughout the book. I found myself having compassion for Ryan. He was just hurt and lost when Anna left. But he found a way to get through and you will enjoy watching him grow throughout this story. Find out if their love is strong enough to mend them or if their challenges prove to be to much for them.
This is my first story by Jennifer L. Allen and I know it won't be the last. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. Jennifer lives currently with her husband and their fur-babies. When she is not reading or writing, she works a day job in an office and is an evening graduate student. She enjoys photography, music and traveling. You will totally lose track of time reading this book as I read it in one sitting. I needed to know what was going to happen next. This story will keep you engaged without the story and until the end. This story is a fast paced, page turner that will keep you turning page after page. You will enjoy the connection between the characters and the connection you will feel with the story. I highly suggest this story as I know you will want to see what happens to this young woman after tragedy strikes.
Anna Romano is a young woman who thought she had it all. She knows what she wants with her future, a loving boyfriend, and a supportive family. Then tragedy strikes and her whole world is turned upside down. She did the only thing she could think of, she pushed him and everyone away and then she ran.
Ryan Jacobs thought he had his life all planned out. He is going into the Navy, Anna was applying for art school and in just a few months they would be together. Then Anna up and left. What was he going to do? He did the only thing he knew to do and that is to move on. The one thing he never expected to happen, happened a few years later. He bumped into her.
Anna and Ryan's relationship was a loving one until that tragic event that changed everything for them. But years later they bump into each other, so now what? Will they feel the same about each other? Has to much time passed between them? Will pain and distance be their determining factor? Or will love conquer all? Their journey together will take you on many twists and turns and have you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen on the next page. Will they heal each other? Do they have the courage and the patience to see this through? I fully enjoyed these characters and how they pulled at my heart for them. Anna is a strong character and the situations she goes through just make her stronger throughout the book. I found myself having compassion for Ryan. He was just hurt and lost when Anna left. But he found a way to get through and you will enjoy watching him grow throughout this story. Find out if their love is strong enough to mend them or if their challenges prove to be to much for them.
This is my first story by Jennifer L. Allen and I know it won't be the last. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. Jennifer lives currently with her husband and their fur-babies. When she is not reading or writing, she works a day job in an office and is an evening graduate student. She enjoys photography, music and traveling. You will totally lose track of time reading this book as I read it in one sitting. I needed to know what was going to happen next. This story will keep you engaged without the story and until the end. This story is a fast paced, page turner that will keep you turning page after page. You will enjoy the connection between the characters and the connection you will feel with the story. I highly suggest this story as I know you will want to see what happens to this young woman after tragedy strikes.
April 18, 2017
Here Without You
By: Jennifer L. Allen
5 out of 5 stars
The story Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen is a New Adult/Military romance book. What happens when your life turns upside-down in one day? Anna Romano’s life was perfect. She was looking forward to the future with her boyfriend and taking the next steps in their lives together. One day changed everything for both her and Ryan. She cuts everyone out of her life and then runs. Then one day Ryan finds Anna more than two thousand miles from home. What is in the cards for Anna and Ryan? Is their love still alive after all the time that has passed?
This is a story that was very emotional for me. Reading about the event that first happens and then the aftermath is sobering. However, this book is also about hope and the power of love. It is told from the POV of both Anna and Ryan. Anna is a girl with a future. She has a wonderful boyfriend and they have their life planned out after they graduate high school. Their plans for the future always included one another. One tragic event changes everything for Anna and she can’t recover from all she has seen. It is sad to read about how she pushes everyone away from her, even Ryan. Then one day Anna and Ryan meet again and things begin to change. There has been so much time that has passed since they last saw each other and then with old feelings resurfacing will they be able to overcome any challenges or will those challenges take away any possibility for a second chance at love?
Ryan knows what he wants out of life. He enlists in the Navy and will build his life around both his career and Anna. So it hurts when Anna pushes him away, however, he goes on with his life. Even so, he still thinks about Anna. Ryan is someone that Anna has always been able to talk to. Now that she is back in his life will it be as just a friend or something more?
This is a beautiful story that will touch your heart. The book is well written and has characters that you can identify with. I can’t wait to read more of her books. This book does include a mass shooting that takes place in the prologue and is referenced to periodically throughout the book. It would be recommended for a mature audience.
By: Jennifer L. Allen
5 out of 5 stars
The story Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen is a New Adult/Military romance book. What happens when your life turns upside-down in one day? Anna Romano’s life was perfect. She was looking forward to the future with her boyfriend and taking the next steps in their lives together. One day changed everything for both her and Ryan. She cuts everyone out of her life and then runs. Then one day Ryan finds Anna more than two thousand miles from home. What is in the cards for Anna and Ryan? Is their love still alive after all the time that has passed?
This is a story that was very emotional for me. Reading about the event that first happens and then the aftermath is sobering. However, this book is also about hope and the power of love. It is told from the POV of both Anna and Ryan. Anna is a girl with a future. She has a wonderful boyfriend and they have their life planned out after they graduate high school. Their plans for the future always included one another. One tragic event changes everything for Anna and she can’t recover from all she has seen. It is sad to read about how she pushes everyone away from her, even Ryan. Then one day Anna and Ryan meet again and things begin to change. There has been so much time that has passed since they last saw each other and then with old feelings resurfacing will they be able to overcome any challenges or will those challenges take away any possibility for a second chance at love?
Ryan knows what he wants out of life. He enlists in the Navy and will build his life around both his career and Anna. So it hurts when Anna pushes him away, however, he goes on with his life. Even so, he still thinks about Anna. Ryan is someone that Anna has always been able to talk to. Now that she is back in his life will it be as just a friend or something more?
This is a beautiful story that will touch your heart. The book is well written and has characters that you can identify with. I can’t wait to read more of her books. This book does include a mass shooting that takes place in the prologue and is referenced to periodically throughout the book. It would be recommended for a mature audience.
April 18, 2017
5 star review
Here Without You is a heart breaking yet beautiful stand-alone novel by Jennifer L Allen. The story does come with a trigger warning of a mass shooting that takes place in the prologue but I will say that the story that follows this prologue is one of inspiration, bravery but with some very emotional moments. I wasn’t sure that I was going to like the story after reading the trigger warning but I’m so glad that I did. I found myself completely immersed in these characters lives and living every emotional up and down with them. I definitely shed a few tears after reading the prologue and a few points during the story that’s for sure. The story is told from the POV of both Anna and Ryan.
Anna was just so amazing and inspirational. I could feel every emotion that the author poured into the character and her life after the shooting. The way in which she dealt with the aftermath of that day I would imagine is very common and I thought that the author did a really good job in portraying this in a raw real life way. It was like reading a real life story to be perfectly honest.
I liked the way in which Anna and Ryan’s relationship developed. It’s true that their relationship only suffered because of that day and for them to jump back into one when they found each other again wouldn’t have been right. By them communicating and getting to know each other every day it enabled them to catch up on the last 4 years without any expectations. Through these e-mails we were able to get background knowledge of their relationship too.
I thought that the author did a great job in describing the stages that Anna went through in her rehabilitation and also included setbacks which would happen. This book really was well written considering the very sensitive nature of the storyline.
I liked that the author included an epilogue of a few years later so we could see how Anna had progressed in her life!
Overall I thought that this story was beautifully written and I really enjoyed reading it. This was my first read by Jennifer and I will definitely be looking to read more by her!
Here Without You is a heart breaking yet beautiful stand-alone novel by Jennifer L Allen. The story does come with a trigger warning of a mass shooting that takes place in the prologue but I will say that the story that follows this prologue is one of inspiration, bravery but with some very emotional moments. I wasn’t sure that I was going to like the story after reading the trigger warning but I’m so glad that I did. I found myself completely immersed in these characters lives and living every emotional up and down with them. I definitely shed a few tears after reading the prologue and a few points during the story that’s for sure. The story is told from the POV of both Anna and Ryan.
Anna was just so amazing and inspirational. I could feel every emotion that the author poured into the character and her life after the shooting. The way in which she dealt with the aftermath of that day I would imagine is very common and I thought that the author did a really good job in portraying this in a raw real life way. It was like reading a real life story to be perfectly honest.
I liked the way in which Anna and Ryan’s relationship developed. It’s true that their relationship only suffered because of that day and for them to jump back into one when they found each other again wouldn’t have been right. By them communicating and getting to know each other every day it enabled them to catch up on the last 4 years without any expectations. Through these e-mails we were able to get background knowledge of their relationship too.
I thought that the author did a great job in describing the stages that Anna went through in her rehabilitation and also included setbacks which would happen. This book really was well written considering the very sensitive nature of the storyline.
I liked that the author included an epilogue of a few years later so we could see how Anna had progressed in her life!
Overall I thought that this story was beautifully written and I really enjoyed reading it. This was my first read by Jennifer and I will definitely be looking to read more by her!
April 19, 2017
Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen
Five Stars
Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen is a tragically wonderful romance story. This book has a trigger warning and contains PTSD situations that sets the issues that occur in this book. The author has used such descriptive situations and characters it made me feel like you could reach out and touch them. My emotions varied from happy, to sad, to angry. I was pulled in from the first word to the last. I read this book in one setting and needed a box of tissues sitting next to me. The roller coaster of emotions were overwhelming at times, but Ms Allen did a wonderful job of bringing the characters feeling to the front.
Anna Romano is your typical happy teenager getting ready to go to prom and start a new life with her boyfriend after graduation. All that changed in a moment of violence. After the incident at the local shopping mall, Anna started to withdraw from life. Her depression spiraled and in the end she did the only thing she felt she could do. She ran. She was living a solitary live which she felt she deserved and was okay with that because she is numb.
Ryan Jacobs had his life planned out. He was joining the Navy after graduation. Then he and Anna would be together forever. After the tragedy at the mall, Anna started to pull away and finally left town. He was devastated but eventually picked up the pieces and went on with his life.
Four years later, Ryan accidentally bumps into Anna in Seattle. Anna is walking down the street when Ryan calls out to her. She thinks she is hearing things and continues down the sidewalk thinking that her life couldn't get much worse. When Ryan catches up with her, they have a long talk and Anna decides to take him up on his offer to take her home.
The story that ensues will break your heart and make you root for them. It is a beautifully written book. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Allen, but definitely won't be my last. I would highly recommend this book.
Five Stars
Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen is a tragically wonderful romance story. This book has a trigger warning and contains PTSD situations that sets the issues that occur in this book. The author has used such descriptive situations and characters it made me feel like you could reach out and touch them. My emotions varied from happy, to sad, to angry. I was pulled in from the first word to the last. I read this book in one setting and needed a box of tissues sitting next to me. The roller coaster of emotions were overwhelming at times, but Ms Allen did a wonderful job of bringing the characters feeling to the front.
Anna Romano is your typical happy teenager getting ready to go to prom and start a new life with her boyfriend after graduation. All that changed in a moment of violence. After the incident at the local shopping mall, Anna started to withdraw from life. Her depression spiraled and in the end she did the only thing she felt she could do. She ran. She was living a solitary live which she felt she deserved and was okay with that because she is numb.
Ryan Jacobs had his life planned out. He was joining the Navy after graduation. Then he and Anna would be together forever. After the tragedy at the mall, Anna started to pull away and finally left town. He was devastated but eventually picked up the pieces and went on with his life.
Four years later, Ryan accidentally bumps into Anna in Seattle. Anna is walking down the street when Ryan calls out to her. She thinks she is hearing things and continues down the sidewalk thinking that her life couldn't get much worse. When Ryan catches up with her, they have a long talk and Anna decides to take him up on his offer to take her home.
The story that ensues will break your heart and make you root for them. It is a beautifully written book. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Allen, but definitely won't be my last. I would highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2017
Here without you
By Jennifer L. Allen
5/5 Stars
Here without you by Jennifer L. Allen is about overcoming obstacles, self discovery and love. This is a standalone romance novel, with sensitive subjects. It may cause triggers for some. So, read at your owned risk. This is my first time reading a book by Jennifer Allen. And let me tell ya, this will not be my last!!
Anna and Ronnie Romano are not only sisters, they are best friends too. They are only 11 months apart and are even in the same grade in high school. They are incredibly close and share everything. No secrets between them, ever!!
Anna is an inspiring artist. She has her life planned out after high school. And her high school boyfriend,Ryan Jacobs is part of that plan.
Ryan Jacobs plans to enlist in the Navy after high school. But Anna is still included in his plans. They only see a life together, forever and always!
Ronnie is kind, sweet, determined and not to mention, a fighter. She is your typical teenage girl. Makeup and fashion are an important part of her life.
Shopping at the mall, on a dreary day… looking for prom dresses. Ronnie and Anna’s life get turned upside down. The unthinkable happens and tragedy strikes.
Anna pushes everyone away, including her boyfriend and sister. She retreats into herself. And when that isn't enough, she runs… and doesn't ever look back.
Can Anna get the help she needs before it's too late? Is their love strong enough for Ryan and Anna?
You MUST read this book! You will love it just as much as I did! It's a quick and easy read. Beautifully written with intriguing characters!
Life is such a journey… you never know where it will lead you!! Just buckle up and enjoy the ride!!
You have gained another fan… I will definitely be reading more books in the future! Until next time… keep up the wonderful work and amazing characters!!!
By Jennifer L. Allen
5/5 Stars
Here without you by Jennifer L. Allen is about overcoming obstacles, self discovery and love. This is a standalone romance novel, with sensitive subjects. It may cause triggers for some. So, read at your owned risk. This is my first time reading a book by Jennifer Allen. And let me tell ya, this will not be my last!!
Anna and Ronnie Romano are not only sisters, they are best friends too. They are only 11 months apart and are even in the same grade in high school. They are incredibly close and share everything. No secrets between them, ever!!
Anna is an inspiring artist. She has her life planned out after high school. And her high school boyfriend,Ryan Jacobs is part of that plan.
Ryan Jacobs plans to enlist in the Navy after high school. But Anna is still included in his plans. They only see a life together, forever and always!
Ronnie is kind, sweet, determined and not to mention, a fighter. She is your typical teenage girl. Makeup and fashion are an important part of her life.
Shopping at the mall, on a dreary day… looking for prom dresses. Ronnie and Anna’s life get turned upside down. The unthinkable happens and tragedy strikes.
Anna pushes everyone away, including her boyfriend and sister. She retreats into herself. And when that isn't enough, she runs… and doesn't ever look back.
Can Anna get the help she needs before it's too late? Is their love strong enough for Ryan and Anna?
You MUST read this book! You will love it just as much as I did! It's a quick and easy read. Beautifully written with intriguing characters!
Life is such a journey… you never know where it will lead you!! Just buckle up and enjoy the ride!!
You have gained another fan… I will definitely be reading more books in the future! Until next time… keep up the wonderful work and amazing characters!!!
April 18, 2017
Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen –
***Trigger Warning*** A mass shooting takes place and is referenced in the book.
This is a difficult one for me to rate. I am waffling between 4 and 5 stars, so I’m going to write the review and reflect back on the book while writing it. This is also one of those reviews that I will write without referring to any specific incident in the book because I don’t want to give anything away. You can read the synopsis to know the basic overview of the story.
In a nutshell a life changing event takes place that no one really knows how to deal with and each and every one deals with in a different way. It’s something that I hope I never have to experience, counsel on or write about from a first-hand perspective. At different times in this story, I wanted to shake and yell at each and every character for a variety of reasons.
Jennifer L. Allen has written a book that had me feeling so many emotions all the way down to rage.
Certain aspects of the book where retold with absolutely no emotion while others aspects had me so profoundly sad that I just couldn’t… The way Ms. Allen writes about love and life and growing up and all of it was just – just – just, well it was really good. I imagine that it’s a tough subject to write about and while this story was original in its telling, it completely took me out of my little glittery happy reading bubble and put me out in a cold cold place. I can’t imagine that anyone knows exactly how to react when dealing with this topic and when I was getting down to 91% 93% 95% of the book being complete, I just couldn’t imagine how this story could end. While it’s an almost rushed ending after so much detail when into writing the book, it ended exactly as it should.
So to recap, I’m giving this book 5 stars because of all of the feelings it has put me through.
***Trigger Warning*** A mass shooting takes place and is referenced in the book.
This is a difficult one for me to rate. I am waffling between 4 and 5 stars, so I’m going to write the review and reflect back on the book while writing it. This is also one of those reviews that I will write without referring to any specific incident in the book because I don’t want to give anything away. You can read the synopsis to know the basic overview of the story.
In a nutshell a life changing event takes place that no one really knows how to deal with and each and every one deals with in a different way. It’s something that I hope I never have to experience, counsel on or write about from a first-hand perspective. At different times in this story, I wanted to shake and yell at each and every character for a variety of reasons.
Jennifer L. Allen has written a book that had me feeling so many emotions all the way down to rage.
Certain aspects of the book where retold with absolutely no emotion while others aspects had me so profoundly sad that I just couldn’t… The way Ms. Allen writes about love and life and growing up and all of it was just – just – just, well it was really good. I imagine that it’s a tough subject to write about and while this story was original in its telling, it completely took me out of my little glittery happy reading bubble and put me out in a cold cold place. I can’t imagine that anyone knows exactly how to react when dealing with this topic and when I was getting down to 91% 93% 95% of the book being complete, I just couldn’t imagine how this story could end. While it’s an almost rushed ending after so much detail when into writing the book, it ended exactly as it should.
So to recap, I’m giving this book 5 stars because of all of the feelings it has put me through.
April 18, 2017
Here Without You
Jennifer L. Allen
5 stars
This is one of those heartfelt novels where you feel very much with the characters, you feel their pain and their love. I couldn't put this down and read it in one sitting!
Anna and Ryan are your typical high school teenagers; in love and mapping out their rest of their lives and how even though they going separate ways that they will reunite at the other end. It all sounds amazing right? Tragedy strike just before Anna graduates, and her life has been thrown into chaos; not knowing how to deal with her feeling she break the heart of the one who loves her the most! Ryan. He walks away and eventually moves on with his life and career.
Some years later Anna and Ryan are reunited some thousand miles away from home. They talk and he convinces her to go home to the family she left behind. Now your see what she left behind and how much of a struggle dealing with the pain from that day and changed Anna life.
Anna is such a massively strong character to go through what she did, seek help and make new goals for the future. She is perfectly written. Ryan is totally drop dead gorgeous, who wouldn't swoon over him. He plays his part in the background as a friend helping Anna. Old memories, old feelings come flooding back, is a relationship really what Anna needs, does Ryan and Anna still have those feelings for each other? What about Ryan's secret? How will Anna cope with that bombshell.
Jennifer has written this perfectly and captured the true emotion of what Anna went through, gripping. The character development for Anna is amazing is not a quick fix, you go on that journey with her to see how she becomes that stronger version of herself. Absolutely loved this story and will looking out for more works by Jennifer from now on.
Jennifer L. Allen
5 stars
This is one of those heartfelt novels where you feel very much with the characters, you feel their pain and their love. I couldn't put this down and read it in one sitting!
Anna and Ryan are your typical high school teenagers; in love and mapping out their rest of their lives and how even though they going separate ways that they will reunite at the other end. It all sounds amazing right? Tragedy strike just before Anna graduates, and her life has been thrown into chaos; not knowing how to deal with her feeling she break the heart of the one who loves her the most! Ryan. He walks away and eventually moves on with his life and career.
Some years later Anna and Ryan are reunited some thousand miles away from home. They talk and he convinces her to go home to the family she left behind. Now your see what she left behind and how much of a struggle dealing with the pain from that day and changed Anna life.
Anna is such a massively strong character to go through what she did, seek help and make new goals for the future. She is perfectly written. Ryan is totally drop dead gorgeous, who wouldn't swoon over him. He plays his part in the background as a friend helping Anna. Old memories, old feelings come flooding back, is a relationship really what Anna needs, does Ryan and Anna still have those feelings for each other? What about Ryan's secret? How will Anna cope with that bombshell.
Jennifer has written this perfectly and captured the true emotion of what Anna went through, gripping. The character development for Anna is amazing is not a quick fix, you go on that journey with her to see how she becomes that stronger version of herself. Absolutely loved this story and will looking out for more works by Jennifer from now on.
April 18, 2017
Here Without You is a standalone novel by Jennifer L. Allen. I’m always a sucker of a tear jerker and this one started with the tears and I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to stop crying.
Anna and her older sister Ronnie were shopping for Ronnie’s Prom dress while Anna decided to shop later. It’s such a huge and joyful milestone in a teenage girls’ life. Ronnie goes to buy more of her favorite lipstick while Anna goes on ahead to the coffee shop to wait for her boyfriend Ryan and Ronnie. As she waits there is a loud pop and screaming starts. There is a gunman in the mall and he is shooting. Anna is frozen in fear for not only herself but her sister and boyfriend. She is fine physically but emotionally she is a wreck, her life is turned upside down in that moment.
Flashforward four years, Anna left home after the shooting and her breakdown and is currently living in Seattle. As she is walking down the street heading towards the bus stop a familiar voice calls her name and is the last person she expected to see, it’s her ex-boyfriend Ryan.
Ryan was heartbroken when Anna broke up with him then ended up taking off as he was leaving for the Navy and basic training. He has tried to move on over the last four years but still worries about her enough that he still contacts her family. He was never expecting to run into her on a random street on the other side of the country. He convinces her to talk and go back home to her family.
I really enjoyed this book and the various twists. Ryan is the type of guy I hope my daughter finds and brings home one day. This is a very happy ending, but I suggest not reading the beginning in public unless you are okay with crying in front of others.
Anna and her older sister Ronnie were shopping for Ronnie’s Prom dress while Anna decided to shop later. It’s such a huge and joyful milestone in a teenage girls’ life. Ronnie goes to buy more of her favorite lipstick while Anna goes on ahead to the coffee shop to wait for her boyfriend Ryan and Ronnie. As she waits there is a loud pop and screaming starts. There is a gunman in the mall and he is shooting. Anna is frozen in fear for not only herself but her sister and boyfriend. She is fine physically but emotionally she is a wreck, her life is turned upside down in that moment.
Flashforward four years, Anna left home after the shooting and her breakdown and is currently living in Seattle. As she is walking down the street heading towards the bus stop a familiar voice calls her name and is the last person she expected to see, it’s her ex-boyfriend Ryan.
Ryan was heartbroken when Anna broke up with him then ended up taking off as he was leaving for the Navy and basic training. He has tried to move on over the last four years but still worries about her enough that he still contacts her family. He was never expecting to run into her on a random street on the other side of the country. He convinces her to talk and go back home to her family.
I really enjoyed this book and the various twists. Ryan is the type of guy I hope my daughter finds and brings home one day. This is a very happy ending, but I suggest not reading the beginning in public unless you are okay with crying in front of others.
April 18, 2017
Here Without You by Jennifer Allen is a standalone romance. It does have a trigger warning regarding a mass shooting that takes place in the prologue. This was difficult to read with what is going on in the world today and while the event itself is only a very small part of the book; the effects are very far reaching.
Anna Romano is brilliant, beautiful, talented and vivacious. She was really living an idyllic life with wonderful parents, a sister she can’t imagine living without and a boyfriend who gets her on all levels.
Ryan Jacobs is Anna’s boyfriend and the two of them have so many plans for their future. He was enlisting in the Navy and each step of their lives was set to go.
Until the day that tragedy strikes. Anna’s life is turned upside down. But her life is not the only one affected. Jennifer shows us that everyone deals with tragedy in many different ways. Some people are equipped to realize how lucky they are, others suffer the worst kind of survivor’s guilt and still others keep pushing forward to make sure their lives mean something.
Anna has a very difficult time moving forward and checks out of life completely. Ryan is completely lost without Anna and although he wishes she would come back, he is resolved to moving forward without her. Years go by and they bump into each other in a place neither could have expected.
There are so many secrets, so much pain and so many challenges ahead for them. Can Anna heal and become the Anna she used to be? Can Ryan wait for her? Will the secrets and separation be their undoing in the end?
This is a beautiful story of love, redemption and hope. While difficult to read emotionally, it is so worth doing so.
Anna Romano is brilliant, beautiful, talented and vivacious. She was really living an idyllic life with wonderful parents, a sister she can’t imagine living without and a boyfriend who gets her on all levels.
Ryan Jacobs is Anna’s boyfriend and the two of them have so many plans for their future. He was enlisting in the Navy and each step of their lives was set to go.
Until the day that tragedy strikes. Anna’s life is turned upside down. But her life is not the only one affected. Jennifer shows us that everyone deals with tragedy in many different ways. Some people are equipped to realize how lucky they are, others suffer the worst kind of survivor’s guilt and still others keep pushing forward to make sure their lives mean something.
Anna has a very difficult time moving forward and checks out of life completely. Ryan is completely lost without Anna and although he wishes she would come back, he is resolved to moving forward without her. Years go by and they bump into each other in a place neither could have expected.
There are so many secrets, so much pain and so many challenges ahead for them. Can Anna heal and become the Anna she used to be? Can Ryan wait for her? Will the secrets and separation be their undoing in the end?
This is a beautiful story of love, redemption and hope. While difficult to read emotionally, it is so worth doing so.
April 19, 2017
5 star
Here without you By Jennifer L.Allen
Here without you, By Jennifer L. Allen was my first book by this author. I absolutely loved this book, it's a mix of emotions, hope,love,and even fate.This book is for mature readers as there is a incident that happens and it might be a trigger for some .This story is about Anna and Ryan.Anna and Ryan are inseparable they have big plans for after high school. While at the mall one afternoon with her sister,something tragic happens. Anna sees way more than she could ever dream of seeing.Following this terrible incident she becomes withdrawn,pushing those who love her away She's terrified she can't stop reliving that horrible day in her mind.No matter how much her family tries to help the more she also pushes them away.She ends up running away and ends up in Seattle, until one night she runs into someone from her past.Ryan loves Anna with everything he has but is that enough? When she ultimately broke his heart two years prior he was heart broken, but he went on with his life or tried to.He ends up talking Anna into going home to her parents. She's terrified of what will happen once she gets there.They are so excited to see her.In fact Anna decides she's ready to get professional help,she's tired of living the way she has been, scared.Ryan is there for her even though he's off on a deployment. They keep in touch through email and instant messaging. Can these two get back to where they were before the tragic incident? I felt like I was on a emotional roller-coaster with this book. One minute laughing and the next literally in tears.The story was well written and I loved the journey these go on to get back to each other. I'm not going to give anything away but this is a must read.
Here without you By Jennifer L.Allen
Here without you, By Jennifer L. Allen was my first book by this author. I absolutely loved this book, it's a mix of emotions, hope,love,and even fate.This book is for mature readers as there is a incident that happens and it might be a trigger for some .This story is about Anna and Ryan.Anna and Ryan are inseparable they have big plans for after high school. While at the mall one afternoon with her sister,something tragic happens. Anna sees way more than she could ever dream of seeing.Following this terrible incident she becomes withdrawn,pushing those who love her away She's terrified she can't stop reliving that horrible day in her mind.No matter how much her family tries to help the more she also pushes them away.She ends up running away and ends up in Seattle, until one night she runs into someone from her past.Ryan loves Anna with everything he has but is that enough? When she ultimately broke his heart two years prior he was heart broken, but he went on with his life or tried to.He ends up talking Anna into going home to her parents. She's terrified of what will happen once she gets there.They are so excited to see her.In fact Anna decides she's ready to get professional help,she's tired of living the way she has been, scared.Ryan is there for her even though he's off on a deployment. They keep in touch through email and instant messaging. Can these two get back to where they were before the tragic incident? I felt like I was on a emotional roller-coaster with this book. One minute laughing and the next literally in tears.The story was well written and I loved the journey these go on to get back to each other. I'm not going to give anything away but this is a must read.
April 20, 2017
Anna Romano had the perfect life, and couldn't imagine how it could be any better. It all came crashing down when she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the tragedy broke her. She lost herself, shutting out her family,
breaking up with her loving boyfriend, and finally just disappearing with no word. Five years later, she runs into Ryan, and he can't believe the change, but he talks her into going home again. But while she faces her demons, he has to keep going on with his life that he has going. Will the pain, distance, and pain finally tear them apart for good, or will their love be able to mend everything? Ok, so I'm one big mess of dramatic girly girl emotions at this point, as I was nearly in the corner, rocking back and forth. When I read the blurb for Here Without You, I thought it looked interesting, but I never saw this emotionally draining journey that I was just on. I physically felt Anna, and Ryan's emotions so much, that it nearly brought me to my knees, and I will never be the same. Jennifer L. Allen's insanely talented writing style just gutted me. So now, she must be put on the list of authors trying to KILL ME, and forevermore be hash tagged #EVILWHORE! And yes, I realize that I may or may not be making sense, but when you read this heart wrenching story for yourselves, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you do so, you will completely understand! (Crispy Creme donut holes help with the emotions!) So in conclusion, I cannot wait to be tortured again by this diabolically brilliant author!
breaking up with her loving boyfriend, and finally just disappearing with no word. Five years later, she runs into Ryan, and he can't believe the change, but he talks her into going home again. But while she faces her demons, he has to keep going on with his life that he has going. Will the pain, distance, and pain finally tear them apart for good, or will their love be able to mend everything? Ok, so I'm one big mess of dramatic girly girl emotions at this point, as I was nearly in the corner, rocking back and forth. When I read the blurb for Here Without You, I thought it looked interesting, but I never saw this emotionally draining journey that I was just on. I physically felt Anna, and Ryan's emotions so much, that it nearly brought me to my knees, and I will never be the same. Jennifer L. Allen's insanely talented writing style just gutted me. So now, she must be put on the list of authors trying to KILL ME, and forevermore be hash tagged #EVILWHORE! And yes, I realize that I may or may not be making sense, but when you read this heart wrenching story for yourselves, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you do so, you will completely understand! (Crispy Creme donut holes help with the emotions!) So in conclusion, I cannot wait to be tortured again by this diabolically brilliant author!
April 18, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting as I could not put it down! I loved how this story played out as it was not your average romance. A lot of emotions went into this story and came through so well. I really enjoyed how we get a bit of both sides, both Anna and Ryan, and also getting a glimpse into their relationship reforming through their emails and chats. It was great and heartwarming to see their communication beginning very tentatively then reading them getting back into the swing of things and returning to how they used to be.
I loved all the characters in it and the fact they all had a part in building the emotions of the story. I think i filled up quite a few times at some of the tender moments that played out and love the fact that these weren't just from the main two characters.
The turns that the story took brought forward more emotions and built the characters in a wonderful and realistic way. I really liked how the story has a dark beginning then continues to brighten. The gloom returns briefly here and there and completely sucks you in. I had the feels so bad when reading this book!
I look forward to reading more from this author as I love her style of writing. The relationships and love is so strong that it shines through in every interaction, even the brief friendships that we get a glimpse of. I would highly recommend this book.
I loved all the characters in it and the fact they all had a part in building the emotions of the story. I think i filled up quite a few times at some of the tender moments that played out and love the fact that these weren't just from the main two characters.
The turns that the story took brought forward more emotions and built the characters in a wonderful and realistic way. I really liked how the story has a dark beginning then continues to brighten. The gloom returns briefly here and there and completely sucks you in. I had the feels so bad when reading this book!
I look forward to reading more from this author as I love her style of writing. The relationships and love is so strong that it shines through in every interaction, even the brief friendships that we get a glimpse of. I would highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2017
Here Without You By Jennifer L. Allen is the first book I've read by this author and I was blown away. This book is a standalone and does have a trigger warning due to a mass shooting that takes place. I read this book straight through. I couldn't put it down. It was fabulous even with its heart breaking moments. This book tells the story of Ryan and Anna.
Anna Romano has her whole life ahead of her. She's a great student, a wonderful artist, and she's got an amazing family and loving boyfriend. Unfortunately for Anna, great things don't always last. While having a girls day with her sister, tragedy strikes and Anna's world is never the same. She doesn't want to feel anything so she retreats into herself and pushes everyone away. When she couldn't take it anymore, she ran away.
Ryan Jacobs had his whole future planned out. Anna had always been a part of that future, until she wasn't. He didn't know what to do but what could he do? He moved on. He continued with his dreams of going into the Navy and he lived his life.
Years later, when they least expect it but need it the most, Ryan and Anna run into each other and everything changes from there. Their relationship had its hardships but maybe they can have a friendship and keep each other in their lives.
This book is told in dual point of view which gives you insight into how both characters are feeling and what they are thinking. I really enjoyed this book and absolutely recommend it!
Anna Romano has her whole life ahead of her. She's a great student, a wonderful artist, and she's got an amazing family and loving boyfriend. Unfortunately for Anna, great things don't always last. While having a girls day with her sister, tragedy strikes and Anna's world is never the same. She doesn't want to feel anything so she retreats into herself and pushes everyone away. When she couldn't take it anymore, she ran away.
Ryan Jacobs had his whole future planned out. Anna had always been a part of that future, until she wasn't. He didn't know what to do but what could he do? He moved on. He continued with his dreams of going into the Navy and he lived his life.
Years later, when they least expect it but need it the most, Ryan and Anna run into each other and everything changes from there. Their relationship had its hardships but maybe they can have a friendship and keep each other in their lives.
This book is told in dual point of view which gives you insight into how both characters are feeling and what they are thinking. I really enjoyed this book and absolutely recommend it!
April 20, 2017
Here Without You by Jennifer L. Allen tells the story of a young couple ready to take on the world.
Anna Romano is finishing up high school and has her eyes set on art school. She had the talent to go far, especially with the support of her family and boyfriend Ryan.
Ryan Jacobs also knows what he wants from life. After he finishes high school, his plan is to spend the next four years defending his country in the Navy while Anna is in art school. Then, in a few years, they can settle down and start their lives together.
However, life doesn’t always work out the way that we expect. Anna, Ryan, and her sister Ronnie are involved in a horrible tragedy that takes several lives and leaves scars on everyone else in that mall that day.
Though many are able to get past the tragedy, Anna struggles. She pushes everyone away before finally leaving town. The two run into each other several years later and reconnect, though how much is up to the two of them.
They have many obstacles in their way but true love always has a way of working out, doesn’t it? I couldn’t put Here Without You down. I read it in just two days, reading a few chapters here and there. I couldn’t wait to find out what was next for Anna and Ryan. They deserved each other, yet the time apart, they had separate lives. Connecting again is not as simple as wanting to be together.
You will LOVE this book too! It is a must-read in my opinion!
Anna Romano is finishing up high school and has her eyes set on art school. She had the talent to go far, especially with the support of her family and boyfriend Ryan.
Ryan Jacobs also knows what he wants from life. After he finishes high school, his plan is to spend the next four years defending his country in the Navy while Anna is in art school. Then, in a few years, they can settle down and start their lives together.
However, life doesn’t always work out the way that we expect. Anna, Ryan, and her sister Ronnie are involved in a horrible tragedy that takes several lives and leaves scars on everyone else in that mall that day.
Though many are able to get past the tragedy, Anna struggles. She pushes everyone away before finally leaving town. The two run into each other several years later and reconnect, though how much is up to the two of them.
They have many obstacles in their way but true love always has a way of working out, doesn’t it? I couldn’t put Here Without You down. I read it in just two days, reading a few chapters here and there. I couldn’t wait to find out what was next for Anna and Ryan. They deserved each other, yet the time apart, they had separate lives. Connecting again is not as simple as wanting to be together.
You will LOVE this book too! It is a must-read in my opinion!
April 20, 2017
Here Without You Is written by Jennifer L. Allen. This was a very interesting read for me needless to say I loved it. Like stated by Jennifer L Allen this book does include a mass shooting and it is referenced throughout the book a few times. If you are willing to look past that and give the story a chance I am sure you will love it.
This is the story of Anna and Ryan. They had their whole lives planned out, or so they thought. Then one event changes both of their lives forever can two High School lovers reconnect and work through all their issues even though a few years have passed and they didn’t end their relationship on the best of terms?
The story alternates between Anna’s point of view and Ryan’s so that you can understand what is going through both of their minds during the same scene. Jennifer L Allen does a fabulous job of alternating between the two different characters and giving you their thoughts and feelings.
Anna has been through a lot and throughout the story you get a front row seat of everything she is experiencing and how it has affected her ever since, including the day she decided to leave home about 4 years ago. And the day she broke up with Ryan, because she couldn’t handle everything going on in her mind at that time. Can she handle it now, when a Ryan spots her on the street in Seattle, and she hasn’t seen or spoken to him since the day she told the love of her life to leave….
This is the story of Anna and Ryan. They had their whole lives planned out, or so they thought. Then one event changes both of their lives forever can two High School lovers reconnect and work through all their issues even though a few years have passed and they didn’t end their relationship on the best of terms?
The story alternates between Anna’s point of view and Ryan’s so that you can understand what is going through both of their minds during the same scene. Jennifer L Allen does a fabulous job of alternating between the two different characters and giving you their thoughts and feelings.
Anna has been through a lot and throughout the story you get a front row seat of everything she is experiencing and how it has affected her ever since, including the day she decided to leave home about 4 years ago. And the day she broke up with Ryan, because she couldn’t handle everything going on in her mind at that time. Can she handle it now, when a Ryan spots her on the street in Seattle, and she hasn’t seen or spoken to him since the day she told the love of her life to leave….
April 19, 2017
Anna Romano and Ryan Jacob’s are high school sweethearts and they have their whole ife planned out. Anna was going to art school and Ryan was enlisting in the Navy, then they were going to spend the rest of their lives together ad live happily ever after. Then tragedy struck and threw their plans out the door. Anna wasn’t the same person after the tragedy, she changed and then ran away leaving behind her family and more importantly Ryan behind. Ryan was lost without Anna but he kept living his life hoping he would someday see Anna again and then when he least expected it, there she was miles away from home and looking as lost as the day she left. Can he get Anna back or has too much happened or too much time pasted?
I totally loved this story it had me feeling every emotion and that was in the first chapter. From the very start I had a smile on my face while reading and then tears streaming down my face. The way this author wrote this story was so real. The tragedy that happened is something that can happen in this day and age and that’s why I felt it deep in my soul and I’m sure it will do the same to whoever reads this story. It truly struck a cord with me. I loved the connection between Ryan and Anna and how beautiful he was with her and her feelings. I gave this book a much deserved 5 stars because I feel that if a story has you feeling so much it’s definitely a good one!
I totally loved this story it had me feeling every emotion and that was in the first chapter. From the very start I had a smile on my face while reading and then tears streaming down my face. The way this author wrote this story was so real. The tragedy that happened is something that can happen in this day and age and that’s why I felt it deep in my soul and I’m sure it will do the same to whoever reads this story. It truly struck a cord with me. I loved the connection between Ryan and Anna and how beautiful he was with her and her feelings. I gave this book a much deserved 5 stars because I feel that if a story has you feeling so much it’s definitely a good one!
April 20, 2017
Here without you
Well what can I say. I loved this book from start to finish, they way Jennifer has written this sucks you in and you can't put it down.
Anna and Ryan's story is one that a number of people will be able to relate too.
Anna had the world at her feet the perfect boyfriend and her dream of going to art school. That all change one frightful day.
Ryan new where his life was headed and Anna was a big part of it. He was joining the Navy after his senior year but thanks to that frightful day that changed.
With what Anna witnessed she suffered PTSD and fled her home town. She left everything behind because she was carrying so much guilt.
Anna was lost and alone until Ryan spotted her one night. They talked and she had told him she wanted to go home but was afraid. Ryan made that happen for Anna.
Anna has worked hard to become herself again, it took her awhile but she had the support of her family and Ryan even when he deployed for the Navy. Anna got her dream and was on her way to art school.
But Ryan is hiding a secret will this secret tear them apart before they even start the next step in their friendship.
You will just need to pick this one up and read it to see if Anna and Ryan actually get their happily ever after. I know I loved they way this ends an I know you will too. It's a must read.
Well what can I say. I loved this book from start to finish, they way Jennifer has written this sucks you in and you can't put it down.
Anna and Ryan's story is one that a number of people will be able to relate too.
Anna had the world at her feet the perfect boyfriend and her dream of going to art school. That all change one frightful day.
Ryan new where his life was headed and Anna was a big part of it. He was joining the Navy after his senior year but thanks to that frightful day that changed.
With what Anna witnessed she suffered PTSD and fled her home town. She left everything behind because she was carrying so much guilt.
Anna was lost and alone until Ryan spotted her one night. They talked and she had told him she wanted to go home but was afraid. Ryan made that happen for Anna.
Anna has worked hard to become herself again, it took her awhile but she had the support of her family and Ryan even when he deployed for the Navy. Anna got her dream and was on her way to art school.
But Ryan is hiding a secret will this secret tear them apart before they even start the next step in their friendship.
You will just need to pick this one up and read it to see if Anna and Ryan actually get their happily ever after. I know I loved they way this ends an I know you will too. It's a must read.
April 19, 2017
Here without you is written by Jennifer L. Allen. This is my first read by this Author. Jennifer L. Allen did a great job on this book. The story is well written. The two main characters are Anna Romano and Ryan Jacobs. Anna had the perfect life. She was a smart student in school, she was a great artist. Anna had a loving family, and the perfect boyfriend. Ryan was obsessed with Anna, she meant the world to him. Ryan couldn't picture his life without Anna. But one day, a horrible day, a tragedy struck, leaving Anna traumatized. Her world was flipped upside down. Anna couldn't handle the pain anymore, so she closed herself off. Feeling nothing but pain, and numbness. Anna pushes Ryan away, she feels he deserves to be happy and she couldn't give him the happiness he deserves. Ryan was slowly losing Anna before she pushed him away. Ryan didn't want to, but he decides to move on with his life. Ryan starts his career in the Navy. Years later, Ryan and Anna find each other again. I'm going to stop there. No spoiler alerts. Just know, Ryan and Anna are perfect together. If you want to find out what happens. I recommend reading this book. You will be need a box of tissues. This story is filled with so much emotions. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a great story. I enjoyed it. Thank you, Jennifer L. Allen. Great work. 4 Stars.
April 20, 2017
Here without you
Well what can I say. I loved this book from start to finish, they way Jennifer has written this sucks you in and you can't put it down.
Anna and Ryan's story is one that a number of people will be able to relate too.
Anna had the world at her feet the perfect boyfriend and her dream of going to art school. That all change one frightful day.
Ryan new where his live was headed and Anna was a big part of it he was joining the Navy after his senior year but thanks to that frightful day that changed.
With what Anna witnessed she suffered PTSD and fled her home town. She left everything behind because she was carrying so much guilt.
Anna was lost and alone until Ryan spotted her one night. They talked and she had told him she wanted to go home but was afraid. Ryan made that happen for Anna.
Anna has worked hard to become herself again, it took her awhile but she had the support of her family and Ryan even when he deployed for the Navy. Anna got her dream and was on her way to art school.
But Ryan is hiding a secret will this secret tear them apart before they even start the next step in their friendship.
You will just need to pick this one up and read it to see if Anna and Ryan actually get their happily ever after. I know I loved they way this ends an I know you will too. It's a must read.
Well what can I say. I loved this book from start to finish, they way Jennifer has written this sucks you in and you can't put it down.
Anna and Ryan's story is one that a number of people will be able to relate too.
Anna had the world at her feet the perfect boyfriend and her dream of going to art school. That all change one frightful day.
Ryan new where his live was headed and Anna was a big part of it he was joining the Navy after his senior year but thanks to that frightful day that changed.
With what Anna witnessed she suffered PTSD and fled her home town. She left everything behind because she was carrying so much guilt.
Anna was lost and alone until Ryan spotted her one night. They talked and she had told him she wanted to go home but was afraid. Ryan made that happen for Anna.
Anna has worked hard to become herself again, it took her awhile but she had the support of her family and Ryan even when he deployed for the Navy. Anna got her dream and was on her way to art school.
But Ryan is hiding a secret will this secret tear them apart before they even start the next step in their friendship.
You will just need to pick this one up and read it to see if Anna and Ryan actually get their happily ever after. I know I loved they way this ends an I know you will too. It's a must read.
April 29, 2017
Here without you by Jennifer L. Allen a five-star read worth fighting for. This is the first book by this author I have read, but it won’t be the last. I loved this story, it does have a trigger issue that may upset some people in the prologue and its referenced through the book, there is a mass shooting and people are severely injured and some sadly don’t make it, lives are changed and some will never be the same again, some people will remain broken over this event, but some may be broken in the short term but will overcome the challenges and become stronger on the other side. There is compassion and heart ache shown and the characters are all dealing with different things, Jennifer L. Allen deals with issues in a grown up and real manner, she shows that life’s not always fair.
Anna Romano has a great life, talented artist, great student, boyfriend Ryan Jacobs who would do anything for her, and has the perfect future planned with her, big sister Veronica ‘Ronnie’ that she enjoys spending time with. Something anyone with siblings will know is a massive deal. When she is shopping with her sister for a prom dress tragedy strikes. Leaving Anna in such a dark place she feels she can’t do anything but run away and hide from everyone who loves her.
Some years later a chance encounter brings light back into Anna’s life and Ryan bumps into her on the street, it starts them both on a path to happiness and they will face many a challenge to overcome everything, will they be strong enough? Or will everything they have faced be too much for them to overcome, therapy and love can only do so much.
Jennifer L. Allen is a great writer, she has made me ugly cry with this book, and also cry happy tears, happy tears that I never imagined I would cry.
Anna Romano has a great life, talented artist, great student, boyfriend Ryan Jacobs who would do anything for her, and has the perfect future planned with her, big sister Veronica ‘Ronnie’ that she enjoys spending time with. Something anyone with siblings will know is a massive deal. When she is shopping with her sister for a prom dress tragedy strikes. Leaving Anna in such a dark place she feels she can’t do anything but run away and hide from everyone who loves her.
Some years later a chance encounter brings light back into Anna’s life and Ryan bumps into her on the street, it starts them both on a path to happiness and they will face many a challenge to overcome everything, will they be strong enough? Or will everything they have faced be too much for them to overcome, therapy and love can only do so much.
Jennifer L. Allen is a great writer, she has made me ugly cry with this book, and also cry happy tears, happy tears that I never imagined I would cry.
Want to read
August 13, 2017
April 13, 2017
Wow! This book will most definitely take you on an emotional ride and make you feel all sorts of things. I really liked Anna and Ryan. My heart broke for them that they went through such a tragedy and the heartbreak that followed it. Building their relationship back up after being apart for several years went at a nice, steady pace.
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