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Life After Living
Due uomini cercano di far fronte a disturbi da stress post-traumatico. Vance Spence soffre per l'ennesima perdita. Le crisi si stanno facendo più frequenti e il senso di abbandono lo soffoca. Wade Farmer, tornato da poco dall'Afghanistan, scopre che la sua famiglia l'ha ripudiato a causa della sua relazione con un ragazzo. Quando si troveranno faccia a faccia, nessuno dei due uomini sembrerà essere a proprio agio, ma, consapevolmente, decidono di darsi una possibilità. Riusciranno ad essere abbastanza forti da combattere i loro demoni come una vera squadra? Solo il tempo lo dirà.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2016
5 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Max Vos
30 books268 followersMax Vos is best known for his ‘inappropriate’ side. Bringing readers a range of stories with an unexpected edge. His bestselling novel My Hero is a hot and steamy romance, while his banned book Going Home questions what you know of love. With something for everyone, there is a Max Vos book for you.
Creativity has been a lifelong passion for Max, who retired from being a chef in 2011 and turned to writing. His strong relationships with the women in his life influence his stories and Max’s Southern charm shines through. Each new book will give you something to explore and love.
Creativity has been a lifelong passion for Max, who retired from being a chef in 2011 and turned to writing. His strong relationships with the women in his life influence his stories and Max’s Southern charm shines through. Each new book will give you something to explore and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 21, 2021
Re-read June 20, 2021
*** Vance's partner/husband of 15 years died suddenly; leaving Vance, 42, alone and angry.
He suffers from PTSD from his childhood dog incident, his sister's death and his parents deaths, too. Wade, a 28 yr. old ginger, is a Marine veteran; also suffers from PTSD from war and his boyfriend's death. He's been rescued from the streets and is being given a chance at a life.
* Wade shows up to work at the farm/orchid nursery to work for Vance. Wade has a knack with the animals, and works hard. Both men understand each other so well. The looks, the feelings, and the PTSD episodes, and they can rely on each other to cope. This is a story of friendship and understanding; which turns into emotions and need. It's truly a slow burn, with lots of talks, meltdown episodes, tension, inner musings, and pasts revealed.
* We like these men right away, and the anticipation is breathtaking. We see the friends in their path, the progress each one makes, and watch the buds that bloom into love.
This is paced well, has important dialogue, and we get planting tips along the way.
Dendrobium orchid...
The deeply passionate men are interesting to watch as they form their bond. Loved the ancillary folks, especially Janice, who were important, too. The descriptions are vivid, the banter is fun, and their tale is precious. There is not wall to wall sex, but their scene is profound. Our glimpse at what their life will be like is amazing.
This is raw, powerful, and pertinent to the saga our veteran's endure.
These two injured souls find peace. Fabulous epilogue.
Wonderful story. Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
======
*** Vance's partner/husband of 15 years died suddenly; leaving Vance, 42, alone and angry.
He suffers from PTSD from his childhood dog incident, his sister's death and his parents deaths, too. Wade, a 28 yr. old ginger, is a Marine veteran; also suffers from PTSD from war and his boyfriend's death. He's been rescued from the streets and is being given a chance at a life.
* Wade shows up to work at the farm/orchid nursery to work for Vance. Wade has a knack with the animals, and works hard. Both men understand each other so well. The looks, the feelings, and the PTSD episodes, and they can rely on each other to cope. This is a story of friendship and understanding; which turns into emotions and need. It's truly a slow burn, with lots of talks, meltdown episodes, tension, inner musings, and pasts revealed.
* We like these men right away, and the anticipation is breathtaking. We see the friends in their path, the progress each one makes, and watch the buds that bloom into love.
This is paced well, has important dialogue, and we get planting tips along the way.
Dendrobium orchid...
The deeply passionate men are interesting to watch as they form their bond. Loved the ancillary folks, especially Janice, who were important, too. The descriptions are vivid, the banter is fun, and their tale is precious. There is not wall to wall sex, but their scene is profound. Our glimpse at what their life will be like is amazing.
This is raw, powerful, and pertinent to the saga our veteran's endure.
These two injured souls find peace. Fabulous epilogue.
Wonderful story. Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
======
June 17, 2016
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader on this book, so I got to read it way before the publication date. So far before it, that I didn't even realize yesterday was the release date!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story that Mr. Vos told in this one and his characters were very well developed and believable.
Vance is an orchid farmer in central Florida, and we learn as his story is told that his partner has just died suddenly and totally unexpectedly. He is stumbling through life trying to pick up the pieces, and his only help on the orchid farm is his friend Janice. I loved the gruff, hold nothing back character of Janice. She totally reminded me of my own mother.
Janice talks Vance into hiring someone, and gives him the lead to a returning veterans group in Fort Lauderdale. Vance isn't 100% sold on the idea, but goes along to see what will happen.
Wade is a down on his luck vet who has spent some time homeless in Fort Lauderdale. Of course, if you've read the news over the last couple years from Fort Lauderdale, you will know that the city is one of the worst for homeless people...with a legal bar on anyone even feeding them! I thought Max tying Wade to that locale made it more real for me because of those news articles. Wade is part of the program that Vance contacted, and is the chosen perfect fit by the agency.
Both men are broken, quite severely broken. Can they, working together, save the orchid farm?
Enough spoilers. I loved the book. The author said he didn't plan a sequel, but I'm sure you will agree with me when you finish it that there is more story to be told!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story that Mr. Vos told in this one and his characters were very well developed and believable.
Vance is an orchid farmer in central Florida, and we learn as his story is told that his partner has just died suddenly and totally unexpectedly. He is stumbling through life trying to pick up the pieces, and his only help on the orchid farm is his friend Janice. I loved the gruff, hold nothing back character of Janice. She totally reminded me of my own mother.
Janice talks Vance into hiring someone, and gives him the lead to a returning veterans group in Fort Lauderdale. Vance isn't 100% sold on the idea, but goes along to see what will happen.
Wade is a down on his luck vet who has spent some time homeless in Fort Lauderdale. Of course, if you've read the news over the last couple years from Fort Lauderdale, you will know that the city is one of the worst for homeless people...with a legal bar on anyone even feeding them! I thought Max tying Wade to that locale made it more real for me because of those news articles. Wade is part of the program that Vance contacted, and is the chosen perfect fit by the agency.
Both men are broken, quite severely broken. Can they, working together, save the orchid farm?
Enough spoilers. I loved the book. The author said he didn't plan a sequel, but I'm sure you will agree with me when you finish it that there is more story to be told!
June 15, 2016
Review by The Blogger Girls.
This is a wonderful story about recovery and starting over. Vance is trying to pick up the pieces after the loss of his husband. He suffers from episodes of PTSD attributed to events from his past. He runs a greenhouse which is sorely in need of workers. He gets some relief when he finds Wade.
Wade is a veteran trying to put his life back together after combat, from which he also suffers with PTSD. He is in a program that helps vets find jobs which lands him at Vance’s greenhouse. While both are hesitant at first, it quickly becomes clear how perfect this situation is for them. Each understands what the other is going through when they have episodes and instinctively knows what the other needs. They have an almost instant connection and their bond grows quickly. But, if you are looking for hot smexy times, you won’t get them here. There is some romance and a few scenes towards the end, but nothing is overly detailed. I didn’t miss it and had no trouble feeling the intensity and strength of their feelings.
This relationship is a bit unconventional. The men sleep together (not sexually), spend a lot of time naked (again, not sexually), comfort and care for each other in very touching ways. Neither man is ready or wanting to be in a relationship, but eventually, with the help of friends, they realize they are perfect for each other, exactly what each other needs, and that it’s okay to let themselves see it through.
There is a lot of showing in this story, often play by play accounts of their daily life. This feels awkward at first, but allows you to easily see how these guys could become so close in such a short amount of time. Everyone grieves differently and everyone lives their own lives. Who is to say what is right or wrong? This story shows that people have the right to do what feels right and what is best for them.
I absolutely loved reading a story about a program in place to help vets re-enter the workforce and help them get their lives back. In my opinion, these programs should be everywhere, and there should be waiting lists of businesses looking to hire them. If you love stories about second chances, this one fits the bill in more ways than one, and I definitely recommend you give it a try.
September 19, 2016
This was an angst free, sweet read. Vance lost the love of his life and while struggling with depression and PTSD hit rock bottom not knowing which direction to take. Along comes a wounded Veteran - Wade, who also struggled with a huge loss and PSTD, to work for Vance as part of a Vet employment program. This story was how two men became friends and supported each other, oblivious to the ways they interacted and got along like a couple who had been life long partners. There were no hot scenes in this book, but rather the slow build and burn of a friendship. I would have loved some action, just to see how they related but this book was more about romance than steam. Very enjoyable easy read
April 23, 2018
✔ Letto! In questo suo nuovo libro, ancora una volta Vos si diversifica, questa volta è dolce, quasi tenero, un Vos che concentra la trama sul dolore e i suoi traumi. Sulla superazione dopo la perdita della persona amata che credevano fosse il loro per sempre. Della perdita di persone care, condita con un po' di misticismo e sovrannaturale.
Sono stata presentata a Vance, proprietario di una piantagione di orchidee e sconvolto dagli recenti eventi avvenuti nella sua vita. Vance dovuto a traumi seri nella sua vita ha sofferto e soffre ancora di PTSD (disturbo da stress post-traumatico) e con l'aiuto della sua migliore amica Janice, l'ho amata appena ha aperto bocca 😊, tenta di portare avanti il suo negozio, dove si ritrova a gestire la sua fattoria, e nella sua nuova condizione non può e non sa come mettere le mani dappertutto. Ha bisogno di aiuto, e per questo arriva da loro, Wade, un ex soldato, anche lui con i suoi traumi da superare, e con il programma in cui aiutano i veterani sarà introdotto a lavorare con Vance.
Sembrava una cosa da pazzi mettere insieme due persone con problemi di PTSD, ma invece è una scommessa vincente, perché Wade aiuta Vance a non cadere nella sua solita abitudine di nascondersi e soccombere al buio, Wade riesce a farlo fa cose a lui impensabile prima del suo arrivo alla fattoria, come allenarsi, fare colazione, costruire e dare vita ai suoi sogni, anche quelli piccoli. I ragazzi si aiutano a vicenda e man mano che leggiamo scopriremo i segreti e dolore di uno e dell'altro e anche una bella abitudine che hanno i due.😜
Un piccolo libro che ha lasciato una marea di porte aperte, personaggi validi e che vorrei conoscere la loro storia, come Brandon che grida per averne una storia tutta sua.
Un bel libro a dimostrare che la vita continua e che dobbiamo viverla a pieno, perché può finire in un attimo.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Sono stata presentata a Vance, proprietario di una piantagione di orchidee e sconvolto dagli recenti eventi avvenuti nella sua vita. Vance dovuto a traumi seri nella sua vita ha sofferto e soffre ancora di PTSD (disturbo da stress post-traumatico) e con l'aiuto della sua migliore amica Janice, l'ho amata appena ha aperto bocca 😊, tenta di portare avanti il suo negozio, dove si ritrova a gestire la sua fattoria, e nella sua nuova condizione non può e non sa come mettere le mani dappertutto. Ha bisogno di aiuto, e per questo arriva da loro, Wade, un ex soldato, anche lui con i suoi traumi da superare, e con il programma in cui aiutano i veterani sarà introdotto a lavorare con Vance.
Sembrava una cosa da pazzi mettere insieme due persone con problemi di PTSD, ma invece è una scommessa vincente, perché Wade aiuta Vance a non cadere nella sua solita abitudine di nascondersi e soccombere al buio, Wade riesce a farlo fa cose a lui impensabile prima del suo arrivo alla fattoria, come allenarsi, fare colazione, costruire e dare vita ai suoi sogni, anche quelli piccoli. I ragazzi si aiutano a vicenda e man mano che leggiamo scopriremo i segreti e dolore di uno e dell'altro e anche una bella abitudine che hanno i due.😜
Un piccolo libro che ha lasciato una marea di porte aperte, personaggi validi e che vorrei conoscere la loro storia, come Brandon che grida per averne una storia tutta sua.
Un bel libro a dimostrare che la vita continua e che dobbiamo viverla a pieno, perché può finire in un attimo.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
May 20, 2018
Voto: 2.5 stelle.
Ho deciso di leggere il libro perché mi attirava molto l’argomento ‘veterani’, ma non mi ha convinta.
Ero molto indecisa se assegnare 2 o 3 stelle a questa storia, perché l’idea generale è discreta, ma ci sono cose che mi hanno lasciato perplessa. Per esempio: un’elaborazione del lutto anomala (ognuno reagisce al dolore a modo suo, per carità, ma ci sono delle ‘fasi’ da attraversare per tutti. Invece, dopo che suo marito è morto da tre giorni, le azioni di Vance mi hanno lasciata confusa). Ho trovato alcuni pezzi di storia un po’ ripetitivi, noiosi e inutili, dei riempitivi che, nell’economia della storia, servivano a poco.
Tuttavia, la grande pecca del libro è la traduzione italiana priva di editing. Ci sono moltissimi errori, nomi dei personaggi scritti sbagliati, refusi vari, parole mancanti, errori ortografici e di punteggiatura veri e propri. Sulla trama non discuto, ma consiglio una buona revisione del testo.
I lati positivi di questo libro sono alcuni suoi personaggi: il coprotagonista Wade, che ‘rinasce’ e aiuta anche Vance a guarire dal suo passato (fin troppo tragico) e l’aiutante Janice, un po’ confidente e un po’ mamma per tutti. Il finale, dolce e positivo, dai toni sovrannaturali, è l’unica parte che mi è piaciuta davvero.
Ho deciso di leggere il libro perché mi attirava molto l’argomento ‘veterani’, ma non mi ha convinta.
Ero molto indecisa se assegnare 2 o 3 stelle a questa storia, perché l’idea generale è discreta, ma ci sono cose che mi hanno lasciato perplessa. Per esempio: un’elaborazione del lutto anomala (ognuno reagisce al dolore a modo suo, per carità, ma ci sono delle ‘fasi’ da attraversare per tutti. Invece, dopo che suo marito è morto da tre giorni, le azioni di Vance mi hanno lasciata confusa). Ho trovato alcuni pezzi di storia un po’ ripetitivi, noiosi e inutili, dei riempitivi che, nell’economia della storia, servivano a poco.
Tuttavia, la grande pecca del libro è la traduzione italiana priva di editing. Ci sono moltissimi errori, nomi dei personaggi scritti sbagliati, refusi vari, parole mancanti, errori ortografici e di punteggiatura veri e propri. Sulla trama non discuto, ma consiglio una buona revisione del testo.
I lati positivi di questo libro sono alcuni suoi personaggi: il coprotagonista Wade, che ‘rinasce’ e aiuta anche Vance a guarire dal suo passato (fin troppo tragico) e l’aiutante Janice, un po’ confidente e un po’ mamma per tutti. Il finale, dolce e positivo, dai toni sovrannaturali, è l’unica parte che mi è piaciuta davvero.
July 28, 2016
4.5 Very emotional read.
July 12, 2016
I guess I'm in the minority. From the blurb, I thought this was going to be my kind of book so I was really looking forward to reading it. However, it was just an ok read for me and actually a little boring in a few spots.
A few things that bugged me were:
A few things that bugged me were:
July 27, 2016
★★★☆☆ ~ 3 Stars
The good: A sweet story of two damaged men finding themselves and a new love. Not a cookie-cutter story.
The bad: character name switches (Jeff/Jerry in a few spots), repetitive actions, sometimes way too slow, and too much talking. Something more editing could have tightened up.
Wade has a few skeletons he's trying to work through so it makes sense that they don't move too fast towards romance, but I'm impatient. Janice and Jerry were almost too nice.
So, not my favorite book from Max but still glad I read it.
The good: A sweet story of two damaged men finding themselves and a new love. Not a cookie-cutter story.
The bad: character name switches (Jeff/Jerry in a few spots), repetitive actions, sometimes way too slow, and too much talking. Something more editing could have tightened up.
Wade has a few skeletons he's trying to work through so it makes sense that they don't move too fast towards romance, but I'm impatient. Janice and Jerry were almost too nice.
So, not my favorite book from Max but still glad I read it.
June 27, 2016
Good.
I liked this story but it fell short in terms of hitting me in the feels in the way a Max Vis story usually does. I read this expecting a good cry fest, instead I felt a bit uncomfortable with the speed of "things" and the naturist element. I am far from a prude but it felt a bit unnatural or forced, to me.
I liked this story but it fell short in terms of hitting me in the feels in the way a Max Vis story usually does. I read this expecting a good cry fest, instead I felt a bit uncomfortable with the speed of "things" and the naturist element. I am far from a prude but it felt a bit unnatural or forced, to me.
June 20, 2016
Life after Living
Another great story written by Max Vos. It's a wonder how he does it but I'm glad he does. The characters are well written and their stories just grab you and don't let you go. I hope there's more to come from this.
Another great story written by Max Vos. It's a wonder how he does it but I'm glad he does. The characters are well written and their stories just grab you and don't let you go. I hope there's more to come from this.
June 7, 2018
Leggendo questo mio primo romanzo tradotto di; Max Vos, ci si trova immersi in un travagliato vivere di due anime 'spezzate'.
Vance Sparks sta elaborando un lutto e gli eventi del passato che, continuano a emergere prepotentemente.
Wade Farmer è un reduce e ha perso tutto e con i suoi demoni onnipresente, è supportato da un ente, la V.S.O., ente no-profit che cerca di integrarli nuovamente nella vita.
Cosa accade quando il destino decide di rimescolare le carte?
Fa che i due si conoscano, c'è un attrazione mentale che li accomuna e iniziano a vivere e a supportarsi a vicenda. I giorni passano tra la quotidianità e azioni sempre uguali fino a quando il beffardo destino non rimescola di nuovo le carte, certo di dare una svolta alle loro vita, fatte di sogni e speranze portandomi alla parola fine di questo romanzo che, a mio avviso, trovo perfetto nella trama ma dispersivo per 'repetibilità di scene', quelle hot, sono sensuali, il finale ben strutturato.
Unica pecca di cui sono certa, molti errori, il che mi porta nella complessità di votazione è un 3, ma che comunque consiglio vivamente questo "Life After living, per chi ama questo genere.
Vance Sparks sta elaborando un lutto e gli eventi del passato che, continuano a emergere prepotentemente.
Wade Farmer è un reduce e ha perso tutto e con i suoi demoni onnipresente, è supportato da un ente, la V.S.O., ente no-profit che cerca di integrarli nuovamente nella vita.
Cosa accade quando il destino decide di rimescolare le carte?
Fa che i due si conoscano, c'è un attrazione mentale che li accomuna e iniziano a vivere e a supportarsi a vicenda. I giorni passano tra la quotidianità e azioni sempre uguali fino a quando il beffardo destino non rimescola di nuovo le carte, certo di dare una svolta alle loro vita, fatte di sogni e speranze portandomi alla parola fine di questo romanzo che, a mio avviso, trovo perfetto nella trama ma dispersivo per 'repetibilità di scene', quelle hot, sono sensuali, il finale ben strutturato.
Unica pecca di cui sono certa, molti errori, il che mi porta nella complessità di votazione è un 3, ma che comunque consiglio vivamente questo "Life After living, per chi ama questo genere.
June 20, 2016
4.5 hearts reviewed for www.lovebytesreviews.com
I was really curious for this new release by author Max Vos , being a frequent reader of his books and appreciating his writing style and you never know what to expect in a new release. So when I was given the opportunity to read and review this book I absolutely grabbed it.
The title is true when it says Live after Living where we follow Vance, the owner of an orchid plantation who is struggling through a major happening in his life. I cannot tell what because that might be seen as a spoiler. Together with his employee Janice (although that word is no reflection of her personality and her role in the business) he struggles to make it through the days getting everything done. “Everything” includes the doing things he isn’t used to doing especially the taking care of the animals on the farm part.
When Janice suggests that he really needs some help, Vance places an ad and gets a phone call from a reintegration company for veterans. This brings us Wade who, with a loving push from the company’s re-locater Michelle, is presented to Vance. At first the reader doesn’t know that Vance has his own secrets from the past, secrets we haven’t been introduced to but which come out slowly with Wade being there on the farm. We see Vance’s PTSD worsening because of his own recent loss.
The story tells us pieces of Vance and Wade’s lives while they work and live together in the house. Wade was supposed to be in an office which would be turned apartment but because of his immediate arrival he ends up in the main house. Wade gets Vance out of his flunk and gets him in a routine: workout, shower, breakfast while Vance keeps moping.
The struggles both men have takes you on a path of grief, understanding, explanation, curiosity and most of all raw emotions. To me this story is different from what I am used to from this author. The major part of this story isn’t a traditional romance story, it’s more about dealing with past circumstances…about surviving.
When with a little help from friends both men realise that there might be more to their life together. Author Max Vos wraps this story up in a more than satisfying way including a warm-feeling epilogue.
Was there nothing that really stood out in one way or another you wonder? Well yes there was. For me two things stood out on top of the already very complete story. Without spoiling it for you, I can say a memory by one of the main characters had me feeling grief and pain and I felt sick because of those emotions. When you are able to do that as an author in a short scene to me that shows a high quality of writing.
Yes there was also something I didn’t like so much and that is the fact that both main characters are how shall I say it very familiar with a nudist lifestyle, something that for me wouldn’t have been necessary, at least not in the level that it was presented.
The epilogue left me with the feeling this was the perfect set up for more about this place. With people arriving on the plantation and Brandon, who came in the picture half way the story as financial expert to help Vance out with his administration, this set up begs for his story at least.
If you are looking for a different read with a very well explored background and a high level of emotion then you have to make sure to pick this one up. If you expect a high level-romance and sex then this is not the Max Vos story for you and I would highly suggests one of his other books in that case.
I was really curious for this new release by author Max Vos , being a frequent reader of his books and appreciating his writing style and you never know what to expect in a new release. So when I was given the opportunity to read and review this book I absolutely grabbed it.
The title is true when it says Live after Living where we follow Vance, the owner of an orchid plantation who is struggling through a major happening in his life. I cannot tell what because that might be seen as a spoiler. Together with his employee Janice (although that word is no reflection of her personality and her role in the business) he struggles to make it through the days getting everything done. “Everything” includes the doing things he isn’t used to doing especially the taking care of the animals on the farm part.
When Janice suggests that he really needs some help, Vance places an ad and gets a phone call from a reintegration company for veterans. This brings us Wade who, with a loving push from the company’s re-locater Michelle, is presented to Vance. At first the reader doesn’t know that Vance has his own secrets from the past, secrets we haven’t been introduced to but which come out slowly with Wade being there on the farm. We see Vance’s PTSD worsening because of his own recent loss.
The story tells us pieces of Vance and Wade’s lives while they work and live together in the house. Wade was supposed to be in an office which would be turned apartment but because of his immediate arrival he ends up in the main house. Wade gets Vance out of his flunk and gets him in a routine: workout, shower, breakfast while Vance keeps moping.
The struggles both men have takes you on a path of grief, understanding, explanation, curiosity and most of all raw emotions. To me this story is different from what I am used to from this author. The major part of this story isn’t a traditional romance story, it’s more about dealing with past circumstances…about surviving.
When with a little help from friends both men realise that there might be more to their life together. Author Max Vos wraps this story up in a more than satisfying way including a warm-feeling epilogue.
Was there nothing that really stood out in one way or another you wonder? Well yes there was. For me two things stood out on top of the already very complete story. Without spoiling it for you, I can say a memory by one of the main characters had me feeling grief and pain and I felt sick because of those emotions. When you are able to do that as an author in a short scene to me that shows a high quality of writing.
Yes there was also something I didn’t like so much and that is the fact that both main characters are how shall I say it very familiar with a nudist lifestyle, something that for me wouldn’t have been necessary, at least not in the level that it was presented.
The epilogue left me with the feeling this was the perfect set up for more about this place. With people arriving on the plantation and Brandon, who came in the picture half way the story as financial expert to help Vance out with his administration, this set up begs for his story at least.
If you are looking for a different read with a very well explored background and a high level of emotion then you have to make sure to pick this one up. If you expect a high level-romance and sex then this is not the Max Vos story for you and I would highly suggests one of his other books in that case.
Read
December 31, 2016***2016 has been a very unstable year. Not only have I lost favourite role models in droves, I have been into dark places more times than I could count. Yes, I experienced highlights as well but the darkness has had a big impact this year and the only way to keep it at bay was reading, mass reading, back to back books with no stopping and no reviewing. I do apologize to all the writers that I won’t be able to review their books yet but I will get to it. Promise!***
June 26, 2016
As I have stated before, Max Vos is not a 'cookie-cutter' author, I never know what I am going to discover when I begin one of his stories. True to form, Life After Living was very different from previous Max Vos works I have read.
This is an absolutely amazing book! I was hooked from the first page and if it were not for pesky things like driving, family and sleeping, I would have finished it in one evening. The amount of research that went into writing this book was very evident. I came away with a better understanding of PTSD, I won't pretend to claim a thorough understanding, but I know much more than I did when I began the book. This is the story of two men who have experienced some devastating events in their lives, both past and present, trying to navigate their way to making peace with their pasts and building productive, satisfying lives.
I'm going to be truthful here, parts of this were unbelievably hard to read, my mantra became, 'know where your tissues are at all times'. Don't get me wrong, there were many lighthearted and funny moments, but there were also Sisyphus-like moments where I despaired of that rock ever making it over the mountain. The unique understanding the two men had of each other and with the devotion and support some true friends, they create a HEA that worked for them and hopefully, others as well.
Beyond a couple of typos, the only issue I had with the story was that the names of the main characters were difficult to manage at first. I read very fast and similarity of having one name beginning with a 'V' and the other with a 'W', it took me almost a third of the book before I could stop referring to them as 'four-character name' & 'five-character' name. Yes, I know, sounds like a personal problem.
I highly, highly recommend this book, it is purely and simply a great story! Though if you are looking for Max Vos' normal high-intensity romance and over-the-top sex, you will find it considerably toned down. At times shocking and heartbreaking, the story will grab your heart and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride from the beginning right through the epilogue, loved it!
This is an absolutely amazing book! I was hooked from the first page and if it were not for pesky things like driving, family and sleeping, I would have finished it in one evening. The amount of research that went into writing this book was very evident. I came away with a better understanding of PTSD, I won't pretend to claim a thorough understanding, but I know much more than I did when I began the book. This is the story of two men who have experienced some devastating events in their lives, both past and present, trying to navigate their way to making peace with their pasts and building productive, satisfying lives.
I'm going to be truthful here, parts of this were unbelievably hard to read, my mantra became, 'know where your tissues are at all times'. Don't get me wrong, there were many lighthearted and funny moments, but there were also Sisyphus-like moments where I despaired of that rock ever making it over the mountain. The unique understanding the two men had of each other and with the devotion and support some true friends, they create a HEA that worked for them and hopefully, others as well.
Beyond a couple of typos, the only issue I had with the story was that the names of the main characters were difficult to manage at first. I read very fast and similarity of having one name beginning with a 'V' and the other with a 'W', it took me almost a third of the book before I could stop referring to them as 'four-character name' & 'five-character' name. Yes, I know, sounds like a personal problem.
I highly, highly recommend this book, it is purely and simply a great story! Though if you are looking for Max Vos' normal high-intensity romance and over-the-top sex, you will find it considerably toned down. At times shocking and heartbreaking, the story will grab your heart and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride from the beginning right through the epilogue, loved it!
October 25, 2016
3 out of 5 stars
The story was good, but lacked follow thru in some places and then in others I was confused because though it’s 3rd person POV, the characters talk to themselves with the 1st person POV without any real clear indication that this is what’s happening.
There was also a place where two names were reversed in the story and it was so wrong I almost quit reading. The dead husband’s name was being swapped with a friend’s name...it was very distracting from the story.
I did like both Wade and Vance and I enjoyed seeing their story come to life. They were good for each other and I did enjoy reading the novel.
The story was good, but lacked follow thru in some places and then in others I was confused because though it’s 3rd person POV, the characters talk to themselves with the 1st person POV without any real clear indication that this is what’s happening.
There was also a place where two names were reversed in the story and it was so wrong I almost quit reading. The dead husband’s name was being swapped with a friend’s name...it was very distracting from the story.
I did like both Wade and Vance and I enjoyed seeing their story come to life. They were good for each other and I did enjoy reading the novel.
July 27, 2016
This felt like a different pace for Max but I loved it.
The "adult" stuff didn't start until 91% but that in no way made this book all about romance.
Max handled a difficult subject sensitively and made you really appreciate how difficult life can be for those with PTSD.
Vance has suffered a lot in his life. His saving grace Jeff, but when Jeff is gone Vance struggles with day to day life.
Enter Wade, through a VOS programme and he is the missing link. He understands Vance like no one else can.
Amazing 5* read
The "adult" stuff didn't start until 91% but that in no way made this book all about romance.
Max handled a difficult subject sensitively and made you really appreciate how difficult life can be for those with PTSD.
Vance has suffered a lot in his life. His saving grace Jeff, but when Jeff is gone Vance struggles with day to day life.
Enter Wade, through a VOS programme and he is the missing link. He understands Vance like no one else can.
Amazing 5* read
July 15, 2016
Amazingly good.
This is different than the last few Max Vos books. He's always consistently good, but this goes above and beyond. I love how slow and beautiful their relationship blossomed. There is so much understanding between the two men. They have both been to h*ll and back and come out the other side. There is only one or two love scenes, much later in the book, which is also pretty rare for Mr. Vos, but they were exactly where and when they needed to be. Hope we get to revisit Wade and Vance and get some more Vet healing stories.
This is different than the last few Max Vos books. He's always consistently good, but this goes above and beyond. I love how slow and beautiful their relationship blossomed. There is so much understanding between the two men. They have both been to h*ll and back and come out the other side. There is only one or two love scenes, much later in the book, which is also pretty rare for Mr. Vos, but they were exactly where and when they needed to be. Hope we get to revisit Wade and Vance and get some more Vet healing stories.
June 20, 2016
Oh the feels!
I love Max's writing and this book didn't disappoint. Two guys, both dealing with the loss of their life partners, and both with other traumas in their past. Finding healing in hard work. Great dialogue and deep, deep feelings. I may have shed a tear at one (or more) point (s). And yet I still get caught up in the overwhelming feeling of love. Just brilliant!
I love Max's writing and this book didn't disappoint. Two guys, both dealing with the loss of their life partners, and both with other traumas in their past. Finding healing in hard work. Great dialogue and deep, deep feelings. I may have shed a tear at one (or more) point (s). And yet I still get caught up in the overwhelming feeling of love. Just brilliant!
July 21, 2016
Great story. Solid HEA. I wouldn't recommend this story as a first by Max Vos.
Almost forgot. Beware of many misplaced names in the story.
Almost forgot. Beware of many misplaced names in the story.
July 6, 2016
2.5 stars
Utterly disappointed. I went into this with high hopes, only to have cold water thrown in my face.
Flat characters and unrealistic dialogue along with multiple silly grammar errors just did me in.
I did like the premise of two men hurting and how they quickly bonded, easily slipping into each other's lives. But it moved way too fast.
Utterly disappointed. I went into this with high hopes, only to have cold water thrown in my face.
Flat characters and unrealistic dialogue along with multiple silly grammar errors just did me in.
I did like the premise of two men hurting and how they quickly bonded, easily slipping into each other's lives. But it moved way too fast.
July 21, 2016
This is a story about being broken; so broken you think, you can't make it. This is what we have with the Main characters, Vance, and Wade. Two lost souls who have been through Hell. This story was well written; with strong Main, and Secondary Characters. I loved the storyline. 5 Stars.
August 14, 2016
This was one of the best stories I read this year hands down, and I read a lot of books! I was engrossed from the beginning to the end and I did not want it to end. I loved all the characters, even the animals, I just wanted to hug them all. I couldn't stop smiling at the end of the book.
July 14, 2016
Wonderful story
This was an awesome read, real characters, real issues, warm and touching and filled with a mix of hope and pain and love.
This was an awesome read, real characters, real issues, warm and touching and filled with a mix of hope and pain and love.
August 17, 2016
Vance and Wade are two men in the midst of incredible loss who seem to be helping each other through those fires. Both men were sympathetic and brought you through their relationship.
January 10, 2018
Two men learning to trust love again.
Vance just lost his husband unexpectedly. An event from his childhood and the guilt he feels over his sisters death have caused him to have PTSD. Unable to really mourn the loss of his husband has him shut down. Forcing himself to take care of his nursery gets him through each day.
Wade an ex soldier, also suffering PTSD, gets placed to work at the nursery by a veterans organization. He saw the man he loved murdered, and is still reeling from it.
Not sure of each other they manage to work out their issues. Both men prefer to be naked, which was odd to me. I felt it took away from the story at times.
Their bonding over planting and building an outdoor shower was slow, letting them build their trust over a period of time.
Taking care of the nursery and each other bonded their friendship together. I liked that there were no instant feelings. By the time the story got to the physical part of their relationship they knew each other's weaknesses and strengths. Satisfying read I would recommend to anyone interested in a realistic story of two men learning to trust and love again.
Vance just lost his husband unexpectedly. An event from his childhood and the guilt he feels over his sisters death have caused him to have PTSD. Unable to really mourn the loss of his husband has him shut down. Forcing himself to take care of his nursery gets him through each day.
Wade an ex soldier, also suffering PTSD, gets placed to work at the nursery by a veterans organization. He saw the man he loved murdered, and is still reeling from it.
Not sure of each other they manage to work out their issues. Both men prefer to be naked, which was odd to me. I felt it took away from the story at times.
Their bonding over planting and building an outdoor shower was slow, letting them build their trust over a period of time.
Taking care of the nursery and each other bonded their friendship together. I liked that there were no instant feelings. By the time the story got to the physical part of their relationship they knew each other's weaknesses and strengths. Satisfying read I would recommend to anyone interested in a realistic story of two men learning to trust and love again.
February 5, 2019
Amare ancora
La storia di due persone che hanno vissuto delle brutte esperienze, hanno perso chi amavano e cercano un modo di andare avanti. Vance e Wade si incontrano grazie alla tenacia di due donne, devo ammettere che Janice mi è piaciuta molto. Ci sono momenti forti, in cui raccontano traumi del passato ma anche scene divertenti, come un abitudine di Vance subito accolta da Wade. Ho apprezzato l’avvicinamento graduale tra i due, come si conoscono, si aiutano e cerano di vivere la loro vita.
L’unica cosa che stona sono dei piccoli errori nel testo, tipo nono al posto di non, per il resto, a parte un paio di ricordi scioccanti,la storia mi è piaciuta. Lo consiglio a chi ama i veterani e le storie ad evoluzione lenta.
La storia di due persone che hanno vissuto delle brutte esperienze, hanno perso chi amavano e cercano un modo di andare avanti. Vance e Wade si incontrano grazie alla tenacia di due donne, devo ammettere che Janice mi è piaciuta molto. Ci sono momenti forti, in cui raccontano traumi del passato ma anche scene divertenti, come un abitudine di Vance subito accolta da Wade. Ho apprezzato l’avvicinamento graduale tra i due, come si conoscono, si aiutano e cerano di vivere la loro vita.
L’unica cosa che stona sono dei piccoli errori nel testo, tipo nono al posto di non, per il resto, a parte un paio di ricordi scioccanti,la storia mi è piaciuta. Lo consiglio a chi ama i veterani e le storie ad evoluzione lenta.
March 8, 2018
What I liked in Life After Living is Vance and Wade's slow developing friendship. From strangers, who suffer from PTSD, they became friends and at least lovers. Nonetheless, I simply couldn't connect with their romance. Personally everything between them developed to fast or to soon. Even so, I enjoyed Vance and Wade's interaction. What was idiotic for me was constant nakedness through the days. Nudity and work simply doesn't fit.
December 17, 2018
Terrific story with real-life themes. I laughed plenty, was shocked a few times and cried once. The HEA had a bonus I didn't see coming. Slow burn, but the tension between the MCs and great story kept my attention. Excellent, overall!
May 17, 2023
4.5 stars. A book I've reread a number of times. It feels very realistic and gritty. The grief and PTSD both MCs suffer is very well written and researched. The people and plots all seem like they could easily be real, which I think is what appeals to me most in this book.
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