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We Still Live
Running from a scandal that ruined his life, Isaac Twain accepts a teaching position at Hambden University where, three months prior, Professor John Conlon stopped a campus nightmare by stepping in front of an active shooter.
When John and Isaac become faculty advisors for the school's literary magazine, their professional relationship evolves. Despite the strict code of conduct forbidding faculty fraternization, they delve into a secret affair—until Simon arrives.
Isaac's violent ex threatens not only their careers, but also John's life. His PTSD triggered, John must come to terms with that bloody day on College Green while Isaac must accept the heartbreak his secrets have wrought.
***WE STILL LIVE is a standalone M/M friends-to-lovers romance featuring detailed adult content, graphic violence, hurt/comfort, and mental illness.***
When John and Isaac become faculty advisors for the school's literary magazine, their professional relationship evolves. Despite the strict code of conduct forbidding faculty fraternization, they delve into a secret affair—until Simon arrives.
Isaac's violent ex threatens not only their careers, but also John's life. His PTSD triggered, John must come to terms with that bloody day on College Green while Isaac must accept the heartbreak his secrets have wrought.
***WE STILL LIVE is a standalone M/M friends-to-lovers romance featuring detailed adult content, graphic violence, hurt/comfort, and mental illness.***
266 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2019
13 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Sara Dobie Bauer
56 books367 followersBestselling romance author.
Green witch.
Feminist. Pro-choice. Anti-censorship.
Timothee Chalamet freak.
Horror movie aficionado.
Vampire mermaid in a past life.
Sara Dobie Bauer somehow survived her party-hard college years at Ohio University to earn a creative writing degree. She lives with her precious Pit Bull in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.
Green witch.
Feminist. Pro-choice. Anti-censorship.
Timothee Chalamet freak.
Horror movie aficionado.
Vampire mermaid in a past life.
Sara Dobie Bauer somehow survived her party-hard college years at Ohio University to earn a creative writing degree. She lives with her precious Pit Bull in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 10, 2019
Days after finishing it, images from Sara Dobie Bauer’s We Still Live are still rolling around in my head. Hopefully revisiting it all for the sake of this review will be cathartic. But more importantly, I hope it inspires you to dive into this powerful, thought provoking novel.
Centered around a community facing life after a horrific school shooting, We Still Live delves deeply into the emotional pain of these characters. We follow this tight-knit group as they process the tragedy, and work to heal so they can carry on with their lives.
Heralded as a hero for his actions during the event, John Conlon is struggling with life after the shooting. A dedicated teacher and a loyal friend, John’s focus is on helping others process their grief. Unfortunately, progress on his own recovery is failing, and burying his emotions in antidepressants and booze is catching up with him.
Hiding from his past and hoping to escape the consequences of his actions, Isaac Twain joins the faculty at Hambden University. One of the most interesting protagonists I’ve read in a very long time, Isaac is a bit self-absorbed and I found it hard to generate much sympathy for his drama. Even once the details of his conduct are revealed he’s not very remorseful, and I enjoyed watching him work his way out of his mess. I couldn’t help but appreciate his unapologetic attitude. He’s ready to make a new life for himself, and that’s what he does.
Isaac’s courtship of John is one of the highlights of this story, and fans of Sara Dobie Bauer’s erotic love scenes will be extremely satisfied! The connection between these two men is immediate and powerful, and watching the changes in their relationship as they explore each other sexually is beautifully portrayed.
Intense and emotional, Sara Dobie Bauer crafts a beautiful story with her wonderfully expressive writing. Dropping Isaac right into the thick of it, and following him as he inserts himself into the core group, helps us identify with everything that’s going on. Something as horrific as a school shooting touches us all, regardless of our connection to the victims and survivors. The themes of grief, forgiveness, and moving on are universal. We Still Live put me through the ringer emotionally, and it’s one hundred percent worth it!
Centered around a community facing life after a horrific school shooting, We Still Live delves deeply into the emotional pain of these characters. We follow this tight-knit group as they process the tragedy, and work to heal so they can carry on with their lives.
Heralded as a hero for his actions during the event, John Conlon is struggling with life after the shooting. A dedicated teacher and a loyal friend, John’s focus is on helping others process their grief. Unfortunately, progress on his own recovery is failing, and burying his emotions in antidepressants and booze is catching up with him.
Hiding from his past and hoping to escape the consequences of his actions, Isaac Twain joins the faculty at Hambden University. One of the most interesting protagonists I’ve read in a very long time, Isaac is a bit self-absorbed and I found it hard to generate much sympathy for his drama. Even once the details of his conduct are revealed he’s not very remorseful, and I enjoyed watching him work his way out of his mess. I couldn’t help but appreciate his unapologetic attitude. He’s ready to make a new life for himself, and that’s what he does.
Isaac’s courtship of John is one of the highlights of this story, and fans of Sara Dobie Bauer’s erotic love scenes will be extremely satisfied! The connection between these two men is immediate and powerful, and watching the changes in their relationship as they explore each other sexually is beautifully portrayed.
Intense and emotional, Sara Dobie Bauer crafts a beautiful story with her wonderfully expressive writing. Dropping Isaac right into the thick of it, and following him as he inserts himself into the core group, helps us identify with everything that’s going on. Something as horrific as a school shooting touches us all, regardless of our connection to the victims and survivors. The themes of grief, forgiveness, and moving on are universal. We Still Live put me through the ringer emotionally, and it’s one hundred percent worth it!
November 30, 2020
If you’ve been alive in America for the past 20 years the scenario of this story is an unhappy reality. A grim one. Still Sara Dobie Bauer has managed to create a little pocket of hope. Make no mistake, she hasn’t trotted out some fantastical cure-all for what ails us as a society, or even for the woes of the MCs, but she has written a story that, to me at least, felt vital and important. Is it perfect? No, not by a long stretch, and yet those loose ends, that true-to-life floundering, is what lends this book a real life flavor, with all of its jagged edges, unhappy truths, and uncertainties.
Isaac Twain has come to Hambden University in Lothos, Ohio trying to outrun his past. Foolish man. He crashes, head first, into his future. Said future is John Conlon, a fellow creative writing professor at Hambden, a wildly popular author of YA LGBTQ books, and as of the tragic event of the previous summer, much to his displeasure, he’s known as The Hambden Hero. John is unabashedly gay, almost faery like in build, with a mass of longish dark hair, soulful eyes, and a gregariousness that belies how broken he feels inside after the incident. He’s not the kind of man Isaac ever saw himself attracted to. Isaac is tall, blond, almost hypermasculine, and still negotiating how to comfortably navigate being out. He has valid reasons. None of these differences, nor the school injunction against staff fraternization matter when it comes to their attraction, one that almost verges on the obsessive for Isaac, or maybe it’s just the first time he’s been able to love someone as his authentic self.
The romance between John and Isaac worked like gangbusters for me. Isaac might have been perplexed at first but it made absolute sense. Their parts fit together in more ways than the physical. John’s house is full of music, friends, and good food, all things that are almost alien to Isaac’s existence. I loved how the gravitational pull between the MCs was undeniable but the author never lost sight of who they were: smart academics. I loved that as their love story progresses throughout the book regular life doesn’t just disappear. The events of the summer, and it’s repercussions on all who lived through it remain ever present in their everyday existence. Likewise Isaac’s past is present as the past always is, and comes calling.
I’ll say no more about the plot, but I’ll mention some of the things I loved: John’s students, his friends, and colleagues; the frank, unflinching, and non-judgemental handling of mental illness; the necessary witnessing of a horror that visits our schools and public spaces with an alarming regularity; the joy, life affirming, aspect of good sex without making it a magic bullet to solve all problems. There were things I’d’ve tweaked, all having to do with Isaac, who’s perhaps the weakest character. Some of his past could’ve remained off-stage, and other parts I would’ve appreciated seeing and knowing more about. Maybe an accompanying novella? All of these quibbles are negligible. I’d recommend this to everyone. It feels urgent.
Isaac Twain has come to Hambden University in Lothos, Ohio trying to outrun his past. Foolish man. He crashes, head first, into his future. Said future is John Conlon, a fellow creative writing professor at Hambden, a wildly popular author of YA LGBTQ books, and as of the tragic event of the previous summer, much to his displeasure, he’s known as The Hambden Hero. John is unabashedly gay, almost faery like in build, with a mass of longish dark hair, soulful eyes, and a gregariousness that belies how broken he feels inside after the incident. He’s not the kind of man Isaac ever saw himself attracted to. Isaac is tall, blond, almost hypermasculine, and still negotiating how to comfortably navigate being out. He has valid reasons. None of these differences, nor the school injunction against staff fraternization matter when it comes to their attraction, one that almost verges on the obsessive for Isaac, or maybe it’s just the first time he’s been able to love someone as his authentic self.
The romance between John and Isaac worked like gangbusters for me. Isaac might have been perplexed at first but it made absolute sense. Their parts fit together in more ways than the physical. John’s house is full of music, friends, and good food, all things that are almost alien to Isaac’s existence. I loved how the gravitational pull between the MCs was undeniable but the author never lost sight of who they were: smart academics. I loved that as their love story progresses throughout the book regular life doesn’t just disappear. The events of the summer, and it’s repercussions on all who lived through it remain ever present in their everyday existence. Likewise Isaac’s past is present as the past always is, and comes calling.
I’ll say no more about the plot, but I’ll mention some of the things I loved: John’s students, his friends, and colleagues; the frank, unflinching, and non-judgemental handling of mental illness; the necessary witnessing of a horror that visits our schools and public spaces with an alarming regularity; the joy, life affirming, aspect of good sex without making it a magic bullet to solve all problems. There were things I’d’ve tweaked, all having to do with Isaac, who’s perhaps the weakest character. Some of his past could’ve remained off-stage, and other parts I would’ve appreciated seeing and knowing more about. Maybe an accompanying novella? All of these quibbles are negligible. I’d recommend this to everyone. It feels urgent.
December 14, 2019
My first try with this author. I enjoyed the tale and there were several things I liked about this book.
Isaac, a big quiet guy, leaves his tattered life for a fresh start in a University where a shooting happened at the end of the previous school year. The atmosphere is quite gloom, each one on the campus dealing with the impact of such a tragedy on his/her own way. And Isaac witnesses this as a teacher, but also, on a more personal level, as someone developing feelings towards John, another teacher who got a lot of attention during and after the shooting as he was held at gunpoint.
No more secrets : they can ruin other people’s life or they can kill yourself from the inside. Both Isaac and John are facing this while giving each other a chance to be together.
I was not thrilled by the pace by how fast Isaac fell for John, but it was then saved for me when their relationship grew more steadily. And, as usually, I was put out with the appearance of the “ex”.
What made it a nice read for me was the good writing, the character development, whether for the MCs or the side characters and got interested in the healing process going on. More of it would have been so good. I’m that greedy.
ARC of “We still live” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Isaac, a big quiet guy, leaves his tattered life for a fresh start in a University where a shooting happened at the end of the previous school year. The atmosphere is quite gloom, each one on the campus dealing with the impact of such a tragedy on his/her own way. And Isaac witnesses this as a teacher, but also, on a more personal level, as someone developing feelings towards John, another teacher who got a lot of attention during and after the shooting as he was held at gunpoint.
No more secrets : they can ruin other people’s life or they can kill yourself from the inside. Both Isaac and John are facing this while giving each other a chance to be together.
I was not thrilled by the pace by how fast Isaac fell for John, but it was then saved for me when their relationship grew more steadily. And, as usually, I was put out with the appearance of the “ex”.
What made it a nice read for me was the good writing, the character development, whether for the MCs or the side characters and got interested in the healing process going on. More of it would have been so good. I’m that greedy.
ARC of “We still live” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2020
A complimentary copy was provided by the author via the DBML program in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. This was just awesome. I did not want to put it down. The characters are so well written. The plot, very timely and I did worry about the shooter aspect. While this is certainly a trigger for some, I personally was okay with this plot and I think, for me, it's because it wasn't about the shooter but the aftermath and all involved recovering.
John is a wonderful character - flawed and caring. He is carrying tremendous guilt over the shooting and is not handling it well. Isaac is new to the area and does not have the same connection to the event or people. When these two meet, it's very cute. Their friendship is so refreshing. I liked seeing them be happy. And Tommy is adorable as well. A straight man who is not afraid to show another man (a gay man) that he loves him.
Everything felt real and natural between John and Isaac. When Isaacs ex shows up, I was expecting a much different background for Isaac. I don't 100% like how the ex was brought it. It just didn't feel necessary. In the end it worked itself out but it was a very strange and didn't do anything to the overall story.
The ending, yes, this was a nice ending. I have NO complaints, and for me that is unique. So many times I want more out of and ending. This one was perfect for me. Isaac and John are in love, living together, happy and dealing with everything. It's NOT a white wash happy ending with hearts and rainbows. It's a legit real life ending with them knowing tough times will come again, that they have neither been magically healed from their past. They have come through it and dealt with it, but it will never be truly gone. And that's ok.
Highly recommend. 5 stars
Wow. This was just awesome. I did not want to put it down. The characters are so well written. The plot, very timely and I did worry about the shooter aspect. While this is certainly a trigger for some, I personally was okay with this plot and I think, for me, it's because it wasn't about the shooter but the aftermath and all involved recovering.
John is a wonderful character - flawed and caring. He is carrying tremendous guilt over the shooting and is not handling it well. Isaac is new to the area and does not have the same connection to the event or people. When these two meet, it's very cute. Their friendship is so refreshing. I liked seeing them be happy. And Tommy is adorable as well. A straight man who is not afraid to show another man (a gay man) that he loves him.
Everything felt real and natural between John and Isaac. When Isaacs ex shows up, I was expecting a much different background for Isaac. I don't 100% like how the ex was brought it. It just didn't feel necessary. In the end it worked itself out but it was a very strange and didn't do anything to the overall story.
The ending, yes, this was a nice ending. I have NO complaints, and for me that is unique. So many times I want more out of and ending. This one was perfect for me. Isaac and John are in love, living together, happy and dealing with everything. It's NOT a white wash happy ending with hearts and rainbows. It's a legit real life ending with them knowing tough times will come again, that they have neither been magically healed from their past. They have come through it and dealt with it, but it will never be truly gone. And that's ok.
Highly recommend. 5 stars
December 9, 2019
John is an enigma, a force, vibrating, sparkling and frolic. Not at all Isaac’ type.
But there is something about him, everybody loves John.
Isaac is the new teacher and John is the darling teacher of the school.
There is a heavy blanket laying upon the school where they work.
After the horrible trauma where John stood eye in eye with a shooter at school, everyone is still shaking. The laughs aren’t always real and the scars are deep. Bit by bit Isaac finds out what happened and the process of John's mental health which isn’t as stable as Isaac expects.
They are attracted to each other but a relationship is not allowed. So it all stays behind closed doors. Isaac has his pain and secrets, he ran away after a scandal and now his angry ex shows up and threatens to out them.
Very well written. The story is of course about the two men but oh boy there is so much more going on. Traumatized students and teachers, the process of healing, they have a lot to tell. There are humor and sarcasm, also dark depression, the hurt was so palpable, my heart shattered at times.
The difference between all people with their specific characteristics was well done.
All entertainingly written story, the events were well fused.
Isaac and John have engaging personalities, I must say I had my doubts about their relationship, I didn’t think it would hold on because of the circumstances. The hard reality was palpable realistic and made this story into an impressive one that I couldn’t put down.
But there is something about him, everybody loves John.
Isaac is the new teacher and John is the darling teacher of the school.
There is a heavy blanket laying upon the school where they work.
After the horrible trauma where John stood eye in eye with a shooter at school, everyone is still shaking. The laughs aren’t always real and the scars are deep. Bit by bit Isaac finds out what happened and the process of John's mental health which isn’t as stable as Isaac expects.
They are attracted to each other but a relationship is not allowed. So it all stays behind closed doors. Isaac has his pain and secrets, he ran away after a scandal and now his angry ex shows up and threatens to out them.
Very well written. The story is of course about the two men but oh boy there is so much more going on. Traumatized students and teachers, the process of healing, they have a lot to tell. There are humor and sarcasm, also dark depression, the hurt was so palpable, my heart shattered at times.
The difference between all people with their specific characteristics was well done.
All entertainingly written story, the events were well fused.
Isaac and John have engaging personalities, I must say I had my doubts about their relationship, I didn’t think it would hold on because of the circumstances. The hard reality was palpable realistic and made this story into an impressive one that I couldn’t put down.
October 16, 2020
So many things about this book were beautiful and brilliant, and so many things were not. The idea of this book is important, we need to talk about the people affected by these shootings, and how on top of all those lost lives, the shootings ruins the lives of the ones who lived.
I loved John. Such a beautiful character. Strong but broken. I liked Isaac most of the time. They were good for each other.
Things that didn’t work:
- I feel the relationship development was lacking. We didn’t see much growing between them before the L word was used. It was very insta love,
- Simon. That part made no sense. He has been angrily stalking Isaac for a year after Isaac ran away. But he is not violent? But then he is? And then not only is he not violent, but he just gives up and basically wishes them a happy life? What?
- the whole abortion thing. Isaac has nightmares about Elizabeth. I thought something terrible happened to her. But nope. He is devastated that she got an abortion after he cheated on her for a year and left her for a man? You don’t get to be devastated about HER abortion ever, but especially not in these circumstances.
- the department rules and politics seemed very weird to me but maybe it’s different in American universities.
I wanted this to be 5 stars but too many things were wrong.
And since I read that SDB is obsessed with Timothee Chalamet, I cant help but notice that one of her MCs always looks like him. 😂
I loved John. Such a beautiful character. Strong but broken. I liked Isaac most of the time. They were good for each other.
Things that didn’t work:
- I feel the relationship development was lacking. We didn’t see much growing between them before the L word was used. It was very insta love,
- Simon. That part made no sense. He has been angrily stalking Isaac for a year after Isaac ran away. But he is not violent? But then he is? And then not only is he not violent, but he just gives up and basically wishes them a happy life? What?
- the whole abortion thing. Isaac has nightmares about Elizabeth. I thought something terrible happened to her. But nope. He is devastated that she got an abortion after he cheated on her for a year and left her for a man? You don’t get to be devastated about HER abortion ever, but especially not in these circumstances.
- the department rules and politics seemed very weird to me but maybe it’s different in American universities.
I wanted this to be 5 stars but too many things were wrong.
And since I read that SDB is obsessed with Timothee Chalamet, I cant help but notice that one of her MCs always looks like him. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2019
I've read this three times and I can't wait to read it again. John and Isaac are wonderfully real, including scars and glorious imperfections and hang-ups and insecurities. I don't think of them as characters but as friends.
I'll write a fuller review when I've enjoyed my fourth tasting!
I'll write a fuller review when I've enjoyed my fourth tasting!
February 13, 2020
A lot of this book was very well-executed and might have been a 5 star read for me. In fact, I thought the whole story of the aftermath of the shooting and its effects on the various members of the school community was very good. Isaac, coming onto the scene months later as a new teacher, an outsider to the grief, and struggling with his own issues was a unique perspective. Unfortunately, the storyline with Isaac's ex-boyfriend Simon did not work for me at all and felt unnecessary and kind of jolted me out of the story .
December 15, 2019
The beginning and ending of this book was great. It's about the aftermath of a school shooting. What happens to those who are alive. How each individual is dealing with the events, the loss of loved ones, and the overall tragic event. This part was great. I loved it.
The middle is about Isaac, who just moved to the city. And he comes with baggage. His ex (who isn't really his ex, but he's boyfriend) shows up, and... well... some things happen I didn't like... yeah, overall that middle part was complicated and confusing for me. I understood some of the ex's behavior, jealousy can make you do things that you normally wouldn't, but I have my doubts about Simon, he seemed a little too out of it. A little crazy.
I found it annoying that Isaac constantly pointed it out that John isn't his type. Clearly he was into John physically, he liked him as a person too, so what if John doesn't look like someone he would usually go for?! I didn't understand why this needed to be said over and over... until Simon showed up. Yeah John and Simon were totally different.
I have to say that upon meeting John, I immediately halted, because before I picked up the book I thought he would be a somber, quiet but confident guy with a typical, impeccable teacher appearance. Instead there was this laid-back, totally cool young guy. I can only blame myself for thinking that though.
Anyway. I totally bought the connection, the chemistry between the MCs, even though at times it felt too sudden, other times it was slow. I loved the affection. These two were constantly touching each other (when not in public).
So I found the drama with the ex too much, otherwise it's a really good book.
The middle is about Isaac, who just moved to the city. And he comes with baggage. His ex (who isn't really his ex, but he's boyfriend) shows up, and... well... some things happen I didn't like... yeah, overall that middle part was complicated and confusing for me. I understood some of the ex's behavior, jealousy can make you do things that you normally wouldn't, but I have my doubts about Simon, he seemed a little too out of it. A little crazy.
I found it annoying that Isaac constantly pointed it out that John isn't his type. Clearly he was into John physically, he liked him as a person too, so what if John doesn't look like someone he would usually go for?! I didn't understand why this needed to be said over and over... until Simon showed up. Yeah John and Simon were totally different.
I have to say that upon meeting John, I immediately halted, because before I picked up the book I thought he would be a somber, quiet but confident guy with a typical, impeccable teacher appearance. Instead there was this laid-back, totally cool young guy. I can only blame myself for thinking that though.
Anyway. I totally bought the connection, the chemistry between the MCs, even though at times it felt too sudden, other times it was slow. I loved the affection. These two were constantly touching each other (when not in public).
So I found the drama with the ex too much, otherwise it's a really good book.
September 25, 2021
This was my first book by this author and I more than loved it. It was very hard to put down!
It was an intense read, though. It's the kind of book you have to be in just the right mood for, as it deals with a lot of heavy stuff: a school shooting, suicide and suicide attempts, mental health, a closeted teacher with some heavy secrets of his own. But, if you are looking for a beautiful, very well written book with all these elements woven into the story, you certainly should give this a try. It drew me in right from the beginning.
John is a fragile character though he tries to hide that from the world surrounding him. He is the kind of character that will stick to you long after you have finished reading. He is haunted by the school shooting, the exact moment he was there and what happened between him and the shooter before he shot himself. While reading you slowly start to realise the impact of that moment on him, the impossibility to live up to the other people’s image of him. They call him a hero but he doesn’t feel like he deserves that title at all. It’s a burden weighing him down.
When John and Isaac meet they become friends before they become lovers. I loved how their relationship developed into something really true. I loved to watch their feelings deepen, how sex in bed turned into making love.
Despite their relationship being secret (Isaac is not ready to come out yet and school rules forbid their professors to be involved) they were always touching and hugging and kissing and I loved that about them. But you also know there are other secrets that lie under the surface and you get the feeling that once they are revealed, things are about to get ugly.
Simon’s troubled past reveals itself slowly into the story, specially when his ex-lover Simon shows up.
There were some secondary characters that were a great additions to the MC’s. I loved Tommy, who was always there for John. To protect him, to watch over him, to take care of him.
I loved Sara Dobie Bauer’s writing; she creates lovable,real characters. With John she created a beautiful but fragile man, though often stronger than he often thinks himself to be. I ached for him because of this burden he has to carry, which made it impossible for him to return to his life from before the shooting, even though he tries very, very hard. He needs friends like Tommy and someone like Isaac to help him back on his feet each time he is about to slip and fall.
The ending wasn’t the perfect picture you might want it to be, but that would be unrealistic. Above all it was a very hopeful ending, with Isaac’s and John’s love to be strong enough to face their future together.
This is truly one of the best books I’ve read lately. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read a romance with a dark edge to it. You won’t regret you did.
I was provided a free copy and this is my honest review.
It was an intense read, though. It's the kind of book you have to be in just the right mood for, as it deals with a lot of heavy stuff: a school shooting, suicide and suicide attempts, mental health, a closeted teacher with some heavy secrets of his own. But, if you are looking for a beautiful, very well written book with all these elements woven into the story, you certainly should give this a try. It drew me in right from the beginning.
John is a fragile character though he tries to hide that from the world surrounding him. He is the kind of character that will stick to you long after you have finished reading. He is haunted by the school shooting, the exact moment he was there and what happened between him and the shooter before he shot himself. While reading you slowly start to realise the impact of that moment on him, the impossibility to live up to the other people’s image of him. They call him a hero but he doesn’t feel like he deserves that title at all. It’s a burden weighing him down.
When John and Isaac meet they become friends before they become lovers. I loved how their relationship developed into something really true. I loved to watch their feelings deepen, how sex in bed turned into making love.
Despite their relationship being secret (Isaac is not ready to come out yet and school rules forbid their professors to be involved) they were always touching and hugging and kissing and I loved that about them. But you also know there are other secrets that lie under the surface and you get the feeling that once they are revealed, things are about to get ugly.
Simon’s troubled past reveals itself slowly into the story, specially when his ex-lover Simon shows up.
There were some secondary characters that were a great additions to the MC’s. I loved Tommy, who was always there for John. To protect him, to watch over him, to take care of him.
I loved Sara Dobie Bauer’s writing; she creates lovable,real characters. With John she created a beautiful but fragile man, though often stronger than he often thinks himself to be. I ached for him because of this burden he has to carry, which made it impossible for him to return to his life from before the shooting, even though he tries very, very hard. He needs friends like Tommy and someone like Isaac to help him back on his feet each time he is about to slip and fall.
The ending wasn’t the perfect picture you might want it to be, but that would be unrealistic. Above all it was a very hopeful ending, with Isaac’s and John’s love to be strong enough to face their future together.
This is truly one of the best books I’ve read lately. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read a romance with a dark edge to it. You won’t regret you did.
I was provided a free copy and this is my honest review.
December 11, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer gutted me in all the right ways. Like a scary, yet thrilling, roller coaster ride, this novel plumbed the depths of my emotions from rage, to fear, to a sense of deep sadness. Yet despite all that, it was an incredibly satisfying romance—one that was chock-full of mistakes, pain, joy, and hope. I loved that the author chose not to provide a simple fix for the tragedy John and Isaac had faced, both separately in their lives and together in their healing. Instead, this story was steeped in realism and that meant a happy ever after that would be marked by trial and error, by small steps and constant reassurances. Love may not fix the demons that haunt John, but it will provide a safe place for him and Isaac to be when the past becomes too much–too real.
I think the real strength in this book lies in the way in which the author chose to allow her characters to keep their pain as part of their future together. Instead of putting a pretty bandage on the memories that haunted both Isaac and John for different reasons and over different tragedies, Bauer opted to allow the flaws to remain, but provide a way to coping with them that helped both men survive and, ultimately, thrive. Together they would get stronger—together they would love each other fiercely and completely.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer gutted me in all the right ways. Like a scary, yet thrilling, roller coaster ride, this novel plumbed the depths of my emotions from rage, to fear, to a sense of deep sadness. Yet despite all that, it was an incredibly satisfying romance—one that was chock-full of mistakes, pain, joy, and hope. I loved that the author chose not to provide a simple fix for the tragedy John and Isaac had faced, both separately in their lives and together in their healing. Instead, this story was steeped in realism and that meant a happy ever after that would be marked by trial and error, by small steps and constant reassurances. Love may not fix the demons that haunt John, but it will provide a safe place for him and Isaac to be when the past becomes too much–too real.
I think the real strength in this book lies in the way in which the author chose to allow her characters to keep their pain as part of their future together. Instead of putting a pretty bandage on the memories that haunted both Isaac and John for different reasons and over different tragedies, Bauer opted to allow the flaws to remain, but provide a way to coping with them that helped both men survive and, ultimately, thrive. Together they would get stronger—together they would love each other fiercely and completely.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
January 14, 2020
2.5/5 stars
This was the second book I’ve read by this author, the first being Broken News which I really enjoyed. I was looking forward to reading this one too but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
There were some aspects to the story that I think were well executed, for example, the aftermath of the trauma of the school shooting and its effect on staff and students. The mental health aspects of the book were well researched and treated sensitively.
However, there was so much going on in this book, with such a large cast of eccentric minor characters, a lot of them with their own issues, that I felt the chemistry between the two main characters was either lost or non-existent. The author mentioned the intense connection between the two MCs before they hooked up for the first time but this connection didn’t feel obvious to me at all. I was surprised when they had their first kiss because one of the parties seemed relatively disinterested in the other.
My main problem with this book was the loose plot threads that seemed to build up and go nowhere;
• a large portion of this book was underscored with MC Isaac’s anguish over the formidable Simon who appears to be stalking him. When Simon finally appears we learn that Simon is Isaac’s Ex, whom Isaac skipped out on without telling him. This did nothing to endear the character of Isaac to me.
• when Simon broke into MC John’s house, Isaac caught Simon on the verge of choking John who was suffering from severe PTSD. This episode passed with little more than a grumpy mood and a shrug from the two MCs, while Simon tells Isaac in front of John that they will be going out for dinner the following night. Isaac placidly agrees to this.. to meet the guy who just tried to choke his new boyfriend, for dinner??? Alright then.
• Simon suddenly has a change of heart and decides to leave Isaac to his new life, despite threatening both him and John (and assaulting John) for the better part of a week. This sudden turn around after a prolonged period of stalking and threatening was never really explained and Simon is barely mentioned again.
• John won’t tell Isaac he loves him, for... reasons? He alludes to some guy from college he hooked up with but claims it was casual and they were mostly friends. However it is later revealed by a peripheral character that this college fuck buddy is the only guy John ever loved. I don’t know what the point of this little sub plot thread was.
• A drag queen who has two lines in the entire book, shows up for parties without any introduction into the story, and is never mentioned again by any character.
I feel that I would have enjoyed this more if these plot threads were tied up more cohesively and with purpose, and the number of peripheral characters was scaled down so more of the book could have been spent showing the connection between the two MCs, rather than simply reiterating that it exists.
This was the second book I’ve read by this author, the first being Broken News which I really enjoyed. I was looking forward to reading this one too but unfortunately it didn’t work for me.
There were some aspects to the story that I think were well executed, for example, the aftermath of the trauma of the school shooting and its effect on staff and students. The mental health aspects of the book were well researched and treated sensitively.
However, there was so much going on in this book, with such a large cast of eccentric minor characters, a lot of them with their own issues, that I felt the chemistry between the two main characters was either lost or non-existent. The author mentioned the intense connection between the two MCs before they hooked up for the first time but this connection didn’t feel obvious to me at all. I was surprised when they had their first kiss because one of the parties seemed relatively disinterested in the other.
My main problem with this book was the loose plot threads that seemed to build up and go nowhere;
• a large portion of this book was underscored with MC Isaac’s anguish over the formidable Simon who appears to be stalking him. When Simon finally appears we learn that Simon is Isaac’s Ex, whom Isaac skipped out on without telling him. This did nothing to endear the character of Isaac to me.
• when Simon broke into MC John’s house, Isaac caught Simon on the verge of choking John who was suffering from severe PTSD. This episode passed with little more than a grumpy mood and a shrug from the two MCs, while Simon tells Isaac in front of John that they will be going out for dinner the following night. Isaac placidly agrees to this.. to meet the guy who just tried to choke his new boyfriend, for dinner??? Alright then.
• Simon suddenly has a change of heart and decides to leave Isaac to his new life, despite threatening both him and John (and assaulting John) for the better part of a week. This sudden turn around after a prolonged period of stalking and threatening was never really explained and Simon is barely mentioned again.
• John won’t tell Isaac he loves him, for... reasons? He alludes to some guy from college he hooked up with but claims it was casual and they were mostly friends. However it is later revealed by a peripheral character that this college fuck buddy is the only guy John ever loved. I don’t know what the point of this little sub plot thread was.
• A drag queen who has two lines in the entire book, shows up for parties without any introduction into the story, and is never mentioned again by any character.
I feel that I would have enjoyed this more if these plot threads were tied up more cohesively and with purpose, and the number of peripheral characters was scaled down so more of the book could have been spent showing the connection between the two MCs, rather than simply reiterating that it exists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2019
A scandal ruins Isaac’s life so he leaves everything behind and goes to Hambden University where he accepts a teaching position. At the University he meets another professor, John. Three months earlier there was a shooter at the school and John stepped in front of him and stopped him. John and Isaac become friends and soon develop feelings for each other but then the problems start.
Do you know what I really really love in books? I love characters that feel like real people. Characters with flaws that try their best and grow with the story. Issac and John are like that, they’re amazing characters and I connected with them immediately. This book pulled me in and I could not stop reading it. It hit me hard and I adored every single word.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Do you know what I really really love in books? I love characters that feel like real people. Characters with flaws that try their best and grow with the story. Issac and John are like that, they’re amazing characters and I connected with them immediately. This book pulled me in and I could not stop reading it. It hit me hard and I adored every single word.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
December 27, 2019
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
We Still Live is the story of two university professors who are both struggling with traumatic pasts. Isaac is fleeing his hometown and the scandal that his divorce left behind and John is suffering from PTS due to confronting an active shooter at the university. The two of them make a connection and embark on an affair that could not only cost them their jobs but their lives as well.
I was divided as how to rate this novel. There were some parts I liked and some I didn’t. I liked the premise and the issues that the novel dealt with. It was hard-hitting in places and brutally honest as it needed to be. All the characters rallied together well to support each other and even in the darkest moments there was hope for a better future for all of them.
However I do feel that the relationship between Isaac and John could have been better developed. For me it fell flat in places and it got on my nerves how many times Isaac reiterated that John was not his normal type. It only needed to be stated once, possibly twice, then it should have moved on from that point. I think a lot of people have fallen for someone who they wouldn’t normally, but the constant making of that point really was needless. Also the professional relationships they had with their students bordered on unprofessional. They acted like the students ages themselves in places and also in front of them. There needed to be further boundaries in place there to make this more realistic.
We Still Live is very well-written and touches some difficult subjects in a sensitive way but whilst being honest and not shying away from the aftermath of these events. I enjoyed reading it but for me there were a few things that could have been better so I can only rate it 3 stars.
We Still Live is the story of two university professors who are both struggling with traumatic pasts. Isaac is fleeing his hometown and the scandal that his divorce left behind and John is suffering from PTS due to confronting an active shooter at the university. The two of them make a connection and embark on an affair that could not only cost them their jobs but their lives as well.
I was divided as how to rate this novel. There were some parts I liked and some I didn’t. I liked the premise and the issues that the novel dealt with. It was hard-hitting in places and brutally honest as it needed to be. All the characters rallied together well to support each other and even in the darkest moments there was hope for a better future for all of them.
However I do feel that the relationship between Isaac and John could have been better developed. For me it fell flat in places and it got on my nerves how many times Isaac reiterated that John was not his normal type. It only needed to be stated once, possibly twice, then it should have moved on from that point. I think a lot of people have fallen for someone who they wouldn’t normally, but the constant making of that point really was needless. Also the professional relationships they had with their students bordered on unprofessional. They acted like the students ages themselves in places and also in front of them. There needed to be further boundaries in place there to make this more realistic.
We Still Live is very well-written and touches some difficult subjects in a sensitive way but whilst being honest and not shying away from the aftermath of these events. I enjoyed reading it but for me there were a few things that could have been better so I can only rate it 3 stars.
September 11, 2023
We Still Live is a contemporary, standalone book that deals with some hard-hitting issues - mental illness and violence at school being just two. John is classed as a hero for his actions in the summer, but it affected him in ways even he doesn't fully understand. Isaac is a new teacher, running from his own past. John isn't Isaac's type, he tells him often enough to begin with, but there is an attraction there that he can't deny.
Although to begin with I wasn't 100% behind Isaac and John, they both managed to change my point of view so I can't see either of them without the other. If I'm being completely honest, I wasn't sure about when Simon turned up. So much emphasis had been placed on Elizabeth that when Simon turned up, it almost felt jarring.
This is very well-written, with plenty of emotion and soul-searching to be found. Sara Dobie Bauer showed in so many ways how something like this will affect everyone and how they view their surroundings in the future.
This is a deep and meaningful book that is definitely not read lightly. This does not stop me from highly recommending it though. In fact, I think this is something everyone should read.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 9, 2019
Although to begin with I wasn't 100% behind Isaac and John, they both managed to change my point of view so I can't see either of them without the other. If I'm being completely honest, I wasn't sure about when Simon turned up. So much emphasis had been placed on Elizabeth that when Simon turned up, it almost felt jarring.
This is very well-written, with plenty of emotion and soul-searching to be found. Sara Dobie Bauer showed in so many ways how something like this will affect everyone and how they view their surroundings in the future.
This is a deep and meaningful book that is definitely not read lightly. This does not stop me from highly recommending it though. In fact, I think this is something everyone should read.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 9, 2019
dnf
March 9, 20203rd try/DNF 4 Mar 2020 (no rating)
**ARC provided by NineStar Press via NetGalley**
Sadly, I’m gonna have to call this & chalk up to ‘me, not book’ after 3rd attempt failed to sustain my interest.
Got ARC of WE STILL LIVE by NTM author, Sara Dobie Bauer, just b4 publication date b/c had good experience w/ another NineStar Press read. But poor planning on my part b/c plot thread re: shooting aftermath d/n mesh well w/ holiday season. So attempt #1 = tabled read until New Year.
Given ARC copy, will only note that in general, writing was very good.
My problem was w/ execution of storyline—too jerky? abrupt? New Adult-ish? IDK but near warp-speed involvement, accompanied by rather clichéd sentiments, d/n work for me. Neither did repeated instances of ‘c/n get involved b/c against rules’, followed almost immediately by MCs engaging in sexual activity. Mental whiplash, coupled w/ lack of depth to relationship, alienated me from both MCs & romance aspect of storyline.
Nws disappointing experience, would definitely try another work by Ms. Bauer.
~8 Mar 2020~
**ARC provided by NineStar Press via NetGalley**
Sadly, I’m gonna have to call this & chalk up to ‘me, not book’ after 3rd attempt failed to sustain my interest.
Got ARC of WE STILL LIVE by NTM author, Sara Dobie Bauer, just b4 publication date b/c had good experience w/ another NineStar Press read. But poor planning on my part b/c plot thread re: shooting aftermath d/n mesh well w/ holiday season. So attempt #1 = tabled read until New Year.
Given ARC copy, will only note that in general, writing was very good.
My problem was w/ execution of storyline—too jerky? abrupt? New Adult-ish? IDK but near warp-speed involvement, accompanied by rather clichéd sentiments, d/n work for me. Neither did repeated instances of ‘c/n get involved b/c against rules’, followed almost immediately by MCs engaging in sexual activity. Mental whiplash, coupled w/ lack of depth to relationship, alienated me from both MCs & romance aspect of storyline.
Nws disappointing experience, would definitely try another work by Ms. Bauer.
~8 Mar 2020~
December 9, 2019
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2019
Running from a scandal that ruined his life, Isaac Twain accepts a teaching position at Hambden University where, three months prior, Professor John Conlon stopped a campus nightmare by stepping in front of an active shooter.
When John and Isaac become faculty advisors for the school's literary magazine, their professional relationship evolves. Despite the strict code of conduct forbidding faculty fraternization, they delve into a secret affair—until Simon arrives.
Isaac's violent ex threatens not only their careers, but also John's life. His PTSD triggered, John must come to terms with that bloody day on College Green while Isaac must accept the heartbreak his secrets have wrought.
***WE STILL LIVE is a standalone M/M friends-to-lovers romance featuring detailed adult content, graphic violence, hurt/comfort, and mental illness.***
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-WE STILL LIVE by Sara Dobie Bauer is a contemporary, adult, stand alone M/M erotic, romance storyline focusing on university professors Dr. Isaac Twain, and Professor John Conlon.
WARNING: Due to the content of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Isaac and John) WE STILL LIVE follows in the aftermath of a campus shooting at Hambden University. Professor Isaac Twain was living a nightmare of his own, and had no idea about what had happened at the university where he recently been hired as a member of the English department. Meeting fellow professor, and writer John Conlon gave Isaac Twain pause when he quickly discovered that John had faced down the shooter in an attempt to protect the students he loved. But not all was well in John Conlon’s life, as he suffers with nightmares and PTSD in the wake of the shootings, and the department’s no fraternization policy was another slap to an already struggling couple. What ensues is the behind closed doors building relationship and love between John and Isaac, and the potential fall-out as their demons slowly begin to destroy all sense of security between our leading couple.
Isaac Twain has been a closeted gay man for most of his life but marriage to a woman he thought he could love proved more dangerous and heart breaking than he could have imagined. Moving to Ohio to escape his past, Isaac struggles with what was and his feelings for a man who has endured so much more. John Conlon struggles in the aftermath of the shooting at Hambden University. Hailed as the ‘hero’ John’s emotional balance continues to spiral out of control and the only saving grace is the man with whom he will fall in love, a love that must be kept hidden to protect their jobs.
The relationship between John and Isaac is one of immediate attraction but everyone suspects Isaac is straight but his need for John is palpable and strong. John must battle between head and heart knowing their future at the university hangs in the balance but to move towards a happily ever after, one or both will have to sacrifice in the end. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, broken and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Isaac’s former lover Simon; John’s best friend Tommy Dewars; English department head Sonya Meeks, and several students whose lives have been affected by the campus shooting.
WE STILL LIVE is a heart breaking and emotional story line ripped from the head lines of the daily news. Sara Dobie Bauer pulls together the haunting and frightening issues in the aftermath of so much pain but there will never be an answer to the who, how and why. The premise is sensitive and impassioned; the romance is steamy and seductive; the characters are numb, shattered and struggling to move forward.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2019
Running from a scandal that ruined his life, Isaac Twain accepts a teaching position at Hambden University where, three months prior, Professor John Conlon stopped a campus nightmare by stepping in front of an active shooter.
When John and Isaac become faculty advisors for the school's literary magazine, their professional relationship evolves. Despite the strict code of conduct forbidding faculty fraternization, they delve into a secret affair—until Simon arrives.
Isaac's violent ex threatens not only their careers, but also John's life. His PTSD triggered, John must come to terms with that bloody day on College Green while Isaac must accept the heartbreak his secrets have wrought.
***WE STILL LIVE is a standalone M/M friends-to-lovers romance featuring detailed adult content, graphic violence, hurt/comfort, and mental illness.***
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-WE STILL LIVE by Sara Dobie Bauer is a contemporary, adult, stand alone M/M erotic, romance storyline focusing on university professors Dr. Isaac Twain, and Professor John Conlon.
WARNING: Due to the content of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Isaac and John) WE STILL LIVE follows in the aftermath of a campus shooting at Hambden University. Professor Isaac Twain was living a nightmare of his own, and had no idea about what had happened at the university where he recently been hired as a member of the English department. Meeting fellow professor, and writer John Conlon gave Isaac Twain pause when he quickly discovered that John had faced down the shooter in an attempt to protect the students he loved. But not all was well in John Conlon’s life, as he suffers with nightmares and PTSD in the wake of the shootings, and the department’s no fraternization policy was another slap to an already struggling couple. What ensues is the behind closed doors building relationship and love between John and Isaac, and the potential fall-out as their demons slowly begin to destroy all sense of security between our leading couple.
Isaac Twain has been a closeted gay man for most of his life but marriage to a woman he thought he could love proved more dangerous and heart breaking than he could have imagined. Moving to Ohio to escape his past, Isaac struggles with what was and his feelings for a man who has endured so much more. John Conlon struggles in the aftermath of the shooting at Hambden University. Hailed as the ‘hero’ John’s emotional balance continues to spiral out of control and the only saving grace is the man with whom he will fall in love, a love that must be kept hidden to protect their jobs.
The relationship between John and Isaac is one of immediate attraction but everyone suspects Isaac is straight but his need for John is palpable and strong. John must battle between head and heart knowing their future at the university hangs in the balance but to move towards a happily ever after, one or both will have to sacrifice in the end. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, broken and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Isaac’s former lover Simon; John’s best friend Tommy Dewars; English department head Sonya Meeks, and several students whose lives have been affected by the campus shooting.
WE STILL LIVE is a heart breaking and emotional story line ripped from the head lines of the daily news. Sara Dobie Bauer pulls together the haunting and frightening issues in the aftermath of so much pain but there will never be an answer to the who, how and why. The premise is sensitive and impassioned; the romance is steamy and seductive; the characters are numb, shattered and struggling to move forward.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 16, 2019
I was provided an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First, I'm just going to put it out there that this read like a straight woman writing a male/male romance, which sort of rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not sure if the author identifies as straight, so that may be presumptuous of me but the last page did say she was an "ally with a hunky husband" so there's that. I don't read very much m/m romance, so maybe this is just how they all read and maybe that means it's not for me because wow, this hit all the stereotypes. I'd like to read a few novels from own-voices authors before I judge this book entirely though.
Now let's talk about some positives. Sara Dobie Bauer is definitely an excellent writer. I enjoyed her story-telling and the cast of characters she introduced throughout. This centers around Isaac and John, but it's not always about their romance with each other. From the summary, I'm sure you can tell that this is also a story about something much deeper than that, gun violence and mass shootings. I think that aspect of the story was handled well and I feel like the author did at least some surface-level research about how experiencing this trauma can deeply impact victims. I can't speak to that myself, because luckily I've never been in a similar situation, but there were characters throughout the story who thought the discussion of this shooting should be handled drastically different than others and it was an interesting discussion.
Unfortunately, that's about all I liked. The pacing of this book felt way off to me. I was slogging through the first 75% and I absolutely would have DNF'ed it if I hadn't needed to submit a review. One of the main issues that's hovering over Isaac throughout the first 25% was his ex, Simon. This next bit may be a bit spoilery, so if you'd like to avoid any sort of spoiler, skip to the next paragraph. Simon shows up and threatens to out Isaac and John so they get fired from their jobs but then all of a sudden just has a change of heart and disappears, never to be heard from again. What?? He physically assaults John and all of a sudden just goes 'Okay, I'll leave you both alone now. Bye.' It was just so extremely rushed and resolved too perfectly. I kept expecting him to come back but he never did.
I also didn't like how John and Isaac's relationship started. It felt a bit, for lack of a better word, icky. It just seemed like Isaac was sort of taking advantage of John who had just experienced a traumatic episode. I understand everyone deals with their trauma differently though, so I can't judge too harshly. However, I just could never get behind their relationship because of the way it started.
In conclusion, this book wasn't for me. However, there are loads of 4 to 5 star reviews on Goodreads so I seem to be an outlier here. If you're in the right headspace for a darker m/m romance, maybe give this one a try. In the meantime, I'll be researching some own-voices m/m romances to read next.
First, I'm just going to put it out there that this read like a straight woman writing a male/male romance, which sort of rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not sure if the author identifies as straight, so that may be presumptuous of me but the last page did say she was an "ally with a hunky husband" so there's that. I don't read very much m/m romance, so maybe this is just how they all read and maybe that means it's not for me because wow, this hit all the stereotypes. I'd like to read a few novels from own-voices authors before I judge this book entirely though.
Now let's talk about some positives. Sara Dobie Bauer is definitely an excellent writer. I enjoyed her story-telling and the cast of characters she introduced throughout. This centers around Isaac and John, but it's not always about their romance with each other. From the summary, I'm sure you can tell that this is also a story about something much deeper than that, gun violence and mass shootings. I think that aspect of the story was handled well and I feel like the author did at least some surface-level research about how experiencing this trauma can deeply impact victims. I can't speak to that myself, because luckily I've never been in a similar situation, but there were characters throughout the story who thought the discussion of this shooting should be handled drastically different than others and it was an interesting discussion.
Unfortunately, that's about all I liked. The pacing of this book felt way off to me. I was slogging through the first 75% and I absolutely would have DNF'ed it if I hadn't needed to submit a review. One of the main issues that's hovering over Isaac throughout the first 25% was his ex, Simon. This next bit may be a bit spoilery, so if you'd like to avoid any sort of spoiler, skip to the next paragraph. Simon shows up and threatens to out Isaac and John so they get fired from their jobs but then all of a sudden just has a change of heart and disappears, never to be heard from again. What?? He physically assaults John and all of a sudden just goes 'Okay, I'll leave you both alone now. Bye.' It was just so extremely rushed and resolved too perfectly. I kept expecting him to come back but he never did.
I also didn't like how John and Isaac's relationship started. It felt a bit, for lack of a better word, icky. It just seemed like Isaac was sort of taking advantage of John who had just experienced a traumatic episode. I understand everyone deals with their trauma differently though, so I can't judge too harshly. However, I just could never get behind their relationship because of the way it started.
In conclusion, this book wasn't for me. However, there are loads of 4 to 5 star reviews on Goodreads so I seem to be an outlier here. If you're in the right headspace for a darker m/m romance, maybe give this one a try. In the meantime, I'll be researching some own-voices m/m romances to read next.
December 7, 2019
Wow, this book blew me away with how it sucked me in and made me feel like I was part of this tragic but also hopeful read. Trigger Warnings: there is descriptions of self harm, school shootings and the aftermath, mental illness, and graphic details. So be forewarned beforehand about these warnings but also know this book is about facing the horrible aspects of reality and trying to move forward in a healthier way in the end. It is a book about hope above all.... hope of finding a new reality amidst the tragic truth and reality.
Isaac is a new professor to Hambden University. He knows that this semester is not going to be easy because upon taking this job, even though he did not know beforehand, there was a great tragedy at this school. Last spring one of the students opened fire on the campus green and forever changed a lot of lives afterwards. So going into this job and then finding out about the tragedy, left Isaac knowing it was not going to be easy. But then you add in his own personal troubles and Isaac has a lot of rough roads ahead of him.
One of those lives greatly affected by the shooting is John. John is the one that everyone hailed a hero the following days after. He did the one thing no one else did and stood up during this tragic event and tried to talk the shooter, Chris Frank, down. Though Chris did not shoot another person, he did take his life instead. John has major guilt over this and though he is trying to deal, it is not easy. John suffers like so many more do from PTSD and has flashbacks because of it.
When John and Isaac meet, an instant friendship is formed. Then you throw Tommy, john’s Best friend in the mix, and these three become fast friends. What no one expected though was for Isaac to fall for John. Even though it is forbidden to mix relations between staff, John and Isaac find that they cannot stay away from one another. But Isaac has secrets and when those secrets come to light, they may just destroy John’s fragile world.
Can Isaac and John work through the many issues that is about to come at the full steam? How will John deal with his guilt? What will happen if their relationship ends up coming out at their job, will they even have a job to come back too?
This was such a great read. Make sure you have your box of tissues available because it is not any easy read. And be ready to be pulled into this book like you are a part of it because that is exactly how I felt while I was reading it. Definitely a highly recommended read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Isaac is a new professor to Hambden University. He knows that this semester is not going to be easy because upon taking this job, even though he did not know beforehand, there was a great tragedy at this school. Last spring one of the students opened fire on the campus green and forever changed a lot of lives afterwards. So going into this job and then finding out about the tragedy, left Isaac knowing it was not going to be easy. But then you add in his own personal troubles and Isaac has a lot of rough roads ahead of him.
One of those lives greatly affected by the shooting is John. John is the one that everyone hailed a hero the following days after. He did the one thing no one else did and stood up during this tragic event and tried to talk the shooter, Chris Frank, down. Though Chris did not shoot another person, he did take his life instead. John has major guilt over this and though he is trying to deal, it is not easy. John suffers like so many more do from PTSD and has flashbacks because of it.
When John and Isaac meet, an instant friendship is formed. Then you throw Tommy, john’s Best friend in the mix, and these three become fast friends. What no one expected though was for Isaac to fall for John. Even though it is forbidden to mix relations between staff, John and Isaac find that they cannot stay away from one another. But Isaac has secrets and when those secrets come to light, they may just destroy John’s fragile world.
Can Isaac and John work through the many issues that is about to come at the full steam? How will John deal with his guilt? What will happen if their relationship ends up coming out at their job, will they even have a job to come back too?
This was such a great read. Make sure you have your box of tissues available because it is not any easy read. And be ready to be pulled into this book like you are a part of it because that is exactly how I felt while I was reading it. Definitely a highly recommended read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
December 20, 2019
It is very rare that I come across a book that I finish in one night. But We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer was one of those books. It drew me in right from the first page and I wasn't able to put it down until I finished it, even if that meant staying up until 3 am. Now its the next day and I'm still reeling from this story and at the same time I feel sad that it's over.
The story starts with Isaac who has just taken up a position as a teacher in a new school. He went to a party to get to know his colleagues but he didn't realize that the school he was about to start working at was the victim of a school shooting were several people had been killed. At the party he meets his colleague and writer John, who he instantly feels attracted to even though he is not his type. They become friends and soon that friendship blossoms into a steamy romance that kept me hooked throughout the entire story as they go through a lot of issues such as Isaac's ex showing up and John's mental health problems.
The characters were very real and engaging and it was impossible not to care deeply for all the characters portrayed in the book. Isaac and John are your dream couple and they work so well together in so many ways. And I loved the relationship between John and his best friend Tommy.
The story is very dark as it deals with a school shooting, PTSD, depression/anxiety and attempted suicide. As a person who knows what it's like to struggle with depression and anxiety it really resonated with me. I felt like the illnesses were very well researched and portrayed as real as possible and I think that's why this story was so touching for me. I went straight to my heart and I know I will remember this story for a long time.
I received a review copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley.
The story starts with Isaac who has just taken up a position as a teacher in a new school. He went to a party to get to know his colleagues but he didn't realize that the school he was about to start working at was the victim of a school shooting were several people had been killed. At the party he meets his colleague and writer John, who he instantly feels attracted to even though he is not his type. They become friends and soon that friendship blossoms into a steamy romance that kept me hooked throughout the entire story as they go through a lot of issues such as Isaac's ex showing up and John's mental health problems.
The characters were very real and engaging and it was impossible not to care deeply for all the characters portrayed in the book. Isaac and John are your dream couple and they work so well together in so many ways. And I loved the relationship between John and his best friend Tommy.
The story is very dark as it deals with a school shooting, PTSD, depression/anxiety and attempted suicide. As a person who knows what it's like to struggle with depression and anxiety it really resonated with me. I felt like the illnesses were very well researched and portrayed as real as possible and I think that's why this story was so touching for me. I went straight to my heart and I know I will remember this story for a long time.
I received a review copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley.
November 23, 2019
From the blurb, I expected parts of the story to go a little differently. The plot took an unexpected turn after Simon, the "violent ex" shows up. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. The story was still interesting and enjoyable. It focuses more on pain and healing, but the whole Simon thing was like a firework that turns out to be a dud after you light it. It made me feel like Isaac had been overreacting about his past the entire story. He wasn't really, but I still feel like he was overly dramatic about it. John turns out to have way more issues and a much longer road to recovery. Isaac is just kind of like, “so I dealt with my past, I’m okay now, so let’s move on to helping John in an almost overbearing fashion.” I loved John. I felt for him. He had a satisfying and believable arc. I get that Isaac felt bad for things and that he was trying to, sometimes literally, run away from his problems, but I didn’t make the emotional connection with his issues that I made with John’s.
That said, I really enjoyed reading this, to the point where I didn’t want to put it down, and I don’t usually enjoy romance-heavy contemporary this much or find it this interesting. John’s road to healing was believable, almost too much so, and there were some other things that happened that showed all the different ways people cope with tragedy, both in good ways and in terrible ways, and while I was expecting some of it, it didn’t happened the way I thought it would, in a good way, kind of. Rough going for the characters, but good and realistic from a story perspective. I thought everyone’s issues were handled well, and the story gave me some things to think about.
That said, I really enjoyed reading this, to the point where I didn’t want to put it down, and I don’t usually enjoy romance-heavy contemporary this much or find it this interesting. John’s road to healing was believable, almost too much so, and there were some other things that happened that showed all the different ways people cope with tragedy, both in good ways and in terrible ways, and while I was expecting some of it, it didn’t happened the way I thought it would, in a good way, kind of. Rough going for the characters, but good and realistic from a story perspective. I thought everyone’s issues were handled well, and the story gave me some things to think about.
January 14, 2021
Una mirada diferente de los ataques con armas en USA desde la perspectiva de los supervivientes.
Después de Liberty de Seth King en la que se ve la historia desde un punto de vista de los adolescentes implicados, éste se centra más en el dolor en los adultos también sobrevivientes.
No le pongo 5 estrellas porque en la relación amorosa entre los MC todo es muy insta, pero el trauma y el sufrimiento están muy bien reflejados.
Sólo tiene una POV, pero creo que es un acierto, si no se convertiría en un melodrama de "tomo y lomo"
Después de Liberty de Seth King en la que se ve la historia desde un punto de vista de los adolescentes implicados, éste se centra más en el dolor en los adultos también sobrevivientes.
No le pongo 5 estrellas porque en la relación amorosa entre los MC todo es muy insta, pero el trauma y el sufrimiento están muy bien reflejados.
Sólo tiene una POV, pero creo que es un acierto, si no se convertiría en un melodrama de "tomo y lomo"
December 15, 2019
Rating: 4.5
We Still Live completely caught me by surprise. This was a well-balanced romance novel that explores trauma and violence in a well though-out, powerful, and tender way. I loved the way Bauer chooses to confront these sensitive topics head on instead of just brushing the surface. Truly a gem.
Thank you NetGalley and NineStar Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
We Still Live completely caught me by surprise. This was a well-balanced romance novel that explores trauma and violence in a well though-out, powerful, and tender way. I loved the way Bauer chooses to confront these sensitive topics head on instead of just brushing the surface. Truly a gem.
Thank you NetGalley and NineStar Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 15, 2019
There were a few things I liked about the book. One of them was how lovely character John was. Sadly I didn’t felt the same way about Isaac, but I still enjoyed the moments he made John happy. I liked the fact that mental illness was address. I always appreciate the mention of the subject in books.
March 27, 2020
4.5 stars
We Still Live is a contemporary romance set around the survivors of a shooting incident in the United States.
Isaac Twain has just joined the English teaching staff at Hambden University. The move was rather rushed; Isaac replaced a teacher who wasn’t returning to the scene of the shooting, and Isaac had his own reasons for taking the last minute job.
During the shooting incident, John Conlon stood in front of the gun wielding student and was the last person to speak to him before the boy turned the gun upon himself. The media made John out to be a hero but he refuted this and just wished to be left alone. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fm8
We Still Live is a contemporary romance set around the survivors of a shooting incident in the United States.
Isaac Twain has just joined the English teaching staff at Hambden University. The move was rather rushed; Isaac replaced a teacher who wasn’t returning to the scene of the shooting, and Isaac had his own reasons for taking the last minute job.
During the shooting incident, John Conlon stood in front of the gun wielding student and was the last person to speak to him before the boy turned the gun upon himself. The media made John out to be a hero but he refuted this and just wished to be left alone. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fm8
April 18, 2022
I enjoyed this tremendously. It's a delicate topic but the author handles it with art and sensitivity.
December 16, 2019
This is one exceptional book that delves into the aftermath of a school shooting. We start at the start of a new academic year. Isaac is the new professor who is instantly attracted to a young fellow professor and writer.
John is fun to be with, very friendly and liked by everyone, He is called a hero after facing off with the shooter at gunpoint. His humour and cheery fun personality instantly hook Isaacs attraction towards John.
Isaac also has his own baggage and is running away from his EX, who comes to find him and almost destroys John and Isaac’s relationship and careers.
Now you think this is just a run of the mill romance story, so did I, but we are both so wrong.
We slowly learn that John is not coping so well, in fact he is just hanging on to his mental stability. The author has done a fantastic job portraying John, who is trying to hard to be the stable teacher he knows the students need. By using the student magazine as a sounding board for students and teachers to speak frankly and freely about the events of the previous year and the aftermath. Some people are against such moves and try to pretend nothing has happened.
Others like John and a few of his students want to speak openly about the school shooting.
With Isaac’s help John muddles through and we slowly learn of the horrible incidents and why John carry’s such deep guilt.
The story is also about grief and healing not only for john but the whole campus community as they try and work through the issues and move forward. A particular part of the story that really made me think, was when one student said she wanted to talk about the shooter who was a fellow student, saying the media only mentioned him as the shooter, but he was still a human, a student, and a friend to many before that dreadful day.
Of course, the book is quite emotional, but the author has managed to balance that with John’s fun-loving character.
There are many messages that come from this story, community spirit, strength, everyone needs a little support and that is perfectly normal. And for me, I take away the fact that when we see some one that we think is troubled, stop and say hello, don’t brush it off and walk on.
The story which is too often a part of the news in real life, is very well written, to comes across truthful and you feel like your standing on the Campus green, with the weight of the shooting heavy in the air.
I loved John and Isaac’s characters as well as Johns best friend Thomas, who is such a good and protective friend of John. All the supporting characters are also well developed and bring layers of realism to the story.
John is fun to be with, very friendly and liked by everyone, He is called a hero after facing off with the shooter at gunpoint. His humour and cheery fun personality instantly hook Isaacs attraction towards John.
Isaac also has his own baggage and is running away from his EX, who comes to find him and almost destroys John and Isaac’s relationship and careers.
Now you think this is just a run of the mill romance story, so did I, but we are both so wrong.
We slowly learn that John is not coping so well, in fact he is just hanging on to his mental stability. The author has done a fantastic job portraying John, who is trying to hard to be the stable teacher he knows the students need. By using the student magazine as a sounding board for students and teachers to speak frankly and freely about the events of the previous year and the aftermath. Some people are against such moves and try to pretend nothing has happened.
Others like John and a few of his students want to speak openly about the school shooting.
With Isaac’s help John muddles through and we slowly learn of the horrible incidents and why John carry’s such deep guilt.
The story is also about grief and healing not only for john but the whole campus community as they try and work through the issues and move forward. A particular part of the story that really made me think, was when one student said she wanted to talk about the shooter who was a fellow student, saying the media only mentioned him as the shooter, but he was still a human, a student, and a friend to many before that dreadful day.
Of course, the book is quite emotional, but the author has managed to balance that with John’s fun-loving character.
There are many messages that come from this story, community spirit, strength, everyone needs a little support and that is perfectly normal. And for me, I take away the fact that when we see some one that we think is troubled, stop and say hello, don’t brush it off and walk on.
The story which is too often a part of the news in real life, is very well written, to comes across truthful and you feel like your standing on the Campus green, with the weight of the shooting heavy in the air.
I loved John and Isaac’s characters as well as Johns best friend Thomas, who is such a good and protective friend of John. All the supporting characters are also well developed and bring layers of realism to the story.
December 11, 2019
I was drawn in by the cover of We Still Live and, as someone who enjoys hurt-comfort romances, the blurb convinced me this was a must read book. We Still Live is my first book by the author and I was impressed with her writing style, the smooth pacing, and the character development. This is definitely a heavy book that addresses a number of pertinent issues in today’s society and readers should heed the trigger warnings (particularly those regarding mass shootings and school violence).
I liked both main characters in We Still Live and thought Isaac and John’s bond that grew in the shadows of their individual pain was admirable. Both John and Isaac are dealing with their own demons and secrets at the start of the book and the way those slowly unfurled made for an interesting read. That said, Isaac’s pain felt very different and almost simpler than John’s, quickly igniting and dissipating to what felt like a footnote by the end of the book. I’m not sure if that’s why I never quite felt as invested in Isaac’s character, or if it was the secrecy surrounding his appearance on campus that gave me pause.
Once Isaac dealt with his past, We Still Live morphed into a book predominantly focused on the aftermath of a school shooting, particularly how John processes the events of that tragic day. Subjects like these are always difficult to navigate, but I appreciated the author’s sensitivity to the traumatic events and the characters’ reactions. I was also impressed that the author represented a wide variety of responses to the tragedy, validating the range of emotions survivors may feel and I thought the way she gave life to those often conflicting feelings via the journal was fantastic. While I liked the main characters and thought their individual stories were well done, it was the entirety of the experience and all the characters that really made this book for me. The secondary characters that surround John and Isaac added substantial depth to the story and main characters, giving a wider scope of the university shooting and its effects and providing an immersing read that caught my full attention. If you’re looking for a raw, vulnerable hurt-comfort romance, We Still Live is definitely worth the read.
*eARC received via PA company. The author, publisher, and PA had no influence over this review
I liked both main characters in We Still Live and thought Isaac and John’s bond that grew in the shadows of their individual pain was admirable. Both John and Isaac are dealing with their own demons and secrets at the start of the book and the way those slowly unfurled made for an interesting read. That said, Isaac’s pain felt very different and almost simpler than John’s, quickly igniting and dissipating to what felt like a footnote by the end of the book. I’m not sure if that’s why I never quite felt as invested in Isaac’s character, or if it was the secrecy surrounding his appearance on campus that gave me pause.
Once Isaac dealt with his past, We Still Live morphed into a book predominantly focused on the aftermath of a school shooting, particularly how John processes the events of that tragic day. Subjects like these are always difficult to navigate, but I appreciated the author’s sensitivity to the traumatic events and the characters’ reactions. I was also impressed that the author represented a wide variety of responses to the tragedy, validating the range of emotions survivors may feel and I thought the way she gave life to those often conflicting feelings via the journal was fantastic. While I liked the main characters and thought their individual stories were well done, it was the entirety of the experience and all the characters that really made this book for me. The secondary characters that surround John and Isaac added substantial depth to the story and main characters, giving a wider scope of the university shooting and its effects and providing an immersing read that caught my full attention. If you’re looking for a raw, vulnerable hurt-comfort romance, We Still Live is definitely worth the read.
*eARC received via PA company. The author, publisher, and PA had no influence over this review
December 9, 2019
Sara Dobie Bauer is a new author for me, and this book was a terrific introduction to her work.
The story is dark, so it might not be for everyone. The plot revolves around a mass shooting on a college campus. Several of the characters were at the site of the shooting, and the book deals with their struggles, including PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and suicidal acts, subjects that are likely to be triggering for some readers.
The circumstances of the story make for a gripping and emotional hurt/comfort romance between two wounded men, though. John is a well-known YA author and superstar English professor on campus, and he’s also the one who confronted the gunman before he shot and killed himself. Hailed as a hero by the press, John just wants to get back to normal life, but that’s obviously much more easily said than done. Fleeing his own troubles, Isaac takes a job in the English department, and he’s fascinated by John’s beauty and vibrant personality. That fascination quickly turns to more as Isaac and John begin a relationship. The two of them have a lot of obstacles to contend with, however. The campus has a strict policy against faculty members in the same department dating each other, Isaac’s not out, and both men have demons they are struggling to contain.
I really loved how these two come together. Isaac is a natural caretaker, and he tries to give John everything he needs, but sometimes his issues get in the way. John just wants to enjoy being with Isaac, but happy is hard for him to reach when he’s constantly dealing with the fallout of the shooting. Both of them have healing to do before they can really be there for each other.
The only off-note is the drama surrounding Isaac’s ex, Simon. When he shows up, his behavior is completely over-the-top, and then the resolution to his part in the action is so anticlimactic, it was disappointing. Isaac has enough other things to deal with that I'm not entirely sure Simon was necessary to the plot.
That aside, there’s plenty of angst and love here, and I'd recommend this book for readers who appreciate hurt/comfort romances.
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
The story is dark, so it might not be for everyone. The plot revolves around a mass shooting on a college campus. Several of the characters were at the site of the shooting, and the book deals with their struggles, including PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and suicidal acts, subjects that are likely to be triggering for some readers.
The circumstances of the story make for a gripping and emotional hurt/comfort romance between two wounded men, though. John is a well-known YA author and superstar English professor on campus, and he’s also the one who confronted the gunman before he shot and killed himself. Hailed as a hero by the press, John just wants to get back to normal life, but that’s obviously much more easily said than done. Fleeing his own troubles, Isaac takes a job in the English department, and he’s fascinated by John’s beauty and vibrant personality. That fascination quickly turns to more as Isaac and John begin a relationship. The two of them have a lot of obstacles to contend with, however. The campus has a strict policy against faculty members in the same department dating each other, Isaac’s not out, and both men have demons they are struggling to contain.
I really loved how these two come together. Isaac is a natural caretaker, and he tries to give John everything he needs, but sometimes his issues get in the way. John just wants to enjoy being with Isaac, but happy is hard for him to reach when he’s constantly dealing with the fallout of the shooting. Both of them have healing to do before they can really be there for each other.
The only off-note is the drama surrounding Isaac’s ex, Simon. When he shows up, his behavior is completely over-the-top, and then the resolution to his part in the action is so anticlimactic, it was disappointing. Isaac has enough other things to deal with that I'm not entirely sure Simon was necessary to the plot.
That aside, there’s plenty of angst and love here, and I'd recommend this book for readers who appreciate hurt/comfort romances.
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
December 7, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
Wow, this book is really intense, and so, so good. Bauer is a new author to me, but I shall definitely be reading more, as the writing is excellent and the pace just perfect.
Hambden University is recovering from a mass shooting by a student ... the wounds are raw, the whole place is coming to terms with what happened, no one more so than John Conlon, who put himself in the way of danger to save the others. He has been hailed a hero, but has had serious mental health issues ever since. When Isaac Twain, new faculty member joins the English Dept. he knows none of the history - having joined to escape his own nightmare - yet falls for John almost instantly.
As we get to meet the main protagonists and learn more of the secrets of Hambden and Isaac, the two men get to know each other. It is moving, sexy, illicit and intense. I really don't want to say more, because I am sure that the discoveries need to be fresh as you read them. But I can tell you that this will really make you think about those left behind after such a tragic event, and how they need more than a plaster stuck over the wounds. It reminds us to be kind to others, and ourselves, and how love may strike at inconvenient moments, but should be cherished.
Beautiful book - I am going to have to read it again very soon, because it is really special. This is certainly in my top three books of the year. Stunning!
Wow, this book is really intense, and so, so good. Bauer is a new author to me, but I shall definitely be reading more, as the writing is excellent and the pace just perfect.
Hambden University is recovering from a mass shooting by a student ... the wounds are raw, the whole place is coming to terms with what happened, no one more so than John Conlon, who put himself in the way of danger to save the others. He has been hailed a hero, but has had serious mental health issues ever since. When Isaac Twain, new faculty member joins the English Dept. he knows none of the history - having joined to escape his own nightmare - yet falls for John almost instantly.
As we get to meet the main protagonists and learn more of the secrets of Hambden and Isaac, the two men get to know each other. It is moving, sexy, illicit and intense. I really don't want to say more, because I am sure that the discoveries need to be fresh as you read them. But I can tell you that this will really make you think about those left behind after such a tragic event, and how they need more than a plaster stuck over the wounds. It reminds us to be kind to others, and ourselves, and how love may strike at inconvenient moments, but should be cherished.
Beautiful book - I am going to have to read it again very soon, because it is really special. This is certainly in my top three books of the year. Stunning!
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