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A Life Worth Living
Nora Gallagher can begrudgingly admit that she and Gray Ferris are both stellar Philadelphia real estate agents, but that’s the beginning and the end of the similarities between them.
Nora’s life has been in a self-imposed holding pattern for half a decade. Depending on people in her personal life only leads to disappointment, and she has no plans of making that mistake again.
Gray Ferris is extroversion personified. Bubbly. Conversational. Vibrant. She’s trying to make the best of life, even if it hasn’t always gone her way.
When the two women begin to learn that maybe they’re not as different as they think, they may finally figure out the most important thing they have in common when it comes to finding a life worth living.
Nora’s life has been in a self-imposed holding pattern for half a decade. Depending on people in her personal life only leads to disappointment, and she has no plans of making that mistake again.
Gray Ferris is extroversion personified. Bubbly. Conversational. Vibrant. She’s trying to make the best of life, even if it hasn’t always gone her way.
When the two women begin to learn that maybe they’re not as different as they think, they may finally figure out the most important thing they have in common when it comes to finding a life worth living.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2023
356 people are currently reading
3977 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCallan
17 books1,479 followersMonica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them.
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
February 10, 2023
“A Life Worth Living” by Monica McCallan is an opposites-attract, workplace slow-burn romance that I’ve been waiting ages and ages for.
Nora Gallagher is upset to learn she and Gray Ferris have both won a trip to Bermuda. She thought she was going to have the week alone to relax and now she finds out she’ll be with Miss Popular, her coworker at her real estate firm. Honestly, I thought this was going to be them getting together on vacation but that’s not what happens. While they do get closer, it’s more of a starting point on their new relationship and realizing they can be friends.
Nora and Gray are about as different as can be. Both are successful real estate agents, but that seems to be about the only similarity they have. Nora is very client focused and has no interests in making friends with her coworkers or anyone else. Gray, on the other hand, is open and friendly with everyone at their firm and in general. But it turns out not everything is exactly as it appears as they are both just trying to protect themselves. They’re just going about it in different ways.
One of my favorite things about this is that it’s character driven and McCallan really lets us get to know each character. One of the things I loved is that what we see on the outside isn’t always the same as on what’s inside. Nora ended up being quite the lovely character that I really wanted to put a protective bubble around. Nora’s development was kind of amazing given where she starts but I was cheering each time she reached out to a different person. And Gray, while seemingly perfect, has a lot of trust issues that won’t allow her to develop close relationships with others. Hers was actually the sadder story and I loved that I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen between them but McCallan flipped it and surprised me with how things played out.
My only complaint, and I know it was mentioned by someone else, is that the dark moment happens so late. This leads the ending to feel rushed, especially with everything that’s getting tackled and I would’ve liked another chapter or two to give Nora and Gray a proper ending.
I definitely recommend this for fans of slow-burn romances who appreciate a moderate amount of angst.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nora Gallagher is upset to learn she and Gray Ferris have both won a trip to Bermuda. She thought she was going to have the week alone to relax and now she finds out she’ll be with Miss Popular, her coworker at her real estate firm. Honestly, I thought this was going to be them getting together on vacation but that’s not what happens. While they do get closer, it’s more of a starting point on their new relationship and realizing they can be friends.
Nora and Gray are about as different as can be. Both are successful real estate agents, but that seems to be about the only similarity they have. Nora is very client focused and has no interests in making friends with her coworkers or anyone else. Gray, on the other hand, is open and friendly with everyone at their firm and in general. But it turns out not everything is exactly as it appears as they are both just trying to protect themselves. They’re just going about it in different ways.
One of my favorite things about this is that it’s character driven and McCallan really lets us get to know each character. One of the things I loved is that what we see on the outside isn’t always the same as on what’s inside. Nora ended up being quite the lovely character that I really wanted to put a protective bubble around. Nora’s development was kind of amazing given where she starts but I was cheering each time she reached out to a different person. And Gray, while seemingly perfect, has a lot of trust issues that won’t allow her to develop close relationships with others. Hers was actually the sadder story and I loved that I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen between them but McCallan flipped it and surprised me with how things played out.
My only complaint, and I know it was mentioned by someone else, is that the dark moment happens so late. This leads the ending to feel rushed, especially with everything that’s getting tackled and I would’ve liked another chapter or two to give Nora and Gray a proper ending.
I definitely recommend this for fans of slow-burn romances who appreciate a moderate amount of angst.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2023
I'm really not a big fan of a breakup scene at about 90% of the book. Those happy endings just feel too rushed and strained. It was a good book overall, I liked both main characters and could relate to some of their struggles but I do wish the ending was handled better.
December 22, 2023
ETA audiobook re-read/listen Dec.2023
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4.5 stars. Listening to Lori Prince narrate this one only made me love it even more than when I initially read it. I think this is one of my favorites by Monica McCallan! Really loved and rooted for both MCs, the pacing was great; the conflict felt real, and the side characters felt fleshed out enough to give everything more depth. Highly rec!
~~~~~~~
wonderful as always
It took me a while to really sink into this one, because I knew I was going to want to savor it. Monica McCallan has become an instant read for me, and this one only solidified that further. I loved all the characters and the dynamic between the two MCs was lovely. Absolutely rec this one.
~~~~~~~~
4.5 stars. Listening to Lori Prince narrate this one only made me love it even more than when I initially read it. I think this is one of my favorites by Monica McCallan! Really loved and rooted for both MCs, the pacing was great; the conflict felt real, and the side characters felt fleshed out enough to give everything more depth. Highly rec!
~~~~~~~
wonderful as always
It took me a while to really sink into this one, because I knew I was going to want to savor it. Monica McCallan has become an instant read for me, and this one only solidified that further. I loved all the characters and the dynamic between the two MCs was lovely. Absolutely rec this one.
February 13, 2023
I've always been a McCallan fan and this book definitely met the level of quality I've come to expect from her writing! I appreciated that both characters were given a lot of depth and complexity. I especially loved Nora's character development, there was just so much going on with her - a real case of 'don't judge a book by its cover'.
I think this would have been a 5-star read for me, but two things detracted from my overall enjoyment. First, I felt like the buildup was a bit too slow - the first 25% or so kind of dragged for me. Second, and more significantly, the drama/dark moment in the story happens waaaay too late, and as a consequence, the conclusion just feels too rushed.
A beautifully written, character-rich story that's definitely worth a read, despite the pacing issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think this would have been a 5-star read for me, but two things detracted from my overall enjoyment. First, I felt like the buildup was a bit too slow - the first 25% or so kind of dragged for me. Second, and more significantly, the drama/dark moment in the story happens waaaay too late, and as a consequence, the conclusion just feels too rushed.
A beautifully written, character-rich story that's definitely worth a read, despite the pacing issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2023
It’s been a while since Monica McCallan released a new book. To say I was excited to get a new book by the author is putting it mildly.
Unfortunately, I have to say something that isn’t pleasing. I would have given this book 4 stars if it weren’t for what I’m about to write. A break up at 88%, it’s just fucking ridiculous, I can’t let that slide and have to deduct a full star on the rating.
Aside from this I think I set my expectations too high or I just had a different idea about this book. I think the dedication of this book worked against it for me. It suggests the book deals with mental health. While it does, both Nora and Gray have certain things they struggle with, I think it’s not written in the right way. At least not for me.
The way the relationship develops between Nora and Gray is nice. I like that Gray questions, although not aloud, how easy it is for Nora to open herself up (again). I could have done with more exploration of their mental health and how they find their new ways together, and alone.
This book reads like putting on your comfy clothes and just snuggling up for the evening, but the writing can’t redeem the story for me, at least not entirely.
Unfortunately, I have to say something that isn’t pleasing. I would have given this book 4 stars if it weren’t for what I’m about to write. A break up at 88%, it’s just fucking ridiculous, I can’t let that slide and have to deduct a full star on the rating.
Aside from this I think I set my expectations too high or I just had a different idea about this book. I think the dedication of this book worked against it for me. It suggests the book deals with mental health. While it does, both Nora and Gray have certain things they struggle with, I think it’s not written in the right way. At least not for me.
The way the relationship develops between Nora and Gray is nice. I like that Gray questions, although not aloud, how easy it is for Nora to open herself up (again). I could have done with more exploration of their mental health and how they find their new ways together, and alone.
This book reads like putting on your comfy clothes and just snuggling up for the evening, but the writing can’t redeem the story for me, at least not entirely.
April 2, 2023
2 interesting characters and an enjoyable read :)
February 22, 2023
I’m a big McAllen fan but this book seemed to be missing a deeper emotion to explain both Nora and Grays individual problems. She did a good job describing Grays emotional background and fears but not enough in Nora’s background. And to me it was missing something. The scenes with both Nora and Gray together were well done.
February 11, 2023
This was definitely almost a 5 for me, but the end seemed like there was so much drama and build up, if it was a little bit more drawn out for me it would have been a 5.
February 8, 2023
Nora and Gray are opposite at the beginning of the book. Nora has totally shut down from any social interactions aside from the ones she needs to have with her clients. I almost mistook her for an ice princess for a moment. Gray is the social butterfly at their firm.
As you read the book, their heavy past is unveiled. A trip in Bermuda is where everything will shift. If you follow Monica McCallan on social media, you guess the Bermuda scenes are inspired by her own vacation and I had the feeling she took us with her for a moment.
I loved watching Nora slowly opening up after such a long time, the slow Brun was really good. In parallel you see Gravy slowly losing control and you understand that her coping mechanism won’t hold in the long term with Nora.
When you are on a rollercoaster, you know it is going up slowly,then drop you when it reaches the highest point. Reading this book felt exactly the same. Angst is definitely there which is always a bit hard on my heart.
To me, this book was about when life throws things at you and makes you build yourself an armor, sometimes unconsciously, out of survival instinct. Getting out of it, and chosing living instead of surviving is a conscious choice that needs personal work, and sometimes help. I loved that Gray and Nora were each others lost key to a door they thought they'd locked forever.
When I read Monica McCallan’s books, I always feel like I am coming home. I am glad I got to come home for a bit.
As you read the book, their heavy past is unveiled. A trip in Bermuda is where everything will shift. If you follow Monica McCallan on social media, you guess the Bermuda scenes are inspired by her own vacation and I had the feeling she took us with her for a moment.
I loved watching Nora slowly opening up after such a long time, the slow Brun was really good. In parallel you see Gravy slowly losing control and you understand that her coping mechanism won’t hold in the long term with Nora.
When you are on a rollercoaster, you know it is going up slowly,then drop you when it reaches the highest point. Reading this book felt exactly the same. Angst is definitely there which is always a bit hard on my heart.
To me, this book was about when life throws things at you and makes you build yourself an armor, sometimes unconsciously, out of survival instinct. Getting out of it, and chosing living instead of surviving is a conscious choice that needs personal work, and sometimes help. I loved that Gray and Nora were each others lost key to a door they thought they'd locked forever.
When I read Monica McCallan’s books, I always feel like I am coming home. I am glad I got to come home for a bit.
January 28, 2023
Monica McCallan is back with a slow burn angsty romance. Nora is unavailable for anything and anyone, except her clients. Her work colleagues have learned not to have any expectations from her on the social front. On the professional front, Nora is top of the leaderboard so she wins a trip to Bermuda as a reward. But Nora is not the only winner, Gray will also go to Bermuda. And so, enjoying paradise may not be Nora’s only mission; she may try to get back on the ‘social horse’ so she can be in the race for promotion and who best to help her than the office social butterfly, Gray. Nora and Grey will learn that they are not the sum of their fears and failed relationships and they do deserve a life worth living. Great read, recommended.
Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
August 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed “A Life Worth Living” by Monica McCallan. Nora and Gray both were wonderfully written, but it was Nora who truly captured my heart. Her vulnerabilities, her determination, and her icy demeanour at the beginning made her instantly relatable to me. On the other hand, Gray’s bubbly, supportive nature balanced Nora perfectly, and watching their connection build through that slow-burn tension was great to read. I was fully rooting for them from the beginning!
Besides, the pacing was spot-on: the story unfolded at just the right speed, letting the romance simmer and the stakes climb until I was completely invested. That third-act breakup hit hard, and I totally felt the emotional fallout but after that, the wrap-up felt a bit too swift for such a satisfying build-up. Despite the rushed ending, the journey these characters took together made this a good, memorable read. Overall, a well-earned four stars! ♡
I really enjoyed “A Life Worth Living” by Monica McCallan. Nora and Gray both were wonderfully written, but it was Nora who truly captured my heart. Her vulnerabilities, her determination, and her icy demeanour at the beginning made her instantly relatable to me. On the other hand, Gray’s bubbly, supportive nature balanced Nora perfectly, and watching their connection build through that slow-burn tension was great to read. I was fully rooting for them from the beginning!
Besides, the pacing was spot-on: the story unfolded at just the right speed, letting the romance simmer and the stakes climb until I was completely invested. That third-act breakup hit hard, and I totally felt the emotional fallout but after that, the wrap-up felt a bit too swift for such a satisfying build-up. Despite the rushed ending, the journey these characters took together made this a good, memorable read. Overall, a well-earned four stars! ♡
December 11, 2023
Oh all the feels in this book! At one point with the angst I didn’t know if I wanted to hugs the MCs or grab one to just get her to listen! The character growth of Nora was amazing. She melted in the best of ways and gradually gained her inner strength and confidence in herself. Gray was the extrovert who was genuinely kind and hard working. She also had so much fear of abandonment that she pushed people away so they didn’t leave her. She had to learn how much she really had and how wonderful she really was and together maybe they could find a life worth living…highly recommend!
February 12, 2023
It's great to see Monica McCallan back and writing. Nora and Gray are both interesting characters and their slow burn was engaging to read. However, the story arc of the novel felt slightly skewed - in particular at the end of the novel.
Overall, a promising re-entry for McCallan into lesfic with two great characters.
Many thanks to the author and Booksprout for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, a promising re-entry for McCallan into lesfic with two great characters.
Many thanks to the author and Booksprout for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2023
It is apparent that Monica McCallan infused her heart and soul into this book. It’s emotional, deep, and raw, yet written in such a positive way that it’s hard not to love every moment. She not only incorporates descriptive details but also many fun pieces of figurative language that I couldn’t help but highlight. There are many profound nuggets of wisdom interspersed throughout which really spoke to me. McCallan’s love of Philly is apparent as she takes readers through neighborhoods and local hot spots along Gray and Nora’s journey.
Nora Gallagher has closed herself off to the world and exists solely for her job as a top real estate agent at Philly Finds. Nora refuses to engage with any of her coworkers and when she’s sent on a corporate vacation with the newest addition to Philly Finds, she’s less than thrilled because Gray Ferris is bubbly and outgoing, and they have absolutely nothing in common. While on their voyage, Gray’s kindness through a hurricane helps Nora realize that for the last five years, she’s been merely existing.
Initially, I thought that Nora’s character arc was going to take precedence, but I quickly found Gray’s to be paramount to this book. Gray is bubbly and outgoing, as well as kind and compassionate, but deep down she feels like she isn’t enough. She is, however, totally wrong and it takes her blooming relationship with Nora and facing her past to help her see that being vulnerable and letting someone really see the real her is totally worth it. I honestly just want to hug her and tell her that she’s amazing and intelligent and that her sister, Willia, is so lucky to have her. The sticky notes Gray leaves on Nora’s desk play such an essential role in her character development.
The relationship development between Nora and Gray is perfectly paced. Gray’s sweetness chips away at Nora’s gruff exterior during their Bermuda trip, especially when the hurricane makes landfall, which paves the way for those deep, meaningful conversations. The slow burn is delicious and their first kiss is absolutely spectacular!
Nora Gallagher has closed herself off to the world and exists solely for her job as a top real estate agent at Philly Finds. Nora refuses to engage with any of her coworkers and when she’s sent on a corporate vacation with the newest addition to Philly Finds, she’s less than thrilled because Gray Ferris is bubbly and outgoing, and they have absolutely nothing in common. While on their voyage, Gray’s kindness through a hurricane helps Nora realize that for the last five years, she’s been merely existing.
Initially, I thought that Nora’s character arc was going to take precedence, but I quickly found Gray’s to be paramount to this book. Gray is bubbly and outgoing, as well as kind and compassionate, but deep down she feels like she isn’t enough. She is, however, totally wrong and it takes her blooming relationship with Nora and facing her past to help her see that being vulnerable and letting someone really see the real her is totally worth it. I honestly just want to hug her and tell her that she’s amazing and intelligent and that her sister, Willia, is so lucky to have her. The sticky notes Gray leaves on Nora’s desk play such an essential role in her character development.
The relationship development between Nora and Gray is perfectly paced. Gray’s sweetness chips away at Nora’s gruff exterior during their Bermuda trip, especially when the hurricane makes landfall, which paves the way for those deep, meaningful conversations. The slow burn is delicious and their first kiss is absolutely spectacular!
April 24, 2023
Loved this book - real rollercoaster but worth the angst. She writes incredibly well, the story flows allowing me to live the book. Highly recommended.
March 13, 2024
I really don't know how to rate this. I was honestly hoping for something better from McCallan. I think she's grown so much as a writer, and I have really liked or loved her more recent novels. But I could not get into this. I don't know if it's because I listed to the audiobook (performed by Lori Prince) or because of a general mood I was in when I read this or because this simply isn't as good as McCallan's more recent work.
What I do know is I started this book to balance some of the heavier or less romance-focused works I was reading--to allow me to get lost in a book with the escapism I usually crave, and, well, this one didn't provide that. I went back to those other books. And I don't think this was Lori Prince's fault, either. LP isn't always my favourite reader and she has definitely interfered with my enjoyment of some books, but she was mostly fine here. I was just never invested in the story until the very end. And then everything quickly wrapped up. I think what was missing was the emotional connection. I liked the characters and thought their backstories were compelling, but I don't think the writing met the occasion.
What I do know is I started this book to balance some of the heavier or less romance-focused works I was reading--to allow me to get lost in a book with the escapism I usually crave, and, well, this one didn't provide that. I went back to those other books. And I don't think this was Lori Prince's fault, either. LP isn't always my favourite reader and she has definitely interfered with my enjoyment of some books, but she was mostly fine here. I was just never invested in the story until the very end. And then everything quickly wrapped up. I think what was missing was the emotional connection. I liked the characters and thought their backstories were compelling, but I don't think the writing met the occasion.
July 6, 2023
Trigger Warnings: Past break-up, past death of parents, alcohol/drinking, hurricane, grief, cheating, homophobia, parental abandonment, past car crash, drunk driving, sex, cursing
Representation: Lesbian
A Life Worth Living is an adult sapphic romance. Nora Gallagher can begrudgingly admit that she and Gray Ferris are both stellar Philadelphia real estate agents, but that’s the beginning and the end of the similarities between them. Nora’s life has been in a self-imposed holding pattern for half a decade. Depending on people in her personal life only leads to disappointment, and she has no plans of making that mistake again. Gray Ferris is extroversion personified. Bubbly. Conversational. Vibrant. She’s trying to make the best of life, even if it hasn’t always gone her way.
When the two women begin to learn that maybe they’re not as different as they think, they may finally figure out the most important thing they have in common when it comes to finding a life worth living.
Another great sapphic read! One of my favorite things about this book is that it is character driven. The author does a great job allowing the reader to get to know each character. Nora’s development was amazing, especially with where she starts, and I loved each time she reached out to another person. Gray, while seemingly perfect, has a lot of trust issues that won’t allow her to develop close relationships with others. She is so humanistic and relatable, honestly both leads are. My only complaint is ending. It feels rushed, especially with everything that needs to be wrapped up. I wish there was another chapter to give Nora and Gray a proper ending.
Representation: Lesbian
A Life Worth Living is an adult sapphic romance. Nora Gallagher can begrudgingly admit that she and Gray Ferris are both stellar Philadelphia real estate agents, but that’s the beginning and the end of the similarities between them. Nora’s life has been in a self-imposed holding pattern for half a decade. Depending on people in her personal life only leads to disappointment, and she has no plans of making that mistake again. Gray Ferris is extroversion personified. Bubbly. Conversational. Vibrant. She’s trying to make the best of life, even if it hasn’t always gone her way.
When the two women begin to learn that maybe they’re not as different as they think, they may finally figure out the most important thing they have in common when it comes to finding a life worth living.
Another great sapphic read! One of my favorite things about this book is that it is character driven. The author does a great job allowing the reader to get to know each character. Nora’s development was amazing, especially with where she starts, and I loved each time she reached out to another person. Gray, while seemingly perfect, has a lot of trust issues that won’t allow her to develop close relationships with others. She is so humanistic and relatable, honestly both leads are. My only complaint is ending. It feels rushed, especially with everything that needs to be wrapped up. I wish there was another chapter to give Nora and Gray a proper ending.
March 5, 2023
I love a good opposites-attract workplace romance, and I got a little excited hoping this would be a bit of an enemies-to-lovers situation, but I am happy with the route the author took instead. I loved the slow peeling-back of layers for our ladies: Gray, the office favorite, and Nora, the office recluse, on their journey to romance. Both women are so much more than they appear on the surface, and I loved that Nora ended up being the one who's the mushiest on the inside. This was a 3.5 - 3.7 for me due to the big conflict hitting so late in the story; it made the ending feel so rushed but still very sweet. Good for a quick, mostly light, cute read.
February 19, 2023
This is a great opposites attract, enemies to lovers book! Both Nora and Gray have baggage. In fact Nora, except for her clients has closed herself off from her coworkers. She's the #1 realtor in the office. Gray has only been there a year, but she's just as good as Nora. Only difference is Gray is like a social butterfly in the office. They both win a trip to Bermuda. Nope, they don't find one another, well, they do become friends.
This is a one setting book! Not that it's a small book, no, it's decent sized. But you will just keep turning the pages! It's definitely a 5 star book!!
This is a one setting book! Not that it's a small book, no, it's decent sized. But you will just keep turning the pages! It's definitely a 5 star book!!
December 29, 2023
When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean my family barely got fed and I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this. A slow burn angst filled romance. The characters felt so real with their flaws and growth throughout the book. Loved this one!
February 14, 2023
my moms
July 3, 2023
3,25/5
I had mixed feelings towards this book almost all the book.As much as I enjoyed the backgrounds of the characters and their complexity, there was something missing into it.The moments between the mcs were sweet but sometimes fluff isn't enough.And I felt like the ending was kinda rushed.
I had mixed feelings towards this book almost all the book.As much as I enjoyed the backgrounds of the characters and their complexity, there was something missing into it.The moments between the mcs were sweet but sometimes fluff isn't enough.And I felt like the ending was kinda rushed.
February 13, 2023
I am always a little melancholy when I finish a Monica McCallan book. Though I know at some point the story must end, I’m sad just the same. It seems these characters–ones that I’ve become more than a little smitten with–were romancing me as much as they were romancing each other, and I’m not ready for any of it to end. The parting seems a little like a break up—amicable yes—but I resist it just the same.
A Life Worth Living marks the 14th sapphic romance for McCallan, and it more than proves she’s gotten this writing thing down. Her storytelling is fresh and immersive with full-bodied, relatable characters. Readers seem to see bits of themselves in these stories, and that’s key. McCallan understands that stories need to communicate truths about life and the human experience, and that’s why fans never hesitate to push purchase.
In A Life Worth Living, McCallan takes Gray and Nora, two very different characters, and throws them in a situation that neither would willingly choose. When the two are forced to share space and time together because of a work related event, they slowly begin to open up to one another. What follows is a surprising friendship between the two, one that encourages a journey of personal growth and acceptance. Ultimately, their budding friendship sparks a chemistry between them, one that can no longer be walked around or denied. However, desire and fear war against each other as each woman tries to pack up the emotional baggage of their pasts. Their vulnerabilities and insecurities tug at readers’ hearts; scars of hurt and betrayal must be pushed aside for a chance at true love.
This story had me at the get-go. Nora appears frosty and closed off, but readers are given glimpses of a softness that’s captivating and hard to resist. To be sure, she’s a bit flawed and damaged, but once she begins to make some positive changes in her life, readers are all in and invested. They understand her and want what’s best for her, and that’s a life with Gray.
Gray, it turns out, is a horse of a different color. It’s not that she isn’t charming and adorable because she absolutely is. Readers bond with her immediately. However, what they don’t first realize about Gray is that she’s got a heap-load of baggage behind that smile. Gray’s pleasant, easy-going personality hides her deep-seated vulnerabilities. Readers think they are getting handed an uncomplicated heroine and that’s simply not the case. Her heart has been battered and bruised too. Furthermore, she, just like Nora, has carefully constructed walls to protect it. McCallan scripts several scenes during the last phase of her journey that are simply beautiful. Her metamorphosis is emotional, impactive and masterfully done. For me, Gray’s struggles make this story more and I simply can’t stop thinking about her.
Final remarks…
Nora and Gray’s journey to a life worth living will linger long after the last line is read. There is a truth and honesty there that just resonates. McCallan has not only created something worth reading, but worth rereading. This is a gorgeous story and I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Alluring and irresistible characters
Gorgeous story
Moving and well-told
Lingers well after finishing it
A Life Worth Living marks the 14th sapphic romance for McCallan, and it more than proves she’s gotten this writing thing down. Her storytelling is fresh and immersive with full-bodied, relatable characters. Readers seem to see bits of themselves in these stories, and that’s key. McCallan understands that stories need to communicate truths about life and the human experience, and that’s why fans never hesitate to push purchase.
In A Life Worth Living, McCallan takes Gray and Nora, two very different characters, and throws them in a situation that neither would willingly choose. When the two are forced to share space and time together because of a work related event, they slowly begin to open up to one another. What follows is a surprising friendship between the two, one that encourages a journey of personal growth and acceptance. Ultimately, their budding friendship sparks a chemistry between them, one that can no longer be walked around or denied. However, desire and fear war against each other as each woman tries to pack up the emotional baggage of their pasts. Their vulnerabilities and insecurities tug at readers’ hearts; scars of hurt and betrayal must be pushed aside for a chance at true love.
This story had me at the get-go. Nora appears frosty and closed off, but readers are given glimpses of a softness that’s captivating and hard to resist. To be sure, she’s a bit flawed and damaged, but once she begins to make some positive changes in her life, readers are all in and invested. They understand her and want what’s best for her, and that’s a life with Gray.
Gray, it turns out, is a horse of a different color. It’s not that she isn’t charming and adorable because she absolutely is. Readers bond with her immediately. However, what they don’t first realize about Gray is that she’s got a heap-load of baggage behind that smile. Gray’s pleasant, easy-going personality hides her deep-seated vulnerabilities. Readers think they are getting handed an uncomplicated heroine and that’s simply not the case. Her heart has been battered and bruised too. Furthermore, she, just like Nora, has carefully constructed walls to protect it. McCallan scripts several scenes during the last phase of her journey that are simply beautiful. Her metamorphosis is emotional, impactive and masterfully done. For me, Gray’s struggles make this story more and I simply can’t stop thinking about her.
Final remarks…
Nora and Gray’s journey to a life worth living will linger long after the last line is read. There is a truth and honesty there that just resonates. McCallan has not only created something worth reading, but worth rereading. This is a gorgeous story and I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Alluring and irresistible characters
Gorgeous story
Moving and well-told
Lingers well after finishing it
June 24, 2023
Gray and Nora. This story was very well written. The characters were strongly developed, the story had a good solid foundation so that when conflict arose it was easy to fall back on the character’s history and personality.
Honestly, it was like a psychologist thought up the characters and the conflict. And then decided on the resolution. Which showed a very sane and mature conversation amongst all the characters. None of this ambivalence towards what the characters needed to be happy with themselves. It was clean cut, rational and I love it. The resolutions felt evidence-based lol I loved it.
March 7, 2023
A life Worth Living is a book worth reading. Stick with it even if you find it slow to start. If the first 1/2 - 2/3 puts the slow into "slowburn," the rest adds all the burn you'll need! And there's good reason too: Ms. McCallan doesn't rush the development of Nora and Gray's relationship as we live through each of he girls endeavoring to overcome their pasts and emotional baggage.
A life Worth Living features leads to fall in love with! (Team Gray, me.) Each girl helps the other face their pasts, at different points in their friendship that blossoms into a relationship, one that fully pays off for both them and the reader. And the physical scenes are embellished by the emotion you can't help but feel... all thanks to that slowburn I talked about.
All good things come to those who are patient... 😀 Stay the course, and let Nora and Gray wrap you up warmly. You'll find both hard to forget, I suspect.
A life Worth Living features leads to fall in love with! (Team Gray, me.) Each girl helps the other face their pasts, at different points in their friendship that blossoms into a relationship, one that fully pays off for both them and the reader. And the physical scenes are embellished by the emotion you can't help but feel... all thanks to that slowburn I talked about.
All good things come to those who are patient... 😀 Stay the course, and let Nora and Gray wrap you up warmly. You'll find both hard to forget, I suspect.
February 26, 2024
I don’t like that much when close to the end we have a HUGE problem that causes distress and needs some chapters to be good again, I rather have it more towards the middle of the story. But this is my personal preference. This book is good regardless :)
I wonder if we will have a follow up with on which Gray’s friend have her happy ending 👀
I wonder if we will have a follow up with on which Gray’s friend have her happy ending 👀
July 5, 2024
3 stars. I enjoyed the growth of the characters, but there were some things that happened in the second half that took away the lighthearted feel.
February 8, 2023
amazing
What a beautiful story yet again from this author. Our foundation in life does not mean we are meant to be what they are. It is the building blocks of the choices we make. To realize our truest self and potential. Loving one’s self and believing our worth, gives space to a life worth living.
What a beautiful story yet again from this author. Our foundation in life does not mean we are meant to be what they are. It is the building blocks of the choices we make. To realize our truest self and potential. Loving one’s self and believing our worth, gives space to a life worth living.
October 28, 2024
I loved this story because it was not only the romantic relationship parts but internal growth for the characters and their relationships with others changing and developing positively.
Would love to hear more of where their love goes from the end.
Would love to hear more of where their love goes from the end.
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