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Chloe
Three years ago, I was gifted a second chance to live, and I struggle with the responsibility of that gift every single day. Everyone thinks my life is perfect, but looks can be deceiving. I should know - I've become adept at living a lie. The past I tried to put behind me follows me like a dark shadow, and whatever I do, I cannot escape. Drowning in guilt, I'm dying to live again, but can't seem to find my way out of the storm and into the sun. My life ended on the day it was supposed to start. At least no one here knows. Maybe if I lie loudly enough, I can convince myself I'm as fine as everyone thinks I am.

Jayson
My life has been moving along exactly as I planned. I'm on the path I'm destined for, and nothing is going to distract me. Then Chloe Schaeffer blew into my life like a breath of fresh air, trying to steal my favorite seat in class. She's everything I never believed was possible. The way I feel about her defies what my brain dictates, but she's hiding something. There's a darkness clouding her. She thinks I don't see it, but I do, and the part of me that longs to treat the wounds of the world aches to heal her. Maybe if I can, she'll fall in love with me. Can I convince her to let me help her live again? Or will she continue to die a little more each day, killing my heart in the process?

283 pages, ebook

First published September 29, 2015

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About the author

Melody Dawn

15 books86 followers
I've loved romance since I was old enough to understand it. I began reading my gram's Harlequins as a teenager and became addicted to Happily Ever After's. I got my own HEA when I met my soulmate. It was instalove at first sight, and we've been together ever since.

My days are filled with reading, writing, and hanging out with my main guy. In addition, I have a not-so-secret addiction to organizing everything and watching crime shows. So, you could say my favorite things of all time are The Container Store and the ID Channel. Give me both of those, and I'm in heaven!

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5 stars
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28 (24%)
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14 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Jessi McMullen .
178 reviews71 followers
March 14, 2016
What a great story. It did not end the way I thought it would, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I loved the way the author wrote this book not only alternating points of view, but she also retold parts so we could get it both from Chloe's and Jayson's POV. It made the story line a lot more interesting to see how each person reacted to the same situation.

The side line characters helped make this book amazing. At first I felt that Conner and Madison needed their own book, but in the end their story worked out perfectly with Chloe's and Jayson's.

Chloe's character was very strong. To over come all she has a such a young age. She had to deal with a huge tragedy all alone and still overcame it and continue to live her life. Sure she made a few mistakes along the way in the way she dealt this things, but in the end it all worked out. WTF is wrong with her parents?!? To just abandoned someone in their biggest time of need and act as if they never existed? I'm glad she moved on and never went back to try to talk to them or forgive them, they certainly didn't deserve it.

The ending, 8 years later, was my favorite part. The little twines were so cute and it was nice to see how everything turned out for everyone. Chloe and Jayson were still able to achieve their goals and start a family :)

A really sweet strong about overcoming tragedy and learning to forgive your self. I would recommend it for everyone!
Profile Image for Crystal.
335 reviews
September 29, 2015
Chloe’s life is just starting! She has graduated from high school, and is getting ready to go off to college after a summer of fun. But one night celebrating with friends and a vengeful ex-boyfriend changes her life forever.

Jayson is excited to start a new semester at college he picks his favorite seat and is ready to tackle the new challenges this class will bring him. Little does he know that the biggest challenge he will have this semester will come in the form of 5’2” Chloe Schaffer.


This debut novel by Melody Dawn will take you on an emotional journey from page one. She has put every emotion into this book. I laughed, I cried, I laughed until I cried. There were times I wanted to jump inside my kindle and just shake Chloe and give Jayson a big hug. Then there were times my heart broke for Chloe and what she is going through.

Chloe, Jayson, Connor and Madison are the four main characters in the story. They are real people living real lives and working through real issues. They could be your friends or neighbors. I found it easy to connect with the characters while reading. Even though the epilogue does a fantastic job of wrapping up the story, Ms. Dawn left you wanting so much more which will come in the form of books 2 and 3 in the Living Series, Living Out Loud and Living On The Edge.


I gave To Live Again five very enthusiastic stars because I could not give any more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Contemporary Romance novels. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books written by Melody Dawn.


Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews10 followers
Want to read
March 19, 2020
🎁 The Living Series (4 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/19/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Jan .
2,157 reviews45 followers
August 16, 2016
3.75 stars GOOD DEBUT BOOK

Jayson is a big 6'2 slice of man meat and I've got my fork and knife ready to go.

Firstly I had issues with the writing style, told in dual pov's but you got the same scenes in the next chapter so parroted but from his or her point of view. I didn't like that, I've read it once and I want the plot to flow forward.

Also you had conversation " " then in a few sentences Down it would say then he said?

You either have the conversations or you don’t as it got a little confusing.

All that being said it got better as the book went on and I either stopped noticing these things or it improved, a writer can improve with each book and this seemed to happen as the story progressed.

The plot: I loved it and it swept me away, Jayson is a man that will make you swoon, he had met the woman he could see as his forever and wasn't letting go.

Chloe, her character annoyed me at times, too many insecurities and crying, Jayson is one patient bbf.

Extended characters, I loved them, Connor and Madison brought humor and banter and it gave the whole book a good balance.

Sex scenes:so hot and well written, loved it.

Would I read more from this author? Yes, there's room for improvement but as long as constructive criticism is taken on board I believe the next book will knock our socks off.
Profile Image for Lisa Gerkey.
Author 5 books26 followers
February 14, 2016
To Live Again is the first book from this author. I kept this in mind from the very beginning.
Chloe did something that she thinks is terrible and unforgivable. She keeps this from Jayson, because in her mind, there is no way he can love her if he knows what she did. I loved the prologue and I was so excited for the plot that it set for this book. Jayson and Chloe meet in a class they have together. They both like to sit in the first row; in the third seat. This is where it all begins.

The relationship that develops between this couple is instant. While I prefer a little build up between characters, I didn't let that change my over-all opinion of this book. In this book, we also meet and get to know Chloe's best friend Madison as well as Jayson's twin brother, Connor. This book is told from all four character's POV's. Jayson's was my favorite.

There are a few instances where the author gave us a paragraph summing up what was happening or had happened when I feel that we needed more dialogue and interaction between the characters. Of course, you know what they say about opinions, and this is just mine.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. I will most definitely be reading the next book in the series. I am looking very much forward to it.
Profile Image for Andrea Sanders.
107 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2015
A beautiful never ending love story.
This is the first book in The living series( a trilogy). Although it can be read as a standalone.
By a fantastic brand new author Melody Dawn.

Chloe has a terrible secret, a secret that controls and consumes her everyday life and her future. A secret that even dictates the very time of day she awakes to start her nightmare all over again.
Starting a fresh at Rice she meets Jayson, they have an immediate attraction to each other.
And so begins an all consuming love story. Filled with banter, passion and Hot sexy moments.
The characters in the story are extremely well written and well developed.
If you want a happy ever after, this is the book for you !

The epilogue is a beautiful piece of writing.

What are you waiting for ?
Download and enjoy it today x
Profile Image for Dawn.
158 reviews
September 28, 2015
Chloe carries a secret with her everyday of her life,a secret that consumes her,her life ,a secret she cant forgive herself for…one that will never ever set her free…until she meets Jayson.
,On a night out with friends and an ex from hell something happens that forever changes Chloe and her life,she lives with an overwhelming guilt trying to start over she survives each day the best way she can.Moving away shes starts college on her first day she meets Jayson theres an instant attraction,a spark ,a connection but Chloe tries to push any thoughts of him from her mind and her heart.Jayson is smitten he cant get Chloe out of mind hes determined to win her over.Romance quickly blooms between the pair but Jayson knows shes keeping something from him but doesn’t want to push.Jayson has a twin,Connor and he has kind of hooked up with Chloes bestie Madison.Chloe is torn she wants to tell Jayson her secret but is scared he will leave her when he knows.Chloe is always ready to run and run she does on more than one occasion Jayson always goes after her bringing her back where she belongs…with him.But how long is he willing to keep chasing her not knowing why shes running?Will she ever let him in?Can Jayson break down her walls and make her realise she deserves the love he wants to give her?When an ex of Jaysons drops Chloes secret infront of his shocked family Chloe is set to run again can Jayson stop her and will they finally have a future together?

I loved this book!!! From the very first pages I was pulled in and didn’t put it down.Yes its insta love but its totally believable.The emotions and feelings in this book are off the chart,I felt like I was living their story too.Jayson my new bbf,he was such a strong loving sexy man determined to help Chloe overcome her past and help her see a future with them together forever.Chloe a young woman scarred by a tragedy,buckling under the guilt you couldn’t help but be moved by her story,but also to see how Jayson made her step from the shadows shed been walking in for so long to finally face her past,the fear the feelings and move on,realising she does deserve a future,love and happiness.This book is jam packed of emotion…you will cry,feel their heartbreak and frustration but theres also a lot of laughs too although the book is predominantly about Chloe and Jayson his twin Connor and Chloes bestie Madison feature throughout providing some much needed straight talk for them when needed!!Connor had me in kinks throughout 8 minutes older and better looking lol!!Its hard to believe this is Melodys first novel her writing is heartfelt and emotional,sexy and passionate,she made me feel everything she had written page after page.The story flowed well all the characters were easy to connect with…some more than others!! All in all a brilliant read start to finish,I didn’t want it to end I loved it that much,I almost wish I could start again reading the words for the very first time,its definitely one of my top reads for 2015 a story that touched me deeply and will stay with me for years to come.I cant wait for book 2 Connor and Madisons story.
Profile Image for reading the sheets.
267 reviews8 followers
September 28, 2015
Chloe carries a secret with her everyday of her life,a secret that consumes her,her life ,a secret she cant forgive herself for…one that will never ever set her free…until she meets Jayson.
,On a night out with friends and an ex from hell something happens that forever changes Chloe and her life,she lives with an overwhelming guilt trying to start over she survives each day the best way she can.Moving away shes starts college on her first day she meets Jayson theres an instant attraction,a spark ,a connection but Chloe tries to push any thoughts of him from her mind and her heart.Jayson is smitten he cant get Chloe out of mind hes determined to win her over.Romance quickly blooms between the pair but Jayson knows shes keeping something from him but doesn’t want to push.Jayson has a twin,Connor and he has kind of hooked up with Chloes bestie Madison.Chloe is torn she wants to tell Jayson her secret but is scared he will leave her when he knows.Chloe is always ready to run and run she does on more than one occasion Jayson always goes after her bringing her back where she belongs…with him.But how long is he willing to keep chasing her not knowing why shes running?Will she ever let him in?Can Jayson break down her walls and make her realise she deserves the love he wants to give her?When an ex of Jaysons drops Chloes secret infront of his shocked family Chloe is set to run again can Jayson stop her and will they finally have a future together?

I loved this book!!! From the very first pages I was pulled in and didn’t put it down.Yes its insta love but its totally believable.The emotions and feelings in this book are off the chart,I felt like I was living their story too.Jayson my new bbf,he was such a strong loving sexy man determined to help Chloe overcome her past and help her see a future with them together forever.Chloe a young woman scarred by a tragedy,buckling under the guilt you couldn’t help but be moved by her story,but also to see how Jayson made her step from the shadows shed been walking in for so long to finally face her past,the fear the feelings and move on,realising she does deserve a future,love and happiness.This book is jam packed of emotion…you will cry,feel their heartbreak and frustration but theres also a lot of laughs too although the book is predominantly about Chloe and Jayson his twin Connor and Chloes bestie Madison feature throughout providing some much needed straight talk for them when needed!!Connor had me in kinks throughout 8 minutes older and better looking lol!!Its hard to believe this is Melodys first novel her writing is heartfelt and emotional,sexy and passionate,she made me feel everything she had written page after page.The story flowed well all the characters were easy to connect with…some more than others!! All in all a brilliant read start to finish,I didn’t want it to end I loved it that much,I almost wish I could start again reading the words for the very first time,its definitely one of my top reads for 2015 a story that touched me deeply and will stay with me for years to come.I cant wait for book 2 Connor and Madisons story.
Profile Image for Trish R. Ali.
703 reviews18 followers
May 31, 2016
++ 4 delicious creamy stars! ++

To Live Again is a debut novel by new author Melody Dawn. It is part of The Living series with its own HEA, no cliffhanger.

It tells a story about a young woman's journey (Chloe) to self-forgiveness and the young man (Jayson) who is determined to make her live again. What happened in Chloe's past was no fault of hers but the end result was too tragic that she couldn't permit herself to feel anything but self loathing. She doesn't feel that she deserve to have any happiness in her life that when Jayson and all of his charming, sexy goodness came into her life, she felt obliged to push him away. Chloe was filled with so much self loathing that sometimes I find it difficult to empathize with her.



Jayson is the ideal BBF. I totally adore him. The moment he laid his eyes on Chloe and felt that zing when they shook hands, Jayson knew that Chloe is his forever love.

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I struggled a little with the insta-love between Jayson and Chloe but then again it's just my own personal thing. At times I find Jayson and Chloe to be a tad too childish but I have to remind myself that they are young and still in college. Heck, I remember when I was their age and the never ending drama that I had with my then boyfriend.

Ms Melody is a new author and it shows in her writing. It was a tad over descriptive in the beginning but it got much better as the book progressed. Personally, I feel that a first book in any series can be difficult to get into. The author is still finding her style but I must stressed that Ms Melody has the markings of being a truly good writer so I am not discounting this book at all. I love that there is an epilogue! I live for epilogues :) I am always curious what happened to the characters once they find their HEA. The ending was perfect and it was summarise beautifully by my new BBF Jayson.....

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The next book in this series will feature Connor (Jayson's horndog twin) and Madison (Chloe's bestfriend). I cannot wait! I find Madison's character to be truly a hoot!

If you're looking for a new author, I highly recommend you read Melody Dawn's To Live Again.

~~~+++ ARC received in exchange for honest review +++ ~~~
February 7, 2020


I just had the opportunity to read and review To Live Again (The Living Series #1) and This is Living (The Living Series #1.5) by Melody Dawn Back to Back. Both books are about the same Persons. Only “This is Living” takes places several years after the first Book “To Live Again”. And I can not advice to read “This is Living” without reading “To Live Again” first.

It was a well written, fast and easy read even if the plotline was hard to digest at times.

If I would have to sum up the content of this book in one short statement I would say, this is a book about forgiving yourself and learning to life with your mistakes.

I hope nobody will ever have to face what Chloe went through and honestly it is no wonder she is broken beyond repair. She is trapped by her past, trapped by a mistake she only had half the blame to take for if at all.

And there lies is also one of the things I found hard to understand. I can not go into detail to avoid spoiler but as far as I understood it due to a fact that was out of her control she did something. Its true she did something wrong but in the end result that would not have mattered that much anyway. And there were other persons also involved and (I might have overlooked it but) I did not read anything about what happened to them.

How could I explain without spoiler I wonder. Let me try with food… lets say you are forbidden to eat Ice-cream… but you still eat ice-cream and drop dead because someone poisoned the ice-cream. Does it still matter that you ate the ice-cream ? I believe the focus should be why it was poisoned !

You will understand what I mean when you read the book. In the end, it does not matter – because what happened – happened and no matter who takes the blame in the end it was Chloe that “did” it.

Jayson is this really sweet guy – that is basically “perfect” from top to bottom and not even Chloe can deny that, but she considers herself unworthy of live and love.

So from the moment those two meet Jayson is in for the fight of his life not even knowing what he is fighting against, which makes it extremely difficult to gain ground.

Life’s will be ruined, Hearts will be broken and in the question is who will survive.

The demons or the love ...

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Profile Image for Emma Grace.
23 reviews
March 6, 2016
I LOVED this book. I was drawn in from the very beginning. The reason behind Chloe's struggles are all too common, and I felt very deeply for her. Because of Chloe's past, it could have been hard to like her, but I liked how she was portrayed. The struggle of her guilt was deep and and well developed. Jayson is an amazing character. I liked hoe he wasn't the typical womanizer and kind of knew what he wanted in life. He was strong, which Chloe needed, but he was also vulnerable in ways that many authors don't show the main male character being. I also enjoyed the dual POV with the extra POV's from Connor and Madison. Their side romance was very entertaining, but also fit. Even though Chloe and Jayson had insta-love, which I admittedly love in books, they still had real fights and hardships to overcome to be together. They are in love, but that does not negate everything else. I had lots of feels with this book, and loved it!
Profile Image for AJ's Book ReMarks.
1,379 reviews38 followers
October 3, 2015
This is Melody Dawn's first novel. The characters and story are well defined and outlined in this story. Chloe is a copiousness young woman who after High School Graduation went to a club to party with her friends. Her life changed after that night. Nothing will ever be the same. Her parents abandoned her to make her own way.

Melody touches on several issues in her first book. Drinking, driving, underage drinking in a club, date rape drug,calling for help and having the person who is suppose to be there for you, doesn't show up. Who is responsible for the outcome of an accident that occurred under the drug. Then what happens to the person who was drugged and how they relate to themselves and their self worth. How does one go on to live their life after a tragic accident.

This book is well written, so emotional a tear jerker for sure but a must read.
Profile Image for Deborah.
2,613 reviews22 followers
September 30, 2015
Beautiful. Get your tissues ready! Chloe has a past that she can't completely move on from. Jayson falls for his classmate and falls fast. Chloe recognizes the chemistry between them but has trouble giving all of herself to the relationship. True love cannot be defined by time and their romance evolves so quick that Chloe needs to make some hard decisions. Jayson tries to be patient. He wants Chloe to heal, to grow and to trust in him. Can she live again? Will Chloe define herself by her past or move forward with her life? Melody Dawn may be a new author but she's nailed To Live Again. It grabbed at my heart and has shown me that everyday challenges are normal, yet we can't forget to live. A fantastic must read!
Profile Image for Sheri.
227 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2016
This book is going to make you feel every emotion possible! I laughed, cried, wanted to punch a certain character then wanted to hug them. Chloe wanted to leave her past behind and start new. She starts college and meets Jayson. Their first meeting is one to be remembered. Jayson has a great family, his mom is the best, and Chloe wishes she had that kind of family. Chloe tends to run and Jayson runs after her but how many times will he chase her before giving up? Will they get their HEA that they both deserve? This is a great first book for this debut author! Can not wait to see what the future holds for Melody Dawn and all the books I get to read by her!
Profile Image for Ani's  Reviews.
285 reviews10 followers
September 24, 2015
ARC for an honest review!

This book seemed real. It seemed like the struggles were real and like everything happened. So many details, so many events, all of them very much realistic.

I do believe that the author's writing can and will get better over time, it also made me think she's going to be awesome at it. I know that everyone would comment on a lot of stuff that basically aren't important. I won't.

I will just say: She has the story. Interesting and somewhat heartbreaking story. And the glimpses we get in the story, about his brother were amazing and especially since we're going to get another book from this author before the year is out. I can't wait.

Good job.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,369 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2015
Got an Arc for an honest review...This was Melody's first book and I was so happy to have read it. It was a great book! ** No spoilers**
I loved the character's of Chole and Jayson. Chole had a lot of high walls built up. I truly never thought they would come down. But some how Jayson was able to get her to open up and let him in. It was a tough road but I loved that they got an HEA
Profile Image for Maggie Adams.
Author 42 books984 followers
September 25, 2015
To Live Again is a whirlwind romance with a HEA that tells it all! Melody Dawn has woven a beautiful love story from the ashes of tragedy. Her dialogue is witty and verbose, leading the reader into the minds and hearts of each of the characters. The rhythm of the story flows seamlessly as she takes the reader from heartache to heaven. It's a definite must read in my mind.
Profile Image for Amanda M.
2,208 reviews16 followers
October 22, 2020
Absolutely loved this story. It's a page turner that'll pull at your heartstrings. This one is well written and flows effortlessly. It is a story about learning to live again, to love, and to let someone in. An all consuming love story that shows that love has no bounds. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Tammy.
3,230 reviews15 followers
October 8, 2017
good read, but a lot of tough issues love Jayson and his twin brother Madison
1,853 reviews8 followers
March 15, 2016
An emotional debut…

From the opening pages I knew this story was aiming straight for my heart, and my kleenex box. Chloe experienced hell and, years later, she really hadn’t left. When she bumps into Jayson on the first day of the new semester she was bowled over by how handsome he was and the instant attraction she felt for him. She couldn’t let go of the past and had no business even thinking of him in her future. With both of them feeling a physical attraction, and more as it turns out, Jayson was going to tempt her out of the dark, even if she went kicking and screaming…

“I have never felt anything like I feel for you. I never believed in love at first sight until we met. All I know is that I want to be with you. If that makes me crazy, then I happily accept it.”

Broken… That word caught my eye in the blurb and as the story unfolded, my mind kept going back to it. Chloe was young and beautiful with her whole life ahead of her. It’s too bad she felt none of those things were true. Stuck in a spiral of pain, she concentrated on her school work to the exclusion of everything else.

Told in first-person, alternating between Jayson and Chloe’s points of view, their feelings and emotions were laid out in all their happiness and sorrow. They were falling in love but Chloe’s secret was going to tear them apart if they let it. The roller coaster ride they were on was fraught with laughter and tears as the ups and downs escalated and ebbed at a dizzying pace. And I was dizzy in spots where my heart was pulled and pummeled by pain and despair. Did I feel like some of the drama was a bit over the top? I did at times but I couldn’t help but embrace it all in a story that just… worked. Chloe and Jayson were great characters; quirky, fun and almost puppy-like in their fascination and wonder as they fell in love. Seeing them hit the hard moments was a smack in the face for them as well as me… My poor little reader feelings were pummeled along with theirs.

Thank goodness Madison and Conner were on hand to provide much needed support and humour during the light moments but especially during the dark ones. With an ending that left me surprising uplifted, I am counting the minutes when I can dive into the next story in the series.

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chelé-----4 The Love of Books .
768 reviews58 followers
March 11, 2016
Wow!! I was immediately drawn in because when we first meet Chloe it is under dire circumstances that had me on the edge of my seat! I was wondering what was going on and what would happen. Chloe Schaeffer is damaged, broken and struggling everyday with a trauma from her past. A trauma that has kept her isolated from everyone except her best friend Madison.

So, on the first day of psych class when Chloe walks in and some gorgeous guy is in her favorite seat [1st row,3rd seat. Closest to the door] she doesn't expect what's to follow.

Jayson Reece....swoon...is everything you could possibly want and more. He's caring, sweet, understanding, honest but has an edge, oh and he's pre med! He could be just the guy to help Chloe fight her demons. Jayson and Chloe immediately realize there's something special between them and quickly fall in love. Things aren't as simple as they seem though because Chloe has been on her own for so long and is use to leaving or being left. It happened with her old friends and her own parents so why would things with Jayson be any different.

Chloe feels like the best thing she can do is hold him at arms length and leave his life before her past is revealed and Jayson learns her secret. She didn't count on the fact that Jayson won't go down without a fight.

I really loved the dynamic between Chloe and Jayson. It was fun and light hearted at times but they also dealed with some major issues and some very deep problems. Their connection was honest, pure, beautiful and super hot!!

Chloe's best friend Madison who is a self proclaimed "non relationship girl" may have to re think that when she lays her eyes on Connor (LOVE HIM!) Connor is Jayson's twin brother but their personalities couldn't be more different. Connor and Madison had me laughing out loud with their inappropriateness and bluntness, I love them! They are a perfect support system for Chloe and Jayson but they're a special couple on their own.

To Live Again is so many things, heartbreaking, angsty, romantic, hilarious, sweet, encouraging and super sexy! It is from the four main character's point of views but never becomes confusing. I would have preferred more dialogue at certain points but it definitely didn't take away from the story. Can't wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Bobbie Stanley.
143 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2016
I wanted to love this book. From the moment I looked at the synopsis, I was hooked and I wanted to fall in love with these characters and follow them through their journey. Unfortunately, wanting to love a book and actually loving it aren't the same thing. While the underlying concept of this book was fantastic, there were a lot of things taking away from the story for me. The first of these was the format of the book. Personally, I love seeing things from more than one point of view, so I really liked that different chapters were told from different characters' perspectives. What I didn't love was the fact that so many things were completely rehashed when the perspectives changed. For me, this made the book feel monotonous and I began to lose interest after this happened a couple of times.

Besides the retelling of events, I also found the timeline in this story to be abrupt to the point that it took away the feeling of authenticity the book started with. Within a matter of hours or days, the main characters had made progress that takes weeks, months, and years to make. Particularly in the romance area, this sort of rushed timeline makes things difficult for me to relate to, and with the lack of believability came a feeling of shallowness, as if the characters and their relationships were underdeveloped.

Overall, I feel like this story has great bones, but a lot of it wasn't fleshed out as properly as it could have been. There was a lot of focus on the physicality of relationships and a great deal less on the emotional and psychological repercussions. Given the nature of this story, I really would've expected the opposite. It wasn't terrible, and I'm glad that I read it if only because it makes the second book in the series make sense, but it isn't something I am likely to pick up and read again.

Profile Image for Tracy Grieve.
414 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2015
Advanced copy given for honest opinion.

Ok so when a friend of mine told me about a friend of hers was writing a story and she was getting all these teasers, then she asked me if I would be interested in helping promote the book. I agreed and then I started getting all these teasers and I couldn't wait to read it.

Anyway review time I didn't like the book.................... I loved it so much heartache, love and humor in this book.

Chloe is 18yrs old and now carries the weight of the world on her shoulders and along with that comes the guilt but all is not Chloe's fault but she doesn't see this and for 3 years this eats at her she trusts no one and she wont let anyone get close to her.

Until one day some guy is sitting in her seat and now her world is being turned upside down and she is falling fast, but deep down she has this secret and she thinks as soon a Jayson finds out what happened he will leave her. So she does her best to push him away and it works until her best friend and his brother realise how much of a mess they are apart and do what they can to bring them together. But just when things seem to be going great someone decides a family dinner is the time to reveal some truths about Chloe and now she is running again but this time Jayson doesn't give up he proves how much he loves her.

Will Chloe let her walls come down and tell Jayson what happened?
Will Jayson realise the baggage she has is too much and cut his losses?

Lots of laughs from this book so glad I agreed to be part of the release process and now I will be reading the next book in the series though if anything like this I will have tissues on standby to wipe the ones of happiness and sadness away.

Profile Image for Book Loving Fairy-Blog.
1,263 reviews28 followers
August 12, 2016
5 stars

To Live Again is my first Melody Dawn book and to say I loved it is too small of a word. It is such a well-rounded story that brought out so many feelings. I laughed, I swooned, I cried and I even wanted to reach through the book and punch someone. But the love that Ms. Dawn makes you feel with To Live Again was absolutely heartwarming and left me full of hope.

Chloe's past is tragic and so real. It could happen to anyone and I cried throughout her having to relive it. How do you live again yet alone find love after you realize your mistake? How do you make it right again? Guilt can keep you from living the life you don't think you deserve.

Jayson is so perfect. He's patient and comforting. There's a secret he knows she's keeping but is willing to wait as long as it takes to make her realize she can trust him. In the meantime, Jayson is falling in love with Chloe. Can she really trust Jayson or will he abandon her just like everyone else in her life has? After all, who would want her and even believe her past is a mistake?

The supporting characters are so well developed and create such a special bond that it brought the whole story together beautifully. Chloe's support is her best friend Madison. She's the best friend we all want. Connor is Jayson's twin brother. Jayson's parents play such a big role in Jayson and Chloe finding their way to one another.

There's even a "bad guy" and I laughed out loud when she is put in her place.

This is one of my favorite epilogues because it's one that will bury itself in your heart.

I highly recommend To Live Again for a story full of depth and hope.

~ Tessa
1,044 reviews19 followers
September 12, 2016
All it takes is one moment in your life to make you a shell of a person. Meet Chloe, she had an amazing life until one moment changed it all. Oh, my the nerve of what transpired is gut wrenching and I cannot believe her parents. Chloe lives her life in a shell. She is haunted by this experience daily and her BF, Madison who is truly awesome doesn't know how much longer she can help Chloe without Chloe seeking professional help.

Insert the Reece brothers, oh my double trouble on both sides. Here you have hot alpha twin brothers and then you have the dual girls who are more like sisters than best friends. They may look identical, but both girls can definitely tell the boys apart. Jayson and Conner both the same in many ways, but different. Jayson's OCD and school seat method made me chuckle because he met his match with Chloe on this one.

Jayson knows from the moment he met Chloe she was the one. It isn't all peaches and cream their relationship. He has past as does she. His is a little more easier to handle than Chloe's. Can he be the one to get Chloe to live again or will she remain closed up?

This book will have you tearing up, laughing and wanting to throw your kindle all at once with some of these scenes, but that just makes the book so much better. I love that the story was told from a dual POV and we even got to see POV's from some of the secondary characters. As I was reading this book to read book 2 about Connor, I found out that there is a 1.5 on Chloe and Jayson and I will definitely need to go back and read this cause this series will hook you and I can't wait to read more on the Reece brothers.
Profile Image for Tanya Stephens.
7 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2015
Great debut book - Jayson is one you want to help heal you...

Ms. Dawn has thrown her heart into her debut novel To Live Again. It is full of emotion and angst. there are times when you want to scream and pull out your hair when the characters act in certain behaviors; however, to me that is a sign of a good author, one that makes you feel. I promise you will FEEL with this book.

Chloe is a young woman who has a great upbringing until her graduation when tragedy strikes and she is betrayed by those she trusts and loves dearly. Left alone to deal with this tragedy she barely picks herself up to move on, but she just exists, not lives. She meets Jayson in college years later and at first doesn't know why he would like her. Then fears that he would turn on her as well once he learns her secret. Will he turn on her or help her heal -- read to find out.

Jayson is a young man who knows what he wants and goes after it. He meets Chloe and finds that instant connection and knows she is the one. He just never realized that she may need to be convinced that she is worthy and that she can live again despite her past.

I loved reading this book. I was a Beta reader for Ms. Dawn and she kept me on edge as she progressed through her work. I will have to admit that I had to wait for the epilogue, but it was well worth it! It was a great privilege to be a part of the beginning and see her book come to life. I feel she did a great job and look forward to seeing Connor's book and many more from her.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
March 31, 2016
WOW WOW WOW! I was NOT expecting the emotional ride that I just went on reading this story! And I'm still dizzy from it. Melody Dawn has been added to the list of authors trying to KILL ME! Chloe's life looks perfect from the outside, but on the inside, she's living in darkness and guilt. She's dying to live again, but she can't seem to find a way to do just that, so she just keeps trying to fool everyone. That is until Jayson comes into her life, as he's not fooled at all. He doesn't know the events that brought her to her knees, but he's determined to help her. Will Chloe finally be able to let go of that night to find love with Jayson?

Another author that has flipped on the girly girl dramatic switch. The character development is fantastic, with an awesome cast of secondaries that are just as amazing. An emotionally charged, gut wrenching, and well written storyline flows effortlessly. I seriously feel like my heart was ripped out. Melody Dawn's talented writing style had me experiencing all the emotions of her characters, especially with the dual POV, and there were times where I wasn't sure who to get mad at more, Chloe or Jayson. The hilarious banter with Connor had me rolling, plus it gave me some comedic relief from all the emotional feels threatening to choke me. Simmering chemistry finally ignited into SMOKIN' sexy scene goodness, and the OMG moments came flying out of left field. I CANNOT WAIT to read more of this series, and seriously, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Sara.
594 reviews24 followers
October 6, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review over on my blog (Pretty Little Book Blog)

I absolutely loved this book! It was one of the sweetest stories I have read in a long time! Chloe and Jayson do not have the easiest road to love that is for sure but it is a very unique story told by an author who has a complete mastery of the genre.

Chloe is a very complex character but as we see when she first meets Jayson there is more that meets the eye on both of them. And that together they are strong enough to live through anything and he finally convinces her to begin living in the present and to leave all of her grief and shame in the past where it belongs. But on the same side of the coin as soon as Jayson meets Chloe the world is forever changed for him.

Add in a little comic relief from Jayson's twin brother Connor and you have a very memorable story that you just want to crawl up in and stay for a while! I cannot wait for Connor and Madison's book because I think it's going to be equally as amazing as this one. We do get hints of their story in the course of this book especially in the epilogue but to have it told from their point of view will be awesome. I can tell already that our perception of Connor will change since he is seen as the goofball in this book to see the complete 180 he will most likely make will endear him to readers even more.

1,465 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2016
Melody Dawn is a new author for me and is now a new favorite because of Live Again. This story has humor, hope, tragedy, drama and of course love, lots and lots of love.

Chloe has a past and the guilt from the mistake she made keeps her from living her life fully. Jayson sees her and knows there is something behind those violet eyes. He is willing to give her time to fully trust him and reveal her secret when she is ready but in the meantime, he can’t help but fall in love with her. Chloe wants to let herself enjoy the feeling of being with someone like Jayson but knows at some point he will leave her just like everyone else.

Jayson’s twin, Connor and Chloe’s best friend and only family, Madison are absolutely adorable together. I really hope we get their story as well. Jayson and Connor’s parents are supportive and hilarious. Their mom is blunt and fun to meet. I would love to know how Ava & Phillip came to be.

There is a villain in this story and I couldn’t help but laugh when Ava put her in her place. Go Mom!

The epilogue is swoon worthy and the entire book will stay in your heart.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for werejumpinbooks.
165 reviews24 followers
May 8, 2017
What a wonderful debut by Melody.
This story will not only send you through a romance journey, but it will stay with you forever. The character development is wonderful. You notice the characters flaws, but you also see the path laid out in front of them. There will be times you just want to shake some characters, but of course we tend to want to do that in real life as well.

Chloes’ past seems to haunt her, not only in her dreams but her everyday life.
Jayson the typical romantic, charismatic, lover who we will all dream of.

Jayson is perfect for Chloe is every way possible. Will Jayson be able to figure out Chloe’s past? He is soooo dreamy, and you will do everything in your power to root for them both. I know the answer, but you will have read this book to find out! I promise you, you will need more than just one tissue, more than one book friend to run to. I can’t wait to see where this series goes!

We're Jumpin' Books
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