Live For This by Kathryn R. Biel

“What would you rather do—win the lottery or be a paraplegic?”

I think we all know what Samirah’s response to Michael would have been but his insight related to the question was an eye opener to me.

Samirah had a loving mother, absent father and a childhood that was not necessarily easy. When the rug was pulled out from under while in college she headed to the big city and in so doing set herself up to use and ultimately be abused by others. In her time of need she happens upon a “good man” and after her recent experiences meeting Michael is probably the best thing to happen to her – ever. She has some healing, physical and mental, to deal with and Michael is there for her. Michael may be neurologically impaired but a stronger, more mentally healthy and complete man would be difficult to find.

This book is at times gritty dark and very real whether telling of rape and its aftermath or of paraplegia and how it can impact lives. The story is one of strength and courage in adversity and friendship forged through fire...a friendship that ultimately leads to a HEA for two broken people that manage to be glued together into one loving couple.

Having worked as an RN in neurosurgical intensive care and also having been in charge of a nursing home for mentally alert neurologically impaired I have some insight into what life as a paraplegic is like. This book handled the subject matter with wisdom, knowledge, compassion and a sense of realness that most books never manage.

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read other books by this author? Yes
Do I recommend this book? Definitely

NOTE: I did not like Samirah in the beginning part of the story and wondered how the author could possibly redeem her to create a character I could ever like…it happened…but if I had not persevered with the story I would not have been able to write this glowing review – and glowing it truly is.

Thank you to NetGalley and KOBO Writing Life for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I’m writing this review at 1:30 in the morning. That alone says a lot about this book.

First off, the good:

-I love reading books about characters with disabilities (mental and physical) and it is great to read one written by an author who knows her stuff. I hate when authors shy away from the harsh realities so I was pleased that no punches were pulled here.

-Michael is awesome and I want to squish him. He’s got a great sense of humor and a good head on his shoulders. It was great to see him reaching out to his therapist when he was having trouble dealing with his feelings.

-the relationship between Samira and Michael was smooth and honest and had a minimum of issues related to poor communication which pleases me. Their friendship progressed organically and they didn’t move too fast. Instead they took their time and got their heads screwed on straight.

The less-than-good:

-The beginning was hard to read. There was a lot of telling, not showing, and I felt like information was being dumped that would have been better spread liberally throughout the rest of the story.

-I hated Samira. I know that was the point, but wow I wanted to shake her.

-There is a scene at a bar where Michael introduces himself to a larger girl (who isn’t interested) and the resulting fat phobia and insults from his friends AND him almost made me stop reading. It was the one time I was not rooting for him and if I hadn’t been interested in seeing what happened when he and Samira finally met I might not have read on.

-Semi-graphic rape scene. I wasn’t expecting it, and since Samira didn’t remember everything that happened I’m not sure why I had to.

Overall:

I liked this book. I had no intention of finishing it tonight but here I am. I feel like that says more about the plot and pacing than whatever words I can put together.

My rating is really a 3.5 Stars, but I rounded up because after the 20-25% mark the story picked up and I was completely engrossed. I fully intend to check out this author’s other works. (After some sleep!)

Sam is on the run, after being sexually assaulted by three men and then thrown out of her apartment by her roommate. Michael, who had suffered a crippling injury and is paralyzed from the waist down, comes to her rescue. Overall, a good story of two people who have physical and mental issues to overcome, on their way to the HEA. I liked the story overall, and the characters, but at times the details of what he went through was TMI for me. Interesting of course, but tended to skim after awhile. The voice was a little rough at times too, but overall would still highly recommend this story.