Review: 4  stars! New Life, book 1 (2). A poignant & beautiful tale about Jason, damaged after accident yet remarkably witty & loveable
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 29, 2013
"That's what I feel. Really pissed at myself for ruining my life, and... pissed at the world for going on like normal."Books in the New Life series should be read in order:Part 1: New LifePart 2: New YearNew Life is a story about former College student, Jason Reitmiller who while living recklessly made the huge mistake of drunk-driving.  The accident changed his life instantly and irrevocably.  He is left struggling with everyday tasks most of us take for granted.  His POV is poignant, reflective, yet droll.  He truly is an amazing, smart, beautiful, handsome, witty, engaging, and loveable man trapped in a body of a damaged person:"The first thing you need to know about me is I'm not retarded. Or mentally handicapped I guess is the polite term these days. But whatever you call it, I'm not that. I have a mental disability, but I wasn't born this way. It took extra stupidity for me to get this way-- driving drunk, shooting through the windshield, landing on my noggin, and scrambling my brains permanently. I don't babble and I don't drool, except sometimes on my pillow when I'm sleeping, but everybody does that."Upon meeting attorney Anna Stevens his life is put into a tailspin of reflection and growth, doubt and frustration and ultimately forgiveness and letting go.  New Life, told in alternating POVs, is Jason's and Anna's story about dealing with life; mistakes, regrets, stress, family, one's past and prejudices.HERO:  Jason Reitmiller/24 years/janitor/accident victim-former college student/black hair/black eyes.Six words to describe Jason: Reflective, witty, lovable, broken, angry and unforgettable."I tried to walk less like a gimp. The last thing I wanted was her sympathy-- again. What I really wanted was to kiss her. A lot. And to have sex. A whole lot."HEROINE: Anna Stevens/~ 25 years/attorney/golden brown hair/brown eyes (blue).Six words to describe Anna: Open-minded, endearing, smart, focused, forgiving and strong."Jason had a stillness about him, a sense of depth and thoughtfulness that intrigued me more than I cared to admit."New Life is such a heart wrenching story and yet there is hope... when Jason meets Anna.  Story ends with them in a good place, but I'm happy to start book 2, New Year for the continuation of their story.I am highly recommending this poignant story!  Jason is a captivating and memorable hero!  I love his voice!  Ms. Dee is a spellbinding storyteller!"Because, Jason isn't someone you can take lightly. Whatever happens between you is going to mean something."***Hero rating: 5 starsHeroine rating: 4 starsSex scenes rating: 4+ starsSex scenes frequency: 4 starsStoryline concept rating: 5 starsStorytelling skills rating: 5 starsStory ending rating: N/ABook editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars************************************************Overall rating: 4.5 starsWould I recommend this series: Yes.Would I re-read this series: Yes.Would I read future books by this author: Yes.