Review: 4.5 stars! New Year, book 2 of 2.  A poignant & beautiful novella about life, love, hope, forgiveness & second chances!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 19, 2013
"I'd always known the power balance between us was weighted in Anna's favor. She had more to sacrifice by being involved with me. I had everything to gain by being with her."Books in the New Life series should be read in order:Part 1: New LifePart 2: New YearIn New Life Jason Reitmiller met attorney Anna Stevens while working as a janitor in her building.  Jason made the mistake of driving drunk while in College and the accident caused memory loss, lack of organizational skills and "social" filters and much more.  But his mental capacity is not affected and he has worked tirelessly to regain his independence; motor skills and memory and learning to function in societyThe story followed them in their intense attraction that put both of their lives into a tailspin with Jason having to deal with his past, lack or memory and most importantly his insecurities with dating a successful career woman while he is scarping by.  Anna had to do some soul searching whether to get involved with someone as complicated as Jason as well as social prejudices and pressure from family.In New Year, a novella we meet up a couple of months after the ending of book 1.  Jason and Anna are visiting her parents' house for the holidays and they have brought their puppy Baby.  Their visit opens up wounds forcing them to yet again tackle expectations of society and family.  While there are some surprises and developments this novella mostly illustrates the ongoing pressure on their relationship.HERO: Jason Reitmiller/24 years/janitor/accident victim-former college student/black hair/black eyes.Jason's POV is poignant, reflective, yet droll; It hurts my heart to read his insightful reflections and observations about being looked upon as an underachiever. He truly is an amazing, smart, beautiful, handsome, witty, engaging, and loveable man trapped in a body of a damaged person.Six words to describe Jason: Reflective, witty, lovable, broken, insightful and unforgettable.HEROINE: Anna Stevens/~ 25 years/attorney/golden brown hair/brown eyes (blue).Seven words to describe Anna: Open-minded, endearing, smart, focused, forgiving, insightful and strong.New Year has a very happy ending and closure, but I would welcome a sequel years into the future.The New Life series is a poignant & beautiful tale of life, love, hope, forgiveness and second chances!  Jason is a captivating and memorable hero!  I love his voice!  Ms. Dee is a spellbinding storyteller!  I'm highly recommending!***Hero rating: 5 starsHeroine rating: 4 starsSex scenes rating: 4.5 starsSex scenes frequency: 3.5 starsStoryline concept rating: 4.5 starsStorytelling skills rating: 5 starsStory ending rating: 4.5 starsBook 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.A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.