Two survivors.
Two weeks.
One awakening.
When Bristol Criswell travels to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. A vacation fling is the furthest thing from her mind, especially not with a cocky-mouthed, arrogant jerk like Davis McKay.
But when it becomes evident she can't deny the magnetic attraction between the two, she gives in to her desires, and for the first time in her life, learns the difference between simply living and truly feeling alive.
As their time in paradise quickly comes to an end, will her heart be able to withstand another devastating loss when it's time to say goodbye, or will their connection be strong enough to survive the real world?
Death brought them together, but love will give them a reason to live.
**This book is a full-length, stand alone novel that is not a part of a series**
IT TAKES EVERYTHING I have not to smile as I watch Bristol throw her little fit. Knowing that she came by my place last night, and she’s jealous because she thinks I was there with another chick, makes my ego swell and my cock hard.
Once she’s finished digging her finger into my stomach and calling me a dick—which I usually am, but surprisingly don’t want to be one around her; I refuse to ask myself why this is—I do exactly what I’ve yearned to do since the moment I laid eyes on her. I claim her perfectly pouty lips with mine in demanding, caveman-esque fashion, hoping every person on this beach understands the statement I’m making.
I’m not sure if her ‘friend’ from last night is even out here, but I hope to God he is, because as a guy, I know with certainty the way he looked at her wasn’t how a big brother should look at his little sister. Ever. The way his eyes roamed up and down her body, how his hand splayed out on her bare back, holding her close to him, and the way he called her ‘baby girl’, all said plenty about his true intentions. I’m not usually one to cock-block, especially knowing the reason he’s even here is because something really fucked up has happened in his life, but I’ll be damned if he’s getting anywhere near Bristol while we’re here. She’s mine.
Her lips part with no resistance as the tip of my tongue requests entrance, finally allowing me to savor the taste of her sugary sweetness. My hands glide around her jaw to the back of her neck, fingers threading through her silky hair as I continue to explore her mouth, our tongues curling around one another’s in an effortless, synchronized movement.
She moans into my mouth, a direct command for my cock to stand at full-attention, and suddenly, I no longer want these other people around us. They’re the only reason I’m not laying her flat on her back in the sand right now and devouring every inch of her body, like I’d promised her I’d do. And based on the way she’s digging her nails into my shoulders and not-so-subtly pressing her body into mine, I’m pretty sure it’s what she wants too.
Surviving Us by Erin Noelle is an emotional story of two people that have survived death. They have both built walls around themselves for protection. As the story unfolds you learn the tragedies that they both have suffered. I give Surviving Us 3.5 "Trouble" stars.
When Bristol has the opportunity to join her Enduring Life chat group friends on a vacation retreat to St. Lucia she wastes no time getting out of town. After the tragedy she suffered as a young girl, her grandma is leery of her going but understands that she needs to let go and try to move on with her life. She hasn't been able to find the one person in her life to complete her. She's been keeping herself busy with her journaling scholarship at the University she attends.
As she sits in the airport waiting to board her last flight to St Lucia she remembers the conversation her and her best friend were talking about before she left, an airport is the best place to people watch. As she glancing around the people she notices a guy sitting in the corner by himself. She wonders to herself what he's all about. Something seems off with him sitting there all alone in a mopish way.
After boarding her flight she notices he's on her flight and sucking down the drinks like nobody's business. Once they've landed they both realize that they are staying at the same resort. She wonders what his story is all about. It doesn't take long for her to put the pieces together.
"You need to stay far away from me, Bristol. I'm supposed to be a good boy while I'm here and you're the perfect kind of trouble for me." - Davis
"Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you beyond my control. -Unknown
"I will bruise your lips, and scar your knees and love you too hard. I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible. And when I leave, you will finally understand, why storms are named after people." - Unknown
Twelve days later she is heading home heartbroken. Her and Davis were inseparable while at the retreat. The time has come for them to go their separate ways living in two different states, most long distance relationships are hard to continue when you don't have the affection anymore. She's home completely torn and he realizes there's more to life then just sitting in his parents home wasting his life away.
"I cheated on my fears, broke up with my doubts, got engaged to my faith, and now I'm marrying my dreams." -Unknown
I think you will truly enjoy this story, it's well-written and you can feel the characters fall in love and the heartbreak when they leave the retreat.
Erin Noelle is a brilliant author and I have ready many books by her, and this book was one of my top favorites that she has ever written. I would give this book a solid 4 stars! I was sucked into this crazy journey between Bristol and Davis. There were some definite heart felt moments and some seriously steamy scenes. This book is a standalone with no cliffy, but even so this isn't a quiet journey but a crazy roller coaster of emotions journey.
Bristol knows what its like to have lost everything she truly cared about, she lost her parents at a very young age in a tornado. She lives with nightmares everyday because of this. She joined and online group for people just like her.. someone that has been through great tragedy. When she is invited to a resort far away that is set up by this online group she knows she has to go and meet this incredible people, but she never planned on meeting Davis... he will change her life.....
Davis wasn't just some guy. He was a game-changer, and I'm not talking in the football sense; he altered my life in a way I never thought was possible. He freed me from the invisible restraints of undeserved guilt I allowed to imprison me for way too long. And I can never forget him. -- Bristol
Davis had it all... he was a football star in his college and had his life mapped out.. he was going to play in the NFL. But for him that all fell away when his father suddenly died in a plane crash. His life spiraled out of control and he is lost and doesn't know what he wants in life anymore. When he finds himself on a retreat for people with their own tragedies he is standoffish until he meets Bristol...
These 2 will have a world wind romance that last 12 days... but can it last beyond that? What will happen when they go home? Can they finally see there lives are meant for something great apart from eachother or will they find there way back to one another?
"I finally found it," Davis whispers so quietly in my ear I barely hear him.
"Found what?" I ask, not tearing my gaze from the view.
"Heaven on earth. Right here. In this place. With you." her murmurs, resting his chin on my shoulder.
"I never want to leave."-- Bristol and Davis
Pick up this story ASAP you will not be disappointed. Thanks Erin Noelle for another great book! Can't wait for more in the near future from this wonderful author.
Surviving Us by Erin Noelle is a story that will wrap its way around your heart and never let go. The lone survivor of a tragedy beyond her control when she was only 7 years old, Bristol fights everyday to live a life that is free of guilt and follow her dreams. With the unwavering support of her online friends, she is able to find the courage to attempt to let go of some of the pain that still plagues her all of the years later. Saving all of her money she decides to join the support group on their yearly retreat in St Lucia; intending to work on her tan and heal her heart while meeting the friends she has chatted with for years. She never intended to meet him, or to fall in love with him. Davis is also the lone survivor of a tragic accident that has forced him from the football limelight in college and allowed him to being a depressed lesser video game playing version of himself. He never intended to let her in or to fall in love with her changing his entire life. This book was a 4 star read for me and I would highly, highly recommend it to EVERYONE.
Bristol and Davis meet on the plane not realizing that they are headed to the same retreat, Bristol by choice and Davis by force. The beginning interactions they have with each other are marred with harsh words and abrupt actions; only confusing the both of them even more than their apparent attraction for each other does. Neither planning on a vacation romance; they are constantly drawn to each other for reasons that neither of them can understand. Reluctant to let anyone in because of their tragic pasts, Bristol and Davis begin to fall for each other; although each tries desperately to stay as detached as possible.
After each of them finally reveals the survivors guilt that the feel and the circumstances leading up to it; they become closer then either seemed to believe was possible. It is how each of them deals with that closeness and the love that blooms that will have you grabbing for a tissue and hoping for the best. Erin Noelle has done an amazing job with this story and I guarantee you will be glad that you picked this one up and gave it a shot!
I really enjoyed this bittersweet story of loss, love and friendship. It was inspiring, spicy and heartfelt. It brought me back to my younger days of self discovery and first love.
Bristol is a college student that has learned to appreciate life. She also struggles with loss and much more. She is a pretty cool girl that goes with the flow and is flexible. She's also playful in more ways than one.
"I-want-to- spend-every-waking-moment-and-the-sleeping-ones-too-until-I-know-everything-about-you..."-Bristol
Davis has his own situation. It has impacted and derailed his hopes and goals and then some. That is until she gives him something to be happy about!
"You need to stay away from me, Bristol. I'm supposed to be a good boy while I'm here, and you're the perfect kind of trouble for me.”- Davis
These two connect on a retreat. They have a mutual undeniable attraction. They only have a few days together. And they make the most of it..... That is for sure…. I loved their playful banter, romantic moments and the angst. Not knowing whether they would see each other in the future kept the plot intense.
Bristol is a college student that has learned to appreciate life. She also struggles with loss and much more. She is a pretty cool girl that goes with the flow and is flexible. She's also playful in more ways than one.
"I-want-to- spend-every-waking-moment-and-the-sleeping-ones-too-until-I-know-everything-about-you..."-Bristol
Davis has his own situation. It has impacted and derailed his hopes and goals and then some. That is until she gives him something to be happy about!
"You need to stay away from me, Bristol. I'm supposed to be a good boy while I'm here, and you're the perfect kind of trouble for me.”- Davis
These two connect on a retreat. They have a mutual undeniable attraction. They only have a few days together. And they make the most of it..... That is for sure…. I loved their playful banter, romantic moments and the angst. Not knowing whether they would see each other in the future kept the plot intense.
“I’m glad you’re here. I wouldn’t want to learn how to live again with anyone else.”- Bristol
I really liked Davis' tone in this story. He seemed self assured, tortured and wise. I enjoyed delving into his life and relationship with Bristol! It was organic, inspiring, playful and sexy. They definitely deserve a slice of happiness in life.
Laced in-between the chapters the author inserted quotes from known and unknown authors. These really tugged on my heart and fit in with the storyline. The quotes are thought provoking, relatable and heightened the emotional appeal of this book. Was very cleverly done…..
I give Surviving Us 5 STARS!
I will definitely look for more books by this author. She's super talented and weaved quite an emotional story with heart, hurt and hope!
Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. While earning her degree in History at the University of Houston, she rediscovered her love for reading that was first instilled by her grandmother when she was a young child. A lover of happily-ever-afters, both historical and current, Erin is an avid reader of all romance novels. In 2013, she published the Book Boyfriend Series, which included books Metamorphosis, Ambrosia, Euphoria, and Timeless, and recently published When the Sun Goes Down, a contemporary romance novel. Her books have been a part of the USA Today Bestselling list and the Amazon and Barnes & Noble overall Top 100.
