| Title | : | Out of the Box Awakening (Out of the Box, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 366 |
| Publication | : | First published May 5, 2013 |
| Awards | : | Readers' Favorite Book Award Fiction - Womens (Silver) (2016) |
**2017 Texas Association of Authors 1st Place: Romance Series**
Olivia Petersen thought her life ended the day her husband walked out. Little did she know, it had only just begun.
A good woman, mother, and wife, she's got it made. She didn't expect anything to change, but of course it does...
Swept from her perfect paper-doll life in Houston, Olivia finds herself in Chicago, alone, betrayed, and far from home. Soon everything she thought she knew about herself and her life will be challenged.
Ash Harper is the man who has everything--everything except healing from the losses of a lifetime and a dark family secret.
What happens when the married woman and the sexy handsome widower are thrown together by fate?
Out of the Box Awakening is a women's seasoned contemporary romance about second chances, shared passion and shared joy. Jennifer Theriot has written a compelling series about what happens when two people over the age of forty find new life and new love for themselves.
Recommended for readers over the age of 18. This book contains adult language and situations.
Out of the Box Awakening (Out of the Box, #1) Reviews
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DNF @10%. I know I can't rate it but I'll be giving it virtually 0 stars. Review posted November 13, 2014
Holy. Shit. What the fuck is this?
200 x beautiful
37 x Wow! Make that 38 (including the wow in the acknowledgements).
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!
238 x God, goddamn, goddammit, Oh.My.God, in God's name, dear God, for God's sake
Exclamation marks ad friggin' nauseam.
Shallow to the nth and the writing is beyond bad.
I stumbled upon this book by accident and since I'm a huge sucker for older, mature characters I was beyond stoked to give it a try ASAP. Boy. A few pages into the story I knew this would end in yet another disaster. Considering the high average rating, one would expect to read a masterpiece. It boggles the mind.
I'm the first to admit that I love beautiful things and good design and I'm interested in interior architecture. But. I also love vintage stuff. Objects and furniture that tell a story and have a heart and soul. All these people in Out of the Box Awakening are very shallow and the in-your-face wealth annoyed me. Everybody is so incredibly successful and beautiful or out-of-this-world handsome. And everything is beautiful and expensive. This story, these characters and this writing are simply blah. It's horribly bad. Where. Is. The. Substance? Also, I found the dialogue and the writing in general OTT stilted. Who the heck speaks like that? It's not authentic. Just so you know, my all-time favorite hero is filthy rich but he's got charisma as all get out and he sure as heck knows how to treat a woman. He's truly to die for; gorgeous, gentle yet dominant, confident and sexy as sin and despite all his incredible wealth, he stayed a humble human being. Simply put, he's a true Southern gentleman. Hello, Tyler! Hmm...how I miss you. Anyway, let me get back to the topic at hand.
I quote:
Lainey has put her special touch on it, and I can honestly say it is the most beautiful house on her street.
"Lainey, oh my God! This is beautiful--absolutely beautiful! Sweet child, I love you with every single breath I have. (…)"
"(…) So sorry babe. Don't be pissed. Will make it up to you. Love you, and can't wait to see your beautiful face."
"Wow! It's beautiful!" I am at a loss for words.
Alan said Ash's house is beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing my new home, even…
I am amazed by the beautiful large homes. I see a beautiful two-story home of dark brick.
As I enter, I am taken aback by the beautiful entryway. It is truly amazing…
"Wow! What a beautiful home you have Ash--incredible!"
"Why, thanks! It took a while to build and I really love it here. So…how about a glass of wine?"
"Oh my God! That would be lovely!"
Oh. My. God. I can't believe how extraterrestrially bad this is.
He has changed clothes and is in a pair of drawstring pants with a gray V-neck T-shirt. He's barefoot. He has put out pasta and a beautiful salad.
Baba covers her eyes and takes a very deep breath. A. Beautiful. Salad.
"(…)It's a beautiful morning view."
We arrive back at the house. He already has his car, a beautiful black Mercedes coupe, all packed up and ready to head into the city, to his condo for the weekend.
You live in a beautiful house and have nothing to complain about.
…a hauntingly sad but beautiful song being played on the piano.
…facing the lake, with a beautiful view.
…entire song, listening to this beautiful music.
"It's beautiful! I didn't mean to spy."
"Tommy, that is such a beautiful song…what is it called?"
I can't believe how incredibly beautiful this man is.
She has a beautiful home and everything is done to the max.
Jocelyn is a beautiful lady with huge brown eyes…
…lawn where I see a beautiful petite blonde in a clingy, emerald green dress with a drop-dead gorgeous, tanned blond man who must be Trey.
There are beautiful tables set up on the lawn, and…
We dance continuously to this beautiful music.
"Olivia, you look so beautiful. I am so glad you decided to come with me. (…)
She has beautiful eyes…
"Hoping your day is as beautiful as you are. See you tonight! Ash"
…are one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen."
Dear God! What a muscular beautiful, lean body he has.
I have beautiful, expensive pieces of jewelry.
This beautiful, caring man has me in his arms and is…
"A beautiful song for a beautiful lady."
"Liv you are so damn beautiful when you're body responds to me. I just could watch…
…You're amazing and so, so beautiful Liv. This is wonderful, honey!"
"You are the epitome of beautiful…you make me so happy!"
"Mom--this is beautiful! Mr. Harper lives here alone?"
"Dear God! That was beautiful, just beautiful, guys!"
Dear God. *headdesk* Blah blah blah blah blah blah. Ok. I gotta stop now.
Now we need to be wowed ad nauseam. Let's have a look. As an afterthought, I'm really sorry because some of it will be a repetition of beautiful.
"Wow! It's beautiful!"
"Wow! What a beautiful home you have Ash--incredible!"
Wow--this is great!
"Wow! That is so amazing! Umm, gee, I mean the sound system is amazing. Boy! That certainly came out all wrong. I'm so sorry you lost your wife, I know that must have been awful for you and the boys."
Wow! What was that? Did I just react to his touch? No, couldn't be. Could it?
"Wow! That seems like a fairy tale."
"Wow! Olivia, you look A-maz-ing!"
"Wow! New hairdo--you look awesome!"
"Wow! What a beautiful house! The outside looks amazing.
"Wow! I had no idea. Seriously?" "Ummmm…totally seriously!"
"Wow! What a beautiful car! This is so cool!"
"Wow! Wouldn't that be something! (…)"
"They're beautiful. Just beautiful. Wow!"
"Wow! You are absolutely beautiful. Mine?"
"(…) Wow! What more can a man ask for?"
"Ash, Olivia. Hello! Wow! What a surprise! How are you?"
"There you go! Bingo!" Wow! He is beautiful!
"Wow! My first Louis Vuitton! (…)"
Wow! What a kiss! More please.
"Wow! This is some nasty booger!"
Just then I see him: a tall, gray-haired, well-built and extremely handsome man in a pair of jeans and an untucked black button-down shirt, holding up a sign. I wave, and he scurries over to help me with my carryon things. He smiles, looks into my eyes and I feel my face flush. Oh.My.God! I just died and went to heaven!
I need a valium. She's a fifty-seven-year-old woman, for Pete's sake!
His go-to guy came out and designed this twenty-first century sound system that is to die for!
Wait; was he just flirting with me? I hate to say it, but I really liked that! He sure is a good-looking man. I get into the plush bed. It has comfortable pillows and overly expensive plush linens. It is no time before I am fast asleep.
When I wake and look at the clock, it's 7:00 am. Arghhhhh!
They met a few hours ago and she slept in his house (no sex yet) and he says…
"Mornin', Sunshine," Ash says. He's still in his drawstring pants, which sit perfectly on his body. He also hasn't changed out of the gray T-shirt, and is still barefoot. He's got absolutely the most beautiful feet. I have no idea why I feel the need to look at his feet, but they're perfect. I hope he doesn't notice me staring at his feet. That would be really strange.
Yep, the writing is really strange.
I am taken aback. My body responds to the hug. It's awkward, in an uncomfortable but nice way.
Have you noticed a little detail? The author always writes 'I am taken aback'… 'I am amazed by the'… 'I find that I am very comfortable'... never 'I'm taken aback' or 'I'm amazed by'…
When I'm done, I drench myself in the fragrant Spider Lily body lotion I find on the vanity. The scent is so calming and wonderful. Dare I say it? It reminds me of Ash!
"Hey, my sweet babe! How the hell are you? he says.
I jump into his arms and feel so secure. "Alan…Oh my God! I've missed you so much!" All of a sudden, I forget that we've been apart for eight long weeks.
He takes me by the shoulders. "Damn! A new hairdo…you look hot, babe!"
"You like?"
"My God--you look twenty years younger! What made you change?"
"Well, Lainey and I had a spa day before I left, and she encouraged me to change my look. Her stylist did this and I like it…do you?"
"Yeah, I think I really do!"
Enough said.
Yep, enough said.
Baba says...
I must reverse my faux pas. Book goes back to Amazon. Thank you. -
WOW where do I start on this amazing book?!!!! I loved loved loved this book!
This deals with an older woman, Olivia aged 57, who after 30 years of marriage and raising 3 wonderful kids, finds herself moved to Chicago. After uprooting her life for her husband and being left behind for his job, finds herself alone with a very sexy widower. They resist their attraction to each other because she's married to his Army buddy. But the situation changes and she must decide which direction to take her life. Will she choose to explore the unknown to find herself, or will she run back to Houston and the only life she's known. Through family dynamics and budding friendships this story grows into your heart and you find yourself rooting for love and happiness all the way!!!
If you don't like blatant sex scenes then you will LOVE this book! it's more about romance, love, friendships, family and finding happiness in and out of yourself. Highly recommend it and would give it more stars if I could!! I can't wait to read Out of the Box Regifted! -
This is the first book that I have ever read by this author. I was surprised by how quickly it sucked me in. I literally stayed up until 3:30 in the morning reading this book! This book took me on an emotional roller coaster and it was phenomenal. As a divorced woman, I know personally how hard it can be when you find out about lies, betrayals and other women. As someone who found their soul mate in their second husband, I know the feelings that were brought to life in Olivia by Ash. The author does such a superb job of dealing with messy divorce/blended families and other issues that are front and center in real life. I found my self crying when Olivia got the call from Alan and also when Todd called Olivia about Grammy.
This is a book that will tug at your heart strings. Over all I honestly enjoyed every moment of this book! -
How I persevered and finished this book is beyond me. The premise was great. Older couple. She is 57. 57!! FFS - when do you ever read a book where the heroine is 57? Started out OK. Olivia is upping sticks and moving from Texas to Chicago because her husband's job has relocated there. But it just went downhill for me. Talk about fucking cheese.
She moves to Chicago. Alan, her husband was supposed to meet her at the airport but he was held up on a business trip so he sent his good friend, Ash, to pick her up from the airport. His "good friend" who Olivia had never met in thirty years of marriage! You getting my drift so far.
There is a spark. But she is a married woman. He is a widower. Olivia and Alan are invited to stay at his beautiful house while they settle in and find a place of their own. Alan comes home. Ash leaves them to enjoy his house while he heads into his Condo in the city. Alan and Olivia "do the deed" (her words, not mine). Alan heads off on a business trip but says he will be back for Thanksgiving.
He doesn't come home for Thanksgiving. He has met someone else. OMG, Olivia, what are you going to do? You have never had a job, he deals with all the finances, you've barely ever left the great State of Texas and now you are in the Windy City. Alone.
But Ash is there. And he awakens all your sexual sensibilities. But nothing happens until Alan tells you he has met someone else. Then you have multiple orgasms 'cos Ash is so fine. Granted he is almost 60 but, man, has he a hot body and a lovely "giant"!!!
Almost forgot to mention the scene with him standing buck naked having a pee ... the conversation that ensues is so stupid!
I should have given up at this stage but I am a glutton for punishment.
Talk about childish and juvenile. Not just Ash and Olivia but the secondary characters also. Let's all hang out at the club with the band drinking and line dancing. Yee Haw!!
I hate giving low reviews. It takes a real effort to write a book but, honestly, if you thought you were catering to the older age group, you totally missed the mark. At least for me.
My expectations were probably too high. I am not even going to put in the quotes I highlighted - it will annoy the fuck out of me again. It had a load of music references which I love in a book but they did not work for me. Her friendship with the "Band" was a bit unrealistic ... I mean, what young lad wants their fucking "mother" hanging around with them on a night out. Although my young lad does when we visit him in Scotland, cos we buy the beers. But after 3 or 4 nights, he wants to get back to his own mates.
Even the mention of Bruce didn't do it for me!
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention he said "You're mine." a few times... "Yes, yours." she replied. Deliver me Lord! Awful.
That is my rant over and done with!
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This story-line may focus on the rebuilding of one's self after betrayal by her husband but it also involves all the other people that surround her. This is about a family and real life situations. Many books tell a story and you only know about a few of the people connected to the main character but in this book you get the whole family. That also comes with all the drama that any normal family endures. You don't have to worry about reading a bunch of different POV because it is all done from Olivia's prospective. She is lead but to her family is everything and that is how this book is about. Family. Don't get me wrong there are some very spicy sex scenes but definitely family is still very much focused. On to part two Out of the Box Regifted.
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Book: Out of The Box Awakening
Author: Jennifer Theriot
Publication Date: 8/10/2013
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
This is a fantastic book by a New to me Author. From the very first word this book grabbed and kept me wanting to read more. I just loved Olivia and Ash and all the grown up kids between them.
Olivia is a older woman in her 50’s who goes through something horrible after 30 years of marriage and Ash is the man there to save her from herself. He also is the man who teaches her about Intimacy , Passion and how a woman should be treasured.
The book takes you on ONE hell of a rollercoaster ride though I went from Laughing, to Seething Angry , to Crying.
I whole heartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves a uplifting and romance involved book.
All I can say is WOW !!!
Buy Links
Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1mMhSbl
B & N:
http://bit.ly/1iBa1tn
Jennifer Theriot -
You always hear the saying when one door closes another opens. This saying fits these books so well. I cried when Olivia cried, I laughed when Olivia laughed, and I angry when Olivia got angry. But best of all, Ash stole my heart when he stole Olivia’s. Ash and Olivia make you believe love can happen in an instant at any point in your life. After years of a very vanilla sex life, Ash broadens Olivia’s horizons. Olivia is spoiled beyond her wildest dreams.
The books don’t just focus on Ash and Olivia’s romance and relationship but the relationships they have with their respective children; and their “adopted” family that make up the band Avenue. Olivia is everyone’s mom and Ash is everyone’s dad.
My favorite band member has to be Todd. OMG he is hysterical! The F-bomb must have been his first word. He is the class clown that has so much passion he doesn’t know what to do with himself. The badass with the heart of gold. The connection he makes with Olivia is from the soul. Blessed even. When he finds love, he loves deep and show it through his music.
Something very cool....when Todd sings “FairyTale Man” in the book, you can actually listen to it. The lyrics of the song has been transformed by Five time San Antonio Guitar Wars winner Mark Odom that you can buy and listen to. I bought it and am listening to it now as I write this review. Knowing the story behind it really does bring a tear to your eyes.
I bought Awakening under 24 hours ago and I have to say, I devoured it! I kept looking at my reading progress and was thrilled that even though so much happened in the story, I had so much more to go. I felt like I was watching a mini series on a cable channel or something (I can totally see that). Never wanted it to end! Then, I remembered... I still have another book to read. So at about 1am this morning I started Regifted. Eventually I had to put it down so I could get some sleep.
Thankfully, my boss is away and I could finish this book. Engagements, trips, tours, interventions, and chaos. This second book was just as intriguing as the first as we continue Olivia and Ash’s journey in their relationship and those close to them. I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t like to give any spoilers.
All I can say is that Ms. Theroit had me hooked within the first 5 minutes of reading the first book let alone clamoring for the second. In telling the story of Olivia and Ash we can take away that love can happen at any time and can be just as fun in your golden years as it was in your 20s.
Jennifer is currently working on the third book, Out of the Box Everlasting. 2 Novellas from her other character's POV are planned as well and I can’t wait!
I was emotionally invested with all of the wonderful characters. The stories were told so beautifully that I was laughing and crying along with them. Out of the Box Awakening and Out of the Box Regifted are books definitely worth reading and I highly recommend you add them to your summer reading lists now! I give both books 5 Hearts! -
I love a good romance with real life situations and believable characters. The author had me from the very first page. This is a riveting second chance romance in every sense of the word. The romance is flirty, sexy and makes you tingle. I loved every one of the characters and felt like I actually got to know them on a very personal level.
In this first book of the series, we watch Olivia lose her self confidence through infidelity and Ash is there to pick up the pieces of a broken woman, mending her and makes her feel like she's the most desirable woman on the planet! He's such a sexy leading man.
This book is chock full of emotion. I laughed, I cried and I got pissed off at times. It's a page turner you don't want to pass up. That being said, I went on to read the second book in the series and this is really a series you MUST read. -
Out of the Box by Jennifer Theriot was not what I was expecting. It is very rate that you will see an author write about an older couple. I find this very heartwarming because let’s face it, we cannot all be 20. I have to say that while Ash and Olivia are the main characters, Todd (Bert) is my favorite. His personality just cracks me up. We could all only wish that we could find a man like Ash.
I think I could see things were wrong when Olivia’s husband did not meet her at the airport after having been transferred to a different state and leaving her to pack up the house. This leaves Ash to take care of Olivia while Alan is doing his thing (supposedly work). You can almost feel the sparks from the moment they lay eyes on each other.
I am not going to give the story away, but there are ups and downs and laughs in between. This story will show you how you can turn something bad into something awesome. The strength that Olivia shows is all that everyone should achieve for. What makes it so great is that she is totally unaware of her inner strength.
I give this book 5 stars. I could not put it down. The secondary characters catch your attention just as much as the main characters. You will feel like you are reading about an actual family and your heart will go out to them. -
Out of The Box Awakening by Jennifer Theriot is a Great Romance Read!
Out of the Box Awakening is a refreshingly different take on your run of the mill romance read. I love how the main characters are older, yet still very young at heart – still enjoying a good romp in the hay.
Ash Harper is quite the catch! The author has done a fine job with multiple characters and I could identify with each one of them. I became emotionally attached and found myself left wanting more. I also love the importance of family and friends the author stresses in the book.
I’m now onto the second book, Out of the Box Regifted to see what’s in store for Ash & Olivia and the rest of this interesting bunch!
5 stars for this wonderful book and highly recommended! -
This is a very enjoyable read. Out of The Box Awakening by Jennifer Theriot is a love story for the real world. Ash and Olivia are characters we could know in our own lives (she’s made them vey authentic) and who we easily root for. The author is a true storyteller and has written a refreshingly different romance. This is an impressive debut novel that will leave you looking forward to the next work by Jennifer Theriot.
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So Sweet…
This book had so much love, I felt like I became apart of their large extended family, and I even felt loss as I read the last page.
Two people living two different lives, find out how each can help the other in a time of loss and heartbreak. I loved Olivia, she’s so kind and fun-loving. And Ash, we could be so lucky to find someone like him. And then add their family… Whoa, now your just going to have to buy the book to figure that one out.
The music was something else I enjoyed as well. This was definitely a feel good book, and I’m going to recommend it to all my friends. -
This is the first book in this series. I absolutely loved it. The connection to the characters is incredible and the author has a way of pulling at your heart strings with emotions. I also love how music is incorporated throughout the book, of course. This book has everything from love, heartache, romance, sex, to a band of tatted up bad boy rock stars. Ladies, see if you don’t spot a little bit of Adam Levine in Todd O’Malley;) Grab this book and then settle in for Regifted. You won’t regret a single minute…
Bring on the next book please! -
The characters are lovable and so easy to get attached to. I am excited for the second book, and can NOT wait to get my hands on a hard copy to proudly put on my shelf.
Although I am young, I enjoyed the love between two mature adults. It is nice to read a love story that is believable and also mature! The teen fictional love is so overrated, but this...it gives hope to all ages. -
Amazing Story
This is one of the most touching stories I have read in awhile. The characters come to life as you read and they make you cry for them, rejoice for t hem and fear for them. I will definitely be looking for r more from this wonderful author. -
I was approached by the author and asked to give an honest review in exchange for the book. I was very happy to do this as I read the summary about it and thought this will be something I will enjoy. As I made my way through the book the enjoyment only increased but during those moments while I was driving or doing daily chores, I kept going back to the characters and trying to figure out how I really felt about this book. I have to say this is one of the very few times I am left pondering my emotions while reading a book.
The author took a subject that is rarely discussed and created a novel that is inspiring. You have two adults in their late fifties, early sixties, who have found themselves at a new fork in the road of life. Olivia, scared of change, uprooted her life to move with her husband of 30 years to a new city. She left her three grown children, her house that she had invested her life in and started out on a new adventure with her husband.
Ash, widowed for a few years now, living in the home he and his wife raised their three boys in, was just going day-to-day in life. Struggling to maintain a strained relationship with his older twin sons, encouraging his youngest to follow his dreams in music. Ash offers Alan and Olivia a place to stay till they can find a new home of their own.
The problem arises when Alan decides he wants a new woman as well. He tells Olivia over the phone it is time for a change and this is when the story really begins. So by now you know Ash and Olivia get together, but what you don’t know is how they blend two families together, add a band of young male musicians, throw in a couple of beautiful young women who have no family of their own, along with a sister and brother-in-law and what do you think they have? A huge family. So this is where my trouble lies,,,,,,,,,how do I explain how I feel about this book
First the easy part, it is wonderful to see a book that shines a light on middle age people who have to start over. Yes we do still have life in us, we still need love and sex and yes we still want to dance and have fun. We aren’t ready for the retirement home at the age of 40 and I think Jennifer does a great job showing us that fact. I have never read a book about middle age lovers starting over again. She gives new meaning to mature sexy. Also she shows how to be a parent to adults while having a life of your own. I guess it is true, not matter how old the children get they still need mom and dad. Second part that amazed me is how she demonstrates how people can become family even if there isn’t a blood connection. Their family just kept growing, from natural siblings, to step siblings to band members to “strays” that came into their life. No one was excluded when it came to Olivia and Ash, the more the merrier was their theory.
Which leads me to my struggle to find the correct vocabulary for how I feel about this book. The best I can do is say, I felt like I had come home and been adopted by this huge loving clan. Jennifer wrote a book that makes you feel like you have been taken in as family by Olivia and Ash. Amazing to me how she used words to make the reader feel accepted and as if those characters were part of our family as well. I think the fact of how they took everyone in leaps from the pages and draws me into the sense that I was included as well. I have read a lot of books that have grabbed me and never let go, I have lost many hours reading and absorbing books and crying over characters heart-break and deaths, but I have never felt like I had just come home and was in the safety of family and friends like I did with Out Of The Box Awakening.
It is a must read, it inspires hope, love, acceptance and most of all it proves that life doesn’t stop due to changes. When one door closes a new one does open. You grieve what you lost and you embrace what is to come. I am anxious to read more of Jennifer’s books and I really encourage you to grab this one. I hope you feel like your family grew and you came home as well. -
This book proves that you can find happiness after heartache. I loved all the characters and was captivated from the very first page. I loved Olivia! This book makes you feel as though you are part of this extended family. I loved the rock band and Todd is probably one of my favorite characters, while Ash runs close second. This book is an emotional journey showing that love and romance aren't limited to the younger generation. It has something for everyone!
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I was pleasantly surprised that the author took the subject of middle aged romance on in this book. She showed that love has no age restrictions and even in your 50's and 60's sex and love can be just as exciting as it is in your 20's. She develops her characters in such as way you feel like you have been invited into a family of sorts. The ages in her characters range all over the spectrum, yet there is something in each one that you can identify with.
Olivia, scared of change, uprooted her life to move with Alan, her husband of 30 years, to a new city. She left her three grown children, her house that she had invested her life in and started out on a new adventure with her husband. Her mindset was that of the dedicated housewife that has devoted the majority of her years caring for her husband and children, neglecting her own wishes and desires.
Ash, widowed for a few years now, living in the home he and his wife raised their three boys in, was just going day-to-day in life. Struggling to maintain a strained relationship with his older twin sons, while encouraging his youngest to follow his dreams in music. Ash offers Alan and Olivia a place to stay till they can find a new home of their own. Alan and Ash had been friends for a long time, he was tired of being alone in the house anyway, so how could this be a bad thing?
Well Alan has other plans for his future and unfortunately he didn't include Olivia. As her world comes crashing down around her after one phone call, Ash has to decide if it is time to let her know how he felt from the first second he saw her at the airport. He is determined to help Olivia recover from this even if she never feels the same way he does.
So we now take on the journey of Olivia and Ash, do they make a life together, can they blend their families together and most of all, how does the band that Ash's son plays in mix with this new "family"? The author takes on middle aged love, blended families and extended adopted families and brings us a story of acceptance, belonging, forgiveness and rebirth. We watch as each of them support and love one another through celebrations, heartaches and secrets that are still being revealed.
I have never read a book about middle age lovers starting over again. She gives new meaning to mature sexy. Also she shows how to be a parent to adults while having a life of your own. I guess it is true, no matter how old the children are they still need mom and dad. I felt like I had come home and been adopted by this huge loving clan. She has developed her characters in a way that draws us in, makes us care instantly and we can see similar situations they face that we have also had to endure in our own lives. She has a unique way of using POV’s, some might not like it, but for me it felt like was at the kitchen table being included in a conversation with each character. Her writing style places you IN the story, not just reading it.
It is a must read, it inspires hope, love, acceptance and most of all it proves that life doesn’t stop due to changes. When one door closes a new one does open. You grieve what you lost and you embrace what is to come. I am anxious to read more of Jennifer’s books and I really encourage you to grab this one. I hope you feel like your family grew and you came home as well.
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review!* -
: OK! So Jennifer Theriot I FREAKIN LOVE YOU AND THIS STORY!! This is such a touching book, I loved every page of it! Now I know I would be pissed if I go this email from my husband after not seeing from for eight weeks.."HEY BABE STUCK IN L.A. - WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BACK AT THREE, BUT THE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS ARE KEEPING ME AN EXTRA DAY. ASH WILL BE AT THE AIRPORT TO PICK YOU UP. HE WILL BE HOLDING A SIGN WITH YOU NAME ON IT. SO SORRY BABE. DON'T BE PISSED. WILL MAKE IT UP TO YOU, I PROMISE. LOVE YOU, AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU BEAUTIFUL FACE." REALLY? OK I understand sometimes work gets in the way but it sucks! That is what Olivia hears when she gets off the plane in Chicago. Moving to Chicago isn't what she wanted but adjusting to where her husband Alan was located is what Olivia had to do. Olivia is not all that confident but her daughter Lainey gives her a mini makeover before she leaves Texas. But Olivia did not expect to Be attracted to Ash ..Alan's friend from the Army. Here is Olivia's description of when she sees Ash.."JUST THEN, I SEE HIM: A TALL, GRAY-HAIRED, WELL-BUILT AND EXTREMELY HANDSOME MAN IN A PAIR OF JEANS AND AN UNTUCKED BLACK BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT,HOLDING UP A SIGN.I WAVE,AND HE SCURRIES OVER TO HELP ME WITH MY CARRY ON THINGS. HE SMILES, LOOKS INTO MY EYES AND I FEEL MY FACE FLUSH. OH.MY.GOD! I JUST DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN! Now just ask my fellow book-ian's, Anna and Donna.. I can appreciate the hot older man ! The way Jennifer has Ash described the book had me on fire! The SEX was even hot!!! I LOVED LOVED LOVED the how gentle Ash is and how he helps Olivia overcomes her obstacles.. because her jerk-face of a husband sure doesn't! UGHHH don't even get me started about ALAN! I wanted to stick a stick up his a.... Sorry got caught up there. BUT I loved Ash and Olivia's kids and I LOVED TODD a.k.a BERT.. JUST READ And you will know! I now want to cuddle up with my love and just feel all his emotions from this beautiful book! Whoever has not read this book is missing out! YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK ASAP!! I'm SERIOUS! DON'T look at me like that ONE-CLICK the sucker!!! I give this book 5 stars!
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In this book, we read about Olivia Peterson. She’s living her life, as a mother and as a wife. Everything is as good as it can be. Her kids all have their own life, her husband has a great job. Can’t get any better…………so she thinks. Then, her husband gets a job transfer. Olivia has to pick up her life in Texas and move to the big city of Chicago. She’s thrown into a new life and a new home, where, until her and her husband find a place of their own, she is forced to live with a man she doesn’t know. Of course, her husband’s widowed friend is very welcoming and hospitable. But it’s a big change and Olivia does not easily accept adjustments in her life. However, she soon learns that everything she thought she knew about herself and her life will change, whether she likes it or not.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters! It’s easy to fall in love with them. Each one adds a special element to the story. And the story, itself, is compelling. There’s romance, comedy, and drama. The unconditional love in this book is something we can all hope for. My favorite part is that the meaning of family is taken to a new level. It goes outside bloodlines. Families are best when there’s a mixture of personalities and that is exactly what we find in this book. A big, eccentric, extended family. -
Jennifer captures your interest and introduces you to characters you fall in love with.
An amazing love story begins of two people brought together by fate. Love has no age-restrictions and Jennifer proves this.
Jennifer has written a beautiful love story. I highly recommend this enjoyable read. It made my heart smile. -
The good: Good plot and story line; I enjoyed the characters immensely and the pacing was just right.
My thoughts: “Out of the Box Awakening,” was a brilliant read that anyone could relate to.
I laughed, cried, and rejoiced with Olivia as she finds herself again after being utterly betrayed by the person who was supposed to love and cherish her the most.
I also loved how through and through, Olivia was strong and resilient. She may have had her downs and doubts throughout the story but who doesn’t?
Olivia is a person to admire for her tenacity and selflessness for herself and her children.
I was so happy when all the pieces came together and she was able to pick herself up and be able to find love again!!
Such an uplifting and swoonworthy book! AND, big thank you to Jennifer Theriot for gifting me a copy of her book for an honest review! <3 -
I can't begin to tell you how much I absolutely enjoyed this story! It was so refreshing to read about finding true love later in life and all the second chances that offers....For Olivia, She was like the butterfly coming out of her chrysalis and learning that she is strong enough to spread her wings and fly.....She becomes a woman in her own right and finds the love of her life and some pretty unlikely friends who together with her own grown children help her to realize that she is beautiful, inside and out, she has needs, wants & dreams and by gosh she's goin after them with gusto!
Yep, Out Of The Box, Awakening touched me on a personal level and I believe I'd like to read about these new friends I've made. They all became so real to me, so I'm glad there is more to come.
I can not recommend this book enough! Just be prepared to laugh, cry and ultimately uplifted.....Well Done! -
If you believe in second chances this is the book for you!!! Jennifer TheRIOT did an outstanding job writing this coming of age book! Just when Olivia thought her life was over after being betrayed by her husband of 30 years, Ash is there to pick up the pieces and boy does he ever! Ash is the whole sexy package and awakens every one of Olivia's needs that she never realized she was missing until he shows her what unconditional love truly is. I love how Jennifer managed to blend each character into the book and I fell in love with every one of them from Olivia and Ash's kids to the entire band. I can't wait to start reading Regifted to see how TheRIOT has continued this amazing series that is HOT, HOT HOT!!!!!
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Lovely story of second chances at love and life. The story centers around Olivia her husband Alan and his friend Ash as well as their families and friends. Olivia picks up, sells the house and moves to be with her husband Alan when he takes a new job. Why wouldn't she? She's given him 30 years of her life and three lovely children. What she doesn't expect is for her husband Alan to announce that he's been cheating on her and he's not interested in being in their marriage anymore. This is earth shattering to Olivia but Ash is there to pick up the pieces and bring life back to Olivia's heart. They have their ups and downs but it's as if these two are perfect for each other. As their relationship blooms their family members and friends continue their own life journeys and Ash and Olivia are there to help them through all the ups and downs they face. This is a wonderful story of awakening. Olivia blossoms into a new woman as Ash shows her things she never knew possible. It covers a year of this family's life and the author, Jennifer Theriot does an amazing job of giving us a sneak peek into this little corner of the world. I really loved how the story wasn't just about the marriage divorce and new love, it was also about everyone else in their lives. So many stories negate this side of the story but Theriot was able to add additional layers to the story by adding them in. I highly recommend this fabulous read.
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AMAZING DEBUT NOVEL!
I was intrigued and refreshingly surprised to read a romance novel about middle aged lovers! While the book focuses on romance and love between an older couple, the author made sure to include elements that made the book appealing to the younger readership as well. She's incorporated a rock band complete with a band mate named Todd the I'm sure the young ladies will swoon over. I highly recommend this read and look forward to reading the sequel! -
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! A mature love story that will amaze you.
Wow. Jennifer Theriot wrote a fantastic book. Ash Harper is a sexy, wealthy widower. Having a dark secret, a marriage filled with a controlling cold wife and then having to watch her die, leaves him worn out and deflated.
Olivia Peterson is pushed out of her home of 30 years due to her husband's job transfer. Leaving her grown children behind to move across the country, she is nervous and emotional. When she lands in Chicago to reunite with her husband, he isn't there, emotionally or physically. Ash Harper is. A long time friend of Olivia's husband.
Ash and Olivia find they have much in common and enjoy spending time together. What happens during the course of this love story is amazing.
This book contains it all; family values, rock stars, grown children with lives of their own, jealousy, wealth, heartbreak but mostly LOVE!
