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Two broken souls. One last chance.

Avery never expected to take another chance at love. Until she's thrown a curve ball she isn't anticipating – a man that causes her pulse to race and also happens to be one of her bosses. Finding herself drawn to him, Avery does her best to push him away, but she in no way predicts her heart pulling him in.

Logan doesn't trust women. Period. But a one-night stand cut short exposes him to a mysterious woman that flips his world upside down. He didn’t predict meeting her - the one that would make him question everything. Undeterred by her need to keep him at an arm's length, he goes against everything he believes in the quest to prove that they're worth fighting for

First published January 17, 2017

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About the author

Renee Harless

49 books957 followers
Renee Harless is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance - focusing on family and small towns. Her upcoming release, Made For You, is scheduled for February 13th, 2024. Add it to your TBR today!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,627 reviews1,359 followers
June 26, 2019
Coming Alive turned out to be far more of an emotional read than I expected. Avery knew loss. They had an up close and personal relationship. It seemed that everyone she cared about, everyone she could possibly love, would die. Born into suffering, she had many chances at happiness and each one was snatched away well before its time. Then she meets Logan. The connection she felt to him, the same one he felt to her, could not be denied. But she tried. She knew that whatever she had felt before would be nothing compared to what she'd feel for him. So she tried to protect herself. You can't suffer if you don't know what you're missing, right? Too bad Logan wasn't letting her go.

I loved the way the friendship/relationship grew between Logan and Avery. He had his own issues from his past that left him jaded and distrustful of women. He believed that he'd live his life as a confirmed bachelor with a different woman warming his bed every night. All those thoughts go out the window when he catches a glimpse of Avery. She made him realize what it was to love and be truly loved. She gave him reasons to dream. Their bond was the stuff dreams are made of.

I really enjoyed this story and I'm glad I took a chance on this new-to-me author. She won my heart with the first book of her Welcome to Carson series and I'll definitely be back for more.
Profile Image for Marieke ~ Marieke's Books.
454 reviews25 followers
July 6, 2017
Coming Alive is the first book in the ‘Welcome to Carson Series’ by Renee Harless. It tells the story of broken Avery and distrusting Logan, who find love in each other’s arms. While I like their story, some parts of the book sadly didn’t work for me. However, I like it enough to give the second book in the series a chance.
“She needs to remain unaffected; being close to him makes her want things she shouldn’t, because she is far too familiar with the outcome -it’s the same every time. Friendship; that’s all Avery can offer, for his sake.”

Avery comes from a dysfunctional family that was horrible to her during her childhood. Luckily, she gets to escape, and build a new life for herself. But life isn’t done with her yet, and before she comes to the city of Carson to start over, her heart is broken. Avery isn’t looking for a new man in her life, but Logan is different.
Logan is a lady’s man. He likes his work as a doctor at the small hospital of Carson, and he likes to spend his nights with women. The moment he sees Avery he knows she’s not like his other ‘lady friends’, but he can’t stay away.
“All he can think about is her smile. Not her rocking body, not her lush tits and ass, no. Her smile, and that just infuriates him more. Friends?”

Working together in Carson’s hospital Avery and Logan dance around each other for quite a bit. They are colleagues, but more importantly, both are not looking for a relationship. Logan is shaped by his past, which has given him a warped view on women and relationships. Avery is still nurturing her broken heart and Logan doesn’t do relationships. But slowly Avery opens herself up to Logan, and to the possibility what they can have if she lets herself believe in love again. Of course, this is a romantic story, so the couple has to deal with some bumps, but they get their Happily Ever After.

As I already said, some parts of Coming Alive work for me, others sadly not. I love Avery, and that despite her past she’s still willing to try, to build a new life and to open her heart again. I know this is a fictional story, but her past is also a bit too much for me. She had and a terrible childhood, and …, and … (I don’t want to give away too much of the story). Together with page-long flashbacks and the ups and downs of a new relationship with Logan it was a bit over-the-top. Even though Coming Alive didn’t live up to my expectations, I will read Coming Together, because I’m curious for Nikki and Austin.
“I love you, Avery,” he says into her neck, wetness settling onto the skin. As Logan pulls back, Avery sees the moistness glistening in his eyes, confirming the tears she thought she had felt on her skin. “I love you too, Logan.”

I like Avery and Logan, but because of my issues with the story I give Coming Alive 3 stars.


www.mariekesbooks.com
Profile Image for Katie Jones.
183 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2017
Oh my heart!! I couldn't put this book down, and finished it in a day.

Avery has not had an easy life whatsoever, but she overcame everything with such animosity. I was so proud of the person she became from the beginning into the person at the end. What a beautiful soul she is. The relationship between her and Logan is something one wishes to have. Anyone would be lucky to have Avery in their lives.

I am so glad that I was able to receive an ARC of Coming Alive and I CANNOT wait until the next book comes out!
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,812 reviews241 followers
July 23, 2017
This one is a great read! It's an emotional, heart string pulling story. Avery is a strong character. She has had a tough life. Her family didn't care for her and a lot of the ones she loves have passed away. With the help of a friend, she moves to Carson for a fresh start.

Logan's pass with woman hasn't been good. He has doesn't trust easily. He is drawn to Avery. Avery is skittish and doesn't want to start a relationship. They start out as friend but they have too much of a connection to leave it just a friends.

There's more then just Logan and Avery finding love. Avery finds out who her Dad is and that she has a family out there that may actually want her to be a part of it.

At the end there's a peak at Coming Together, which is Austin and Nikki's story. After reading that little peak, I'm off to one click that one.
Profile Image for Anna Edwards.
Author 78 books707 followers
January 31, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Coming Alive tells the story of Avery and Logan as they fight against what has shaped them. Avery particularly has had a terrible time since childhood, but she remains strong and defiant. Both the hero and heroine are strongly characterised, and I instantly felt great empathy with them.

This book is well written all the third person and maybe a bit too much use of the characters name in favour of he, she, they. It did not distract from my reading of the book (in-fact I couldn't put it down when I started). For this part alone it would have been a 5-star review.

However, I felt (and this is an entirely personal opinion - other readers may not) that towards the end you need a big catalyst event to further solidify the relationship between them. There is a dream sequence that they both had, and maybe some version of this could have come true. Just for reinforcement purposes.

Overall I would recommend this book to fans of romance with a straight fight for love from adversity. It makes you feel warm and content at the end. I will look out for further books from the author. I believe she has set them up within this to happen which is very exciting.
Profile Image for Colleen  (The Book Lover Blog).
608 reviews60 followers
April 2, 2018
4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Coming Alive is book one in the Welcome to Carson series, and my first read by Renee Harless. Renee’s story will make you smile, laugh, swoon, and possibly even shed a few tears.

I absolutely adored the main characters, Avery and Logan. Avery was such a strong woman, having overcome so much heartache and loss in her lifetime. Logan had been burned by too many women, starting with his mother. He no longer trusts women, but something about Avery makes him want to try. To him, she is worth fighting for. The two of them together were so sweet and sexy, I couldn’t get enough! I also really grew to love a few of the supporting characters- some of which will get their own story, I hope. Please? #NikkiandAustin!!!

Coming Alive is a captivating page-turner, and a must read for 2017. I look forward to reading whatever comes next!
Profile Image for Danielle Dickson.
Author 7 books486 followers
January 4, 2017
ARC exchanged for an honest review.

I love Avery’s character, she's so strong and I love strong heroine's, especially after they've been through a lot in their lives. I also want to mention the writing style which kept me reading on and on, I really loved the story but I must admit it did take me a little bit to get into, I'm not used to reading in third person. I did feel like the H&H's conversations went from 0-100 really quickly in the start, but I get why the author did that as they were supposed to connect on a level straight away. Saying that, I really got into the story and enjoyed their journey to the end and I can't wait for the next one to see what happens.

It was a lovely story of loss, life and insta-love with a little sub-plot of ethereal added in there.
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 239 books614 followers
January 16, 2017
Oh. My. God. There aren't enough stars to give this book. I devoured it just a few hours. There is nothing better than a strong heroine and Avery is just that! She has been through so much in her young life. Logan is a doctor in the office she works in and they have an instant connection. She is hesitant with good reason but she is finally able to let it go! A absolute must read. Tissues and ice cream are necessary! This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be my last!
Profile Image for Angela.
5,661 reviews70 followers
August 18, 2017
5 Stars

Coming Alive is the first book in the ‘Welcome to Carson Series’ by Renee Harless. It is an incredibly sweet, passionate, erotic and touching second chance at love/contemporary romance.
I really think Ms. Harless has excelled herself with this first instalment, in what I think is going to be a really wonderful series. I never expected to be so drawn to both the characters and the beautiful story. I fell for the charming, well-conceived and complex characters, not just the two leading characters, but the whole cast were just fantastic. Ms. Harless brought them into being with her wonderful descriptive details and they in turn brought the story to life. I love her attention to detail and her fluid, compelling and sexy writing style. I am really looking forward to reading more of this talented author’s work.
Avery Poindexter is only 24 years old and has already experienced more loss and heartache than most, but she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for, a survivor who found the will to keep going when most others would have given up. That’s not to say that she wasn’t shattered, just that she kept going- but has spent the past few years struggling to come to terms with her past and has been basically just moving through her life, not really living- masking the pain she still feels inside. Avery knows she really needs to move forward, but she really doesn’t know how.
So, when her friend suggests that a new location and job may help Avery put everything behind her, she decides that moving may just be the fresh start she needs- after all she has nothing to lose. So, Avery packs up and moves to Carson, finds a housemate and a place to stay and secures a job in a flourishing medical centre. Everything should be fantastic- but her heart is still shrouded- her fear of pain and loss keeping her from opening her heart or forming connections. Can the sexy physician who has caught her eye at her new workplace, finally spark her heart back to life? Will she allow him the opportunity to get to know her, or will she shut him down before she can be tempted by all his sexiness?
Logan Chamberlin is a 29-year-old physician working at the busy medical centre in the quaint town of Carson. He has suffered betrayal in his past, which has made him very wary and untrusting. Particularly of women. That’s not to say that he doesn’t enjoy their ‘company’- he didn’t get his playboy reputation by going home alone every night- but he’s not interested in a relationship, only in hooking up and moving on to the next conquest. He uses his work, gruelling workouts at the gym, and sex, as distractions from the painful memories that threaten to overwhelm him. So, when he meets Avery, he’s completely thrown off-kilter by the intense chemistry between them and the firestorm of sensations that bombards him whenever she was around. He feels such a strong connection to her, unlike anything he’s ever felt before, he can’t stop thinking about her. It was as if she was made specially for him. She was so perfect.
But he can see that she carries a burden, that she has secrets that weigh heavily on her. He knows that she was only capable of offering friendship, but he also knows that she feels the electricity between them- he just has to find a way to break through her defenses and convince her that he is worth risking her heart for. Will he be able to get through her defenses? Will she let him in? Will he be able to breathe new life into her withered heart?
I really loved Avery and Logan. They were so perfect for each other, they were written so well, that their connection was palpable. My heart broke for Avery and what she’d been through. She’s remarkable- so pure hearted, kind, generous and loving. After her horrible upbringing, coupled with all the loss she suffered- she could have been forgiven for giving up or shutting down, becoming cold hearted or closed off. But she wasn’t, and yes, she was hurting, but her beautiful nature still shone through the whole time. Logan is such a gorgeous hunk of a man. He worked so hard to move on from his painful past and make something of himself. Even though he had every reason to be distrusting, he let his barriers down for Avery- recognising the beautiful person she was inside and out, and was determined to win her over. He surprised me, because he really was so thoughtful, romantic and loving. The perfect boyfriend. When these two finally come together, it’s explosive, incredibly passionate and pantry melting HOT! And, yes, the author really put them through the wringer and made them work for their happiness- but this only made me appreciate the story and the way Ms. Harless wrapped the whole thing up, all that much more.
I am already anticipating the next book in the series and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us.

Thank you Ms. Harless!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews10 followers
Want to read
January 19, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/19/2018)! 💝

Blurb:
Second chances...

Does one take it?

Avery Poindexter never expected to take another chance at love...actually, she had planned on remaining invisible for the rest of her life.
Growing up in a family that would put Cinderella's to shame, Avery Poindexter watched as her sister withstood years of abuse while she was sidelined to the staff quarters unable to fight for her own.

However, she had a plan...

On her eighteenth birthday, with the signed paperwork from her malicious grandmother, Avery and her sister make their escape and never look back, but Avery should have guessed that her change in luck was too good to be true.

After unexpected deaths, Avery finds herself simply passing through life....alone.

Banishing herself to a life of loneliness and solitude, Avery jumps at the chance to start over somewhere new: Carson, North Carolina. As Avery adjusts to a new beginning and a new life, she's thrown a curve ball she wasn't expecting - him - a man that has his own secrets and demons shrouded in the darkness of his past. He also happens to be one of her bosses and Avery finds herself drawn to him in a way she never anticipated, torn between wanting to wrap him in her arms and push him away in hopes to save his life.

Logan doesn't trust women. Period. They play on your emotional vulnerability and use you if they can. They chew you up and spit you out. He should know; his family has a long history of lying, cheating, manipulating, and leaving women.

Growing up in a trailer park, kicking post to his dad's vicious temper, Logan made a vow to make something of himself. Determination and scholarships got him through medical school; women got him through lonely nights.

A one-night stand cut short exposes Logan to a mysterious woman that flips his world upside down. Logan never expected to meet her; the one that would make him question everything. Undeterred by her need to keep him at an arm's length, he goes against everything he believes in the quest to prove that they're worth fighting for.

Will Logan be able to breathe life back into Avery's heart and offer her the things she craves...family? Love? Or will their devastating pasts force them apart?
Profile Image for H.B. Jasick.
Author 14 books122 followers
July 21, 2017
This story will completely devastate you, rip your heart up into tiny little pieces, and make your eyes do that leaking thing, right from the very beginning. You are instantly depressed, and are left completely broken right along with our girl, but it gets better. You must break, so the rest of the story can piece everything back together. There's only one direction to go, and that direction is up! Our girl meets our guy. They are both equally damaged. They are both Rose from rough beginnings, but then they find each other. Reluctance, fear, and trust threatens to halt progress, but our couple is made up level headed survivors. This story continues to get better as it continues, and ends with one of the best HEA's...then, oops! What's that? A twist you totally forgot was coming! I loved this story, and I'm not one of those people that are overly fond of touchy-feely tear jerking stories that make your chest hurt and causes your eyes to leak. I would highly suggest this book to any hopeless romantics that what to read something that feels real, and raw. This book is layered, and relatable, and will keep you committed to the very end. Read this book, everyone!

Reviewed by #TheUnratedBookshelf & Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Debi.
1,060 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2017
Coming Alive: Welcome To Carson, Book 1 by Renee Harless

5 Stars

Avery broke my heart in this book, she went past second chances and moved on to third chances. How she was brought up, and that grandmother, oh my goodness! This author wrote her story in a way that I felt it deep, I cried a few times and just hoped for something to happen for her, and her move to Carson was the start of something positive. Ill admit I thought Nikki’s role was going to be much different than it was…

Everyone needs a Logan, he was amazing...I fell in love with him immediately, but when misunderstandings began happening I was so so angry at him, but I had to keep thinking about his past and I kind of understood. His friendship with Austin was great and when so many things came to light and changed so many things for all of them, this threw me. Never saw that coming and I have to give props to this author for one of the best twists I have ever read.

I loved this book, I loved how it moved smoothly yet quickly, and the storyline had enough twists to make it unique in my opinion. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last, I can not wait for the next story, I want more of these characters and there is so much left out there, and I can not wait to see what happens!!

Fantastic Book!!!
Profile Image for Polly Barreto.
650 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2018
I am still wondering how to write this review. While I loved Avery and Logan and their story, the book just didn’t work for me. There were parts in the book that lagged and others that went too quickly.

Avery and Logan are two lost souls not really looking for “partner”. Both have issues and come from dysfunctional families (and holy cow are they ever). I wanted these two to face their fears and insecurities together and be able to put their pasts behind them. This book did contain lots of emotional feelings and Avery and Logan had to fight their way to the top. I especially loved the “family twist” in the storyline and didn’t see that one coming!

There are really two major (for me) instances where I felt the book took a dive. The first one is when Logan comes home and finds Avery and Austin huddled around the table and he immediately accuses them of cheating behind his back – kicks Avery out – and the next minute they are all lovely dovey? Nope…I know this is a book of fiction, but come on, not even five minutes later all is well? The second is when the table is turned and Avery accuses Logan of cheating and then he immediately asks for her hand in marriage? Nope…that just didn’t work for me. At least let the characters stew for a day or two and grovel for a bit. Not this “Oh..Im sorry, now we can have make-up sex” two minutes after the accusing started.

Coming Alive is the first book in the “Welcome to Carson Series” by Ms Harless. I most likely will continue with this series as I would like to know what happens between Austin and Nikki.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
Author 65 books626 followers
April 18, 2018
This was my first book by Harless and I wasn't disappointed. She has a great way of making you feel the emotions of the characters and boy did this book have the emotion. Harless puts Avery through so much and yet she still manages to move forward which makes her such an inspiring character.

Avery--is a girl who has been through hell and back and is still standing. Everyone would understand if she gave up but she never does. I'm not sure how this poor girl didn't drown in her grief. She's also one of the most selfless characters I've read about.

Logan--is the guy that every girl wants to be with and at first I'll admit I thought he only went after Avery because she was saying no. However he surprised me when he truly feel for Avery. His back story is heartbreaking as well but I was glad to see him let go of that a move forward.

You will get your happy ending although I held my breath every time Logan got in a car or was away from Avery (Thanks Harless for that lol) but this book really makes you think about how to overcome obstacles in your life and move forward.
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews13 followers
January 30, 2017
A deeply emotional book that will have you wondering how someone so young could possibly be so strong after the life she's been dealt, after all of the losses she has endured and all before the age of 24. This story is heartbreaking, but then it is also about putting the pieces of your broken heart back together again with the help of dear friends and one amazing man. The story is so very well written that you are drawn into Avery's story from the first word of the first page, and you don't leave until the very last word on the very last page. The characters are amazingly written and extremely well developed that you find that you feel as though you know them personally as you feel their pain, their sorrow, their pain and their joy. You want to be a part of their lives, and in a way you are as you read this book, which makes the ending not only make you smile, but also frown because you now have to wait to see if and how they will get their HEA. Waiting on the next book with baited breath!

It is a remarkable story and a truly wonderful read and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Profile Image for Heather Jasinski.
410 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2017
Avery has been through so much in her life. She is such a strong woman! Logan is such a good guy and he as well been through some things. The two of them have instant chemistry...sparks even! I got so wrapped up in this book that I finished it in 3 hours!! I didn't want to put it down. Renee captivated my attention with her writing which was easy to read, detailed plot, relatable characters.

I really liked the ending. I did shed a tear or two while I was reading this book

"You're the air she needs to breathe; you're what keeps her alive. She'll be the reason you live, and you're what brought her to life."

This is the first book in the Welcome to Carson series but it can be read as a standalone. I would highly recommend it to others . Onto book 2 :)
Profile Image for Teri Kay.
Author 20 books178 followers
February 1, 2017
Coming Alive was OUTSTANDING!!! This is my first read from Renee Harless but I CANNOT wait to read more!! From the moment I started reading this book, the story was tugging at every heart string. You immediately fall in love Avery, from her rough childhood to the losses that she experiences. Each trial and tribulation never cause her to give up. Logan has been burned by most of the women he has dated and has completely given up on love. But there is something drawing these two together. There connection is electric but their past are cold... together they need to find away to come back to life.
There are several parts in this book where I felt myself get the chills. I laughed, I cried, and I love it!!
Profile Image for Vera Fowler.
181 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2017
I'm totally awestruck with Averys character how someone can go through the heartbreak she does to still find the strength to find love again amazing. I cried and laughed while reading this book I had so many emotions and I loved it. Logan's character is totally swoon worthy. But after reading this book I was left with a positivity that there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Absolutely fantastic read highly recommended and well worth the 5 stars
Profile Image for Megan Mary.
1,035 reviews15 followers
March 14, 2018
Avery & Logan are stuck; whether its stuck in their past or stuck in their grief they are both weighed down by their life experiences & some serious traumatic events that they've both lived through. This is Avery's journey to change and start anew and Logan's fight to overcome his fears. When these two meet it's instant chemistry & friendship; you can't help but root for them while they find their happily ever after. You will fall in love with not only Avery & Logan but all these characters in Carson; I can't wait to see what Renee Harless has in store for us next!

***Megan/Scandalous Book Blog 💋 ***
Profile Image for Christine~justlovemybooks.com blog~.
1,155 reviews58 followers
March 17, 2018
5 Stars to Coming Alive (Welcome to Carson Book One) by Renee Harless.

Wow, I loved this book! It had everything I love, all the emotions and the feels! Let me say it isn't often that I am already bawling in the first chapter. I didn't need an angsty build up to get me there. This author tore into my heart from the get go. This book was not one I could put down. What an amazing book to start the series with.

That said, I actually started the Welcome to Carson series with book two which was another amazing book. Carson is one of those small close knit towns that we adore. With each book in the series you will see how amazing and protective this town is towards its residents. I won't say more about that because while by this point I have read the whole series up to date, each book takes us on a new suspenseful and sexy adventure. Damn, the men in this series are quite frankly beyond sexy.

Avery and Logan.....
Without giving any details away.....
Avery has had a horrible past. Actually, her past is so traumatic, I can't believe she turned out to be such an amazing woman. No one should have to deal with what she has. Unfortunately because of her past, Avery is not going to allow herself to be hurt again. Her walls are up and reinforced tenfold. I could not blame Avery at all for her resistance.

Logan has his own emotional and dark past. Again, I was amazed at how incredible he was, how he made a success of his life despite how he was treated in his past. Logan, too, has a fortress around his heart.

Fortunately, for both these amazing characters, they are drawn to each other. Not only a physical attraction. There is something pulling their souls together. Something timeless, something that will heal their hearts and give them the future the deserve. With each other.

This book has drama, angst, some suspense and surprises along the way. I loved every minute of it. If you are looking for a new small-town series to fall in love with, I highly recommend this one. Up to date, there are four books & a novella released. Book Five is scheduled to release April 4th 2018.

Happy reading!
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it! :)

108 reviews
January 8, 2017
I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. It was my first from this author and I absolutely fell in love with her and this book. This book with have you on an emotional roller coaster so be prepared with the tissues. You will smile, laugh and cry then swoon over the love she finds, then cry more at the heartbreak she endures. But in the end you will want to see her get the life she deserves. It is a book with a lot of heart break and disappoint for Avery but also a lot of life lessons that make her a strong women.

Avery grew up in a house where she was not wanted and not loved by her mother or grandmother. She was banished to the staff quarters and forced to work for her grandmother. It was a story to put Cinderella to shame the way they treated her. When her mother had a second child and Avery was not allowed to even see her sister, the staff help sneak her in to play with her. She watched in the shadows as her sister was abused by her own grandmother.

Avery came up with a plan and on her eighteenth birthday she presented her grandmother with papers to take her sister and raise her. Avery and her sister made their escape with the only women she knew as her mother. They left and never looked back but things didn't come easy and life threw her more bad luck.

When the loves of her life are all taken away from her too soon Avery is left alone and just going through the motions of life until her friends suggest she start over in Carson, NC. Once in Carson she tries to move forward even though life is still throwing her lots of curve balls. One being Logan one of her bosses, Avery is drawn to him but is not ready for love and heartbreak again.

Logan is a hot and sexy doctor with a past of his own. He doesn't trust women and simply uses them for sex and one night stands until that one night he see her and is drawn to her even though he doesn't know who she is.

When Avery agrees to give Logan a shot she is so scared that her past will come into play again and she will lose him if she falls for him. They learn to fight their demons together and work to fight through the demons that rule them both. The emotional journey you will take with them will leave you wanting more.

Will Avery find the family she can fit into? Will she let go of the past and find her happy ever after with Logan? I can't wait to see more of these character and also the other great characters we meet in this book. I am excited to learn more about the love and life they will all share together. Bring on book 2 Please!!!
254 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2017
***3 Stars***
Coming Alive by Renee Harless

Coming Alive is the first book in Renee Harless' Welcome to Carson Series. I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed the passion shared between Avery and Logan. I give this book 3 stars mostly because it feels like so much of what needed to be said was actually left unsaid. The characters are well-developed and I was rooting for them to have a happy ending together. Both Avery and Logan had rough childhoods and both had major apprehensions about being vulnerable to feeling real love. The stories where characters can't deny the passion and connection they share are ones I always enjoy, as they're the kinds that bring hope to those of us who've been hurt and are unsure of taking a chance in the future. The steamy connection between Avery and Logan was well described and I could clearly picture how everyone that observed them in public must have sensed their strong connection as well.

The things I wished would've been different, and would've in turn had me giving a higher review, is that it overall just feels unfinished, with feelings and situations not fully explained or explored for some of the characters. Even the main characters, who share information on their pasts, seem to have dropped those bombs, but then not really explained everything. Overall, something just felt missing and unresolved throughout the novel. The build up to Avery and Logan getting together romantically was wonderfully described, but once I got past reading the first few passion-filled scenes I found myself skimming the other bedroom interactions, and almost bored by them. The little bit of semi-supernatural in the story threw me off a bit and while I do feel dreams can be very clear expressions of our hidden feelings, I found myself rolling my eyes a bit in response to how Avery felt her loved ones expressed that they were giving their permission for her to move on with her life.

This book was good, the storyline touched on grief, depression, distrust, abuse, and explores emotions. For those that enjoy romance stories, especially those where characters have become jaded and broken by their past, but end up being overcome by love and emotion, this would be a good story to read.

Profile Image for Paula M. C. Basílio.
Author 2 books6 followers
January 17, 2017
The story is about a girl who suffered a lot because her family. Avery Poindexter was abandoned by her mom who got pregnant at fifteen, and was constantly abused by her grandmother.

Her young sister is born, Aria. Was abandoned and abused in the same way since baby. The employer at home, Mila was the only hope for the two girls to have a mom by their side. So close.

Their fathers (by Aria and Avery) didn’t know about the daughters, because was hidden by their mom. But Avery, somewhere in the book finally met her father. Is really beautiful how it could change a whole family.

Avery completed eighteen years old, she signed some papers to take Aria with her for another city and let the grandmother’s house. Mila go with the two girls and them, some loses happen. This is the part which drama comes around.

With no chances for a happy ending, some years passed and Avery moved for another city again with a help by her friend Melanie and her husband Max. She goes to Carson, North Carolina.

In Carson she searches for a new job to medical assistant. In her way she met the Dr. Logan Chamberlin. He’s young and had a past as dark as her.

Both find a way or not to stay together forever?

Will Avery have her dreamed fairy tale?

Renee Harless has an amazing writing, it makes the reader so addicted by your reading ‘til the last minute. I read this book so fast! Is lovely… Full of emotions. Makes you think in how our lives mean and worth something.

Just an extra about it: indie authors is just rocking!!! Jennifer Locklear, and then Renee <3.

The story is told in third person. The author control the book very well! The only point which made you know more and more was between Nikki, Avery’s friend who divides her house in Carson and Austin, friend of Logan and… both has a lot to live on the next book of Welcome to Carson series, Coming Together really soon.


My rating: 5/5
260 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2017
Coming Alive (Welcome to Carson Book 1)
Renee Harless
5 out of 5 stars

Coming Alive by Renee Harless was the first book I read by this author and let me tell you I will be reading more of her books. I went on a roller coaster ride of emotions I laughed, cried and got angry. I couldn’t put it down and read it in a few hours.

Avery has had a rough life, a dysfunctional family who didn’t want her, losing her sister and then not one but 2 men who meant the world to her. She finally takes wisdom from a friend and moves to Carson NC to start over. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love so quickly with a man and that scares her as she blames herself for the death of her loved ones.

“She needs to remain unaffected; being close to him makes her w
ant things she shouldn’t, because she is far too familiar with the outcome -it’s the same every time. Friendship; that’s all Avery can offer, for his sake.”

Logan is ladies man who doesn’t trust women due to a past relationship. He had written off all relationships, well until he met Avery. Logan works in a small clinic in Carson who happens to be looking for help and Avery is trying to get a job there. He says he wants to be just friends but he knows that’s a lie.

They try to remain friends but that’s not what either truly wants. Avery fears to open up as she could lose him and Logan is still learning to trust her as a woman. Their love story was believable and I would have tissues at hand while reading this story as I did. I can’t wait to read more from her and I highly recommend this to everyone to read!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
87 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2017
Wow!! I'm completely mesmerized by this story. It's definetly by far one of the best books Ihave read. I couldn't get enough!!

The characters Avery and Logan felt so relateable and real, I felt like I knew them, they were that good. The characters complimented each other perfectly. I was drawn by Avery instantly, her character had been through so much trauma in her life and she was portrayed throughout the book as a strong, independent woman who still carried all the hurt, blame and raw emotions from her past. This made her wary of being in relationships, until Logan came and changed her life. Logan also knew what it was like to suffer trauma from loved ones and he has his barriers up, however to him Avery is different. He's a different person with her in his life. I liked how Logan and Avery didn't have smooth sailing, they had their issues which affected their relationship so they had to work hard to make things work out. This just added to their characters and helped them and their relationship seem more realistic

The writing talent of Harless is second to none, she did a superb job in making the characters strong, I just love how her skill is that good that she can draw the audience in remarkably. This story will stay in my mind for a while yet. I hope there is a continuation of Logan and Avery because I miss them already!!

I recommend you read this book, you will not be disappointed.
Definitely worth of 5 stars!!
Profile Image for Amanda Andrews.
51 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2017
I was given a copy of Coming Alive by the author in exchange for an honest review... The story of Logan and Avery literally took my breath away! I've read many romance books that have held me captive, but nothing like this. I didn't want to put it down. Renee has managed to bring these characters to life in a way that is absolutely beautiful. Both Logan and Avery have been dealt a horrible hand yet instead of letting it break them, they each rise above it and better themselves. Avery is by far one of my favorite heroine's as she has loved fiercely, even after living in the aftermath of the most tragic events. What is supposed to only be a friendship between Logan and Avery turns into an all-encompassing love that is strong and true. Logan brings Avery to life and helps her to realize that although love isn't always easy, it also isn't always tragic. Every obstacle they face throughout the book brings them one step closer to reaching their happily ever after... and man am I glad that these characters get their happily ever after!!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
435 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2018
Coming alive.. that is a great title .. This is a brand new author who I never heard of or read before this book!

Second before you start reading grab a box of Kleenex as you will need them! I did!

Now, while this is a sad story it also shows so much more. The plot is strong if not a bit heavy handed on the sexual scenes.

Only thing I have a issue with is why would she agree to marry him as she is leaving him. I would demand answers before saying yes not afterwards.

The author also has a few spots that need an editor but otherwise its a very well written moving story.

244 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2017
Renee is a new author for me, and one that I will most definitely be reading more of from now on. This is one of those ugly cry books that you just can't put down. I was in my feels with this whole book. With everything that Avery has been through in her short lived life, it makes you sit back and look at your own life. And you realize that your problems are nothing compared to hers. She has lost so many, and her heart is almost non existent. And then she meets Logan, can he find all the pieces of her heart and mend them. Can he convince her that it won't break her to live, and love again, can he pull her put of her she'll so she can see what is right in front of her? Find out in this great book Coming Alive. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,309 reviews50 followers
January 17, 2017
LOVE THIS STORY! I am a huge sucker for these kinds of this stories. They don’t always work out the way I want but there is just something about a storyline where the main characters are a bit damaged but redeemable. Well this story doesn’t disappoint in that department. The author has written characters with strong wills and a lot of determination to just survive their pasts and move on.

In Coming Alive we meet Avery and Logan. Two people who have basically given up on ever having a “normal” life yet somehow meet and start to question “EVERYTHING” they have come to believe. 2 Thumbs up for an Awesome story and this reader is hoping beyond hope the series continues with some of the other loveable characters met in Coming Alive.
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