eviewed by Danielle
Title: Like You’ve Never Been Hurt
Series: Dance, Love, Live #2
Author: Jaime Samms
Pulblisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: 200 Pages
Release Date: April 13, 2016
Blurb:
About to lose the only thing he ever loved, Adam Pittaluga is at a crossroads in a dancing career that has hardly begun. He has always wanted to be a ballet dancer, but now that it’s impossible, he turns to Peridot for comfort. Peridot has been rebuilding his life after losing his ability to dance professionally, his marriage, and very nearly his daughter. He has a lot of reasons to be leery of starting something new, especially with a man as young as Adam.
Adam and Peridot have to believe that starting again can lead to love and success and that sometimes, the strength needed to love like you’ve never been hurt can be borrowed from unexpected places for a while. But ultimately, they must find it inside themselves to be each other’s happy ending.
REVIEW:
When I finished the first book in this series I had such mixed feelings that I mentioned in my review. Still I was curious for this second book as the characters were introduced in part one and I admit I was fascinated to see what would happen.
Author Jaime Samms intrigues with this second book. The characters are totally different from Conrad and Dusty from book one. Peridot and Adam tell their own story and it is intense. Both have issues they struggle with, one of them the being the age difference. Peridot comes from a bad marriage, a bitter past and has worked hard to get his life together taking care of his daughter. The only thing Adam wants is to be a ballet dancer, the dream that his deceased mom fought for to have him have that chance.
This isn’t an easy read. There were times that I lost the story, as so much happened or it felt like it skipped all over the place. What stands is the interesting story, the depth of the characters, the struggle each of them lives through in their own way.
They both want to be together but aren’t sure that the cost is worth the chance. Can they heal and fight together instead of facing whatever demon that comes their way alone?
Adam needs to overcome his physical issues as well as the emotional baggage that comes with them. Peridot needs to understand that it is ok to take risks and not everything is bound to go wrong especially when it involves his daughter Camille. Camille who is extremely talented and also extremely obnoxious at times with a huge attitude but with what appears a good heart.
This story is about being drawn to each other, getting together, not daring to take the risks that come with a relationship or commitment, each for their own reasons. It’s about distance, being drawn to one another and healing and understanding with and without the help and guidance of others.
A special note I would like to make for Adam’s family, his father and his siblings. Without anything, there is a conversation in the book between Adam and his dad and it really got to me big time. Simple, honest and straightforward, so kudos to the author.
Lets not forget Cobalt who, as we found out,will feature in the next book in the series and I have to admit I cannot wait to read his story. I can already sense it will be heavy and loaded but I hardly can contain my curiosity.
Overall if you are looking for a powerful read about overcoming issues and healing from the inside out this is definitely the story for you. This book is part 2 in the series but can be read as a standalone. I would recommend to start with book 1 though and get introduced to Conrad (the owner of the dance school Adam and Peridot teach at) and his partner Dusty.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: