BLOG TOUR STOP: Abby’s Survival by B.L. Mooney: Review and Excerpt

At the end of Liv’s Existence, I was gutted. I couldn’t believe I was left to wonder if Liv survived or not until the release of book 2. Then, when I saw the title and read the synopsis for Abby’s Survival, I still didn’t know what to expect with Liv’s part of the story. Thankfully, though, B.L. Mooney didn’t leave me in suspense for long. But, even knowing that Liv survived the attack, I knew the aftermath was going to be just as traumatizing for Liv, Abby, Kyle, and John.

For most of book 1, Liv and Abby were only existing…they both were shells of their former selves thanks to Adam and his sadistic acts, but the true nature of Abby’s relationship with him was still very vague. Abby didn’t want to discuss her time with Adam; her focus was on helping Liv heal and start living again, but when Liv almost dies, Abby can’t help but feel responsible for bringing Adam back into her life, and she also wonders why she was with a man who made her do the things that he did. As Abby starts to realize how much she allowed Adam to change her, depression consumes her, and the vibrant woman who was helping Liv is now merely trying to survive. Because Liv is only just recovering, it’s difficult for her to try to heal as well as help Abby cope with her own demons, but Liv understands that Abby needs her, and she’ll do anything she can to help Abby even if it means facing some extremely difficult truths about one another.

Abby’s Survival is a fantastic story that illustrates how the bonds of friendship and love can truly set someone free from a past full of torment and darkness. Readers learn so much about both women and what they’ve been through and how they truly see themselves is exposed. B.L. Mooney does an amazing job of illustrating Abby and Liv’s growth as independent women who begin to understand their true self worth. It takes them a long time to realize this, but that’s what makes their transition realistic. The complex storyline and strong characters are what make this book a must read. There wasn’t a time while I was reading that I wanted to skim; each and every moment captured my attention. I wanted Abby and Liv to fight to regain who they once were, and I wanted John and Kyle to be waiting for them when they finally felt ready to live again. Thankfully, B.L. gave me an epilogue full of heartfelt moments that truly allowed me to see how full circle all four characters had come. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to Liv and Abby’s stories. You definitely can’t go wrong with this series!

A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

John stepped in and closed the door. “That isn’t the reception I was hoping for.” He locked the door.

“And what reception was that? I couldn’t get the parade together for you since you never called to tell me you were ever coming back.” I never looked up while I talked, but I had heard him lock the door and my excitement grew. If I looked up, he would’ve known I wanted him—despite how indifferent I was trying to be.

I should’ve kept my eyes on him. He was next to me before I knew it, and he startled me as he twirled my chair around and knelt down in front of me. “I like you in skirts, Abs.” He slid his hand up my thigh.

“Jo–John.” I stopped his hand. “You don’t get to ignore me for ten days and then come waltzing into my office expecting me to drop my panties for you.” I turned back to my desk, proud that I had stood my ground. I hadn’t done that before.

John sighed and got up to go back to the chair in front of my desk. “I’m sorry, Abby. I’m a fool that had to figure out a few things, but I figured them out, and I’m here now.” He watched me work in silence for a few minutes. “When can you get out of here, so we can have a proper celebration?”

“And just what are we celebrating?”

“Us.”

I didn’t know if I had heard him right. I wanted to jump over the desk and onto his lap, but I was scared that I had misunderstood what he was saying. I swallowed. “Us? What do we have to celebrate?”

“Why don’t we talk about that over dinner? So, when can you go?”

“Why do you automatically assume I’m free for dinner—or anything else, for that matter?” I was still pissed he hadn’t called for ten days and came in as if nothing had happened.

“You’re pissed. I get it, and I deserve it. I’m in town for a few days, and if you change your mind, give me a call.” He was up and had the door open before he finished.

“Are you going to call me back this time?” I was still hurt, but didn’t want him to leave.

“No, I’m going to answer and not let it go to voicemail. I really am sorry, Abs. When you want me, call me, and we’ll talk over dinner.” He turned and walked out.

I stared at my phone. I wanted to call him back to the office desperately, but I didn’t want to seem too desperate. Who was I kidding? I picked up the phone.

He didn’t answer the phone, but stepped back into the doorway with a huge smile. “I thought you’d never call.” He locked the door again and was back by my side with just a few large steps. He lifted me out of my chair and put my arms around his neck. “This is the greeting you will greet me with from now on.” He slapped my ass and kissed me hard. “Understood?”

I grabbed the bulge in his jeans. “Keep ordering me around and slapping my ass like that, and I’ll never touch your little friend here again.” I squeezed. “Understood?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Completely.”

I tried to not smile, but failed. “You just took that as a challenge.” I turned back to my desk.

John grabbed me and pulled me to him. I placed my hands on his chest to brace myself for impact before I slammed into him. “I’m not finished with you yet.” He cupped my face and brought it to his. He kissed me so softly and sweetly that I had trouble catching my breath. I was glad to finally have something good steal breath from me. I gripped his shirt, trying to pull him closer.

He stopped kissing me, but still held my face and looked in my eyes. He whispered, “I love you, Abigail Hughes.”

My eyes shot open wide as I tried to push on his chest. I needed to be out of his grip, but he wouldn’t let me go. “You can’t love me. I’m no good for you.”

He pulled me to him and wrapped his big arms around me. “It’s scary, isn’t it? To let yourself be this vulnerable with someone again takes a lot of trust—and I’m very happy and honored you decided to trust me.”