A Place In This Life By Julie Rieman Duck Blog Tour and Book Review

For Natalie Miller, it’s just another family vacation. For someone else, it’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for. 

With only a single peck from a guy named Frank, Natalie’s anything but experienced with boys. But when Todd pops out of the water, says hi, and tells Natalie he has leukemia, all of that changes. 

She’s never had attention like this from a boy, let alone one who’s a real charmer with sex on the brain and the experience to match. Drawn to Todd like a magnet, Natalie gives him her friendship, her love, and her body. Even when she’s tempted by gorgeous, healthy schoolmate Alex, Natalie’s desire to love and care for Todd pushes her to see how far love can go in spite of the potential for death of the relationship — and death of the one she loves. 

My Review and thoughts

First I would like to thank Julie and Amanda Paduella for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour. I have no idea where to start with this review. I have so many emotions running through me right now. This story is so gripping from the very start that it tugs at your heart. It is a story about firsts, first love, first loss, and first intimacy. 

Natalie is seventeen and innocent. She has just finished her sophomore year and is starting the summer. She is going on a family vacation she does not want to go on but while there she meets a guy her age. Todd is on vacation recovering from Leukemia. He sees Natalie and is instantly intrigued with her. They spend a few days together and decide they want to carry this on after they get back home. Todd has to go back for more Chemo treatment and wants Natalie by his side. Natalie decides she wants to stand by Todd and be there for him because she cares for him. 

As Natalie and Todd begin on the road of a relationship things seem to be going good. Natalie is loving and caring towards Todd even when Todd worries about dying. As their relationship progresses things start to happen. The story starts to unfold and things start to happen between Todd and Natalie and their are choices made that are difficult for them but what would love be without boundaries being tested. Can Natalie and Todd survive this relationship? Will Todd beat this cancer? 

This story had me laughing and crying. I really enjoyed how Julie incorporated so many things from losing your virginity to first loves to death. Careless choices are made and what happens from there is a spiral effect that you never see coming because you are wrapped up in the story you don't see it coming. New loves are formed and new friendships are made but in the end the question remains will Natalie and Todd find a place in this life. 

This is a must read! I have so many favorite quotes but here are a few. I hope you enjoy this book as must as I have. 

“Natalie Miller, I love you and would never hurt you,” he said, petting my hair, hugging me even closer. I could feel newfound strength in his every muscle. 

I said nothing as I collapsed into him and his life, whatever kind of life it was. Running from Todd was like running from a living-breathing problem. There was no real escape. I wanted to be near him, to breathe him, to protect him from ever hurting again. Never to be sick again, never to feel 

alone again. It was my soul calling, and I couldn’t deny it. 

We walked down the path, holding hands, and stopped to take in the expansive view of the ocean. The sun sparkled like stars as its light danced on the water. There was no visible smog belt,but only clear views to Catalina and beyond. Looking back at Alex, I squeezed his hand and felt that at last, I had found my place in this life. 

My song for this book is by 3 Doors Down Here By Me 

 

Places to find Julie Rieman Duck

Website http://www.julieduck.com/Home_Page.html

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5231982