Running in Place

Mending Hearts #2

by L.B. Simmons

****NA Contemporary Romance, can be read as a stand alone. Due to theme of Child Abuse, Explicit Language, Mild Violence, and Sexual Situations - Recommend Readers 18+******


Tatum O’Connell:
Some call me a party girl. People see me as happy, full of life, with absolutely no cares in the world. They see what I want them to see. But no one knows me - really knows me. Not even Noah Reese. Mr. Perfect is always watching me, most likely judging every single imperfect thing I do. But, if Noah wants to keep an eye on me, that’s just fine. I definitely don’t mind. I just hope he doesn’t have any plans to save me from my new-found life of self-destruction because in order to save me, he will have to see me…
And I’m never going to let that happen.

Noah Reese:
Perfect. That’s me. That’s the only acceptable way to be, according to my father. Perfect grades. Perfect manners. Perfect athlete. Perfect SAT scores. Perfect college. And recently, I was accepted into the perfect med school. My future has already been mapped out for me and there’s nothing that can change that. Not even Tatum O’Connell. That girl is out of control, yet for some reason, I can’t seem to keep my distance from her. I watch her closely, hoping that one day she’ll let me in, but watching her lead her life down the dangerous path she’s on right now isn’t easy…
I have a feeling I’m about to find myself swept away by the hurricane that is Tatum O’Connell.


“Two fleeting souls,
Unknowingly tethered.
Too slowly drawn,
Impatient fate calls.
The jolting collide intertwines their lives
And splinters their walls.”
“Catalyst” – Noah Reese

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Contemporary Romance, College, Amazon

273 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

After graduating from Texas A&M University, L.B. Simmons did what any biomedical science major could do. She entered the workforce as a full-time chemist. Years later, never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined herself a USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance author as well.

What began as a memoir for her children, ended up being her first self-published book, Running on Empty. Initially it was written to chronicle their actions, their phrases, and their silly arguments so that when they were older, they would always have those memories. The memoir soon began to take on a life of its own, morphing into the story of a single mother with three little girls finding love when she least expected it. Soon after, her girls were given reoccurring roles in the remainder of what became the Mending Hearts series.

That's how her journey as an author began, and she hopes to God it never ends.

L.B. Simmons doesn’t just write books. With each new work, she attempts to compose journeys of love and self-discovery so she may impart life lessons to readers. Several novels later, she’s tackled suicide, depression, bullying, eating disorders, as well as physical and sexual abuse, all the while weaving elements of humor into the storylines in effort to balance the difficult topics. Often described as roller coaster rides, her novels are known for eliciting a wide range of emotions in each story she tells.

Reviews

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaching toward him, I run my fingertips down his cheek and then trail them gently across his
lips as a single tear runs down my face. “I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person the way that I love you.”

Holy Moly!! This is one of the best books I've read this year. If you enjoy a book that packs an emotional punch, a book where you can really feel soul deep the emotions of the central characters then this one is for you.


I’ve read and really enjoyed L.B. Simmons before – the first book in this series, Running On Empty, was a feel good romance and I loved it but nothing could have prepared me for the emotional roller-coaster I was about to embark on when I picked up Running In Place to read. I got all misty eyed by page two – just reading the prologue made me realise I was in for something far deeper here. I started it Saturday night and I finished it Sunday morning, stopping only for sleep and to make coffee. I quite literally could not put it down and I was engrossed right from the tear-jerker prologue all the way right through to the epilogue which also made me cry. This book is quite simply breath-taking – it’s beautiful and it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.

So we start with Noah & Tatum, both working at the same bar, both very broken by the pain of their past, both dating other people in doomed relationships, both of them are ‘settling for less’, unsure of their own self-worth. They’re kindred spirits and slowly they come to realise this and develop an incredible connection which made my heart positively melt.

You have no idea how much your words, when I read them, touched my soul. To know that someone out there feels the same pain, the heartache…well, it makes me feel not so alone.

My heart hurt so badly for Tatum right from the very first page. She’s masking a world of sorrow, years of hurt behind a fake smile and a quirky sense of humour. I literally ached for the lost childhood, the terror and pain she has endured, her loss, the guilt she feels over that loss and the blame that is heaped upon her and, most of all, I hurt for just how alone she is and has been for years. The people that should have been there to protect her and to cherish her have either lashed out and abused her or simply turned their backs. From the child quaking in fear, hiding in her closet to the adult that is settling for a loser fuckwit of a boyfriend because she can’t even begin to believe that she deserves anything better – she quite simply broke my heart.

Noah can see this pain a mile off. He recognises it – it’s completely familiar to him. He’s also suffered the pain of loss, the lack of love and he completely ‘gets’ Tatum. She touches him soul deep and he aches to just take her in his arms and ease some of that pain. Sorrow is casting long shadows over both of their lives.

Then, once again leaning forward, he places his lips tenderly on every single inch of my marred skin. After what seems like hours, he utters, pride lacing his tone, “Beautiful. These are your strength, Tate. What you’ve overcome. Never be ashamed of them.”

Words cannot express just how much I loved Noah. Right from the very beginning, before anything happened between him and Tatum, my stomach did those crazy little flip-flops every time he was on a page. I just adored him. He’s sexy, funny, very protective I just melted into a puddle right at his feet. I love the way the lyrics that he writes showcase his deepening affection and love for Tatum. He’s also holding back emotions and feelings, conforming to the life he’s supposed to be living and his relationship with Tatum just allows him to be free, to unleash all those pent-up feelings and finally just be Noah, for the first time in his life.

Her eyes break away as I continue to speak, my head shaking back and forth as I finally throw down my gauntlet. “I’m tired of denying myself the only thing in my life that I’ve ever really wanted. And I want you. Every part of you,flaws and all.”

There’s no doubt about it – these two heal one another. This is journey of self-discovery, of learning to let go of the coping mechanisms both have employed for so long to deal with the pain of the past, of learning to embrace the beauty of the love they now share (and it is a thing of beauty), learning to accept themselves for who they really are and, eventually, moving forward together to a happier future.

“I have no right to attempt to make a life of my own. I have no right to believe that who I want to be can even exist. But, most of all,” his tear-filled eyes rise back to mine, “I have no right to love you as much as I do. But, goddamn Tate. I do. I love you so much that it hurts. My heart is deliberately being torn from my chest, leaving a void that no one will ever be able to fill, no matter how far away I am. You have to believe that.

Please believe that.”

It’s not all about the intense emotions, there’s also plenty of humour here too – like when Noah suggests that Tatum helps him wash his jeep, braless in a white T-shirt. We get a little glimpse of Blake & Alex and her adorable daughters plus we get a bit closer to Trace, Tatum’s big brother. Theirs is also a fractured relationship that needs to be healed. Harlow also has a pivotal role to play – she’s wise beyond her years and, as always, is there to pick up the pieces when everything seems lost.

I loved this book so much – if you enjoy a story that you can connect with on a deep emotional level, that you can really feel everything along with the characters and completely lose yourself in, then Running In Place will absolutely work for you. It’s told from their alternating POVs which really allows you to get inside both of their heads and ride the gamut of emotions right along with them. It’s a story of salvation and how love really can conquer all the pain of the past, it’s captivating and breathtaking and it’s truly a thing of beauty.

Writing this review has been quite cathartic for me. When you get so caught up in a book like this, it’s almost impossible to move on to your next read without a massive book hangover and pouring all my feelings into this review has definitely helped.

5 emotional stars – way more if I could.

For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.

[Victoria S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed for
Give Me Books Blog at:
http://givemebooksblog.blogspot.com/2...

Utterly Breathtaking, Writing at its Finest! 5 Stars doesn't do it justice.

I have to say I was eerie when I finished Recovery and read the sneak peek to Running in Place. I had expected the follow-up in this series to be about Harlow & Trace. I had no clue who Tatum and Noah were. Holy Heart Fluttering Swoonattack of a read! If you thought Alex and Blake's story was heartwarming, while I love that couple dearly, Tatum & Noah's story captivates you and touches your soul. I am speechless, no matter what I write about this story, it will not be enough praise for Ms.L.B Simmons.

Let’s start off by introducing the heroine, mesmerizingly beautifully broken, Tatum O’Connell. She is gorgeous, smart, a spitfire of wit and rage. Yet, she is so insecure and lost. She struggles to overcome a childhood of tragedy, abuse, and abandonment. Tatum endured so much as a child into early adulthood, her mode of coping was writing in her journal. Each chapter that we get Tatum’s POV, we are also receive a snip of her journal entry. These help expose the reader to Tatum’s past while making the connection as to why she is the woman she has become—bitter, lonely, spirit broken, unsure shell of a woman.



Enter in our hero Noah Reese. If you thought Blake was a knight in shining armor, Noah is like truly a Godsend.



Working as a bartender at Tatum’s brothers, Trace, bar, he is just passing time till he attends Med school; a career path chosen by his father. To Tatum, his exterior comes off as Mr. Perfect, which causes her to clash tooth and nail with him. Under the surface, Noah is anything but perfect he suffers to overcome his own demons (his Father being the devil himself). Originally Noah was asked to keep an eye out on Tatum by request of her brother; however, his sights are drawn in being completely captivating by her. The saying goes “Actions speak louder than words” but holy heart melting phrases Noah uses both. He shows and uses swoonful words to help Tatum accept her self-worth and beauty.



Together they help each other grow. They don’t fight one another’s battle for the other, they fight side by side, hand and hand, heart to heart.

Both character’s past continue to haunt them over the course of the book. You will never put your pom poms down, always rooting for them to find some kind of solace and happiness after all the pain and grief both have endured. Both characters are flawed which is refreshing that one isn’t poster child for unicorns. The pace is realistic no insta-love. Although both are twenty-three years old, the mature they emit helps captures you into their story even more; no eye rolls only heartstring tugging.

Ms. Simmons doesn’t leave you hanging, we get glimpses of Alex and the girls (Riley is freakin’ hilarious I want to have a daughter just like her!) Blake steps up as a brother figure, Harlow is Queen of Awesomeness she mentors Tatum throughout the book with her usual in your face bluntness:

“If only I ruled the world. Things would be much easier and make a helluva lot more sense.” –Harlow Reed’s Personal Mantra

Lastly, the development we see between Tatum and her relationship with her brother Trace will make your heart break then slowly piece together.

The writing is flawless and breathtaking. Ms. Simmons does what the series title infers, this story will mend your heart. Finger ready, set, ONE-CLICK!!!!!



“I received an ARC copy in exchange of an honest review.”

[Luciana]

Does anyone know who this book is about?! Are we going to get some more of Alex and Blake's relationship or maybe Harlow and Trace's? I really hope it's about Alex and Blake!!!

[Asia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the previous books but this one was much better. I love Tatum and Noah!

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

L.B. Simmons has given me a book that I absolutely, hands down, ENJOYED. It has everything you could possibly want, a good amount of angst, the push and pull is perfect and the steaminess will make your toes curl!

There were moments throughout the book where I was told things versus being shown but I was able to overlook that as the story had me hooked. Tatum and Noah were so perfect together, nothing else mattered and if it meant I was told a few times…so be it!

This is the story of a very broken girl, Tatum, who is out of control but it’s only because the past has fooled her into believing that she’s not worthy. When someone is screaming ugliness at you, day in and day out, ultimately you begin to believe that it’s true.

Tatum works with the amazing Noah, the hot bartender but she despises him because he’s almost too perfect. The physical attraction that Noah and Tatum feel for each other can be cut with a knife because it’s intense and the push and pull between those two had me wanting more at every page. It’s when the arguing stops that they realize they can be friends but soon they want much more than just friendship.

Running in Place is about learning who you are, loving yourself and doing the things in life that make you happy. While it’s mostly about Tatum, it’s very much Noah’s story too and the comfort they find in each other’s presence gives them the strength to do what’s right and long overdue.

What I specifically loved about the book, besides everything that’s Tatum and Noah is, L.B. Simmons took this story in an edgier direction than what we’re normally accustomed to in her previous books. It’s not quite dark but it definitely had an edge to it and I loved it!

"I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person that way that I love you."

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading L.B. Simmons books, do yourself a favor and let this be the first because I promise you…you’ll love it! ;)

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading this book early. And it was with great pleasure!
While reading Tatum and Noah's story I felt an array if emotions. My heart swelled with love and broke with sadness. I cried, smiled, laughed and fell in love with them. Unlike the other 2 books in The Mending Hearts series (Running on Empty and Recovery) this book has more raw emotion to it. While still a beautiful love story it deals with some serious issues that are absolutely heart wrenching. My personal opinion is that this book is the best of the 3. It has characters from the previous books that I love. I can't get enough of Harlow! Blake, Alex and the girls always bring smiles. But Tatum and Noah have filled my heart! With everything that has happened to them, their beautiful story comes through with triumph! I am suffering on heck of a book hangover from this story. It will be one I carry with me for a while. L.B. Simmons is an amazing author and person! I love her! I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future.

[Tessa Teevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL! I loved this book!!

[Autumn Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I could love another couple more than I love Alex and Blake, but Tate and Noah won me over. Another great book to this series!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading RUNNING IN PLACE since August, when I spent the day by the pool in Vegas with L.B. Simmons. While we sunbathed and had several cocktails, I got the layout of what the story was going to be about. Never did I expect the story that unfolded before my eyes when I finally had the book in my hands. The emotions that I felt tore through my body like a tidal wave. My heart broke for Tatum and Noah. These two individuals have been to hell and back and all I wanted for them was for them to reach their heaven, together.

Tatum was abused by her alcoholic mother as a child and it went on for years after the death of her father. Tatum’s drunken mother blamed her for her father’s death and there was not a day that went by that she was not reminded of it. The pure hatred this woman had for her child was sickening and literally turned my stomach when I read what this poor child had to endure.

“I thought mommies were supposed to love their babies, Daddy. If this is love, then I don’t want it. It hurts too much.” ~ Tatum, Age 7

Tatum was broken, flawed, her soul was shattered. She gave up on her hopes and dreams and was just going through the motions of life. She was just “Running in Place”. Tatum wasn’t living life anymore, she was just trying to survive. Tatum’s relationship with her brother was pretty much non-existent. Other than Sadie, her best friend, Tatum didn’t have anyone. Tatum was alone.

Noah was the manager as well as a bartender at the bar which Trace was part owner. Trace knew that he didn’t have a relationship with his sister, so he asked Noah to keep an eye on her. Noah has been watching Tatum for months. He watched how she acted, how she conducted herself whether it was while she was working, or while a patron at the bar with her friends. Noah grew to like Tatum, however he would never let Tatum know that. The two of them were always at each other’s throats, bickering and fighting with each other.

Tatum thought that Noah was perfect. He had the perfect body, the perfect face, he was always so composed. Tatum thought Noah had it all, little did she know that Noah was not perfect. He had his flaws as well. Noah also had a past, one that he never cared to share. Noah only expresses his feelings and emotions through lyrics. Noah wasn’t living the life he wanted. He was living the life, his father dictated.

After Tatum gets herself into a little trouble, which costs her brother Trace some money to keep her out of jail, Trace makes her work at Blake’s apartment complex to work off some of the debt. When Tatum arrives at the apartment, she realized that work was not only her punishment, but she was being punished by having to work with Noah every day for the entire summer.

Once Tatum leaves her guard down, she begins to get to know Noah. Noah has been watching Tatum spiral out of control. Her boyfriend is a dead beat, who doesn’t deserve her. The only problem is, Tatum doesn’t think she deserves better.

“You may not believe this but it’s the truth. You deserve to be treasured. You should be with someone who respects you, who makes you a better person, and most of all, who makes you happy.” ~ Noah

“Never settle for less than you’re worth. You don’t give yourself enough credit. Hopefully, one day, you’ll see what everyone else sees.” ~ Noah

Tatum is so broken that she refuses to see her self-worth. Noah knows Tatum deserves more, she deserves to be treasured. Tatum is just so badly damaged from the abuse that she received on a daily basis, that she doesn’t believe him. Tatum thinks that Noah judges her, but in reality he doesn’t. He truly cares about her.

"We all have faults, not everyone can be perfect, like you. I hope you know that’s not meant to be an insult, so please don’t take it that way. I just mean, some of us are flawed and have to deal with that we’re given.” ~ Tatum

“Broken hopes and expectations can leave very, very broken people. So, after a while, you learn not to aim so high, because when people fail you, you land hard and there’s only so many times a person can be shattered before they’re beyond repair.” ~ Tatum

Noah is developing feelings for Tatum the more he spends time with her. Noah’s life has been mapped out for him. After fighting his feelings for Tatum for months, he decided it was time that for the first time in his life, he was allowing himself to live in the moment. He was allowing himself to follow his heart instead of following his head.

Both Noah and Tatum have a past, a past that broke their spirits. Would they be strong enough to move forward from their pasts? Were they going to allow their pasts to dictate their futures? Could Tatum and Noah have a future together? Were they willing to take the chance? Was the timing right for a relationship to develop between the two of them?

Could Tatum work her relationship out with her brother Trace? Would Tatum be able to leave the hate behind that she had for her mother? Would Tatum always carry that burden with her?

I absolutely LOVED this book. I didn’t think it was possible to love a book like I loved Running On Empty and Recovery. I had fallen in love with Blake and Alex. Noah sure did make it easy to fall in love with him. L.B. Simmons made me fall in love with him and as I got to know his story. It made me love him even more, if that was even possible. I was routing for Tatum the entire time. I wanted her to find inner peace and I wanted her to be able to let go of her past. I didn’t want her future to be tarnished with what she went through. She deserved to be happy. I was a cheerleader on the side lines routing for her and Noah the entire time. I wanted Noah to her knight in shining armor. Noah didn’t want to fix Tatum, he wanted to love her, cherish her. He accepted Tatum, for who she was, flaws and all. Everyone has flaws. None of us are perfect, we can only hope that we find that person who is perfect for us.

Running in Place was a great book. I didn’t expect anything less. L.B. Simmons delivered another great novel, and I look forward to getting my girl, Harlow’s story. I have been waiting patiently. Hint hint….

This review was prepared by Heather.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running In Place by LB Simmons
4 stars!!

“Your soul provides the air, now all you have to do is jump. Soar, Tatum. I love you. Always. ~ Noah”

Having read the first book in this series Running On Empty I thought I knew what I would be getting, but this book is a totally different cookie. It is raw, emotionally powerful and very all consuming. The prologue pulls you in and you know that this is going to be one of those books that chews you up and spits you out at the other end.

In this book, it is not just one broken party, both parties are broken in their own way. This is a story of finding the strength and courage to deal with the past and also having the courage to move forward, even if it is extremely frightening and not what you had planned.

Tatum is extremely broken, after the death of her father her life was never the same again, in more ways than one. She learned to deal, but what were the side effects? Serious self-esteem issues, night mares, settling rather than taking but most of all feeling alone. No-one understood her, they just saw the fake smile and the fake bubbly personality and thought all was right in her life, but did anyone know the “real” Tatum.

“I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person the way that I love you.”

Tatum’s brother was a lot older, after his fathers death he had already left the family home and had left Tatum with their mother. He had a hard time dealing himself, but now that he was stronger in himself he wanted to build bridges with his little sister, but Tatum wouldn’t let him in. He therefore asked Noah to keep an eye on her for him. Noah, didn’t need to be asked, he had been studying her for ages. He was intrigued, enthralled, he wanted to know her better. She was the complete opposite of him, he was perfect, perfect life, perfect grades or was it? Did anyone really know Noah? What did Noah really want? He too was broken, his mother had died, he was brought up by his father who was more interested in public appearances than what was best for his son. Noah had to follow in his footsteps and that was the be all and end all. Would Noah ever have the courage to stand up to his father and be the man he wants to be rather than the son that his father wants?

“I have no right to challenge my father. I have no right to attempt to make a life of my own. I have no right to believe that who I want to be can even exist. But, most of all,” his tear filled eyes rise back to mine, “I have no right to love you as much as I do. But, goddamn Tate. I do. I love you so much that it hurts. My heart is deliberately being torn from my chest, leaving a void that on one will ever be able to fill, no matter how far away I am. You have to believe that. Please believe that.”

The lyrics in this book are heart breaking, at the beginning of each chapter you either have an entry from Tatum’s journal or Lyrics from Noah’s journal, these were emotional at times and after reading them you knew what laid in front of you in that chapter. They made the book for me.

These two are extremely good for each other, but we are swinging from a hate relationship to a like then love. It is a full circle for these two. But once they get to know one another it soon becomes apparent that they were made for each other. Two broken souls who need to learn to love themselves before loving each other. They are fiercely protective of one another, they can be themselves together, they are two halves of a whole but is it their time now? Can two broken people survive as one or do they need to wait until they are both healed?

Loved this story. Such a great journey for these two, beautifully written, extremely emotional but captivating. I couldn’t put it down. There is humour in here too, so you will laugh as much as you cry but it is a beautifully balanced book that will have you soul searching.

We also get glimpses of Blake and Alex and their children. Trace, Tatum’s big brother has a story to tell, I am sure! Harlow, was an amazing character in this book, she was strong and solid and was the sensible one. She was extremely motherly bless her.

I can’t wait to read more from this series, love the writing, love the characters just love this series. Fab job LB Simmons once again!

www.theromancecover.com

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my absolute favourite series' and I had the honour to be on the Blog Tour for the first book and the novella and now I have the honour to be on the Blog Tour for this book, which is freaking amazing! I knew that this book wasn't going to be about the main characters in the first book and the novella and that it was going to be about secondary characters from those books, which made me really excited! This author's writing is so beautiful and it just sucks me right in! I honestly can't get enough of it, so I always look forward to reading more from her! This book was Tatum and Noah's story and it was flippin amazing! I couldn't wait to read it and it definitely lived up to my expectations! The plot of this book was amazing! It was about the two main characters finding themselves! They have to fight their demons, both together and alone to come out at the other end! There are just no words to describe the plot as it was just absolutely perfect! I fell completely in love with it! It was beautifully written as well! The characters were absolutely amazing! Tatum was the main female character and she was such a fragile character, but she had a façade around her to make her look a happy, content person! Her façade was a good one to everyone, but one! Noah! He saw right through Tatum's façade and he sort of made it his mission to discover the girl underneath it! Tatum was such a sweet person! I adored her! My heart went out to her in this book as she went through things that made my heart break! I wasn't expecting Tatum to have went through and to go through such horrible things during and before this book, so this did surprise me, but it really showed why Tatum acted the way she did! Noah was the main male character and he was seriously hot! I loved how amazing he was with Tatum as he was so sweet towards her, but he was brutally honest with her as well! I also loved how protective he was of Tatum and I could see that he really would do anything to keep her safe and to make her happy! Tatum and Noah's relationship was so beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! I loved watching it unfold! This book was also written in both Tatum and Noah's point of views which I loved as seeing their relationship develop through both of their eyes was so amazing! I also loved that Alex and Blake were back in this book as I fell in love with them in their books and I loved seeing how far their relationship had progressed! I'm not sure if there's going to be another book in this series or a novella or anything for Tatum and Noah, but I really hope there is! I love this series and I would be seriously upset to say goodbye to it! The cover for this book is absolutely stunning! It suits the other covers in the series perfectly as well! Big thank you to L.B. Simmons for an ARC of Running in Place and to Brandee's Book Endings for having me on the Blog Tour!

[Book Drunk Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received ARC for honest review

4.5 Stars:

I think the best way for me to start this review is to first tell you the moral of this story- you must first know and love yourself before you can love anyone else. Great moral, right?

Tatum is this gorgeously broken girl. She is beautiful, funny, smart and witty but she is also very unsure of herself. She doesn't know who she is or worse why she is. She has been told nearly her whole life how much of a disappointment she is, how ugly she is and what a horrible person she is, so of course she believes those things.

Noah is our hero. He is the bartender at the bar Tatum works at-she hates him. She hates him because much like her he puts on a great front; however her front is this carefree, fun girl and his is this perfect, OCD guy. Noah is perfect but not so perfect you hate him.

Running In Place tells Tatum and Noah's stories. We learn of their pasts and what makes them who they are, we learn of their internal struggles and finally we learn who they are as individuals and as a couple.

"I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person that way that I love you."

The two of them are so perfect together I found myself reading with my fingers crossed, just praying they make it.

I loved this book, I was captured from page one, I couldn't wait to find out who they were right along with them. If I had a complaint it would be that it ended...I sincerely hope Ms. Simmons gives me more Tatum and Noah!

"Tatum and her overwhelming excitement for me makes me smile like a goofy, love-struck douchebag. Because, it just so happens, that's exactly what I am."

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Gosh... so good! Ok, so first let me say that L.B. Simmons is one of my most favorite authors. I adore her & her books! To be a first time author she has knocked it out of the ballpark with her latest book in this series. The story of Noah & Tatum is amazing and these characters elicit such emotion from you as a reader. I felt their anger, hurt, grief, passion and love, but the chemistry between these two is... wow! People.... peeeee-puuulllll... they are hawt :)

I love these characters but they are very different from Alex & Blake, with whom I fell in love with in RoE & Recovery. However, I think it's safe to say that Noah & Tatum may have topped them in RiP. :) As a big plus, you get blips of Alex & Blake and Harlow & Trace throughout this story. Also, you have dual points of view in RiP which was fantastic. She takes you from Tatum's thought process and then moves you right into Noah's mind not missing a beat. That was great because I didn't feel like I missed out on anything... I got the full story from both of them and it makes it complete.

This book is definitely more saucy than the first 2, but I think with these 2 characters and where they are in life, it's very appropriate given their circumstances. October 24th you need to be 1-clicking!!! You will love this book!!

[Kathy Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Tatum O'Connell is misunderstood. She is viewed as a party girl yet she is really just a broken girl grasping at straws to find her way in life. Noah Reese is also misunderstood. He is viewed as no less than perfect, yet he is tired of living his make believe perfect life. Both of them have issues stemming from the loss of parents and lack of love in their lives. They're each living half a life... Together can they make each other whole?

This was a beautiful story of love conquering all. What I loved about this story is that even with all of the heavy topics involved (there are some dark moments for both characters) there was plenty of laughter. Tatum and Noah were understandable and lovable. They were flawed, but they were real.

I highly recommend this novel!

4.5 stars for Running in Place!

Favorite quote:
"Well, now I live and breathe you, because you own me."

[Bj]

Free on Amazon as of 10/12/14.

[Trisha ❊ Devoured Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. WOW. WOW.

Beautiful book. I am SOOOO in love!!!

Noah -sigh-

MUST READ!!!!

[Ena May - Swoon Worthy Books/Enticing Journey Book Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is my very first L.B. Simmons read and where the heck have I been? I loved Running in Place that I will now go back and read all her previously published books.

Running in Place is a book about just that. Feeling like you are constantly running in place and never really going anywhere. Due to circumstances beyond her control when she was just a little girl she is now all grown up but lost and alone. Having nothing to show for her life she doesn’t know how to let the past go and grow and move forward. Aimlessly running in place Tatum has to hit rock bottom before deciding that it’s time to say good bye to her past and finally look forward to her future.

Noah has always tried to live up to the expectation of his father, even when those dreams aren’t his own. Growing up under a hard hand there isn’t room for mistakes and when those mistakes occur Noah’s father is the first one to discipline his son with those very hands that are supposed to protect him. Noah doesn’t live his life – he lives his father and he doesn’t dare go against that. Not being able to follow his dream and meeting Tatum who is a free bird Noah is torn between learning to stand up for himself and live his life or continue to follow in the footsteps that his father has laid out for him being alone and miserable.

Will Noah finally say enough is enough and take charge of his life and live or for him? Can Tatum finally learn to let go of her past and move forward toward a bright future or will the demons that still haunt her continue to drag her down and keep her Running in Place?

One glance in the mirror, I’m brought back to reality and reminded exactly why I can never allow myself the luxury of someone like Noah Reese. The way I felt, the way I feel, when he touches me…
He will absolutely shatter me.
And there will be no coming back from that.

Noah melted my heart – the ultimate book boyfriend from his sexy head to toe self to his big sweet heart. He is such a wonderful character to fall in love with because he proves over and over again that he has so much to offer our leading lady – Tatum. He is everything that is swoon worthy and left me feeling….



Noah is so protective of Tatum and wants to take that sadness out of her eyes. He wants whatever is dragging her down to take that from her and watch her fly. He will do whatever he has to do to set her free from her past and have her see the bright future she could have if she learns to let go.

“I know a lot about you because I’ve been watching you for a very long time. At first I observed you, because you intrigued me. I didn’t understand you.” He takes another step and I counter backwards, only to hit the wall behind me. “Then I studied you, because you captivated me. I found everything you did absolutely fascinating. And now,” he takes one more step and then places his palms flat against the wall, one on each side of my head. Leaning in, his warm breath hits my ear as he speaks. “Well, now I live and breathe you, because you own me.”

(Holy book boyfriend of the year right there! Give me just a minute – I am having a personal issue and I am a puddle of mush….)

Tatum is a ticking time bomb and at any moment she is going to blow. The things she went through growing up broke my heart and left me…..



My heart broke for her and I found myself wanting to help her, fix her. The letters read in this story will rip your heart out. So much of Tatum’s life was put out there to be judged and you get to know her on a deep level. I saw a very sad and broken girl who isn’t quite strong enough to let go and move forward with her life. She needs something and that someone is Noah!

“I dealt with it the only way that I knew how, that’s how I fucking survived. I was alone,” I gasp for breath as the reality of this conversation sucks the air from my lungs, “He was the only person I had to talk to. He was there for me when no one else was.”

Noah did frustrate me a bit during Running In Place because I was hoping and praying that he would finally wake up and stand up to his father and finally after all the years of total control and abuse he would finally give his dad exactly what he needs. I really wanted to see Noah to finally face him with this….



Noah and Tatum have so much more in common and they need each other. The compassion and need that Noah has to help Tatum is powerful and he wants so badly to help her move forward if he isn’t willing to do that himself. He helps her, pushes her, and is basically just there for her whenever she needs him.

“Tate, open your eyes. Look at me, baby.” I keep them closed, not ready to face the wary expression in front of me. “Let me in, Tate. Open your eyes.”

I can’t even begin to describe the energy that runs between Noah and Tatum. It’s explosive and beautiful and you will find yourself wanting them to help mend each other. I want to see them come together and learn how to finally love themselves enough that they can love each other. Learn how to let go of their past and fly free into their future. This type of love will last a lifetime they just have to finally take a stand and jump into it together. They need to finally speak a loud everything they are feeling inside.



But the summer is winding down and with Harvard in Noah’s future their time together is coming to a close. Tatum is finally learning to let go of her past and look forward but what will happen with the one person she has completely 100% opened up to doesn’t follow his own advice and leaves?

With tears in my eyes, I finish my final letter to you, knowing that you will also find your peace. You will always be in my memories and in my heart – never forgotten. You’re just free now.

Can Tatum learn to fly free and finally love herself? Will Noah finally start living his own life the way he wants to live it or will he say good-bye to the only person he has ever truly love so she can finally fly free?

L.B. Simmons thank you so much for giving us such a beautiful story of learning to overcome your past and love yourself no matter what. Running in Place to me was a story and living your life and learning to grow your wings and fly. It is beautiful and now I need to go back and read every book you have out to date.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Achingly honest and deeply heartfelt. A story of pain and survival… of two broken souls finding hope in each other despite the darkness that consumes them.

4.5 stars.

----

“Broken hopes and expectations can leave very, very broken people. So after a while, you learn not to aim so high because when people fail you, you land hard and there’s only so many times a person can be shattered beyond repair.”

The first thing that struck me about this book is just how honest it came across. I felt it full of heart, unadulterated by verbosity, with power, pain and heartache lacing each deceptively simple word. This story stirred so many feelings within me. Author L.B. Simmons takes us to some dark places to better understand her character’s motivations, allowing us to expressly feel the extent of their brokenness. This is the first book I’ve read by L.B. Simmons and I was really impressed by the authenticity of the storytelling. It was gripping and engaging from beginning to end. She was able to deliver a really poignant story, full of heartache, courage, love and even joy.

“If you don’t let it out, eventually you’ll suffocate your soul.”

Tatum O’Connell had a childhood full of tragedy, abuse and disappointment. After the crushing loss of her father, she was left with a mother who despised her and blamed her for his death. Her brother left home too and from that point on she was alone with her grief, scarred inside and out. She grew up desperately missing her father and feeling as if she had no one to count on, no one who loved her. Memories of her past consume her as her mother’s hateful words relentlessly pound her thoughts.

“The anger overwhelms me. It festers inside my soul, inside my mind, its darkness spreading throughout my entire being. I hate her. I hate myself.”

Although Tatum is most definitely a survivor, she’s unable to see her strength. Everyone she’s cared for has abandoned her, and so she’s built a self-destructive life that’s bereft of any real love, without much responsibility, downing drink after drink and holding on to a horrible boyfriend who barely pays her any attention. And although her past is forever present, she’s not been able to face her pain and let go of it in order to heal.

Working at her brother’s bar, Tatum is often around Mr. Perfect, Noah Reese. He always seems to watch her and when they’re around each other, it’s as if two opposite forces collide. Noah is the complete opposite of Tatum. Always in control, focused, never an emotional outburst of any kind. When they are unexpectedly thrust together over the course of one summer, they discover they are more alike then they ever would have imagined. Noah has become numb over the years, his calm exterior a deceptive mask that hides the fury dormant within. His cruel father has dictated every detail of his life since his mother died. Noah has trained himself to feel nothing, want nothing. He has no freedom. When Tatum disrupts his life like a tornado, he’s suddenly swept in a maelstrom of emotion. He feels too much, too deeply. Although she’s always intrigued him, it’s the sorrow behind her eyes he’s driven to fix. The more Noah gets to know her, the more he realizes how broken she is, but also how much beauty lies hidden inside.

“You may not believe this but it’s the truth. You deserve to be treasured. You should be with someone who respects you, who makes you a better person, and most of all, who makes you happy.”

Noah makes Tatum feel beautiful and cared for. She finds herself opening up to him, needing him and ultimately loving him. For Noah, Tatum ignites the smoldering fire within, pushing him to feel, to question, to desire. His perfectly built exterior begins to crumble as he dares to imagine a life of his own choosing… free to pursue what he wants and stay with whom he loves.

“I guess you’ve tapped into the emotions and feelings that I’ve been holding back for so long. They just erupt when I’m around you. The anger, the need to protect, the desire… they flood my system and I lose all control.”

Together, they challenge each other, love each other — flaws and all. As their relationship intensifies however, the reality of their issues holds them back and they both have decisions to make about their future. They are both at a crossroads and their choices will impact their life in a very permanent way.

“Reaching toward him, I run my fingertips down his cheek and then trail them gently across his lips as a single tear runs down my face. “I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person the way that I love you.”

It’s really a beautiful, touching story about finding the courage to let go. A well developed cast of supporting characters from the previous books help our protagonists in their journey. And although I struggled with the way some of the relationships came to a close, I really loved characters like Harlow, Blake and Alex. L.B. Simmons also includes some very moving notes/lyrics at the beginning of each chapter, which I felt was an ingenious choice in helping to enhance the impact of the story every step of the way. Overall, I was left feeling happy and hopeful and I strongly urge you to read this book. It’s absolutely one of my favorite standalones of the year!

“We both have our share of trauma-filled pasts, but these moments when it’s just us – no worries or pain or guilt – my eyes have no choice but to release the overflow of pure joy that fills my heart.”

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[Natasha is a Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person the way that I love you.”

There are authors whose writing is so clearly a direct reflection of the steadily joyous outlook on life that runs through their veins, and after three instalments of this marvellous series, I am convinced that L.B. Simmons’ books are akin to happy pills. This is a story that excited me, elated me, made me hope it would never end, but it also crushed me and made me hide my head under a pillow, unable to take any more of my own heartbreak. This is a bright new direction for the series that promises to keep us on our toes with each new instalment.

Life has been pretty rotten to young Tatum O’Connell, her childhood having been what true nightmares are made of. Growing up with a disturbed mother and having had no one to save her from the horrors of her abuse, have shaped Tatum into a self-sufficient young woman who relies on no one in life, but who is inherently lonely at the best of times. Her latest boyfriend is neglectful and inconsiderate, but she chooses to keep him in her life, preferring his predictable carelessness over the prospect of being alone. She is still a lost little girl who defies the world around her by never committing to anything in her life, secretly hoping that people would stop wanting to “fix” her and aching for someone to finally want her for who she is, flaws and all.

“Broken hopes and expectations can leave very, very broken people. So after a while, you learn not to aim so high because when people fail you, you land hard and there’s only so many times a person can be shattered before they’re beyond repair.”

Noah is everything Tatum is not – collected, focussed, motivated. Or that is the mask he wears every single day of his life for the whole world to see. He has long forgotten what he wants out of life because he’s always had someone telling him what his future would be. A loveless childhood with a tyrant of a father has turned Noah into someone who is constantly pushing himself to meet set expectations, knowing all too well that no level of excellence would ever satisfy his father’s unachievable goals. When Noah meets Tatum, her chaotic and self-destructive existence equally fascinates him as well as frustrates him, seeing her rebellious act for the cry for help that it really is.

“Her eyes betray the sorrow that consumes her. What caused this pain?”

When the repercussions of Tatum’s latest tantrum cause her to have to spend a whole summer working closely alongside Noah, they are forced to get to know each other better and slowly reach past each other’s defences. The more they find out about one another, the more protective they become of each other’s wellbeing, and soon their hearts are hopelessly beating in sync. Loving and wanting each other desperately is easy, it comes naturally to both of them, but acknowledging those feelings openly is the hard part. The invisible thread to their pasts constantly pulls them in opposite directions, testing their resolve and forcing them to acknowledge the prospect of a future that is bound to make them miserable, unless they seize the happiness that life is finally offering them.

“I’m tired of denying myself the only thing in my life that I’ve ever really wanted. And I want you. Every part of you, flaws and all.”

It’s a story of courage, resilience, grabbing life by the horns instead of sitting on the sidelines, and it is a story about finding the kind of love that makes you brave enough to take control of your own destiny. This is a huge departure for this author in every possible way – it’s a fresh new style, fresh new feel to the story, and brand new direction for the series. Ms Simmons has taken numerous risks with the storyline, delving into much deeper characterisation of the key players, adding complex psychological layers to them that have made this story a real treat to sink our teeth into. The secondary characters play a vital role in the overall picture as well, some “old friends” making recurring appearances and aiding Tatum and Noah on their path to freedom from the shackles of their pasts. The general “feel” of the book might be slightly darker and edgier than its prequels, but the overwhelming air of wholesome goodness is ever-present and it’s like watching a favourite romantic movie for the umpteenth time – you just know you’ll be smiling in the end.

I wish some parts of the plotline had been given more airtime, I wish some secondary characters’ actions had made more sense to me, I wish Tatum’s relationship with her brother had given me more comfort in the end, but ultimately none of my wishes take away from the stunning story that this book truly is. It put my poor heart through the wringer, making me care for the characters, invested in their journey from start to finish. Just when I thought no one could come close to Blake and Alex in my heart, Ms Simmons gave us Noah and Tatum…

“I have absolutely no fight left in me when it comes to you. I have no walls, no defense, no safety net, no plan. I just am when I’m with you.”

[4.5 STARS]



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[Lauren ♥ Inked in Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read this and other reviews at Madison Says

It is no secret that I have a girl crush on L.B. Simmons. She is fan-freakin’-tastic, both as an author and as a human being in general. I stumbled upon the first book in the Mending Hearts series, by chance. Thank the Lord above for the recommendations Amazon gives. It’s though that first book, Running on Empty, that I was introduced to Alex and Blake. *sigh* I have said it once and I’ll say it again, I might even scream it from my roof top, Blake Morgan IS the perfect man. Period. End of sentence. In a very sweet novella entitled Recovery, focused again on Alex and Blake, we’re briefly introduced to Tatum O’Connell and Noah Reese. Running in Place is their story…

Tatum, Tatum, Tatum… What can I say about this girl? At the ripe old age of 6, Tatum loses her father, and in doing so, never fully recovers. She lives a life saturated with fear and pain. Her mother, if you can even call her that, is the worst kind of person. She blames Tatum for her father’s passing, and constantly causes both physical and emotional scars. Tatum’s brother, Trace, left after her father’s death, visiting maybe twice over the years. Tatum tried to tell her brother about the abuse, but he just seems to brush it off; refusing to acknowledge the mistreatment Tatum has endured at their mother’s hand. Her only escape is writing to her father. Keeping his memory alive and clinging to the only person she has left who cares for her. Only he’s not really there, is he? She’s alone…


“Broken hopes and expectations can leave very broken people. So, after a while, you learn not to aim so high, because when people fail you, you land hard and there’s only so many times a person can be shattered before they’re beyond repair.”

Noah Reese is Mr. Perfect. He should probably have a crown and a sash – like a beauty pageant winner, proudly displaying his superiority to all those around him. He’s going to Harvard Med. School for god sake. Even his hair is perfect – never a strand out of place. Then, in walks Tatum, and his perfectly placed façade begins to crack. You see, for years, Noah has had to be perfect. He didn’t have a choice. He still doesn’t; at least he doesn’t think he does. Noah wants Tatum, but at what price? Will she be enough to keep him in Waco, or will he leave for Harvard, and the life his father has mapped out for him?


I know I’m supposed to keep my distance, but there’s just something about her that I’m drawn to, and I’m seemingly defenseless against it. There’s a part of me that’s just overcome with the need to protect her, mainly from her own masochistic tendencies.

Blake will always be my leading man, but I cannot tell a lie, I’m kind of like Abraham Lincoln in that way, Noah, he comes in as a close second. He’s smart, funny, sweet, and rough around the edges. I mean, come on… He plays the guitar (not to mention writes his own lyrics…). What’s not to love here?

Saying that both Tatum and Noah are broken is like saying that the desert is a little sandy. These two individuals are shattered, beaten, broken, torn apart, and until recently, very much alone. They’ve both suffered through some unimaginable pain and loss; coping through writing in one form or another. Incredibly enough, even with all the torture, torment and abuse, this is the first L.B. Simmons book that I have been able to complete without blubbering like a baby. That’s not to say there aren’t sad parts – there most certainly are, but the story just didn’t hit me as hard as Running on Empty or Recovery did. Those two convinced me that Ms. Simmons has a hidden agenda and must in fact work for Kleenex. It’s the only logical deduction.


“I’m tired of denying myself the only thing in my life that I’ve ever really wanted. And I want you. Every part of you, flaws and all.”

Watching both Tatum and Noah come into their own, break off the shackles of their childhood and learn to fly using their own wings? Priceless. Even after years of suffering, they both have such big, beautiful hearts. They may not have been willing or able to give them away prior to meeting one another, but that’s what makes it even more beautiful. They needed one another to grown into the people they were meant to be. Tatum needs to stop hiding behind men who are obviously not worth her time, and copious amounts of alcohol. Noah needs to let down his mask of perfection and live the life HE wants to live, not his father. It’s not easy to change. It’s scary as hell. Watching them take that journey together, and separately, was flat-out fabulous.

We do get little snippets here and there of Alex, Blake and the girls, as well as Harlow and Trace – all of which I love and adore. To be quite honest with you, Trace pissed me off a few times during this read, but lucky for him, Harlow made up for his lack of a heart, and in the end he redeemed himself as I knew he would.

I can’t give L.B. Simmons enough praise. Seriously, I think she may be a Kleenex obsessed super woman. She brings characters to life, making them irresistible to the reader. You can’t help but feel their pain, carry their burdens, and cheer them on in their attempt to find love and happiness. She’s one of my favorites for a reason, and after reading one or all of her books, I’m sure you will love her just as much as I do.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Broken hopes and expectations can leave very, very broken people. So, after awhile, you learn not to aim so high, because when people fail you, you land hard and there's only so many times a person can be shattered before they're beyond repair."

Tatum O'Connell is lost, angry, and lacking direction. She suffered during her childhood, but no one understands. She has made poor choices and now she is left feeling alone, working for her brother, and a college drop out. She is out of control. She cannot move on from the anger, hate, and despair. She is stuck and cannot see how to move on.

Noah seems to be "Mr. Perfect" and has it all together. He holds down two jobs and just got accepted to Harvard. He is sarcastic, flirty, and controlled. He tries to keep his life in order. He does his best to watch out for his boss's sister, Tatum, even though she drives him crazy. They are like oil and water. They completely collide and explode when around each other.

But they eventually begin to discover that even thought they are seemingly opposites, their pasts hold some similarities. Things are not always how they appear. They are just different in the way they deal with and how they face the world. But they have more in common than they would have ever believed.

"I know you, so much more than you realize, Because I am you, My heart drowns in the same sorrow that fills your eyes. So let me in, Please, just let me in..."

The peeling back of their layers was painful, deep, and beautiful. I enjoyed seeing the more vulnerable, real, caring people just looking to really connect with someone. They both were harboring such intense hidden emotions that they gradually were able to share. And they both had alternative ways of expressing their deepest feelings and secrets that added more depth to this story. They were just two beautifully broken people just trying to find their place, but the past kept making it hard to move on to the future.

"It's just--I don't want to be fixed. I want to be accepted, flaws and all."
"Well, that's good, because I can't fix you. Only you can do that. You just have to make that choice."

Their lives were complicated in many ways. There was drama, fears, insecurities, and circumstances beyond their control. Before they can find themselves, they have to face their demons. But their presence in each other's lives provided a much needed catalyst for change.

"There are so many things I wish I had the courage to do. The knowledge of what my life could be haunts me."

"Never settle for less than you're worth. You don't give yourself enough credit. Hopefully, one day, you'll see what everyone else sees."

But is love enough to break the chains that bind? Can they move on together or will they be torn apart?

These characters were so well developed, so intense, and had such a need to grow and change. Their journey was difficult and riddled with pitfalls. They faced many challenges. It was heartbreaking, painful, and emotional. I got angry and frustrated. But those times where you could feel their connection and their need for each other made my heart full. They touched each other on such a deep level. They had serious chemistry, but this book did not need to rely on many sex scenes to show that. You could just feel it.

I loved getting to spend more time with Tatum's older brother, Trace, his sassy girlfriend Harlow, Blake, Alex, and the kids from Running On Empty and Recovery. Tatum's friend Sadie was a feisty addition. I enjoyed seeing them all come together as a pseudo-family for this troubled couple. This whole group of characters has a special place in my heart. L. B. Simmons writes in such an easy to read style, but at the same time completely immerses you in their heartbreak, pain, love, and happy moments. I enjoyed getting both points of view and seeing into their thoughts and their written feelings profoundly captured everything they were dealing with. I felt so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I smiled. It was in inspiring story of facing the past, learning to love yourself, finding your own path, and living life. It could be read as a stand alone, but I cannot recommend this series enough. Every time I read a book by L.B. Simmons she just manages to pull me in, make me laugh, get me totally invested, rip my heart out, and give it back.

Thanks to L.B. Simmons for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.

[Christina Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hopes and expectations can leave very, very broken people. So after a while, you learn not to aim so high because when people fail you, you land hard and there’s only so many times a person can be shattered before they’re beyond repair."

(Thank you to Brandee's Book Endings and L.B. Simmons for providing me with an ARC of Running In Place)

My goodness! I didn't even fathom how much I would LOVE Tate and Noah's story. I've read the previous books in The Mending Hearts series and thought: "Yeah they are good but something is missing.". Which is what I thought I would say about Running in Place. I was so wrong!

L.B. Simmons took the second installment in the series to a whole new level. The writing was breath-taking, the characters were amazing and the story was BEAUTIFUL. I cannot gush enough about this book! But I will stop so that I can tell you about this story. :)

“You may not believe this but it’s the truth. You deserve to be treasured. You should be with someone who respects you, who makes you a better person, and most of all, who makes you happy."

Tatum O'Connell is a very bitter women. With the loss of a father, the anger and resentment of a mother, and the abandonment of a brother, her life has not been easy. She has been alone since the age of 6 and she has a lot of pent up anger. She stands by the notion that no one knows her and no one understands her pain. And because that pain and resentment has festered, Tatum is rebellious and she pushes everyone out of her life. To her Noah Reese is a constant reminder that she lives a miserable and terrible life. His perfection makes her feel inferior. But the day that Noah Reese decides its time he show her otherwise, Tatum finally has the chance to realize that maybe she should stop running from dealing with her demons.

"You have no idea how much your words, when I read them, touched my soul. To know that someone out there feels the same pain, the heartache…well, it makes me feel not so alone."

Noah is the perfect man. He has the looks, the intelligence, the maturity and the positive attitude everyone adores. But under all of his "perfection" Noah suffers his own agony. Everyone see's only what he wants them to see. No one knows the real Noah Reese. So even though he is going through his own pain and he and Tatum do not get along, Noah realizes just how similar they are. He has been watching Tate and has struggled against his need to help, but he finally gives in when they are assigned to work together. He has the whole summer to make her realize just how worthy she is and he will put his feelings for her aside so that he can help her heal. A healing that turns out to be mutual.

“I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person the way that I love you.”

Tatum and Noah both have demons to deal with in Running In Place and both struggle through their journey to relinquish the feelings that has them living in the past. Through all of the pain, the tears, and the resentment, these two find something so pure and so beautiful in each other. The love that develops between these two is so beautiful that you can't help but root for their HEA.

I cannot for the life of me sit here and tell how much I adored Tatum and Noah's story. L.B. has taken these two haunted individuals and showed them the powers of healing through love. From the very first page of their story you will be so consumed with their story that you won't want to stop or want it to end.

"This is family. People who would do anything for you, no questions asked. People who support you and love you as you try to make your place in this world as you see fit, with no ulterior motives. Good people. People that I'm lucky to know."

And I have to also mention that I enjoyed being reunited with the gang. Checking in with Blake, Alex, the girls, Harlow and Trace was wonderful! Being Tatum's older brother, Trace must finally deal with the consequences of his actions and has his own demons to deal with during the story. I look forward to his and Harlow's story and hope that L.B. is working on it. :)

BUY this! READ it! LOVE it!

HAPPY READING!

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running in place tells the story of Tatum O'Connell, who is introduced briefly in L.B.'s book, Recovery. She is the younger sister of Trace O'Connell, a 23 year old woman who appears to be happy and is always smiling, but under the surface is a broken, lost little girl. She's out of control, getting drunk in her brother's bar every night. Her relationship with her brother Trace is virtually non-existent so he enlists the help of Noah Reese to keep an eye on his sister. Tatum can't seem to stand Noah, because he is too perfect, in his appearance and in everything he does. He's only working in her brother's bar for the summer before he heads off to Harvard and medical school.

After Tatum and Noah are forced to work together, we get the first hints of an underlying attraction between these two and they form a hesitant friendship. They're both attracted to each other but since Noah will be leaving at the end of the summer they are determined to just remain friends since anything more than that would just lead to heartache. Noah knows that he could never be just f*ck buddies with Tatum because after one taste of her he would be lost. And Tatum realizes that she has actual feelings for Noah, for the first time in her life since her father passed away.

I thought it was ingenious how L.B. tells a lot of Tatum's history through letters she has written to her father who passed away when she was six years old. Her older brother Trace who is 12 years older than her basically abandoned her when he left at 18 and never came back. Noah has sensed that there is something very deep that has turned Tatum into who she is today and he's determined to find out what it is. The closer he gets to her, the more she reveals to him and his desire to help her becomes stronger and stronger.

All the while Noah is doing everything he can to help Tatum heal, we get glimpse into his life and realize he is just as broken as she is. The similarities in their pasts and childhoods made me think that Fate intervened and brought these two souls together. Can I just say that Noah's father is a d*ck with a capital D... The way he treats Noah and the abuse he rains down on him made me wonder why a man in his early twenties would let someone treat them like that, but I had to step back and realize that this is treatment he has been subjected to his whole life and he knows no other way. It was ironic how Noah was telling Tatum how worthy and beautiful she is, all while apparently not believing this of himself.

Just when I thought that the road ahead for Tatum and Noah is clear sailing, another cruel twist of fate pulls the young couple apart. My heart was breaking at this point in the story. Tatum has made so much progress in her healing, thanks to Noah, and I was scared to death she was going to regress back in to her destructive behavior. I was also devastated for Noah, who needed Tatum's calming presence to calm his inner beast. What would happen to him? Would he ever get out from under his d*ckhead father?

We get to see glimpses in this book of the beloved characters we met in L.B.'s first book, Running on Empty. Alex and Blake and the kids make an appearance so we get a little refresher of their crazy, chaotic lives. And Trace and Harlow are back, with classic Harlow stepping in to be surrogate big sister to Tatum. Gotta love Harlow, I hope we get to see a book on her in the near future!

This was a beautiful story of how two broken souls figure out how to let go of their pasts, to heal, to forgive, and to finally live the lives they've so desperately dreamed of. Big, big **sighs** for Noah and Tatum!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

See full review at www.stephssweetreads.com

This book spoke to my heart in more ways than one. I'm not gonna get too heavy on you, but I will say, I found myself looking at my own life situations with a certain family member and re-evaluating how to move on and forward. So for that L.B., I have to say thank you for opening that part of my broken heart to allow healing of my own.

Running in Place is the perfect book. It has angst, second chances, courage, romance, unconditional love and healing of the deepest, darkest secrets a person could carry. Tatum as been dealt a pretty shitty hand in life, a past with a mother that was abusive and beyond hateful and a brother that left her to deal with it all on her own. She has been cranking the wheel of self destruction her whole life, no hope, no love and no confidence. What is it gonna take for her to stop this pattern and grow up? Be somebody. Love somebody. First item on the list, learn to love herself.

Noah seems to have his perfect life in order, a bright future ahead at Harvard to follow in his father's footsteps. He knows what is expected of him. He's focused. He's motivated. No time for a life, for love, for his music...for her. But deep down, he is sick and tired of living for someone else. For their plan. He has his own dreams, his own desires, his own wants...needs.

Will he be strong enough to finally say "Screw you, I'm doing what I want with my life." Will Tatum learn to deal with her demons in a conducive way, letting go of her shattered past and live the life she deserves?


In true Tatum style, her recent temper tantrum lands her doing double time to pay off the damages. (He deserved it...but we have to stay responsible...dammit!) Trace, her nonexistent brother, makes her work off the debts by painting and getting the duplexes move-in ready. When she walks in, she is met with a beautiful pair of eyes, his eyes. Noah. Now, what's pretty hilarious about this pair...they are the same. Both broken from their pasts, judging one another with the same broken hearts, and both struggling to NOT fall in love with each other. Fate can be a bitch sometimes... While they are forced to work in the same small place, they begin to unravel each other; good, bad or indifferent. With each passing day, they chip away at the shell of their lives and slowly fill their hardened hearts with new hope and desire. Noah becomes her protector, Tatum becomes his rock. Together they help one another see who they want to be, inside and out. In the end, will they win out over their pasts and predestined futures?

I could go on and on and on and on about this book. I don't want to give too much away and I would much rather you to read it for yourselves. To experience the beautiful words, to hear the anguish in their voices, to feel the brokenness of their souls and to watch as they find out who they are supposed to be for themselves, not for someone else.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say I sooooo loved this book!!! You have Tatum. She looks perfect, but on the inside its another story. She drinks and parties to cover her insecurities but there is one person that can see through it all, Noah. Sigh.... Noah, Noah, Noah... what’s not to love about him. He is perfect. He is smart and sexy and is getting ready to head to college to be doctor. Just like his father. So he thinks...


We start with Tatum in a relationship... and not in a good way. She is with a loser and can do so much better. Noah is home for the summer and has a friend with benefits sort of relationship with a coworker. Tatum's brother owns the bar they both work for and has hired Noah to do some side work for him at an apartment complex he owns. When Tatum gets in a little trouble, her brother forces her to work at the apartment complex with Noah. Because they work together at the bar, they know each other but the time they share together only brings them together. They both feel this pull towards each other but since Noah is in a relationship and will be going away for school she fights it.

“Something about him makes me nervous, and not in a good way. In a way that tells me I need to stay far, far away because the feeling I experienced just in that one moment with him, well it’s one that will only end in pain and devastation.”

Noah keeps feeling like he has to protect Tatum and watch out for her. He knows that there is pain behind her eyes and wants to comfort her

“I want to see that beautiful smile of yours not tainted by the sadness in your eyes. You deserve that.”

“I’m tired of denying myself the only thing in my life that I’ve ever really wanted. And I want you. Every part of you, flaws and all.”

When they decide to take that step there are forces that will keep them apart. Will they be able to get past it all and find the love they both deserve or will they be forced to go their separate ways? The road to love is not an easy one and there are many trials and tribulations. Both on the outside have a perfect persona but once you get into the layers they are both so damaged and flawed. Can being together start to heal them both??
I cannot say how much I adore this book. There are parts that gave me straight out chills!! Chills!!! I’m not one to get emotionally attached to a book but this sooo did it for me. The author did an amazing job bring out the emotion in this book and I devoured it in one sitting! I didn’t want it to end! I felt the pain that Tatum was going through and the love that Noah so wanted to share. This is one of the MUST read books for me!

[Blushing Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: Sizzling!!



**Running in Place is a stand-alone book and can be read out of order**



“Broken hopes and expectations can leave very broken people. So, after a while, you learn not to aim so high, because when people fail you, you land hard and there’s only so many times a person can be shattered before they’re beyond repair.”


L.B. Simmons does it again! She delivered a story that packs a powerful punch and really tugs on the reader's heartstrings! I enjoyed getting to know Tatum and Noah and adding them to the cast of characters that I have grown to love since Running on Empty (book #1 of the Mending Hearts series). Sometimes when you meet someone, you never realize how much you are going to be changed from being with them, and honestly, that chance to grow as a person is really the best gift anyone can give us. Noah and Tatum give each other this gift.

Running in Place gives us two characters who have been beaten up by life and are trying to get through life the best they know how. Tatum wears her pain on the outside and is just floating through life, not realizing that she can be worthy of anything good. Noah hides his broken pieces by pushing all his pain deep inside himself and trying to be perfect on the outside to please his father, ignoring what he really wants to do with his life. L.B Simmons has a great talent of taking characters and making them real and relatable. Even with their flaws and all the baggage Noah and Tatum bring to the table the reader learns to love them and cheer them on, really hoping for them to find out who they really are both together and as individuals.

The Mending Hearts series is a great series and whether or not you go back and read Alex and Blake's story (Running on Empty) or you just dive into Running in Place you are going to get a story that will touch your heart and show you how strong people can be in some of the toughest situations. L.B. Simmons writes beautiful stories about finding yourself, learning how to overcome your past and realizing that love will find you when the time is right and staring with loving yourself.

I HIGHLY recommend this series! 1-click this today and understand why L.B. Simmons is a must read author for me. I am anxiously awaiting what she will write next and crossing my fingers that we don't have too much longer to wait for Harlow's story. (pretty please)

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Running on Empty and Recovery by L.B. Simmons and loving both of these books, I was excited to read anything else that she wrote. I wasn't disappointed by Running in Place; she has written another beautiful story.

In Running in Place, we meet Tatum O'Connell, little sister to Trace O'Connell who has was mentioned in both previous books. Tatum on the outside appears to be a party-girl who doesn't follow through with anything and pretty much doesn't care. She recently dropped out of college, she dates a loser who treats her bad, and she works at her brother's bar to repay him for damages she caused. However, on the inside Tatum is broken; she suffered the physical and mental abuse of her alcoholic mother for years, just waiting for someone to save her.

Noah Reese is the new manager at Trace's new bar and appears to be "Mr. Perfect." But, appearances can be deceiving. Noah is actually living his life for everyone but himself. When Tatum and Noah's worlds collide will they be able to put aside their own self-doubt and let themselves love and live for once?

"You are the light that led me out of my darkness."

I loved the dual points of view in this book. In Tatum's chapters, we get to read snippets of her the journal she started at age 6 after her dad died; she writes these journal entries as letters to him and they are just heartbreaking!

"I thought mommies were supposed to love their babies, Daddy. If this is love, then I don't want it. It hurts too much." -Tatum age 7

In Noah's chapters we get to read portions of songs that he writes, because if he could live his life that way he dreams, he would write music for a living. The songs he writes are just beautiful.

"Out of control,
The gauntlet was thrown,
Our bodies connected,
Our souls were sewn.
This shouldn't be happening,
Not like this,
Our destiny now altered,
Jarred by a kiss."
-Noah "The Kiss"

Noah and Tatum have you rooting for them to work past their demons and find love throughout the book. I loved how we get a glimpse back into the lives of all of the characters from Running on Empty and Recovery. I am still dying for Harlow to get her own book- she continues to be a hilarious character who isn't afraid to say what is on her mind. I can't wait to see where these characters end up in future books.

[The Book Trollop · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say...
I love a good book with damaged characters who eventually find themselves and can be realistic at the same time!
Running in Place had all of that for me...
plus some pretty sweet lyrics that made me swoon!

This book made me pay attention from the very beginning and I could not put it down until I was done with the last page.

It was so moving and yet so realistic that I could believe it happened to someone..

This book starts off with Tatum's letter to her father and with a beginning like that, I was immediately sucked in. It was heart wrenching and emotional. I was heartbroken for this poor little girl who had to suffer by the hands of her mother.

Then we get Noah's POV and I realized right off how talented he was as a lyricist and I was sucked into his story as well. I did get a sense of him being a little damaged too and it was not until later that I saw why.

This story is great because it is not the normal romantic story... It is but it isn't... I didn't exactly know what was going to happen and Simmons does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing, wondering, and hoping that it will turn out like you want.

Two broken people finding themselves amongst the daily life obstacles, learning to live, be free, grieving, and learning to forgive the people who provoked major damage on their souls. It was beautiful but angsty enough to give drama but not too much where I was under a constant wave of despair, just waiting to get out of it. And the sexual tension was almost too much but the build up is worth it.
Amazing balance!

I cried on multiple occasions, felt my heart being stabbed repeatedly but was also laughing and falling in love with these characters, while they were falling in love with each other.
These characters are strong but need a little convincing that they are and the journey they take to find themselves is beautiful and heartwarming.

I give this book a 5/5 and if you have read the other stories by this author then know that this book is even better. I loved Running on Empty and Recovery novella but Running in Place is by far my favorite by this author <3

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Well I thought this was fantastic. I liked The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller but this, this was so much better.

Noah
Admit it. At least one of your book boyfriends, past or present, was a bad boy. They’re irresistible. What I have not ever had was a book boyfriend who was a ‘good boy’. Where’s the risk in falling for the straight-laced, studious, white-picket-fence-2.5-kids guy? Well, now I have one. Noah Reese.

I know a lot about you because I’ve been watching you for a very long time. At first I observed you because you intrigued me. I didn’t understand you. Then, I studied you because you captivated me. I found everything you did absolutely fascinating. And now. Well, now I live and breathe you because you own me.”

Tatum
For someone who has been broken, shattered, betrayed, disbelieved and abandoned, Tatum isn’t scared. She jumps headfirst, eyes closed, arms spread into life:

I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person the way that I love you.

The highs
The story, the characters (main and supporting), the humour, the dialogue, the alternating POVs, the excerpts from Noah and Tatum’s journals.

The lows
There are only 2, and while not fatal, they ruined what could have been a 5-star read.

First, the complete illogic of Noah’s thinking. For such a smart guy, it took him a stupendously long time (ahem his whole life) to solve his issues. His reasoning re med school, his dad, Tatum, none if it made sense! There was SUCH an easy way to solve all of his problems if he had just grown some balls and used that huge brain.

Second, the ending. It’s not so much the resolution of all the issues but the way things were resolved that was really unsatisfying. It was too neat, too quick, too easy. Tbh I was expecting a bit more resistance, a few more tears!

The fact remains though that this was a great read and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone after a mildly-angsty, completely hilarious and touching romance read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received ARC for honest review

I think the best way for me to start this review is to first tell you the moral of this story- you must first know and love yourself before you can love anyone else. Great moral, right?

Tatum is this gorgeously broken girl. She is beautiful, funny, smart and witty but she is also very unsure of herself. She doesn't know who she is or worse why she is. She has been told nearly her whole life how much of a disappointment she is, how ugly she is and what a horrible person she is, so of course she believes those things.

Noah is our hero. He is the bartender at the bar Tatum works at-she hates him. She hates him because much like her he puts on a great front; however her front is this carefree, fun girl and his is this perfect, OCD guy. Noah is perfect but not so perfect you hate him.

Running In Place tells Tatum and Noah's stories. We learn of their pasts and what makes them who they are, we learn of their internal struggles and finally we learn who they are as individuals and as a couple.

"I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person that way that I love you."

The two of them are so perfect together I found myself reading with my fingers crossed, just praying they make it.

I loved this book, I was captured from page one, I couldn't wait to find out who they were right along with them. If I had a complaint it would be that it ended...I sincerely hope Ms. Simmons gives me more Tatum and Noah!

"Tatum and her overwhelming excitement for me makes me smile like a goofy, love-struck douchebag. Because, it just so happens, that's exactly what I am."