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Flirting With Death's Grace
Asher Jacob's life is almost perfect-at least from the outside. He has divorced parents who buy his love, a party-happy best friend, and plenty of girls to feed his ego. But what Asher wants most is his ex-girlfriend and childhood love, Grace King, a straight-laced preacher's daughter who refuses to compromise her morals.
Unable to have her, he clings to his vices until the Angel of Death comes knocking-in the form of a teenaged girl named Kali. Through her, Asher is given a glimpse of his fatal future. But far more devastating is the revelation that Grace also has a date with death, a date only he can interrupt-if he lives long enough to prevent it.
Unable to have her, he clings to his vices until the Angel of Death comes knocking-in the form of a teenaged girl named Kali. Through her, Asher is given a glimpse of his fatal future. But far more devastating is the revelation that Grace also has a date with death, a date only he can interrupt-if he lives long enough to prevent it.
330 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2022
About the author
B.B. Swann
14 books60 followersAs a chronically ill, disabled author, BB Swann is a huge supporter of mental health awareness and encourages everyone to take the time to be understanding of others. You never know what someone is going through because not all disabilities can be seen on the outside.
She is a mother of three young adults, a wife, and a 30-year retired elementary teacher. She has all the age groups covered and draws on their influence when writing her books. Picture book, young adult, new adult, and beyond, they all have one thing in common—life experiences, both the good and the challenging.
While she celebrates her first year being called “Grandma,” she is owned by three cats, one bouncy granddog, and two sweet grandkitties.
She graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL with her Bachelors of Ed. in Early Childhood Education, then left the corn capital to receive her Masters of Ed. in Language and Literacy from National Louis University, in Chicago.
In 2020—because why not start something new during a global pandemic—she became a literary agent and works with the fabulous group at FinePrint Literary Management in Manhattan, NY. She represents incredible authors, many of whom also have numerous furry overlords and small two-legged dictators commanding their households.
Most nights you can find her reading or writing into the wee hours. She believes in the almighty power of caffeine and battling old age with purple hair and plenty of sarcasm.
She is a mother of three young adults, a wife, and a 30-year retired elementary teacher. She has all the age groups covered and draws on their influence when writing her books. Picture book, young adult, new adult, and beyond, they all have one thing in common—life experiences, both the good and the challenging.
While she celebrates her first year being called “Grandma,” she is owned by three cats, one bouncy granddog, and two sweet grandkitties.
She graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL with her Bachelors of Ed. in Early Childhood Education, then left the corn capital to receive her Masters of Ed. in Language and Literacy from National Louis University, in Chicago.
In 2020—because why not start something new during a global pandemic—she became a literary agent and works with the fabulous group at FinePrint Literary Management in Manhattan, NY. She represents incredible authors, many of whom also have numerous furry overlords and small two-legged dictators commanding their households.
Most nights you can find her reading or writing into the wee hours. She believes in the almighty power of caffeine and battling old age with purple hair and plenty of sarcasm.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 7, 2022
Flirting With Death's Grace is the latest offering from B. B. Swann. In it, she delivers a powerhouse tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. Asher is a high school senior. After his parents' divorce, he found himself the odd person out in their lives. That left him with the "freedom" to do almost whatever he wants-drink, smoke, have casual sex. Instead of being happy, though, he comes to realize how lost, alone, and desperately unhappy he is.
His plans for a final solution to his problems are derailed when he meets Kali, who's not who she appears to be. Kali helps Asher understand that, even in a life fraught with poor decision-making followed by worse decision-making, nobody is beyond redemption. As Asher comes to accept responsibility the choices he's made, and the sometimes devastating consequences that result, he's given an opportunity to repair the damage to the relationship with Grace, the person he needs most in his life. And as it turns out, he's the person she needs most in her life, too.
While ultimately a life-affirming tale, in Flirting with Death's Grace, Swann asks the reader to consider what's it's like to feel utterly alone and abandoned by those closest to us. And how, through the prism of that isolation, the choices we make are often cries for help. The story suggests that, if we are lucky, maybe we'll find someone who's willing to respond to those cries. Someone who will help us reassemble the pieces of our shattered lives. In doing so, we may find that we aren't as alone as we thought. There are people who care about us. All they are want from us is an opportunity to lend a helping hand as we go through this adventure we call life.
Flirting with Death's Grace asks big questions and doesn't insult us by offering easy answers. If you're looking for a story about redemption, a commentary on the challenges teens are faced with, or a modern day fairy tale, give this a try. Just be sure to keep a tissue box within reach.
His plans for a final solution to his problems are derailed when he meets Kali, who's not who she appears to be. Kali helps Asher understand that, even in a life fraught with poor decision-making followed by worse decision-making, nobody is beyond redemption. As Asher comes to accept responsibility the choices he's made, and the sometimes devastating consequences that result, he's given an opportunity to repair the damage to the relationship with Grace, the person he needs most in his life. And as it turns out, he's the person she needs most in her life, too.
While ultimately a life-affirming tale, in Flirting with Death's Grace, Swann asks the reader to consider what's it's like to feel utterly alone and abandoned by those closest to us. And how, through the prism of that isolation, the choices we make are often cries for help. The story suggests that, if we are lucky, maybe we'll find someone who's willing to respond to those cries. Someone who will help us reassemble the pieces of our shattered lives. In doing so, we may find that we aren't as alone as we thought. There are people who care about us. All they are want from us is an opportunity to lend a helping hand as we go through this adventure we call life.
Flirting with Death's Grace asks big questions and doesn't insult us by offering easy answers. If you're looking for a story about redemption, a commentary on the challenges teens are faced with, or a modern day fairy tale, give this a try. Just be sure to keep a tissue box within reach.
August 9, 2022
Lately, I've only been reading upbeat fantasy and romance, but when I was given the opportunity to read Flirting With Death's Grace, I figured it was time to get out of my comfort zone. And I'm glad I did.
Flirting With Death's Grace took me on a journey with the protagonist, Asher, and while I didn't like him at first, he grew on me in a way I'm sure Swann intended because teenage boys can be difficult and she wrote him accurate to that... perhaps too accurate as I grumbled with each bad decision he made.
But through clever and immersive story-writing, I found myself rooting for him, understanding him, loving him and more than that, it took me by surprise that I'd end up loving all the other characters too.
It's been a long, long time since a book had me in tears.
Flirting With Death's Grace took me on a journey with the protagonist, Asher, and while I didn't like him at first, he grew on me in a way I'm sure Swann intended because teenage boys can be difficult and she wrote him accurate to that... perhaps too accurate as I grumbled with each bad decision he made.
But through clever and immersive story-writing, I found myself rooting for him, understanding him, loving him and more than that, it took me by surprise that I'd end up loving all the other characters too.
It's been a long, long time since a book had me in tears.
August 7, 2022
This beautiful and uplighting, if sometimes tragic, YA speculative romance will have you turning page after page to see what happens next! I couldn't put this down and absolutely had to know what happened to Asher next. His story is one that will stay with you long after you've read 'the end'.
August 8, 2022
Must-read for anyone who has experienced the pain of addiction in their life or had a crisis of faith. Your heart will break for Asher as you experience his redemption story. Get the tissues ready!
September 16, 2022
This book hits with some hard truths. Being able to connect with the underlying issues on a personal level didn’t make it any easier. I understood the pain both Asher and Grace faced. It is indeed a very powerful book. I can see how it can trigger some people. But Swan handles such realistic problems with grace and sensitivity while also pointing out that you’re not alone and it’s ok to ask for help.
August 10, 2022
Great romance. Great message.
Seriously, this is a book about addiction, apathy, and lack of direction. But once the main character meets death herself, everything changes. I love the message about self-determination, and changing one's destiny for the better, because the person wants to change. Great stuff.
Definitely worth the time, and if you love romantic dramas, you won't be disappointed!
Seriously, this is a book about addiction, apathy, and lack of direction. But once the main character meets death herself, everything changes. I love the message about self-determination, and changing one's destiny for the better, because the person wants to change. Great stuff.
Definitely worth the time, and if you love romantic dramas, you won't be disappointed!
August 11, 2022
This story of first love and second chances will keep you turning the pages until the emotional end.
September 1, 2022
I thought this was a really good read. Despite their horrendous choices, I found myself drawn to Asher and Connor and I was eagerly reading to see what road they would choose to go down. Experiencing their journey with addiction and seeing their subsequent consequences was a rollercoaster and it’s difficult to think of how easily things could’ve taken a turn for the worst. I also quite liked Grace, but I found her to be a bit lackluster – interesting as she’s the other main. There were some things I wish I had more of – Connor’s back story, Asher’s family dynamics, Asher and Grace’s history… these were addressed in passing, but I felt they were a bit glossed over for the romance and drama. That all being said, I did thoroughly enjoy this novel and thought the author’s representation of overcoming addiction was done in good taste and sensitively written. I will be interested to see what else comes from BB Swann.
Thank you Voracious Readers and BB Swann for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Voracious Readers and BB Swann for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
A good read!
Captures your attention from page 1 and makes you eager to reach the end. But, when you do finish the book, you're reluctant to turn loose of Asher, Conner, and Grace. I hope the young adults who find themselves bound in the chains of addiction find hope in this book and are strong enough to seek help. And, I hope those who are in the early stages of experimenting with drugs and\or alcohol save themselves before it's too late. Thank you, Ms. Swann, for an enlightening book.
Captures your attention from page 1 and makes you eager to reach the end. But, when you do finish the book, you're reluctant to turn loose of Asher, Conner, and Grace. I hope the young adults who find themselves bound in the chains of addiction find hope in this book and are strong enough to seek help. And, I hope those who are in the early stages of experimenting with drugs and\or alcohol save themselves before it's too late. Thank you, Ms. Swann, for an enlightening book.
November 10, 2022
This book takes a tragic situation and turns it into something full of hope. As is the case with a lot of teenagers, Asher makes a series of poor choices that can lead to nothing but frustration for those following his journey, but as his story unfolds and his truths come out, he becomes a person worth rooting for. Definitely a character that sticks with the reader long after the book ends. A must-read for anyone who has experienced either side of addiction.
November 1, 2024
A real tear jerker. A touching story of Grace and Asher. Friends from childhood whom had fallen apart. They are assigned a task of being a married couple for school. Along the way they are able to forgive each other and become friends again. Many obstacles are in their way. Will they overcome them all? Can they survive through the perils?
June 13, 2023
I received this book in return for an honest review. Brilliant read. I loved this book it took a little while before I got into it. I struggled to connect with Asher & Connor at first but it all gradually came together beautifully. I ended up loving them both. I also loved Grace. However Kali was by far the best character of all & it was fantastic that you find out about her back story. Thank you.
July 6, 2022
This book explores the beauty of second chances. It'll take you on a lot of emotional twists and turns, and it's so worth the journey. Fun plot, lots of love, and a message that resonates.
September 29, 2022
This book hits with some hard truths. Being able to connect with the underlying issues on a personal level didn’t make it any easier. I understood the pain both Asher and Grace faced. It is indeed a very powerful book. I can see how it can trigger some people. But Swan handles such realistic problems with grace and sensitivity while also pointing out that you’re not alone and it’s ok to ask for help.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews