Today we welcome Melanie Codina to our blog as she celebrates her new book Love Resisted which released on October 20th.

Enjoy a dual review from Denise and Jen below.

Also..we have a treat from Melanie…an extra BONUS Halloween scene from Love Resisted – enjoy!!!

Enter for a chance to win some giveaways using Rafflecopter below!!

Synopsis
For Allie Baxter, love was never something she had to worry about. She was loved by her friends, her family, her husband … until the day it was ripped away. Losing love was the deepest pain Allie had ever endured, and it was an agony she vowed to avoid feeling ever again. Crippled with guilt over her loss, for five years Allie served her self-appointed exile from the daily comforts offered by friends and family, only to return and attempt to fit herself back into their open arms—even if she knew she didn’t deserve it. Mike Lawson was not something Allie expected; the love of a man was not something Allie was prepared to want. The spark of desire that had long ago died inside her suddenly returned, bringing the memories of her pain with it. She swore she would never allow herself to love again … but how long could love be resisted?

Denise’s 4.5 STAR Review
I highly recommend you read book 1 first Love Realized, Gillian and Jake’s story.

This book tells the story of Allie Baxter (Gillian’s best friend and now ex-sister-in-law) and Mike Lawson who the reader also meets in book 1.

I really enjoyed this book, you could see Ms. Codina’s growth as a writer and the storyline was very well done.

For me, this book really looked at grief, how it affects each person differently, how you process it, how you continue to live when the person you love most is lost?

Allie’s grief over her deceased husband has her resisting Mike’s affection and her attraction to him.  I will say the reader can definitely feel the tension building and when these two finally connect it is epic! Yes, I read the first sex scene twice!!

I thoroughly enjoying seeing Gillian and Jake from book 1. There were a few times in this book the whole cast was used to truly enhance the story!! I loved the photo scene, so powerful and the karaoke scene was too funny.

Mike’s, son Zane was used so well in this book, he was used to show what a great man Mike is, to show that life moves forward even after major loss, to show that love is about fully incorporating that new love into your life.,
PS – Ms. Codina, I hope when Zane grows up just a bit, we get his story too!

Anyone who knows me personally, knows fundraising is near and dear to my heart, so I would be remise if I don’t mention want an amazing job Ms. Codina did incorporating breast cancer fundraising into this story!! These scenes were layered with emotion and so touched my heart.

Mike and Allie’s journey was a powerful one that was truly about the future …looking forward …choosing to move on and find a happy.

I challenge the reader to not cry at the end of this book.  The end is not just about Mike and Allie but remembering and honoring those who make you and those around you who you are today!

I am very much looking forward to book 3 Love Required!!

Favorite Quotes:

“Keep Running Allie, but eventually I will catch you.”

“You feel that? That’s me giving you what you need.”

“That’s me taking what I want.”

“That’s me claiming you.”

“You’re mine now Allie Baxter. Don’t even think about running from me again.”

“Every goddamn broken piece of you, I’ve wanted! It’s you, it’s who you are, and I refuse to stand here and accept that you think I have been trying to fix you, when all I’ve been doing is trying to love you.”

BONUS Halloween Scene

ALLIE had just finished braiding her hair to complete her costume when Mike showed up at her place. They were going to Jake and Gillian’s for a Halloween party. It was one of Allie’s favorite holidays, plus it was her first one with Mike. Who didn’t like dressing up and having fun? It was something she had always done, and not just for the adult parties. She thoroughly enjoyed getting in to costume and taking her niece and nephews trick-or-treating. Even if a few of them had outgrown it, she hadn’t.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” Mike called out as she heard him climbing the stairs.
“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out where to find a lady when she’s getting ready for a night out,” she replied, her voice heavy with sarcasm. When he appeared in the doorway, she smiled at his reflection.
He answered with a smile and his own witty comeback. “That’s true, but remember, I have a head injury.” He pointed to his temple as if she needed the reminder.
Allie just shook her head at him. “Oh, knock it off, drama queen. You maxed out on usage of that line at least a week ago.”
“Really? I’m not so sure about that. I’m pretty sure the scar is still new enough I can get some more sympathy.” She watched as he nodded to himself in agreement. Leaning closer to the mirror, she carefully applied her flashy red lipstick. Certainly not her usual type of color, but it matched her ruby slippers perfectly. Pressing her lips together, she moved the color around. Catching Mike watching the action, she made sure to finish with a pucker and blew him a kiss.
She could see the heated look in his gaze, and it sent a thrill up her spine. It was always a heady feeling to see the way he responded to her. He pushed off the doorframe he was leaning against and moved up behind her. Pressing up against her, she sighed and leaned back into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
She watched as he dropped his head and pressed a kiss to the small patch of skin left exposed because of her braids. Mike’s hand slid upward, and he gave her braid a tug. “I don’t recall Dorothy having braids? I think that’s something I would remember. Braids are hot.”
Letting out a laugh, she turned in the circle of his arms. “Oh really? Is it all braids or just those on chicks who hang out in the Land of Oz?”
Pulling her against him, he gave her that smug smile that melted her every time. “I try not to discriminate against any braids, but I do I have to say that I am partial to those that have purple weaved through them.”
Up on her toes, she pressed her lips against his cheek, making sure to leave a perfect mark in her wake. Pulling back, she smiled at it and said, “I’ll make sure to remember that you’re partial to braids with purple in them.”
When she dropped back down on her feet, she took a step back and looked at his outfit for the first time, realizing he wasn’t in costume. Disappointed, she asked, “Why aren’t you dressed up? I told you I would get you one so we matched.”
Mike gave her a disgruntled look. “Match? What, were you going to make me Toto?”
Turning and leaving the bathroom, she grabbed her sweater and threw it over her arm. Mike followed her out, and she told him, “I figured you could be Scarecrow or something.”
“Oh, so you want me to be a sad guy stuffed with straw who doesn’t have a brain?” His voice was laced with humor.
They made their way to the door, and he held it open for her. As she locked up, it made her smile how they seemed to have a routine and didn’t even need to ask the other to do something. They worked in tandem. Walking to his truck, she asked, “What about Lion? He’s soft and cuddly and would keep me warm at night.”
Mike snorted another laugh. “And he’s scared of his own shadow. Are you trying to say I’m not courageous?” Opening her door, she climbed up and then looked back at him. She realized then he was still wearing the lipstick mark on his cheek. Reaching into her purse, she found a tissue and handed it to him.
“Here, babe. You didn’t wipe my lips off your cheek,” she said.
He smiled and waved off her tissue. “I like it. I think it’s the perfect addition to my costume.”
She dropped her arms in frustration. “If you’re really in costume, what are you supposed to be? Because it looks like you just put on some jeans and a cool shirt. And if you say you’re something stupid like a model, I’m going to the party without you, ‘cause that’s just lame.”
He broke into a face-splitting smile. “My costume is awesome, and it’ll look great when me and all the guys are together.”
Still confused, she questioned, “Do they have the rest of your costume?”
Reaching into his pocket, he lifted a headset complete with microphone. Slipping it on his head, he positioned it in front of his lips. “Nope, got all I need right here.”
“So you’re a receptionist?” she asked, still not knowing what he was going as.
“No. Jake, Jason, Logan, and I are going as a boy band. I do believe Jake made sure to set up a karaoke machine for tonight. You should get your requests ready ahead of time. I have a feeling that Logan won’t last long,” he said with enthusiasm as he closed her door.
In the silence of the cab, she let out a laugh. A boy band? Oh, it was going to be a long, fun night, she thought. Mike climbed up in the cab but didn’t immediately start the truck. Instead, he slid a little closer to Allie and took her hand in his. Pulling her knuckles up to his lips, he kissed them before giving them a playful nip. When she flinched and pulled her hand away, she scolded him, “Again with the manners, Mike. If you’re going to bite, make sure it’s an area that’s a little more worth my while.”
He only smiled, “You know, if I were to dress up in a Wizard of Oz costume to go with you, I would have picked Tin Man.”
“Why? Do you have a hollow chest and rust when wet?” she asked, playfully. But his slightly serious face had her demeanor adjusting to match his.
“No,” he said. “He and I are only alike in one way – our hearts.”
Reaching over, she stroked her hand down his cheek. “Oh Mike, why would you say something like that? You have a wonderful heart.”
“Oh, I know I do,” he said in a soft voice. “My heart is happy and full. But it’s not mine anymore since you came along.”
Aww. Sliding closer to him, she smiled at him as she cupped both of his cheeks and met his gaze. Before she leaned in to press her lips against his, she said, “You know what, Lawson. Even with a head injury, you still say the sweetest, cheesiest shit.”
He accepted her kiss, shrugging when she pulled back. “I know. But I will say that next year, you are totally going as Little Red Riding Hood.”
Giggling at the random suggestion, she asked, “And the reason for that?”
“So that I can go as the Wolf, and every time you say, ‘What big teeth you have,’ I can say, ‘The better to eat you with!’” He immediately dove for her neck and proceeded to devour her in the front seat of his truck.

About the Author
Melanie is an amazing mother of four, an awesome and tolerant wife to one, and nurse to many. If you don’t believe her, just ask anyone in her family, they know what to say. She is also a devoted chauffer, the keeper of missing socks, a genius according to a six year old, the coolest soccer uniform coordinator according to a twelve year old, and the best damn ‘mac-n-cheese-with-cut-up-hot-dog maker in the whole world. Well that last title isn’t really official, but it’s still pretty cool to be called it.
When not being ordered around by any of the kids, you can find her with her nose in a book or on the sideline of a soccer game cheering on one team or another. But that’s mostly because she has a thing for the coach. When she is not doing all of the above, you can find her obsessed with a group of fictional characters all vying for a spot on the page of whatever she’s working on. It’s a fun and crazy life to lead, but wouldn’t have it any other way
Melanie is an amazing mother of four, an awesome and tolerant wife to one, and nurse to many. If you don’t believe her, just ask anyone in her family, they know what to say. She is also a devoted chauffer, the keeper of missing socks, a genius according to a six year old, the coolest soccer uniform coordinator according to a twelve year old, and the best damn ‘mac-n-cheese-with-cut-up-hot-dog maker in the whole world. Well that last title isn’t really official, but it’s still pretty cool to be called it.