REVIEW: One Life by A.J. Pine

One Life by A.J. Pine: When her brother dies, Zoe is undone with grief. Only, she refuses to acknowledge the pain and guilt left over from his death. With a habit of changing her appearance after life events, Zoe hides behind her appearance and moves to Chicago to continue her dream in art, if only she could actually create art after her brother’s death.

But when Zach, or Spock as she calls him, enters her life once again at her brother’s memorial, she uses him, and their newly begun romance to forget her pain. Now living together and with a roommate, tattoo artist Dee, Zoe runs from her family and grief.

But, when Spock’s past comes to light Zoe might just fall apart at last as he forces her to face her own issues.

“But I’m not with the band anymore. I’m not traveling. And I’m not able to think about anything – about anyone – but you. And… I want to kiss you again, at the right time. maybe last month was too soon, but I’d wanted to kiss you since the day you walked up to me at that con and told me I laughed too much for a Vulcan”

Definitely a sweet romance, but the focus of One Life was more on Zoe’s personal growth and learning how to deal with her grief. That said, I absolutely loved Spock. He was so sweet and so always there for Zoe. Unlike other romances I’ve read where the grief is truly hidden and the hero doesn’t even notice, he knew it was there and he tried to help her.

And every part of the grief, the issue of addiction from both families, was very real and while not fun, obviously, was interesting to read. Even though the focus was not on the romance, I was intrigued by how this would play out. And how Spock would eventually fit. Which he did. Because he’s adorable and I love him and his sexy musician ways.

Also, they’re both beautifully nerdy with a love for comics, cons, and superheroes. For readers wanting a sweet romance with an edge, I highly recommend One Life by A.J. Pine.

Book Info:

Publication: October 20, 2015 | Penguin/Intermix | Only You #2

In the latest from the author of One Night, tragedy causes a young woman to struggle to keep her head above water, and the only one who can help her is the guy who’s been in the friend zone for the past year…

Every time life throws Zoe Adler a curve ball, she changes her appearance. Freshmen year—after almost following in her mother’s alcoholic footsteps—she said good-bye to her blonde, girl-next-door image and opted for jet black hair and piercings galore. After her brother Wyatt’s death, she escapes to the city to teach a summer art program for kids. Her black hair goes blue, and she finds solace in the arms of a longtime friend, in his heart, and in his bed—but her guilt makes her unable to accept the love he wants to give.

Spock might be the guy to save Zoe. But when she learns the truth about his past, the edge she’s teetered on since losing Wyatt drops out from under her. The girl who kept it together for everyone finally falls apart. Now Zoe must choose between drowning in guilt about Wyatt or asking for help. But even if she gets the help she needs, Spock may not be waiting for her when she’s ready to let love in.