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Renee Harless
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Coming Alive: A Small Town, Brother's Best Friend Romance (Welcome to Carson Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Renee Harless (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 321 ratings
Avery never expected to take another chance on love...

Until she's thrown a curve ball she isn't anticipating – a man that causes her mind to wonder and her pulse to race. Worst of all, he’s completely off-limits . . . because he happens to be one of her bosses. The draw she feels can’t be anything more than that. Avery does her best to push him away, but her heart keeps pulling him in.

Logan didn’t predict meeting her - the one that would make him question everything. He thought he knew better, thought he’d never trust again. But a one-night stand cut short flips his world upside down. Undeterred by her need to keep him at an arm's length, he goes against everything he believes in his quest to convince her to let him in.

Turns out some love is worth fighting for.
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  1. Book 1 of 8
    Welcome to Carson
  2. Print length
    268 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 17, 2017
  6. File size
    2.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

" 5.0 out of 5 stars. An emotional and captivating page-turner. A must read for 2017." - The Book Lover Blog
"This one is a great read! It's an emotional, heart string pulling story." - Amazeballs Book Addicts
"I highly recommend you give this read a try, it is sure to take you on one truly exceptional literary escape, and renew your faith in happily ever afters!!" - RedsRomanceReviews
"Coming Alive will move you like no other book can." - My Slanted Bookish Ramblings

About the Author

Renee Harless is a contemporary romance author living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N54UT5G
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 17, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Welcome to Carson
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 321 ratings

About the author

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Renee Harless

Renee Harless

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USA Today bestselling author Renee Harless writes sweet and sexy romances that leave you turning the page for more. She enjoys a nice glass of dry red wine and a fast car. If she's not writing her own worlds or reading, she's chasing her kids around, obsessing over Disney, or rearranging a room in her house for the hundredth time. She spends her time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with her husband and three kids living her own HEA.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
321 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance book for its strong plot and character development, with one review highlighting Avery and Logan's unfolding story. The book receives praise for its emotional content, with one customer mentioning being moved to tears within the first three chapters. Customers find the writing well-executed and the pacing entertaining, making it a lovely first book in the series.

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16 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, particularly the strong plot and the unfolding of Avery and Logan's relationship, with one customer describing it as a great small town fairy tale.

"...The story of Avery and Logan is awesome and I don’t believe I can think up enough adjectives to fully do this book justice...." Read more

"...I couldn't put this down! From page one I was sucked in to the story, eager for every word, every sentence and every page...." Read more

"...top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this romance with a great small town fairy tale with lots of Angel Dust." Read more

"...Now, while this is a sad story it also shows so much more. The plot is strong if not a bit heavy handed on the sexual scenes...." Read more

14 customers mention "Emotional content"10 positive4 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with many noting it contains heartbreak, and one customer mentioning they were moved to tears within the first three chapters.

"...the author and I found that she has created a story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time...." Read more

"...This book did contain lots of emotional feelings and Avery and Logan had to fight their way to the top...." Read more

"...I admired that as much as she was hurting, she was kind and generous to all she came across...." Read more

"This book will definitely break your heart over and over but in true author fashion she will put it back together...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting it's a moving story.

"...From page one I was sucked in to the story, eager for every word, every sentence and every page. Avery has been through hell...." Read more

"...has a few spots that need an editor but otherwise its a very well written moving story." Read more

"...This complex and engrossing story is very well written. I was blown away by Avery and Logan's romance. I highly recommend this book...." Read more

"...Such a great story. Easy to read, you won't want to put it down. I highly recommend." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the strong and independent female protagonist.

"...Hoping to catch up with them in future books. I loved all the other characters too and can't wait to read more about them all...." Read more

"I really struggled with this book. I liked the characters and thought the premise was good...I liked how there was a hint of foreshadowing and some..." Read more

"...after everything she has been through, grow into this strong and independent woman...." Read more

"Great storyline. Fabulous and intriguing character development. I enjoyed every word of this book and am going to read every book in this series!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, finding it an entertaining start to the series.

"I am so glad the author made this into a series! You will fall in love with all the characters whom live in Carson!..." Read more

"A very entertaining start to a series...." Read more

"Sweet, romantic and tons of heartbreak. Lovely first book for this series. I can't wait to see how it develops." Read more

"Good debut novel! Renee has a story with heart here, and I would like to read future works as she grows as a writer." Read more

3 customers mention "Romance"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one describing the hero as a very sexy man.

"...Logan is a cocky but very sexy man that doesn't want to be attached. The story and emotions that unfold in this book will hook you...." Read more

"Sweet, romantic and tons of heartbreak. Lovely first book for this series. I can't wait to see how it develops." Read more

"Beautiful and Emotional Romance..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Laura Furuta
    5.0 out of 5 stars The story of Avery and Logan is awesome and I don’t believe I can think up enough ...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Coming Alive: Welcome to Carson, Book One
    By: Renee Harless
    5 out of 5 stars

    The story Coming Alive: Welcome to Carson, Book One by Renee Harless is a contemporary romance book. This is the first book I have read by the author and I found that she has created a story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. This is a story that I didn’t just read, I felt my way through. The story of Avery and Logan is awesome and I don’t believe I can think up enough adjectives to fully do this book justice. This starts out as a story about two people who are not truly living. They let their past shape their future. Then when they meet I read of a connection beginning and only growing stronger every day they are together. This book had my emotions going up and down all the time. There is one passage that really touched my heart. It was talking about Avery and Logan. It said, “You’re the air she needs to breathe, you’re what keeps her alive. She’ll be the reason you live and you’re what brought her to life.” This fits these two so perfectly. This is a story that shows the power of true love. I highly recommend reading this book to find out just what the future holds for Avery and Logan. This is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one. This story does have adult situations that include some very steamy love scenes. It would be recommended for those 18 years of age or older.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Karie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Emotionally charged
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book will definitely break your heart over and over but in true author fashion she will put it back together. Avery went through way more than any person should ever endure. Logan had sworn off love but the moment he saw Avery he knew he'd found his soulmate. I loved every moment of this book.
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  • Polly Barreto
    3.0 out of 5 stars Still Wondering….
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I am still wondering how to write this review. While I loved Avery and Logan and their story, the book just didn’t work for me. There were parts in the book that lagged and others that went too quickly.

    Avery and Logan are two lost souls not really looking for “partner”. Both have issues and come from dysfunctional families (and holy cow are they ever). I wanted these two to face their fears and insecurities together and be able to put their pasts behind them. This book did contain lots of emotional feelings and Avery and Logan had to fight their way to the top. I especially loved the “family twist” in the storyline and didn’t see that one coming!

    There are really two major (for me) instances where I felt the book took a dive. The first one is when Logan comes home and finds Avery and Austin huddled around the table and he immediately accuses them of cheating behind his back – kicks Avery out – and the next minute they are all lovely dovey? Nope…I know this is a book of fiction, but come on, not even five minutes later all is well? The second is when the table is turned and Avery accuses Logan of cheating and then he immediately asks for her hand in marriage? Nope…that just didn’t work for me. At least let the characters stew for a day or two and grovel for a bit. Not this “Oh..Im sorry, now we can have make-up sex” two minutes after the accusing started.

    Coming Alive is the first book in the “Welcome to Carson Series” by Ms Harless. I most likely will continue with this series as I would like to know what happens between Austin and Nikki.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • michelle m reynolds
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    "Who are you?"
    "I have no clue. It's like I kiss you and my brain turns into a Hallmark card."

    I couldn't put this down! From page one I was sucked in to the story, eager for every word, every sentence and every page. Avery has been through hell. A childhood without love. Everyone she's ever loved, ripped from her through tragic circumstances. She's barely existing. She needs a change. Moving to Carson, NC for a fresh start, she meets Dr. Logan Chamberlin, a physician in the clinic where she works. Logan, a well-known womanizer and one-night stand donor, is captivated by her. Can she overcome her fear of losing him, like all the others she's loved, to finally find happiness? Can Logan break down her walls and chase what he never knew he wanted? Will a mysterious letter left for her by her late grandmother change the course of her life forever? I can't wait to read Book 2!!!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Patty McKenna Van Hulle
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT SMALL TOWN ROMANCE
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Mizz Renee had tears running down my face with this story of loss, grief, scarred pasts & love with the help of lost ones. Mizz Renee gets my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this romance with a great small town fairy tale with lots of Angel Dust.
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  • Pamela
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good but a bit too emotional
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Avery has lost just about everyone that she’s ever cared about and gets offered the chance to move and start over. Will this change help her or will she continue to have a curse surrounding her? Will she ever get past everything and allowed to be happy and move forward ?This is the 3rd book I have read by this author. Normally, I would say it’s best to start the series in order. However, I’m glad I started this series backwards like I did because of this being such an emotional book. I’m not one to read the emotional crying books so had I started this one first I probably would of tossed it and never realized what a good writer Renee Harless really is. While this book is very emotional it’s still a really good book. I will continue to read books by this author as I really do enjoy her writing.
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  • Nunya
    2.0 out of 5 stars Style of writing is annoying
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I would have been able to finish the book if the author had written it in a style of the reader experiencing what the characters are doing as they happen instead of the characters telling the reader the story...I have no clue what writing tense that is called, all I know is that it's flat out annoying to have to read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lee C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Falling in love with Carson (lol a town, not a man)
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I am so glad the author made this into a series! You will fall in love with all the characters whom live in Carson! You really feel for Avey and all that she has been through…to know love and lose it, not once but twice. Would she allow love back into her heart? You have to read to find out, but of course you know the story has an HEA lol. It is great seeing the interactions between Avery and Logan and how they both overcome issues from the past. I love stories that have slower starts to the relationships and show how a real relationship would develop. You will regreat it if you do not read this book and series!
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Colleen Mc (The Book Lover Blog)
    5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating page-turner
    Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
    Coming Alive is book one in the Welcome to Carson series, and my first read by Renee Harless. Renee’s story will make you smile, laugh, swoon, and possibly even shed a few tears.

    I absolutely adored the main characters, Avery and Logan. Avery was such a strong woman, having overcome so much heartache and loss in her lifetime. Logan had been burned by too many women, starting with his mother. He no longer trusts women, but something about Avery makes him want to try. To him, she is worth fighting for. The two of them together were so sweet and sexy, I couldn’t get enough! I also really grew to love a few of the supporting characters- some of which will get their own story, I hope. Please? #NikkiandAustin!!!

    Coming Alive is a captivating page-turner, and a must read for 2017. I look forward to reading whatever comes next!
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  • Kelly Palmer
    5.0 out of 5 stars 😭😭
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A true heartbreaking story,I laughed, sobbed and cried ugly tears at this book. It's a true heartwarming love story. Brilliant
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  • Angela Hayes
    5.0 out of 5 stars It is an incredibly sweet, passionate
    Reviewed in Australia on August 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    5 Stars

    Coming Alive is the first book in the ‘Welcome to Carson Series’ by Renee Harless. It is an incredibly sweet, passionate, erotic and touching second chance at love/contemporary romance.
    I really think Ms. Harless has excelled herself with this first instalment, in what I think is going to be a really wonderful series. I never expected to be so drawn to both the characters and the beautiful story. I fell for the charming, well-conceived and complex characters, not just the two leading characters, but the whole cast were just fantastic. Ms. Harless brought them into being with her wonderful descriptive details and they in turn brought the story to life. I love her attention to detail and her fluid, compelling and sexy writing style. I am really looking forward to reading more of this talented author’s work.
    Avery Poindexter is only 24 years old and has already experienced more loss and heartache than most, but she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for, a survivor who found the will to keep going when most others would have given up. That’s not to say that she wasn’t shattered, just that she kept going- but has spent the past few years struggling to come to terms with her past and has been basically just moving through her life, not really living- masking the pain she still feels inside. Avery knows she really needs to move forward, but she really doesn’t know how.
    So, when her friend suggests that a new location and job may help Avery put everything behind her, she decides that moving may just be the fresh start she needs- after all she has nothing to lose. So, Avery packs up and moves to Carson, finds a housemate and a place to stay and secures a job in a flourishing medical centre. Everything should be fantastic- but her heart is still shrouded- her fear of pain and loss keeping her from opening her heart or forming connections. Can the sexy physician who has caught her eye at her new workplace, finally spark her heart back to life? Will she allow him the opportunity to get to know her, or will she shut him down before she can be tempted by all his sexiness?
    Logan Chamberlin is a 29-year-old physician working at the busy medical centre in the quaint town of Carson. He has suffered betrayal in his past, which has made him very wary and untrusting. Particularly of women. That’s not to say that he doesn’t enjoy their ‘company’- he didn’t get his playboy reputation by going home alone every night- but he’s not interested in a relationship, only in hooking up and moving on to the next conquest. He uses his work, grueling workouts at the gym, and sex, as distractions from the painful memories that threaten to overwhelm him. So, when he meets Avery, he’s completely thrown off-kilter by the intense chemistry between them and the firestorm of sensations that bombards him whenever she was around. He feels such a strong connection to her, unlike anything he’s ever felt before, he can’t stop thinking about her. It was as if she was made specially for him. She was so perfect.
    But he can see that she carries a burden, that she has secrets that weigh heavily on her. He knows that she was only capable of offering friendship, but he also knows that she feels the electricity between them- he just has to find a way to break through her defenses and convince her that he is worth risking her heart. Will he be able to get through her defenses? Will she let him in? Will he be able to breathe new life into her withered heart?
    I really loved Avery and Logan. They were so perfect for each other, they were written so well, that their connection was palpable. My heart broke for Avery and what she’d been through. She’s remarkable- so pure hearted, kind, generous and loving. After her horrible upbringing, coupled with all the loss she suffered- she could have been forgiven for giving up or shutting down, becoming cold hearted or closed off. But she wasn’t, and yes, she was hurting, but her beautiful nature still shone through the whole time. Logan is such a gorgeous hunk of a man. He worked so hard to move on from his painful past and make something of himself. Even though he had every reason to be distrusting, he let his barriers down for Avery- recognising the beautiful person she was inside and out, and was determined to win her over. He surprised me, because he really was so thoughtful, romantic and loving. The perfect boyfriend. When these two finally come together, it’s explosive, incredibly passionate and pantry melting HOT! And, yes, the author really put them through the wringer and made them work for their happiness- but this only made me appreciate the story and the way Ms. Harless wrapped the whole thing up, all that much more.
    I am already anticipating the next book in the series and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us.

    Thank you Ms. Harless!
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  • sophie
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3 stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    .
    (Sorry about the grammar mistakes I have a learning disability.)

    As I start reading this and got half way through chapter one I notice yes it is the third person but the author is telling us than showing us. But more I got into the storyline, you did start showing us more and not telling us.

    I love the line where she said “I am my own grim reaper. Taking the lives of those I love, she repeats in her head. (Chapter 2). As you read the book itself and the writing gets better.

    It seems like I was reading forever and when I look at the chapters I was only on chapter 3, I was like what it seem like I been reading forever. I was like what seriously only chapter 3.

    I also saw that the author is putting a lot of serious subjects to this story abuse, death, tumor, cancer etc. And personal I don't think the author was that careful about it. Also when Avery got custody of her sister, all the grandmother have to is signed some papers, that will never be that easy, she would have to go through step and step to got custody of her sister. Also, another thing what seem unreal with Mila she had “ Severe heart disease and Lung cancer” how the author right this paragraph that it seem like they found out there and then if this is the case, then that is not true. They would be able to tell you without going for a test then might guess what it is, but before they can give you 100% answer they have to do tests to find out what it is.

    And how she find about Aria and Nick death the Officer wouldn't just tell her like that, also when the nurse use sedative she/he wouldn't just do it because she is crying in corner, they would only use it if she a dangerous to herself or to someone else and she didn’t seem to be dangerous to herself or anyone else.

    One thing I didn’t like is when we find out everything about the chapters in one flashback, like everything is about Logan dad and his past life is in one flashback. it would be more fun for the reader and the story to find out when Avery did and kept his past as a secret until then.

    I found it kind of funny how Nick jump out of her mind just because one note from Declan, not saying she have to stay with a dead guy for all her life,it just kind of odd her thinking how much she loves Nick but with one note she was gone, why couldn't she get to know him before going on a date? So she can finally move on from Nick because it sounds like she hasn't. Again with an engaged, it seems like she wants to find a husband, I would have thought she would take thing slower because what happened with Nick so if anything happened her heart didn't get broken again. When I heard about Declan tumor yes its horrible, but I just didn't understand why the author has to make her life so painful with everyone dying around her, it would be more real just to say that he left her, to me it seem odd and I wasn’t buying it at all. It just seems like the author wants to make her life as painful as possible when it is not necessary.

    Not even going to talk about the twenty million dollars, way over the top. Money is one thing but twenty million dollars is over the top and it just makes the story seem to more unreal and over the top. (I am not saying the people can not get twenty million dollars, but with the story seem over the top the twenty million dollars, just tops it as well.)

    One thing I do love is how you get this book kind of ready for book two with putting Nikki problems in the book as well. It was refreshing and nice to read.

    I love how Logan and Avery took things slow and waited for the time was right, the romance between then was lovely to read.

    When she met Josephe and Amy when Amy answer the door and did she know it was her? When they couldn't find her or knowing nothing about her, or even have a picture of her. (Chapter 7)

    For how painful her past is she have no problem is sharing it with people who she doesn't know that well or they just met. Also, I trying to work out why the author wanted to add a bit of a supernatural theme to this book? I can understand why she did it but the was other ways to do that because the supernatural part just seems a little out of place in this book.

    I did find it hard sometimes when to keep up or even know when you are jumping time. I just wish you made it clear when you are skipping time.

    I didn't see the thing about Austin and Avery coming at all. When I read that, I have to pause for a second a dread just to make sure I read that right. But I do love the twist in the book, I never saw it coming.

    Overall, I know I rate this 3.5 star but I still found a new author to follow and keep updated with her books, the main reason why I rate this 3.5 is the part what seem over the top and who she just throw serious subject into this book without care. But I can’t wait to read book two, and I do hope we got a book about each of Avery siblings. I would still recommend this book to my followers and friends, just give they a warning about the serious subjects. I’m glad I got a chance to read this book and I would change that at all. I don't want anyone to think just because I rate this book 3.5 that it is a bad book or that I hate it, that is not the case, I would say I didn’t LOVE IT! but I did like it and enjoy it and I will read more from her.
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  • carol ann evans
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    In was asked to read this book for an honest review but I loved it so much I bought it ❤ Avery has had a really hard start in life and lost a lot to the point she has decided to close
    her heart to anyone else. She is afraid that the people she loves are cursed and it's all her fault. That is until she see a young doctor that starts her heart beating again. Logan is the doctor that has kicked started her heart again but he too has issues but his are with trust. This author has made me cry with her writing she made you feel part of the book the emotions seemed real and you just couldn't help but fall in love with the character's. A must read that you will thoroughly enjoy makes you cry and smile a book you can read over and over
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