The suspense romance Live was originally released in the anthology Girl Code in 2015. An expanded edition will be released as a standalone title with a new cover by Thorned Rose Publishing in 2026. Stay tuned for more information!
After seven years in drug hell, detoxing Juliette “Juls” Carrington returns to her hometown Pearl to attend her grandmother’s burial. Once more rejected by her family, she has a swim in a pond nearby when a mysterious camper, an ex-drunk, coaxes her to come to his hut in the woods. Together they must fight their inner demons for a chance to love…and live.
Reviews:
BEST ANTHOLOGY I’VE EVER READ!
You will find four absolutely amazing stories in this anthology. What I loved most was how they all weaved together making this book/anthology one big story revolving around four amazing, strong, loving, and loyal friends. From the very first story you are introduced to these amazing women and see them from each others eyes. The stories are filled with struggles, passion, love and of course a big dose of happily ever after.
In Live we meet Juls a recovering drug addict and Reef an ex-drunk/Recluse of the Boise Woods. Their story touched me the most and Juls ended up being my favorite female character. They each struggled with the beginning phase of their life but are at the point where they want to “Live.” Together they formed an unbreakable bond that will take them into their future and together they will help each other fight the demons of their past.
It’s not often you read an anthology and truly love every story in it but I really did. These four authors are amazing women who I’m sure will continue to give us well written, heart warming, action packed, and steamy love stories for years to come.
– Janis Frisch
GREAT ANTHOLOGY, I LOVED THESE GALS!!!!
I have just finally (after real life got in my way) finished the other stories in this book. I will say this, Grab it up and check out these stories I LOVED them all, so much that I hope these ladies will do another one with these same gals and give us an update on their lives. I want more from each one!!!!!
This is different than other anthology as these stories are all entwined together to give us a little bit of all 4 woman (sisters)friends. I loved every single woman and their stories.
Another reason to go one click this book, All proceeds from sales are going to the Wounded Warriors Project.
I Beta Read Hope for Jessica Jayne… I LOVED it. Great story line. Awesome characters!!!!!
– Chris’ Book Blog Emporium
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ANTHOLOGY!
This anthology contains 4 stories that revolve around 4 best friends and they really are a group of friends that grow with each other and love each other unconditionally, no matter what they will always have each others backs. The stories are all very good and I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite, but I will be looking to these authors in the future in their other endeavors. Throughout the stories you will find laughter, love, tears, determination, heartache, and really just a whole myriad of emotions. There’s friends to more than friends, There’s mystery, danger, action, camaraderie, some suspense and steam. Let’s not forget about the men! these guys are really something special, I found myself really liking Talon the best, though all of the characters are very real and found their way into my heart. I look forward to more from these talented authors and can’t wait to see what else they have in store.
I was generously given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
– Melissa’s Reviews
I love a good anthology. I used to read them all the time, but haven’t found a good one lately. Until Girl Code, that is.
A lot of times with anthologies, the stories may not always be connected, but these stories are about four friends so they are connected.
I am all for women empowered, sisterhood type stories and this book is definitely that.
I LOVED it. There was just enough romance and definitely enough action and adventure to keep the story interesting. Plus the stories did relate to each other so that did help in keeping the stories interesting and relatable.
The stories were well written and developed and I enjoyed and connected with each one. I honestly don’t think I could name a favorite story or couple…. But IF I did my favorite couple would be Joey and Talon. I guess since Talon is from Florida I sympathize and relate with him the most.
I do believe this is my favorite girl powered anthology since Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
I have nothing negative to say about this anthology! You should check it out and give it a read.
– Kristen Chandler
WARM FUZZIES!
All 4 stories did a great job of bringing action, suspense and romance. They all had happy ever afters! I love how they all tie together with friendship & sisterhood! Everyone needs a BFF to have your back, definitely relatable. Great job ladies!
– Brittney O.
TRUE LOVE IS A GIFT…WORDS MAKE US REMEMBER
I loved it.. The story touched my heart…It made me remember the past when I was eighteen years old and met my first true love. I have read everything Cait Jarrod has written.. I just hope she keeps putting to paper stories that make me only want to read more.. A great read..
– Hartwood Lady
Great collection of stories. Deals with some really gut wrenching issues and leaves you feeling hopeful/happy knowing that the couples survive and thrive together. Great connection between the women friends.
– Emma
GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!
A great anthology by 4 great authors. Girl Code is about about 4 friends, through struggles of their own, have found each other at a young age and became sisters by heart. They share a strong bond, support and love for each other. And they refuse to let their past control them & define who they are.
There are 4 stories surrounding each character: Joey/Hope, Juls/Live, Selena/Faith and Laydi/Persistence. Each story is individual to the character (along with a hot guy!), but at the same time linked to one another. And because each story is unique in itself, you will be able to relate to at least one character and one story. By the way, love the tattoos too!!
**A bonus to purchasing this book, all proceeds from sales go to the Wounded Warrior Project.
– Cindy Kosiba Persin
It’s not often you read an anthology and truly love every story in it but I really did. These four authors are amazing women who I’m sure will continue to give us well written, heart warming, action packed, and steamy love stories for years to come.
– Maureen, Just Romantic Suspense
YOU KNOW IT’S A GOOD READ WHEN YOU HATE THE FACT YOU HAVE REACHED THE END!
Highly recommended anthology. The characters blended phenomenally to illustrate the ups and downs of love, life, and romance! As an investigator myself, I just love to read books that keep the mystery and puzzles alive throughout the entire storyline. Kudos DC Stone – you have done it again!
– ACC
These four best friends have a lot in common. None of them had the best home life growing up, and none have had much luck in the love life department. The one thing that has stood the test of time is their true love for one another. They may not be sisters by blood but they are connected by heart strings. Girl Code is an emotional roller coaster, but the bond these girls have is heartwarming.I love how the book ends. This is a must read!
– Nancy Goodman
AMAZING STORIES OF THE BOND SHARED BY FOUR LITTLE GIRLS THAT REMAINED MANY YEARS LATER.
Well written stories with captivating storylines extolling the virtues of a girlfriend bond. Joey, Jules, Selena and Laydi find each other at a very young age at a pond and form a special bond that grounds, encourages and supports each other through life’s challenges. Each story is worthy of five stars.
Live by Lea Bronsen: Juls is struggling to leave the darkness behind, the deadly grip of drug addiction. Determined to remain sober, to really live and not to just exist, she happens upon a fellow traveler who is climbing the same mountain as she. Together they join forces and become stronger in their fight than they are apart. Together they will truly live.
– Dee for Sweet N Sassy Book Aholics
GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!
I loved loved loved this anthology.it certainly is sething special..the love these 4 women/ best friends/ sisters as they call themselves have for each other is something so beautiful..it gets the 4 of them through life experiences and hard times, but at the same times they have lots of dun and laughter between them all.
It’s special because while each story is unique, the story are entwined thanks to the girls and how they are part of each other lives.
I am not saying the men are not awesome cause they are but the girls have such a special bond it’s what every girl want to.find in a best friend.
While I loved all the stories, I am very fond of Hope..Joey and Talon have a past that made their bond unique and so strong..and Talon just melt my heart..he can be so strong and confident, protective and all man, but she completely undo him in a way that I coild see how vulnerable he could be.
Anyway 😉 great anthology..grab it quick!
– Mary
This is a group of stories about 4 friends who at the age of 8 became more sisters than any blood sisters could be They all grew up in Pearl, Ohio. Years later, they have scattered but they remain ‘sisters’ to the core and when there is a need, everyone is there for each other. Each woman’s story is written by a different author but in the same world. And they all return to Pearl, Ohio where they began. I would give the book as a whole 4 large stars.
Live by Lea Bronsen: The story of Julie (Juls) and her struggle with addiction. It starts a bit slow but it takes off and when it does, stand back. Great story with two scarred people who find each other and come out the other side. But the struggle never ends and they learn this. I felt every emotion in this story and I was turning pages as fast as I could to see where the story would go. It was nice to revisit Joey as well. 4 large stars
– Wildcatnana, Romantic Fanatic Blog
FUN GROUP OF GIRLS AND THEIR HOT MEN
The second story is entitled Live. This is a story of overcoming the odds. Julie’s addiction alienates herself from her family. As she comes back to her home town, after hitting rock bottom, she meets up again with Reef, an old neighbor. He, too, struggles with addiction and is homeless. This story shows the plight of the homeless. How unfairly they can be treated and wrongly judged, even by their own families. There is no HEA yet, as Julie and Reef need to learn to live and not just survive.
This set of stories is worth reading if you like HEAs, alpha males and good romance. The book is appropriate for an adult audience.
– Karen Voitik, Paranormal Authors and Romance that Rocks
4 beautiful strong stories of women. Joey, Juls, Selena, and Laydi all have obstacles to overcome. Finding love, holding on to it, and not letting the past interfere will be a challenge for each one.
– Shaunna Armstrong, Drifting Into Books
YOUR PAST DOESN’T HAVE TO DEFINE YOUR FUTURE
Four young girls become fast friends and as they get older the bond grows stronger. They are able to call each other no matter what and their friendship has helped them all out.
They each have the own demons and battles.
Live by Lea Bronsen: Juls has been fighting against her drug addiction, she is trying so hard this time. She is so lucky to have her best friends to call on as they give her the strength and encouragement she needs. She has to go back home as her grandmother has passed, she will have to see her family and that is going to be so hard as they don’t want her around. Reef always wondered what happened to the girl that stayed next door, he had his own problems and could not look out for her. They both realise that they have so much in common and that they can have a good life even with all their problems. Can Juls let go of her past and move forward with someone that has wanted her all this time?
A great selection of authors and all the stories were engaging and interesting. No matter what the girls had to endure they could always count on each other no matter what. The stories were just long enough so you could get a good feel of the characters and their pasts.
– Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics
REVIEW
As you may already know, I love anthologies. I like reading different stories in one book. Girl Code is by all means an anthology. However, it also seems to read as one book because the story flows through smoothly and the characters are interconnected. It even sounds like this was written by one author instead of four.
I found myself to have enjoyed reading Girl Code. I like the friendships, the love stories and the conflicts that each main character had to overcome. I like books where the main characters go through something that develops their character and makes them better and more mature.
I’d surely recommend Girl Code because more than being a good anthology, it is a worthy chick lit that every woman should check out. I am glad to have had the chance to read this book because I certainly ended up enjoying it more than I expected.
– Sultry, Steamy Reading
Lea Bronsen 