Can two damaged halves ever form a whole? Xavier Cruz, an enigmatic musician, has come home after eight years of touring with his band. Haunted by past decisions, he's lost himself and his ability to create music. Every day is a struggle to recapture them both and forgive the mistakes he's made. Healing and rediscovering the melodies all around him again are his only objectives, but Bennett St. Clair has other ideas. Ben, a playboy ad executive, can't stop thinking about the mysterious Xavier, and the strength of his attraction shakes him to his core. He's lived a life devoid of affection, love, and romance, but watching his two friends fall madly in love has left Ben yearning for his own special someone. His heart wants Xavier, but his brain urges caution. Ben recognizes a fellow wounded soul when he sees one. A relationship is out of the question for both men, but a no-strings affair wouldn't hurt anyone. Famous. Last. Words. Contains mature themes.
I'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
Book 2) Xavier and Ben, their story is a sweet emotional one. Xavier has come home to get his life back together after the band break up, drug problems, and nearly being killed by his manager. Ben works with Gray and Chase, and has been attracted to Xavier since his visit the previous year. Now that he'll be around, Ben wants to pursue a relationship. The feelings are mutual, but Xavier has his issues and is afraid. This heartwarming journey is well written, fun, and realistic, with very intense hot M/M sex, deep characters, and is hard to put down. They deal with family, rejection, understanding, acceptance, longing, and dream of a happy ending like Chase and Gray have. Highly recommended, ENJOY !!! =========================== I've now read all six in this series, and recommend them all. Love Aimee Nicole Walker ! ============================
I’ve really liked both books from the "Fated Hearts" series that I have read thus far. This time we learned more of Xavier and Ben's story. Xavier is a musician who hasn't made very good life choices...and had recently returned home after leaving a very abusive relationship with his band’s Manager. He has a family and friends that will lend him the support he so sorely needs, which includes Chase and Gram along with the man his heart has ached for since his last visit home...Ben. Ben works with Chase, and he has had feelings for Xavier, who is Ben's foster brother, for some time. Xavier arrives home a total mess, and Ben proves to be exactly the man Xavier needs. Both men are damaged, but they find that they can help each other heal. A really sweet story about love and happiness in spades.
Il primo libro della serie, "Inseguendo il Principe Azzurro", mi era piaciuto tantissimo ma questo ha superato ogni aspettativa, l'ho letteralmente divorato e mi sono irrimediabilmente innamorata dei protagonisti. È una storia autoconclusiva con protagonisti diversi, ma vi consiglio di recuperare il primo se non lo avete letto perché non potete perdervi assolutamente la storia d'amore tra Chase e Gray e dovete conoscere tutti i personaggi presenti, dal più bizzarro al più irriverente che formano questa grande famiglia, in più le dinamiche corali si evolvono di libro in libro ed anche se l'autrice è bravissima a riallacciarsi al passato e a spiegare ogni avvenimento, il senso di completezza e la sensazione di conoscenza è diversa. Dopo otto anni in tour con la sua band Xavier abbandona Los Angeles per tornare a casa dalla sua famiglia: il suo migliore amico Chase che è molto più di un fratello, nonna Gram, colei che lo ha salvato e gli ha dato l'opportunità di crescere e vivere per quello che è ed Ellie, la sorella più grande che non lo ha mai abbandonato. Xavier è un rockettaro dallo spirito classico ed il cuore puro, un ragazzo gentile e sensibile che sta affrontando una battaglia contro il senso di colpa per le scelte sbagliate fatte e contro dei demoni che gli hanno spento la luce negli occhi e fatto perdere la capacità di creare la sua musica. Non si perdona per il suo passato e con il peso dei suoi segreti lotta ogni giorno per essere più forte, per resistere e difendersi, ha degli obiettivi e iniziare una relazione non è contemplata, soprattutto dopo quello che ha passato. Ben non ha mai avuto e voluto un legame sentimentale con nessuno, è un uomo caparbio e forte, irradia calma e pacatezza, è talmente gentile e dolce che in più di un'occasione me lo sono raffigurata come un orsacchiotto dolcissimo ma sexy come il peccato, sia chiaro. È un uomo che ama prendersi cura dei suoi affetti, adora aggiustare, capire cosa fare per far stare bene le persone a cui vuole bene, è altruista e generoso, praticamente l'uno perfetto. L'autrice è stata bravissima nella caratterizzazione dei protagonisti, raccontandoci il loro passato, i loro pensieri più intimi, i loro sogni; Xavier e Ben sono talmente reali quando si raccontano e quando interagisco tra loro che ogni sensazione è palpabile, ogni emozione è tangibile. Non potete capire la sensualità che emanano anche solo quando parlano e si sfiorano, l'erotismo che trasmettono ad ondate e sono incredibilmente seducenti. La connessione è profonda e va oltre le paure ed i traumi di entrambi, il dialogo aperto e la sincerità dei sentimenti li porta a scoprirsi e a completarsi. Ho detto che sono bellissimi? Lo stile fluido e coinvolgente con una traduzione eccellente rendono la lettura di questa storia un vero piacere per gli occhi ed il cuore. Durante la narrazione continuiamo a conoscere tutti i personaggi secondari che sono veri coprotagonisti con le loro caratteristiche ben sviluppate e storie personali, ognuno di loro ha qualcosa da raccontare e sono indispensabili per l'arricchimento del tutto. I sentimenti di amicizia ed i legami familiari anche se non di sangue sono alla base di tutta la serie, come l'amore e la speranza, i temi importanti come le dipendenze e l'abuso oppure le famiglie disfunzionali e anaffettive sono trattati con delicatezza e con una grande forza di spirito, quel velo di positività e speranza sempre presente...
I'm a masochist. That's the only explanation for reading this after DNF'ing the first book for biphobia. My only excuse is it showed up during my trial of KU, and I started it, and there were piercings and tattoos. Even THAT was effed though. If you're going to write about piercings and tattoos, do 5 mins of research before letting characters remove them for hours/days at a time or letting people get busy with brand new ink. Because, seriously. That was only one part of the many bad bad things happening here. Terrible stilted dialogue. Repetitive word use within sentences/paragraphs. Strangest drug addiction concepts I've ever seen.
So poorly researched, poorly written. And I shouldn't have expected any more after the first disaster. So my only conclusion here is I'm a reading masochist sometimes.
Second book in The Fated Heart Series. We meet both MC's in Chasing Mr. Wright. Xavier, Chase's best friend, has been away from family for 8 years but something has made him return home. Ben works with Grayson & Chase. At the engagement party, Xavier & Ben see each other and something sparks between them, but it seems X is holding back from expressing his interest. The past is holding onto him and he needs to let it go before he can learn to love again but will Ben be willing to wait and give him time to forgive himself. The secondary characters bring everything together nicely, who doesn't love Gram. There are some very tense moments, one where I had to walk away and collect my thoughts before I continued the story, but well worth it. Ms. Walker turned it up in this story and as a reader and fan, can't wait to see what is in store for this group.
Gifted by author for an honest review. Thank You Aimee.
I thought the first book in this series might have been a fluke. I'm always willing to give a new writer a second chance. Unfortunately this author's writing style is not for me. Massive repetition of words, poor word usage (run-on sentences...oh my) and grammar problems that would make my 9th grade Honors English teacher roll over in his grave. It's a shame that I'm in the minority here not liking these books, but they are just not my cup of tea.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about Xavier. What we saw of him in the first book, it was very clear he was messed up. But I was surprised and grateful we didn't get that Xavier in this book. In saying that, he did annoy me at times. His constant disappearing for a week at a time was a little much, especially the last time he did it, which is probably why half way through, I started to lose some of the fun I had reading this.
Xavier and Ben have some crazy chemistry and I loved that for them. I also loved seeing Chase and Gray in this one because I really did love them in their book.
Something that bugged me though, was why didn't we get to read the lyrics that Xavier came up. We read that he's singing these songs, and that he wrote them, but we never get the words.
The end with Ben and his dad. Man, queue tears. I loved that for them.
I really hope we see more with Van and Ellie in future books.
Rhythm of Us takes us on a journey that warms the heart.
Xavier has been through a lot, starting with a childhood that could've destroyed a young child. Xavier may not have done everything perfectly, but it was exactly what he needed. Xavier took a road that most would dream of, the problem is - not everything is as it seems. Xavier had to deal with demons both mentally and physically and the man that came out on the other side, is just as perfect as he feels he isn't. Life isn't always fame and spotlight, sometimes it is a nightmare you must live through.
Ben hasn't had the best childhood either, but becoming the man he did shows tremendous character and strength. Ben may not know exactly what he is getting into when he sees Xavier again in over a year, but he quickly learns that it will take a stubborn and strong man to break down the walls that Xavier has built around himself.
Ben isn't the same character we first met in CMW, which is a testament to how well Miss Walker writes. Xavier isn't either, he showed a heart in CMW, but the real man was hidden until his story could be told. Tears flowed, laughter was heard, and my fingers were white-knuckling my kindle, and for that I must say - Thank you for sharing this book with us Miss Walker!
I enjoyed the first book with Chase and Grey so much and this book was just as good. They were attracted to each other when they met months ago. They reconnect during Chase and Grey's wedding. Xavier is recovering from dealing with a very abusive relationship, and his using drugs. He wants to get his life back on the right track before getting into a relationship. Ben is getting tired of the one nighters and really wants to settle down some but Xavier doesn't think he is worthy of Ben. The plane crash was cruel.
As a social worker, it can often be difficult to read books where characters are dealing with abuse/addiction issues etc as the way in which characters work through those issues is often unrealistic. This is not the case with Rhythm of Us. Both Xavier and Ben are portrayed realistically, and you find yourself cheering them on. The book is also hot, but not so much so that it detracts from the storyline. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
I loved this book. I care about all the characters in this series and I am so excited that there will be more books following other people I already like. Ben and Xavier were adorable and I can't wait to see updates on them in the next book. I was happy that Chase and Gray from book 1 were still in this book quite a bit.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I was really looking forward to Xavier’s story, that man got to me in Chasing Mr Wright (book 1) I fell in love with his character, and wanted to know everything about him.
His story with Bennett “Ben” St.Claire didn’t disappoint. I felt Aimee pulled out all the emotions , gave me all the feels delving into these two beautiful men.
Xavier “Cruz” meets Bennett at a lunch and there is instant attraction. A couple of months later, Xavier takes of back to L.A for a year, he returns for the bachelor party of his best friend Chase and Gray coming home for good to hopefully pick up the pieces of his tattered life.
No one knows exactly what’s happened to him, yes he’s depressed, closed off and sad as hell but they are all so happy to see him return, especially Ben.
The chemistry is still there but Xavier thinks Ben is straight, and Ben who is a proclaimed man whore can see X is troubled , not too sure he wants to go down that road that could lead to his very first heartbreak.
This story is about trust, love and above all else... friendship. The way these two evolve, is something beautiful to watch. Yes there is a lot they have to get past, work through but I couldn’t have asked for a better person to break the walls down for Xavier.
I absolutely loved reading this story , Aimee has such strong , stunning characters, you cannot put down and don’t want them to end. Omg!!! There need to be huge shout out for Agnes!! That woman is pure brilliance... everyone needs a grandmother like her. I love everything that comes out of her dirty mouth but her unconditional love for her family is what dreams are made of, she is the whole perfect package.
Cannot wait to read Jack and Liam next. I can tell it’s going to be a ride .
3.75 atars. Ok I'm giving this one a higher rating than the first one because I feel like the writing is getting better. I actually liked the main characters from the first book better in this book too. This one was more structured to me. The main characters relationshop developed nicely. Xavier has had a rough year on the tail of a semi troubled life. He has battled drug addiction and an abusive relationship only to end up back home for his best friends wedding, Chase from book 1 and Gray are getting married. He met Ben briefly a year ago when his life was still falling apart. He is attracted to Ben but he thinks he's straight. Ben wanted Xavier from the moment he met him a year ago and now that he is back in town seemingly to stay he wants his chance. They battle through all sorts of issues, commitment issues, addiction, and misunderstandings but somehow manage to make it out together. The story is sweet and sexy. It is not without issues but all in all it was a cute story.
I didn't read book one but I don't think I missed out all that much. I had a like/hate relationship with this one. I liked the characters a lot, side characters as well, but some of the story had me cringing. Random story threads that seemed to be out of nowhere confused me and the term "quivering hole" should be added to the list of terms banned from both m/f and m/m sex scenes. I will say that the author did a decent job of showing the after effects of domestic abuse PTSD, I found a lot of Xavier's reactions completely believable. Lastly, I would love to learn more about JJ, Liam, and Deacon but I'm not sure I'm curious enough to continue on. We'll see.
Very nice follow up. I really enjoyed that Chase and Gray were just as involved in the storey but took nothing away from learning Ben and Xavier's storey. Both couples were sharp and sexy - there was a hint of angst but it was definitely not over the top. A few things seemed superfluous (Deacon involvement) but as I thought about it those pieces really helped Xavier realize he was a whole person, a little damaged perhaps but still worthy of Ben's love. Looking forward to Liam and Jack and of course eventually JJ and Miller (come on we all know that one just has to happen).
Book two in this series has all of our favorite people from the first book. This is a seamless continuation. The characters are wonderful and memorable. Book three here I come. Xavier and Ben are delicious together. Happy for them and how they overcame either partner or parental hurt to heal themselves and each other. You'll enjoy this one. Kleenex on hand for a few tears is a good idea.
Like the previous book in this series the characters are well crafted and have a lovely relationship which develops with just enough complexity to make is interesting. And, as in the first book, there are also some minor editing mistakes which are distracting. They're not bad enough to spoil the enjoyment but a tighter proofing run would probably have picked them up.
I really love this series. Xavier and Ben were hot together. I loved their chemistry. Seeing the characters from book one of this series was great and I can't wait for the next book.
Impossível não nos apaixonar-mos por estes dois o Ben com o seu amor e apoio incondicional e o Xavier com a sua força de vontade e o desejo de ser melhor.
The Bad: • The writing style • Ramble on • Checklist book
The Book: I started the series with this book (I had planned to start Chase & Gray's book after, but not anymore). The writing style was the first thing that got to me in this book, I couldn't get into it which led me to being turned off by it. There was a bit of rambling & most times it was annoying where the sentence would be like 'did I want to do this? Oh yes of course I wanted to do this because I wanted to & this is how I would do it & yay love cute'. Basically a run on sentence that could've been shortened to the first 5 words in the sentence. Then I felt like this book had a checklist like here's a list of A-Z on things that aren't "perfect" with Xavier & Ben & then book just checked them off one by one. It would solve one problem, then tackle the other problem in the next chapter & so on until their lives became fairly "perfect" in meaning they had no problems. I didn't like any of the characters enough & even Xavier's drug addiction went away where until the end I had completely forgotten about it & that bothers me because if you're addicted to something I feel like it should've come up in the book more. Plus all the piercings & tattoo business. Oh boy. You keep fresh tattoos free of sweat & saliva & have to take care of them, same with piercings (though I haven't had as many of those) but also Xavier seemed to have a new piercing every time they were talked about like ugh. Overall, not my kind of book. I'm not going backwards to read Chase & Gray's book like I planned because this one turned me off of the author so much.
In Rhythm of Us, Aimee Nicole Walker deals with heartache and addiction in ways that are sympathetic, heart wrenching, and real.
Book #2 of the Fated Hearts series is filled with the characters you have come to know and love from Chasing Mr. Wright. It is of a heavier tone, however, although it still keeps the banter and lively personalities that are a hallmark of Aimee's books.
Undeniable attraction, misunderstandings, and more complications than you can count. Sounds like life.
Xavier's life is a mess and this novel is not a fairy tale that resolves everything with a magic wand. Sometimes it's one step forward and two back. It takes effort and professional help. It takes commitment from family and friends. And it takes a very special man to be willing to stand by his side while he faces his demons--that is who Ben is.
All of this is sprinkled in between a good dose of fun, family dinners, teasing, steamy romance, and just plain charming encounters.
I really enjoyed this book because it fit within Aimee's created world naturally while being original and real, carrying on from the first book beautifully.
I read the first book too long ago to remember meeting Xavier and Ben but that didn't take away any enjoyment I got from this one. Xavier has just come from after having a truly crap time in LA with his band. Drug addiction, abusive relationship, just not good at all and totally traumatizing so he has no room for a relationship even though he's crushing on Ben. Ben was raised rich but tough. Parents who hate each other, a brother who tried to protect him but left home and a mom and dad that just insulted him his whole life. Basically, he doesn't believe in relationships. This was a sweet story but Xavier was getting on my last nerve with his on/off attitude. There are a lot of characters in these books so I'll go ahead and read the next one before I forget who they are. Good addition to the series.
All I got to say is Gram's mouth need soap and water lol.
I like the book, I like the MCs and all the other supporting characters. What I don't like is the fact that the MCs get so consumed with each other that they tend to forget about other friendships/relationship. I can understand getting so tangled up in a new romance, but I can never understand abandoning friends. Ben and Ellie have always been close to the point that some persons were wondering if they were a couple. Apart from the first couple chapters in the book, it's like their relationship became non existent. They were bestfriends so what happened to that closeness.
There are other little annoyance but this is the most pressing one, which I tend to see in alot of books.
I started the series because I enjoy the redemption bridge series.
I know that they are a part of an interconnected universe. however, I really liked the title of this one so I started this first. I thought about going back to read Mr Right but those two characters and how Chase is portrayed in this one didn't give me high hopes, so instead I started surrender your heart. so far I'm not super into it I might give it a few more chapters.
This is not my favorite series. Nothing seems realistic and everyone seems to be pining after someone else and I feel like it took away from the actual connections that were supposed to be being built.
I normally have a huge problem with domestic violence (it REALLY hurts my heart), but since it happened off-page I could handle it a little better (not that it wasn't upsetting, but it just wasn't as bad). Xavier is pretty traumatized by his past and is rightly trying to get mentally healthy without jumping into another relationship. Ben is smitten with Xavier but doesn't actively pursue him but accepts on his own terms. I liked this one a bit better than the first book because there was more angst which the first book needed.
When I met Ben in book one he was very mean to Chase, the hero from the first book. I am glad he apologized and made peace with Chase in that book. Xavier was another story, he came off as weak and I was hesitant about reading this book because of that.
Ben and Xavier complemented each other very well. It was a bit amazing the way both MCs came together so quickly and the intensity of their feeling after such a short period of time. The story at times felt repetitive so there were areas where I was bored. I am glad I read on because their HEA was sweet.