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Toronto #6
Live Out Loud
Amy's a hobbyist songwriter with big dreams, but not the usual 'making it as a musician' kind. No, Amy wants to honor her late best friend by finally starting the support center for teenage girls they'd dreamed of when they were just girls themselves. She doesn't know where to start, but when one of her songs becomes an overnight internet sensation she sees a quick path to the money she'll need to make the center a reality. As white-hot pop sensation Misty Will, Amy finds a whole new world opening to her and realizes she loves being on stage holding an audience spellbound. She also loves how her young fans look up to her and draw strength from her songs, but of course they don't know the awful thing she did after her friend died and how badly she could have used a support center herself. She knows, though, and also knows that she simply has to leave her new pop princess identity behind and become Amy the center director as she's dreamed of for eight years. Doesn't she? "Live Out Loud" is book 6 in the "Toronto Collection" set of loosely connected novels. While most of the books are not sequels, your favorite characters will reappear across the books in the collection, letting you follow their lives after their original book ends.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2011
4 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Heather Wardell
30 books286 followersI am a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of twenty-three self-published novels including the free ebook "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which has had over 400,000 downloads.
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 15, 2013
Just as Misty's songs were written to inspire and change lives for the better, so was this book. To some, Misty's character, though with flaws, may come across as too good to be true. I would probably have thought so myself, but I chose to look past that and focus instead on what I believe is the book's real purpose. There's a handful really: be yourself, learn from your mistakes, move on, pursue what you believe in especially if it's something good, choose your friends, take time to stop and relax, etc. It's a great book for young people to draw inspiration from; not preachy at all, and very easy to read.
A few months back, I did a marathon reading of Ms. Wardell's books, going through the Toronto series in chronological order. I stopped and left three more books unread. Now I've got two more left, and I will definitely read the next one right after I hit submit for this review.
A few months back, I did a marathon reading of Ms. Wardell's books, going through the Toronto series in chronological order. I stopped and left three more books unread. Now I've got two more left, and I will definitely read the next one right after I hit submit for this review.
September 21, 2011
I want a Tim.
February 8, 2025
3.5 stars
October 9, 2011
I love Heather Wardell's writing so I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel. I was expecting a character-driven story about a woman trying to balance her dreams, a career, and love and I was not disappointed.
Amy has been writing songs for years, and sets a goal for herself to create a CD of her music. She is discovered singing in a local bar in Toronto, and a music career as a 'bubble gum pop princess' soon develops. Amy has trouble finding the balance between writing songs that mean something and writing pop music. She also receives a surprising amount of push-back from her boyfriend Jason. She and Jason start to grow apart as a result of his jealousy over her sudden fame. Amy has to decide what's really important to her: her glamorous life as Misty Will, or starting the support center she and her late friend Giselle always dreamed of.
Like Wardell's other books, the process of reconciling dreams and the real world is the bulk of the book. I just love that about Wardell's writing. I always feel like I can really identify with her characters, and Amy was no exception.
Something kept me from really loving this book as much as I've loved Wardell's other books. I think it was that there wasn't quite as much chemistry between the two main characters. By chemistry, I mean a slow build from friends to more than friends. I like reading about a slow-developing relationship---which was the case here; however, something felt missing as far as the attraction went. I love that Wardell's women's fiction is not laden with a bunch of bedroom scenes like so many other adult fiction novels. That gets old for me and it cheapens the story (in my opinion). I'd rather read about love in action than read bedroom scenes.
Overall, I really enjoyed Live Out Loud and would recommend it to fans of women's fiction.
Amy has been writing songs for years, and sets a goal for herself to create a CD of her music. She is discovered singing in a local bar in Toronto, and a music career as a 'bubble gum pop princess' soon develops. Amy has trouble finding the balance between writing songs that mean something and writing pop music. She also receives a surprising amount of push-back from her boyfriend Jason. She and Jason start to grow apart as a result of his jealousy over her sudden fame. Amy has to decide what's really important to her: her glamorous life as Misty Will, or starting the support center she and her late friend Giselle always dreamed of.
Like Wardell's other books, the process of reconciling dreams and the real world is the bulk of the book. I just love that about Wardell's writing. I always feel like I can really identify with her characters, and Amy was no exception.
Something kept me from really loving this book as much as I've loved Wardell's other books. I think it was that there wasn't quite as much chemistry between the two main characters. By chemistry, I mean a slow build from friends to more than friends. I like reading about a slow-developing relationship---which was the case here; however, something felt missing as far as the attraction went. I love that Wardell's women's fiction is not laden with a bunch of bedroom scenes like so many other adult fiction novels. That gets old for me and it cheapens the story (in my opinion). I'd rather read about love in action than read bedroom scenes.
Overall, I really enjoyed Live Out Loud and would recommend it to fans of women's fiction.
October 15, 2011
Live Out Loud is not your average girl-turned-superstar story. Amy is a songwriter with dreams of opening a center for teenage girls. It is to honor her deceased best friend's memory and to carry out their plan. All she needs is start-up money. Then Amy's friend posts a live performance on her blog and suddenly Amy is an internet sensation. She had gone viral.
Becoming a pop princess was the perfect, quick solution to raising money for the center. It isn't long before Amy comes to love her music career, Misty's crazy colorful costumes and the media attention.
But everything isn't so great off stage. Vague faxes are sent with creepy messages. Her boyfriend seems distant and clearly not supportive of his pop princess girlfriend. And someone from the past exposes her secret through blackmail. Meanwhile, Amy struggles to maintain her true identity, in the midst of "Misty" stardom.
This was my first book read by Heather Wardell, but not the last. I've already downloaded another one of her eBooks titled Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo (currently free for Kindle or NOOKbook). Her writing style is clear, organized and easy to read. The main character's situation seemed unrealistic though. I understand how easy it is to get famous after going viral. But getting signed so quickly, releasing new music every week and touring North America and Europe happened a bit too fast. Putting that aside, I enjoyed reading Live Out Loud.
The eBook can be purchased for only $.99 so download a copy today. I recommend it for light reading, music industry lovers and those who seek a dream. Amy's determination in reaching her ultimate goal and working for her dream is inspiring.
Disclaimer: This book was received from the author for review purposes. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
Becoming a pop princess was the perfect, quick solution to raising money for the center. It isn't long before Amy comes to love her music career, Misty's crazy colorful costumes and the media attention.
But everything isn't so great off stage. Vague faxes are sent with creepy messages. Her boyfriend seems distant and clearly not supportive of his pop princess girlfriend. And someone from the past exposes her secret through blackmail. Meanwhile, Amy struggles to maintain her true identity, in the midst of "Misty" stardom.
This was my first book read by Heather Wardell, but not the last. I've already downloaded another one of her eBooks titled Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo (currently free for Kindle or NOOKbook). Her writing style is clear, organized and easy to read. The main character's situation seemed unrealistic though. I understand how easy it is to get famous after going viral. But getting signed so quickly, releasing new music every week and touring North America and Europe happened a bit too fast. Putting that aside, I enjoyed reading Live Out Loud.
The eBook can be purchased for only $.99 so download a copy today. I recommend it for light reading, music industry lovers and those who seek a dream. Amy's determination in reaching her ultimate goal and working for her dream is inspiring.
Disclaimer: This book was received from the author for review purposes. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
October 16, 2011
I thought that the synopsis of the book was intriguing, but I was not expecting to be as deeply moved as I was. I was expecting a fun, light read based on the premise that the main character was a rising rock start. That is exactly what I got and I mean that in the best way possible.
The story follows Amethyst “Misty Will” as she struggles with her rising fame and how to become the singer that she wants to be vs. the singer her teams wants to market her as. I loved the “behind the scenes” feel of this book. I think it was a great alternative to what young girls are bombarded with in the media that fame is pretty much shopping and sex tapes.
Underneath it all the rock star are the message that it’s important to be yourself, follow your true passions and stand up for yourself. I don’t think I see all that compiled into one novel often enough. But what I was moved by the most was that there was no insta-love. In fact, perhaps the most important message throughout the book was that when it comes to sexytimes, wait until you’re in love and like the right thing to do because then it really means something.
The pacing of the novel is great. The story moves fairly quickly, and most of the characters are likable. I loved that the plot kept you guessing in parts. While this book probably isn’t for everyone (sadly, no book ever is) I think that there are some very important themes that aren’t discussed enough. This is the kind of book that I would expect to show up during banned book week.
If you like chick-lit or rock stars who wear crazy costumes (Lady Gaga or Katy Perry anyone?) Or are just looking for a strong female character, this would be a wonderful book to get lost in for the afternoon. I would definitely read more from this author.
The story follows Amethyst “Misty Will” as she struggles with her rising fame and how to become the singer that she wants to be vs. the singer her teams wants to market her as. I loved the “behind the scenes” feel of this book. I think it was a great alternative to what young girls are bombarded with in the media that fame is pretty much shopping and sex tapes.
Underneath it all the rock star are the message that it’s important to be yourself, follow your true passions and stand up for yourself. I don’t think I see all that compiled into one novel often enough. But what I was moved by the most was that there was no insta-love. In fact, perhaps the most important message throughout the book was that when it comes to sexytimes, wait until you’re in love and like the right thing to do because then it really means something.
The pacing of the novel is great. The story moves fairly quickly, and most of the characters are likable. I loved that the plot kept you guessing in parts. While this book probably isn’t for everyone (sadly, no book ever is) I think that there are some very important themes that aren’t discussed enough. This is the kind of book that I would expect to show up during banned book week.
If you like chick-lit or rock stars who wear crazy costumes (Lady Gaga or Katy Perry anyone?) Or are just looking for a strong female character, this would be a wonderful book to get lost in for the afternoon. I would definitely read more from this author.
February 3, 2012
Ah, another Heather Wardell book on the blog. I’m happy to announce I have read and reviewed all of her books, and she is at the top of my Favorite Authors list. Live Out Loud captures the story of Amy, hobbyist songwriter with a heavy goal on her mind – honor the memory of her late childhood friend. Amy thinks the way to do this is to start a support center for teenage girls, but when Amy suddenly catapults to fame thanks to a video of her singings blows up the internet, Amy is faced to realize that maybe the center isn’t meant to be. Amy – now posing as Misty Will, hit pop star – has fame at her door and teenage girls following her every move. Can Amy really give up being Misty – or is the call of fame too strong for her to ignore?
Another book I highly enjoyed from Wardell. Amy is such a confused character, so sure that she knows what she wants just unsure how to reach it, but at the same time – she’s hopelessly lost. She knows she wants to honor her friend, but it’s fairly obvious that she has no idea how to go about the center. I loved the pop culture twist in the book – how to become an overnight sensation with just an uploaded video, the pressures celebrities have on them when their considered to be role models, and the great content that gets delivered in each book from Wardell. There are some hard hitting topics discussed – from teen death to abortions – but the story is very touching and I would definitely recommend Live Out Loud.
Another book I highly enjoyed from Wardell. Amy is such a confused character, so sure that she knows what she wants just unsure how to reach it, but at the same time – she’s hopelessly lost. She knows she wants to honor her friend, but it’s fairly obvious that she has no idea how to go about the center. I loved the pop culture twist in the book – how to become an overnight sensation with just an uploaded video, the pressures celebrities have on them when their considered to be role models, and the great content that gets delivered in each book from Wardell. There are some hard hitting topics discussed – from teen death to abortions – but the story is very touching and I would definitely recommend Live Out Loud.
October 1, 2011
Have you ever started a book and just couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen to a character? With Live Out Loud by Heather Wardell, I fell in love with Amy/Misty our main character from the beginning and from chapter to chapter I became even more intrigued as to where she was going to go next. From the people that she was surrounded with to those who came in and out of her life, they were unique but shaped this character into the one she became at the end. I always look to the extra characters because I enjoy seeing how they affect a character in both positive and negative ways.
I am never a spoiler, but I will say that she ended up with a great guy, but the book didn’t just end there. As some girlie books do, once the main character gets the guy, the reader is to find complete happiness in this solution. Wardell didn’t end there. She made her characters go through a little more angst before they found complete satisfaction in who they were and what they wanted in life. Isn’t that true for all of us? Sure when we get the guy we are happy, but no one is complete with just a relationship, you need more than that to be a whole person.
So off my self-motivating rant – this book is worth the read. If you enjoy following a character through self-exploration and being a sideline cheerleader as she finds what is truly important to her.
I am never a spoiler, but I will say that she ended up with a great guy, but the book didn’t just end there. As some girlie books do, once the main character gets the guy, the reader is to find complete happiness in this solution. Wardell didn’t end there. She made her characters go through a little more angst before they found complete satisfaction in who they were and what they wanted in life. Isn’t that true for all of us? Sure when we get the guy we are happy, but no one is complete with just a relationship, you need more than that to be a whole person.
So off my self-motivating rant – this book is worth the read. If you enjoy following a character through self-exploration and being a sideline cheerleader as she finds what is truly important to her.
November 19, 2011
This is one of those books that in each sitting you get completely caught up in what is going on. Amy is a singer in the beginning and only sings locally. One night she dresses in a pink mini-skirt and matching wig and makes it big. Over night she goes from Amy to Misty Will. She gets a new home, a trainer, someone to help her write her songs, and more. Its a dream come true. As a reader you wonder, okay she got what she wanted, now what. Well, it isn't all Amy thought it would be. You get an inside look on how the fame isn't what she wants. She wants to be making a difference in the lives of her listeners. While her life looks glamorous, its actually falling apart all around her. Her boyfriend-who I thought was the biggest jerk-leaves her. She really wants Tim, the song writer, but that just isn't working. Her friends are fake, and on top of that, she is being stalked by someone sending her letters.
Like I mentioned above, this book is going to suck you in. When you lay your e-reader down, your thoughts are going to be drifting back to this one. So before you start it, make sure you have to time to devote to it.
Like I mentioned above, this book is going to suck you in. When you lay your e-reader down, your thoughts are going to be drifting back to this one. So before you start it, make sure you have to time to devote to it.
November 14, 2011
I have greatly enjoyed all of Heather Wardell's books. This one is no different.
Amy's a hobbyist songwriter with big dreams, but not the usual 'making it as a musician' kind. No, Amy wants to honor her late best friend by finally starting the support center for teenage girls they'd dreamed of when they were just girls themselves. She doesn't know where to start, but when one of her songs becomes an overnight internet sensation she sees a quick path to the money she'll need to make the center a reality.
As white-hot pop sensation Misty Will, Amy finds a whole new world opening to her and realizes she loves being on stage holding an audience spellbound. She also loves how her young fans look up to her and draw strength from her songs, but of course they don't know the awful thing she did after her friend died and how badly she could have used a support center herself. She knows, though, and also knows that she simply has to leave her new pop princess identity behind and become Amy the center director as she's dreamed of for eight years.
Doesn't she?
Amy's a hobbyist songwriter with big dreams, but not the usual 'making it as a musician' kind. No, Amy wants to honor her late best friend by finally starting the support center for teenage girls they'd dreamed of when they were just girls themselves. She doesn't know where to start, but when one of her songs becomes an overnight internet sensation she sees a quick path to the money she'll need to make the center a reality.
As white-hot pop sensation Misty Will, Amy finds a whole new world opening to her and realizes she loves being on stage holding an audience spellbound. She also loves how her young fans look up to her and draw strength from her songs, but of course they don't know the awful thing she did after her friend died and how badly she could have used a support center herself. She knows, though, and also knows that she simply has to leave her new pop princess identity behind and become Amy the center director as she's dreamed of for eight years.
Doesn't she?
June 15, 2012
It was a rather good mix of predictable and unpredictable elements, but I did find it rather more serious than the author's other books.
It seems it's a recurring theme for the main characters to gradually understand that they themselves are their biggest obstacles. Once they gain that insight they realise what they really want and how to get it. I guess it's simple, yet important.
Also, dealing with other people's expectations is a major part of the story (this one and the other ones), so even though the music industry in the background of this book isn't that interesting, the story captures and works because of the characters inner journey to being honest with themselves and overcoming their fears.
It seems it's a recurring theme for the main characters to gradually understand that they themselves are their biggest obstacles. Once they gain that insight they realise what they really want and how to get it. I guess it's simple, yet important.
Also, dealing with other people's expectations is a major part of the story (this one and the other ones), so even though the music industry in the background of this book isn't that interesting, the story captures and works because of the characters inner journey to being honest with themselves and overcoming their fears.
August 6, 2016
Every time I read the title of the book I can't help but sing to myself "Live out loud...ayyy aaaayyy aaayyyyyy." You know, like the Live Your Life song by TI and Rihanna. Maybe the microphone is what does it for me. But, just as I was hooked to that song when it first came out, I was instantly hooked to this book. This may not be the best comparison if you're not a fan of the song, but you gotta admit the tune is catchy. As was this book. But this one won't get overplayed or overshadowed by the next-best thing. Live Out Loud actually stayed with me for a long time and definitely resonated a message.
October 22, 2011
Another wonderful book by Heather Wardell. In this book the author handles a difficult issue with the character's past with tact. Balancing the issue just right. It was nice to see a cameo appearance from a well loved character from another book too. I can't wait for her next book. I'll be reading it right away.
December 27, 2012
Great book, but not the best of the series. I felt this is exactly how someone thrust into the spotlight overnight would feel and I'm glad she found herself before she was lost or destroyed herself ala Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spears.
December 2, 2011
Adorable!
January 25, 2012
I had to force myself to finish this book. I honestly didn't care if "Misty" continued her career or not.
March 18, 2012
The kind of celebrity contemporary romance I like. Your mileage may vary.
June 16, 2012
I enjoy Heather's books..the characters are fun and very real. They're great airplane/beach reads. Keep writing them Heather!
February 7, 2013
I have loved every Heather Wardell book I have read and always grab the new one as soon as it is released and i am never disappointed.
January 15, 2012
Review Coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews