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Nashville #2

Nashville - Part Two - Hammer and a Song

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CeCe McKenzie grew up dreaming of a life doing what she loves - singing in Nashville. When she and her Hound dog Hank Junior set out to make her dream come true, life takes some twists she hadn't counted on. Like falling for Holden Ashford, a songwriter with a gift. And also a girlfriend. Can a country music star's hunky son help her forget about Holden? Or is that even possible when her heart insists on writing the song?

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2013

1418 people are currently reading
395 people want to read

About the author

Inglath Cooper

63 books934 followers
Virginia author Inglath Cooper fell in love with reading as a little girl, devouring most of the books in her elementary school library. At some point, she decided she wanted to pursue a writing career, creating romance fiction that did for others what her favorite books have done for her. “I love character-driven books that leave me feeling as if I’ve really known these people and make me wish I didn’t have to turn the last page.”

“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”

Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”

When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”

Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.

Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”

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255 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Denise.
671 reviews8 followers
September 23, 2014
And here is where even more of the continuity goes to hell. There is no clear definition of time. The way these novellas read, a total of maybe 6 days has passed. But everything is supposed to be weeks, I'm assuming because she all of a sudden has a bed and cell phone... Where did those come from? And you cannot get a job without ID. Especially not waitressing at a swanky place where famous and wealthy people eat. And that place wouldn't all of a sudden have a stage with budding talent. You can't just change your high end restaurant to an open mic club in the middle of the story.

And you can't ask someone to cover your shift the third day you work there, which PS, you said you had to work the night before but then you didn't. What was I saying? Oh yeah, you can't ask someone to cover for you then show up to hang out with your date. I would kick. Your. Ass. No lie! And no one would ever cover for you again, skank.

So much ticked me off. Oh, dude says he made more than 200 in tips but when he adopts the $50 dog, she notices he only has one dollar left. Since you sat in the truck all effing night where did the money go? There was so much that was wrong in this novella. Not to mention the two main characters are cheating... Gag. I'm pretty sure this review doesn't make sense because I am livid that any editor would let these novellas publish. And the ending? No. I'm done.
Profile Image for Blagica .
1,386 reviews16 followers
April 23, 2019
Hammer and a Song is part two of the Nashville series by Inglath Copper. CeCe, Holden, and Thomas get faced with a wonderful opportunity, Holden's girlfriend comes to visit, and CeCe starts hanging out with a famous country singer's son. So, there are a lot of jealous feelings going around and some claws start to come out. This was a super-fast read and leaves you with some unexpected news that's about to change things quite a bit for our main characters. I have continued the series and have finished book three and four those reviews are to fallow. I like many readers feel like these books could have been longer and less installments and they still would have been fun and memorable just the same.
Profile Image for Terisa.
818 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2014
Part 2 takes up where Part 1 stopped with CeCe and Holden waiting outside the pound in hopes that they can get in as soon as someone opens the gate to rescue Hank Junior. Returning home, they find that someone has showed up unannounced that throws a damper in CeCe and Holden’s new found romance. Trying to make the best of things though, they trudge along trying to put their feelings for each other aside. Through someone else’s misfortune, and with them being at the right place at the right time, they catch a break that may just give them what they came to Nashville for but can everyone put their differences aside?

Two new characters join the book, Sarah and Beck. Sarah, I wasn’t too fond of even though I did understand where she was coming from due to how quickly Holden fell for CeCe. Just like Part 1, this book ended abruptly as if were the end of chapter but this one though did leave you hanging with more of a cliffhanger effect. Part 3 and 4 are both out already so we shall see where it leads us.
Profile Image for Terry Houchin.
244 reviews25 followers
March 10, 2017
The trio CeCe, Holden, and Thomas are surviving in Nashville. They all have jobs and are enjoying writing and singing music together.

Along comes a tornado and their lives change forever.

Holden and CeCe save a woman and their act of kindness is played forward in a big way.

The chemisty between Holden and CeCe is the driving force of this book. We get small glimpses of how CeCe views this attraction and what she is willing and not willing to do about it.

Holden has come to grips with the fact that CeCe is the best thing to ever come into his life. He is finally feeling happy and whole.

Then enter into this equation Holden's girlfriend Sarah.

Now you have the set up for this second book. I hope you like this one as much as I did.
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,462 reviews152 followers
February 29, 2024
I picked this series up for a reading challenge and instantly was hooked on Cece's story. I ended up binge reading the first five books in the series. I plan to finish the series in the future. I loved the story it's beautifully written. We are introduced to Holden and Thomas who rescue her on her way to Nashville. They have this instant spark and chemistry that sends them down a whirlwind adventure as they all reach for their dreams of making it as singers. This is my first series by the author but I'm hooked on her writing style.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,380 reviews30 followers
June 25, 2019
This is the second in a series of novellas about a trio of young people trying to make it in the music business in Nashville. The is a slow moving love story building as well. It's not a bad plot, but I personally would prefer fewer longer books. Others may feel differently.
Profile Image for Gloria.
167 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2021
Such a great little novella! I love this storyline & these characters. I didn’t realize there were 10 books in this series when I started reading. I don’t really want to go down that rabbit hole. I feel like the 1st & 2nd ones will keep me satisfied.
Profile Image for jimtown.
960 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2018
I read this as part of the series Nashville 1-10. It's pleasant enough.
17 reviews
April 12, 2019
Hooked

I am completely hooked on this series. I enjoy the way the author gives us more than one point of view. The characters are likeable and believable.
Profile Image for Kitten  Peters.
1,017 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2019
Great

Awesome book. The characters are fantastic and it really shows the ups and downs of people in their twenties. Love the series.
Profile Image for Claudia Benitez.
223 reviews
October 20, 2019
Love the plot. Unfortunately the story is short and ends on cliff hangers. Can't wait to see what happens with Holden, Cece, Sara, Thomas, and Beck.
Profile Image for Spring Casterlow.
11 reviews
January 4, 2020
These books are more like easy to read essays and I love them! A place to escape when you dont want be where you are. No history, no thinking, just a good Nashville story
39 reviews
July 29, 2020
Not a book but part of one

Not a bad book to read, but it is basically 1 book with 10 sections. Each section is in a separate book. Very misleading
31 reviews
October 29, 2020
Before you go

These series of Inglath Cooper books are very interesting and inspiring,a page turner can hardly wait to finish so I could start the other,amazing,
Profile Image for Dianne.
96 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2017
Inglath Cooper has a fantastic way of making the reader fall in love with her characters. Right from the beginning you can't help but love Cece. She's got a determined attitude but in a gentle, almost naive way. She's definitely got making music, not fame, on her mind. She takes a chance and moves from all she's ever known to pursue that passion of songwriting and singing.

Then in walks Holden, oh man... Holden. What can I say about him?! He's brooding, got a major attitude but he's so magnetic that you are drawn to him despite the facade he puts up. From the moment he is described, wearing cowboy boots *swoon* and a cap pulled low on his head over his sunglasses, whew... Holden had my attention. He too is chasing the dream of playing the music he writes for all to hear. I should say that I am biased towards Holden because there's something sexy about a man wearing cowboy boots.

Another integral character to this story is Thomas Franklin. Thomas is like that big, teddy bear brother, cousin or best friend that you always feel secure around. He'll always have your back but give it to you straight. He's not the "I told you so" type but will comfort you when needed. There's no hidden agenda with Thomas, his heart is as pure golden as the sun. He's the singer with that smooth voice who brings life to the words that Holden writes.

From the moment Cece and Holden meet, you can feel the electricity crackle between them. They are drawn to each other but don't want to admit it.

Events happen through out Part One that bring Cece and Holden together and you can see the beginning of a forbidden relationship between them. They both know that nothing could ever come out of a fiery and passionate kiss that overtakes their senses. If only life weren't so complicated!

In Part Two, we get to learn more about the characters and are introduced to a new one, whom I didn't like, at first. Not because of how she was written but because of what she meant for Cece and Holden. She's a character you can't help but love to hate, in the beginning. However, as we learn more about her she grows on you and you like her.

I want to say Part Two was my favorite of the two novellas. We get to learn a little bit more about Cece, Holden and Thomas. The story is riveting and grabs a hold of you. I literally couldn't put it down. I wanted take it all in and know what was going to be happening. As I got to the end of the book, when I turned, swiped, the page that ended the story, I was looking for more. Before the ending, we got a sense of resolution, a sense that things were finally going in the right direction. Then it happened, I was turning, swiping, the pages looking for more. My mind refused to accept the story ended the way it did! As far as cliffhangers go, this is really a great one.

I will be patiently waiting for Part Three to come out. I will devour it just to get my fill of Cece and Holden.

Being that the story is about singers and songwriters trying to make it in Nashville, Inglath has shared the songs that Holden has written at the end of each book. Which is awesome. To add even more excitement to it, Holden has a blog (here) in which he shares his music. He's the songwriter to the duo between him and Thomas. I think that is pretty cool, if you ask me.

Do I recommend these two novellas? OMG! I do! If you want to fall in love, go on a country music roller coaster ride where you know you'll have a good ole time, I do!
Profile Image for Kristie.
36 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2017
This is an addictive read!

So I finished the first Nashville, jumped right into the second one, which I've just completed. The struggle is real...
Profile Image for Amy Barber.
894 reviews12 followers
June 1, 2013
If you read book 1, you will need to read book 2! I read the compilation of the 2 together and this review is for that book.
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After finishing this book, which contains parts 1 and 2 of the Nashville series, it struck me that the book reads like a stereotypical country song and that made me giggle. The story is about a young woman who leaves home with not much else other than her guitar to try to live her dream in Nashville. That dream doesn't include becoming famous, just being able to make her living doing what she loves. Along the way things start to go very wrong and she is rescued by 2 men; Holden and Thomas. It seems that it was fate that brought these 3 people together. The story moves at a very fast pace, there are less than 100 pages in the first book and the second isn't much longer. The story keeps moving and you just don't want it to stop...but then it does. The ending of each book leaves you needing more with big unanswered questions. I am very anxious for the 3rd book and really want to know how many there are in all and how long we will have to wait for them, but I could not find that information.

One of the really unique things about this book is that is incorporates the music into the story. Often authors will create playlists to go with their books, but this author created songs that go with it. They are incorporated into the story and you can listen to them online. They are an integral part of the story and make it more special.

The characters will draw you in and you will want to see everything work out for all of them which is almost an impossible situation, so I can't wait to see where this all goes!
Profile Image for Shannon Daniel.
237 reviews
May 9, 2014
Part two
5 superstar stars

This series focuses on CeCe, Holden, and Thomas, who are living in Nashville, trying to make their dream of becoming country singers come true. This book, like the first, is told from the point of view of CeCe and Holden. Part two picks right back up from where part one leaves off, with Holden and CeCe trying to fight their feelings for each other, due to the fact that Holden has a girlfriend, and they’re waiting for the pound to open. Once it does they find a surprise inside and another big one when they get home. Sarah has come to visit Holden. Will he admit that he’s falling for CeCe or will he stay with Sarah? Will Thomas always be CeCe’s shoulder to cry on or can they eventually become more? You’ll have to read on to find out.
One of the really unique things about this book is that is incorporates the music into the story. There are often playlists to go with books, but this author created songs that go with it. They are incorporated into the story and you can listen to them online. They are very important to the story and help make it more special.
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,308 reviews108 followers
April 12, 2015
Thank you to Lynn Coppotelli and Inglath Cooper for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Hammer and a Song is the second book of the Nashville Series by Inglath Cooper. I must say that I preferred Hammer and a Song more so than I did Ready to Reach (book 1). This book was more eventful and more emotional on many levels.

My favorite part of the book was the health scare of Lauren (owner of a night club that CeCe and Holden worked at). I was totally scared for her and was praying for her to get better. What I loved even more was the great opportunity Holden, CeCe, Thomas, and Sarah got from Chase (Lauren’s boyfriend) for saving Lauren’s life. I was so excited for them and their new endeavor. It was a dream come true type of moment.

CeCe and Holden started getting closer in this book. However, Sarah (Holden’s Ex) decided to show up out of the blue to win him back. I was not a fan of Sarah’s for doing this to Holden or to Cece. This made things uncomfortable.

I am excited to see where the next book takes them.
1,990 reviews21 followers
June 8, 2014
I love and highly recommend the awesome, well-written, romantic, contemporary love story Hammer and a Song by Inglath Cooper.
The story continues with Holden and CeCe's feelings for each other growing and waiting for the pound to open, then CeCe gets her dog back, and Holden purchases a dog for himself. When CeCe and Holden get back to the apartment, Thomas lets them know that Holden's girlfriend, Sarah, stopped by. Sarah sees the attraction between CeCe and Holden and feels hurt, and Holden tries to assure her nothing is going on. Holden is torn between his old feelings for Sarah and his new feelings toward CeCe.
After a tornado barrels through town, Holden and CeCe rush their boss, Lauren, to the hospital. Lauren's boyfriend, a well known country singer, wants to develop a young group of four singers, and Holden, CeCe, Thomas, and Sarah audition.
Read the fabulous, fantastic, highly recommended Hammer and a Song by Inglath Cooper.
Profile Image for Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?).
1,222 reviews73 followers
January 24, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

Hammer and a Song is part two of the Nashville series by Inglath Copper. CeCe, Holden, and Thomas get faced with a wonderful opportunity, Holden's girlfriend comes to visit, and CeCe starts hanging out with a famous country singer's son. So, there are a lot of jealous feelings going around and some claws start to come out. This was a super fast read and leaves you with some unexpected news that's about to change things quite a bit for our main characters.

Hammer and a Song by Inglath Cooper was kindly provided to me by Xpresso Tours for review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
240 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2013
This is a cute story about struggling musicians and the people, situations they encounter. It is a very quick read that is enjoyable, but feels like something is missing and I can't figure out what it is. It's a combination of two novellas and maybe that's it. It's like a full length novel that is being released a few chapters at a time.

Aside from that, The characters are very likable, and it will make you laugh and shed a few tears.

I was given a complimentary copy in return for a review
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,103 reviews553 followers
April 13, 2013
Round Two of the Nashville saga and things are heating up a bit - music wise and otherwise! I love the lyrics to the songs that Inglath Cooper weaves throughout the storyline. Characters bound and determined to succeed in the world of country music face some trying times and get a little help from friends, too. Two little furry friends add their special touch as well. It's all fun-to-read and has me hooked and ready for Part 3.
Profile Image for Angel **Book Junkie** .
1,859 reviews9 followers
August 29, 2013
Wow, I did not expect any of that. This story had my heartstrings at the end. Now what I can say is this book was not as good as the first one and it was a little disappointed. I wanted to hear more about the music instead of the relationship between Holden and CeCe. I mean really after as nasty as he was at times how did you fall in love with him in like 24 hours. I can say that this one was okay but still I loved the first one even more.
Profile Image for Kimberlee.
941 reviews46 followers
June 9, 2014
This was book two in the Nashville series and I have to say I really was intrigued. Things are really moving for CeCe and Holden and Thomas they are becoming maybe a real team and then Holden and CeCe begin to feel for each other just as Sarah Holden girlfriend shows up and then the four of them are thrown together. Wow I can't wait to read three because as Sarah leaves angry we find she has very distressing news. Excellent four stars.
Profile Image for Jen.
250 reviews19 followers
November 16, 2015
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I got the first book in the series free on Amazon (it's still free for anyone interested!) I didn't expect to like it so much but I have really been sucked into the story and I love the characters. Not at all what I was expecting. I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series. Each book is short and sweet. Perfect for a beach read or vacation read!
Profile Image for Amy K.
Author 20 books406 followers
August 11, 2014
I'm still really enjoying the characters in this series. I'm not crazy about the fact that Holden's stepped out on his girlfriend but I can't help but like him anyway! Although, I do love me some Thomas, he's so country and sweet. This book was a quick paced read, it seemed to go by quicker than the first and the ending was pretty shocking. I'm going to go start part 3 now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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