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Nashville #1

Nashville - Part One - Ready to Reach

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Nineteen-year old CeCe Mackenzie leaves Virginia for Nashville with not much more to her name than a guitar, a Walker Hound named Hank Junior and an old car she'd inherited from her grandma called Gertrude. But Gertrude ends up on the side of I-40 in flames, and Nashville has never seemed farther away. Help arrives in the form of two Georgia football players headed for the Nashville dream as well. When Holden Ashford and Thomas Franklin stop to offer CeCe and Hank Junior a ride, fate may just give a nod to serendipity and meant to be.

130 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1994

2683 people are currently reading
1794 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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5 stars
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850 (35%)
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503 (20%)
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137 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
Profile Image for Whitney Atkinson.
1,068 reviews13.2k followers
May 5, 2017
read this because free on kindle without realizing the rest of the series isn't free and pretty much nothing happens in this one

arrrhggghhhh
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,103 reviews553 followers
March 30, 2013
I really like the tune this one is playing! Introduction novella to three young musicians struggling to make a go of it in Nashville. Nothing new as far as plot goes but the characters are captivating and interesting. The mix works and there's a dog named "Hank" that adds another level of charm. There are hints of success as well as trouble ahead for the trio. An easy and fun-to-read debut. Looking forward to the next release in this continuing series.
Profile Image for Olivia's Bookish World.
410 reviews16 followers
Read
January 24, 2020
I found these on Kindle Unlimited when I was looking for some very light reading. The series is a little odd. Each book is more of a novella and I ended up reading all 10. The stories were interesting enough (although not that believable) to keep me reading, but didn't have much depth. Lots of telling instead of showing.
Profile Image for Ashley.
748 reviews27 followers
February 22, 2015
A number of things just didn't work for me in this novella. The characters and events just didn't ring true to me. The narrative was clunky and uneven. The writing seemed to get very bogged down in mind numbing useless detail and for a novella that's supposed to hook me into buying the rest of the series, this was just too mundane.

I wasn't a huge fan of the car fire. The way all that played out felt a little contrived and ridiculous. Cece hopping in a truck with two random, strange guys instead of going with her car to get things straightened out and her life back on track made absolutely no sense. But I was willing to go with it. Until Holden's guitar got stolen. That was just so ridiculous and silly and unrealistic. And meanwhile, between those two events, we were treated to excruciating mundane details about things like the dog, and directions to Starbucks. Yet I made it almost halfway through the book and still didn't know what Cece looked like besides having curly hair and wearing a skirt. I didn't know anything about Thomas except he was "big" and didn't look like a Thomas, whatever the heck that means, and he has a terrible, supposedly Georgian, accent. I got second hand embarrassment reading half the things Thomas said, either because of his accent or what he was actually saying. He was clearly supposed to be the cute, sweet, peace maker, nice guy. But he seemed like a child. He even used the word potty at one point. Because a lot of college guys use the word potty in casual conversation to other adults, right? And then we had Holden who was the brooding, guitar playing, song writer who was a huge jerk for absolutely no reason. The entire trio got on my nerves to be honest. They made terrible decisions and did stupid things for no good reason. But they were all written in such a boring tone that the ridiculous things weren't even interesting. The characters' voices were not distinct enough to warrant being told from different points of view and they had no chemistry. Ultimately nothing really happened. If you're going to write a serial and you want people to stick with it, you have to make them care and leave them dying for the next installment. I just really wanted this one to be over. I did like the cover.

*I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

www.wanderingthepages.tumblr.com
Profile Image for Blagica .
1,386 reviews16 followers
April 8, 2019
The Year of Sweet Small Reads
Cece Mackenzie has taken off with her dog in her grandma’s old car for Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a country singer. Too bad that the car breaks down. And catches on fire. And her purse and all of her belongings are lost when it blows up. Thank god two cute guys stop to help her and offer her a ride. Oh wait…one of them is kind of a jerk. Will she ever get to Nashville?

“I hear the car explode even as I’m still running flat out. I feel the heat on the backs of my arms. Hank Junior yelps, and we run faster. I trip and roll on the rough surface pavement, my guitar case skittering ahead of me, Hank Junior’s leash getting tangled between my legs.

I lie there for a moment, staring up at the blue Tennessee sky, trying to decide if I’m okay. In the next instant, I realize the flouncy cotton skirt Mama made me as a going away present is strangling my waist, and Hank Junior’s head is splayed across my belly, his leash wrapped tight around my left leg.”

When Holden meets Cece he thinks she may as well be named “Calamity Cece” in his mind. She’s a curse for Thomas and Holden who are moving to Nashville for their career. This first part in the serial is a cute introduction to the characters and reminds me of the “Nashville” TV series. All of these talented people just want to catch their big break. I enjoyed the beginning and definitely want to read more about these characters.

I know this is a short but sweet beginning and will read the next part in this series to find out if this trio has what it takes to make it in Nashville. I’m crossing my fingers that they will get themselves a record contract and be on their way! I have been busy reading so I have also read part two and am working on part three.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
March 24, 2019
i hope this is the right book, i am not seeing the cover i so enjoyed on Amazon?? through KU? hope i got the right one???! I am new to Inglath Cooper writing, i enjoy this book cover, totally what did grab me in. i am a newbie to Inglath Cooper's writing ... i don't know that name, very unique. love that!! look forward to reading more from this author. i enjoy her writing style and i love the characters ... i mean what is not to love? enjoyable quick read for me. ( ;
Profile Image for Preet.
3,383 reviews233 followers
September 29, 2015
This story starts off with an explosion (literal) and just goes from there. I've got to say the beginning really caught my attention. I liked CeCe from the moment I met her. She's got guts going after her dreams. I liked how she was so strong even when the odds were stacked against her. She's proud, but not too stubborn to take help when it's offered. She's talented but humble and truly has a good heart. I loved her and Hank Jr., her dog. He was just so adorable. I loved how she cared for him and how much he meant to her.

I loved how the story wasn't just about CeCe and her journey to become an established musician, but also about the people she met along the way, in particular the two boys who stopped to help her when she was in need. I loved that they were also musicians but also great people. In a world where people could be cut throat, Thomas and Holden really didn't have to help CeCe, but they did, even if Holden totally resisted it at first.

The chemistry between CeCe and Holden is palpable, but not is as clear cut as they'd like it to be. I loved the sense of feeling that things aren't over between them yet. I also loved how once Holden got over being grouchy he was there for CeCe when she needed him. This first part of the serialized novel is a great start. It has laughter, action, lots of emotion, and lots of chemistry. I have a feeling this is going to be a great story and I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,665 reviews341 followers
May 30, 2013
Are you a country music fan as opposed to a rock n roll girl ? Or do you prefer both like myself ? Not many people in New Zealand are country western fans but myself I love it with awesome artists like Sara Evans , Joe Nichols, Luke Bryan, The JaneDear Girls etc my list could go on and on and I am actually headed on holiday to Nashville in December so I so can't totally wait - it will be awesomenest.
Nashville Part One introduces us to Two Guys, A Girl and her Dog not the Two guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place. On her way to Nashville with her belongings and her dog Hank Junior is CeCe Mackenzie hoping to take her talent of being a singer to the stage. When CeCe's car suddenly breaks down, she is left stranded until two guys headed to Nashville on a gig drive past - Thomas Franklin and Holden Ashford. The pair then offer CeCe a ride and soon the pair becomes a threesome as CeCe moves into their apartment and is taken under the two guys wings. Can this threesome find fame, fortune and maybe even Love in Nashville ? Is this really their "City of Dreams" ?
A fast-paced novel that I really enjoyed and cannot wait to get stuck into book #2 , the only downside for me though was it finished too quickly and ended like halfway through an important scene - this is the only thing standing in the way of the book receiving a 5P rating instead of a 4P as it is.
Profile Image for Jennifer-Eve Workman.
234 reviews34 followers
September 24, 2015
I won this through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

While the book was a great, short and well written romance starter, it kind of ended abruptly. And right when it started to pick up on the romance part. I realize it is only part one but it didn't end in a place where one does or should. I get that you want to leave a bit of a cliff hanger but it kind of just stopped instead!

While on her way to make it big in Nashville, CeCe's life becomes a stereo-typical country song: Poor girl goes to Nashville to sing... Car blows up and burns everything but her hound and guitar... handsome and gentlemanly cowboys (who also are out to make it big) swoop in to help girl... girl falls for obnoxious cowboy with a girlfriend... obnoxious cowboy falls for her. Will it happen or will it all blow up in their faces forcing them all to return home with their tails tucked between their legs.... DUUUUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!

Overall it was a good story... I just need a little bit more!
Profile Image for Drea.
215 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2014
I opened this one ready to roll my eyes. I’m no country music fan. Not at all. And when the first few paragraphs were all devoted to how the heroine prays, I was ready to check out. I’m glad I stuck through it.

The writing is good, characters engaging and the pace zooms the reader through the novella. Though the story is told in the first person point of view from both CeCe and Holden, this first installment is all about CeCe trying to get back on her feet after everything she has goes up in flames, literally. I was a little disappointed that she goes for the initially jerky guy rather than the amazingly sweet one, but that’s how these things usually go. There are some kisses but no sex, and I was okay with that. Fortunately we get a little resolution, unlike the last serial. And the story ends on an upbeat note.

Grab this one if you dig stories about chasing your dreams.
Profile Image for Sherley Marie.
175 reviews38 followers
March 20, 2015
Ready to Reach

****I was gifted with an ARC of this book for my honest review****


I loved this series. So I actually finished this book like 3 days ago but I was so hooked that I sure did go online and download the following 4 books. I am of course not finished with the series but I had to pull away because I have so many I need to finish as well. But I will be returning to finish the series. I am hearing a rumor about another book... hmmmm I love that it centers around Cece and Barefoot Outlooks whole journey and their love for each other. It was a great read.
Profile Image for Mehtap.
569 reviews18 followers
November 14, 2013
This books were awesome!! I love everything about it..Thomas is the best friend you could ask for and Holden is the hot mysterious guy that turns in to a romantic hottie. Cece is sassy and stands for herself which I love in female characters.. I love the songs..I love how is written. I totally recommend this series..
Profile Image for Cathy.
896 reviews22 followers
April 11, 2013
Good introduction to more stories to come. CeCe finds herself in a pickle when her car explodes on her way to Nashville. She's lucky the guys who stop to help her are heading for a singing gig in Nashville, too. Nice story. Even got a few tears going.
Profile Image for Gwenn Wright.
Author 19 books134 followers
April 27, 2013
I love this book. Simple. Real. I couldn't put it down. If you've ever been a struggling artist, you'll love this. Or if you like dogs, country music and irascible men you'll probably love this story.
Profile Image for Denise.
671 reviews8 followers
June 9, 2013
It started out cute and fun, but there is little to no continuity in the writing and it veered away from its cute novella status to train wreck in progress with the non ending. Why bother with a novella just to follow it up with another novella that picks up at exact moment the first left off?
Profile Image for Myndi Keyton.
175 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2013
This was a free kindle download on Amazon. I started it bc I had read everything else I had. I was surprised to find excellent writing and nice story line. It was a quick and easy read about 3 young adults attempting to make it in the music industry. I immediately downloaded and read book 2.
Profile Image for Dawn Barber.
848 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2015
This is a wonderful start to a series. Story flows well and author did a great job. Only issue I had was author stated the boys were from GA, going in Nashville and the guys describe it as coming "down" to Nashville? Will definitely read the next...
Profile Image for Chaz Robertson.
4 reviews
May 19, 2013
Very interesting insight into the lives of musicians aspiring to greatness in the Nashville scene. Looking forward to Part 2!
Profile Image for Kate.
642 reviews39 followers
April 14, 2025
In this novella, the MC - and prose in general - read very young and naive to me. Goodreads says it's a "new adult" book - which to be honest, I had to look up what that meant because I hadn't heard that term before. Supposedly it means basically YA with more adult content. Which I suppose you could call this.
CAWPILE:
Characters: 3/5 - They weren't bad, but there was no depth to them.
Atmosphere/ Setting: 4/5 - This wasn't bad but it could have been better. The setting was great, but I wanted more in the atmosphere - I wanted to both see and feel Nashville.
Writing Style: 3/5 - This read far too young for how old our characters were supposed to be - especially the MC. And it was entirely predictable.
Plot: 2/5 - This needed a lot more depth and development to it. Everything was very convenient.
Intrigue: 4/5
Logic: 5/5 - Almost too much
Enjoyment: 3/5 - I enjoyed it but was distracted by all the criticism in my head.
Total: 24/7 = 3.4
Spice rating: 1/5 Glimpses and Kisses - One long kiss, one almost sex scene... There was one very quick sex scene - our MCs walk in on this. It was quick and not intimate and not described in full detail.
Profile Image for Linda Thompson .
411 reviews10 followers
September 19, 2020
I really got into this story until I reached the end and discovered not only a cliff hanger, but this series has a total of ten books (and counting), each ending with another cliffhanger. In other words, it’s a never ending way of getting into your pocket. Not one of these short stories qualifies as a “book” and while I liked the way the story was going, I’ll not be continuing. The characters are interesting, the story could be a really good one, but Cooper is better than this. I’ve read her other books and she should know better than to scam her readers in such a blatant manner. No more.
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.
18 reviews
March 11, 2019
The writing was enjoyable, but this is actually an unfinished short story 91 pages . Book One on the cover implies part of a series, not part of the story. I bought as an e-book or I would have realized how short the story is. I won't read more as the author doesn't disclose how many books one must read to reach the conclusion.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,380 reviews30 followers
June 16, 2019
This is a very short start on a multi-part series about young people moving to Nashville to start a musical career. This segment basically just introduces the characters and gets them settled into Nashville. They are likable enough folks, so I'll probably give the series another try since I'm getting them through Kindle Unlimited and I'm not paying extra to read them.
1,668 reviews42 followers
Read
July 26, 2019
DNF
I do enjoy country music and contemporary romance so because this was a free read on Amazon Prime I downloaded it. Probably nothing wrong with this book. Just for me it didn't take long to discover it really wasn't my cup of tea. But don't let me discourage you from reading it because it may very well be yours.
17 reviews
August 16, 2018
Nice and relaxing

The plot tells about regular people and their everyday life adventures. Reading this book is extremely pleasant as thanks to the silhouettes of the characters everyone can easily relate to what they have to face. I recommend it and I will read more parts.
17 reviews
April 11, 2019
So Good!

I'm hooked. I don't typically read books that could be classified as romances. But this book is so much more. The characters are likeable and I can't wait to read the next book in the series
Profile Image for Ashley Monette.
650 reviews7 followers
August 25, 2019
This book was okay. It was very short and I think had i noticed how short it was i wouldn't have chosen it. There are also too many books in the series for me to continue. I'm not that into it to continue anyway. Though I can assume what happens. It was a quick read though.
1,580 reviews
November 3, 2019
Absolutely terrific story

I love this author and her stories. This is only the first book in what appears to be a substantial series, and even so, it is worth the read in and of itself. Great character interactions.
3 reviews
May 6, 2020
Short but Sweet

I enjoyed what I read, but it was like reading a couple of chapters. I felt cheated when I realized it was the end. What a gimmick. I'm definitely not buying another chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews

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