Heart Strings

by Andrea Smith, Gina A. Jones

Emmett Jackson is a high school drop-out and a rock star wannabe at twenty.

He has the looks, the sex appeal, and enough groupies to totally notch-out his bedpost. That's his current problem. Poor choices and toxic decisions have splintered his dreams for the future just as the band is gaining momentum.

When a one-night stand that Emmett has no recollection of results in a surprise pregnancy, he's forced to come to terms with the fact that everything his band 'Wasted' has worked for is now at risk.

Torn between obligation and pursuing his dream, Emmett faces some cruel realities in the months ahead. He wants it both ways, and when a female vocalist joins the band, the chemistry of their voices can't be denied.

Neither can the chemistry between them . . .

This single-daddy rock star romance will tug at your heart, with plenty of surprises in store.

ADULT CONTENT

Genres: Audiobook, Steamy, Romance, New Adult, Musicians, Contemporary Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2020

About the author

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Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasted

It's poignant and a little gritty, a bit steamy, and plenty of heart when it comes to what really matters. Definitely worth a read or listen!

I'm gonna start with an unlikely person, Stacy. She kinda reminded me of the character of the same name from Wayne's World (and if you have that theme song now stuck in your head, you're welcome), only skeevier. I really felt for Emmy.

As for Emmett, I love his reaction to his evening with Stacy and how he took stock of his life choices and did something about it, never ending up in that position again. I also love how Liv came into his life and the hurdles they overcame. And, oh, that ending! Very fitting.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are Gina A Jones and Alexander Cendese. I really like both. 👍

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and the two authors did an amazing job of bringing you in and keeping you there throughout the whole book. I mean you just have to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next, especially with Stacie. I enjoyed this one and hope these two write more books together.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasted: A Single Daddy Rockstar Romance
by Andrea Smith, Gina A. Jones
Narrated by Alexander Cendese, Gina A. Jones

I love both of the authors separately, so when I saw they were releasing a book written together on audio, I couldn't wait to listen. And it is amazing! This rockstar romance has all the qualities I love and had me listening straight through so I could see how it would end. Emmett is the lead singer in his up and coming rock band. At least he hope it is. And with his position come the perks of being the good looking front man. Groupies are not a problem. Until one comes back saying she is having his baby. He has no recollection of the night, and while taking it seriously is awaiting the paternity test. But now there is Olivia, Toxic Energy's new female vocal. And the chemistry between Emmett and Liv is strong. She comes with her own worries and responsibilities. Can these two work through and find a happily ever after? I don't even know where to start. Liv is fantastic. She knows what she wants, she sees through the lies and knows Emmett is a good man. If you want to fall in love, listen when Emmett is with the baby. Oh my, does he love her, and it comes through the narration. Through thick and thin, these two work through the complexities and completely win your heart. Secondary characters are strong, and we love them all except maybe Stacie, but she does add a lot to the story, making it real. I loved it and hope we get more from the band and these two authors!

Narrator choice is so important and these two picked the perfect cast. Alexander Cendese is excellent as Emmett. Emmett is emotionally charged, and we could feel it with each scene how he felt. Gina A Jones portrays Olivia, just as she intended and it comes through with strength, confidence and vulnerability. I love her voice! This team made the story come alive and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/...

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This storyline with it's many characters and their lives was so realistic and intense. I loved this struggling rock star group, and the main characters. Emmett is the lead vocal and guitar player in this rock group, he tells the story from his view, and later when Olivia comes in, it's told in her view! Such an enjoyable book trope for me, I have not read any like this well written, flowing story. I was emotional and frustrated at certain parts, but wow, what a great book! Besides the fact that Emmett wants to make it big, he wakes up one morning not remembering what happened the night before with Stacie Coulter, his friend and band mate Ace's younger sister. She later accuses him of getting her pregnant, and since he is a responsible young man, he takes her in. But, just wow over all the drama she causes for him, the one good thing is he meets her friend, and neighbor Olivia. This is a loaded storyline with each character with their own personal stories. Drama filled, secrets revealed, heartache and a big rollercoaster of emotions for me, I loved it! Oh and the epilogue, I super love epilogues and this one is an incredibly happy emotional one. But, as I finished it, I'm still worried about Stacie Coulter. You just have to read this book =)
Thank you so much Andrea Smith!!! This is my honest review.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful storyline!

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
This was an intense storyline, a different trope on a rockers band romance.
I enjoyed the characters.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasted, by Andrea Smith and Gina A. Jones, is a unique take on the rock star trope, with more emphasis placed on the backstage lives of the stars, their relationships with one another, their families and the personal issues they confront in their daily lives. Emmett Jackson has no desire to take the S.A.T. that's sitting on his desk and, during a recess in the test, walks out to do what he really wants for his future, to play music with his garage band, Wasted. His best friends, Coop (bass), Wayne (rhythm guitar,) Slade (drums) and, eventually, Ace (keyboards) make up the band and Emmett plays lead guitar and is the frontman of the group. Although Wayne and Cooper write most of the music, Emmett is particularly good at writing songs that reflect the darkness inside him. As they begin to gain momentum as a band, the rock star life follows along and Emmett parties a little too much, a little too often and it catches up with him one night. He has no recollection of anything that happened and, when an unknown woman comes sauntering out from the bedroom, he knows he's crossed a line. Stacie Coulter is a work of art and not in a good way. She's a one night stand, so he thinks, and a bad penny that always turns up. With her claims, she turns Emmett's world upside down. Trying to be an honorable man, he will support her and, after 9 months, they will go their separate ways. When Olivia Harris joins the band as a vocalist, there is an instant spark between Emmett and Liv, as she calls herself, much to Stacie's chagrin. Nobody is going to take her man away! But Liv has a secret she's kept from everyone, preferring to deal with it by herself. Her mother is suffering from early-onset dementia and it's her responsibility to care for her. Liv is an only child, whose father died long ago, and, as a single mother, Sylvie did the best she could to raise her. They never had much money, but there was so much love in their home. When Wasted's star begins to rise, her mother rants to Olivia that this life is going to ruin her. She falls into a memory from her past, when she was in love with a man named Zak, but he betrayed her. Liv has heard about this Zak person for years and years, but has no idea who her mom could be talking about. As she lives more and more in her memories, it becomes clear to Liv that her mother is going to need more help. When she makes an appointment with the doctor for her, she has no idea just how much her mother has been unraveling. The diagnosis is heartbreaking, but makes it so much sense given her mother's odd behavior all of Liv's life. It's troubling, at best, and she has no idea how much of the truth has been kept from her. All the while, Wasted continues to tour and is becoming the main attraction, no longer opening for bigger bands at their gigs. They seem to have made it, but real life has a way of bringing Emmett to his knees. Stacie has been such an unsympathetic character all throughout the book, and is even worse as the birth of the baby comes near. She lives in a fantasy world of her own making, and it's uncomfortable as she describes, in detail, her love for Emmett and his for her. Liv can't stand it and feels that she can no longer come between them. Emmett sets her straight and Stacie is forced to see what damage she's done. The birth of the baby brings so many surprises...Stacie's lack of maternal feeling and Emmett's immediate love for his child. The twists regarding Liv's father and the baby, Emmie, provide a sense of relief and happiness, if not closure. A complex story with characters who come alive!

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧 A Captivating & Rocking Ride!

Wasted: A Single Daddy Rockstar Romance
By: Gina A Jones, Andrea Smith
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Gina A Jones

I am a huge fan of rockstar romance novels and these two gifted authors’ collaboration is awesome. They created an original story with interesting storylines that were captivating from start to end. A story that contains a whole lot of heart. The characters are complex, easy to relate to and connect with. I adored two of the lead characters, Emmett and Olivia, the band members, Cooper, Wayne, Slade and Ace, were awesome too. I was not a fan of Ace’s sister, Stacie, she was an immature and selfish person, conniving and so unlikeable. I admired Emmett for tolerating her for as long as he did, I was glad he was smart about the way he handled her. “Wasted” is an up and coming Rock band, Emmett plays lead guitar and vocals. They are producing their first album and the band decided they wanted to add a female vocals to one of the songs. Several females tried out and Olivia “Liv” Harris was the best fit and the bands choice. Emmett and Liv had met before and it had not gone well so he was not sure she would even want to join the band or if it would work out. But Liv did and they soon learned there was great chemistry between them. I loved how everything plays out in this book, how Liv learns not everything is as it appears or as Stacie makes it appear. The story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, angst, twists, heartfelt and emotional moments and a rocking romance. Gina A. Jones and Andrea Smith, thank you for this fantastic story and the emotional rollercoaster ride. I hope there is more to come from these great characters, a book for each band member would be awesome (hint, hint)

I listened to the Audiobook edition, Alexander Cendese and Gina A. Jones did an awesome job portraying the characters, giving each their own distinct voice. They grasped the characters’ persona, making each role their own and sounding just as I pictured them to sound. Alexander Cendese was played the perfect Emmett, captured all of his emotions, just as Gina A. Jones did for Olivia. Her Stacie was spot on too, a little over the top which was fitting to all of her antics. Both are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this fantastic listen🎧
🎧📚🎧

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is described as a single daddy rock star romance, well I’ve got to say, it’s much more than that. The story follows Emmett Jackson, wannabe rock star who has knocked up a one night stand. Problem is, he can’t remember anything about the night, he was drunk, and high (which was not unusual). He does however, man up and take care of his responsibilities, even if he does handle the mum to be (Stacie) atrociously. That said she was not very likeable. Enter Olivia Harris, the singer who helps the band take off, and who assists Emmett with more than his microphone. Enjoyable and addictive, if not a little crude and cheesy in places. It dealt with mental health issues sensitively, along with all the additional issues that Emmett and Olivia had to deal with. The audio version was narrated by Alexander Candese, who portrayed Emmott’s funny, douchey character to a tee, and Gina A Jones (also the the co-author), who managed to nail Stacy’s pitiful annoying whine, along with Olivia’s voice perfectly.
A wonderful corroboration of both the authors and both the narrators.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasted by Andrea Smith and Gina A. Jones is a single daddy Rockstar romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Alexander Cendese and Gina A. Jones.

I absolutely love Andrea and Gina’s books! This book pulled me in from the very first chapter and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I absolutely loved the relationship between Emmett and Olivia. I really liked that we got Emmett, Olivia, and Stacie’s point of view throughout the book. It really brought it to life.

Alexander and Gina did an amazing job on the narration! They really know how to bring a story to life.

I would highly recommend this book if you like single dad romances, Rockstar romance, or contemporary romance.

[Andrea Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved writing this book with Gina A. Jones!!

Wait until you hear the audio!! OMG!!!!

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmett’s Story About Wasted’s Rise & The Personal Challenges He Faces Along The Way Is An Authentic & Realistic Midwestern Story! It Deals With Issues Of Mental Health & Personal Responsibility.


Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Wasted is a local band on the rise. Their sound combines emo, rock, grunge, and chaos into a sound uniquely their own. Emmett Jackson plays lead guitar and captivates with his dark lyrics. His best friend Cooper Townsend plays bass. Coop and rhythm guitar player Wayne Ellis write the band’s music. Slade Rutgers plays drums. The high school friends have been playing in Cooper’s garage for years. They play some local gigs on weekends and have a few original songs.

Emmett Jackson, nineteen, has a dream. His step-mother may have dreams of him going off to college, but school has never been his forte. He has something else in mind. Fort Wayne, Indiana is on the decline, and he doesn’t see himself staying around forever. He is devoting himself to making Wasted into a career, and with some hard work he knows his band can pull it off.

Eighteen months later, the band finally lands their big break. An influential Indianapolis club has finally given them a gig that could open doors for the group. Things are beginning to take off. They ask Ace Coulter to join the band on keyboards. Ace had dropped out after getting his girlfriend Katie pregnant, and is now married with a toddler. The addition of Ace gives them a richer sound and better positions them to get attention.

But it only takes one night of carelessness on Emmett’s part to turn his life upside down. After a night of heavy partying, he blacks out for the first time ever and discovers Ace’s little sister Stacie in his trailer. Although he cannot remember anything, she certainly seems to think they had a great time. Stacie is just seventeen. The possibility of Ace getting angry and hard feelings finding their way into the band is very real. He manages to get away with the one nighter until Stacie ends up pregnant.

Emmett may not remember his night with Stacie, but he will do whatever it takes to make peace in the band. As the band embarks on a tour, Emmett finds himself stepping up and taking responsibility for his mistake. Their relationship is complicated. And when Stacie’s friend Olivia Harris joins the band things get even more complicated.

This is the story of Wasted’s rise from local band to their first world tour. It feels authentically Midwestern. The dreams of escaping a dying city. The trailer park. High school dropouts. The young men of Wasted are destined for something bigger. Their talent and determination carry them on the path to stardom. For Emmett and Ace, it is not without some drama.

This is also Emmett’s story. The academically-challenged rocker goes from carefree days of drinking, drugs, and girls almost overnight as he assumes responsibility for Stacie and the baby. His character is tested as he is forced to grow up fast. Although imperfect, he shows great strength as he struggles to find his way forward.

Finally, this is the story of Olivia Harris, twenty-two, who gives up everything for a mother she never truly understood. Her journey of self-discovery as she cares for her mother and learns more about her past will resonate with those familiar with the toll that mental illness has on family members.

There is also a love story here – and some steamy chemistry – but the focus of the book is on the three interrelated storylines. In terms of romance, the story doesn’t take the typical path. The rise of Wasted, Emmett’s commitment to doing the right thing, and Olivia’s search for answers all come together, culminating in a very fitting happy ending.

Emmett’s story about Wasted’s rise and the personal challenges he faces along the way is an authentic and realistic Midwestern story. It deals with issues of mental health and personal responsibility. The story is nicely written and plot-driven. The characters are well-developed and feel real. The story is written in third person. The POV alternates between Emmet and Olivia, with more from Emmett’s POV. Stacie’s POV is given in the epilogue. I rate this book four stars.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It has it all! Suspense, drama and a few chuckles. This is a nice smooth story that had me flipping pages left and right. I couldn’t get enough of this book. I loved that this started early on so I saw the making of the band. I liked that this doesn’t concentrate on the concert venues and what happens in the after shows. It follows Emmet and how he gets to the point of stardom and what happens along the way.

The characters really come to life. The romance can be felt coming off the pages. Emmet impresses me. The way he just comes up with lyrics at the drop of a hat...that is a skill. Then Olivia comes on board and I can almost hear her singing and harmonizing with Emmet. Very cool to feel like I was a part of that.

Overall I really liked this. It has all the elements that I like in a book. A good solid story, a little laughing/joking, suspense and characters I can care about. Some I like others I dislike. Btw...that last chapter is great!

I just listened to this on audio. LADIES you need to get this! Alexander Cendese and Gina A Jones narrate this. Alexander SINGS! It is so amazing! They both really add another layer to this amazing story! This will be one to listen to over and over!!

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasted is a fabulous contemporary romance by Andrea Smith and Gina A. Jones. Team Smith/Jones have produced a well-written book populated with outstanding characters. Wasted is written in mostly first person alternating point of view. This book has young adult/new adult age characters. I think I'm getting too old to read this age group because I spent a little time shaking my head and wanting to slap the stupid out of them now and then. Emmett is a high school drop out that wants to be a rock star. After a night of bad decisions, he wakes up with his band mate's underage sister, Stacie, who claims he took her virginity. Olivia answers an ad for a singer in Emmett's band. Emmett and Olivia's story is a little twisted, loaded with drama, angst, smokin' hot sexy bits and suspense. I enjoyed reading Wasted and look forward to reading more from team Smith/Jones. Wasted is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Tammy Bulcao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story!💜

This story grabbed me from the prologue. This book was so freakin entertaining I was either smiling, shaking my head or on the verge of reaching into my book to throat punch someone. So much fun! Let’s talk narration. Gina A Jones did very well on the narration parts but I didn’t care for the talking or narrative part. For me, it seemed a little choppy. That said, She absolutely nailed Stacy’s character. Alexander Cendese is absolutely brilliant. His delivery is spot on. His excitement and enthusiasm for each character is perfect.
I highly recommend this book.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasted isn’t your typical glitz and glam rockstar storyline. It’s the story of a struggling rocker who finds himself in a precarious situation and does a very noble act instead of denying plausibility. In the end his original assessment was correct, but he has found he is enamored and will fight to keep what he know feels is his own.
Andrea & Gina have written a beautiful, sensitive story of generosity, a familiar bond born from love.
Gina did a wonderful job narrating, Alexander equally as well, but I think a younger voice for Emmett would have done him more justice.
I was gifted this audio book by Andrea for a far and honest review 🎧

[Liza Cordero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Cast

This was a full spectrum of love stories expertly woven together. A mother-daughter relationship, a dad falling in love with his baby girl, sibling love for a misguided sister, friendship, and romantic love. The cast of characters were mostly endearing while the antagonist was... You have to read this to find out.

This is a great beach read and hot as a California heatwave!

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, and because of my huge backlist, I just recently got to it.
But WOW - I'm so glad I did!! I fell in love with Emmett Jackson - I mean, at first he comes across as kind of a cocky douche - but once he's given the "news" on a one night stand, you see his shock, followed by his journey to being responsible and in a way, his vulnerability under the hands of the conniving bitch, Stacie.

That's all I will say - read it!!!

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great single Daddy Rock-Star Romance. Olivia (Liv) and Emmett's story is beautiful, intense, and sweet, filled with angst, drama, and suspense. I love to have both POV. The supporting characters are great and intriguing. The story has a great conclusion. Alexander Cendese and Gina A Jones did an amazing job with the narration. The narration has some amazing suprises! This is a great team authors/narrators. We need more!

[Nina Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dad rockstar
Wow this book took some twists and turns. I loved the characters except for the obvious one. This story was heartwarming and really made me think about some serious situations. The Narration was great, I am a huge fan of Alexander Cendese especially for this kind of character. HEA. I recommend this book.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rockstar romance with an unplanned pregnancy added to it makes for a very sweet book. There are some hot scenes in here that will melt your ears and the drama unfolds perfectly to give you your happy ending. I hope there will be more of this band in the future.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard core brutal storyline in the sense of a manipulative character that lies to get what she wants. Great characters with beautiful hearts really bring this book alive. Written well and a fantastic performance.

[K.C. Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a good Single Dad Romance...throw in Rock Star and I am sold!

[Dawn Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, Wasted is a rock star single dad story, but it is a whole lot more than that. This deals with more the personal and backstage area of the group and the dealings with mental illness. I found the story intriguing and page turning, you never knew what was going to happen. Some things saw coming and some things I did not. I liked Emmett and how he stepped up when the chips were down. When it came to needing help he got it. I liked Olivia and how hard she worked to help her mom. In my opinion Andrea Smith and Gina A. Jones did a good job of bringing into the story. I enjoyed and was entertained by Wasted.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved listening/reading Wasted: A Single Daddy Rockstar Romance by Gina A Jones and Andrea Smith. It was such a wonderful story, yet very, very emotional story about mental illness and finding a light at the end of the tunnel. There were many twists and turns in this story. I really felt for all the characters. I received an ARC of this book in the form of an audiobook in exchange for an honest opinion. I loved it. It was wonderful, sad, a whole bunch of crazy and just an all around great story. The narrators of this book were fantastic and really got into their roles. I loved this story and would recommend reading.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let this be a cautionary tale to always be cautious with whom and where you dip your wick, even more so if you’re so wasted that you don’t even recall the deed taking place. That said, I enjoyed the story and characters and conclusion of the story. Whilst it’s a standalone story, the epilogue has left it open enough for a follow up given Stacie is one seriously psychotic, self centred, money grabbing, devious scammer. Solid rock star romance.

[Jessica Scachetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The lyrics written by the characters were really good and it made me wonder how the music sounded when brought to life. The storyline flowed very well and was quite heartwarming. Parts of the read had literally brought me to tears. Really well done! I'd love to read a spinoff regarding the other band mates love lives. Especially Cooper's. That would certainly be an interesting read.

[Alexis Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Rock and Romance

I like this tale of a rock star who has to take on the tasks of performing before thousands of fans and changing diapers. I am pretty there's a musician who has done that. Good work.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different slant on a rockstar romance, and toss in the single-daddy trope? Yeah, I was hooked. Great collaboration!

[Jocko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating novel. Not your typical rock star daddy romance. This one has a heavy dose of reality intertwined in the plot.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

It is a brilliantly written story designed to keep you captivated by the characters and story. It touches on some heavy topics,you’ll love it