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Without You
When two people connect, they can make beautiful music together. But what happens when music is the thing that tears them apart? Evan James had it all. Drop-dead sexy, brilliantly talented musician, a skyrocketing career and his high school sweetheart by his side. When he’s offered a golden opportunity to go on tour, he never imagined she wouldn’t go with him. Without her, he found his dream meant nothing. Three years later, bereft and alone, Evan stops at an open mic night and spots someone sitting in the audience, the beautiful face of a woman he’d never forget...Maddy, his one true love. Madison Grey had only ever loved one man. When Evan broke her heart she had no choice but to move on with her life, start a career of her own, and she even finds a new love. Still, thoughts of Evan were never put to rest. And on one fateful night, she unexpectedly hears him pour his heart out into a new song. A song about broken hearts, lost love, and second chances. A song about her. With the help of their scheming friends, Maddy and Evan are thrown into each other’s lives once more. While learning to love and trust again, there is only one thing left on both of their minds... Is life better with or without you?
332 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2014
4 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Julie Prestsater
31 books1,139 followersI'm a mom, a wife, a teacher, a reader, and a writer. I'm also an lunatic when it comes to the NFL and playing Fantasy football, especially if I don't get my first pick quarterback: Tony Romo. When I'm not at home or work, you can probably catch me on the 15 freeway singing my heart out and dancing away in my car.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 21, 2014
Title: Without You
Series: Standalone
Author: Julie Prestsater
Release Date: 16th February, 2014
Rating: 3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:. No.
HEA:
If I had to use only five words to describe Without you, I would say it was: light, heartwarming, pleasant, entertaining and sweet. Every of this adjectives phenomenally summarizes how I felt during reading Julie Prestsater’s novel. It’s one of those books that wonderfully make a quick read in between and keep a smile plastered to your face. Frankly, it’s not something that would satisfy you on a long shot, but it will warm your heart and certainly make your evening pleasurable.
If you know Bruno Mars song If I was your man, Without You would certainly make you think of it. I have a strong feeling that it was the song that inspired the author. And while in this song Mars is singing his heart out to a girl he lost for other man, Evan James a drop dead gorgeous Grammy – winning musician is not able to forget about his high school sweetheart Madison Grey and wants to fight for her.
When Evan came back to his home town and stopped at open mic night in one of the bars, he absolutely didn’t hope for his Maddy to be sitting in the audience. He decided to perform his new song, Without You. Song he wrote about her. While putting his heart on display with every ‘should haves, would haves and could haves’ he strongly hoped for second chance. With the help of the wedding of his and Maddy’s best friends, Evan starts the fight for the love of his life.
From the start to finish I knew how this story would go, but the level of predictability wasn’t something I minded much. At that moment I wanted a cute, short read that will make my heart beat a little faster and I got what I hoped for.
So if you just like me, look for sweet and sexy second chance romance story with talented pop singer and girl like every of us, go grab it and have fun!
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
January 29, 2014
I get so excited when I read books that actually make me giggle and feel all happy inside. Without You did that for me. I enjoyed this book so much and loved Evan and Madison. She was fun and had me laughing out loud while I'm on the treadmill. Evan had me swooning and feel so damn giddy and HOT that I was blushing, not sure if I was sweating because I was working out or because he was making me hot! I love every second of this book. It is a book of the soul. Without You had me singing at every tune thats came from Evan's mouth! He is my new book boyfriend for sure!
February 23, 2014
First off, who can resist that cute, charming guy with a mysterious face on the cover? Tell me! Who?!
One author posted this on her timeline in facebook and I was just blown away. He's just so irresistible, looking at the keys like that! Mmmmm!
Anyway, onto the review...
The book was surprisingly short. Well, in the standards and not anyone else's. I didn't expect much after that since I usually don't tend to like short books. However, I was proved wrong by this book.
Sometimes, good things come in small packages, or in this case, good things come in a few pages. ❤
I'd like to say that I fell in love with the characters straight away, but alas, that wasn't what happened. I didn't like them right away because of the way they both left things when they separated. I thought that both characters gave up easily in the past. They obviously wanted to remedy that from the start of this book and that made me read on. I wanted to see just how far they would go to get back to each other. As it turns out, I chose right when I chose to read on.
The thing about getting-back together books is that they're all bitter sweet. You find out about the ugly things that happen to them in the past and you just want to bash both of their heads and lock them up inside a room to help them kiss and make up. That is exactly how I felt about Evan and Madison's story. I wanted them to get back together right away, but the author had other plans. She made me wait. I seriously hate waiting, but in this case? I'll let it pass. Not only was the guy such a sweet heart, he was also just so... determined. The pacing of the story felt just right.
"Words zoomed through my head, but I chose to stay silent. Instead, inch by slow inch, I bent down until our foreheads were touching. She didn’t move. Our mouths were a mere centimeter apart and I could feel her warm breath on mine, the sweet scent of minty gum intoxicating my senses along with the delicious smell of her shampoo. My heart was beating fast and my breath quickened. Maddy’s tongue peeked out, swiftly sweeping across her pouting lower lip. I wanted so bad to kiss her. I needed to kiss her. But Genna’s voice kept ringing in my ears. It was too soon. Damn, Gen for getting in my head. So as quickly as it began, I ended it. With a soft press of my lips to her temple, I finally said, “See you soon, Sunshine.”
And I turned around and walked away.
Only this time, I knew I would be coming back."
>>I love this scene because of the delicate way he treated Madison. He understood her reservations and planned to do it right this time... And oh man! He was darn successful! He had Madison with one song. I love how Madison also fought to forgive and understand Evan. She's such a nice girl that I totally wanted her to be happy.
They did you know... They had "that" happy ending and it was all good. :)
There weren't a lot of complications here. Maybe that's why I'm giving it a 4.5. I thought that Michael will stir up trouble, but no dice. He was just annoying at first.
All in all, this was such a great read! I am now convinced that I should be reading Ms. Prestsater's books. ^__^
This review will also on our book blog Musings of the Bookaholic Fairies.
One author posted this on her timeline in facebook and I was just blown away. He's just so irresistible, looking at the keys like that! Mmmmm!
Anyway, onto the review...
The book was surprisingly short. Well, in the standards and not anyone else's. I didn't expect much after that since I usually don't tend to like short books. However, I was proved wrong by this book.
Sometimes, good things come in small packages, or in this case, good things come in a few pages. ❤
I'd like to say that I fell in love with the characters straight away, but alas, that wasn't what happened. I didn't like them right away because of the way they both left things when they separated. I thought that both characters gave up easily in the past. They obviously wanted to remedy that from the start of this book and that made me read on. I wanted to see just how far they would go to get back to each other. As it turns out, I chose right when I chose to read on.
The thing about getting-back together books is that they're all bitter sweet. You find out about the ugly things that happen to them in the past and you just want to bash both of their heads and lock them up inside a room to help them kiss and make up. That is exactly how I felt about Evan and Madison's story. I wanted them to get back together right away, but the author had other plans. She made me wait. I seriously hate waiting, but in this case? I'll let it pass. Not only was the guy such a sweet heart, he was also just so... determined. The pacing of the story felt just right.
"Words zoomed through my head, but I chose to stay silent. Instead, inch by slow inch, I bent down until our foreheads were touching. She didn’t move. Our mouths were a mere centimeter apart and I could feel her warm breath on mine, the sweet scent of minty gum intoxicating my senses along with the delicious smell of her shampoo. My heart was beating fast and my breath quickened. Maddy’s tongue peeked out, swiftly sweeping across her pouting lower lip. I wanted so bad to kiss her. I needed to kiss her. But Genna’s voice kept ringing in my ears. It was too soon. Damn, Gen for getting in my head. So as quickly as it began, I ended it. With a soft press of my lips to her temple, I finally said, “See you soon, Sunshine.”
And I turned around and walked away.
Only this time, I knew I would be coming back."
>>I love this scene because of the delicate way he treated Madison. He understood her reservations and planned to do it right this time... And oh man! He was darn successful! He had Madison with one song. I love how Madison also fought to forgive and understand Evan. She's such a nice girl that I totally wanted her to be happy.
They did you know... They had "that" happy ending and it was all good. :)
There weren't a lot of complications here. Maybe that's why I'm giving it a 4.5. I thought that Michael will stir up trouble, but no dice. He was just annoying at first.
All in all, this was such a great read! I am now convinced that I should be reading Ms. Prestsater's books. ^__^
This review will also on our book blog Musings of the Bookaholic Fairies.
February 18, 2014
Julie Prestsater is one of my go to authors, don't know what I want to read? No problem, Against the wall series, have a major book hangover or get into a reading funk, no problems I pick up Between the Sheets, I want something fun and swoon worthy, well you know what Against The Wall series once again. From teen angst to smouldering sex scenes that leave enough to the imagination Julie to me is the re read Queen. Tyler Gelson is one of my first serious book boyfriends, hell Ty & Mel are one of my all time favorite book couples, so I'm not going to lie I had some big expectations for Without You.
Without You could of been cliche', it could of been I've read similar stories before, high school sweethearts, first true love, things get rocky and they split, one becomes famous and the other stays in their hometown, going about their normal life until circumstances bring them back together again. But it wasn't, within the first paragraph I was hooked, I could feel Evan's pain, his heartbreak, as he sat there playing his heart and soul out to a room of strangers about his one true love, his greatest joy and biggest mistake, his vow to make things right if he could just get another chance, I think I fell in love with Evan right there chapter 1.
So what's it about, Evan James and Madison Grey were high school sweethearts, the were great together until they weren't and the rest they say is history. Cue a few years later and Evan is home again, and ready to win back his girl. What I love so much about Without You, was there is no unnecessary angst, there's humor and honesty and great secondary characters. There's witty one liners and within the first few pages I felt like these people were my friends, my quirky, silly, in your face friends and I adored that. Julie every book you write you create such brilliant characters, you create an ensemble cast that draws you in effortlessly and as a reader I thank you for that, I thank you for writing books that leave me feeling lighter when I finish them, for making reading an absolute joy. I dare say I think Ty has some competition with Evan, I think I've just found my newest book boyfriend.
Without You could of been cliche', it could of been I've read similar stories before, high school sweethearts, first true love, things get rocky and they split, one becomes famous and the other stays in their hometown, going about their normal life until circumstances bring them back together again. But it wasn't, within the first paragraph I was hooked, I could feel Evan's pain, his heartbreak, as he sat there playing his heart and soul out to a room of strangers about his one true love, his greatest joy and biggest mistake, his vow to make things right if he could just get another chance, I think I fell in love with Evan right there chapter 1.
So what's it about, Evan James and Madison Grey were high school sweethearts, the were great together until they weren't and the rest they say is history. Cue a few years later and Evan is home again, and ready to win back his girl. What I love so much about Without You, was there is no unnecessary angst, there's humor and honesty and great secondary characters. There's witty one liners and within the first few pages I felt like these people were my friends, my quirky, silly, in your face friends and I adored that. Julie every book you write you create such brilliant characters, you create an ensemble cast that draws you in effortlessly and as a reader I thank you for that, I thank you for writing books that leave me feeling lighter when I finish them, for making reading an absolute joy. I dare say I think Ty has some competition with Evan, I think I've just found my newest book boyfriend.
February 2, 2014
Without You, by Julie Prestsater is a soulful read, which effortlessly draws you into the lives of Maddy and Evan; two people destine to be together but are estranged by youthful ambition and big breaks. When life presents an opportunity for another go, Evan James, a worldly famous musician is determined to not make the same mistake twice. Using fate, his musical talent, and the love he’s never lost for Maddy, Evan quickly brings his world into sharp focus making sure that his “Sunshine” will always be at its center.
Mrs. Prestsater has a natural talent of enticing her readers into living every moment right along with her characters. With a swoon worthy musician, a heroically strong teacher, and two best friends determined to bring them together, how can it go any way but right. Dynamic in its development, purposeful in its pace, Without You is one of those reads that makes you want to plunge into the pages and truly live with each and every character. Captive in her scenes, Witty in her prose, I fell in love with Julie’s story for its engaging plotline and character development. Her words pull at your heart, drag across you mind, and gives you permission to disappear from the everyday grind of “real” life.
Without You is a 5 star read for me. Thank you Julie Prestsater for giving me a place to park my heart and fall in love again.
Mrs. Prestsater has a natural talent of enticing her readers into living every moment right along with her characters. With a swoon worthy musician, a heroically strong teacher, and two best friends determined to bring them together, how can it go any way but right. Dynamic in its development, purposeful in its pace, Without You is one of those reads that makes you want to plunge into the pages and truly live with each and every character. Captive in her scenes, Witty in her prose, I fell in love with Julie’s story for its engaging plotline and character development. Her words pull at your heart, drag across you mind, and gives you permission to disappear from the everyday grind of “real” life.
Without You is a 5 star read for me. Thank you Julie Prestsater for giving me a place to park my heart and fall in love again.
February 28, 2014
After reading a particularly mindboggling and depressing story that took me to my knees, I needed something refreshingly light and sweet and yes, sentimentally sappy. I found it in "Without You." Evan and Madison were high school sweethearts and it seemed they were meant to be a forever match. But real life got in the way and Evan's career as a grammy-award winning musician and singer built a wall between them. There's a breakup and Evan tours the world while Madison gets herself hooked up with a snobby lawyer.
Threes years later, Evan returns home for his best friend's wedding and a second chance at love. Maddy is a junior high teacher and her best friend is marrying Evan's best friend. With a little conniving and matchmaking, romance is in the air once again and it looks like a rematch is in the making. Of course, nothing runs smoothly in a love story, so we have to endure a little misunderstanding before we get to the happily ever after.
Light and simple with a little spark of heat equals just what the doctor ordered.
Threes years later, Evan returns home for his best friend's wedding and a second chance at love. Maddy is a junior high teacher and her best friend is marrying Evan's best friend. With a little conniving and matchmaking, romance is in the air once again and it looks like a rematch is in the making. Of course, nothing runs smoothly in a love story, so we have to endure a little misunderstanding before we get to the happily ever after.
Light and simple with a little spark of heat equals just what the doctor ordered.
August 10, 2016
I don't know, I just didn't like these two. Particularly Maddy. She was all over the place.
Evan wasn't bad, but he felt kinda meh to me. I didn't care much for him.
There really is no drama in this story, it's just the two giving this a second chance. I felt it needed something more, at times the story came off a little boring. And the little drama that we got at the end... I just wanted to slap Maddy. Hard. It was too childish and completely opposite to what she had been telling until then (starting anew, trusting him again, etc.).
This one just didn't do it for me. I was expecting much more.
Evan wasn't bad, but he felt kinda meh to me. I didn't care much for him.
There really is no drama in this story, it's just the two giving this a second chance. I felt it needed something more, at times the story came off a little boring. And the little drama that we got at the end... I just wanted to slap Maddy. Hard. It was too childish and completely opposite to what she had been telling until then (starting anew, trusting him again, etc.).
This one just didn't do it for me. I was expecting much more.
February 18, 2014
"She's in every song he writes."
Oh my goodness! Let me start off by saying how much I truly love Julie Prestsater!! I mean, I love that woman!!! lol. With that being said, this book hit my music loving heart so hard!!
Evan James was a huge superstar. Selling millions of records, winning countless awards and selling out stadiums everywhere. But behind all the fame was a broken man that couldn't go another day... Without Her.
Three years ago, Madison Grey let the love of her life walk away. She told him that he should go, but she never truly thought that he would. She knew that Evan wanted to pursue his musical dream and she didn't want to be the person standing in his way.
"I loved him enough to let him go. Despite how it shattered me."
"I said goodbye to the love of my life and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do."
Then, one night the past hit her square in the face again.
"My stomach was in knots, my head was pounding and I could not get those lyrics out of my head, Nor could I stop hearing that sexy rumble of Evan's voice doing things to my insides that they should no longer be able to do. I was a wreck and it was all Evan's fault. Again."
Maddy thought that one night seeing him perform would be all that she would see of Evan. Little did she know, their best friends had a lot more planned for them. Genna and Luke had been best friends of their's for years and now are getting married. With Maddy being the Maid of Honor, it would only make sense to have Evan be the Best Man, right?! No matter how much she tried to avoid him, Evan was always there. Not just physically, but mentally. He was slowly creeping back into her life and she was quickly letting him.
"I came home for a reason. I came home for her."
"Music was nothing without my heart, my soul, my reason for being, and I needed to get her back."
"She was my sunshine, my everything. She was in every song I wrote."
Evan started pulling out all the stops. He knew he had to do everything he could to win her back. Maddy couldn't resist him much longer(and I don't blame her!!).
"Call me stupid. Call me naive, a downright dirty whore if you must, but I wanted Evan James. And I was going to have him."
Can Evan actually win Madison's whole heart back or will the past still be too hard to forgive?
This book not only grabbed me with the lyrics that Evan wrote to Madison, but it also hit home for me as well. This story had very relatable characters, funny quips, heartstring pulls and acts of forgiveness. Not to mention that Julie put a part in there about one of my favorite movies, The Thing Called Love!!!! "Look out Music City!! Cause I'm here now and I ain't never leaving!!" :) Comparing the small venues that Evan used to play in to The Bluebird Cafe truly touched me.
Thank you, Julie, for making another story for everyone to love and for some, like me, to relate to! Wonderful Read!!
Oh my goodness! Let me start off by saying how much I truly love Julie Prestsater!! I mean, I love that woman!!! lol. With that being said, this book hit my music loving heart so hard!!
Evan James was a huge superstar. Selling millions of records, winning countless awards and selling out stadiums everywhere. But behind all the fame was a broken man that couldn't go another day... Without Her.
Three years ago, Madison Grey let the love of her life walk away. She told him that he should go, but she never truly thought that he would. She knew that Evan wanted to pursue his musical dream and she didn't want to be the person standing in his way.
"I loved him enough to let him go. Despite how it shattered me."
"I said goodbye to the love of my life and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do."
Then, one night the past hit her square in the face again.
"My stomach was in knots, my head was pounding and I could not get those lyrics out of my head, Nor could I stop hearing that sexy rumble of Evan's voice doing things to my insides that they should no longer be able to do. I was a wreck and it was all Evan's fault. Again."
Maddy thought that one night seeing him perform would be all that she would see of Evan. Little did she know, their best friends had a lot more planned for them. Genna and Luke had been best friends of their's for years and now are getting married. With Maddy being the Maid of Honor, it would only make sense to have Evan be the Best Man, right?! No matter how much she tried to avoid him, Evan was always there. Not just physically, but mentally. He was slowly creeping back into her life and she was quickly letting him.
"I came home for a reason. I came home for her."
"Music was nothing without my heart, my soul, my reason for being, and I needed to get her back."
"She was my sunshine, my everything. She was in every song I wrote."
Evan started pulling out all the stops. He knew he had to do everything he could to win her back. Maddy couldn't resist him much longer(and I don't blame her!!).
"Call me stupid. Call me naive, a downright dirty whore if you must, but I wanted Evan James. And I was going to have him."
Can Evan actually win Madison's whole heart back or will the past still be too hard to forgive?
This book not only grabbed me with the lyrics that Evan wrote to Madison, but it also hit home for me as well. This story had very relatable characters, funny quips, heartstring pulls and acts of forgiveness. Not to mention that Julie put a part in there about one of my favorite movies, The Thing Called Love!!!! "Look out Music City!! Cause I'm here now and I ain't never leaving!!" :) Comparing the small venues that Evan used to play in to The Bluebird Cafe truly touched me.
Thank you, Julie, for making another story for everyone to love and for some, like me, to relate to! Wonderful Read!!
November 30, 2014
They were practically kids, fresh out of college and with the whole world at their feet. And as Evan’s songwriting career took off, Maddy was with him every step of the way. But when a new, bigger career opportunity came, Maddy was left on the sidelines, their relationship coming in second to his work, his contacts, his life.
Evan never expected an ultimatum, and within seconds of choosing his music over Maddy, he knew he’d made a mistake. But then the years went by, each one bringing new reasons to keep them apart. He was touring, winning awards, becoming a household name. And she was seeing someone else.
He didn’t expect to stop at the little bar for open mic night. He didn’t plan on anything at all. But he played the song, the one he’d written for her, the one that told the whole world he was sorry. And there she was to hear it.
The Verdict: Within the first few pages, I was ridiculously hooked. Most of the time, stories about musicians just annoy me, simply because I don’t like reading song lyrics, but this one just sucked me right in. Something about the way Evan described his feelings for Maddy, the way he intended to get her back just had me turning pages as fast as I could devour the words.
But then it just all fell apart. The premise hinted at a slow, somewhat painful, ultimately rewarding resolution, complete with a happily ever after. But there was virtually no conflict, nothing more than the characters meeting again, dancing around each other for a few days, and getting back together to plan their future.
After years apart, years during which Evan dated Playboy Bunnies and Maddy developed a long-term, established relationship with a lawyer she was still seeing when Evan reappeared… One week or so later, and they were conveniently back together, overlooking everything that happened in the time that they were apart, with Maddy’s boyfriend amicably bowing out. All that perfect plot potential was wasted on a rather dull reconciliation, and I just got bored.
I loved the other books I’ve read by this same author, and I had high hopes for this one, even knowing it would most likely be completely different than the rather humorous romances the others were. I was really hoping for something a little angstier, but what I got was something just less interesting. It had so much promise, but the rush to resolution and the absence of any deeper plot development just kind of killed it for me.
April 30, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
The message I took from Without You is that no matter how talented, successful, or wealthy you are, if you don't have someone you love by your side, it can be hollow at best. It can be really difficult when two people in love have different ideas of what they want in life. When Evan left Maddy to follow his dream, I don't think he realized just how much losing her would affect him.
It's quite apparent that Evan and Maddy are still hung up on each other even several years later when their paths cross again. I enjoyed the interactions between the two. They have such a rich history together, but after three years things are also new. There's definitely a spark between these two and as a reader I was rooting for them to get back together.
Lucky for Maddy, her two best friends aren't about to let her run away from a second chance with Evan. They throw the two of them together to help prepare for the friend's wedding. I loved the dialogue, especially between Maddy and Evan. It was witty and fun.
This book made me laugh and at times cry. I've always had a thing for musicians, and Evan is quite swoon-worthy. The things he does to try to win Maddy's heart back are... well you'll just have to read for yourself. If you like a heart-warming romance with great characters be sure to add Without You to your TBR list.
The message I took from Without You is that no matter how talented, successful, or wealthy you are, if you don't have someone you love by your side, it can be hollow at best. It can be really difficult when two people in love have different ideas of what they want in life. When Evan left Maddy to follow his dream, I don't think he realized just how much losing her would affect him.
It's quite apparent that Evan and Maddy are still hung up on each other even several years later when their paths cross again. I enjoyed the interactions between the two. They have such a rich history together, but after three years things are also new. There's definitely a spark between these two and as a reader I was rooting for them to get back together.
Lucky for Maddy, her two best friends aren't about to let her run away from a second chance with Evan. They throw the two of them together to help prepare for the friend's wedding. I loved the dialogue, especially between Maddy and Evan. It was witty and fun.
This book made me laugh and at times cry. I've always had a thing for musicians, and Evan is quite swoon-worthy. The things he does to try to win Maddy's heart back are... well you'll just have to read for yourself. If you like a heart-warming romance with great characters be sure to add Without You to your TBR list.
February 16, 2014
4.5 Stars
Originally posted on Up All Night Book Blog: http://wp.me/p32mvq-1X3
I’ll admit it – the minute I saw this cover, I HAD TO MEET Evan James!! Seriously, that hair, those lips? YES!! And I was not disappointed in this singer/songwriter, sexy, all-around yummy book boyfriend! And to have this be a second chance love story was just what I needed to while away some hours. Evan and Madison/Maddy/Sunshine were friends and lovers early on. But as can sometimes happen, life gets in the way and heartbreak ensued.
Fast forward a few years and Maddy’s life is filled with friends, laughter, and a new boyfriend. She’s sassy, caring, and not quite over her first love. Evan is at a crossroads, having traveled the road and made a name for himself. What happens when these two are thrown back together to help their best friends in Without You is real, fun, and full of sweet, romantic moments – ones that make you catch your breath with the sexual tension.
Julie Prestsater captures dialogue, heartfelt scenes, and had me laughing and crying. I felt like I was right in the story with Evan and Maddy. Adding in the aspect of his songs, particularly Without You, made my musician-loving heart beyond happy. Overall, a sexy, emotion-filled read that I loved!
ARC provided for honest review
Originally posted on Up All Night Book Blog: http://wp.me/p32mvq-1X3
I’ll admit it – the minute I saw this cover, I HAD TO MEET Evan James!! Seriously, that hair, those lips? YES!! And I was not disappointed in this singer/songwriter, sexy, all-around yummy book boyfriend! And to have this be a second chance love story was just what I needed to while away some hours. Evan and Madison/Maddy/Sunshine were friends and lovers early on. But as can sometimes happen, life gets in the way and heartbreak ensued.
Fast forward a few years and Maddy’s life is filled with friends, laughter, and a new boyfriend. She’s sassy, caring, and not quite over her first love. Evan is at a crossroads, having traveled the road and made a name for himself. What happens when these two are thrown back together to help their best friends in Without You is real, fun, and full of sweet, romantic moments – ones that make you catch your breath with the sexual tension.
Julie Prestsater captures dialogue, heartfelt scenes, and had me laughing and crying. I felt like I was right in the story with Evan and Maddy. Adding in the aspect of his songs, particularly Without You, made my musician-loving heart beyond happy. Overall, a sexy, emotion-filled read that I loved!
ARC provided for honest review
February 28, 2014
WITHOUT YOU
Julie's new book is so beautiful. Thats all there is to it. It is a second chance romance and who doesn't love those. I know I do. With every book I've read by this author I have laughed, teared up, smiled, swooned, etc. She had a beautiful way with words and tells a story of love lost over ones ambition and need to go live their dream. When Evan takes off to pursue his music career, he leaves behind Maddy, his Sunshine, his muse, his life. He missed her everyday for 3 years and when he comes back to town he and Maddy are thrown back together. And Maddy, has stopped loving him.....or has she.
I love the music aspect of this book, it takes the love to another level of emotion for me!
Julie's new book is so beautiful. Thats all there is to it. It is a second chance romance and who doesn't love those. I know I do. With every book I've read by this author I have laughed, teared up, smiled, swooned, etc. She had a beautiful way with words and tells a story of love lost over ones ambition and need to go live their dream. When Evan takes off to pursue his music career, he leaves behind Maddy, his Sunshine, his muse, his life. He missed her everyday for 3 years and when he comes back to town he and Maddy are thrown back together. And Maddy, has stopped loving him.....or has she.
I love the music aspect of this book, it takes the love to another level of emotion for me!
February 19, 2014
I don't normally just like a story, sweet but this one grabbed me at first read because it does something different...
It starts out in present day the H/h are apart but very quickly you are aware it won't be long before they end up together. You have dual POV that weaves their past seamlessly into the present. Sometimes flashbacks are long and pointless( my opinion) this story doesn't waste time.
That being said there is one brief moment of turmoil in the middle and sex scenes are done rather PG/17. Not steamy but again sweet!
It may be too sweet for some? I liked it but my only complaint a little too vanilla
It starts out in present day the H/h are apart but very quickly you are aware it won't be long before they end up together. You have dual POV that weaves their past seamlessly into the present. Sometimes flashbacks are long and pointless( my opinion) this story doesn't waste time.
That being said there is one brief moment of turmoil in the middle and sex scenes are done rather PG/17. Not steamy but again sweet!
It may be too sweet for some? I liked it but my only complaint a little too vanilla
May 1, 2014
WOW!! I loved, loved, this book, I love reading about Evans and Maddy's love story a story of second chances and there is SUNSHINE" around the corner I can't even put into words I much I loved "Without You " I can't leave out Genna and Luke Evans and Maddy's best friend's they were a cute couple. I did feel bad for Michael I hope he found his Happy Ever after... I don't live to far from Pasadena Ca I wanted to get in my car and drive to "Sunshine And Lyrics" even though I know it was made up. Julie Prestsater makes this story come to life 5 stars for me looking forward to reading her other books.
Happy Reading
Lisa
Happy Reading
Lisa
February 18, 2014
A book about first love lost love found love again n never giving up on it.
I always love a HEA book but I felt it needed more plots like twists n turns . But don't get me wrong I enjoyed reading it.
Maddy n Evan are just meant to be.
High school sweethearts who thought they would be together forever until Evan made it big and love was forgotten but never really forgotten . Years later they found each other again n w the help of their best friends butting in forever wasn't a fairy tale.
I love Genna the best tho. She's hilarious!
Thank you for sharing your books w us! I enjoyed it:)
I always love a HEA book but I felt it needed more plots like twists n turns . But don't get me wrong I enjoyed reading it.
Maddy n Evan are just meant to be.
High school sweethearts who thought they would be together forever until Evan made it big and love was forgotten but never really forgotten . Years later they found each other again n w the help of their best friends butting in forever wasn't a fairy tale.
I love Genna the best tho. She's hilarious!
Thank you for sharing your books w us! I enjoyed it:)
February 25, 2014
Evan was just so swoon worthy with his smooth voice and sexy words. His lyrics made you melt in a puddle of goo. Maddy was stubborn at first but with the help of fate and her best friends she was ready for a second chance at love.
Maybe 3 years ago it just wasn't their time but I believe fate brought them back together for a reason. The love they had for each other was special and I loved seeing them grow.
It was a sweet story of second chances.
Maybe 3 years ago it just wasn't their time but I believe fate brought them back together for a reason. The love they had for each other was special and I loved seeing them grow.
It was a sweet story of second chances.
April 29, 2014
Loved this latest story from one of my favorite authors! Enjoyed reading about Evan and Maddy and their friends. And boy did Julie bring some heat! I was reading this on the plane to NYC this year, and this guy was sitting next to me. I swear to god that my cheeks felt bright red, and I was embarrassed that he might glance over and see what I was reading. *fan please!* And of course, I always love a story that involves music. Nice work, Julie!
February 17, 2014
This is another awesome book by Mrs. Prestater! Evan James knows what he wants and won't let anyone take his sunshine away!! (Pun intended)! I loved every moment! It is hilarious, sexy, and romantic! Maddy is so cautious with her heart and I can't blame her! But I love their meddling friends! Loved every moment of this book!
February 27, 2014
Tell me there's some sort of prequel or novella of their story back in high school!
Uggghh. I need that!
It's light romance read. Light drama. Nothing was overdone. Just a perfect blend.
I kept singing Bruno Mars' When I Was Your Man everytime a line tugs my heart!
That's the perfect song to the whole story, except Evan fought for his Sunshine until the end. Aweee.
Uggghh. I need that!
It's light romance read. Light drama. Nothing was overdone. Just a perfect blend.
I kept singing Bruno Mars' When I Was Your Man everytime a line tugs my heart!
That's the perfect song to the whole story, except Evan fought for his Sunshine until the end. Aweee.
February 21, 2014
Really liked the story. Wish it would have been longer and slower paced. At one point I wanted to slap Maddy, but I guess that is what makes a good story. I agree that Evan is a great book boyfriend, but not sure thast he out ranks Josh Hayes or Gunner Mathews from the Wanted series. Keep writing great books Julie.
February 27, 2014
"I came home for a reason. I came home for her."
"Music was nothing without my heart, my soul, my reason for being, and I needed to get her back."
"She was my sunshine, my everything. She was in every song I wrote."
A great second chance love story filled with songs and sunshine. This was a quick and sweet read.
"Music was nothing without my heart, my soul, my reason for being, and I needed to get her back."
"She was my sunshine, my everything. She was in every song I wrote."
A great second chance love story filled with songs and sunshine. This was a quick and sweet read.
February 18, 2014
Second chances
Second chances
A really heartfelt story about making mistakes & getting a chance to fix them. Daddy & Evans story is a really sweet.read
Second chances
A really heartfelt story about making mistakes & getting a chance to fix them. Daddy & Evans story is a really sweet.read
February 19, 2014
Julie has done it again! This book is full of hope, love, and emotion. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it. This is definitely a love story that was music for my heart!
February 20, 2014
This is one of those stories that just make you feel good inside.... I loved the storyline. Great characters. Definitely worth the Read!
February 27, 2014
It was quite boring, not too much drama.
February 17, 2015
This book wasn't anything special. I liked it but I didn't lovvvvve the storyline. Some parts were cute, like Maddys students but overall it was just ok.
March 24, 2016
Lovely read with an heartwarming ending <3
February 21, 2014
Loved it!! :)
February 24, 2014
Oh my Evan James. Enjoyed this read about second chances. Everybody deserves a love like this
February 27, 2014
Cute and sweet! This book made me realize that true love is the foundation of music ;)
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