By day, Cade works as a mechanic. By night, he’s the drummer for a popular nightclub band. Music has always been his greatest love and biggest dream. That is, until Cade meets Dylan.
For Dylan, working as head bartender for Club Khronos is the ultimate job opportunity. There’s no way he could’ve foreseen how torturous the position would become. Six months of craving Cade has driven Dylan insane. No matter what he tries, Dylan can’t get a clear read on Cade. When Cade does finally make his move, Dylan realizes a fate worse than never having the man of his dreams—being kept a secret.
Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with several companies. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.
*Eight-time winner of Readers' Favorite Awards *2014 Golden Ankh nominee *2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner *2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner *2012 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance *Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath
Well, crap. I read this one because I was lost when I started the second book in the series. I really wanted to like this but it was WAY TOO SHORT to feel anything for the MCs. Plus, the MCs were terrible communicators, which gave way to extreme frustration.
I'm still going to read the second book, but I can't recommend this one.
Well, that was fast! The sex was hot, but it felt like I got dropped right into the middle of the story. There's no buildup. We're told that both guys wanted each other on sight, six months ago (or weeks, I forget) but neither made a mood, until the start of the book. Then we get some jealous behavior, some hot sex, a big misunderstanding, and then, inexplicably, a sex scene between two completely different characters! WTF? I didn't know what was even going on, that, in a story so short already, the author would decide to go and do something like this. If she's trying it out as an intro to a new series and the other characters, it was a big fail. Show the two guys arguing or talking, ok, but the sex scenes were just jarring to me.
Also, this book has some of my major pet peeves: head hopping, not just between the two main characters, but also this secondary pair, and the use of the term "other male" to differentiate the men. I hate this, it drives me crazy. There has to be a better way, but if not, just use other man.
The page count has got to be wrong on this one. It's listed at 103 pages, but Calibre's "count pagess" plug in clocks it at under 40 pages, and less than 11k words. It took me a grand total of 20 minutes to read, and I'm an average speed reader.
Short story of two lover finding their way toward each other. Both characters fight their attraction until they can’t fight it any more. It’s sweet that they tried but attraction isn’t something that you can fight against for long. I like that we kind of get 2 stories into one, or I should say a glimpse into what the next one might be about. Great narration.
Finding that one person who makes all the noise go silent finally happens to Cade. Cade finds the man of his dreams in a bar and he may be a little too slow in claiming him. Bartender Dylan is lusting after drummer boy, Cade. Night after night watching others flirting with Cade is draining on Dylan. One night, Cade makes the move and brings Dylan home for a rocking good time.
The sex in this book is rough, passionate and so good. When Cade and Dylan burn up the sheets, it's panty wetting goodness. When the secondary characters, Maddox and Hawke get it on, it's just as arousing. The fight for sexual dominance is thrilling. The rest of the story is just confusing.
This story jumps from one character's point of view to another. My recommendation is to stick to just two characters' point of view, specifically the main ones - Cade and Dylan. In addition, keep the same point of view through the entire chapter. Switching between the different men when they are all so similar makes it a challenge to figure out who is thinking or saying what. From a character building perspective, there isn't really that much difference between Cade and Dylan. Because of this, a reader needs to constantly remind themselves which one is the drummer and which one is the bartender.
With this short story, to keep it tightly written and focused, the story should revolve around Cade and Dylan's communication conflict. Instead, a tangent thread coming completely out of left field hits the reader. This tangent thread contains an illicit rendez-vous between Maddox and Hawke. Whilst the sexual tension between these two secondary characters is delicious, it removes the focus off Cade and Dylan. Even if this scene sets up for the next book in the series, it throws a reader off. It is not applicable to Cade and Dylan's relationship. If it could have been worked in better instead of just hawt manlove, perhaps it would have enhanced the story instead of distracted.
Overall, this is a quick hot injection of sexy man on man love. Dylan is sweet and Cade is the bumbling lover. The ending is predictable and enjoyable. This 2.5 star m/m romance is recommended for reader loving bad boy rocker who find their happily ever after.
Loved it and I can't wait for the next! Heart's Beat is Book One of Ugly Eternity. Cade is the hot and sexy mechanic by daytime and drummer of Ugly Eternity by night. Dylan is the head bartender where the band plays. Attraction, lust, and a misunderstanding all work to bring these two strong men together is a novella that I wish were longer because I wanted to spend more time with them. Heart's Beat hits all the high points. When you add in the very real cast of other characters, it's like the cream cheese frosting on the cake! Charity Parkerson has done it again!
Messy. I wanted to see what another series was like by this author and the men in question are definitely different. Not big, over-the-top dudes. These are closer to regular fellows but the story is weak.
First, this book is very short. You're dropped into the middle of things and the sex happens quickly.
Second and as noted in my status update, I hate head hopping with NO cue from the author. I don't mind shifting POVs, in fact, I actually prefer it in my m/m romances. But I don't like having to guess whose head I'm in at any given moment by frantically trying to puzzle out pronouns. Ugh. Irritating!!!
That said and head hopping aside, I liked the characters CP created. There was some angst (yay!), some sexy-smexy (yay!), some groveling (yay!), and a little insta-love (boo!). The characters were alpha-ish and somewhat possessive; you'd think they were werewolves but nope! A drummer in rock band and a bartender. Rock on!
This is a short novella. Only about 100 pages on Kindle. But don’t do it. It’s not worth even that much time. The whole story reads like a plot summary. Going from one action to the next with no depth to any of it. There is no emotion. What's the point of a romance story without that?
The story starts right when the two guys are getting together and we’re told about the months of longing that have built up to it, but you never feel it. You never feel ANYTHING in this book. Then the big conflict is the overused “big misunderstanding” because, you know, men can’t communicate. And, where that is not my favorite plot device, I could have gotten past it (I have in enough other books) but here you really felt nothing for the characters or their relationship. Everything was so shallow that none of it mattered. There is a potentially interesting sub plot happening with another member of the band and a guy in the bar. I know they are the focus of the next book. But I couldn’t imagine reading it. This was just not a book for me.
**I read and reviewed this book for Wicked Reads.**
This was a sexy little read. I always enjoy a rocker book, throw in some m/m action and you've just upped the game. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer, just when I was getting into Cade and Dylan it ended.
Dylan is a bartender for Club Khronos, he loves his job. For six months he's tortured himself every time he sees Cade, he's the sexy drummer that plays every weekend at Club Khronos. Cade's been under the same torture watching Dylan from afar, until that night he makes his move. Can he finally make Dylan his? Will Cade admit his feelings or keep them hidden?
I am looking forward to book #2, more Maddox and Hawke!
Short and sweet story about Cade and Dylan. This was a fast and steamy book. Cade has been the object of Dylan’s desire since the moment he saw him. When Hawke tries to ask Dylan out for a date Cade stops him and things get hot and never cool down, well, until Dylan realizes Cade might want to keep him a secret. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one, looks like it will be a great series. Characters: The characters were well written and believable. Sex: yes Religious: no Would I recommend to others: yes More than one book in the series: yes Genre: M/M/Romance Would I read more by this author: yes ~Wicked Reads Review Team~
Dylan has admired Cade from afar for a while now. Imagine his surprise when Cade interupted Hawke's attempt to whisk him away after work. When two a.m. came, Cade was right there to tempt him with just more than a ride home.
Two rockers, a steamy bout of m/m action and a misunderstanding keep the story moving. My only complaint -- its wasn't long enough. I would love to read more about Dylan and Cade.
This quick, sexy read introduces us to a number of interesting characters whom I am guessing will feature in future books in the series. I am looking forward to seeing where it goes from here. Hot guys getting up close and personal mixed in with band politics and New Orleans bar life - should be good!
First of all the page count is wrong on this, the story is only 33 pages. Definitely not a long one!
This book is short of course, mostly focused on the sex but with a little bit of possessiveness mixed in. While Dylan and Cade are the main couple, we get some insight into the couple for the next book Maddox and Hawke. The writing is decent for a short story, but it certainly feels rushed and we don’t get to know Dylan or Cade very well. And the issue of being kept a secret lasted for all of five seconds before it was over, and the reason Cade gives for hiding Dylan was that he was caught unawares and wasn’t thinking straight. Hmm, is that believable? I’ll leave it to you to decide.
Just know going into this series don’t get attached to any couples the author sets up, many of the people paired up for some of the books will end up with other ppl. I think it helps to know that going in to the rest of the series or you will be disappointed (which I was anyways but I do like this author).
Dylan has spent months looking at Chase from afar, and when he is ready to let go, the other man is not happy about it and states a claim.
It is a sweet story and an enjoyable one, however, we are placed in the middle of the story, not too much characters building, the reader is told about the back story between the two main characters at the beginning of the book. It would have been great to see the relationship grow.
I liked seeing other characters’ stories and the build-up for future books.
I liked the writing style and I'll be reading the next book for sure, hoping it's longer.
Extremely short more of a novelette or very short story ~ not much depth, insta love with declarations of love was way too soon. Extremely non realistic and lack of communication between characters or much about them was lacking as well as a basic foundation of series. I will be reading the next only because I purchased the series which I'm really beginning to regret sadly. Just my honest opinion. 👎
I have to say this is not what I expected. It feels like you are dropped in the middle of the story and have no idea what's going on. There is no real plot or character development. It's just too short. Although the promise and possibility is there it doesn't quite meet the standards. Very disappointed in this one. I've read other series by this author that were really good.
Hearts beat is book one in the Ugly Eternity series
I don’t even know what to say. It was entirely too short to make sense and just a whole lotta cringe. I don’t think I need to read the rest based on this one I don’t need Hawkes story this bad
Hearts Beat is the first book in the Ugly Eternity series by Charity Parkerson.
The beginning of the story leaves you wanting to know more. At the end of the first chapter, I could not wait to finish the book. The world the author created was very realistic but I felt like I was missing something. The pace of the story was a fasted paced from the first page to the last. The main characters and the secondary characters were exciting and believable.
The point of view stayed with Dylan all the way through. I would have liked to get Cade’s point of view. The main conflict of the story is the relationship between Cade and Dylan. The biggest issue I had was I felt like I only got a part of the story. I felt as if I am missing something. The dialogue between the characters was honest and distinct. The characters voice matched not only the setting but fit their overall personality. The ending was a bit predictable but considering the length of the story, it was expected. I hope we get to see these characters again in the future.
** Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Dylan has had the hots for Cade from the first moment he set eyes on him and on his side Cade has also been lusting after Dylan but has been unwilling to act until it seems that Dylan is ready to move his interest elsewhere. One night they come together spectacularly and after a bit of a misunderstanding they are sailing on the HMS HEA. Yea. It's that kind of story but within the confines of a novella that's expected and okay because the writer does make the all consuming attraction between these two believable and their intimate scenes are scorching. We also get a taste of Hawk & Maddox who I'm sure will be in the next book and boy do those two have issues! A more than pleasant way to spend an hour. ;-)
The narrator for this book was Hollie Jackson and while at first I was kind of put-off that a woman was narrating an M/M book I was on the train and decided to give it a chance. I must say she did a great job and after a bit didn't even remember a woman was doing voices for men.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
We immediately get throw in the deep end with the two male leads. After secretly craving and dealing each other, the flirtation of a third man brings Cade so far as to step in and lay clame on Dylan. After Cade's friends crash his house some misunderstandings arise and lots of hope is crushed. One of Cade's friends gives him some solid advice if he wants to save the situation. They get their HEA but for that to find out I would suggest reading the book. I very much liked this short read. The story has much potential for even being a full length novel where we dive more into their feelings before they got together. The other characters are nicely written and again have much potential for more books about this group of friends.
Or I should say... longer. Everything came together so quickly, that you question the intensity. One moment Dylan is pining for Cadet and the next Case is promising everlasting love. While it was a good story I felt there should have been more to their relationship before the big " I love you...forever" . From what I understand the next book is about Hawke and Maddox. We have already been introduced to their ongoing relationship so I am hoping that book 2 & 3 will live up to the previous reviews.
Case and Dylan watched each other constantly each time they saw each other at the club. But neither was willing to make the first move. That is until another guy hits on Dylan. Cafe stakes his claim and what ensues is pure male heaven. I loved this short novella!!! Beautifully written by Charity Parkerson. I would recommend it to any reader who loves some m/m loving. Definitely deserving of 5***** rating.
Dang!! This was just great... I so hope there will be a book 2 and 3.... book 2 for the singer and book 3 for the twins... Too bad this was only an hour listen.. So dang good for a m/m rock romance...
Narration was nothing spectacular but definitely well worth the listen. Worth a buy, it is under 5 bucks... yes to sale not to credit... save your credit for something a bit longer...