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Ride Your Heart 'Til It Breaks
Never, ever give up on someone you can't go a day without thinking about Winner, Beverly Hills Books Award, 2015 Honorable Mention, Paris Book Festival Successful attorney Karen Moon falls into a tumultuous affair with sexy jazz trumpet player Stan Benedict. She fights for Stan until a heartbreaking tragedy tears them apart. But Carrie is the only woman he will ever love. “Some things are too strong. No one will ever come between those two.” An unforgettable love story about loss, infidelity, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2014
About the author
Deborah Hawkins
11 books113 followersI was born in the South where everyone is a storyteller. I wrote my first story at age 11 and my first novel at age 13. I have been writing ever since. I have worked as a writing teacher, an editor, and as an attorney. In addition to writing I love music. I have played clarinet since I was almost too small to hold the instrument. Now that my three children are grown, I spend a lot of time with my Golden Retrievers, Melody and Rhythm.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 9, 2015
It was long, and at points, difficult to finish
I received this book for an honest review. The premise of attraction, unrequited love, time and distance, and a catastrophe both mid way and the end was interesting. Unfortunately the heroine who was good, rational, incredibly respected, falls for the it musician who is mired in feelings of abandonment and self loathing for the reason he had a succession of women, cheating as he felt this would drive the heroine away. Flash forward 10 years, the situation was pretty much the same.
As a reader, I became bored and kept checking how much more there was to finish the book. Yet I finished it, but didn't learn anything that pulled at my emotions or had sympathy for the characters. While it was an interesting epilogue, it wasn't sincere enough to think this was a happily ever after.
I received this book for an honest review. The premise of attraction, unrequited love, time and distance, and a catastrophe both mid way and the end was interesting. Unfortunately the heroine who was good, rational, incredibly respected, falls for the it musician who is mired in feelings of abandonment and self loathing for the reason he had a succession of women, cheating as he felt this would drive the heroine away. Flash forward 10 years, the situation was pretty much the same.
As a reader, I became bored and kept checking how much more there was to finish the book. Yet I finished it, but didn't learn anything that pulled at my emotions or had sympathy for the characters. While it was an interesting epilogue, it wasn't sincere enough to think this was a happily ever after.
November 24, 2016
Extremely disappointed based on her newer novel.
The fact that she kept putting up with the rude treatment of this man and actually falling in love with him was only because of her love for music was absurd. And the prologue was terrible.
The fact that she kept putting up with the rude treatment of this man and actually falling in love with him was only because of her love for music was absurd. And the prologue was terrible.
March 24, 2015
The first thing to note about Ride Your Heart 'Til It Breaks is that it comes from an author who is, herself, well versed in the legal profession. The inner sanctum of the legal community, its ties, its encounters, and its special challenges thus all come to life under the hand of experience, not just research; and the result adds an extra dimension to the saga and elevates it beyond the usual singular romance.
Another important note: Carrie has loved, lost (at great cost to herself and her career), and redirected her life - so why would she want to return to a crime scene that seemingly holds little reward? In the process of such consideration it becomes evident that affairs of the heart are anything but logical and anything but predictable: elements which translate to a good read in Ride Your Heart 'Til It Breaks.
The third thing to note about this story: it's about passion about rediscovery. That Carrie moves through her loveless marriage and the legal worlds methodically, with an underlying need for something more, makes for a protagonist who questions her carefully-construed world and is, however reluctantly, willing to consider new opportunities despite experiences of the past.
The result, more than most romances, is complex and truly indicative of changing matters of the heart and the intersection of social and political worlds in a legal community replete with strict perspectives and associations born more of convenience than of love.
In short: there's nothing 'formula' about the character, romance, or interactions in Ride Your Heart: only a simmering set of choices and consequences that will keep readers guessing until its satisfying conclusion.
Another important note: Carrie has loved, lost (at great cost to herself and her career), and redirected her life - so why would she want to return to a crime scene that seemingly holds little reward? In the process of such consideration it becomes evident that affairs of the heart are anything but logical and anything but predictable: elements which translate to a good read in Ride Your Heart 'Til It Breaks.
The third thing to note about this story: it's about passion about rediscovery. That Carrie moves through her loveless marriage and the legal worlds methodically, with an underlying need for something more, makes for a protagonist who questions her carefully-construed world and is, however reluctantly, willing to consider new opportunities despite experiences of the past.
The result, more than most romances, is complex and truly indicative of changing matters of the heart and the intersection of social and political worlds in a legal community replete with strict perspectives and associations born more of convenience than of love.
In short: there's nothing 'formula' about the character, romance, or interactions in Ride Your Heart: only a simmering set of choices and consequences that will keep readers guessing until its satisfying conclusion.
April 26, 2015
This book really came alive for me with the music. I was in the school orchestra, jazz band, marching bank and the choir. I can tell you there is nothing more electrifying than music performed live. Deborah really got that and wrote it well. I’ve never worked in an attorney’s office, but it seems just the opposite of a creative musical lifestyle.
From the very start of this book I was sad for the main character Karen, the attorney. She thought of her younger self, Carrie Moon, as being dead. In the early pages, Karen is seen by outsiders as successful in her career. She doesn’t enjoy her work though. We are privy to her unhappy, loveless marriage. In a way though, Karen made choices that got her to this point. How horrible- a double whammy- unhappy home life and work life.
“So you let someone else choose your life?” a character asks her. Do you want to know how and when Carrie Moon stopped looking for her own type of happiness? Would you have chosen differently? What choices landed her in this unhappy rock and a hard place? Is there an opportunity for her to make a different choice here and now? You will have to read the book. It is a rocky road I can tell you. It is written well with heart and soul, and a jazz beat.
I was provided a free copy of the book in order to read it and write an honest review.
From the very start of this book I was sad for the main character Karen, the attorney. She thought of her younger self, Carrie Moon, as being dead. In the early pages, Karen is seen by outsiders as successful in her career. She doesn’t enjoy her work though. We are privy to her unhappy, loveless marriage. In a way though, Karen made choices that got her to this point. How horrible- a double whammy- unhappy home life and work life.
“So you let someone else choose your life?” a character asks her. Do you want to know how and when Carrie Moon stopped looking for her own type of happiness? Would you have chosen differently? What choices landed her in this unhappy rock and a hard place? Is there an opportunity for her to make a different choice here and now? You will have to read the book. It is a rocky road I can tell you. It is written well with heart and soul, and a jazz beat.
I was provided a free copy of the book in order to read it and write an honest review.
December 30, 2014
A beautifully written and deeply moving love story.
This is more than a genre romance novel. Stan Benedict and Karen Moon struggle with identity, self-discovery, loss, betrayal, and how to express unconditional love. This contemporary story examines the marriage of lawyer Karen Moon and her attorney husband, Howard, and the toll their legal careers have taken on their relationship.
The back story explains Karen’s tempestuous love affair and marriage to jazz trumpet player, Stan Benedict twelve years earlier and why she hesitates to leave Howard and his empty world when Stan reappears in her life.
Both Karen's and Stan’s struggles are portrayed realistically, yet sympathetically. All the characters are complex, well-developed, and interesting people. A story with many layers that kept me tuning pages until the very end.
This is more than a genre romance novel. Stan Benedict and Karen Moon struggle with identity, self-discovery, loss, betrayal, and how to express unconditional love. This contemporary story examines the marriage of lawyer Karen Moon and her attorney husband, Howard, and the toll their legal careers have taken on their relationship.
The back story explains Karen’s tempestuous love affair and marriage to jazz trumpet player, Stan Benedict twelve years earlier and why she hesitates to leave Howard and his empty world when Stan reappears in her life.
Both Karen's and Stan’s struggles are portrayed realistically, yet sympathetically. All the characters are complex, well-developed, and interesting people. A story with many layers that kept me tuning pages until the very end.
March 7, 2015
I originally read Dance for a Dead Princess and as someone who doesn't usually enjoy these kinds of novels (centered around romance), I really enjoyed Hawkins work. Ride Your Heart Til It Breaks was no disappointment. Hawkins does an amazing job portraying brave and independent women who are persistent in getting what it is their heart desires and what makes them happy. Karen is an empowering figure for women who have all but given up on trust and love and desire. She's not shy about her emotions or her anger and that's something refreshing to see - she is no wilting flower, she's a strong woman and that's the best kind of woman to read about.
Hawkins is a great author. There's no more that can be said about that.
Hawkins is a great author. There's no more that can be said about that.
October 7, 2015
Deep
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This book was all about a woman who was surrounded with deep heartbreaking issues. It was beautifully written and I would suggest it for fully mature adults. :)
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This book was all about a woman who was surrounded with deep heartbreaking issues. It was beautifully written and I would suggest it for fully mature adults. :)
February 18, 2026
Ride Your Heart ‘Til It Breaks is a deeply emotional and beautifully written novel about love, loss, sacrifice, and redemption. Deborah Hawkins masterfully captures the complexity of human relationships and the pain of impossible choices. The characters feel real, the emotions are powerful, and the story stays with you long after you finish reading. A moving and unforgettable read.
February 10, 2018
Riding your heart.
I found this story good , but Karen is a better person than me. I couldn't let that type of drama in my life. You would have to find yourself before you can share with someone else.
I found this story good , but Karen is a better person than me. I couldn't let that type of drama in my life. You would have to find yourself before you can share with someone else.
April 24, 2018
I made the mistake of reading this after the full series. Kind of glad I did, because all of the other books were amazing, but this was a bit disappointing as it focused only on their relationship. I enjoy reading about cases/mystery.
February 15, 2015
Ride Your Heart 'Til It Breaks by Deborah Hawkins
Judging from the title, I thought this book might be set against a backdrop of bikers or ranch life, but it turned out to feature neither motorcycles nor horses. There is a bartender with a cowboy hat near the end, but I don't think that really counts.
The Honorable Judge Karen Morgan exists in a loveless marriage to cold and successful lawyer Howard in modern day San Diego, California. Early in her life, her fear of financial failure caused her to turn down an acceptance to prestigious music academy Julliard (who would do that??) in exchange for a career that leaves her feeling robotic and de-feminized on a daily basis.
Enter Stan Benedict, a borderline alcoholic, emotionally abusive yet superlative musician from her past. Stan grew up rough and severely deprived of love, which causes him to alternately desire the closeness of a woman, and to forcefully push Karen away.
Torn between two emotionally unavailable men, Karen must make tough decisions in order to discover what will bring her the most happiness and well being in life.
In flowing and date-marked passages, the story documents the anguish suffered by Karen and Stan as they twice attempt to build a relationship---despite the small matter of being completely unsuited for one another.
The dialog in this book is quite lively and well written. Each conversation tells us more and more about the characters' motivations and personalities, and is done in a clean and efficient manner. The prose in both the back stories and the present events draws readers even deeper into the tale.
I loved the creativity in the naming of the book's sections as well. The book revolves around a man who is a musician and a woman who used to be one, so I found titles such as "Trio For Trumpet, Flute and Soprano" (a section involving a past love triangle) and "Sonata Appasionata" ("passionate sonata", for a section containing a major life upheaval) to be inspired and cleverly appropriate.
At over 400 pages, Ride Your Heart 'Til It Breaks is not a quick read, but a comprehensive and
involving slow-ride of passion and grieving. Fans of Romantic Dramas will find much to love in this classic homage to spurning and desire.
Judging from the title, I thought this book might be set against a backdrop of bikers or ranch life, but it turned out to feature neither motorcycles nor horses. There is a bartender with a cowboy hat near the end, but I don't think that really counts.
The Honorable Judge Karen Morgan exists in a loveless marriage to cold and successful lawyer Howard in modern day San Diego, California. Early in her life, her fear of financial failure caused her to turn down an acceptance to prestigious music academy Julliard (who would do that??) in exchange for a career that leaves her feeling robotic and de-feminized on a daily basis.
Enter Stan Benedict, a borderline alcoholic, emotionally abusive yet superlative musician from her past. Stan grew up rough and severely deprived of love, which causes him to alternately desire the closeness of a woman, and to forcefully push Karen away.
Torn between two emotionally unavailable men, Karen must make tough decisions in order to discover what will bring her the most happiness and well being in life.
In flowing and date-marked passages, the story documents the anguish suffered by Karen and Stan as they twice attempt to build a relationship---despite the small matter of being completely unsuited for one another.
The dialog in this book is quite lively and well written. Each conversation tells us more and more about the characters' motivations and personalities, and is done in a clean and efficient manner. The prose in both the back stories and the present events draws readers even deeper into the tale.
I loved the creativity in the naming of the book's sections as well. The book revolves around a man who is a musician and a woman who used to be one, so I found titles such as "Trio For Trumpet, Flute and Soprano" (a section involving a past love triangle) and "Sonata Appasionata" ("passionate sonata", for a section containing a major life upheaval) to be inspired and cleverly appropriate.
At over 400 pages, Ride Your Heart 'Til It Breaks is not a quick read, but a comprehensive and
involving slow-ride of passion and grieving. Fans of Romantic Dramas will find much to love in this classic homage to spurning and desire.
June 26, 2015
"Ride your Heart Until it Breaks" is a story that many women (especially) will easily relate to. (Who hasn't known at least one emotionally unavailable lover?) However, anyone, men included, who has ever been in a "twilight zone" love affair, where I love yous can be followed quickly by I hate yous, will relate to the torturous twists and turns that Carrie Moon and Stan Benedict navigate in this quirky romance. Deborah Hawkins has written another flash-back, flash-forward tale of love and betrayal that readers of her first novel, "Dance for a Dead Princess" will recognize. The novel follows the story of an un-happily married attorney (and frustrated musician) and an equally unhappy night club trumpet player, who seeks to destroy every chance for lasting love through a combination of sex, alcohol, and self-loathing.
Central to the plot is an event that Stan Benedict cannot forgive himself for. Also central the plot is Carrie Moons's own regret; regret that she did not reach hard enough for the things in life that would have made her the happiest- a career as a musician, and the love of a man who would fulfill her every dream. They both have settled; Carrie with her comfortable life as an attorney, and Stan with his boozy love affair with his trumpet, his admiring groupies, and his self-pity. The question throughout is whether these two can overcome their own demons and find each other. Needless to say, it's complicated.
Deborah Hawkins has written another absorbing story with Ride your Heart Until it Breaks. I recommend it as a finely-crafted story, with it's own sound-track of smoky, bar room renditions of classic songs like "I can't get Started," which becomes Carrie and Stan's theme song. I recommend it for its stark reality, and for anyone who can read it with a healthy dose of detachment. For those who might be struggling at the brink, yourselves, make sure your wine cabinet is full.
Central to the plot is an event that Stan Benedict cannot forgive himself for. Also central the plot is Carrie Moons's own regret; regret that she did not reach hard enough for the things in life that would have made her the happiest- a career as a musician, and the love of a man who would fulfill her every dream. They both have settled; Carrie with her comfortable life as an attorney, and Stan with his boozy love affair with his trumpet, his admiring groupies, and his self-pity. The question throughout is whether these two can overcome their own demons and find each other. Needless to say, it's complicated.
Deborah Hawkins has written another absorbing story with Ride your Heart Until it Breaks. I recommend it as a finely-crafted story, with it's own sound-track of smoky, bar room renditions of classic songs like "I can't get Started," which becomes Carrie and Stan's theme song. I recommend it for its stark reality, and for anyone who can read it with a healthy dose of detachment. For those who might be struggling at the brink, yourselves, make sure your wine cabinet is full.
June 7, 2015
It 's a very exciting and deep novel, about forgiveness and love, the one made of ups and downs, the one able to withstand time and to win over reason.
Karen Moon is a successful lawyer, rather she is an honorable, is married to a judge very good but there is something that is missing: her great love Stan Benedict. He is the only man she loved but has also suffered a lot for him. After twelve years since he sees nor hears he reappears in her life to tell her he still loves her and has never been able to forget her. She had met him at a local where she had gone to work. She was immediately attracted to his sublime music and his incredible charm. Karen was now fallen into the trap. Their story has always been very painful, he was often drunk and was unfaithful to her all the time. Will he be changed? Can finally trust him and free up her heart to give in to the passion? While fighting with her doubts Karen also faces the anger of her husband: destroys her if only asks for a divorce.
The characters are well developed, deep, real. Stan is a famous musician, outstanding, with his music manages to monopolize the attention of anyone, has a charm that women can not resist. But he is also a selfish man, full of himself, arrogant. Karen is a strong, independent woman whose only weakness is Stan.
The author has a style really captivating: can describe in a masterly way the sights, tastes, smells that makes it easy to imagine being there, in the bay of San Diego or in the bar where karen and Stan met. It 's also well decrypts the world of lawyers and law offices. In the history interspersed present and past: it's easy not to get lost by displaying the temporal at the beginning of the paragraph.
I recommend it to those who love romance and stories with great women as protagonists.
I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Karen Moon is a successful lawyer, rather she is an honorable, is married to a judge very good but there is something that is missing: her great love Stan Benedict. He is the only man she loved but has also suffered a lot for him. After twelve years since he sees nor hears he reappears in her life to tell her he still loves her and has never been able to forget her. She had met him at a local where she had gone to work. She was immediately attracted to his sublime music and his incredible charm. Karen was now fallen into the trap. Their story has always been very painful, he was often drunk and was unfaithful to her all the time. Will he be changed? Can finally trust him and free up her heart to give in to the passion? While fighting with her doubts Karen also faces the anger of her husband: destroys her if only asks for a divorce.
The characters are well developed, deep, real. Stan is a famous musician, outstanding, with his music manages to monopolize the attention of anyone, has a charm that women can not resist. But he is also a selfish man, full of himself, arrogant. Karen is a strong, independent woman whose only weakness is Stan.
The author has a style really captivating: can describe in a masterly way the sights, tastes, smells that makes it easy to imagine being there, in the bay of San Diego or in the bar where karen and Stan met. It 's also well decrypts the world of lawyers and law offices. In the history interspersed present and past: it's easy not to get lost by displaying the temporal at the beginning of the paragraph.
I recommend it to those who love romance and stories with great women as protagonists.
I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
September 11, 2015
Love Hurts
Deborah Hawkins is not just a writer, she is a good storyteller. I seldom read romance because it often descends into graphic descriptions about what goes where and how often. This author understands that romance is a heart issue and if the heart is not involved it's just sex. Her characters are fully developed and I felt like I knew them and I wanted them to be together. I liked her understanding that feelings count in relationships and she did a good job in creating the angst that can come and go when you love someone.
The book is written looking back at 1994 and alternating with present time. The chapters are perfectly portioned. I never felt I didn't want to go back or forward as the story progressed. We are introduced to Carrie Moon a beautiful young woman who had to choose between Juilliard and her love of music or practicality and law school. She meets Stan Benedict the appealing professional trumpet player. She is happily in love and he is afraid of commitment even though he is drawn to Carrie. Their relationship is not smooth and that's what makes them interesting.
I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an interesting character driven plot. It is a book that kept me guessing: will the relationship work or not? This is Ms Dawkins second book and she writes like a pro. I may have to go back and read her first book, Dance for a Dead Princess. I'm sure we will be hearing more from this writer. I hope she keeps on writing. I will be interested to see what comes next.
Deborah Hawkins is not just a writer, she is a good storyteller. I seldom read romance because it often descends into graphic descriptions about what goes where and how often. This author understands that romance is a heart issue and if the heart is not involved it's just sex. Her characters are fully developed and I felt like I knew them and I wanted them to be together. I liked her understanding that feelings count in relationships and she did a good job in creating the angst that can come and go when you love someone.
The book is written looking back at 1994 and alternating with present time. The chapters are perfectly portioned. I never felt I didn't want to go back or forward as the story progressed. We are introduced to Carrie Moon a beautiful young woman who had to choose between Juilliard and her love of music or practicality and law school. She meets Stan Benedict the appealing professional trumpet player. She is happily in love and he is afraid of commitment even though he is drawn to Carrie. Their relationship is not smooth and that's what makes them interesting.
I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an interesting character driven plot. It is a book that kept me guessing: will the relationship work or not? This is Ms Dawkins second book and she writes like a pro. I may have to go back and read her first book, Dance for a Dead Princess. I'm sure we will be hearing more from this writer. I hope she keeps on writing. I will be interested to see what comes next.
May 3, 2015
Carrie Moon (Karen) falls in love with mesmerizing musician, Stan Benedict. Going against all her moral principles, the two begin an affair the lasts until Stan betrays Carrie and breaks her heart. Many years later the two meet again, will they get a second chance?
I enjoyed this story of star-crossed lovers a lot and rooted for their HEA, but found Karen to be weak in character. If the man I cared about messed around like Stan did, I’d be gone. Which shows how well the author built up the storyline. The reader can’t help becoming invested in the outcome of the book.
A good story, I would definitely recommend it if you like lots of angst in your romances.
Received as a beta read in exchange for an honest review,
Jacquie Biggar
I enjoyed this story of star-crossed lovers a lot and rooted for their HEA, but found Karen to be weak in character. If the man I cared about messed around like Stan did, I’d be gone. Which shows how well the author built up the storyline. The reader can’t help becoming invested in the outcome of the book.
A good story, I would definitely recommend it if you like lots of angst in your romances.
Received as a beta read in exchange for an honest review,
Jacquie Biggar
March 1, 2015
Ride your heart
Two very selfish self destructive people who manage to destroy themselves and anyone who enters their lives. They continue to call what they are doing love, yet the self centeredness of their emotions cling or shove at each other until nothing but tears remain. A very sad story, but one that's all to common, fools playing at being in a relationship, yet never out of the big "it's all about my feelings"
Two very selfish self destructive people who manage to destroy themselves and anyone who enters their lives. They continue to call what they are doing love, yet the self centeredness of their emotions cling or shove at each other until nothing but tears remain. A very sad story, but one that's all to common, fools playing at being in a relationship, yet never out of the big "it's all about my feelings"
October 27, 2015
I just couldn't like this
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I don't know which of the main characters I disliked the most. Stan is a jerk, forever an immature, feeling sorry for himself one moment and stroking his ego with women the next. And Carrie/Karen is such a spineless fool, begging for love from a man incapable of loving anyone, not even himself.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I don't know which of the main characters I disliked the most. Stan is a jerk, forever an immature, feeling sorry for himself one moment and stroking his ego with women the next. And Carrie/Karen is such a spineless fool, begging for love from a man incapable of loving anyone, not even himself.
July 21, 2016
Book review
Truly a masterpiece that you will enjoy. Stan makes the manly mistakes. He can not get away from his past. While there is a woman who accepts him as he is.
Truly a masterpiece that you will enjoy. Stan makes the manly mistakes. He can not get away from his past. While there is a woman who accepts him as he is.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews