What do you think?
Rate this book
Discography
Box Set: Discography
DISCOGRAPHY includes two full-length novels and a bonus novella of romantic correspondence. (800 pages)
THE ALBUM
Merging humor with life’s authentic moments, THE ALBUM is a narrative compilation of five friends chasing their dreams in New York City. Over donuts in a Toronto Tim Horton’s, cousins Chloe and Natalie LeGrange make a promise to move to New York City after college. With Chloe holding out for her big musical break—and Natalie trying to make a name for herself in public relations—their happiness requires patience. Enter Zach Parker, the smooth-talking goofball faced with life-altering choices. Adam Ford, the pensive attorney wanting a revelation. And Chris Brooks, the charming Texan with perpetual bad timing. Unexpected encounters and brushes with fate construct a web of stories about the journey of love and discovery—but can this group of Gen Xers live in a reality with no regrets?
THE BALLAD
Capturing intimacy in a lyrical prose, THE BALLAD is a timeless romance full of humor and emotion.Set against the picturesque backdrop of New York City, and paired with a reverse narrative, their story is an original retelling of what it means to find the happily ever after in the midst of the journey.
THE ALBUM
Merging humor with life’s authentic moments, THE ALBUM is a narrative compilation of five friends chasing their dreams in New York City. Over donuts in a Toronto Tim Horton’s, cousins Chloe and Natalie LeGrange make a promise to move to New York City after college. With Chloe holding out for her big musical break—and Natalie trying to make a name for herself in public relations—their happiness requires patience. Enter Zach Parker, the smooth-talking goofball faced with life-altering choices. Adam Ford, the pensive attorney wanting a revelation. And Chris Brooks, the charming Texan with perpetual bad timing. Unexpected encounters and brushes with fate construct a web of stories about the journey of love and discovery—but can this group of Gen Xers live in a reality with no regrets?
THE BALLAD
Capturing intimacy in a lyrical prose, THE BALLAD is a timeless romance full of humor and emotion.Set against the picturesque backdrop of New York City, and paired with a reverse narrative, their story is an original retelling of what it means to find the happily ever after in the midst of the journey.
684 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 9, 2015
4.5 stars
This box set is sure to delight readers who enjoy ensemble stories. The characters are so very real, funny and sexy. New York City is also its own character and makes a perfect backdrop for this wonderfully nostalgic trip through these characters’ romantic past and present.
Minor Spoilers Alert!!!
The Album | Individual rating: ★★★★
'Friendship, like any relationship, is hard work. Wrought with good memories, but inevitably compromised by changing variables.’
The friendship theme was by far my favorite one explored in The Album. I was lucky enough to buddy read it with one of my book buddies, Beth. It was so much fun to gush and analyze the story with her. If possible, I would highly recommend this method for experiencing this wonderful group of characters' journeys through life as they pass from young adult into true adulthood.
The Ballad | Individual rating: ★★★★★
I really loved all the life observations and how they were linked to music and television shows that were popular when I was growing up. Adam's toast below is just one of many cool observations that season this wonderful ensemble novel.
"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning – a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it’s simply a journey. And if we’re lucky, one to be shared with friends and family.” Adam
The Love Letters | Individual rating: ★★★★★
Below are my “5 Greats” about this charming and sexy novella featuring Natalie and Zach;
1. Their first strangers on a train encounter – it totally made my jaw drop open in astonished delight. It read just as bold and sexy as I remembered from my first read of it in The Album. I loved the vicarious thrill it gave me, making me immediately curious to see if this instant attraction between Natalie and Zach had a future or would fizzle out.
2. Zach’s devotion to his mom and his idealistic decision to go off to war in his mom’s honor. His later realization about his actions and the war effort marked his growth in a wonderful way.
3. Gumby, the goat! I loved hearing about this damn goat, ha!
4. The nostalgic pop culture references to films and music that were the soundtrack of my life as well. They made me smile in fond remembrance.
5. And of course, I adored Natalie and Zach's emails and the old school love letters that expressed their mundane activities, their longing for the other, their frustrations and their fantasies for a future together. I especially enjoyed their ode-to-body-parts.
One of my many favorite Zach letters was dated August 10, 2003 and began like this;
It’s one of my favorites because he is both raunchy and yet sweet. It was wonderful to get a fuller picture of Natalie and Zach’s tragic but beautiful, funny and sexy love story. ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ as Edith Piaf sang in the famous French song. Natalie and Zach had no regrets.
I'm definitely looking forward to Author Ashley Pullo's next ensemble novel, New Amsterdam which is expected in September 2015.
This box set is sure to delight readers who enjoy ensemble stories. The characters are so very real, funny and sexy. New York City is also its own character and makes a perfect backdrop for this wonderfully nostalgic trip through these characters’ romantic past and present.
Minor Spoilers Alert!!!
The Album | Individual rating: ★★★★
'Friendship, like any relationship, is hard work. Wrought with good memories, but inevitably compromised by changing variables.’
The friendship theme was by far my favorite one explored in The Album. I was lucky enough to buddy read it with one of my book buddies, Beth. It was so much fun to gush and analyze the story with her. If possible, I would highly recommend this method for experiencing this wonderful group of characters' journeys through life as they pass from young adult into true adulthood.
The Ballad | Individual rating: ★★★★★
I really loved all the life observations and how they were linked to music and television shows that were popular when I was growing up. Adam's toast below is just one of many cool observations that season this wonderful ensemble novel.
"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning – a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it’s simply a journey. And if we’re lucky, one to be shared with friends and family.” Adam
The Love Letters | Individual rating: ★★★★★
Below are my “5 Greats” about this charming and sexy novella featuring Natalie and Zach;
1. Their first strangers on a train encounter – it totally made my jaw drop open in astonished delight. It read just as bold and sexy as I remembered from my first read of it in The Album. I loved the vicarious thrill it gave me, making me immediately curious to see if this instant attraction between Natalie and Zach had a future or would fizzle out.
2. Zach’s devotion to his mom and his idealistic decision to go off to war in his mom’s honor. His later realization about his actions and the war effort marked his growth in a wonderful way.
3. Gumby, the goat! I loved hearing about this damn goat, ha!
4. The nostalgic pop culture references to films and music that were the soundtrack of my life as well. They made me smile in fond remembrance.
5. And of course, I adored Natalie and Zach's emails and the old school love letters that expressed their mundane activities, their longing for the other, their frustrations and their fantasies for a future together. I especially enjoyed their ode-to-body-parts.
One of my many favorite Zach letters was dated August 10, 2003 and began like this;
‘Ma femme,
I have a bad case of the I-miss-your-ass-it is. The only thing that can cure me is a little alone time with your naughty photos. Lucky for me, my bunk mates think I have a stomach virus and were ordered to avoid me for the next twenty-four hours.
I’m not ashamed to tell you that I intend on beating the bishop for at least eighteen of those quarantined hours. Is that crude, Nat? Nah, you love it.’
It’s one of my favorites because he is both raunchy and yet sweet. It was wonderful to get a fuller picture of Natalie and Zach’s tragic but beautiful, funny and sexy love story. ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ as Edith Piaf sang in the famous French song. Natalie and Zach had no regrets.
I'm definitely looking forward to Author Ashley Pullo's next ensemble novel, New Amsterdam which is expected in September 2015.
July 13, 2015
Hand's down, one of my favorite series of all time!
The Album - 5 Stars!
The Ballad - 5 Stars!
The Love Letters - 5 Stars!
The Album Review: The Album is the epic story of two Canadian cousins. In simplistic terms, it’s about the relationship between the two of them, as they go through the ups and downs in life. It is both laugh out loud funny and devastatingly sad.
This book is like nothing I’ve ever read before. The writing style is unique and the story doesn’t follow the typical Indie romance “formula” that is so common nowadays. Have you ever seen Pulp Fiction? This series reminded me of that movie. I’m not talking about the storyline. I’m referring to the flow from one character to another, and somehow everything and everyone is interconnected. That is probably the best way to explain The Album.
Natalie is probably one my most favorite female book characters. I want Natalie to be my best friend. Heck, I want to be Natalie! She is sarcastic, funny, sexy, and outgoing. She had me smiling at times, and broke my heart at times. It really says something about the author that she is able to create a character that inflicts such a range of emotions in the reader. It’s not just Natalie either. Ashley’s telling of Chloe and Adams struggles are also very true to life.
I also love the fact that New York City is sort of a secondary character in this series. I am a New Yorker, as is the author, and I have never read a truer depiction of this city. She even writes a HILARIOUS scene about commuting on the subway, that is dead on!
Ashley’s references to pop culture are outstanding! They are mixed in throughout the entire series…the original 90210, Saved By the Bell, Licensed to Ill, to name just a few. I am a huge pop culture fanatic so it was right up my alley.
So who should read this book? If you’re a New Yorker, if you’re a Gen-Xer, if you were and still are affected by 9/11, if you have a loved one in the military, if you love pop culture, if you love music, if you’re single, if you’re married, if you love to read! I think I’ve pretty much covered everyone. Ashley Pullo has done a superb job in writing this book!
*****
The Ballad Review: "Every great love story has a beginning, whether it's a planned meeting, a random encounter, or an impulsive jump into the unknown. But it's the middle of the story that really counts, the part when life happens - either propelling the relationship into a beautiful romance, or dissolving into a predictable wasteland of misconceptions."
This is a beautiful and powerful quote that is the perfect opening for The Ballad, a unique, funny, and extremely honest telling of an epic romance. As it was with The Album, the first book by Ashley Pullo, The Ballad does not follow the typical romance formula, which is a very good thing.
There is such amazing dialogue in this book that I wanted to highlight everything I read, just to go back and re-read it again, to swoon or to chuckle. No author can depict New York City better than Ashley Pullo!
Both The Album and The Ballad have officially made it to my Top 5 List of Favorite Books of 2014. I highly recommend these books to readers of any genre.
*****
The Love Letters Review: Once again Ashley Pullo proves to me why she's one of my favorite go to Indie authors! Ashley's writing is romantic, intelligent, funny, heartbreaking and most of all real. There are not many authors that I can say this about. She makes me think, she makes me laugh, she makes me cry, and she makes me sigh...every.single.time!
The Love Letters is a standalone novella adding some extra depth to the relationship between my favorite couple, Natalie and Zach. Although we are introduced to Nat and Zach in The Album, you do not need to read this before reading The Love Letters. I'd even say that it might even be better to start with this novella first, because it gives you a little more insight into their love affair.
In a nutshell, Zach is sent to Afghanistan shortly after meeting Nat on a train to New York City. They continue their long distance relationship through email and hand written letters during his time overseas. The letters are funny, sexy, romantic and sometimes sad. Nat is desperate for Zach to return home to her.
I will warn you though that there isn't really an ending to The Love Letters. Although not a cliffhanger, you will definitely want to pick up The Album...mostly because you will fall in love with Nat and Zach and want more!
The Album - 5 Stars!
The Ballad - 5 Stars!
The Love Letters - 5 Stars!
The Album Review: The Album is the epic story of two Canadian cousins. In simplistic terms, it’s about the relationship between the two of them, as they go through the ups and downs in life. It is both laugh out loud funny and devastatingly sad.
This book is like nothing I’ve ever read before. The writing style is unique and the story doesn’t follow the typical Indie romance “formula” that is so common nowadays. Have you ever seen Pulp Fiction? This series reminded me of that movie. I’m not talking about the storyline. I’m referring to the flow from one character to another, and somehow everything and everyone is interconnected. That is probably the best way to explain The Album.
Natalie is probably one my most favorite female book characters. I want Natalie to be my best friend. Heck, I want to be Natalie! She is sarcastic, funny, sexy, and outgoing. She had me smiling at times, and broke my heart at times. It really says something about the author that she is able to create a character that inflicts such a range of emotions in the reader. It’s not just Natalie either. Ashley’s telling of Chloe and Adams struggles are also very true to life.
I also love the fact that New York City is sort of a secondary character in this series. I am a New Yorker, as is the author, and I have never read a truer depiction of this city. She even writes a HILARIOUS scene about commuting on the subway, that is dead on!
Ashley’s references to pop culture are outstanding! They are mixed in throughout the entire series…the original 90210, Saved By the Bell, Licensed to Ill, to name just a few. I am a huge pop culture fanatic so it was right up my alley.
So who should read this book? If you’re a New Yorker, if you’re a Gen-Xer, if you were and still are affected by 9/11, if you have a loved one in the military, if you love pop culture, if you love music, if you’re single, if you’re married, if you love to read! I think I’ve pretty much covered everyone. Ashley Pullo has done a superb job in writing this book!
*****
The Ballad Review: "Every great love story has a beginning, whether it's a planned meeting, a random encounter, or an impulsive jump into the unknown. But it's the middle of the story that really counts, the part when life happens - either propelling the relationship into a beautiful romance, or dissolving into a predictable wasteland of misconceptions."
This is a beautiful and powerful quote that is the perfect opening for The Ballad, a unique, funny, and extremely honest telling of an epic romance. As it was with The Album, the first book by Ashley Pullo, The Ballad does not follow the typical romance formula, which is a very good thing.
There is such amazing dialogue in this book that I wanted to highlight everything I read, just to go back and re-read it again, to swoon or to chuckle. No author can depict New York City better than Ashley Pullo!
Both The Album and The Ballad have officially made it to my Top 5 List of Favorite Books of 2014. I highly recommend these books to readers of any genre.
*****
The Love Letters Review: Once again Ashley Pullo proves to me why she's one of my favorite go to Indie authors! Ashley's writing is romantic, intelligent, funny, heartbreaking and most of all real. There are not many authors that I can say this about. She makes me think, she makes me laugh, she makes me cry, and she makes me sigh...every.single.time!
The Love Letters is a standalone novella adding some extra depth to the relationship between my favorite couple, Natalie and Zach. Although we are introduced to Nat and Zach in The Album, you do not need to read this before reading The Love Letters. I'd even say that it might even be better to start with this novella first, because it gives you a little more insight into their love affair.
In a nutshell, Zach is sent to Afghanistan shortly after meeting Nat on a train to New York City. They continue their long distance relationship through email and hand written letters during his time overseas. The letters are funny, sexy, romantic and sometimes sad. Nat is desperate for Zach to return home to her.
I will warn you though that there isn't really an ending to The Love Letters. Although not a cliffhanger, you will definitely want to pick up The Album...mostly because you will fall in love with Nat and Zach and want more!
July 11, 2015
I won’t review each of the books separately as I have already done that, however I will comment on the series as a whole.
This collection is hands-down one of my favorites. It would be easy to say that it’s because the writing, or the characters, however there is so much more to it than that. Pullo writes in a way that speaks to me. Her use of pop-culture is a means to really make the characters and storyline relatable and authentic.
This series really transcends the genres of women’s lit or romance and thus it is hard to put it into one decisive category. There are elements of epic romance and heartbreaking reality that put you on a rollercoaster of emotions, highs and lows that pull at the heartstrings. The use of a reverse timeline better helps the reader to understand why and how the characters not only make the decisions they do, but also how they deal with the consequences of those decisions. Pullo has created characters that are frank and honest, sometimes painfully so, and it is easy to get lost emotionally in the books.
If you haven’t read the series, count yourself lucky that you can begin with book one and jump right into the second, as it is a story you won’t want to put down. The inclusion of bonus material not originally found in the originals (The Love Letters) help create a story of epic love for the ages, one that will leave you heartbroken yet optimistic at the same time.
If you’re looking for a great series that is intelligent, witty, and masterfully crafted, look no further. The Discography series will give you all of that and so much more.
This collection is hands-down one of my favorites. It would be easy to say that it’s because the writing, or the characters, however there is so much more to it than that. Pullo writes in a way that speaks to me. Her use of pop-culture is a means to really make the characters and storyline relatable and authentic.
This series really transcends the genres of women’s lit or romance and thus it is hard to put it into one decisive category. There are elements of epic romance and heartbreaking reality that put you on a rollercoaster of emotions, highs and lows that pull at the heartstrings. The use of a reverse timeline better helps the reader to understand why and how the characters not only make the decisions they do, but also how they deal with the consequences of those decisions. Pullo has created characters that are frank and honest, sometimes painfully so, and it is easy to get lost emotionally in the books.
If you haven’t read the series, count yourself lucky that you can begin with book one and jump right into the second, as it is a story you won’t want to put down. The inclusion of bonus material not originally found in the originals (The Love Letters) help create a story of epic love for the ages, one that will leave you heartbroken yet optimistic at the same time.
If you’re looking for a great series that is intelligent, witty, and masterfully crafted, look no further. The Discography series will give you all of that and so much more.
April 30, 2018
These books made me laugh and cry and want to throw my kindle across the room.
Natalie and Chloe are cousins and they decide to move to New York City together. Natalie goes first and meets Zach on the train. They fall in love, but Zach is going into the Marines. They have a long distance romance and write many letters (sigh).
Chloe joins Natalie and meets Adam, high powered control freak attorney. Their relationship has its ups and downs but their love is palpable. Chris is comes from Texas to New York to make money and winds up an attorney in Adam's Firm.
The story spans quite a few years and there are many ups and downs. I don't want to give the story away, but I highly recommend you just sit back and enjoy the journey. It will make you laugh and cry and drive you insane, but in the end, all is right with the world.
Natalie and Chloe are cousins and they decide to move to New York City together. Natalie goes first and meets Zach on the train. They fall in love, but Zach is going into the Marines. They have a long distance romance and write many letters (sigh).
Chloe joins Natalie and meets Adam, high powered control freak attorney. Their relationship has its ups and downs but their love is palpable. Chris is comes from Texas to New York to make money and winds up an attorney in Adam's Firm.
The story spans quite a few years and there are many ups and downs. I don't want to give the story away, but I highly recommend you just sit back and enjoy the journey. It will make you laugh and cry and drive you insane, but in the end, all is right with the world.
June 14, 2016
THE ALBUM
"Every great story has a beginning, whether it's a planned meeting, a random encounter, or an impulsive jump into the unknown. But it's the middle of the narrative that really counts...expanding the verse and building the chorus. And this story, the one that starts as soon as it ends, is a musical journey of fate and acceptance."
That quote ^^^ perfectly describes the story/stories in this one of kind book. I found that from the first page this would be a book that would be soooo different from anything I've read before and I was not disappointed. The Album is very UNIQUE, from the great writing style that I found to be a delightful change from the norm, the fun/lovable characters with their bursting personalities, all the different relationships that are never perfect but feel so very real, the wonderful humor that will have you rolling in tears of laughter, to the LOVE that you feel throughout between friends and lovers that will have you smiling and bring to overwhelming tears! This book is just so original in every aspect that it consumed my every thought while reading and can't wait another second to jump into The Ballad!!!
THE BALLAD
"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning- a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it's simply a journey. And if we're lucky, one to be shared with friends and family."
I finished the first book The Album (an amazing 5 star read) and couldn't wait to get started on The Ballad...to get more of the characters and story I'd already fallen in love with and more of this talented authors wonderful writing!!! I never dreamed that this book could be any more unique/original than the first one but I was in for a surprising treat because The Ballad is a one of a kind with originality and uniqueness pouring from every chapter. The beauty of this book and the previous one is the combination of the authors wonderful writing style, her talented storytelling through all the different characters and their relationships, and her way of connecting the reader through music, movies, TV shows, and other random things and happenings that are simply classic and unforgettable! The Album and The Ballad are special books that I will remember "ALWAYS"!!!
" Because every great story can be told again and again."
THE LOVE LETTERS
The special, witty, fun, heart-touching correspondence between two lovers that will make you smile, laugh, shed tears, and will leave your heart changed in the best way!!!
"Every great story has a beginning, whether it's a planned meeting, a random encounter, or an impulsive jump into the unknown. But it's the middle of the narrative that really counts...expanding the verse and building the chorus. And this story, the one that starts as soon as it ends, is a musical journey of fate and acceptance."
That quote ^^^ perfectly describes the story/stories in this one of kind book. I found that from the first page this would be a book that would be soooo different from anything I've read before and I was not disappointed. The Album is very UNIQUE, from the great writing style that I found to be a delightful change from the norm, the fun/lovable characters with their bursting personalities, all the different relationships that are never perfect but feel so very real, the wonderful humor that will have you rolling in tears of laughter, to the LOVE that you feel throughout between friends and lovers that will have you smiling and bring to overwhelming tears! This book is just so original in every aspect that it consumed my every thought while reading and can't wait another second to jump into The Ballad!!!
THE BALLAD
"Sometimes life can make you pause without warning- a crossroad of choices, a brush of fate, or a dose of reality. But in the end, it's simply a journey. And if we're lucky, one to be shared with friends and family."
I finished the first book The Album (an amazing 5 star read) and couldn't wait to get started on The Ballad...to get more of the characters and story I'd already fallen in love with and more of this talented authors wonderful writing!!! I never dreamed that this book could be any more unique/original than the first one but I was in for a surprising treat because The Ballad is a one of a kind with originality and uniqueness pouring from every chapter. The beauty of this book and the previous one is the combination of the authors wonderful writing style, her talented storytelling through all the different characters and their relationships, and her way of connecting the reader through music, movies, TV shows, and other random things and happenings that are simply classic and unforgettable! The Album and The Ballad are special books that I will remember "ALWAYS"!!!
" Because every great story can be told again and again."
THE LOVE LETTERS
The special, witty, fun, heart-touching correspondence between two lovers that will make you smile, laugh, shed tears, and will leave your heart changed in the best way!!!
October 27, 2015
This set of books is a must have!
I started with The Love Letters and was hooked, couldn't get enough of Nat and Chloe and the men that circle their lives. Ashley's writing is real, raw and totally authentic. I was drawn in by the humor but felt the pain of each heartbreak! This story was particularly special to me because I have great love for New York and I was actually traveling there at the time I was reading these books.
I've read plenty of "knight in shining armor" stories, but I actually love that this is not that! It's strong women who are witty and have failures but they celebrate life with everything they have! Love comes and goes, but the friendships and relationships developed all serve their purpose and I loved seeing those come full circle.
Doesn't hurt that there are some very hunky supporting males!! :)
If you want all the "feels' this is a great set to read!
I started with The Love Letters and was hooked, couldn't get enough of Nat and Chloe and the men that circle their lives. Ashley's writing is real, raw and totally authentic. I was drawn in by the humor but felt the pain of each heartbreak! This story was particularly special to me because I have great love for New York and I was actually traveling there at the time I was reading these books.
I've read plenty of "knight in shining armor" stories, but I actually love that this is not that! It's strong women who are witty and have failures but they celebrate life with everything they have! Love comes and goes, but the friendships and relationships developed all serve their purpose and I loved seeing those come full circle.
Doesn't hurt that there are some very hunky supporting males!! :)
If you want all the "feels' this is a great set to read!
October 8, 2016
Written and video review to come!!
Emotionally connected to this AMAZING duet! Had to stop crying long enough to film and write.
Emotionally connected to this AMAZING duet! Had to stop crying long enough to film and write.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews