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Heartstrings
“I just want to make music with you again.”
“It's been five years. Why is he even on my mind?”
Country music star Blake Bradley was born for the stage. His band, the Sinsationals, is selling out arenas across the USA. But a toxic cocktail of success, substance abuse, and personal conflicts threaten to tear the band apart. Secretly, Blake longs for the band's early days. Back when things were simpler. He had Cal, his best friend and guitarist, in his corner. Things were good. Things were easy. But when they dared to test the boundaries of their relationship, exploring something deeper, Cal quit the band and left Blake hanging. Coming home to Denver stirs up more pain than nostalgia.
“He thought we were just fooling around, but I fell in love. I had to run before it killed me.”
Bar owner Cal Lindsay is married to his job. He works hard and takes care of his staff, trying not to think about what could have been. But when his best friend drags him to a Sinsationals concert, he's face to face with the past he walked away from. When Blake shows up at his bar the next night, Cal isn't sure if he's there to make amends or flaunt his newfound wealth and success. All Cal knows is the aching truth: he never stopped wanting Blake. But it's far too late to fix things, isn't it?
“If we do this, you can't run off on me again.”
After a tentative reconciliation in the bar, Blake invites Cal to travel with the band. If everything implodes at the end of the tour anyhow, what's the harm? Touring across the Western US, the two men explore one another with the tentative caution of strangers. As they struggle to rebuild their relationship, they discover that second chances are earned, not given. Can Blake and Cal let go of past hurts and learn to forgive? Or will the band's infighting drive an impossible rift between them?
Heartstrings is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
“It's been five years. Why is he even on my mind?”
Country music star Blake Bradley was born for the stage. His band, the Sinsationals, is selling out arenas across the USA. But a toxic cocktail of success, substance abuse, and personal conflicts threaten to tear the band apart. Secretly, Blake longs for the band's early days. Back when things were simpler. He had Cal, his best friend and guitarist, in his corner. Things were good. Things were easy. But when they dared to test the boundaries of their relationship, exploring something deeper, Cal quit the band and left Blake hanging. Coming home to Denver stirs up more pain than nostalgia.
“He thought we were just fooling around, but I fell in love. I had to run before it killed me.”
Bar owner Cal Lindsay is married to his job. He works hard and takes care of his staff, trying not to think about what could have been. But when his best friend drags him to a Sinsationals concert, he's face to face with the past he walked away from. When Blake shows up at his bar the next night, Cal isn't sure if he's there to make amends or flaunt his newfound wealth and success. All Cal knows is the aching truth: he never stopped wanting Blake. But it's far too late to fix things, isn't it?
“If we do this, you can't run off on me again.”
After a tentative reconciliation in the bar, Blake invites Cal to travel with the band. If everything implodes at the end of the tour anyhow, what's the harm? Touring across the Western US, the two men explore one another with the tentative caution of strangers. As they struggle to rebuild their relationship, they discover that second chances are earned, not given. Can Blake and Cal let go of past hurts and learn to forgive? Or will the band's infighting drive an impossible rift between them?
Heartstrings is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2016
12 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Sierra Riley
31 books452 followersSierra Riley was born and raised in a small town where she spent all her time reading under trees before she moved to the Bay area to pursue her own love story.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 28, 2016
Oo this was a good one. Sooo happy to see Ms Riley's standard back. Can't wait to read her newer books... :-)
May 14, 2016
I didn't understand why any of this needed to happen, lol.
May 15, 2016
*** Terrific reuniting of lovers, and the spark reignites !! *** Music is the background here.
We have an interesting story of Blake, who plays and sings in a Country band, and who USED to be in a band with Cal.
Cal now runs the bar in Denver his Dad gave him when his Dad retired. Blake's band is in town and they see each other, and then Blake walks into the bar. They talk, catch up, one thing leads to another when Cal is offered a chance to play in the new band for the rest of the tour.
Their current lead guitar player, song writer, Rhett, is becoming a problem. Now, on the road, Rhett is spinning out of control, he attacks Blake, and Cal takes Rhett down. Rhett's contract is solid and holding it over their heads. The show must go on
Sexy times are happening and these guys are wonderful together. After some hot shower lovin', Rhett barges in with threats. Then there is THE SPIDER,
realizations, Rhett's a "no show", and once again the show must go on. Complications arise. We get terrific characters we care about, great sex, and a story we want to see through to the end and beyond.
Then - there's the burgundy and blue Beta fish, Roy.
I'm not telling anymore, because you will want to find out yourselves. Fun stand alone story, wonderful characters and some problems get resolved. HFN.
ENJOY !!!
==============
an honest review for a generous free copy
================================
We have an interesting story of Blake, who plays and sings in a Country band, and who USED to be in a band with Cal.
Cal now runs the bar in Denver his Dad gave him when his Dad retired. Blake's band is in town and they see each other, and then Blake walks into the bar. They talk, catch up, one thing leads to another when Cal is offered a chance to play in the new band for the rest of the tour.
Their current lead guitar player, song writer, Rhett, is becoming a problem. Now, on the road, Rhett is spinning out of control, he attacks Blake, and Cal takes Rhett down. Rhett's contract is solid and holding it over their heads. The show must go on
Sexy times are happening and these guys are wonderful together. After some hot shower lovin', Rhett barges in with threats. Then there is THE SPIDER,
realizations, Rhett's a "no show", and once again the show must go on. Complications arise. We get terrific characters we care about, great sex, and a story we want to see through to the end and beyond.
Then - there's the burgundy and blue Beta fish, Roy.
I'm not telling anymore, because you will want to find out yourselves. Fun stand alone story, wonderful characters and some problems get resolved. HFN.
ENJOY !!!
==============
an honest review for a generous free copy
================================
June 28, 2016
I don't like country music, but I liked this book. I wanted to put that first because when I got the ARC I was a little wary. I was thinking maybe I'd try thinking of them as rock stars instead (I love a good rockstar romance!), but I really didn't need to. The music is a big part of the book, but you don't have to like country to appreciate it! I promise. I think that tells to how well done the book is.
I really enjoyed this book. I generally prefer "getting together" books over "second chances" books, I think because they often have more of the sexual tension that I love. This, however was a really great second chances story. I loved the way the prior relationship was handled, I loved the snippets from the past. I think they were worked in well where they weren't a huge part of the story, just a little bit. It didn't leave me wishing I was reading their first story like some second chances stories do.
I felt Cal & Blake's connection. I believed that they had been best friends and lovers. I also felt how they still felt about eachother. There wasn't any elements to the story that felt out of place or that I didn't believe in.
This was really well written. It's kind of a simple plot but it has depth and substance to it.
I will say I wish I were leaving a better quality review... I had some major life stuff going on in the middle of reading this book and I was delayed almost a week between starting and finishing this book. I'll maybe try re-reading it again sometime because I don't think I could really get my head and my heart in it enough when I finished it... I feel like that's not fair to the book.
Given the quality of the writing and how much I was enjoying the book before my life stuff went on, I'm rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4.
There was a good balance in the story between the relationship and the musician storyline. There are some stories where it would be marketed as a rockstar romance but there's barely anything in it about them being rockstars... maybe they're just rich and famous for whatever reason, maybe it's irrelevant. I've read several stories about athletes (I am NOT into sports!) where there's barely anything about them being an athlete... if you want to read a story about someone in the music business, I think Sierra did a great job with that as one of the main storylines of the book.
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I generally prefer "getting together" books over "second chances" books, I think because they often have more of the sexual tension that I love. This, however was a really great second chances story. I loved the way the prior relationship was handled, I loved the snippets from the past. I think they were worked in well where they weren't a huge part of the story, just a little bit. It didn't leave me wishing I was reading their first story like some second chances stories do.
I felt Cal & Blake's connection. I believed that they had been best friends and lovers. I also felt how they still felt about eachother. There wasn't any elements to the story that felt out of place or that I didn't believe in.
This was really well written. It's kind of a simple plot but it has depth and substance to it.
I will say I wish I were leaving a better quality review... I had some major life stuff going on in the middle of reading this book and I was delayed almost a week between starting and finishing this book. I'll maybe try re-reading it again sometime because I don't think I could really get my head and my heart in it enough when I finished it... I feel like that's not fair to the book.
Given the quality of the writing and how much I was enjoying the book before my life stuff went on, I'm rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4.
There was a good balance in the story between the relationship and the musician storyline. There are some stories where it would be marketed as a rockstar romance but there's barely anything in it about them being rockstars... maybe they're just rich and famous for whatever reason, maybe it's irrelevant. I've read several stories about athletes (I am NOT into sports!) where there's barely anything about them being an athlete... if you want to read a story about someone in the music business, I think Sierra did a great job with that as one of the main storylines of the book.
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2016
*** Copy provided to the reviewer in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Let me start by saying this is the first book by Sierra Riley that I've read, I have them all on my kindle, but I've had so many books to read lately that I hadn't had the chance until now, but hopefully I'll be able to read more of them soon, because I loved this one!
Blake is The Sinsationals frontman, and while he's enjoying some of the success they've earned, he longs for simpler times, when they were just starting out and they didn't have to deal with some of fame's less savory aspects. Above all, he longs for his best friend, Cal, who just left the band five years ago with no explanation. When the tour comes back to Denver, he knows it's his chance to find some closure.
Cal Lindsay left the band he was in when he realized he wanted more than he could rightly ask of Blake at that time and now, as a bar owner in Denver, married to his job, he wonders what could have been. When Blake shows up at his bar the day after a concert Cal attended with his best friend, he realizes he's never stopped wanting Blake, but is it too late for them?
When Blake invites Cal to come with The Sinsationals for the last part of their tour, they'll have to deal with more than just mending their friendship.
I loved Blake and Cal, they were both fantastic characters. Cal was like this calming force for Blake, his haven when everything else in his life and his group seemed to be going wrong. And Blake was the one that made Cal actually live for a while and not just submerge himself in work. Nevermind that they were hot, hot, HOT together! *fans self*
I adored Yanmei, too. She was awesome and definitely my favorite out of all the supporting characters.
If I could've asked for something more, it'd probably be a bit more angst as Cal and Blake found each other again. It felt too easy, although at the same time I have to admit that it didn't feel forced at all.
All in all, an amazing read! Very well written, fast-paced, with a great cast of characters and a compelling storyline that just grabbed me from the start of the book and didn't let go until the last word. Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Let me start by saying this is the first book by Sierra Riley that I've read, I have them all on my kindle, but I've had so many books to read lately that I hadn't had the chance until now, but hopefully I'll be able to read more of them soon, because I loved this one!
Blake is The Sinsationals frontman, and while he's enjoying some of the success they've earned, he longs for simpler times, when they were just starting out and they didn't have to deal with some of fame's less savory aspects. Above all, he longs for his best friend, Cal, who just left the band five years ago with no explanation. When the tour comes back to Denver, he knows it's his chance to find some closure.
Cal Lindsay left the band he was in when he realized he wanted more than he could rightly ask of Blake at that time and now, as a bar owner in Denver, married to his job, he wonders what could have been. When Blake shows up at his bar the day after a concert Cal attended with his best friend, he realizes he's never stopped wanting Blake, but is it too late for them?
When Blake invites Cal to come with The Sinsationals for the last part of their tour, they'll have to deal with more than just mending their friendship.
I loved Blake and Cal, they were both fantastic characters. Cal was like this calming force for Blake, his haven when everything else in his life and his group seemed to be going wrong. And Blake was the one that made Cal actually live for a while and not just submerge himself in work. Nevermind that they were hot, hot, HOT together! *fans self*
I adored Yanmei, too. She was awesome and definitely my favorite out of all the supporting characters.
If I could've asked for something more, it'd probably be a bit more angst as Cal and Blake found each other again. It felt too easy, although at the same time I have to admit that it didn't feel forced at all.
All in all, an amazing read! Very well written, fast-paced, with a great cast of characters and a compelling storyline that just grabbed me from the start of the book and didn't let go until the last word. Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
May 4, 2016
Blake and Cal have been friends since high school, made incredible music together (even an album), but cannot seem to tell the other how they feel; causing their relationship to end badly five years ago. Blake went on with the band and hit it big; Cal took over his father’s bar back home. Both missed the other but still neither reached out to the other until a tour brought Blake home and he decided to reach out. With help from Cal’s friend, Blake talked Cal into touring with him, they slowly, painfully figured out where they went wrong, and Blake realized how he had unintentionally hurt Cal. All looked like good times ahead, unfortunately the band guitarist and song writer threw a monkey wrench demanding Blake get rid of Cal or he was walking …with the rights to the music. True love triumphs and let’s just say Karma is a bitch! Great story with lovable characters and an awesome HEA!
October 2, 2016
Confession time: I skimmed many small sections of this book - and I NEVER skim books.
The book's premise had all the trope-y goodness I was hoping for - friends to lovers, second chance at love, life styles of the rich and famous - but the execution of all of these potentially wonderful things was mediocre. The story plodded along from the first page to the last, pretty one-note. Even when things with Rhett reached their boiling point, there wasn't a sense of urgency or real angst over what came next. Like, the words describing the turmoil and angsting may have been on the page, but the writing wasn't evocative; it didn't move me. It didn't help the book that I felt as if the chemistry between Cal and Blake was lukewarm at best. What's the point of reading a romance novel about two guys in a relationship that basically make you want to yawn the entire time?!
Sorry, Sierra Riley, but I'm just not that into you and your formulaic books.
The book's premise had all the trope-y goodness I was hoping for - friends to lovers, second chance at love, life styles of the rich and famous - but the execution of all of these potentially wonderful things was mediocre. The story plodded along from the first page to the last, pretty one-note. Even when things with Rhett reached their boiling point, there wasn't a sense of urgency or real angst over what came next. Like, the words describing the turmoil and angsting may have been on the page, but the writing wasn't evocative; it didn't move me. It didn't help the book that I felt as if the chemistry between Cal and Blake was lukewarm at best. What's the point of reading a romance novel about two guys in a relationship that basically make you want to yawn the entire time?!
Sorry, Sierra Riley, but I'm just not that into you and your formulaic books.
April 21, 2016
He Needs To Take A Chance
An ARC was given to me for an honest review. This is a story about ex-lovers and friends getting back together after a five year lapse. Their breakup hurt each of their hearts because they didn't have closure. Since they've decided to get back together musically, hopefully they've learned how to communicate this time around. This is a well written entertaining read. Enjoy I did.
An ARC was given to me for an honest review. This is a story about ex-lovers and friends getting back together after a five year lapse. Their breakup hurt each of their hearts because they didn't have closure. Since they've decided to get back together musically, hopefully they've learned how to communicate this time around. This is a well written entertaining read. Enjoy I did.
April 25, 2016
This book was provided to me for an honest review.
This book was entertaining and well written. I liked both MC's very much, and I was glad to see them give each other a chance again. The secondary characters were well written and added a lot to the story. There was low angst, but a nicely paced love story.
The blurb really captures the story, and I definitely recommend checking it out!
This book was entertaining and well written. I liked both MC's very much, and I was glad to see them give each other a chance again. The secondary characters were well written and added a lot to the story. There was low angst, but a nicely paced love story.
The blurb really captures the story, and I definitely recommend checking it out!
May 1, 2016
If you like Sierra Riley stories and the way she writes them you will love Heartstrings. because it does pull on them really hard.. make sure you have tissues. I would highly recommend reading this story.. plus Sierra others books.. she is a excellent Gay romance writer.
I Was given this story for a honest review..
I Was given this story for a honest review..
May 3, 2016
A second chance at love comes unexpectedly for Blake and Cal. After several years apart they meet up and realize their feelings never changed but life has taken them in different directions, they need to learn to communicate to make it work. An enjoyable sweet read for a weekend.,.
May 13, 2016
I have really liked some of Sierra Riley's books but this one was just kind of...meh. *shrugs* Seemed like everything just worked out. No hard decisions, no real talk about why Cal left in the first place. Just happy every after. Not bad. Just not memorable.
May 17, 2016
3.75 Stars
Calvin Lindsay had been Blake Bradley's best friend, his lover, his home. Until one decision, five years prior ended it all and Blake was left with questions only Cal could answer.
...in a sea of men and women...coming back to Cal was like finding a safe harbor.
Lead singer and front man of the band they created, Blake had gone on to success while Cal took over the running of his father's business after retirement. Now Blake was back, and determined more than ever to get back what was lost. A series of unfortunate events led Blake to ask Cal to accompany the band on the last leg of the tour.
When Cal and Blake made music together, it was captivating like nothing else.
Even with all the drama with a band mate, the could not derail what was brewing. Cal and Blake belonged together. They just needed pull each others heartstrings.
This novel was slow burn, and unforgettable. I have read several Sierra Riley books and this one was set in a different world. Read if you enjoy lovable men who just need help finding the words.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
Calvin Lindsay had been Blake Bradley's best friend, his lover, his home. Until one decision, five years prior ended it all and Blake was left with questions only Cal could answer.
...in a sea of men and women...coming back to Cal was like finding a safe harbor.
Lead singer and front man of the band they created, Blake had gone on to success while Cal took over the running of his father's business after retirement. Now Blake was back, and determined more than ever to get back what was lost. A series of unfortunate events led Blake to ask Cal to accompany the band on the last leg of the tour.
When Cal and Blake made music together, it was captivating like nothing else.
Even with all the drama with a band mate, the could not derail what was brewing. Cal and Blake belonged together. They just needed pull each others heartstrings.
This novel was slow burn, and unforgettable. I have read several Sierra Riley books and this one was set in a different world. Read if you enjoy lovable men who just need help finding the words.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
May 1, 2016
An ARC was provided by the author in return for an honest review.
I’m placing Heartstrings in the middle of the pack of Ms. Riley’s books. It was a fairly predictable friends to lovers plotline, including the use of the leading man of a headlining country band.
Blake’s band is on tour, and it is unfortunately slowly self-destructing due to one particularly bad apple, his current lead guitarist and main songwriter, Rhett. As the band rolls into Denver, Blake’s hometown, Blake starts remembering the first and only man he’s ever loved: Cal.
Cal’s spent the last five years, purposefully trying to ignore Blake’s success, but it’s been hard. When Blake walks into the bar Cal owns, after Cal had been dragged to see Blake in concert, the story walked the path of others before it. Cal gets invited to go on tour, the boys hook up, reveal long held secrets of love, band implodes, but Blake and Cal have got each other and, la la la, Happy Ever After.
I didn’t find the story to be anything special (she’s written better), and maybe it was me but I continually had problems trying to figure out who was talking. I’m pretty sure that names were inverted a few times because I kept getting lost within simple dialogue. The emotional stuff felt stunted, but it was there, and I noticed a few continuity issues that tossed me out of the story. I think if there had been one good history section I might not have had problems.
On the UP side, I enjoyed the sex scenes (which weren’t overdone) and there was some fun banter. I also liked that the boys took there time leading up to full intercourse. A sweet, romantic read, nothing more or less.
I’m placing Heartstrings in the middle of the pack of Ms. Riley’s books. It was a fairly predictable friends to lovers plotline, including the use of the leading man of a headlining country band.
Blake’s band is on tour, and it is unfortunately slowly self-destructing due to one particularly bad apple, his current lead guitarist and main songwriter, Rhett. As the band rolls into Denver, Blake’s hometown, Blake starts remembering the first and only man he’s ever loved: Cal.
Cal’s spent the last five years, purposefully trying to ignore Blake’s success, but it’s been hard. When Blake walks into the bar Cal owns, after Cal had been dragged to see Blake in concert, the story walked the path of others before it. Cal gets invited to go on tour, the boys hook up, reveal long held secrets of love, band implodes, but Blake and Cal have got each other and, la la la, Happy Ever After.
I didn’t find the story to be anything special (she’s written better), and maybe it was me but I continually had problems trying to figure out who was talking. I’m pretty sure that names were inverted a few times because I kept getting lost within simple dialogue. The emotional stuff felt stunted, but it was there, and I noticed a few continuity issues that tossed me out of the story. I think if there had been one good history section I might not have had problems.
On the UP side, I enjoyed the sex scenes (which weren’t overdone) and there was some fun banter. I also liked that the boys took there time leading up to full intercourse. A sweet, romantic read, nothing more or less.
April 28, 2016
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Blake Bradley and Cal Lindsay had a falling out five years back resulting in the two not keeping touch and going in different directions. Blake went on to become a famous country music star and Cal gave up music and took over his father’s bar. When Blake blows into town on route or his tour, he stops into to check on Cal and try to make amends. The feeling from five years ago comes back to the surface and the two men remember the pain that resulted from their last meeting. Blake offers Cal a piece offering and even a chance to perform on the last legs of the tour, leaving Cal to make the choice to reconcile their relationship.
Cal and Blake were interesting characters. There was nice relationship development between Cal and Blake, interaction among the band members and the discord between the members. I liked that there was a focus on how much hard work being in a band could be. The insecurities that plagued Blake added another nice layer to his character. Cal’s hardworking personality was attractive to me and I liked that he lived quite a simple life.
I enjoyed reading how supportive some of the band members where of Blake and their acceptance of Cal. Rhett was a little annoying to me but even though he was being a jerk, he didn’t really inspire any hate. His threats to Blake and the future of the plan was a jerk thing to do. I did enjoy reading about how everything turned out for him when he carried through with his threat.
Blake Bradley and Cal Lindsay had a falling out five years back resulting in the two not keeping touch and going in different directions. Blake went on to become a famous country music star and Cal gave up music and took over his father’s bar. When Blake blows into town on route or his tour, he stops into to check on Cal and try to make amends. The feeling from five years ago comes back to the surface and the two men remember the pain that resulted from their last meeting. Blake offers Cal a piece offering and even a chance to perform on the last legs of the tour, leaving Cal to make the choice to reconcile their relationship.
Cal and Blake were interesting characters. There was nice relationship development between Cal and Blake, interaction among the band members and the discord between the members. I liked that there was a focus on how much hard work being in a band could be. The insecurities that plagued Blake added another nice layer to his character. Cal’s hardworking personality was attractive to me and I liked that he lived quite a simple life.
I enjoyed reading how supportive some of the band members where of Blake and their acceptance of Cal. Rhett was a little annoying to me but even though he was being a jerk, he didn’t really inspire any hate. His threats to Blake and the future of the plan was a jerk thing to do. I did enjoy reading about how everything turned out for him when he carried through with his threat.
May 15, 2016
This was my first Sierra Riley book and without a doubt, she has gained a new fan in me.
I hope I explain myself correctly when I say, that I adore the m/m genre…specifically when it is written well. Sometimes, it seems, that this genre can get….for a lack of better words…cheeky so I am very choosey when it comes to these books, and usually stick to specific authors that I know have not let me down. So, when I saw the blurb and it looked like a good book, I hoped I would not be disappointed. And disappointed, I was not.
Blake and Cal….these two were one of the sweetest couples I have read about. I loved the way Cal was Blakes anchor in a way. His touch or look calming Blake when he was most anxious. These two have known each other for a very long time, but after 5 years apart, would it be easy for them to reconnect? Were the feelings still there? Has Blake grown up? I hate spoiling books and often feel my reviews are unsatisfactory because I do not go into great detail and explain everything page for page. But if I love a book, I will state it. And I loved this book. I read it in a day, if that tells you anything. I will be adding more of Sierra’s books to my TBR~
I hope I explain myself correctly when I say, that I adore the m/m genre…specifically when it is written well. Sometimes, it seems, that this genre can get….for a lack of better words…cheeky so I am very choosey when it comes to these books, and usually stick to specific authors that I know have not let me down. So, when I saw the blurb and it looked like a good book, I hoped I would not be disappointed. And disappointed, I was not.
Blake and Cal….these two were one of the sweetest couples I have read about. I loved the way Cal was Blakes anchor in a way. His touch or look calming Blake when he was most anxious. These two have known each other for a very long time, but after 5 years apart, would it be easy for them to reconnect? Were the feelings still there? Has Blake grown up? I hate spoiling books and often feel my reviews are unsatisfactory because I do not go into great detail and explain everything page for page. But if I love a book, I will state it. And I loved this book. I read it in a day, if that tells you anything. I will be adding more of Sierra’s books to my TBR~
April 29, 2016
This book is so aptly named…
Once again Sierra Riley has found a way to tangle my guts up in a swirling mass of angst. When Blake ad Cal are face to face again after five years apart, any illusions either may have held about being over each other are shattered. The chemistry between these men is nearly overwhelming, and when they give in to the attraction between them, I had an almost palpable sense of relief. With Blake’s band on the verge of destruction, the sanctuary he finds in Cal is warming and the banter between the two flows with a natural ease. As the situation escalates, and they find themselves sinking deeper into their relationship, the intensity ratchets up to breathtaking levels.
The cast of supporting characters felt well rounded, the band charismatic and Cal’s friend and employee Yanmei is feisty and spirited as a great counter to his stoicism. Rhett is a good foil, as much as I enjoyed disliking him. That said, I really adored Blake and Cal, they balance each other so well and are so sweetly sexy together that I couldn’t seem to put my book down.
Please note that I received a complimentary advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again Sierra Riley has found a way to tangle my guts up in a swirling mass of angst. When Blake ad Cal are face to face again after five years apart, any illusions either may have held about being over each other are shattered. The chemistry between these men is nearly overwhelming, and when they give in to the attraction between them, I had an almost palpable sense of relief. With Blake’s band on the verge of destruction, the sanctuary he finds in Cal is warming and the banter between the two flows with a natural ease. As the situation escalates, and they find themselves sinking deeper into their relationship, the intensity ratchets up to breathtaking levels.
The cast of supporting characters felt well rounded, the band charismatic and Cal’s friend and employee Yanmei is feisty and spirited as a great counter to his stoicism. Rhett is a good foil, as much as I enjoyed disliking him. That said, I really adored Blake and Cal, they balance each other so well and are so sweetly sexy together that I couldn’t seem to put my book down.
Please note that I received a complimentary advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2016
I'm on a roll with this author - the last 2 books have been great reads! This one I'll rate 3.5 stars, rounded up, since I really loved the second half of this book.
I enjoyed reading this one, I loved the dynamics and the drama within the band, and I loved reading about Blake and Cal reconnecting. I will say, I wish there had been more explanation or maybe even the actual flashbacks about their first time together and what was the final straw that led to the breakup and the band changing so much. It was hard to feel for them since it all felt brand new, we didn't get that time when they were together the first time around. It seemed so easy for them to fall back into old routines.
Also? Why do her books always have the "prologue" as the first sex scene or first kiss or something? It just seems unnecessary haha
I'm enjoying her latests books, they have less unnecessary melodrama and misunderstandings, and more mature characters.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I enjoyed reading this one, I loved the dynamics and the drama within the band, and I loved reading about Blake and Cal reconnecting. I will say, I wish there had been more explanation or maybe even the actual flashbacks about their first time together and what was the final straw that led to the breakup and the band changing so much. It was hard to feel for them since it all felt brand new, we didn't get that time when they were together the first time around. It seemed so easy for them to fall back into old routines.
Also? Why do her books always have the "prologue" as the first sex scene or first kiss or something? It just seems unnecessary haha
I'm enjoying her latests books, they have less unnecessary melodrama and misunderstandings, and more mature characters.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 25, 2016
The blurb is pretty self explanatory....
We have two MC's: Cal and Blake: friends,musicians and lovers until five years ago. Cal just left the band with out any explanation: cutting himself out of the band and Blake with out any issues. As the story goes, the bland played on and became famous without Cal. Blake and the band Sinsationals. They met, the sparks still exist between them and the game is on. For some reason I did not like Heartstrings as I had of her earlier books. Also, the writing, the sentence structure and the word usage seemed off or different. The writing did not flow; it had short choppy sentences; then long flowing paragraphs back to short choppy sentences. The different POV's did not appeared smoothly. The mechanics of this book had me so distracted the story was incidental to me: it did not hold my attention as her other books did. However, this is my pet peeve only and nothing against the book itself. I would recommend this story for any one wanting an entertaining book to read.
****I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review*************
.
We have two MC's: Cal and Blake: friends,musicians and lovers until five years ago. Cal just left the band with out any explanation: cutting himself out of the band and Blake with out any issues. As the story goes, the bland played on and became famous without Cal. Blake and the band Sinsationals. They met, the sparks still exist between them and the game is on. For some reason I did not like Heartstrings as I had of her earlier books. Also, the writing, the sentence structure and the word usage seemed off or different. The writing did not flow; it had short choppy sentences; then long flowing paragraphs back to short choppy sentences. The different POV's did not appeared smoothly. The mechanics of this book had me so distracted the story was incidental to me: it did not hold my attention as her other books did. However, this is my pet peeve only and nothing against the book itself. I would recommend this story for any one wanting an entertaining book to read.
****I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review*************
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April 25, 2016
Enjoyed the story and the chemistry between Cal and Blake. Second chance stories always makes me want to read the book and the blurb above definitely got my attention.. I love to learn how they parted and that they still cared about each other but need to find a way back to each other. The backdrop of Blake being in the music industry was a good addition to the story. Cal started out in the band as well but when things got complicated for him and Blake , Cal just left. Blake went on to become famous but never forgot Cal. Cal was now owner of a bar and decided to get on with his life but worked all the time and he too never forgot Blake. When these two finally got together it was good but I felt the story moved a little to fast for me.
Received an arc from the author for an honest review. Reviewed for Alpha Book Club.
Received an arc from the author for an honest review. Reviewed for Alpha Book Club.
April 30, 2016
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I have to say I was both surprised and thrilled with how much I enjoyed Cal & Blake’s story. It grabbed me so hard that I devoured this book, I didn’t want to put it down. It had a little bit of everything in it: suspense, emotional ups and downs, hot sex, intrigue, music (yeah, I know it’s a book but the music in this was described so perfectly that I swear I could hear it) and plenty of parts that made my heart smile. I will definitely be checking out Sierra’s other books now. I highly recommend this one to anyone, whether you’ve read her other books or not.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I have to say I was both surprised and thrilled with how much I enjoyed Cal & Blake’s story. It grabbed me so hard that I devoured this book, I didn’t want to put it down. It had a little bit of everything in it: suspense, emotional ups and downs, hot sex, intrigue, music (yeah, I know it’s a book but the music in this was described so perfectly that I swear I could hear it) and plenty of parts that made my heart smile. I will definitely be checking out Sierra’s other books now. I highly recommend this one to anyone, whether you’ve read her other books or not.
April 25, 2016
Heartstrings was a pretty spot on name for this book I'm not sure who pulled on who's heartstrings more Blake or Cal, both men are well matched as they rekindle their relationship taking it further than a crush from five years prior and well there's the fact that one is a hot bar tender/owner and the other a famous country singer :) the other characters were well written including that douche canoe Rhett he just annoyed the bejeezus outta me.
Another sweet romantic MM story with a HEA :)
* ARC received in exchange for an honest review *
Another sweet romantic MM story with a HEA :)
* ARC received in exchange for an honest review *
June 20, 2016
This one just didnt do it for me. I could not connect with the two main characters and I did not feel the love between them. To me, they just seemed like friends. Cal pretty much just ditched Blake and the band. But then when Blake is back in town, he gets Cal to play with them and everyone is all hunky dory….It just wasn’t believable to me. I dont know what else I would need to connect with them...im at a loss on what was missing.
May 5, 2016
I am all about the chemistry between characters and in this book I would have to give Cal and Blake a "No Sizzle" rating. I could see them as friends but when it came to their relationship we were just told about it and not shown. The whole story fell flat for me. I did enjoy Riley's 'Someday' and am still willing to check out some of her other works but I do not recommend this one for anyone looking for a romance that will..... tug on your "heartstrings".
June 8, 2016
A charming book with a different topic I normally read... this time it was about a country singer and his band who have to deal with his break up of his former band collegue.
The drama around the band was well developed and authentic, the re-built relationship between the MC very touching.
Again 5 out of 5 stars. :3
The drama around the band was well developed and authentic, the re-built relationship between the MC very touching.
Again 5 out of 5 stars. :3
April 27, 2016
I really liked both MCs, but their reconciliation seemed a bit too easy. The story was more about the band drama and how they handled that. I enjoyed the scenes of Cal and Blake or the whole band playing. I can't put my finger on it, but I just wanted something a little more. Also, the book starts with a flash forward to a sex scene, which is a pet peeve of mine.
May 1, 2016
Country music and rekindled love what's not to like?!
This is another winner from Riley with a backdrop of country music and mistakes made good.
I liked both Blake and Cal and their supporting cast of characters helped flesh out the story of former band mates and lovers reconnecting..
This is another winner from Riley with a backdrop of country music and mistakes made good.
I liked both Blake and Cal and their supporting cast of characters helped flesh out the story of former band mates and lovers reconnecting..
April 27, 2016
When a love is true and meant to be even time away won't weaken it. That's what happens in this book and the story has drama, heartache, romance and a love that last through it all. I was gifted this book for an honest review and I haven't read this author before but I will look for more from her
May 8, 2016
Good story;good editing
Ms. Riley offers up another good tale. Characters are interesting and nicely developed. Editing is much improved ad on the story flows well. I estimate scenes hit the Mark. Kudos!
Ms. Riley offers up another good tale. Characters are interesting and nicely developed. Editing is much improved ad on the story flows well. I estimate scenes hit the Mark. Kudos!
June 20, 2016
nice simple story i like the band and music angle
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