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Of Love and Madness #1
At This Moment
Sometimes life gives you what you need, even if you don’t believe you deserve it.
Kate Daniels wants it all—a big, crazy life, lots of kids, and an adoring husband. Someday. For now, she’ll be happy just to survive her first semester of college. Billy McDonald wants it all, too. Since the day he got his first guitar, he’s had one goal—to prove he’s worth something. His dream is so close, he can almost touch it.
Thrown together during a freak snowstorm, Kate and Billy’s lives become permanently entwined. On the outside, they have nothing in common, but scars aren’t always visible and abuse doesn’t always leave a mark. Kate keeps the pain of her past buried, while Billy carries his like a weapon.
In spite of finding love, Billy continues to be haunted by his childhood and tempted by the excesses of the music industry. He struggles to keep his career on track and his inner demons at bay, until one night, he makes a mistake that could cost him everything. Kate may have found her happily ever after, but for Billy, the nightmare has just begun.
Set against a backdrop of heavy metal and emerging grunge, At This Moment is the first book in the Of Love and Madness Series. A love story that unfolds over twenty-five years, it’s the tale of two damaged people trying to make their way in the world without destroying themselves or each other in the process.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2016
642 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Karen Cimms
13 books439 followersKaren Cimms writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
January 13, 2018
4 ★'s
I really wanted a short series to end 2017 and begin 2018 with that would be the epitome of everything I love...and this does a pretty good job. (So, in other words people, it's angsty!) ;)
Katie and Billy meet when she goes with her new dorm mate to a bar where a band is playing. She's quickly smitten by the older Billy and he notices her right away as well. She's different from his usual girls and he seeks her out.
They end up going back to his place and get to know each other a little better. Katie's a virgin (of course) so Billy holds off...for a while or at least until the morning, or almost morning! ;) Good news is that there's a snow storm and they are stuck together for the weekend.
I loved how shocked Billy was at the feelings she was evoking in him. He's never acted this way before! Luckily, he acts on those feelings and goes to her college to see her again. And before they know it, they're together as much as they can be.
Unfortunately, he is a musician and on the road a lot. They make plans to meet up in New York during Thanksgiving break. Later, she convinces him to come meet her parents and it's everything they both never wanted.
But it led to them being closer than ever, however, some not-so-smart thinking leads to them making a huge commitment and then some.
This part had a sort-of Reckless vibe from the Thoughtless series. Too bad Billy wasn't as good as Kellan...nope, he's a bad, bad boy.
The story pretty much ends with all the drama that causes and with Katie in the dark. I would definitely recommend having the next book ready!
It should be noted that this is not your typical romance story. It has a lot of depth and while it's definitely romantic, it's also very real...dealing with some real issues and a gamut of emotions.
I really wanted a short series to end 2017 and begin 2018 with that would be the epitome of everything I love...and this does a pretty good job. (So, in other words people, it's angsty!) ;)
Katie and Billy meet when she goes with her new dorm mate to a bar where a band is playing. She's quickly smitten by the older Billy and he notices her right away as well. She's different from his usual girls and he seeks her out.
They end up going back to his place and get to know each other a little better. Katie's a virgin (of course) so Billy holds off...for a while or at least until the morning, or almost morning! ;) Good news is that there's a snow storm and they are stuck together for the weekend.
I loved how shocked Billy was at the feelings she was evoking in him. He's never acted this way before! Luckily, he acts on those feelings and goes to her college to see her again. And before they know it, they're together as much as they can be.
Unfortunately, he is a musician and on the road a lot. They make plans to meet up in New York during Thanksgiving break. Later, she convinces him to come meet her parents and it's everything they both never wanted.
But it led to them being closer than ever, however, some not-so-smart thinking leads to them making a huge commitment and then some.
This part had a sort-of Reckless vibe from the Thoughtless series. Too bad Billy wasn't as good as Kellan...nope, he's a bad, bad boy.
The story pretty much ends with all the drama that causes and with Katie in the dark. I would definitely recommend having the next book ready!
It should be noted that this is not your typical romance story. It has a lot of depth and while it's definitely romantic, it's also very real...dealing with some real issues and a gamut of emotions.
March 10, 2019
3.5 stars
I finished the 3 books and I'm still processing my thoughts and feelings about the overall story.
Book 1 is about Billy and Kate - they are young and fell in love fairly quickly. Billy is a musician who has a dream and the ambition to be a rock star. He lives the daily/nightly grind of shows and tours to make a living. Both have a lot of emotional baggage from their childhood. Billy drinks and does drugs while Kate has no self-esteem and doesn't think she is worthy of love. So, while this is a love story, both are very co-dependent.
The books are not fast reads. There is a lot of detail, etc. I liked it but because it was dragging into 2 other books, I wasn't sure if I could continue or stick with it. Overall, an emotional roller coaster of young, co-dependent love.
I finished the 3 books and I'm still processing my thoughts and feelings about the overall story.
Book 1 is about Billy and Kate - they are young and fell in love fairly quickly. Billy is a musician who has a dream and the ambition to be a rock star. He lives the daily/nightly grind of shows and tours to make a living. Both have a lot of emotional baggage from their childhood. Billy drinks and does drugs while Kate has no self-esteem and doesn't think she is worthy of love. So, while this is a love story, both are very co-dependent.
The books are not fast reads. There is a lot of detail, etc. I liked it but because it was dragging into 2 other books, I wasn't sure if I could continue or stick with it. Overall, an emotional roller coaster of young, co-dependent love.
dnf
June 15, 2017DNF @ 37%
I was in the mood for an angsty rockstar romance, but sadly this just didn't work for me.
I needed to feel a connection to the mcs before the shit hit the fan in order to root for them and understand why they were holding on, but I just didn't. I skimmed to the end because I was curious as to how it'd all play it, and I'm glad I'm done now.
I read some spoilers saying there is cheating at the end, so that wasn't all that shocking -- but just the way it all went down bugged me. I also saw it coming all the way from the first time we met this OW (right before I dnf'd).
Some might really enjoy this, but it just didn't work for me personally...
I was in the mood for an angsty rockstar romance, but sadly this just didn't work for me.
I needed to feel a connection to the mcs before the shit hit the fan in order to root for them and understand why they were holding on, but I just didn't. I skimmed to the end because I was curious as to how it'd all play it, and I'm glad I'm done now.
I read some spoilers saying there is cheating at the end, so that wasn't all that shocking -- but just the way it all went down bugged me. I also saw it coming all the way from the first time we met this OW (right before I dnf'd).
Some might really enjoy this, but it just didn't work for me personally...
May 16, 2018
I want to preface this by saying that Rock Star Romances are not my thing. They contain too much predictability - built in angst, cheating, and excessive lifestyle choices (wait a minute...that is TOTALLY my thing, but I digress). A bunch of my Reading Buddies were set to read this and I love a good buddy read (read that as I hate to be left out), so I dove in...and despite what I thought was going to happen, I really enjoyed it. While so many were upset with Billy, I never felt that way. I loved him from the start and that never changed. I saw him as always trying to do the right thing. Yeah, there was the part where he encouraged Katie to take drugs, but I didn't see the same pressure and bullying of her to do it as everyone else did. Katie was so young and naive, but never once did I have a moment where I thought that this chick was TSTL. Her choices and actions were believable for who she was. The drama was not over the top, it was just exactly what was inherent with the lifestyle of a struggling musician and the woman who fell in love with him. I will definitely be back for the next two in this series!
August 19, 2019
What a surprise. This is a trilogy that spans over 20 years between Kate and Billy. They both have issues Kate has domineering parents and is always the good daughter, an only child. Billy has anger issues, and drinking and drug problems. Kate wants to please billy so much she doesn't know when to say no. They meet when she's at college and she's 18 and he's 23 years. This is their love story. This book has cheating as a warning for people that may have issues with that. This is a wonderful book, that has lots of feels you can really connect with. You won't be disappointed.
March 16, 2020
HE DIDN'T JUST CHEAT HER ON THE DAY OF THE BIRTH OF HIS SON BUT ALSO RAPPED HER (RAPPED AND BEAT
HIS OWN WIFE) ON THE EVENING OF THE BURIAL OF HER BEST FRIEND. I FEEL DISGUSTED EVERY TIME I SEE A WOMAN ROMANTIZING THIS GARBAGE. SO MUCH FIGHT FOR WOMEN HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THEY USE THIS PRIVILEGE TO WRITE SHIT LIKE THIS.The site should review the way to evaluate the books because if there is a negative score, it would definitely go to this bullshit!
HIS OWN WIFE) ON THE EVENING OF THE BURIAL OF HER BEST FRIEND. I FEEL DISGUSTED EVERY TIME I SEE A WOMAN ROMANTIZING THIS GARBAGE. SO MUCH FIGHT FOR WOMEN HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THEY USE THIS PRIVILEGE TO WRITE SHIT LIKE THIS.The site should review the way to evaluate the books because if there is a negative score, it would definitely go to this bullshit!
May 19, 2018
I have to admit, I struggled with the beginning but I stuck with it. First of all, I was having a love/hate relationship with Billy. And then it was mostly hate! Errrgh!
And Kate....snap the fuck out of it! I definitely wanted to slap some sense into her.
Positive point....loved Joey! He was the friend everyone should be lucky enough to have in real life.
I get that they had screwed up childhoods. But, come on. It definitely gives you a look at the rocker lifestyle and the temptations every step of the way. Kate was young and a little naive..... also an enabler, which made her weak in my eyes.
Christa, I hope you rot in hell.
But, of course, after that ending, I basically had no choice but to continue the series. Not sure what I'm getting myself into.
It was a book that I wanted to get back to even with the angst and my not so great feelings of the main characters.....and I did love the storyline.... thus, the 4 star rating.
And Kate....snap the fuck out of it! I definitely wanted to slap some sense into her.
Positive point....loved Joey! He was the friend everyone should be lucky enough to have in real life.
I get that they had screwed up childhoods. But, come on. It definitely gives you a look at the rocker lifestyle and the temptations every step of the way. Kate was young and a little naive..... also an enabler, which made her weak in my eyes.
Christa, I hope you rot in hell.
But, of course, after that ending, I basically had no choice but to continue the series. Not sure what I'm getting myself into.
It was a book that I wanted to get back to even with the angst and my not so great feelings of the main characters.....and I did love the storyline.... thus, the 4 star rating.
April 28, 2023
Reread April 2023…same ⬇️ I love a train wreck lol…
Reread Aug.2020...still 5*! I loved this just as much the 2nd time as I did the first :) I love an angsty rockstar romance and all the dirty that comes with...Billy is certainly a little lost, despite his deep love for Kate...Kate is young and naïve and is an enabler to Billy, in all things...since this is round 2 for me, I know where it's going and I can't wait to travel the journey with them again :)
"When love is not madness, it is not love."
-----------------------------
Loved it! Going straight to book 2 :)
Reread Aug.2020...still 5*! I loved this just as much the 2nd time as I did the first :) I love an angsty rockstar romance and all the dirty that comes with...Billy is certainly a little lost, despite his deep love for Kate...Kate is young and naïve and is an enabler to Billy, in all things...since this is round 2 for me, I know where it's going and I can't wait to travel the journey with them again :)
"When love is not madness, it is not love."
-----------------------------
Loved it! Going straight to book 2 :)
October 29, 2016
Gifted a copy for an honest review.
4.5*
This is the first book of a trilogy but the author does not leave you on a cliff hanger, she leaves you knowing there is more to their story. I hope the author doesn't go the usual route and bring us too much angst in books 2 and 3!
Once I started this book, I was completely engrossed! Katie has been brought up trying to be the perfect daughter and not disappointing her cold parents - well her mother mostly as she is purely a dragon! She gets dragged out for a night and meets Billy. There is an instant connection and the story moves on from there. I loved Billy, he had his demons and could over react but you couldn't deny his love for Katie. Towards the end of the book he slips up and the guilt he feels - he owns it and this is where you know there is more to the story. I need to know how this plays out and I need the second book ASAP because of it!
Shout out to Joey, Katie's best friend - he is great and what a friend!
i would highly recommend this book.
4.5*
This is the first book of a trilogy but the author does not leave you on a cliff hanger, she leaves you knowing there is more to their story. I hope the author doesn't go the usual route and bring us too much angst in books 2 and 3!
Once I started this book, I was completely engrossed! Katie has been brought up trying to be the perfect daughter and not disappointing her cold parents - well her mother mostly as she is purely a dragon! She gets dragged out for a night and meets Billy. There is an instant connection and the story moves on from there. I loved Billy, he had his demons and could over react but you couldn't deny his love for Katie. Towards the end of the book he slips up and the guilt he feels - he owns it and this is where you know there is more to the story. I need to know how this plays out and I need the second book ASAP because of it!
Shout out to Joey, Katie's best friend - he is great and what a friend!
i would highly recommend this book.
March 12, 2019
Thanks to my friends for recommending this! I inhaled this angsty, emotional series and recommend it to anyone who wants something a little different (and more 'real', IMO) in their rockstar reading. This series will definitely be on my favorites of 2018 list!
May 21, 2017
Really liking this series...but got to say. Our main character needs to get his shit together.
nfmaa
January 19, 2025I read a review of book 4 that says this couple goes through a lot but there's no DOUBT that this man loves his wife.....came to book 1.......only to find he cheated on that same woman he supposedly LOVED 😂😂
Love and cheating don't go together....no way no how ✌🏿
Love and cheating don't go together....no way no how ✌🏿
May 29, 2016
Karen Cimm's debut novel is a heartbreaking tale that you will devour in one sitting and will leave you wanting more. Billy and Kate are well-written, flawed but sympathetic people who you are rooting for but who manage to get in their own way. You simultaneously want to hug and slap them. It's a love story but so much more and you won't want it to end.
September 20, 2016
I loved this book! I loved the characters and the story itself. It took me back to being that 18 year old who made life changing decisions that turned her into the person she is today. I laughed, I cried but most of all I enjoyed this book. I cannot wait for the next one!
November 7, 2018
Ohhh, this was a great read❤️
June 19, 2022
Kate just started college but she misses home. She wants to go home for a visit. She doesn’t understand why her mom denies her that request. So, when her bff Toni drags her out to a bar to watch a band, she figures she doesn’t have to stay long. She does have to finish Beowulf for class. So imagine her surprise when one of the band duo, Billy, catches her eyes and i interested in her.
Billy just wants his break. He wants people to know his name. He wants it all. But the girl at the college bar he’s playing at catches his attention. Her hair is big, her makeup is loud, and he’s never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. Supplying her with drinks and conversation between sets, he promises Toni to get her home safely. Who would’ve ever guessed that promise would change his life and Kate’s forever?
“At This Moment” is about the relationship between two people with wants out of life that don’t really fit together, but who want each other more than anything else. This is the first book of them navigating the early stages of a relationship. It includes high points and devastating lows.
I loved this book. It is a very mature romance. Much deeper in regards to the relationship than I typically get from my reads. The story also encompasses a much longer timeline than I’m used to. It took me a minute to get into the pacing and rhythm of the book but by the end of it, I had no regrets for my own slow start. Now, I’m invested in the story. I’m definitely going to continue on with this series.
I recommend this book highly. While it is “romance”, there aren’t graphic sex scenes. I always tell people that the difference between romance and erotica is that erotica focuses on graphic sex while romance focuses on graphic relationships. I don’t know if this is correct and there for sure can be crossover, but this book is an example of that to a exemplary degree. This book is about Kate and Billy as two people wanting to be together. They have a lot of things in their way and a lot of the things that they need personally impact dreams professionally. If you’re interested in a book where the goal is life rather than a neat bow of happily ever after, this book is probably a good fit.
Billy just wants his break. He wants people to know his name. He wants it all. But the girl at the college bar he’s playing at catches his attention. Her hair is big, her makeup is loud, and he’s never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. Supplying her with drinks and conversation between sets, he promises Toni to get her home safely. Who would’ve ever guessed that promise would change his life and Kate’s forever?
“At This Moment” is about the relationship between two people with wants out of life that don’t really fit together, but who want each other more than anything else. This is the first book of them navigating the early stages of a relationship. It includes high points and devastating lows.
I loved this book. It is a very mature romance. Much deeper in regards to the relationship than I typically get from my reads. The story also encompasses a much longer timeline than I’m used to. It took me a minute to get into the pacing and rhythm of the book but by the end of it, I had no regrets for my own slow start. Now, I’m invested in the story. I’m definitely going to continue on with this series.
I recommend this book highly. While it is “romance”, there aren’t graphic sex scenes. I always tell people that the difference between romance and erotica is that erotica focuses on graphic sex while romance focuses on graphic relationships. I don’t know if this is correct and there for sure can be crossover, but this book is an example of that to a exemplary degree. This book is about Kate and Billy as two people wanting to be together. They have a lot of things in their way and a lot of the things that they need personally impact dreams professionally. If you’re interested in a book where the goal is life rather than a neat bow of happily ever after, this book is probably a good fit.
June 13, 2017
At This Moment is my first book by author Karen Cimms! I'm so glad that I came across it in Kylie's Fiction Addiction because I had no idea it existed and it's a trilogy!!! And it's really good! Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down!
Billy is a starving musician trying to make it in the industry. He's been gigging for a few years, living the lifestyle by drinking, drugging and sleeping his way through women. That all changes when he meets college student Katie.
Katie is just eighteen, in college, a quiet girl doing what her parents want her to. Attending the college they want for her because they both went there. They aspire her to be a teacher just like them, but that all changes one night when she goes out with her dorm mate.
Katie is naïve when it comes to men. She's never been with one and it's all a new experience for her. At times, I feel it may hinder her hindsight as their relationship becomes more serious.
Billy has a past that I hope doesn't surface towards Katie. If it does, I will flip out!! He has great potential if he can keep his anger in check.
Joey! Oh Joey. He is the best, best friend a girl could ask for. Too bad he swings for the other team, lol! He's a perfect addition to the story!
The writing was superb! I never found myself bored and I couldn't put it down! Onto book two, We All Fall Down with a title like that I'm kind of on the edge of my seat because I have a feeling all is going to come tumbling down for Billy and Katie.
Reviewed for KFA
Billy is a starving musician trying to make it in the industry. He's been gigging for a few years, living the lifestyle by drinking, drugging and sleeping his way through women. That all changes when he meets college student Katie.
Katie is just eighteen, in college, a quiet girl doing what her parents want her to. Attending the college they want for her because they both went there. They aspire her to be a teacher just like them, but that all changes one night when she goes out with her dorm mate.
Katie is naïve when it comes to men. She's never been with one and it's all a new experience for her. At times, I feel it may hinder her hindsight as their relationship becomes more serious.
Billy has a past that I hope doesn't surface towards Katie. If it does, I will flip out!! He has great potential if he can keep his anger in check.
Joey! Oh Joey. He is the best, best friend a girl could ask for. Too bad he swings for the other team, lol! He's a perfect addition to the story!
The writing was superb! I never found myself bored and I couldn't put it down! Onto book two, We All Fall Down with a title like that I'm kind of on the edge of my seat because I have a feeling all is going to come tumbling down for Billy and Katie.
Reviewed for KFA
November 24, 2020
What can I say about this book? It starts as YA, which I don't usually read, but the prospect of this story spanning for 25 years appealed a lot to me. I am so glad I read it. The characters come to life little by little, we grow to care deeply for both of them Katie still a teen and sometimes behaving like one because of her insecurities, being left out all her life by her parents, she doesn't have a lot of self love. But she does a have a beautiful heart, a gentleness and a softness about her that makes you fall in love with her. I literally wanted to be there for Katie. On the other hand, we have Billy, a tortured soul because his early life abuse, breakable because he has a heart of gold, overwhelmed by his creativity and dependent of his addictions. One night they collide an can not come apart since that fateful encounter. We live mostly through their downs, but somehow they manage to find each other again and again. I loved that, even though both of them are immature, they were big enough to recognize when they f*ucked up. This is a book that made me feel almost like a voyeur, I got to feel everything they were feeling, It felt like I was so close to them. We'll have to see how this story develops. Being together immersed in that life may break them apart. Will love be enough? I don't really know. I definitely will wait to read the rest of the series until all the books are out. Good job Karen!
June 14, 2016
This was a really good read, a really good story that held my attention from start to finish.
I found it a little confusing the way the story would jump quickly from one scene to another; without it being clearly defined; hence the four stars. I had to reread a little to realise that the author had moved on.
The story itself follows Kate and Billy. I loved both of these characters. Kate is young and feels unwanted and unloved by her parents. The way her parents treat her and her reactions to them really annoyed me. I was so angry on her behalf, and yet she didn't seem that bothered to say much about it. Of course, that's because of the way she is. She's just too lovely for her own good.
Billy is 23. He is a musician who’s had a difficult life. He too, had a terrible upbringing, which the author doesn't go into too much. He stirs emotions for me; he caused me to feel anger, annoyance, love, but also made me laugh. Together these two ignite all sorts of emotions. Then there is also Joey, who I loved from the start, he is Kate's best friend since child hood , and her support. Together these three really make the story.
Overall the book was really good and I did really enjoy it. This isn't a standalone book, their story continues but the author didn't leave the end on a cliff hanger I am pleased to say.
Read on Behalf of A Book Lover’s Emporium
I found it a little confusing the way the story would jump quickly from one scene to another; without it being clearly defined; hence the four stars. I had to reread a little to realise that the author had moved on.
The story itself follows Kate and Billy. I loved both of these characters. Kate is young and feels unwanted and unloved by her parents. The way her parents treat her and her reactions to them really annoyed me. I was so angry on her behalf, and yet she didn't seem that bothered to say much about it. Of course, that's because of the way she is. She's just too lovely for her own good.
Billy is 23. He is a musician who’s had a difficult life. He too, had a terrible upbringing, which the author doesn't go into too much. He stirs emotions for me; he caused me to feel anger, annoyance, love, but also made me laugh. Together these two ignite all sorts of emotions. Then there is also Joey, who I loved from the start, he is Kate's best friend since child hood , and her support. Together these three really make the story.
Overall the book was really good and I did really enjoy it. This isn't a standalone book, their story continues but the author didn't leave the end on a cliff hanger I am pleased to say.
Read on Behalf of A Book Lover’s Emporium
June 29, 2020
Books 1-3 Of Love And Madness Series
For quite some time the Of Love And Madness series has been registering on my radar, but this was the first opportunity I had to sit down and read it. This went beyond a binge read and entered into meaningful and captivating territory after the first page of book one, At This Moment. In this series Ms. Cimms gives her audience an all-encompassing love story where every hug was enveloping and every kiss was soul sealing.
The leads in this work had a presence that reached far beyond the pages they occupied and the singular draw they felt toward each other easily translated to this writer's readers. Billy and Kate were full of imperfections, there were times that they both made choices that gave reader's reasons to question their appeal yet despite their lows there were just as many highs and what emerged were two incredible characters that offered so much in their frailty that it ultimately became their biggest strength. Details gave reader's a chance to form complicated opinions and showed the depth of this author's portrayals to their advantage. This couple's relationship was stripped down, and the emotions were raw, real and lingering. Ms. Cimms showed Billy and Kate at their most vulnerable making no attempt to glamorize their bond and in doing so made them accessible to each other and reader's alike. The clarity this author had in expressing her characters miscommunications and misguided need to protect each other was done compassionately and expertly. A standout and memorable secondary cast not only enhanced but contributed significantly to this series.
The insight, intimacy and devotion Ms. Cimms had with her portrayals was rare and touching. She guided them through the best and worst of times and stayed true to her characters, never glossing over their flaws and never deserting them in their worst moments even as she elevated them in their best. This was an emotional read with no shortage of heartbreaking moments and full on sobs. If you are looking for a series to invest your time and heart into Karen Cimms' Of Love And Madness series is a must!
*Other than the first book in this series the works in this series are not stand alone.*
For quite some time the Of Love And Madness series has been registering on my radar, but this was the first opportunity I had to sit down and read it. This went beyond a binge read and entered into meaningful and captivating territory after the first page of book one, At This Moment. In this series Ms. Cimms gives her audience an all-encompassing love story where every hug was enveloping and every kiss was soul sealing.
The leads in this work had a presence that reached far beyond the pages they occupied and the singular draw they felt toward each other easily translated to this writer's readers. Billy and Kate were full of imperfections, there were times that they both made choices that gave reader's reasons to question their appeal yet despite their lows there were just as many highs and what emerged were two incredible characters that offered so much in their frailty that it ultimately became their biggest strength. Details gave reader's a chance to form complicated opinions and showed the depth of this author's portrayals to their advantage. This couple's relationship was stripped down, and the emotions were raw, real and lingering. Ms. Cimms showed Billy and Kate at their most vulnerable making no attempt to glamorize their bond and in doing so made them accessible to each other and reader's alike. The clarity this author had in expressing her characters miscommunications and misguided need to protect each other was done compassionately and expertly. A standout and memorable secondary cast not only enhanced but contributed significantly to this series.
The insight, intimacy and devotion Ms. Cimms had with her portrayals was rare and touching. She guided them through the best and worst of times and stayed true to her characters, never glossing over their flaws and never deserting them in their worst moments even as she elevated them in their best. This was an emotional read with no shortage of heartbreaking moments and full on sobs. If you are looking for a series to invest your time and heart into Karen Cimms' Of Love And Madness series is a must!
*Other than the first book in this series the works in this series are not stand alone.*
February 7, 2020
Wow what a good read I found a book that brought me out of my book funk.
I love good hearted Kate going to college minding her own business then she meets swoon worthy guitar player Billy. Billy is playing where ever he can to make it big when he meets cute good girl Kate . Next thing you know life throws a curve ball and there broke playing house. Life it still throwing curve balls two baby's later and one big secret. Billy better spill or he could lose it all cause the guilt is eating him alive. Next book please
I love good hearted Kate going to college minding her own business then she meets swoon worthy guitar player Billy. Billy is playing where ever he can to make it big when he meets cute good girl Kate . Next thing you know life throws a curve ball and there broke playing house. Life it still throwing curve balls two baby's later and one big secret. Billy better spill or he could lose it all cause the guilt is eating him alive. Next book please
November 10, 2019
Wow! This book was AMAZING! Karen Cimms is such a great writer! I loved this book so much that about halfway through I decided to order the entire series in paperback because I knew this series was going to be epic and I can’t wait to start book two! It’s going to kill me to have to wait for them but I know it’s going to be so worth it! Kate and Billy’s story was something I’ve never read before. I’ve read plenty of rockstar books but this was very different. Yes the good girl fell for the bad boy rockstar but this wasn’t the same at all. It was so much more.
July 10, 2019
I Loved this so much I could not put it down. Rockstar romance with all the angst and raw, gritty aspects of this lifestyle. The storytelling is incredibly captivating. I knew from the first pages that these characters were going to take over my life. Billy and Katie are characters that you root for no matter what. I will not stop until I finish this series. So good.
August 16, 2020
This series was a journey. I thought it was going to scratch my rock star trash needs but it ended up being way deeper than that.
May 4, 2018
Love, Love, Love
I loved everything about this book from the cover to the devastatingly powerful storyline. Katie is an angel sent to pull Billy from his private hell. She’s all he needs and along their journey he spirals out of control and makes a bad decision.
Such a beautiful story I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I recommend this book because of its depth and rich storyline.
I loved everything about this book from the cover to the devastatingly powerful storyline. Katie is an angel sent to pull Billy from his private hell. She’s all he needs and along their journey he spirals out of control and makes a bad decision.
Such a beautiful story I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I recommend this book because of its depth and rich storyline.
November 10, 2020
WOW just WOW
This story was Fantastic!!!!. Although I would love to be able to Kick Billy's ass. This story is a Prime example of people not appreciating the people in their lives!!!. So sad😭. Hopefully the next book will have him opening his eyes. Karen is a Fantastic storyteller and PHENOMENAL writer😎😍.
This story was Fantastic!!!!. Although I would love to be able to Kick Billy's ass. This story is a Prime example of people not appreciating the people in their lives!!!. So sad😭. Hopefully the next book will have him opening his eyes. Karen is a Fantastic storyteller and PHENOMENAL writer😎😍.
Want to read
February 2, 2018*Recommended by Sharon*
September 17, 2020
This would be a decently compelling story if it were the novelization of a B-movie-level biopic of a famous musician. It's only good if it's about someone I already care about, or at least want to hear gossip about; as a piece of total fiction, it doesn't do a great job getting me invested in characters this miserable.
As a "romance," it's alarmingly lackluster. There's no romantic or sexual tension beyond Billy and Kate's initial courtship in the first 10%--after that, they're together and it's a roller coaster of family problems, poverty, drinking, drug abuse, lying, manipulation, and eventually cheating and a half-assed cliffhanger where they're happy but there's a huge secret hanging over their head.
Nothing about it is what I want from my romances, even when I indulge in angsty/sexy New Adult titles. The tension I want--why aren't they together yet, what obstacles are in their way--was entirely absent. The tension this story gave me--will they make it work--was far more about their lying and poor decision-making than it was about their love. They must be in love because they keep insisting they are, but they both treat each other like garbage, so I'm not convinced. Billy is abusive from the beginning and eventually acknowledges his anger issues but does little to move past them. Kate is a classic people-pleasing doormat who borrows most of her personality from her token gay best friend. I was never rooting for them, because they're terrible together.
Even the supposedly central conflict of Billy's career vs. his marriage--which pops up every few chapters to remind us he's got dreams--is deeply flawed, because from where I'm sitting, it's not his marriage holding him back from stardom, it's his constant cycle of substance abuse and self-sabotage. I'm not rooting for him to succeed personally, either.
This never read like a romance to me. It's a wandering tale of two messed-up people making each other worse for a few years and having some babies in the process. If the loose plot thread of Billy's big screw-up is supposed to get me primed for reading the next book, it failed, because I'd rather Kate finds out he's a cheater and dumps his ass.
As a "romance," it's alarmingly lackluster. There's no romantic or sexual tension beyond Billy and Kate's initial courtship in the first 10%--after that, they're together and it's a roller coaster of family problems, poverty, drinking, drug abuse, lying, manipulation, and eventually cheating and a half-assed cliffhanger where they're happy but there's a huge secret hanging over their head.
Nothing about it is what I want from my romances, even when I indulge in angsty/sexy New Adult titles. The tension I want--why aren't they together yet, what obstacles are in their way--was entirely absent. The tension this story gave me--will they make it work--was far more about their lying and poor decision-making than it was about their love. They must be in love because they keep insisting they are, but they both treat each other like garbage, so I'm not convinced. Billy is abusive from the beginning and eventually acknowledges his anger issues but does little to move past them. Kate is a classic people-pleasing doormat who borrows most of her personality from her token gay best friend. I was never rooting for them, because they're terrible together.
Even the supposedly central conflict of Billy's career vs. his marriage--which pops up every few chapters to remind us he's got dreams--is deeply flawed, because from where I'm sitting, it's not his marriage holding him back from stardom, it's his constant cycle of substance abuse and self-sabotage. I'm not rooting for him to succeed personally, either.
This never read like a romance to me. It's a wandering tale of two messed-up people making each other worse for a few years and having some babies in the process. If the loose plot thread of Billy's big screw-up is supposed to get me primed for reading the next book, it failed, because I'd rather Kate finds out he's a cheater and dumps his ass.
October 2, 2023
I've read this twice now. It made me mad enough on the first read through that I thought I was done, but I'm a sucker for a series, and Amazon knows this, so I gave it another read before starting the next one.
I'm still mad. But I'm mad at the characters, not the author, and I'm in it now, so we'll see where the story ends. I'm not betting on HEA!
I'm still mad. But I'm mad at the characters, not the author, and I'm in it now, so we'll see where the story ends. I'm not betting on HEA!
June 12, 2016
I love, love, love this book. It's the start of a trilogy and soooooo worth the read. Kate and Billy...What can I say about Kate and Billy and this first book. Let me set the scene...Do you remember when you were in your 20's and there was a hot guy in the band you went to see at a local bar? Well, what if you actually got to meet? What if you both felt this connection and decided to find out who the person really was off the stage, out of the crowd, and in real life? This is such a wonderful story of two people, who are a little broken by life, and find their that together they can heal. There are a lot of bumps in the road of life and these two do their best to make life and love happen. Life, Love, Laughter, and music...that's what makes the world go round.
This is Karen Cimms debut novel...well written, good character development, and a great read. Give Karen, Kate and Billy's story a chance. I think you'll love it as much as I did.
This is Karen Cimms debut novel...well written, good character development, and a great read. Give Karen, Kate and Billy's story a chance. I think you'll love it as much as I did.
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