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Live Out Loud

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I thought I'd live in silence forever . . . and then I met him.

I'll never be able to hear, but music has always been a source of comfort for me. Rather than listen to the rhythm, I can actually feel the beat pulsing through me. It's pure bliss. So the moment I saw Thorin playing his guitar, I was mesmerized. I'd never seen anything more beautiful . . . or intimate. I couldn't tell where his body ended and the song began. He's everything I need in my life . . . I'm falling fast, hard, and deep.

I want him more than anything. But while I live in silence, Thor lives in secrets. He's holding something back-something that's keeping this intensity, this longing from being real. And the silence may be too loud to bear . . .

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2017

23 people are currently reading
304 people want to read

About the author

Marie Meyer

5 books205 followers
Marie Meyer has been a teacher for sixteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member RWA (PAN) and a 2017 RITA® Finalist. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Special Olympics, making up silly stories with her youngest daughter, and bingeing on weeks of DVR'd television shows with her husband.

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5 stars
82 (23%)
4 stars
146 (42%)
3 stars
91 (26%)
2 stars
21 (6%)
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7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,791 reviews5,047 followers
July 31, 2017
3 Stars

Overall Opinion: I love the stories of one character having a disability and the other not, and them finding love in each other regardless -- and I got that here. The H was damaged from his childhood, but he was so darn sweet with the h! It might've been hinted at that he was a manwhore before the h, but he sure didn't act like it. He was all about the h from the start, and it touched my heart when he was eager to learn ASL for her to help them communicate better!

It definitely wasn't a stereotypical rock-star H with groupies and whatnot, because other than the first meeting between the h and H there aren't any scenes with the H and his band or the supposed fame he was coming into...which the more I think about it, it does seem rather odd that we don't get anymore of that 🤔...

The last 10% we get the big conflict between the couple, the time jump for when they're apart, and the resolution and epilogue. It was so flippin' rushed! I was left with a lot of unanswered questions, and a "that was it?" feeling in the end. The HFN ending was lackluster at most, and I was really upset with how it all went down.

Just that last 10% has me dropping my rating down to 3 "just ok" Stars, but I'm sure others will not be bothered by the ending like I was and still really enjoy this story.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Harper and Thor's story. They meet when Harper goes to a bar with her friend to watch Thor's band perform. They start dating. With Harper being deaf and Thor hearing just fine, there are some major communication barriers. They feel a strong pull towards one another and work through those communication barriers to get to know one another and fall in love. There is some family drama for both characters, some personal demons both of them have to work with, and some sexy times...and we get a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Harper and Thor's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end (see above). I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.

Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.

H rating: 4 stars. Thor. I liked him. He was super sweet and I liked how he really cared for the h.

h rating: 4 stars. Harper. I liked her. I appreciated her attitude and that she didn't let her disability hold her back.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Yes

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes

OW/OM drama: No!

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes

Possible Triggers: Yes

Closure: This had a really abrupt ending wi what I would call a HFN ending . I still had a lot of unanswered questions in the end.

How I got it: **It was gifted to me as an ARC through the New Adult Book Club**

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Profile Image for Carole (Carole's Random Life).
1,939 reviews610 followers
May 1, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I really liked this book a lot. I decided to read this book because I really enjoyed the last book that I read by this author and I ended up liking this book just as much. This is a romance that just feels real which is really nice. I also loved the fact that this story is set in my hometown of St. Louis because it is really wonderful to see familiar landmarks worked into a story. This was a book that I was able to read for hours at a time and found it to be a really satisfying romance.

Harper was a great character. She is deaf and has had to work harder at some things in her life because of it. She is a pharmacy student who also works with deaf children at the local Y. Her roommate talks her into going with her to see a hot new band at a local club. She can't hear the music but she enjoys feeling it. She locks eyes with the guitar player in the band during the performance and he goes to find her as soon as it is over.

Thor works on cars by day and plays music at night. He doesn't really do relationships but there is something about Harper that wants to know better. Thor is also dealing with some pretty series family issues that has really had a big impact on his life. I loved Thor's character and thought he was a genuinely nice guy who is willing to make an effort.

I thought Harper and Thor were great as a couple. They have a lot of chemistry together and everything seemed to click between them from the very start. They both have family issues that they are dealing with although the situations are very different. They both come to each other with a bit of baggage. I liked how natural this pair were together and thought that the way they worked to communicate really added to the story.

I really liked the way this book came together. It was a lot of fun to watch this pair get to know each other and I think that the way the book was told from both Harper and Thor's point of views really worked well. The pacing of the story was well done with a nice balance of romance, family issues, and sexy times. I really enjoyed the descriptions regarding communication between the pair.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. I thought that this was a really sweet but sexy story with amazing characters. I look forward to reading more from Marie Meyer soon.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) - Forever Yours via NetGalley.

Initial Thoughts
I loved this story. The characters were amazing and had wonderful chemistry.

Profile Image for majo .
659 reviews300 followers
dnf
August 8, 2017
dnf AT 70%

Its not me, its you.
Profile Image for Irene.
1,907 reviews129 followers
May 2, 2017
4 stars

Live Out Loud by Marie Meter was a beautiful and heartfelt read.

The storyline was well written, the plot held my interest all throughout the book and I really liked Harper and Thorin/Thor.
I enjoyed watching them come together and get through life's obstacles. From the first meeting these two felt a connection that grew stronger and stronger. I truly loved them together.

description

Live Out Loud was a touching and heartfelt read and I highly recommend it.

*Purchase Links*

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Live-Out-Loud-...
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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2mRhCln
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Google: http://bit.ly/2msURRU

*Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for the advance copy*
Profile Image for Sian.
501 reviews31 followers
July 15, 2017
* I have been asked to give a honest review...
I 100% loved Live Out Loud. Harper was my favourite character throughout the book. Harper is deaf and is training to become a pharmacist. the book is great inspiration for people who have disabilities proving that anything is possible. Without a doubt I would recommend Live Out Loud to everyone.
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,473 reviews56 followers
June 16, 2017
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

Marie Meyer is a new to me author, and when I stumbled upon her book I had to give it a try. I really enjoy stories where the characters have to work hard because of the communication barrier between them. Thorin had a passion for writing and making music and their connection grew as Harper could feel it through the beats of his music.

I loved they way that Thor went out of his way to prove how sincere he was at beginning a relationship with Harper. He wanted to learn how to communicate with her, by learning her language. Difficult issues with his own family held him back a little, and he felt unworthy and determined that his relationship with Harper was only temporary.

Harper had never felt so accepted before, even by her own parents! She never expected a guy like Thor to see HER for the girl that she was. The more time they spent together, the easier it was for Harper to let Thor in, especially because he tried hard to make her feel normal.

I felt that this book didn't have the full impact that I hoped it would have. I missed a crucial moment between Thor and Harper in the beginning, right before their first date. Those moments when a relationship is first beginning are important to me as a reader. I was sick of Harper addressing Thor by his full name over and over! Thorin Kline this and that, just Thor would've been ok. I was happy that Harper's relationship with her parents healed throughout the story, and that she had such a great friendship with her best friend Chloe. Overall, it was a sweet story of two people from different worlds that began a relationship, and a journey of a lifetime together.

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Francoise.
768 reviews34 followers
April 30, 2017
4.5 Stars

This beautifully crafted novel tells a poignant story of healing, hope and true love. The author wove her story with sensitivity and a great deal of talent.

Thor Kline is the guitarist of an up-and-coming rock band, and some serious eye candy! Harper King is studying to become a clinical pharmacist. Right from the start, I loved how Thor and Harper connected when they first met. They have apparently nothing in common, and yet they are able to understand one another and accept who they are.

I appreciated how the author made them work so well, even though communicating is like exploring uncharted territory for both of them. Harper is deaf but she is an expert at reading people, and she is pleasantly surprised by Thor. He is downright adorable and treats her like he would any other person. He isn’t put off by her deafness and their natural connection is undeniable.

Harper’s life has never been easy, she had to overcome language barriers and the guilt and insecurities of her parents still negatively affect their relationship. They try to protect her but she wants to live her life, be accepted for who she is and make her own mistakes. Thor and Harper understand one another, they are speaking the same language and find strength in each other.

Live Out Loud is an emotion filled read that packs a powerful emotional punch. It is beautifully written, lyrical and perfectly paced. I definitely recommend it. It is a standalone told in dual POV.

ARC generously provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Esra.
Author 50 books86 followers
September 6, 2017
Kitabı DNF olarak işaretleyenler olduğunu gördüm yorumlarda... Şaşırdım..
Tamam çok mükemmel, kusursuz bir kitap değil ama bitirilmeyecek gibi de değildi be :)
Şahsen benim hoşuma gitti.
Thorine <3
Profile Image for KristaReadsRomance.
93 reviews21 followers
July 3, 2017
Title: Live Out Loud
Author: Marie Meyer
Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 5 Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Stars!
Swooning Level: 4/5


**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**


Our hearts beat together and it's the loudest thing I've ever heard.


As a 26 year-old deaf women, Harper King longs to prove to everyone she's not damaged. That just because she can't hear doesn't mean she's less than. A fiery redhead with a strong will, Harper is tired of failed relationships and family members who can't seem to look past what she isn't, to all that she is. Living in a world of silence for as long as she can remember, Harper finds herself drawn to someone who can penetrate the quiet...Thorin Kline.


Thor and I are so different. Tattoos and freckled porcelain. Hearing and deaf. But, when we're together, the lines blur. Ink gets smeared all over the glass, and the contrast fades.


Living life going from one hookup to the next, Thorin (Thor) Kline isn't looking for a "forever" kinda thing, just a "one night" kinda thing. As the guitarist in the up & coming rock band, Mine Shaft, Thor has learned to hide his family secrets well behind all the noise. Which includes never taking things deeper with a woman, ever. But on the night of a seemingly ordinary gig for the band, Thor is drawn to the pull of one redheaded, sea-glass color eyed beauty...Harper King. They're so different but Thor can't stay away. He'll keep Harper close but his secrets closer.


... cracking open the door to my past a little wider. One of these days, she's going to get her foot inside, and throw it wide open, revealing everything about me that I never wanted her to know. And then she'll close the door on us.


Would Harper still want to be with Thor if she finds out what he's been hiding? Well, Thor's not gonna take the chance.


You're too good for me, Harper King. You deserve so much more than the trash I come from.


When piercing deafness collides with unbearable loudness, can the aftermath be a melody fit for two broken hearts to live out loud in?


Saw in you in the noisy crowd.
A firelight in the dark.
A blazing siren, bold and loud
You claimed my beaten heart.


My Thoughts:
Okay, I think I'm emotionally ok now. I think. But seriously guys...Live Out Loud is just one of those books that you have a feeling you're gonna love just by reading the blurb. And guess what?!? I was right! Ahhhhhh first things first: Thorin Kline. Just the name alone gives me all the feels. I mean, come on! Thorin....hmmm such a good name. But the man behind the name? Flawless. I loved this tough "bad boy" rocker from the beginning. But oh how it hurt to read what he thought about himself. How Thor thought he wasn't good enough for Harper. I found myself inwardly thinking: "Thor! You're beautiful inside and out! You're not your past!". He was honestly a character that I connected with a many levels. I thought the author wrote from a male POV fittingly. Reading from Thor's perspective was beyond enjoyable.
Now, unto our strong female lead, Harper! There's so much I can say about her that I could literally go one for a lloonnngggg time. Like how brave she is! How perfect she is...not damaged, not flawed. It stung to read her heartache with her family. Sadly, I can also relate to that. The feeling of not ever measuring up to other's expectations. But I'm glad for Harper with how things turned out with her parents.
It made me smile, like big time, when Thorin stepped up to win Harper back. And in such a lovely way! These two are stunning together, so their HEA was delightful.


Overall:
Do I recommend Live Out Loud?!? Uhhh, heck yeah! Do I love Thorin Kline?!? Uhhh, is that a serious question? *wink wink* Will I read another Marie Meyer book soon?!? I sure hope so!
This was a powerful, quick read that made a difference not just in my mind but in my heart. We need more Harper's & Thor's in this world. Live Out Loud gets FIVE well deserved stars from me!


*Recommend for readers 18+*


P.S. THORIN KLINE...yeah, I just had to write out his name again...
*swooning over Thor life a total fangirl*


~KristaMae~

Profile Image for SnooRegrets.
553 reviews116 followers
May 1, 2017
I picked this one up, because I like it, when the characters had to face some kind of challenge in their life. And being deaf is one hell of a challenge in this world full of noise and chaos.

And as I hoped, I absolutely loved the female character. Harper is a strong and brilliant woman, that absolutely managed to impress me. Not only does she have troubles in this world because she is deaf, but also the relationship with her parents is really strained. When faced with another challenge, dating a man that can hear, she doesn't hesitate. I have no knowledge about her world since I neither am deaf nor do I know someone who is, but the depiction of the author felt very realistic and comprehensibly.

Thor is really good match for her, although his self doubts sometimes got a little bit much for me. But he absolutely adores Harper and is eager to learn everything about her, especially how he can communicate with her. His willingness to learn sign language was great and made him a very likable person. It was hard to really connect to him, I would have loved to delve a little more into his story, especially at the end with his father.

The story itself was nothing too interesting and at times was really slow, I sometimes caught myself skipping sentences to get to the next scene. A little more tension would have been great here.
Since all of the dialogues are more or less in written or signed form it isn't always easy to decipher what is what and I think a bit of the dynamic and chemistry got lost between the characters because of this form.

Nevertheless, I loved reading it, Harper made this a special book for me and I really enjoyed her story.
Profile Image for s.shadereads .
426 reviews78 followers
July 17, 2017
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.

I loved this story. I loved the diversity between these two characters and how they overcame every obstacle that got in their way. They proved how anyone can overcome challenges in life and love as long as you are willing to put in the work and love someone despite their differences.

Harper was an awesome character. First and foremost she is deaf. Despite this fact she never let this get in her way. She is strong, works for what she wants, and does not shy away from a challenge. She works twice as hard to prove that she can do anything she sets her mind to. However, she always felt like she did not belong. Her parent's could not accept the fact that she lost her hearing and she struggles with that fact, feeling less that good enough. Enter Thorin Kline.

I absolutely loved Thor. He was a great hero for this story. From the moment he saw Harper he knew there was something about her he could not resist. The sincerity and effort he put into their relationship was inspiring. He wanted to be able to communicate with her in her own language and took the initiative to learn sign language. When she did not feel good enough or failed at something he was there with a bag of reese's cups to make her feel better. I think everyone looks for a love like that. Thor also has his own issue's though. His family life is complicated and he has insecurities that stem from that.

Profile Image for Angie McGuire.
1,126 reviews13 followers
May 3, 2017
Awesome read

I cannot even put into words how much I loved this book. Thor and Harper needed each other... Need doesn't happen a lot in books to the point where it's true, but they really did. I loved how Thor slowly... Very slowly, opened up to Harper. It was what she needed in her life, and he needed her to breathe again. This story brings out what it means to truly fall in love with someone. I loved it.
Profile Image for Elsa Carrion.
699 reviews110 followers
June 29, 2017
Stars: 5
Chapters: 22 chapters & Epilogue
Length: 304 pgs.
Tense of Story: First Person
POV: Thor & Harper
Genera: New Adult Contemporary
Location: Missouri, St. Louis

Great story, good flow, loved both characters. Live Out Loud is the first novel I’ve had the privilege of reading from this author. I truly enjoyed her writing style, and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

I won’t bore you with what’s already been said. However, I will tell you that it was good to read a story with real problems and how the characters overcame the issues facing them. I don’t believe I have read another story where one of the characters was unable to hear. I’ve read plenty of rock star novels, but this one is unique.

I also enjoyed that the story was in both Thor and Harper POV. I love to read what the male character is thinking and how he sees the situation which is usually differently from what the female sees even though it’s the same. I also enjoyed that these two characters even, though they are still young, behaved so maturely. No whiney female in this book. I will give you a heads up: you might need a tissue towards the end of the story. Also, it’s an NA novel so there are some scenes/sections for mature audience. I thought they were perfect in the story.

Such an awesome story. Check it out!

I would like to express my Gratitude and Thanks to Marie Meyer, who provided this e-read to me for an honest review.

Profile Image for FS Meurinne.
Author 2 books133 followers
July 3, 2018
First book by this author, I love this type of books and this book delivered what I always look in a good story. A great guy, a story that is very enjoyable and love. Harper and Thor are a great couple, both great characters and their story is fun to read, how they get to know each other and fall in love. The romance is sweet and lots of sexy times but not so much it is overwhelming. Looking forward for more books from Marie Meyer.
Profile Image for Renae | renae_reads_romance.
639 reviews32 followers
June 11, 2017
4.5 Stars

I loved it. As soon as read the blurb for this I just knew I had to read it and it did not disappoint.
A deaf girl falling for a rock star, had me hooked from the beginning. Thor is the best boyfriend, I love that he didn't care that Harper was deaf and how much he wanted to learn ASL for her. The epilogue was so good and so sweet.
A definite must read!!
Profile Image for Julie.
487 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2017
4.5 stars... So so good! Such a sweet story!
Profile Image for Bec.
1,659 reviews42 followers
April 2, 2017

4.5 Stars

Harper King never thought she'd find someone that could understand her, especially not someone that can hear everything that goes on in the world when she can't. Except the moment she locks eyes with Thorin 'Thor' Kline during one of his musical performances at a bar, she believes she may have found a guy that sees her for her, instead of treating her differently because she's deaf. Can Thorin prove to Harper than he is her Mr. Right, or will Harper's fears tear them apart?

What an incredible read Ms. Meyer has penned in this book about a heroine that never thought she'd find a man that could make her feel the way the hero does and a hero determined to show the heroine he's willing to do whatever it takes to be with her. The way this story started with the heroine knowing she should be concentrating on her studies and not giving into the pleas of her best friend had me liking the heroine immediately, as it shows how determined she is to show people that just because she's deaf doesn't mean she can't be successful, independent and have as normal a life as everyone else. However, it was from the moment that the hero and heroine met that had me completely enthralled, as it's palpable the hero and heroine have an inimitable connection; the 'I-see-you-across-the-room-and-everyone-else-disappears' type of connection, which makes a person want to get to know the other so much more.

As for the dialogue, it was a wonderful mix of intense and teasing banter, and I loved every moment the hero and heroine converse. Thor treasures every moment he spends in Harper's company, even though he knows the things he's keeping to himself; things that she desperately wants to know about him could break them apart, if he doesn't tell her sooner rather than later. Will she ever learn what happened to him in the past that keeps him from wanting to have a forever relationship? Will Thor realize that he will never be like his father? Will the hero be able to protect his mother?

Both the main characters are compelling due to their back stories. The heroine didn't have the easiest time growing up, because she's deaf and everyone treats her differently even her parents. I felt sorry for her having to deal with the way her parents treat her, so she's lucky to have found a man like Thor. Someone that is willing to learn every way possible to be able to communicate with Harper better. Can he do it? Will the heroine be impressed by his efforts? Will the heroine's parents finally be able to bridge the communication barrier they have with Harper?

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life and has suffered physically and emotionally, so I could understand why he was so protective of his mom and determined to keep her safe from the past. However, it made me feel sorry for him when it came to his never wanting to have a long term relationship. How could he believe he'd ever turn out like his dad when he's so protective of his mom? Moreover, I liked how he talks about music and his guitar, and loved how it too helps him to communicate with Harper. She has quite a knack for figuring out what songs are being played.

Overall, this was a really good, engaging read with plenty of chemistry between the main characters that show love is possible, if you're willing to take a chance and not let the past have power over you. The way this story ended had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because of the effort Thor has to go to in winning Harper back. Certainly, it was a brilliant use of his talents as a musician, even though Harper doesn't make things easy for him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped everything up perfectly, as we learn how far each of the main characters have come separately and together. Harper definitely knows how to surprise Thor. I would recommend Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, a story encompassing a couple that are meant to be, or books by authors Lily Everett, Donna Alward or KE Osborn.
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,158 reviews16 followers
April 26, 2017
Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer
“A rarely touched kind of love story, 5 stars”

Harper is all about defying the odds. Ever since she was little people have handled her with kid gloves. Don’t do this, don’t do that. Someone may hurt you or your feelings. You may be smart but you wont make it. She’s herd it all but hasn’t let it stop her. Because she doesn’t see her deafness as a disability.
Thor is the typical bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s a musican just trying to get his break. Then one night a woman catches his eye, when he approaches her and discovers shes deaf it doesn’t make him want her less. Either they will end up friends or lovers, he doesn’t care as long as she’s in his life. Will the bad boy get his happily ever after with the rich girl?
Meyer knocked this one out of the dang park. Thor is swoon worthy and pure sin but in touch with his sweet side. He learns ASL for her, not because she asked but because he wanted to. Harper is a strong, independent woman who only fully blossoms with Thors help. They make each other the best people they can be. I absolutely loved it. Meyer gave the deaf community a beautiful voice when they are so often over looked. Then there are the secondary characters and they all tie the story into a perfect bow.
Here are a couple quotes from Live Out Loud I loved;
“With just one look, she makes me believe I’m some sort of superhero . How did a screwup like me end up with her?”
“The fact that Thor wants to learn, and is eager, it’s the most incredible feeling in the world, like my cells are infused with nitrous oxide—a hint of sweetness in my mouth along with a light, giddy disposition chasing away all the sad memories of my childhood. Who needs laughing gas when Thorin Kline’s around?”
“I love his hands. Talented, skilled, beautiful. Able to coax music from a silent instrument. They can make a car purr with life. Gentle. Protective. Strong. Loud when they speak.”
Plot- 5/5
Characters- 5/5
Heat- 5/5
Writing styles- 5/5
Overall- 5/5
** SBR reviews**
Profile Image for Ira.
740 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2017
I loved this book! I loved to see how Harper and Thorin connect despite everything that might stand between them. Thor's willingness to communicate with Harper, to learn how to sign made such a big difference and I just loved him for it. Oh, don't forget her friend Chloe, she is amazing as well. Even though Thor's willingness to learn how to sign meant even more to me as he is a musician, he is someone whose life revolves around music, around sound - the one thing that Harper will never be able share with him. She can feel music but she can't hear. And she doesn't speak.
The whole story is about living in silence and living with sound. Thor sometimes needs silence to settle down, to be able to create music and Harper's life is silent. Even her relationship with Harper's former boyfriend was defined by the difference between coming from a Deaf family and a hearing family.
It is amazing to read how Thor tries to overcome all those obstacles and how much of a diffrence that makes for Harper. How can you NOT fall for a guy like him? Well, that's what Harper thinks - right until the moment when it is not enough any more. Or is she not enough? Or...?
There were moments when my heart broke, right then and there, I was so upset and I just hoped that, well, you know, all this happily ever after? That's what I wanted for those two and for a while I was really worried...

A wonderful book that left me thinking about opening up to someone, about connecting with people, learning other languages (and checking out options to learn how to sign as "Signing for Dummies" that Thor uses is not available for the German sign language and did you know that there are even different sign for the UK and the States?) and so much more. I loved the story and I loved the characters - a lot.
My first book by Marie Meyer but definitely not the last.
Profile Image for Sharon Tyler.
2,815 reviews40 followers
April 6, 2017
Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on April 30 2017. Harper will never be able to hear, but music has always been a source of comfort for her. The moment she saw Thorin playing his guitar, she was mesmerized. However, Thor has secrets. He's holding something back, something that's keeping the relationship from being real. Can they Harper and Thorin open up and trust each other to share the secrets they fear sharing most.

Live Out Loud is a book that drew me into the story quickly. I really enjoyed the realistic portrayal of Harper. She may be deaf, but that is not what defines her, and while it has a major part to play in her character, trust and understanding are more more important factors with her relationship with Thor. Similarly, Thor has huge trust issues, but mainly in himself and not turning out like his father. He has real issues to deal with, and success on the horizon, if only he can trust himself and let Harper in. I think the realism of both characters is very well done, however, some of the circumstances and situations made my put aside some skepticism. I have seen how hard it is for people in the music scene, so that bit was hard for me to get on board with, as was the flexibility of the employer, but those that have never seen that firsthand would never know. I found the romance and characters, which are often the most important part, were well done. I enjoyed the read and think that many other people will as well.

Live Out Loud is an engaging and enjoyable read. I liked the characters and the conflicts they had, it was a nice blend of gritty reality and pure escapism.
Profile Image for Lu.
252 reviews36 followers
June 30, 2017
Four amazing, entertaining stars!


Well, let's start with the characters:

I loved Harper! She's relatable in tiny ways like... we both stress-eat ( *laughs sadly but tries to hide it* ), we both have a wonderful hot bestie (with the longest legs ever) that sometimes chooses a lying stupid piece of sh*it for a boyfriend (but it's ok that's what we're here for)... overall I liked her inner voice (the way she thinks and how the author portrayed it) and she reminds me of my bitch. <3
Oh and I liked that she wasn't all good girl or all bad girl, but a good mix of both. I think people in general have various traits and it's not all black in white(I guess that goes for Thor as well).

Chloe was G-R-E-A-T. Like I said, I found similar traits between her and my best-friend so...

Moving on to Thor... I liked him, but I didn't exacly fall in love with him as much as I did with Harper. And it's not something I can really explain either... he just seemed too good to be true?? Idk. He accepted the fact that he liked her and wanted to date her so fast I just... I don't even know. All I know is that I didn't connect with him as much as I could/shoud have.
(And sometimes I wanted to strangle him - with affection of course - mainly when he thought he wasn't good enough for her and that she wouldn't want him blah blah blah)

I'm not going go to in to too much detail about the other characters, but in general they were all good (except his f*cking dad of course but wtvs).

I don't have anything, really, to say about the plot (and I don't wanna spoil too much of it). I thought there was great character devolopment and all that good stuff.
I just wanted to say that what really drew me in and made me read this book was the fact that she was deaf, because it really fascinates me for some reason. I find myself very interested in stories like that and I actually think I've only read 1 other book where one of the main characters is deaf (Maybe Someday by the Hooves, you know) and in that book he's he's the deaf one.
(Yeah I just wanted to say that, hope I didn't offend anyone or anything and if I did I'm sorry)

I'll be leaving you with some quotes *blows kiss*

''There really is no such thing as normal-only the sum of na individual's perspective and experience''
''There's nothing rational about love, man. It's not na on-off switch''
''Sometimes bigger isn't always better... at least when it comes to houses''
''His eyes speak of passion and longing, the way a flame whispers over paper, consuming it''
''Women are the weirdest fucking creatures''
1,105 reviews
May 2, 2017
you don't think about how certain things are hard to convey. in live out loud one of our main characters is deaf. harper king is not completely isolated, she can read lips, she speaks asl. her closest friend has learned asl in order to communicate with her. But asl is a language that isn't easily translated into the written word. asl is about movement and shape. the author did a brilliant job of incorporating the visual aspects of asl, while also differentiating to the reader what things were spoken and what things were signed.

thor reynolds, our hero, is an up-and-coming rock star. when he catches eye of harper at a gig he is intrigued by her. and her being deaf does not put him off. he's kind of the perfect guy about it really. he even goes out of his way to learn asl in order to communicate more easily with harper.

their first dates they rely on napkins and pens and their cell phone note apps and text messages. harper's deafness doesn't define their relationship. neither does thor's past, even though this is a concept he struggles with. his father was physically and verbally abusive. his mother only recently managed to get out of the toxic relationship and he's still her lifeline to safety. thor is afraid to get truly intimate with anyone because he fears that he will somehow be his father's son. in some ways, harper's deafness tricks him into becoming more intimate that he ever intended.

harper also has her reasons for being hesitant about the relationship. her previous partners were also deaf. and bridging the hearing and non-hearing world is not always a fun place to be, she's done that her whole life. her hearing parents have always made her feel lacking, not purposefully, but it's how she's made to feel regardless. as her relationship with her parents progresses to a better place and she understands her childhood a bit more, this allows her to open up to thor more than she ever intended.

this isn't to say that their relationship isn't without drama. the kind of baggage they carry around means that they are ripe for misunderstanding, and how they work through that will either break them or leave them stronger. this is a romance so you can guess which way it ends up. i really enjoyed harper and thor's story.

**live out loud will publish on april 30, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.
78 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2017
Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer is a novel that I couldn’t put down. I was caught in the world of silence that Harper has known for over twenty years. Actions of children, adults and her own parents have crushed her heart and soul. Thorin, or Thor, the lead guitarist in a band her roommate Chloe takes her to see is mesmerized by the way his music has Harper moving to each note of every song.
Getting to know each other is a healing and love filled challenge that Ms. Meyer has researched and explains in the words and images she creates.
Profile Image for Nicole Evelina.
Author 15 books191 followers
May 24, 2017
Being a hearing person, I was curious as to how Marie would handle a deaf heroine and I can now say she's done so with sensitivity and great care. As a reader, it was very interesting to explore a world devoid of sound, but yet filled with so many other ways to perceive meaning. This is where Marie particularly shines, opening the reader up to a whole new realm of perception - especially in the sex scenes. This book is HOT! Much steamier than I'm used to. But with these two characters, it didn't feel gratuitous. And it didn't hurt that Thor is a rockstar, my weakness. There were storyline points that I wish had been explored in greater detail, but this is still a great book.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
2,057 reviews55 followers
July 19, 2017
I loved this book. I think the story was well written and I loved the characters. I enjoyed how the story lines flowed between both Harper and Thor's POV, and their struggle with the things going on with their life and trying to have a relationship. This is the first book I read where you have a deaf woman trying to live a normal life even though people in her life treat her different and I don't know anything about that but I think Marie did a great job showing what the struggle would feel like. It gave me a bit of an understanding how hard it might be. Touching and heartfelt love story with sexy 🔥🔥🔥 love scenes. Can't wait to read more from this author.

I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,565 reviews76 followers
March 25, 2017
4 stars

I enjoyed this book. It was a story that was different and sweet. I just wished it was a little deeper. I never really felt the emotional connection between Thor and Harper. It felt like they could have used more of a "love" story. It was still sweet and I liked it, but it felt a little like something was missing.
Profile Image for Kate H.
1,684 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2017
I always enjoy Marie Meyer's books and I think this one might be my favorite one yet. Her writing style really appeals to me and her characters are ones I am easily able to be sympathetic too and become invested in. She is an author I highly recommend and cannot wait to read more books by in the future. I am reviewing this book based on an ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
432 reviews9 followers
May 30, 2017
I really, really loved this story. It was unique and different. I enjoyed Harper's character, as well as Thor's. The two of them together were perfect. The only downfall, for me, when it comes to this book is that it really needs editing. There were way too many grammatical and punctuation mistakes, and I almost didn't finish it I was so distracted.
2,724 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2017
I loved reading a romance where one of the main characters was flawed, and the other didn't even recognize that as a disability. Thor's willingness to learn sign language and find ways to connect to Harper were beautiful. I loved their story and all the challenges they both faced, find ways to come together to be stronger.
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