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Love in London #2
Broken Melody - Nur mit dir
Lara sollte eigentlich glücklich sein. Sie ist mit ihrem Traummann verheiratet, hat ein hinreißendes kleines Baby und könnte ihr Leben in vollen Zügen genießen. Doch sie hat nicht damit gerechnet, dass die Mutterschaft so schwierig ist und ihr Leben so dramatisch verändert.
Alex ist wunschlos glücklich. Er weiß, mit seinen Tattoos sieht er verdammt sexy aus, er hat eine tolle Frau und eine Band, die endlich erfolgreich ist. Das lukrative Angebot einer US-Tournee rückt seinen Traum vom Rockstar in greifbare Nähe. Doch als er das Land verlässt, ist es nicht nur die räumliche Distanz, die ihre Beziehung zu zerreißen droht. Mit der halben Welt zwischen sich müssen Alex und Lara um eine Liebe kämpfen, die bisher selbstverständlich war.
Alex ist wunschlos glücklich. Er weiß, mit seinen Tattoos sieht er verdammt sexy aus, er hat eine tolle Frau und eine Band, die endlich erfolgreich ist. Das lukrative Angebot einer US-Tournee rückt seinen Traum vom Rockstar in greifbare Nähe. Doch als er das Land verlässt, ist es nicht nur die räumliche Distanz, die ihre Beziehung zu zerreißen droht. Mit der halben Welt zwischen sich müssen Alex und Lara um eine Liebe kämpfen, die bisher selbstverständlich war.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2015
100 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Elks
73 books2,253 followersCarrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 23, 2015
4 stars!
Thoughtful, realistic, heartfelt. These are just a few of many words to describe this easy-to-read yet stormy romance that portrayed a married couple’s struggles, from the hero’s fame as a rising rockstar to the heroine’s new responsibilities as a mother. It’s not very often that I do read romances where the couple is already married, and for these to be a hit for me they have to make me root for the couple in question despite all their obstacles and that’s what this one did…hit just the right spot.
The story is told entirely from the heroine’s POV, and at the start of the book, she’s a new mom to a beautiful baby boy and happily married to the love of her life. And even though she expected there’d be changes to her life, she never imagined how tough it would be to juggle being a wife and being a mother.
“I’ve never known exhaustion like this. It’s as if I’m walking around in a constant haze; everything seems slowed down, deeper, heavier. Each movement requires an effort I’m not sure I possess.”
The hero Alex is her rock, and though the complete opposite of her in personality, he keeps her grounded. A rockstar on the rise, he’s carefree and wild, but always sees his home with Lara and their son Max.
But sometimes, love isn’t enough, and what started as normal, expected arguments between any regular couple soon turns into heated fights, both hurtfully lashing out at one another until Lara crumbles and Alex is helpless as he sees his family falling apart. On top of that, Alex plans to go the US for a 3-month tour to promote his band, creating a deeper wedge between him and Lara.
“We’re both sorry, yet somehow we can’t seem to do anything about it. He wants what he wants and I do too. The difficulty is our wants are too far apart. The distance growing with each passing moment.”
This book was one tumultuous read and though I didn’t cry, there were several scenes in the book that made my heart sink. I found it refreshing to read a story where any and all drama and conflict were realistically portrayed, no ounce of exaggeration to it. I’ve never been in Lara’s shoes but it was easy for me to relate and sympathize for her, a testament to the author’s writing. Towards the end I did think that having even a couple of chapters in Alex’s POV would’ve been great for the overall development of the story because having everything told from Lara’s side – especially the arguments – made things a bit one-sided. There were also some jumping between the past and present, and some of them just felt out of place. But other than that, I loved reading about Lara and Alex’s interactions (good and bad), their dynamic as a family with Max, and the themes of forgiveness and second chances weaved into the story.
If you’re looking for a realistic romance that explores life after the happily-ever-after, this is a good one to pick up!
Broken Chords is the 2nd book in the Love in London series but can be read as a standalone.
ARC provided by Romance Beckons via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thoughtful, realistic, heartfelt. These are just a few of many words to describe this easy-to-read yet stormy romance that portrayed a married couple’s struggles, from the hero’s fame as a rising rockstar to the heroine’s new responsibilities as a mother. It’s not very often that I do read romances where the couple is already married, and for these to be a hit for me they have to make me root for the couple in question despite all their obstacles and that’s what this one did…hit just the right spot.
The story is told entirely from the heroine’s POV, and at the start of the book, she’s a new mom to a beautiful baby boy and happily married to the love of her life. And even though she expected there’d be changes to her life, she never imagined how tough it would be to juggle being a wife and being a mother.
“I’ve never known exhaustion like this. It’s as if I’m walking around in a constant haze; everything seems slowed down, deeper, heavier. Each movement requires an effort I’m not sure I possess.”
The hero Alex is her rock, and though the complete opposite of her in personality, he keeps her grounded. A rockstar on the rise, he’s carefree and wild, but always sees his home with Lara and their son Max.
But sometimes, love isn’t enough, and what started as normal, expected arguments between any regular couple soon turns into heated fights, both hurtfully lashing out at one another until Lara crumbles and Alex is helpless as he sees his family falling apart. On top of that, Alex plans to go the US for a 3-month tour to promote his band, creating a deeper wedge between him and Lara.
“We’re both sorry, yet somehow we can’t seem to do anything about it. He wants what he wants and I do too. The difficulty is our wants are too far apart. The distance growing with each passing moment.”
This book was one tumultuous read and though I didn’t cry, there were several scenes in the book that made my heart sink. I found it refreshing to read a story where any and all drama and conflict were realistically portrayed, no ounce of exaggeration to it. I’ve never been in Lara’s shoes but it was easy for me to relate and sympathize for her, a testament to the author’s writing. Towards the end I did think that having even a couple of chapters in Alex’s POV would’ve been great for the overall development of the story because having everything told from Lara’s side – especially the arguments – made things a bit one-sided. There were also some jumping between the past and present, and some of them just felt out of place. But other than that, I loved reading about Lara and Alex’s interactions (good and bad), their dynamic as a family with Max, and the themes of forgiveness and second chances weaved into the story.
If you’re looking for a realistic romance that explores life after the happily-ever-after, this is a good one to pick up!
Broken Chords is the 2nd book in the Love in London series but can be read as a standalone.
ARC provided by Romance Beckons via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2015
4,5 STARS
"It was meant to be easy,it was Alex and me against the world."
I was really excited to read this book especially after reading the first book of this series Coming Down, which was just as amazing as this sequel. I was sure that I would like this sequel and that is exactly what happened to my delight. I devoured every part of this story. This is definitely a must read series because it just keeps getting better and better!! Each book is unique, intense and realistic.
Carrie Elcs is a unique author who writes beautiful and captivating stories. She continually manages to touch me with her writing. Broken Chords tells the story of Lara, Alex and their baby Max. Alex and Lara are two opposite characters, he is a lead singer in a band and she is a drug counselor. What do they have in common? It’s a simple answer, it’s the passion that they feel for one another but things aren't so easy for them.
This couple is tempted each day and while they were happy at the beginning of their marriage now they have to face some problems.
"Sometimes I don't know you at all."
"I'm looking at you and wondering who the hell you are.Because you sure as hell aren't the girl I married."
Sometimes love isn't enough. Can they save their marriage? I don't want to give anymore of the story away but I think you only should know how much I loved it!!
I liked all of the characters especially Lara, who I found to be so very relatable. The author does a wonderful job portraying the range of emotions that Lara goes through during this story. Alex wasn't my favorite because he makes some choices that pissed me off at times. Regardless, I never questioned his love for Lara and Max. I believe that as a couple they were meant to be together even when they were in the middle of their problems. I just knew that they will find a solution to everything.
"I love you, babe.Everything about you."
This can be read as a standalone but the first story was also good and I think you should read both books. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to read about realistic characters and situations.
"It was meant to be easy,it was Alex and me against the world."
I was really excited to read this book especially after reading the first book of this series Coming Down, which was just as amazing as this sequel. I was sure that I would like this sequel and that is exactly what happened to my delight. I devoured every part of this story. This is definitely a must read series because it just keeps getting better and better!! Each book is unique, intense and realistic.
Carrie Elcs is a unique author who writes beautiful and captivating stories. She continually manages to touch me with her writing. Broken Chords tells the story of Lara, Alex and their baby Max. Alex and Lara are two opposite characters, he is a lead singer in a band and she is a drug counselor. What do they have in common? It’s a simple answer, it’s the passion that they feel for one another but things aren't so easy for them.
This couple is tempted each day and while they were happy at the beginning of their marriage now they have to face some problems.
"Sometimes I don't know you at all."
"I'm looking at you and wondering who the hell you are.Because you sure as hell aren't the girl I married."
Sometimes love isn't enough. Can they save their marriage? I don't want to give anymore of the story away but I think you only should know how much I loved it!!
I liked all of the characters especially Lara, who I found to be so very relatable. The author does a wonderful job portraying the range of emotions that Lara goes through during this story. Alex wasn't my favorite because he makes some choices that pissed me off at times. Regardless, I never questioned his love for Lara and Max. I believe that as a couple they were meant to be together even when they were in the middle of their problems. I just knew that they will find a solution to everything.
"I love you, babe.Everything about you."
This can be read as a standalone but the first story was also good and I think you should read both books. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to read about realistic characters and situations.
February 9, 2017
4.5 STARS
In Broken Chords, Carrie Elks shows us that finding The one and marrying him does not guarantee your happy-ever-after. Sooner or later, real life gets in the way and even the strongest marriage can crumble. This is the story about how parenthood changes people and how it affects their romantic relationships. Because it is not only "hearts and flowers" when it comes to marriage and parenthood. Will be Alex able to put his old habits aside and put his wife and son on the first place before his "rock-star" carrier?
Carrie Elks is my queen of realistic angst. There is no over-the-top drama in her books, just realistic and sad (sometimes painful) emotions. She has a knack for taking most ordinary human problems and making beautiful bittersweet stories out of them. I admire her for that and it is main reason why I love her novels so much. She always delivers flawed realistic characters and made you love them the way they are even with their faults. Broken Chords is no exception. Characters in this novel learnt the hard way that life is never easy. But they also learnt to make the best out of it.
What about main characters? I really liked Lara and Alex, both for different reasons. And together, they had some superb chemistry. Whenever the two of them were bantering, my heart sped up and I found myself grinning from ear to ear. Also, this is the steamiest novel by Carrie Elks to the date. But what else would you expect from book with bad boy/rocker as a male lead? ;) However, do not expect pointless sex scenes in every other chapter. Steamy parts in this novel may be dirtier and more intense than in her previous books, but Carrie Elks is not one of "those" authors who use sex as filler instead of providing profound plotline.
I highly recommend this novel to all those who are looking for angsty and realistic contemporary standalone story with passionate romance and no over-the-top drama!
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
In Broken Chords, Carrie Elks shows us that finding The one and marrying him does not guarantee your happy-ever-after. Sooner or later, real life gets in the way and even the strongest marriage can crumble. This is the story about how parenthood changes people and how it affects their romantic relationships. Because it is not only "hearts and flowers" when it comes to marriage and parenthood. Will be Alex able to put his old habits aside and put his wife and son on the first place before his "rock-star" carrier?
"Maybe he's going through a midlife crisis a bit early. Most guys get a sports car or a motorbike, Alex decides to become a rock star."
Carrie Elks is my queen of realistic angst. There is no over-the-top drama in her books, just realistic and sad (sometimes painful) emotions. She has a knack for taking most ordinary human problems and making beautiful bittersweet stories out of them. I admire her for that and it is main reason why I love her novels so much. She always delivers flawed realistic characters and made you love them the way they are even with their faults. Broken Chords is no exception. Characters in this novel learnt the hard way that life is never easy. But they also learnt to make the best out of it.
"Alex was like a blinding light cutting through the darkest of nights. He unravelled me, thread by thread, until the old Lara was somebody I hardly knew."
What about main characters? I really liked Lara and Alex, both for different reasons. And together, they had some superb chemistry. Whenever the two of them were bantering, my heart sped up and I found myself grinning from ear to ear. Also, this is the steamiest novel by Carrie Elks to the date. But what else would you expect from book with bad boy/rocker as a male lead? ;) However, do not expect pointless sex scenes in every other chapter. Steamy parts in this novel may be dirtier and more intense than in her previous books, but Carrie Elks is not one of "those" authors who use sex as filler instead of providing profound plotline.
"He's an enigma. A mixture of hard and soft, of bitter and sweet. My Dr. Jekyll with a dirty Hyde mouth."
I highly recommend this novel to all those who are looking for angsty and realistic contemporary standalone story with passionate romance and no over-the-top drama!
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
March 10, 2015
Broken Chords is a truly great book. It’s very well written, it’s emotional, it’s sexy, and it’s so incredibly realistic. That said, I had such a hard time with it at some points. I can honestly say I’ve almost never had such a hard time trying to rate a book and sort out my feelings.
Lara and Alex have been happily married for years and now have a six-month-old little boy. They are both still adjusting to life with a baby and how much their lives have changed. Alex is working a job he hates to support them, but what he really wants is to be focusing on his band and his music. Lara is getting ready to go back to work at the drug clinic where she’s a counselor and she’s definitely having a hard time.
Alex and Lara have a very intense relationship. It’s very clear that they love and care so deeply. They are very attracted to each other and have so much passion and chemistry. I could definitely feel their connection throughout the whole book and never questioned whether they were right each other.
Fight hard is right. Some of this book was just so painful to read! I know everyone says things they may not mean in the moment and wish they could take them back, but wow. There were parts of this, after certain things were said that I had to put the book down because I was so upset/mad. I have to explain that I have a six month old baby boy, just like the couple in this book does at the beginning. I didn’t think it would affect me the way it did, but I was super sensitive to some of the things that were said when Lara and Alex would get into it. There were several times I can honestly say I did not like Alex at all. I had a very hard time separating this book from reality. So much of it is so close to home for me right now with the new baby and my husband travels for work like Alex does with his band at one point. I couldn’t stop thinking how I’d feel during different parts of this if I were Lara and it just made it really hard. Obviously I know that this is a book, but emotions and hormones definitely got to me with this one!
Even though some parts were very hard to read and made me see red, there was a lot of great about this book. Lara is an excellent narrator for this story, so raw and relatable. I could understand her struggles and how she thought about things. That is a huge part of what made this book feel so realistic. There is no drama for the sake of drama. There’s definitely drama, but not for no reason. It all fits very well with what they are going through and feels right for their story.
Both characters are very well developed. There are so many layers to both of them and even though there were times I wanted to throttle Alex, he did win me over by the end. I’m not sure I will ever fully understand some things about him, but I love how he grew. There were many times I had a huge smile on my face because of him and that’s saying a lot considering how much I didn’t like him at certain moments. He’s an interesting mix of sweet and cheeky with this darker, rough sexy side.
I loved seeing Alex and Lara together when they were happy and also during the flashbacks to when they first met. Things definitely get steamy in this book, but all the sex scenes serve a purpose and fit so perfectly with everything else going on.
I’m a fan of books about married couples. I’ve read a few really great ones and I think they can be very hard to get right. There isn’t that initial anticipation, it’s all the stuff after their happily ever after, which usually turns out not to be all roses and unicorns. Broken Chords definitely shows an interesting dynamic of a woman changing when she becomes a mom and a guy not having to change as much. Even though my situation is totally different than this one and I haven't dealt with all the same issues, I could really understand it.
This book was very well done in showing the harsh reality for this specific couple. I definitely had a lot of feelings about it. I loved parts of it and absolutely hated parts of it. It just wasn’t any easy read for me and took me awhile to get through. I didn’t always want to pick it back up. BUT, this is a fantastic book. Part of me wants to give it 5 stars just for the emotion is brought out of me and for how well written it is. Any other time in my life this probably would be a 4.5-5 star read, but I just have to go with my gut and what feels right.
I know this review is all over the place… Bottom line, I highly recommend giving this book a chance. The only reason I’m giving it 3.5 stars is I just can’t separate my feelings, as unfair as that may seem. This has a great love story, flawed, realistic characters, some steam, and so much emotion packed into it. I’m really looking forward to Carrie Elks next book. Like I said in my Coming Down review, I’m definitely a fan.
3.5 stars
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
See this review & others at No BS Book Reviews.
Also 'like' us on Facebook. ♥
“It was supposed to be easy, it was Alex and me against the world.”
Lara and Alex have been happily married for years and now have a six-month-old little boy. They are both still adjusting to life with a baby and how much their lives have changed. Alex is working a job he hates to support them, but what he really wants is to be focusing on his band and his music. Lara is getting ready to go back to work at the drug clinic where she’s a counselor and she’s definitely having a hard time.
I’ve never known exhaustion like this. It’s as if I’m walking around in a constant haze; everything seems slowed down, deeper, heavier. Each movement requires an effort I’m not sure I possess.
Alex and Lara have a very intense relationship. It’s very clear that they love and care so deeply. They are very attracted to each other and have so much passion and chemistry. I could definitely feel their connection throughout the whole book and never questioned whether they were right each other.
When the mist clears, and we are sweaty and breathless and all but collapsed on the sink, he whispers low in my ear, dirty and sweet. “I fucking love you. And I love fucking you.”
…
Alex and I love hard and we fight hard, and though that kind of relationship isn’t for everything, it works for us.
Most of the time.
Fight hard is right. Some of this book was just so painful to read! I know everyone says things they may not mean in the moment and wish they could take them back, but wow. There were parts of this, after certain things were said that I had to put the book down because I was so upset/mad. I have to explain that I have a six month old baby boy, just like the couple in this book does at the beginning. I didn’t think it would affect me the way it did, but I was super sensitive to some of the things that were said when Lara and Alex would get into it. There were several times I can honestly say I did not like Alex at all. I had a very hard time separating this book from reality. So much of it is so close to home for me right now with the new baby and my husband travels for work like Alex does with his band at one point. I couldn’t stop thinking how I’d feel during different parts of this if I were Lara and it just made it really hard. Obviously I know that this is a book, but emotions and hormones definitely got to me with this one!
“…You just compared your bloody band to our son. You think I should understand how important music is to you because you understand how important Max is to me. But that’s bollocks, because Max should be important to you too….”
Even though some parts were very hard to read and made me see red, there was a lot of great about this book. Lara is an excellent narrator for this story, so raw and relatable. I could understand her struggles and how she thought about things. That is a huge part of what made this book feel so realistic. There is no drama for the sake of drama. There’s definitely drama, but not for no reason. It all fits very well with what they are going through and feels right for their story.
Both characters are very well developed. There are so many layers to both of them and even though there were times I wanted to throttle Alex, he did win me over by the end. I’m not sure I will ever fully understand some things about him, but I love how he grew. There were many times I had a huge smile on my face because of him and that’s saying a lot considering how much I didn’t like him at certain moments. He’s an interesting mix of sweet and cheeky with this darker, rough sexy side.
He’s an enigma. A mixture of hard and soft, of bitter and sweet. My Dr. Jekyll with a dirty Hyde mouth.
I loved seeing Alex and Lara together when they were happy and also during the flashbacks to when they first met. Things definitely get steamy in this book, but all the sex scenes serve a purpose and fit so perfectly with everything else going on.
“I want you to take a good look at that view,” he whispered into my ear. His breath tickled and caressed.
“Why?” By that point I was all sensation. My front was cold as it pressed into the glass, my back hot with his presence. His fingers slipped inside my knickers.
“Because you won’t be looking at it again for awhile. I’m not one of your city boy hook-ups. I don’t do sweet, I don’t do respectable. When I’m finished with you, Lara, you won’t be able to open your eyes, let alone appreciate the fucking vista.”
I’m a fan of books about married couples. I’ve read a few really great ones and I think they can be very hard to get right. There isn’t that initial anticipation, it’s all the stuff after their happily ever after, which usually turns out not to be all roses and unicorns. Broken Chords definitely shows an interesting dynamic of a woman changing when she becomes a mom and a guy not having to change as much. Even though my situation is totally different than this one and I haven't dealt with all the same issues, I could really understand it.
This book was very well done in showing the harsh reality for this specific couple. I definitely had a lot of feelings about it. I loved parts of it and absolutely hated parts of it. It just wasn’t any easy read for me and took me awhile to get through. I didn’t always want to pick it back up. BUT, this is a fantastic book. Part of me wants to give it 5 stars just for the emotion is brought out of me and for how well written it is. Any other time in my life this probably would be a 4.5-5 star read, but I just have to go with my gut and what feels right.
I know this review is all over the place… Bottom line, I highly recommend giving this book a chance. The only reason I’m giving it 3.5 stars is I just can’t separate my feelings, as unfair as that may seem. This has a great love story, flawed, realistic characters, some steam, and so much emotion packed into it. I’m really looking forward to Carrie Elks next book. Like I said in my Coming Down review, I’m definitely a fan.
3.5 stars
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
See this review & others at No BS Book Reviews.
Also 'like' us on Facebook. ♥
March 16, 2019
This book was so well written that it would have scored a solid five if it had the husband's point of view as well.As it stands it's just a well written depressing diary of the ravings of an insecure woman and a supposedly uncaring man who is possibly a cheater despite his many protestations and avowals of love.Sixty percent of the book has him missing in action away on a rock tour which is shrouded in mystery doing who knows what.
I'm as in the dark as his wife is as to any of her husband's shenanigan's.I believe only the author would know what he has been up to and she is keeping totally mum in this book.Maybe all will be revealed in 'Alex's Rhapsody'.
Books that rely on a single POV of view are a pain in the butt especially where drama is the integral part of the plot and the actions and motives of certain lead characters are of a dubious nature.
Alex to his wife.
“I know.” He sounded so sad. “But I'm not giving up on us and I won't let you, either. I thought about you and Max every day when I was in the States, I was miserable without you.
And yet he was so miserable that he rarely if never contacted her while he was away for three months.
If it was the author's intent to deliberately vilify the male lead than she has succeeded 100% because I disliked him intensely & I never did warm up to him because he was a blank slate the entire book.
I'm as in the dark as his wife is as to any of her husband's shenanigan's.I believe only the author would know what he has been up to and she is keeping totally mum in this book.Maybe all will be revealed in 'Alex's Rhapsody'.
Books that rely on a single POV of view are a pain in the butt especially where drama is the integral part of the plot and the actions and motives of certain lead characters are of a dubious nature.
Alex to his wife.
“I know.” He sounded so sad. “But I'm not giving up on us and I won't let you, either. I thought about you and Max every day when I was in the States, I was miserable without you.
And yet he was so miserable that he rarely if never contacted her while he was away for three months.
If it was the author's intent to deliberately vilify the male lead than she has succeeded 100% because I disliked him intensely & I never did warm up to him because he was a blank slate the entire book.
January 6, 2018
Hero who longed to become a rock star with his band and is not prepared for the fatherhood and weight that brings to the easy relationship he had with the heroine. He continues to use drugs and drinking and putting the band first.
Our heroine faces the difficulties of being a mother for the first time and a postpartum depression. She feels abandoned and unsure of the hero's love.
I think the hero's behavior change is unbelievable because he wanted success and fame with the band and suddenly wants to be a dedicated parent. Everything was very poorly developed.
Our heroine faces the difficulties of being a mother for the first time and a postpartum depression. She feels abandoned and unsure of the hero's love.
I think the hero's behavior change is unbelievable because he wanted success and fame with the band and suddenly wants to be a dedicated parent. Everything was very poorly developed.
February 22, 2015
3.75 Stars
Review by Natasha Gentile
This is my first time reading this author. I liked the blurb and I couldn’t wait to start reading it.
Now when you start reading this book you're thrown into the life of Lara. Her life as a new mom. We as mom's know that the first couple of months are the worst. Not one book can actually prepare you for what is to come. The endless hours of not sleeping, the way your body shuts down, the way that you could sleep literally sitting down eating supper. I was very excited to see that this author didn’t sugar coat it.
So Lara is married to the man of her dreams, Alex. Alex is a hot tattooed rocker. He is the opposite of what Lara thought she would end up with. I really loved how they settled down into parenthood.
Alex has a chance to finally make it into the big leagues. His band has booked a three month tour to the United States. I mean how bad can it be? Three months isn’t that long, is it?
Except Lara is suffering post natal depression. I was really interested on how the author would write about this, and to that extent she hit it bang on.
Alex knows that his wife is going through this, yet he still decides to leave. I mean call me a little sexist, but if your wife and the mother of your child isn’t well enough for you to leave, why the hell are you leaving? So Alex leaves, but of course as all men do he never changes his phone service for international travel, so not only is he going away over seas, he’s doing it with no communication to his family. I mean he is going to ‘borrow’ a phone to call, but the calls are so far and few. I think he goes weeks without calling in to check in. As the time went on I loathed him. I mean you say that your family is your number one priority but you have done nothing to convince me that this is the case. It’s also that much better when your band makes a Facebook page and your wife has to go to the page to see where you are and what you're up to. This is why I couldn’t even sympathize with him. When push comes to shove and things escalate for Lara, it takes him four days before he finally gets home. FOUR DAYS! That was the straw that broke this camel's back.
Although this does have a HEA, I couldn’t look pass the selfishness of the hero!
Review by Natasha Gentile
This is my first time reading this author. I liked the blurb and I couldn’t wait to start reading it.
Now when you start reading this book you're thrown into the life of Lara. Her life as a new mom. We as mom's know that the first couple of months are the worst. Not one book can actually prepare you for what is to come. The endless hours of not sleeping, the way your body shuts down, the way that you could sleep literally sitting down eating supper. I was very excited to see that this author didn’t sugar coat it.
So Lara is married to the man of her dreams, Alex. Alex is a hot tattooed rocker. He is the opposite of what Lara thought she would end up with. I really loved how they settled down into parenthood.
Alex has a chance to finally make it into the big leagues. His band has booked a three month tour to the United States. I mean how bad can it be? Three months isn’t that long, is it?
Except Lara is suffering post natal depression. I was really interested on how the author would write about this, and to that extent she hit it bang on.
Alex knows that his wife is going through this, yet he still decides to leave. I mean call me a little sexist, but if your wife and the mother of your child isn’t well enough for you to leave, why the hell are you leaving? So Alex leaves, but of course as all men do he never changes his phone service for international travel, so not only is he going away over seas, he’s doing it with no communication to his family. I mean he is going to ‘borrow’ a phone to call, but the calls are so far and few. I think he goes weeks without calling in to check in. As the time went on I loathed him. I mean you say that your family is your number one priority but you have done nothing to convince me that this is the case. It’s also that much better when your band makes a Facebook page and your wife has to go to the page to see where you are and what you're up to. This is why I couldn’t even sympathize with him. When push comes to shove and things escalate for Lara, it takes him four days before he finally gets home. FOUR DAYS! That was the straw that broke this camel's back.
Although this does have a HEA, I couldn’t look pass the selfishness of the hero!
April 23, 2015
4 stars
July 19, 2020
» 3,5 Sterne
February 19, 2015
Well, Carrie Elks has just added herself onto my list of must-read authors, because if her previous works are half as good as Broken Chords, I'll be a happy girl. Having had a recommendation from a friend as to how good her writing is, I didn't hesitate to grab this.
On the outside, Alex Cartwright and his wife Lara are complete opposites; he the sexy, tattooed lead singer of a band dreaming of hitting the big time and she the down-to-earth drugs counsellor. Still adjusting to life as parents, Lara facing returning to work and Alex' dreams of fame becoming more of a reality, their relationship isn't as simple as it once was and we join them on an emotional, intimate, passionate, realistic and heartfelt rollercoaster ride.
Lara is one of those characters you can relate to even if your life is on a completely different page. Told from her POV, I felt every ounce of her joy, pain, exasperation and contentment. And Alex, he may have his more thoughtless moments but deep down is a good man who was easy to love. I needed them to be a family, I needed them to find their way through their storms and I went through all the emotions with them. And with a cast of endearing secondary characters, I couldn't have asked for more. It just flowed perfectly.
Carrie Elks has brought her readers an intense, yet easy-read contemporary romance that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. And whilst Broken Chords can easily be read as a standalone, I'm definitely going back to read Coming Down.
4.5 stars.
This review will appear on Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
On the outside, Alex Cartwright and his wife Lara are complete opposites; he the sexy, tattooed lead singer of a band dreaming of hitting the big time and she the down-to-earth drugs counsellor. Still adjusting to life as parents, Lara facing returning to work and Alex' dreams of fame becoming more of a reality, their relationship isn't as simple as it once was and we join them on an emotional, intimate, passionate, realistic and heartfelt rollercoaster ride.
Lara is one of those characters you can relate to even if your life is on a completely different page. Told from her POV, I felt every ounce of her joy, pain, exasperation and contentment. And Alex, he may have his more thoughtless moments but deep down is a good man who was easy to love. I needed them to be a family, I needed them to find their way through their storms and I went through all the emotions with them. And with a cast of endearing secondary characters, I couldn't have asked for more. It just flowed perfectly.
Carrie Elks has brought her readers an intense, yet easy-read contemporary romance that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. And whilst Broken Chords can easily be read as a standalone, I'm definitely going back to read Coming Down.
4.5 stars.
This review will appear on Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 26, 2015
*Arc kindly provided by NetGalley *
Carrie Elks brings us another realistic story with a lot of angst moments.
Broken Chords is Lara's perspective of her life and marriage.
She is a newly mum with so many insecurities: new body, little money, a baby with needs and on top of that, her husband wants to be a rock star.
Lara and Alex are completely in love. They love hard, they fight hard.
She is so insecure with herself and everything around her that sometimes she can't see the real Alex, a man who truly loves her. But sometimes love isn't enough.
The arguments between them turns into some real heated fights and they start to fall apart and when Alex has a chance to finally be famous he follows the opportunity.
Three months away from home is too much for Lara...
Alex knows that Lara is suffering PND (post natal depression) yet he still decides to leave on tour.
What happens next is so realistic. Her drama was so real. A married woman who is completely alone despite her husband love words.
Lara is one of those characters you can relate. I felt every single emotion: pain, depression, happiness and sadness.
Broken Chords is an intense read about marriage and love. How to find yourself and forgive the love of your love. How to be happy.
This story can be read as a standalone but I if you want to know this couple before everything you can read Coming Down.
Carrie Elks brings us another realistic story with a lot of angst moments.
Broken Chords is Lara's perspective of her life and marriage.
She is a newly mum with so many insecurities: new body, little money, a baby with needs and on top of that, her husband wants to be a rock star.
Lara and Alex are completely in love. They love hard, they fight hard.
She is so insecure with herself and everything around her that sometimes she can't see the real Alex, a man who truly loves her. But sometimes love isn't enough.
The arguments between them turns into some real heated fights and they start to fall apart and when Alex has a chance to finally be famous he follows the opportunity.
Three months away from home is too much for Lara...
Alex knows that Lara is suffering PND (post natal depression) yet he still decides to leave on tour.
What happens next is so realistic. Her drama was so real. A married woman who is completely alone despite her husband love words.
Lara is one of those characters you can relate. I felt every single emotion: pain, depression, happiness and sadness.
Broken Chords is an intense read about marriage and love. How to find yourself and forgive the love of your love. How to be happy.
This story can be read as a standalone but I if you want to know this couple before everything you can read Coming Down.
March 18, 2015
Rating: 4 out of 5.
I didn't read the first book in this series, but that did not hinder me from enjoying this novel.
I love reading romance novels about couples who are really in love with one another and devoted. I love reading about couples who have already been in a relationship for some time. This novel delivered what I loved in spades.
I was worried, after I had requested this book, that I would be reading something cliched. The bad boy Alex would be too self-absorbed, he would be oblivious to the fact that he was hurting Lara with his actions and words. And to a certain extent, these elements were present. There were moments of doubt and hurt, but those moments were always followed up by Lara's well-placed belief in Alex. It also didn't hurt that Lara was a beautifully strong and independent woman. Yes, there were times when things got hard for her, but she picked her self and pushed through it all. While I am not always in love with the angst genre, this novel had the perfect dash of angst, enough to keep you reading the next chapter, and the chapter after that, followed by another chapter.
ARC Courtesy of Carrie Elks and NetGalley.
I didn't read the first book in this series, but that did not hinder me from enjoying this novel.
I love reading romance novels about couples who are really in love with one another and devoted. I love reading about couples who have already been in a relationship for some time. This novel delivered what I loved in spades.
I was worried, after I had requested this book, that I would be reading something cliched. The bad boy Alex would be too self-absorbed, he would be oblivious to the fact that he was hurting Lara with his actions and words. And to a certain extent, these elements were present. There were moments of doubt and hurt, but those moments were always followed up by Lara's well-placed belief in Alex. It also didn't hurt that Lara was a beautifully strong and independent woman. Yes, there were times when things got hard for her, but she picked her self and pushed through it all. While I am not always in love with the angst genre, this novel had the perfect dash of angst, enough to keep you reading the next chapter, and the chapter after that, followed by another chapter.
ARC Courtesy of Carrie Elks and NetGalley.
April 5, 2018
"Everything" .. exactly what this story has... and what Lara thought she had!
When you think you have it all, life has a funny way of turning it all upside down - and that's exactly what we see happen to Lara.
Sexy rockstar husband who hadn't quite grown up yet, Alex, appears to be the perfect match for Lara - even though the glimpses back to the start of their relationship show an alikeness comparable to chalk and cheese!
But Lara loves her dirty-talking, sexy-as-hell man ... until his commitment is called into question and the new addition to their family causes a rift ! can they get back to the way they were? Can Lara trust him?
The characters come to life in this second in the Love in London series and I was taken tr
through so many emotions.. the amount of times I swung from loving Alex to hating him - although I did find myself questioning whether it was really him.i hated at one point.. or Stuart !! I'm glad to say I was proved right in that case !
Again in this story the author covers sensitive issues and this is done with compassion and empathy.
Every story from Carrie Elks I have loved and this is certainly no exception!!
When you think you have it all, life has a funny way of turning it all upside down - and that's exactly what we see happen to Lara.
Sexy rockstar husband who hadn't quite grown up yet, Alex, appears to be the perfect match for Lara - even though the glimpses back to the start of their relationship show an alikeness comparable to chalk and cheese!
But Lara loves her dirty-talking, sexy-as-hell man ... until his commitment is called into question and the new addition to their family causes a rift ! can they get back to the way they were? Can Lara trust him?
The characters come to life in this second in the Love in London series and I was taken tr
through so many emotions.. the amount of times I swung from loving Alex to hating him - although I did find myself questioning whether it was really him.i hated at one point.. or Stuart !! I'm glad to say I was proved right in that case !
Again in this story the author covers sensitive issues and this is done with compassion and empathy.
Every story from Carrie Elks I have loved and this is certainly no exception!!
August 5, 2017
Such a well written, very realistic story with many heart wrenching moments. So engrossed in Alex and Lara's story from the first chapter, I couldn't put this book down. Alex is gorgeous and sexy but he makes some disappointing choices along the way. The different emotions which Lara went through were portrayed so perfectly that I was right there, living through those emotions with her. This book is so good and the ending is perfect. An absolute must read! Five incredible stars!
January 9, 2021
A beautiful story because it was so heartfelt and dealt with real issues. I recognised what Lara was going through, adapting to motherhood, suffering from Post-natal Depression and trying to find that balance between being a mum and still being the same person as she was before. Absolutely loved it.
March 5, 2015
Absolutely loved it <3
Diese und weitere Rezensionen findet ihr auf www.buchjunkies-blog.de
Lara und Alex sind das perfekte Paar. Die beiden kennen sich schon seit Jahren und ihre Beziehung wurde mit der Zeit nur immer stärker. Es hat daher niemanden überrascht, als die beiden geheiratet und sich in London ein schlichtes, aber glückliches Leben aufgebaut haben.
Als ihr gemeinsamer Sohn Max auf die Welt kam, sollte ihr Glück eigentlich perfekt sein - und in gewisser Hinsicht ist es das auch. Lara liebt Max über alles und auch an Alex Liebe zweifelt sie eigentlich nicht. Doch sie bekommt das Gefühl nicht los, dass er noch nicht wirklich bereit dazu ist, Vater zu sein. Anstatt sich mit Lara gemeinsam um das tägliche Glück und Leid zu kümmern, das ein Baby eben so mit sich bringt, arbeitet er in Gelegenheitsjobs und widmet den Großteil seiner Freizeit seiner Band Fear of Flying. Das sorgt zwar immer wieder für Reibereien zwischen den beiden, doch Lara versucht so gut es geht damit fertig zu werden und Alex nicht im Weg zu stehen. Es ist schließlich sein großer Traum.
Doch dann bekommt Alex Band die Chance ihres Lebens: Sie dürfen als Vorgruppe einer berühmten Band auf Tour in die USA gehen. Und Alex stimmt ohne zu überlegen zu. Aber kann Laras und Alex Beziehung überleben, wenn die Entfernung das geringste Problem ist, das sie gerade haben?
Auf den ersten Blick klingt Broken Chords von Carrie Elks vielleicht ein wenig wie ein Buch über einen aufsteigenden Rockstar und sein aufregendes neues Leben. Darum dreht sich diese Geschichte allerdings überhaupt nicht. Vielmehr handelt sie davon, wie ein Kind eine Beziehung verändert - die Prioritäten, die Interessen, aber auch die Personen selbst.
So ergeht es nämlich Lara und Alex. Sie haben eine stabile Beziehung und hatten nie erwartet, wie sehr ein Kind die Dynamik zwischen den beiden beeinflussen könnte. Doch mit Max Geburt hat sich alles geändert. Zumindest für Lara. Ihr ganzer Ablauf dreht sich nur um ihren kleinen Sohn und nach einem anstrengenden Tag, schlägt sie sich auch noch die Nächte um die Ohren, wenn Max mal wieder nicht einschlafen will. Für Alex dagegen blieb vieles beim Alten: Er hat seine Band, mit der er bis tief in die Nacht hinein probt und auch mal feiert. Im Grunde genommen sind ihre Probleme aber ganz normal und vermutlich das, was viele junge Paare durchmachen. Besonders, wenn ein Part vielleicht doch noch nicht ganz bereit für diesen Schritt war.
Die Probleme und Streitpunkte in Broken Chords mögen vielleicht nicht besonders spektakulär oder ungewöhnlich sein, doch genau das hat mir so gut gefallen. Sie sind sehr realistisch und obwohl ich selbst noch nie in so einer Situation war, konnte ich mehr sehr gut mit Lara identifizieren. Außerdem mochte ich sie einfach gern. Sie ist eine starke Frau und würde alles für ihre Familie tun. Zudem ist sie ernsthaft bemüht, an ihrer und Alex Beziehung zu arbeiten und selbst wenn sie mal Mist baut, sind ihre Beweggründe immer nachvollziehbar. Alex war da schon ein bisschen schwerer einzuschätzen, unter anderem deswegen, weil wir die Geschichte nur aus Laras Perspektive zu lesen bekommen. Doch auch er war ein guter Kerl, der aber einiges wieder gut zu machen hat und der erst Mal erwachsen werden muss, bevor er ein wirklich guter Vater sein kann.
Laras und Alex Geschichte ist nicht einfach, aber sie ist trotz allem wundervoll. Ohne viel Drama erzählt Broken Chords von Carrie Elks eine ausgesprochen emotionale, intensive und realistische Geschichte, die ich nicht so schnell vergessen werden. Nicht nur Carrie Elks eleganter, aber schlichter Schreibstil machen das Buch so angenehm zu lesen, sondern vor allem auch die Natürlichkeit, mit der sich ihre Geschichte entwickelt.
Deswegen ist Broken Chords von Carrie Elks garantiert nicht das letzte Buch, das ich von ihr gelesen haben werden. Den ersten Band der Reihe, Coming Down, mochte ich schon sehr gerne, doch Broken Chords ist für mich definitiv nochmal eine Ecke besser. Das dritte Buch der Love in London Reihe, das bisher noch keinen Titel hat, aber von einem Charakter, den wir in diesem Band kennenlernen, handeln wird, werde ich mir also ganz sicher nicht entgehen lassen.
Diese und weitere Rezensionen findet ihr auf www.buchjunkies-blog.de
Lara und Alex sind das perfekte Paar. Die beiden kennen sich schon seit Jahren und ihre Beziehung wurde mit der Zeit nur immer stärker. Es hat daher niemanden überrascht, als die beiden geheiratet und sich in London ein schlichtes, aber glückliches Leben aufgebaut haben.
Als ihr gemeinsamer Sohn Max auf die Welt kam, sollte ihr Glück eigentlich perfekt sein - und in gewisser Hinsicht ist es das auch. Lara liebt Max über alles und auch an Alex Liebe zweifelt sie eigentlich nicht. Doch sie bekommt das Gefühl nicht los, dass er noch nicht wirklich bereit dazu ist, Vater zu sein. Anstatt sich mit Lara gemeinsam um das tägliche Glück und Leid zu kümmern, das ein Baby eben so mit sich bringt, arbeitet er in Gelegenheitsjobs und widmet den Großteil seiner Freizeit seiner Band Fear of Flying. Das sorgt zwar immer wieder für Reibereien zwischen den beiden, doch Lara versucht so gut es geht damit fertig zu werden und Alex nicht im Weg zu stehen. Es ist schließlich sein großer Traum.
Doch dann bekommt Alex Band die Chance ihres Lebens: Sie dürfen als Vorgruppe einer berühmten Band auf Tour in die USA gehen. Und Alex stimmt ohne zu überlegen zu. Aber kann Laras und Alex Beziehung überleben, wenn die Entfernung das geringste Problem ist, das sie gerade haben?
Auf den ersten Blick klingt Broken Chords von Carrie Elks vielleicht ein wenig wie ein Buch über einen aufsteigenden Rockstar und sein aufregendes neues Leben. Darum dreht sich diese Geschichte allerdings überhaupt nicht. Vielmehr handelt sie davon, wie ein Kind eine Beziehung verändert - die Prioritäten, die Interessen, aber auch die Personen selbst.
So ergeht es nämlich Lara und Alex. Sie haben eine stabile Beziehung und hatten nie erwartet, wie sehr ein Kind die Dynamik zwischen den beiden beeinflussen könnte. Doch mit Max Geburt hat sich alles geändert. Zumindest für Lara. Ihr ganzer Ablauf dreht sich nur um ihren kleinen Sohn und nach einem anstrengenden Tag, schlägt sie sich auch noch die Nächte um die Ohren, wenn Max mal wieder nicht einschlafen will. Für Alex dagegen blieb vieles beim Alten: Er hat seine Band, mit der er bis tief in die Nacht hinein probt und auch mal feiert. Im Grunde genommen sind ihre Probleme aber ganz normal und vermutlich das, was viele junge Paare durchmachen. Besonders, wenn ein Part vielleicht doch noch nicht ganz bereit für diesen Schritt war.
Die Probleme und Streitpunkte in Broken Chords mögen vielleicht nicht besonders spektakulär oder ungewöhnlich sein, doch genau das hat mir so gut gefallen. Sie sind sehr realistisch und obwohl ich selbst noch nie in so einer Situation war, konnte ich mehr sehr gut mit Lara identifizieren. Außerdem mochte ich sie einfach gern. Sie ist eine starke Frau und würde alles für ihre Familie tun. Zudem ist sie ernsthaft bemüht, an ihrer und Alex Beziehung zu arbeiten und selbst wenn sie mal Mist baut, sind ihre Beweggründe immer nachvollziehbar. Alex war da schon ein bisschen schwerer einzuschätzen, unter anderem deswegen, weil wir die Geschichte nur aus Laras Perspektive zu lesen bekommen. Doch auch er war ein guter Kerl, der aber einiges wieder gut zu machen hat und der erst Mal erwachsen werden muss, bevor er ein wirklich guter Vater sein kann.
Laras und Alex Geschichte ist nicht einfach, aber sie ist trotz allem wundervoll. Ohne viel Drama erzählt Broken Chords von Carrie Elks eine ausgesprochen emotionale, intensive und realistische Geschichte, die ich nicht so schnell vergessen werden. Nicht nur Carrie Elks eleganter, aber schlichter Schreibstil machen das Buch so angenehm zu lesen, sondern vor allem auch die Natürlichkeit, mit der sich ihre Geschichte entwickelt.
Deswegen ist Broken Chords von Carrie Elks garantiert nicht das letzte Buch, das ich von ihr gelesen haben werden. Den ersten Band der Reihe, Coming Down, mochte ich schon sehr gerne, doch Broken Chords ist für mich definitiv nochmal eine Ecke besser. Das dritte Buch der Love in London Reihe, das bisher noch keinen Titel hat, aber von einem Charakter, den wir in diesem Band kennenlernen, handeln wird, werde ich mir also ganz sicher nicht entgehen lassen.
March 18, 2015
For Lara and Alex Cartwright, life seemed perfect. With a good marriage and new baby, they thought they had it all, but neither were prepared for the strain of how being new parents might affect their relationship or the internal struggles each would entail with realizing that having a child does change things.
Amazing! This story spoke to me on so many levels, I find it hard to wrap it all up neatly in a little review. Realistic, heartfelt, relatable, I could go on and on about all the strong qualities that make this a five star read. The author leaves nothing out. She touches every aspect of marriage and parenting and how in the beginning they don't always mesh the way we'd expect them to. But, please don't let the idea of this being about marriage and babies fool you into thinking it's a chick-lit driven storyline. Despite being polar opposites, the chemistry between Lara and Alex is smoking hot. Their relationship is both, physically and emotionally intense. At times it became so tumultuous, my gut wrenched and my chest ached. I sympathized with each of them and felt their joy, angst and pain. And the details! Oh my!! The author has a way of bringing details into the story that make you fully grasp everything around you. From a car horn honking, and breeze blowing through the air, to baby Max's drool sliding off his chin, you feel as if you are there experiencing everything around you.
I would like to note the explicit language throughout the book. In my opinion, it's fitting for the characters personalities and not added just for theatrics of the story. If you find that offending, this might not be the book for you, however if you're looking for an emotionally driven read that leaves you wanting more, this is definitely one you won't want to miss.
Beautifully written, intense, and emotional, I loved every minute of it.
Amazing! This story spoke to me on so many levels, I find it hard to wrap it all up neatly in a little review. Realistic, heartfelt, relatable, I could go on and on about all the strong qualities that make this a five star read. The author leaves nothing out. She touches every aspect of marriage and parenting and how in the beginning they don't always mesh the way we'd expect them to. But, please don't let the idea of this being about marriage and babies fool you into thinking it's a chick-lit driven storyline. Despite being polar opposites, the chemistry between Lara and Alex is smoking hot. Their relationship is both, physically and emotionally intense. At times it became so tumultuous, my gut wrenched and my chest ached. I sympathized with each of them and felt their joy, angst and pain. And the details! Oh my!! The author has a way of bringing details into the story that make you fully grasp everything around you. From a car horn honking, and breeze blowing through the air, to baby Max's drool sliding off his chin, you feel as if you are there experiencing everything around you.
I would like to note the explicit language throughout the book. In my opinion, it's fitting for the characters personalities and not added just for theatrics of the story. If you find that offending, this might not be the book for you, however if you're looking for an emotionally driven read that leaves you wanting more, this is definitely one you won't want to miss.
Beautifully written, intense, and emotional, I loved every minute of it.
June 24, 2015
This is a very charming story of a married couple very much in love. But, just because a couple loves each other doesn't mean everything will be perfect. Love gets tested and sometimes people feel vulnerable. In this story Lara and Alex are adjusting to parenthood and just trying to keep their heads above water. That alone puts strain on a marriage. But, when Alex's band goes on tour their marriage is pushed to the limits.
Lara is all over the place. One minute she's supporting her husband and his dreams being famous. The next, she's complaining about money and suddenly everything is "what about me?". Of course, all of this is to be expected when a woman's hormones are all over the place after having a baby, but it got a little annoying. With one line she made me understand her feelings and I'm pretty sure I cried a time or two with her. "He's coming together and I'm falling apart. If I had any energy left, I'd be angry about it."
Alex causes me to have mixed feelings. When he's good, he's really good… but when he's an arse, he's a real arse. Sometimes he would say things and they would make me wonder how that could be forgivable. In the end though, he wound up making me love him.
This is a sweet, well written story showing that happily-ever-afters have to be worked for even after they've been found. I love the bad boy, tatted up musician and the good girl… and seeing how they still have to fight for their love. It tugged my heart strings and did I mention… Alex is a dirty talker? Oh… well… he is… And he is good at it! This is a good read for someone who likes an angsty, sweet, loving, sexy read. It's all of that and more.
~Jennifer
Lara is all over the place. One minute she's supporting her husband and his dreams being famous. The next, she's complaining about money and suddenly everything is "what about me?". Of course, all of this is to be expected when a woman's hormones are all over the place after having a baby, but it got a little annoying. With one line she made me understand her feelings and I'm pretty sure I cried a time or two with her. "He's coming together and I'm falling apart. If I had any energy left, I'd be angry about it."
Alex causes me to have mixed feelings. When he's good, he's really good… but when he's an arse, he's a real arse. Sometimes he would say things and they would make me wonder how that could be forgivable. In the end though, he wound up making me love him.
This is a sweet, well written story showing that happily-ever-afters have to be worked for even after they've been found. I love the bad boy, tatted up musician and the good girl… and seeing how they still have to fight for their love. It tugged my heart strings and did I mention… Alex is a dirty talker? Oh… well… he is… And he is good at it! This is a good read for someone who likes an angsty, sweet, loving, sexy read. It's all of that and more.
~Jennifer
February 25, 2015
ARC provided by the author on exchange of an honest review
After Fix You, Carrie Elks brings us with another contemporary novel, showing the subtlety and hardships in a love story.
Alex and Lara are a couple in love. Baby Max parents, they are living that stage of relationship where there is much love, but little money, a baby that claim for attention, new mother who has her body transformed after pregnant, so she feels bad close the beautiful and tattooed husband.
The relationship between them is full of love, but the adversities of everyday life end up putting marriage in check, especially when Alex's band ends up drawing attention of a great manager and they are asked to do a 3 months tour.
The couple begins to fight increasingly: because of Lara's insecurity; because Alex returned to smoke a joint; because he is besieged by groupies; because when Max got sick, one of band's player, Stuart, purposely didn't send the message from Lara to Alex... to top it off, Lara sees a picture of a groupie hanging on Alex's neck.
They split up, and even still feeling love, now they need to decide what is most important.
The story is simple and beautiful. The characters are almost real (could be someone you know in real). The scenario are the various parts of London - city that I love !! And everything is resolved as it should be, without cliffhanger.
A delightful read ...
4,5 stars
After Fix You, Carrie Elks brings us with another contemporary novel, showing the subtlety and hardships in a love story.
Alex and Lara are a couple in love. Baby Max parents, they are living that stage of relationship where there is much love, but little money, a baby that claim for attention, new mother who has her body transformed after pregnant, so she feels bad close the beautiful and tattooed husband.
The relationship between them is full of love, but the adversities of everyday life end up putting marriage in check, especially when Alex's band ends up drawing attention of a great manager and they are asked to do a 3 months tour.
The couple begins to fight increasingly: because of Lara's insecurity; because Alex returned to smoke a joint; because he is besieged by groupies; because when Max got sick, one of band's player, Stuart, purposely didn't send the message from Lara to Alex... to top it off, Lara sees a picture of a groupie hanging on Alex's neck.
They split up, and even still feeling love, now they need to decide what is most important.
The story is simple and beautiful. The characters are almost real (could be someone you know in real). The scenario are the various parts of London - city that I love !! And everything is resolved as it should be, without cliffhanger.
A delightful read ...
4,5 stars
March 3, 2015
I love it when I read a book and I fall in love with the characters. I also love it when their flaws and actions make me want to grab them by the shoulders and shake some sense into them. That's how I felt when I was reading Broken Chords by Carrie Elks. Lara and Alex, the couple in focus, look perfect on paper. She works at a clinic helping recovering addicts, while Alex works odd jobs and is the frontman for a band on the cusp of success. They're sexy, they're in love--they're also struggling to make ends meet, trying to balance their relationship and being parents to six-month-old Max. While motherhood has changed Lara in more ways than she's realized, Alex still hasn't grasped just how serious fatherhood is. And when he chooses going on tour with his band over helping to raise his son, he sets his relationship with Lara on a precarious course--especially when she is dealing with postpartum depression.
Broken Chords is a fantastic story of love and second chances. I really enjoyed how Elks pulled us into Lara's world and made us feel the intensity of everything going on around her. A definite 5-star read! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Broken Chords is a fantastic story of love and second chances. I really enjoyed how Elks pulled us into Lara's world and made us feel the intensity of everything going on around her. A definite 5-star read! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
February 27, 2015
Carrie Elks knows how to write true, flawed human characters. She breathes life and depth into her stories, layering love, pain and turmoil together so well, you feel you’re part of the journey.
This book is no different. Lara and Alex seem to have it all – until for one of them, all isn’t enough. When Alex leaves to peruse his dream of making music, leaving her and their young son behind, Lara is left to cope with a new baby and life void of the one person she thought she could always rely on.
A story beautifully told, well written and totally captivating, I found myself at times crying with Lara, furious with Alex and frustrated with them both and having to walk away only to snatch my kindle back up because I had to see what happened next. And I was never disappointed.
Well done, you.
A definite must read.
This book is no different. Lara and Alex seem to have it all – until for one of them, all isn’t enough. When Alex leaves to peruse his dream of making music, leaving her and their young son behind, Lara is left to cope with a new baby and life void of the one person she thought she could always rely on.
A story beautifully told, well written and totally captivating, I found myself at times crying with Lara, furious with Alex and frustrated with them both and having to walk away only to snatch my kindle back up because I had to see what happened next. And I was never disappointed.
Well done, you.
A definite must read.
December 17, 2016
I liked the story. Lara had a lot going to and the book featured her POV only. I think they both lacked maturity and communication skills. Alex could of continued his band if they had only communicated what needs had to be met for Lara after they both discussed going on tour. I could understand her resentment when he looked to be having the time of his life touring with his band and she was home with a baby and working full time.
Alex was a great guy though. Nice book to read!!
Alex was a great guy though. Nice book to read!!
March 7, 2015
i really enjoyed this book. It showed how a couple marry young but can work through their problems. Its great to see a book highlight PND as it is a common thing but some women are misunderstood and dont know they have it. well written and a generally really great read.
May 31, 2020
Broken Chords
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy then and now second chance romance Broken Chords: Love in London book 2 in the Love in London trilogy by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.
Jealousy, manipulation, misunderstandings, loss and an eternal love. This sequel predominantly features Beth's best friends new mother and Clinic counselor Lara Cartwright and her struggle with postpartum depression, a sick infant son Max and, her rocky marriage to rockstar wannabe band lead singer and substance abusing husband Alex. Some group therapy scenes, heart break because of substance abuse related incarceration, and jealousy in the form of Australian absentee single father David add depth to this predominantly sad story with some happy endings. 18+ recommended. Contains the themes of substance abuse, promiscuity as well as containing multiple steamy scenes.
Canada Square
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy second chance romance Canada Square: Love in London book 3 in the Love in London trilogy by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.
Continues the theme of drug use related tragedy as well as mental and physical abuse but adds a forbidden office place romance gone wrong in this novel where Alex's youngest sister Amethyst" Amy" Cartwright leaves an 8 toxic year relationship with her cheating boyfriend Luke, takes a paid internship in a London American based financial company, and struggles with her autonomy and feelings for her boss. Through the supportive counseling of her sister-in- law Lara and with the protection of her alpha brother Alex and loving sacrifice of everything ends happily.
18+ recommended for abuse content and steamy scenes.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy then and now second chance romance Broken Chords: Love in London book 2 in the Love in London trilogy by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.
Jealousy, manipulation, misunderstandings, loss and an eternal love. This sequel predominantly features Beth's best friends new mother and Clinic counselor Lara Cartwright and her struggle with postpartum depression, a sick infant son Max and, her rocky marriage to rockstar wannabe band lead singer and substance abusing husband Alex. Some group therapy scenes, heart break because of substance abuse related incarceration, and jealousy in the form of Australian absentee single father David add depth to this predominantly sad story with some happy endings. 18+ recommended. Contains the themes of substance abuse, promiscuity as well as containing multiple steamy scenes.
Canada Square
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy second chance romance Canada Square: Love in London book 3 in the Love in London trilogy by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.
Continues the theme of drug use related tragedy as well as mental and physical abuse but adds a forbidden office place romance gone wrong in this novel where Alex's youngest sister Amethyst" Amy" Cartwright leaves an 8 toxic year relationship with her cheating boyfriend Luke, takes a paid internship in a London American based financial company, and struggles with her autonomy and feelings for her boss. Through the supportive counseling of her sister-in- law Lara and with the protection of her alpha brother Alex and loving sacrifice of everything ends happily.
18+ recommended for abuse content and steamy scenes.
January 20, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Lara knows she should feel lucky. Married to the man of her dreams, with a gorgeous new baby, she should be enjoying her happy-ever-after. But she never expected motherhood to be so difficult, or for her life to change so dramatically.
Alex has it all: hot, tattooed looks, a beautiful wife, and a band that's finally getting noticed. A lucrative offer of a US tour should be the icing on the cake. But as he leaves the country, distance isn't the only thing that starts to pull their relationship apart.
With half a world dividing them, Alex and Lara have to battle for a marriage they once took for granted.
This is the second book in the "Love in London" series. I hadn't read the first book in the series before this but I don't think it mattered as this feels like a separate story to the first.
What we have here is a story of new parents: Lara is suffering post natal depression while her husband, Alex, is travelling overseas with his rock band. I really couldn't get over the selfishness of the guy - and the realisation and the HEA was just a bit too sickening for me...
On the plus side, however, there is a really well told story of Lara. She seems the perfect character for this story. Her highs and lows are easily spotted and her battle with depression is scarily realistic. I think the author did a splendid job bringing that into the story. Added some real depth to Lara's character.
This would have certainly rated higher if not for Alex's self-indulgence and ignorance of his wife's needs. And the resolution at the end just felt really manufactured and unbelievable.
Paul
ARH
Lara knows she should feel lucky. Married to the man of her dreams, with a gorgeous new baby, she should be enjoying her happy-ever-after. But she never expected motherhood to be so difficult, or for her life to change so dramatically.
Alex has it all: hot, tattooed looks, a beautiful wife, and a band that's finally getting noticed. A lucrative offer of a US tour should be the icing on the cake. But as he leaves the country, distance isn't the only thing that starts to pull their relationship apart.
With half a world dividing them, Alex and Lara have to battle for a marriage they once took for granted.
This is the second book in the "Love in London" series. I hadn't read the first book in the series before this but I don't think it mattered as this feels like a separate story to the first.
What we have here is a story of new parents: Lara is suffering post natal depression while her husband, Alex, is travelling overseas with his rock band. I really couldn't get over the selfishness of the guy - and the realisation and the HEA was just a bit too sickening for me...
On the plus side, however, there is a really well told story of Lara. She seems the perfect character for this story. Her highs and lows are easily spotted and her battle with depression is scarily realistic. I think the author did a splendid job bringing that into the story. Added some real depth to Lara's character.
This would have certainly rated higher if not for Alex's self-indulgence and ignorance of his wife's needs. And the resolution at the end just felt really manufactured and unbelievable.
Paul
ARH
January 17, 2022
Marriage in Trouble
There's something fascinating about books that depicts what comes after Happy Ever After. And Lara and Alex's story certainly had so many ups and downs that it hurt reading their story.
Lara had my admiration from the start. And it continued to grow as the story went on. I didn't particularly like Alex that much. At some point, I would have been happy if Lara found someone else or just gained herself back. Alex certainly had a lot of growing up to do but I believe that at the end he was able to acknowledge his mistakes and was ready to work on himself.
It's satisfying that they grew as characters, and they learned and will continue to learn to adjust as they grow together.
There's something fascinating about books that depicts what comes after Happy Ever After. And Lara and Alex's story certainly had so many ups and downs that it hurt reading their story.
Lara had my admiration from the start. And it continued to grow as the story went on. I didn't particularly like Alex that much. At some point, I would have been happy if Lara found someone else or just gained herself back. Alex certainly had a lot of growing up to do but I believe that at the end he was able to acknowledge his mistakes and was ready to work on himself.
It's satisfying that they grew as characters, and they learned and will continue to learn to adjust as they grow together.
December 30, 2016
Oh well..
This one was REALLY good. I am always a sucker for the "what happens after the HEA stories"
I instantly fell in love with Alex.
I instantly fell in hate with Lara because OH MY GOD she was a whining,dramatic,mad woman jumping to conclusions..I mean give the poor bloke a break,eh?
The story is set in London with those accents and everything and I LOVVEEEE THAT!
Anyway there were some really sad moments..tragic moments..
But this was really good!
And oh Maxie Maxie Maxie!!
This one was REALLY good. I am always a sucker for the "what happens after the HEA stories"
I instantly fell in love with Alex.
I instantly fell in hate with Lara because OH MY GOD she was a whining,dramatic,mad woman jumping to conclusions..I mean give the poor bloke a break,eh?
The story is set in London with those accents and everything and I LOVVEEEE THAT!
Anyway there were some really sad moments..tragic moments..
But this was really good!
And oh Maxie Maxie Maxie!!
March 5, 2024
Carrie creates real characters with relatable flaws. She doesn’t overwrite, and fill with gratuitous sex scenes - Everything she includes is there for a reason. A writer who can make you love and hate a character knows what she’s doing. Carrie takes us through all the emotional stuff that leaves us breathless and wanting more. This is part of a great series.
March 31, 2018
its more a book about relationships, family, depression, love, first children. Very realistic in that sense and less about the fantasy aspect of musicians.
November 26, 2018
Great read
I loved this story. It was well written and the characters were unforgettable. Their journey was incredible. Yes...painful but wow.
I loved this story. It was well written and the characters were unforgettable. Their journey was incredible. Yes...painful but wow.
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