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South Bay Soundtracks #1
Desire
Sixteen months, twenty-three days, seven hours, and thirty-two minutes.
That's how long I've been frozen, unable to move, unable to feel, unable to deal with anything but this howling abyss of anger and guilt and grief. That's how long I've been broken beyond repair, a husk of the woman I once was.
That's how long my husband's been dead.
Then my best friend ropes me into a double date, to "get me back out there." Much to my confusion, I meet a man who actually makes me feel something. Something almost like... desire.
The only problem? He's not my date.
But I can't seem to stop thinking about him, and even as my world falls apart around me, I reach out for him. I am reckless, desperate to satisfy this craving for his annoyingly handsome face and his stupid smile and his confounding electric touches.
He thinks I'm fragile, that one touch will shatter me. But what if I shatter him first? Can I put him back together? Can I repair what is broken between us? I don't know, but I have to try.
But first, I have to figure out a way to repair myself.
That's how long I've been frozen, unable to move, unable to feel, unable to deal with anything but this howling abyss of anger and guilt and grief. That's how long I've been broken beyond repair, a husk of the woman I once was.
That's how long my husband's been dead.
Then my best friend ropes me into a double date, to "get me back out there." Much to my confusion, I meet a man who actually makes me feel something. Something almost like... desire.
The only problem? He's not my date.
But I can't seem to stop thinking about him, and even as my world falls apart around me, I reach out for him. I am reckless, desperate to satisfy this craving for his annoyingly handsome face and his stupid smile and his confounding electric touches.
He thinks I'm fragile, that one touch will shatter me. But what if I shatter him first? Can I put him back together? Can I repair what is broken between us? I don't know, but I have to try.
But first, I have to figure out a way to repair myself.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2017
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 24, 2017
Larkin Michaels is a widow. She lost her high school sweetheart, the only man she’s ever loved. She is stuck in her grief, no matter how many people in her life try to pull her out of it. She has become an unhappy hermit, hiding away from the world and the people she loves in her home. Insert one pushy best friend, one unwanted double blind date, one annoying doorbell, and enter Graham Morris. Graham Morris who technically isn’t there for her, but makes Larkin feel a spark. Larkin hasn’t felt anything but grief and pain for so long, but Graham makes her feel something new... Desire. Is desire enough to pull Larkin out of her grief and have her love again? Is Graham the man strong enough for the pulling? Read Desire and find out!
Desire isn’t my first Amelia Stone read, but it is definitely the deepest and most emotional read I have read of hers. I read her novella One More Time which is fun, sexy, and flirty. Desire is all of those things, but it also shows how much of a multi-faceted talent Stone is because she combines that so flawlessly with Larkin’s deeply emotional story as well. She does a fantastic job showing Larkin and Graham’s spark and desire for each other in a small amount of time. They feel like real people with real struggles and pasts, and how they come together is beautiful and heartbreaking at times. Stone writes in a way that makes it easy to empathize with Larkin, even when she can come off a bit harsh. Many people can sympathize with the feeling of grief and loss, so Larkin feels very relatable. Graham is just swoon city, but there is more too him.
The side characters are great, and shine without overtaking the mains. I want to know more about all of them. Even the nosy neighbors in Larkin’s life are interesting!
All in all Desire is a great read. It’s emotional without being too heavy. It’s fun and sexy, but with a balance that doesn’t make the deep and emotional feel less important. A great contemporary romance, and if that’s your genre I’d definitely give it a try, because this one is a winner!
https://instagram.com/p/Bb4UdgUAdjG/
https://instagram.com/p/Bb1uxGzgV4T/
^check out a fan teaser I made on instagram!
Desire isn’t my first Amelia Stone read, but it is definitely the deepest and most emotional read I have read of hers. I read her novella One More Time which is fun, sexy, and flirty. Desire is all of those things, but it also shows how much of a multi-faceted talent Stone is because she combines that so flawlessly with Larkin’s deeply emotional story as well. She does a fantastic job showing Larkin and Graham’s spark and desire for each other in a small amount of time. They feel like real people with real struggles and pasts, and how they come together is beautiful and heartbreaking at times. Stone writes in a way that makes it easy to empathize with Larkin, even when she can come off a bit harsh. Many people can sympathize with the feeling of grief and loss, so Larkin feels very relatable. Graham is just swoon city, but there is more too him.
The side characters are great, and shine without overtaking the mains. I want to know more about all of them. Even the nosy neighbors in Larkin’s life are interesting!
All in all Desire is a great read. It’s emotional without being too heavy. It’s fun and sexy, but with a balance that doesn’t make the deep and emotional feel less important. A great contemporary romance, and if that’s your genre I’d definitely give it a try, because this one is a winner!
https://instagram.com/p/Bb4UdgUAdjG/
https://instagram.com/p/Bb1uxGzgV4T/
^check out a fan teaser I made on instagram!
September 29, 2018
This was a really good little book it was really well written and had me pulled in from the very start. I just loved Larkin and my heart just broke for her. She is struggling to move past her grief after the death of her husband when she meets Graham on a double date, unfortunately, he is there for her best friend but the attraction between them is immediate but will Larkin risk her heart again. I really enjoyed this book it was a great read
February 1, 2018
3.5 stars
September 16, 2018
I’m having a hard time believing how much I enjoyed this wonderfully written contemporary romance that had a little bit of everything in it. Love, loss, friendship, family, heartache, yearning, witty dialogue, healing, forgiveness,...I could go on and on.
I particularly liked the way the author covered very deep issues, but didn’t overly dramatize them, just handled it in a real and still romantic way. All too often, these romances will have some kind of contrived drama, crazy ex, abusive stalker, or a Hero or heroine who abandons the other because “she/he was better without me” nonsense. This author created a snarky, angry, depressed and mourning female heroine who was smart, caring, loving, but going through a rough patch after losing her husband who she loved deeply. The inner dialogue was insightful and real as we see how Larkin deals with her grief and how her friends and family help and sometimes hurt when trying to help her get through it. As she slowly recovers from her year and half long fog, it’s also great to see her growth and realization and appreciation for her family. I especially liked the way she snaps out of it after hearing Graham expose his horrible history.
Graham was a Hero to savor. Handsome, strong, sensitive, and so taken with Larkin and willing to wait and be whatever she needed at the time. The author never resorts to minimalizing the love and character of Daniel (Larkin’s childhood sweetheart and husband who tragically dies).
The author creates a great story with lots of interesting hooks. Larkin meets Graham on a double date set up by her childhood bestie, but Graham is Taylor’s date, not hers. Instead of making this a HUGE issue (best friend’s ex boyfriend taboo scenario), the author creates a meaningful situation that has the reader see what is happening in Graham and Larkin’s heart/head. The dual POVs were great, their inner dialogue witty and upbeat.
I never felt the typical frustration with these two characters. Their issues and problems did not take years of silence to solve. They were both as honest as they could be, and when they weren’t, they learned from their errors and tried to make amends. The supporting friends and family were also great, with no hidden agenda. Just real emotions and reactions, right or wrong, but real. Kudos to the author in adding that bit with Daniel’s unopened letter. Believe me, that really kept me interested from start to finish to know what it contained. (I thought it was a great and original hook, and I loved the way the author handled the big reveal).
I am so glad I had a chance to read this book and will be looking up other works from this author. This book was that good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I particularly liked the way the author covered very deep issues, but didn’t overly dramatize them, just handled it in a real and still romantic way. All too often, these romances will have some kind of contrived drama, crazy ex, abusive stalker, or a Hero or heroine who abandons the other because “she/he was better without me” nonsense. This author created a snarky, angry, depressed and mourning female heroine who was smart, caring, loving, but going through a rough patch after losing her husband who she loved deeply. The inner dialogue was insightful and real as we see how Larkin deals with her grief and how her friends and family help and sometimes hurt when trying to help her get through it. As she slowly recovers from her year and half long fog, it’s also great to see her growth and realization and appreciation for her family. I especially liked the way she snaps out of it after hearing Graham expose his horrible history.
Graham was a Hero to savor. Handsome, strong, sensitive, and so taken with Larkin and willing to wait and be whatever she needed at the time. The author never resorts to minimalizing the love and character of Daniel (Larkin’s childhood sweetheart and husband who tragically dies).
The author creates a great story with lots of interesting hooks. Larkin meets Graham on a double date set up by her childhood bestie, but Graham is Taylor’s date, not hers. Instead of making this a HUGE issue (best friend’s ex boyfriend taboo scenario), the author creates a meaningful situation that has the reader see what is happening in Graham and Larkin’s heart/head. The dual POVs were great, their inner dialogue witty and upbeat.
I never felt the typical frustration with these two characters. Their issues and problems did not take years of silence to solve. They were both as honest as they could be, and when they weren’t, they learned from their errors and tried to make amends. The supporting friends and family were also great, with no hidden agenda. Just real emotions and reactions, right or wrong, but real. Kudos to the author in adding that bit with Daniel’s unopened letter. Believe me, that really kept me interested from start to finish to know what it contained. (I thought it was a great and original hook, and I loved the way the author handled the big reveal).
I am so glad I had a chance to read this book and will be looking up other works from this author. This book was that good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2017
This book is incredible. It's all the funny of a rom-com plus all the angst and drama of a tear-jerker. The characters are dimensional and non-formulaic. I want to move to South Bay and hang out with these people.
Larkin is unlike any other romance novel lead. She's mean and messy and miserable. And even finding love and becoming a better version of herself, she doesn't stray a whole lot from the snarky and disagreeable person she started as. It's kind of refreshing, and quite reassuring since my natural tendencies are a lot like Larkin's. I tend to be antisocial and impatient and easily frustrated like her. (And like her, my darling husband loves me just as I am and softens my hard edges.)
Graham seems like a simple guy at first, but his layers are revealed as he both pursues and perturbs Larkin. He's tall and handsome, with a mostly hidden inner nerd. He's complicated and strong and tender. Love him.
I'm taking off half a star because I really dislike the cover. It's not bad, it just doesn't say anything about the story. And I don't really think that Graham looks like that cover guy. At the very least, the cover of this book should include the ocean, since it was a recurring theme.
Can't wait for more books in this series. I want to see Ellie get her HEA and Taylor too. And of course, I want to get a peek into how Larkin and Graham are doing.
Larkin is unlike any other romance novel lead. She's mean and messy and miserable. And even finding love and becoming a better version of herself, she doesn't stray a whole lot from the snarky and disagreeable person she started as. It's kind of refreshing, and quite reassuring since my natural tendencies are a lot like Larkin's. I tend to be antisocial and impatient and easily frustrated like her. (And like her, my darling husband loves me just as I am and softens my hard edges.)
Graham seems like a simple guy at first, but his layers are revealed as he both pursues and perturbs Larkin. He's tall and handsome, with a mostly hidden inner nerd. He's complicated and strong and tender. Love him.
I'm taking off half a star because I really dislike the cover. It's not bad, it just doesn't say anything about the story. And I don't really think that Graham looks like that cover guy. At the very least, the cover of this book should include the ocean, since it was a recurring theme.
Can't wait for more books in this series. I want to see Ellie get her HEA and Taylor too. And of course, I want to get a peek into how Larkin and Graham are doing.
November 30, 2017
Amelia did it again!!!
What can I say about Desire? I cried, I laughed, I cried some more, I cheered, and then I cried even more.
Make sure you have kleenex when you read this!!
Larkin is sassy, messy, and real. Graham is the calm that balances her out -- he rolls with her much like the ocean imagery that is prevalent in this book.
The book touches pretty heavily on grief and really expresses well that everyone greives differently and there is never a set timeline as to how long is an "acceptable" time to greive. I love, love, love that this was expressed and how clearly it was done.
There is a character that was mentioned and brought in briefly at the beginning of the book that was so sleazy it made my skin crawl and made me feel sick with rage (this is a good thing!!). The fact that Amelia was able to bring those feelings out of me with the strength that she did is a testament to how real these characters feel and a testament to her writing.
All in all I can't wait for the next installment of the South Bay Soundtrack series. I'd love to see who Taylor's mystery someone is -- and why she's so hedgey about them! I'd love to see more Sage and Jenny. More of everyone, really!!!
What can I say about Desire? I cried, I laughed, I cried some more, I cheered, and then I cried even more.
Make sure you have kleenex when you read this!!
Larkin is sassy, messy, and real. Graham is the calm that balances her out -- he rolls with her much like the ocean imagery that is prevalent in this book.
The book touches pretty heavily on grief and really expresses well that everyone greives differently and there is never a set timeline as to how long is an "acceptable" time to greive. I love, love, love that this was expressed and how clearly it was done.
There is a character that was mentioned and brought in briefly at the beginning of the book that was so sleazy it made my skin crawl and made me feel sick with rage (this is a good thing!!). The fact that Amelia was able to bring those feelings out of me with the strength that she did is a testament to how real these characters feel and a testament to her writing.
All in all I can't wait for the next installment of the South Bay Soundtrack series. I'd love to see who Taylor's mystery someone is -- and why she's so hedgey about them! I'd love to see more Sage and Jenny. More of everyone, really!!!
November 27, 2017
A Romantic Comedy that will make you laugh and cry...I picture a young Sandra Bullock playing the heroine.
Desire was a wonderful read, the first of Amelia Stone's I'd read. I am now a fan. Larkin Michaels is a unique character and I love the way the author portrayed her. She was foul-mouthed, unkempt, and totally lovable. Graham Morris was the perfect hero, polite yet flawed. His breakdown led to mine. What a scene. It was nice to see the development of both characters and the author did a great job of keeping true to the characters despite their growth.
If you're looking for a terrific Rom Com...this is it. It's funny, it's heartbreaking, it's charming. And it will give you all the feels. I was up until three in the morning reading it. I couldn't put it down until the story was told. I'll be one-clicking all of Amelia Stone's books from now on.
Kudos, Ms. Stone.
Desire was a wonderful read, the first of Amelia Stone's I'd read. I am now a fan. Larkin Michaels is a unique character and I love the way the author portrayed her. She was foul-mouthed, unkempt, and totally lovable. Graham Morris was the perfect hero, polite yet flawed. His breakdown led to mine. What a scene. It was nice to see the development of both characters and the author did a great job of keeping true to the characters despite their growth.
If you're looking for a terrific Rom Com...this is it. It's funny, it's heartbreaking, it's charming. And it will give you all the feels. I was up until three in the morning reading it. I couldn't put it down until the story was told. I'll be one-clicking all of Amelia Stone's books from now on.
Kudos, Ms. Stone.
November 30, 2017
I was surprised at the lack of nakkie horizontal scenes in this story at first, but honestly appreciated it not being 98% sex considering the situation the main character is in. This is definitely Amelia’s most emotion-filled tale to date, dang thing had my cheeks wet and nose stuffy more times than I can count, and I’m not one easy to cry. It was beautiful though, one of those I-can’t-put-it-down’s, and I absolutely love Larkin’s screw-off attitude, I can totally relate!
I must admit I was disappointed by the ending, I feel like they got to that point way too quickly since Larkin was so devoted to her husband, but I don’t think it took away from the story as a whole. I can’t wait for the next installment already!
I must admit I was disappointed by the ending, I feel like they got to that point way too quickly since Larkin was so devoted to her husband, but I don’t think it took away from the story as a whole. I can’t wait for the next installment already!
November 30, 2017
My favorite of this author's books I've read so far. There's a lot to like here, including the way she acknowledges overdone romance tropes while still using them effectively and a little dose of science about eye color to geek out on. As is almost always the case for me and my overactive brain, I had a few quibbles with things, like the over the top blind date who is mercifully not around long, and an engineer who says it's hard to find music to listen to in his car because it's old and has a cassette player—surely this smart dude could have discovered the existence of cassette adapters (we have one for our old truck). But all my quibbles were minor and didn't take me out of the story for long.
December 3, 2017
This was my first book by this author and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Normally when I see a book is music or rockstar related I have a hard time getting into it. Not sure why, but that trope somehow fails to wow me. This book however floored me. I could not put it down, which did not help me wake up with the kiddos in the morning when I stayed up all night reading it. Larkin was a hot mess, but a refreshing realistic hot mess. She was everything I could only imagine feeling if I had unexpectedly lost my husband, and Graham was the epitome of sexy nerd. Although their love leaned a bit towards the insta side, it worked for the story.
October 2, 2018
Phenomenal! From the first page, I was hooked and could not stop reading! This is an extremely captivating, emotional and interesting read. A fast pace page turner that is well written, witty, and funny; the plot is well-developed, relatable, and consistent. The characters are strong, determined and intriguing - you will fall in love with them. The chemistry between them is intense, potent, instant and sizzling hot. This is an absolutely amazing book that I strongly recommend reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2019
Second Chances are so worth it.
This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed reading this. I loved the characters. I also enjoyed some of the witty remarks. Grief is handled in so many different ways and it's up to yourself how you come out of it. Doesn't hurt to have someone by your side to help. Losing someone close to you is never easy. But what Larkin was going through made my heart hurt for her. Graham is like this dreamy guy we all want. Once you finally hit the bottom will you be strong enough to pull yourself up.
This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed reading this. I loved the characters. I also enjoyed some of the witty remarks. Grief is handled in so many different ways and it's up to yourself how you come out of it. Doesn't hurt to have someone by your side to help. Losing someone close to you is never easy. But what Larkin was going through made my heart hurt for her. Graham is like this dreamy guy we all want. Once you finally hit the bottom will you be strong enough to pull yourself up.
February 3, 2019
Larkin is a widow and she is struggling to make it through the day. This story has heartbreak, love, finding ones self again
and how it is to love someone again. I really enjoyed reading Desire. I felt the emotions, this book is was a wonderful read.
I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters and the storyline. Amelia Stone did a fantastic job. I couldn't stop reading. I
sat and read it in one shot. I would reccomend this book to my friends and I can't wait to read more by Amelia. I give this book
5 out of 5 stars.
and how it is to love someone again. I really enjoyed reading Desire. I felt the emotions, this book is was a wonderful read.
I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters and the storyline. Amelia Stone did a fantastic job. I couldn't stop reading. I
sat and read it in one shot. I would reccomend this book to my friends and I can't wait to read more by Amelia. I give this book
5 out of 5 stars.
November 28, 2017
Desire took me on the best emotional ride I could ask for. Larkin is so dejected but still not completely closed off to her loved ones and family. Just enough... that she let Graham in.
This is a book that I would love to read over again, for the first time and get all the feels in order again. I can't wait to see how my next read will go, I have a feeling this will become a comfort book for me!
This is a book that I would love to read over again, for the first time and get all the feels in order again. I can't wait to see how my next read will go, I have a feeling this will become a comfort book for me!
December 2, 2017
First time I read a book by this author and I finished this book and download all the other books on Amazon! So good. The h is a real person, that wakes up with bad breath, has a bad hair day, so sparkles, no farting rainbow. The H is an adult man, that finds himself thinking about settling down. So good romance. Highly recommended it!
October 1, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Amelia Stone; she has done a great job at writing a good book. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Amelia Stone; she has done a great job at writing a good book. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
October 1, 2018
A well written story with great characters. This story contains a relatable and believable storyline. Love is lost and love is found. The storyline is based on a heartbreakingly sad past of the main character but also uplifting with its engaging dialogue and entertaining interaction between the two main characters. Recommend
October 2, 2018
This is an incredible and emotional story that is amazing! This is the first story from this author I have had the opportunity to read and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. This is a wonderful story with some amazing characters. I was very captivated with this story from the beginning until the end. Definitely a must read!
December 7, 2017
My favorite to date of Amelia's novels. I love the way she tells a story - I feel as if a good friend is chatting with me. Her characters are complex, yet relatable. The main characters are broken and I love that she has them mend themselves as they heal.
October 2, 2018
She has been dead inside since her husband died. Now a friend makes her to out for a blind date where she sees him. He was not her date but she is finding he is what she may just desire. Can he reawakening her? Can she do the same? See what will happen
October 3, 2018
Great book, excellent plot full of the right balance to keep you interested. Can't get enough of the steamy moments.
October 8, 2018
This book is an emotional heartbreaking storyline that is intriguing. The characters have engaging chemistry. I do appreciate reading this book.
October 30, 2018
It was a very well written story that captured my attention from beginning to the end.
May 31, 2019
Loved this story made me laugh out loud alot!
December 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! Larkin lost her husband in a tragic accident. She blames herself and struggles to move on. Then one day she opens her front door and Graham is standing there... Larkin is immediately interested in him. The problem is he is dating Larkin’s best friend. The reality is he is interested in Larkin as well. This story takes some fun twists and turns as their relationship develops and Larkin learns to move on with her love life.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews