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Heartstrings
Josie Bell has come home to Sassafras, South Carolina, out of money, out of luck—and out of gas. Seven years ago, dreaming of making it big in Nashville, she left without so much as a goodbye—even to the love of her life. So when Tanner shows up on her doorstep—muscled and sexy and making her every nerve ending shout hello—she knows it’s time to face the music. He’s the only one who ever believed she could make it as a country singer, and now she needs his help… Tanner Rose is living the dream—he has a flourishing construction company, a supportive family, and no lack of female companionship. And even though Josie broke his heart when she left without a word, he can’t stop himself from supporting her newest scheme. It isn’t words he wants from her, though, when the passion between them builds faster than anything he’s made with hammer and nail. He’s never been able to hold her back from chasing her dreams, but what happens when her new dream is finding a way to make him trust her again?
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2018
31 people want to read
About the author
Toni Blake
45 books1,160 followersToni Blake's love of writing began when she won an essay contest in the fifth grade. Soon after, she penned her first novel, nineteen notebook-pages long, and announced to her mother over breakfast one day that she was going to be a writer when she grew up. Since then, Toni has become the author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels. Her work has been excerpted in Cosmo, she's been a recipient of the Kentucky Women Writers Fellowship and a nominee for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, and she's also had more than forty short stories and articles published. Toni lives in the Midwest and enjoys traveling, genealogy, crafts, and snow skiing.
Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.
Photo: Cassandra Stella
Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.
Photo: Cassandra Stella
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 8, 2018
3.5 stars
As a long-time fan of Toni Blake, I was really happy to get a chance to read this book. Although this is the first book of the series that I’ve tried, I found that it was very easy to fall into this world that Blake has created. I think if you’re a fan of small-town romances with a southern vibe to it, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book.
HEARTSTRINGS is a second-chance love story for Josie and Tanner. After fleeing to pursue her music career, Josie has suddenly returned to Sassafras, South Carolina it’s a big surprise for Tanner. Though they parted suddenly, there’s still a lot of chemistry between their characters.
To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to both the characters. But I think that’s mostly due to the fact that I am coming into this series without having read the other books in the series. With each brother getting a book, obviously the books will connect more and that attachment will be there from the beginning. Nevertheless, this book was a very quick and easy read. I am still in love with the way Blake writes, but this book does feel a lot more laid-back than some of her previous books.
Tanner and Josie do have a lot to overcome before they can be together and Blake does a good job of going through the emotions to create a believable story. I am definitely looking forward to going back to read the other books in the series.
As a long-time fan of Toni Blake, I was really happy to get a chance to read this book. Although this is the first book of the series that I’ve tried, I found that it was very easy to fall into this world that Blake has created. I think if you’re a fan of small-town romances with a southern vibe to it, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book.
HEARTSTRINGS is a second-chance love story for Josie and Tanner. After fleeing to pursue her music career, Josie has suddenly returned to Sassafras, South Carolina it’s a big surprise for Tanner. Though they parted suddenly, there’s still a lot of chemistry between their characters.
To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to both the characters. But I think that’s mostly due to the fact that I am coming into this series without having read the other books in the series. With each brother getting a book, obviously the books will connect more and that attachment will be there from the beginning. Nevertheless, this book was a very quick and easy read. I am still in love with the way Blake writes, but this book does feel a lot more laid-back than some of her previous books.
Tanner and Josie do have a lot to overcome before they can be together and Blake does a good job of going through the emotions to create a believable story. I am definitely looking forward to going back to read the other books in the series.
May 8, 2018
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
As a long-time fan of Toni Blake, I was really happy to get a chance to read this book. Although this is the first book of the series that I’ve tried, I found that it was very easy to fall into this world that Blake has created. I think if you’re a fan of small-town romances with a southern vibe to it, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book.
HEARTSTRINGS is a second-chance love story for Josie and Tanner. After fleeing to pursue her music career, Josie has suddenly returned to Sassafras, South Carolina it’s a big surprise for Tanner. Though they parted suddenly, there’s still a lot of chemistry between their characters.
To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to both the characters. But I think that’s mostly due to the fact that I am coming into this series without having read the other books in the series. With each brother getting a book, obviously the books will connect more and that attachment will be there from the beginning. Nevertheless, this book was a very quick and easy read. I am still in love with the way Blake writes, but this book does feel a lot more laid-back than some of her previous books.
Tanner and Josie do have a lot to overcome before they can be together and Blake does a good job of going through the emotions to create a believable story. I am definitely looking forward to going back to read the other books in the series.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
April 15, 2018
“Heartstrings” by Toni Blake is book 3 of The Rose Brother Series and features construction company owner Tanner Rose and down-and-out country singer Josie Bell.
Tanner Rose had his life planned out. He started his own business and imagined marrying his first love and starting a family. The business part of his dream came true. The woman he once proposed to is now back in Sassafras after fleeing seven years ago and he has to face the truth – he hasn’t stopped loving her.
Josie Bell returns home after her chasing her dream in Nashville didn’t work out as she planned. She wants to start over, forge a new dream, all the while dealing with regrets of the past. She knows leaving Tanner the way she did was wrong and seeing him again she wants to right those wrongs. After all, she still loves him.
“Heartstrings” is about healing hearts and second chances and finding a new path to happily-ever-after. It is filled with the emotions and relatable characters that we come to expect from a Toni Blake novel.
Tanner Rose had his life planned out. He started his own business and imagined marrying his first love and starting a family. The business part of his dream came true. The woman he once proposed to is now back in Sassafras after fleeing seven years ago and he has to face the truth – he hasn’t stopped loving her.
Josie Bell returns home after her chasing her dream in Nashville didn’t work out as she planned. She wants to start over, forge a new dream, all the while dealing with regrets of the past. She knows leaving Tanner the way she did was wrong and seeing him again she wants to right those wrongs. After all, she still loves him.
“Heartstrings” is about healing hearts and second chances and finding a new path to happily-ever-after. It is filled with the emotions and relatable characters that we come to expect from a Toni Blake novel.
April 16, 2018
Heartstrings by Toni Blake
Another hot Rose brother, and another hot romance from Toni Blake.
Josie is a fun loving, dream chasing type of girl, but with one huge life regret.
Walking away from the love of her life!
Tanner the youngest Rose brother can’t believe where a construction job takes him. It’s like going back in time for him, and he has a hard time saying no to old flame Josie.
I was surprised how quickly I read this book.
I didn’t put it down from cover to cover.
This is a wonderful little love story that builds up the heat between these two characters.
The characters are easy to fall in love with and you soon start rooting for Love to win out for them.
It’s a super fun quick book to read with the classic Toni Blake love story.
If you’ve enjoyed any of her other books you’re surely to love this one as well.
Another hot Rose brother, and another hot romance from Toni Blake.
Josie is a fun loving, dream chasing type of girl, but with one huge life regret.
Walking away from the love of her life!
Tanner the youngest Rose brother can’t believe where a construction job takes him. It’s like going back in time for him, and he has a hard time saying no to old flame Josie.
I was surprised how quickly I read this book.
I didn’t put it down from cover to cover.
This is a wonderful little love story that builds up the heat between these two characters.
The characters are easy to fall in love with and you soon start rooting for Love to win out for them.
It’s a super fun quick book to read with the classic Toni Blake love story.
If you’ve enjoyed any of her other books you’re surely to love this one as well.
April 18, 2018
This is the third book in this series but is the first book I had read in the series. A love story between Josie and Tanner. Two Characters that I couldn't help but to fall in love with. It's a short and simple read but a remarkable story as two lovers are reunited and try to figure out if they can get over the heartache from the past and move forward or if the past is to much to move on from. Though I hadn't read any of the other books in this series it was easy to keep up with and understand what happening in the story and now that I read this one I will be going back to read the others because I don't want to miss anything. Both the main characters and the other characters were easy to fall in love with. This was an awesome story of a lost love and a possible second chance.
April 23, 2018
**I received this book as an ARC to review**
I have not read the first two books in this series, but plan on doing that soon. This is a short read, that is quick and there are definitely moments of unexpected steam. The main characters, Josie and Tanner were apart for seven years, and bam! They still have the chemistry that can't be ignored. However, I felt that Josie needed to more proving of herself to not only Tanner but her family. I understand that there were things that couldn't have been more detailed because this was a short read. I was very pleased on how things ended. It was a statement moment for me. As always, Toni is one of my go-to authors that I thoroughly enjoy reading her books.
I have not read the first two books in this series, but plan on doing that soon. This is a short read, that is quick and there are definitely moments of unexpected steam. The main characters, Josie and Tanner were apart for seven years, and bam! They still have the chemistry that can't be ignored. However, I felt that Josie needed to more proving of herself to not only Tanner but her family. I understand that there were things that couldn't have been more detailed because this was a short read. I was very pleased on how things ended. It was a statement moment for me. As always, Toni is one of my go-to authors that I thoroughly enjoy reading her books.
January 2, 2024
By all rights I shouldn’t like this book and I should’ve rated it 3 stars if I’m following my rating system. It’s in my least favorite genre (contemporary romance), a novella, set in a small town, and is a second chance romance. But, I actually really liked it and now I’m confused, lol.
It was cute, sweet, and an easy read. Even though it was third in a series and a novella, Toni did enough world and character introducing that it felt complete.
There are only two things I really don’t like: the focus on country music (ew), and typical as it for novella’s, the rushed ending.
Ultimately if you’re okay with novellas, and like the small town, second chance, contemporary romance thing, you’d probably like this even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series.
It was cute, sweet, and an easy read. Even though it was third in a series and a novella, Toni did enough world and character introducing that it felt complete.
There are only two things I really don’t like: the focus on country music (ew), and typical as it for novella’s, the rushed ending.
Ultimately if you’re okay with novellas, and like the small town, second chance, contemporary romance thing, you’d probably like this even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series.
April 24, 2018
"If you love something set it free. If it was meant to be it will come back to you!"
Toni Blake has created another wonderful love story. I can't wait to read more about the Rose brothers and their families. Josie and Tanner hope to never see each other again. Fate has different plans. The more they try to fight their attraction, the hotter it gets. Josie realizes that sometimes you need to go searching for what you want so you can realize that it was right in front of you all along. I loved all three of the Rose brothers books, but this one tied them together beautifully.
Toni Blake has created another wonderful love story. I can't wait to read more about the Rose brothers and their families. Josie and Tanner hope to never see each other again. Fate has different plans. The more they try to fight their attraction, the hotter it gets. Josie realizes that sometimes you need to go searching for what you want so you can realize that it was right in front of you all along. I loved all three of the Rose brothers books, but this one tied them together beautifully.
April 15, 2018
I loved this story. Josie and Tanner's story of lost love and second chances was beautifully written. Toni Blake is an autobuy author for me because her stories pull you in and keep you captivated. Heartstrings was full of well written characters and fluid dialogue.
April 16, 2018
Loved this book. I'm glad that we were able to see all of the Rose brothers get their happily ever after. The story of Josie and Tanner is sweet. Even after distance and heartbreak, Tanner is still drawn to Josie. The two of them must overcome the past to make a future.
April 21, 2018
A wonderful continuation of the Rose brothers. I love this town..glad to have received an ARC of this book for an honest review!! I hope to get my hands on more books based in this town, with these overlapping characters!
April 25, 2018
I really loved this story!!!
Tanner was the only one who believed in Josie. Now she is back, he wonders if things have changed. He now runs a successful business.
I love the story and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next to write.
Tanner was the only one who believed in Josie. Now she is back, he wonders if things have changed. He now runs a successful business.
I love the story and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next to write.
January 26, 2021
Loved the heroine
Very good! COL when she knows she's lost it all. Happy crying at the end. Josie goes to Nashville to become a star; comes back home 7 yrs later a defeated woman. Watching her turn her life around, with the awkward support of Tanner, makes a compelling story.
Very good! COL when she knows she's lost it all. Happy crying at the end. Josie goes to Nashville to become a star; comes back home 7 yrs later a defeated woman. Watching her turn her life around, with the awkward support of Tanner, makes a compelling story.
April 25, 2018
Another amazing book by Toni. I started to read and could not put it down. I can’t wait until the next one comes out. Thank you Toni for being such an amazing author.
April 24, 2018
This is book three in the Rose Brothers series by Toni Blake. I really loved this book. This was a fun, quick read. Josie and Tanner are perfect for each other even if it takes one of them a little longer than the other to realize that. Josie is a singer/songwriter who came back home after burning out in Nashville. Tanner runs his own construction company and gets the surprise of his life when he gets called to Rosebud to look at a job and sees someone he never thought he’d see again—Josie. They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other, but can they put the past behind them and move on?
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews