From the First

Seattle Sound #7

by Alexa Padgett

Sudden Impacts

The car that slammed into Evangeline Mercer knocked her life apart. Her body will recover, but when she looks at the orphaned girl from the other car, she’s lost in memories of her own awful time in the foster system. Evie won’t let little Paige go through that nightmare, and she finds an unlikely ally in Kai Luchia, Paige’s newest friend and champion…

Hidden Fears

At 22, Kai is the lead singer in a chart-climbing band. He’s got frontman good looks and cash to burn. But fame and fortune don’t quiet the demons of his past. Or maybe it’s just that shy, sultry Evie has given him something better to desire…

Hurried Hope

When Paige’s case comes to a crisis, Kai and Evie have one reckless shot to take her future into their hands: get married, and fast. They’ll keep her safe. They’ll sate the lust that taunts them. And they’ll have each other, without any messy feelings to sort out. Unless racing away from the truth leads to a larger crash…

Genres: Contemporary

293 pages, ebook

First published March 21, 2017

About the author

With a degree in international marketing and a varied career path that includes content management for a web firm, marketing direction for a high-profile sports agency, and a two-year stint with a renowned literary agency, award-winning author Alexa Padgett has returned to her first love: writing fiction.

Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.

She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/20/2018)! 💝

Sudden Impacts

The car that slammed into Evangeline Mercer knocked her life apart. Her body will recover, but when she looks at the orphaned girl from the other car, she’s lost in memories of her own awful time in the foster system. Evie won’t let little Paige go through that nightmare, and she finds an unlikely ally in Kai Luchia, Paige’s newest friend and champion…

Hidden Fears

At 22, Kai is the lead singer in a chart-climbing band. He’s got frontman good looks and cash to burn. But fame and fortune don’t quiet the demons of his past. Or maybe it’s just that shy, sultry Evie has given him something better to desire…

Hurried Hope

When Paige’s case comes to a crisis, Kai and Evie have one reckless shot to take her future into their hands: get married, and fast. They’ll keep her safe. They’ll sate the lust that taunts them. And they’ll have each other, without any messy feelings to sort out. Unless racing away from the truth just leads to a bigger crash…

[CeCe]

06/17/17 - Will this book ever go on KU?

[Dana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read Series

I have read each book in the series. Each book tugs at your heart with all the twists an turns. Strong characters and storyline. Kia and Evie are perfect together. They show how circumstances of there past made them stronger and better adults

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Padgett is one of the first authors who won me over to the rock star genre with her Seattle Sound series, so I was eager to read an early copy of Kai's story. He and Evie have quite the unique meeting, and I loved the premise for this story. Evie is in an automobile accident that leaves a little girl in the at-fault vehicle hospitalized and orphaned. Kai donates his time singing and playing his guitar for children in the hospital, where he meets the newly orphaned Paige. While in the hospital recovering from her injuries, Evie learns about Paige and befriends her. Having grown up in foster care, Evie's heart goes out to Paige and Evie is willing do anything to spare Paige the experiences Evie had growing up. When it looks like the only way to help Paige is a marriage of convenience to Kai, Evie agrees.

One of the things this author does well is create angst, and Kai and Evie certainly had their share. Evie is three years older than Kai, working at a coffee shop, completing her Ph.D., and considering job offers around the country in her very specialized field. Kai is finishing college and then he’s off to tour with his band for several months. You can see where this is headed, right? Evie has a huge heart and is responsible and determined, but she has a lot on her plate, even before Paige enters the equation. Kai has the brilliant idea to marry Evie in order to spare Paige from foster care, but he puts his money where his mouth is and not much else since he’s leaving on tour. Add in a romance between the two and things get very interesting.

So we need to talk about Kai. He certainly had some issues in his upbringing and his family, and those things effect his concept of love and how he approaches a relationship. And in his defense, he’s young and at the point in his life where he should be touring with the band and living the rock star life. My problem is his making a commitment to two people and then not sticking to it. He finally figured things out, but he did a lot of damage along the way. He was able to redeem himself in the end, but I got caught in some of his destruction, so he'll never be one of my favorite romance heroes. Evie, on the other hand, was spectacular in every way. I was in awe of her selfless compassion and her ability to forgive, and I was happy to see her get her happily ever after. If you like your romance with a lot of angst, a little steam, and heart that also has the capacity to forgive, you’ll love Kai and Evie's story.

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in The Seattle Sound Series and it is Evie and Kai's story and omg what a rollercoaster ride of emotions and a must read. Evie was in a serious car accident and she could still hear the crunching of the metal and the pain she felt but in hospital she heard a child called Paige had been in the accident as well and her father had died and her mother was in critical condition and if the mother died then Paige would be all alone and Evie knew exactly what that was like as she had gone through it herself. Kai is in a popular band and loves to sing and entertain the children in the hospital but when he met Paige they just clicked and something about her spoke to him and Kai was determined to make her life easier and take care of her but he hadn't worked out how as he had failed his brother who committed suicide but he couldn't fail Paige. When Evie and Kai meet things don't go well but when everything is sorted out over a misunderstanding they all start spending time together and things seem to be going well but what happens when everything goes wrong and the pressure builds so much that something has to give or everything will break and they will not survive putting everything on the line. Will they be able to get over there problems to be able to get a chance of a happy ending and become a family only time will tell what the outcome will be for them all. Omg this book completely broke me with everything that they had all been through in there lives and I cried so much but I had to keep turning the to see what would happen next for them and this book was so addictive that I couldn't put it down. Alexa Padgett is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and on the edge of their seats and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a copy of this book.

[Katie Bug · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the First, Book Five of The Seattle Sound Series by Alexa Padgett

Evangeline (Evie) Mercer is a twenty-six-year-old grad student studying Pharmacology and Psychological Counseling an Interdisciplinary PHD at Northern University. After running a few errands, she is struck by another car and wakes up in the hospital in almost unbearable pain. When she finds out the results of the accident it causes emotional as well.

Kai Luchia is a twenty-three-year-old student at Northern University and the lead singer of the popular new band, Lummi Nation. Ever since his band mate and friend, Clay Rippy’s sister, was hospitalized with cancer, he would visit to play music for the sick kids. When he meets four-year-old Paige and finds out her story, he can’t help but get involved with her case.

The accident that caused the injuries to Evie also took away the parents of Paige. When Evie and Kai find out they both want to help her anyway they can. Even if it means playing the part as husband and wife. When Kai goes on the road and leaves Evie to take on all the responsibilities it causes bigger issues that they may not recover from.

Once again Alexa Padgett tugs on the heart strings and yanks! I always go into her books thinking this one wont tear me up and then it does. I’m not crying, your crying! The background story for Kai, Evie and of course Paige were tragic to say the least. No matter what has been thrown at them, they keep fighting to stay together.

[Mo ♡]

Do NOT read this book if you can't stand cheating. I WISH there was a warning in the description before I started this book. But by the time I realised, I was in toooo far. The worst book in the series SO far. 🚩🚩🚩🚩

Kai was the WORST, he did NOT deserve Evie, she should've never taken him back but she's stupid so she did. They got married so they could get custody of a little girl who they both loved. But Evie fell in love with Kai and although Kai was attracted to her, he stated he did not love her. BUT he promised he would be faithful and it would be a real marriage. BUT NO, he instead nearly had sex with an actress at a hotel that he went to, after him and Evie had one fight. HE CHEATED ON HER, making out with her and groping her, but apparently according to everyone else in the book, THAT wasn't cheating. Like give me a fucking break.

I'm still so angry about it, boils my blood, especially how AFTERWARDS he avoided her when she needed him. He WASN'T THERE. And then when he finally crawled back, she forgave him as soon as he gave her a few platitudes. I love you Evie blaa blaa blaa. Like I believe that shit. Disgusting. Eww. How did she just get over it. Also she found out about HIS cheating by READING ABOUT IT on the tabloids.

This book is just eww 🤢, it's the worst, don't read it, it made me insanely angry. 😑 ✋️

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I’ve loved every book in Alexa Padgett’s Seattle Sound series so far, but From the First (Book 5)? Wow. Oh wow. Yes, this is yet another fabulous “Bad Boy” Rockstar Romance - and our bad boy here, Kai Luchia, is perfect for the role, but this story is so very much more. Read the publisher’s blurb for this one. It is actually very detailed (without spoiling anything) and tells you all you really need about. I will just add that Evangeline Mercer is as perfectly cast as Kai (and so is little Paige), that the rest of the cast of characters is equally well constructed and “real”, and that the plot and writing are as wonderful as fans of this series have come to expect (though don’t worry newcomers, this works perfectly well as a standalone, even if I pretty much guarantee you’ll be too tempted to read the others after you’ve read this one). But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people drawn together with a common goal, to save and protect a little girl from being swallowed up in the foster system, results in a marriage of convenience. This book is sad on so many fronts as Evie and Kai struggle to overcome their own broken past to create a strong environment for Paige. Not everyone believes in them and when they least expect it, their less than stellar youth is thrown back in their faces. In many ways, both Kai and Evie have a lot of growing up to do, but ultimately they draw on strengths they didn't know they had. The book Is well written and is deeply emotional, leaving one despairing for the couple as they blunder their way through the demands placed on them. Although this novel is part of a series and characters from previous books appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy closure. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Suzy Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evangeline has overcome great odds to achieve academic success. She is close to finishing her PhD when a car wreck leaves her fighting for her life. But Evie wasn’t the only one injured. The other car left 1 dead and 2 also fighting to survive. But 4 year old Paige has lost her father, and her mom May not survive. Evie wants to reach out to help share their grief.
Kai is a rising star in the music world. He is dealing with his own grief by sharing his music with children in the hospital. This is where he meets Evie and Paige. Over the weeks of recovery and pain Evie and Kai feel the need to protect Paige. They want to create a new, safe family for Paige even though they are both young themselves. But their rising passions may actually keep them from the healing and happiness they all deserve.
Another heart warming story of love and redemption from a talented author. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Comfy Couch Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in this series from Alexa and wow this was a heartbreaker right from the first page! This is the story of Evie and Kai taking on a responsibility that neither of them had planned for but couldn't refuse.

It starts with Evie waking up in hospital after she is involved in a serious car crash that killed Paige's father and leaves her mother gravely ill. Rock star Kai visits the hospital to play guitar for the kids and this time he meets Paige who steals his heart. Evie and Kai meet in Paige's hospital room and he gets angry and pushes her away from Paige, believing that Evie was the cause of the accident. When he finds out that Evie almost died in the accident that was caused by Paige's drunk driver father, he visits her to apologize and a bond forms between them.

After the death of her mother Paige has people wanting to adopt her but she hates them. Evie and Kai offer to step in and give Paige a home where she will be happy even though it will life changing and a huge responsibility for both of them. Kai offers to marry Evie so that they will be good applicants to adopt Paige.

It seems like a great solution to ensure that Paige has a happy future, but what of Kai and Evie? They are both developing strong feelings for each other, but can they overcome the pain that both of them have suffered in their pasts to become a happy family in the future?

Alexa creates a wonderful story but it is a tear-jerker as it involves a child who has suffered so much pain, and two people who have to come together and grow up quickly to become parents to this child who deserves more out of life. It's a book that you really can't put down.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

You better hold on with this one it gives you a deep ride filled with emotional turmoil at times. Evangeline and Kai are the characters that pull you in deep for the ride that thanks also to a accident. The one whom fast pulls on the heart is Paige as you see where her future heads. As they answers come and the pitfalls happen you are soon caught up in their growing relationship. You are not the only one getting caught up with this being the rich point that you want a certain outcome. The molding of the two adults also is given in this with a window into the past also helps with the future. I do not read too many genre that will have a music person in it but this author had me making a exception thanks to her writing. Compassion and love play a big part in this with it lassoing our heart.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

From The First
Seattle Sound Series #5
Kindred spirits- Kai and Evie are broken, hurt and have no self confidence in themselves.
This slow slow slow burn story starts with the wrenching of metal on metal in a body shattering crash. Both our leads are drawn to an orphaned little girl neither one wants to to fall into “the system” but will their proposal work for anyone. Will hearts be shattered. Can trust and love be restored.
This is part of a series but reads as a stand-alone with hea (eventually, after they torture themselves). I received an arc of this book.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read... from the snippets of Kai from the other books in the Seattle Sound series, I thought he was a grumpy, moody man until in this book he meets Evie.
From the first chapter, I was hooked. There go reading it in one night.
A brilliant love story and so original in its story line, I loved the twists in the story that kept you guessing.
So Kai meets Evie but it's not so straight forward, it's arranged so they can adopt orphaned Paige. But can they fall in love and overcome the problems that come with Kai being a touring rock star? Read to find out!

[Luthermilla Ecole · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a waste of my time!!!
I could't connected with the characters, and The heroes was weak. I also hate that crap that the authors try too feed us, like I'm not good enough, they better without me and all that, I am protecting them, yada yada, this is just crap. If you have a kid, shut up and go be the father she deserves.
I didn't like Evie, she Let Kai treat her like shitttt, and he didn't grovel at all.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the fifth book of the Seattle Sound series. The books are standalones, but you should read them in order, if you plan to read them all. And you should.
I love this series. This is another great story about real love, selflessness, dealing with commitment issues, uniting for common goals and great friendships.
But I can't give five stars, because ignorance and immature behaviour drove me mad at some points.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I did enjoy it. I liked the interesting, engaging characters, particularly Kai. He's a popular rock star but he too has his own insecurities and emotional hurts.Yet a little girl may be able to bring these two loving yet in the past wounded charcters together in a loving relationship. Check it out to find out how.

[Jennifer Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is, once again, amazing! Kai and Evangeline meet in the oddest of ways, and have a...to say "complicated" is an understatement...relationship. They are so drawn to each other, especially over sweet little Paige, yet they are both carrying loads of insecurities. Their willingness to do just about anything to make sure Paige has a loving home is admirable, even if Evie & Kai are basically strangers, is so amazing! This book was so sweet and strong, and it was incredibly touching. Can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book! So emotional and so very good. From the description you can tell this will be an emotional rollercoaster and what a ride it is. No spoilers here though. This is one you need to read to discover the hurt, angst, sadness, joy, selfishness, anger, love within it's pages. Such a great story, I didn't want it to end.

[LaRaine Grisham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I highly recommend the Seattle Sound Series. I just finished book 5 and can't wait to read number six. I really enjoy reading books when I am very familiar with the areas mentioned in them. Really worth your time to read.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can two broken souls connect and help a little orphan girl find happiness and love in a real family? Evangeline and Kai must learn to face their past in order to give Paige a future together. A tough story about real love, friendship and family.

[Bev Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Evite was such a cool girl I loved her character so strong! Kai was as little lost but came around soon enough! Very good story romantic and heartfelt!

[Becky Ballenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly wonderful!!!! I couldn’t stop turning the pages!!!! It was AHHHHMAZING!!!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!

[Angel Mcduffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misunderstandings, fears, promises, love, and loss From the First has it all.

[Emily]

DNF'ed at 25%. It's just really sad? Not what I'm looking for in romance.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional book. Such a great storyline. How these 2 20-somethings joined forces to save a 4-yr old from the foster care system and became an instant family.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the First by Alexa Padgett ***** Really good!!
Evie and Kai come together for a common goal and then become something more... this story is about grief and heartbreak, friendship and love, and moving on. A good story, very well written with wonderful character development. Disclosure: I received and am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I’ve loved every book in Alexa Padgett’s Seattle Sound series so far, but From the First (Book 5)? Wow. Oh wow. Yes, this is yet another fabulous “Bad Boy” Rockstar Romance - and our bad boy here, Kai Luchia, is perfect for the role, but this story is so very much more. Read the publisher’s blurb for this one. It is actually very detailed (without spoiling anything) and tells you all you really need about. I will just add that Evangeline Mercer is as perfectly cast as Kai (and so is little Paige), that the rest of the cast of characters is equally well constructed and “real”, and that the plot and writing are as wonderful as fans of this series have come to expect (though don’t worry newcomers, this works perfectly well as a standalone, even if I pretty much guarantee you’ll be too tempted to read the others after you’ve read this one). But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)