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Hale Brothers #2
Starless Nights
Beau Hale
She said that she was my best friend and then one day she wasn’t. Every day I live with the visible scars, but it’s the invisible ones that hurt the most. They are a constant reminder of everything I’ve lost as well as all the things that I’ll never have. I should be over this by now, it’s been years, but I can’t escape the memories that haunt me. Everyone around me is moving on with their life, so now I need to do the same. Tennis brought me to Columbia University, and I am quickly proving that I will not let anyone defeat me, past or present. I am in control now. Life has taught me the hard way to remember that. But after all this time, I’m still searching for an answer to the one question that is constantly burning in the back of my mind…why?
Leila Starling
He said that he was my best friend, and then one day he wasn’t. It took one moment to change my entire life. What I thought I knew became a lie and nothing was ever the same. Slowly, I picked up the pieces and focused on what I could control…me. I live in New York City and attend one of the world’s most prestigious fashion and design schools. Day after day, I am getting closer and closer to making my dreams come true. I did this all on my own and no one can ever take it from me. I know my future is bright, even if my heart is destined to stay in the dark. The dull ache that still lingers is my daily reminder to rely on no one but myself. Although, after all this time, I still can’t help but wonder…why?
She said that she was my best friend and then one day she wasn’t. Every day I live with the visible scars, but it’s the invisible ones that hurt the most. They are a constant reminder of everything I’ve lost as well as all the things that I’ll never have. I should be over this by now, it’s been years, but I can’t escape the memories that haunt me. Everyone around me is moving on with their life, so now I need to do the same. Tennis brought me to Columbia University, and I am quickly proving that I will not let anyone defeat me, past or present. I am in control now. Life has taught me the hard way to remember that. But after all this time, I’m still searching for an answer to the one question that is constantly burning in the back of my mind…why?
Leila Starling
He said that he was my best friend, and then one day he wasn’t. It took one moment to change my entire life. What I thought I knew became a lie and nothing was ever the same. Slowly, I picked up the pieces and focused on what I could control…me. I live in New York City and attend one of the world’s most prestigious fashion and design schools. Day after day, I am getting closer and closer to making my dreams come true. I did this all on my own and no one can ever take it from me. I know my future is bright, even if my heart is destined to stay in the dark. The dull ache that still lingers is my daily reminder to rely on no one but myself. Although, after all this time, I still can’t help but wonder…why?
Paperback
First published November 9, 2014
295 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Andrews
19 books590 followersKathryn Andrews is a #1 Inspirational Romance Bestselling Author who loves stories that end with a happily ever after. She started writing at age seven and never stopped. Kathryn is known for Chasing Clouds, the Starving for Southern series, and her much loved Hale Brothers series. Her stories are sweet, southern, and fall into the genres of chi-lit, contemporary romance, sports romance, and southern fiction.
Kathryn graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. She spends her days as a sales director for a medical device company and her nights lost in her love of fictional characters.
When Kathryn is not crafting beautiful worlds that incorporate some of her most favorite real life places, she can be found hanging out with her husband and two young sons, while drinking iced coffee and enjoying the sun.
A note from the author...
Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.
Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run quite a few half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.
I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life: cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes…writing.
I may not be culinary trained, but I love to cook and my family and friends loves to eat my food. I cook, therefore I am a chef!
My thumb is not black. I love to grow herbs, tomatoes, roses, and lavender. I garden, therefore I am a gardener!
I love beautiful fabrics and I can follow a pattern. My triangles may not line up perfectly…but who cares, my quilts are still beautiful when they are finished. I quilt, therefore I am a quilter.
I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories…then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.
So, I’ve told you who I am and what I love to do…now I’m going to tell you the why.
I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.
In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell…all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.
Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.”
Kathryn graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. She spends her days as a sales director for a medical device company and her nights lost in her love of fictional characters.
When Kathryn is not crafting beautiful worlds that incorporate some of her most favorite real life places, she can be found hanging out with her husband and two young sons, while drinking iced coffee and enjoying the sun.
A note from the author...
Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.
Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run quite a few half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.
I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life: cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes…writing.
I may not be culinary trained, but I love to cook and my family and friends loves to eat my food. I cook, therefore I am a chef!
My thumb is not black. I love to grow herbs, tomatoes, roses, and lavender. I garden, therefore I am a gardener!
I love beautiful fabrics and I can follow a pattern. My triangles may not line up perfectly…but who cares, my quilts are still beautiful when they are finished. I quilt, therefore I am a quilter.
I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories…then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.
So, I’ve told you who I am and what I love to do…now I’m going to tell you the why.
I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.
In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell…all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.
Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 7, 2018
to w ogole nie bylo to czego sie spodziewałam... juz abstrahując od mamuski i tego co zrobila, albo raczej nie zrobiła i zrobiła.... ale spodziewalam sie książki o mlodym zawadiace, łobuzie , wesołku który kryje w sobie naprawde wiele bólu- i nie dziwota po tym co przeszedł... a dostałam książke o złamanym , poważnym, cierpiącym z powodu złamanego serca, z powodu niespełnionej pierwszej milości, milości którą się spotyka raz w życiu ... to nie był tamten Beau którego znałam z pierwszej części i dlatego jest to bardziej poruszające.
March 29, 2017
One lie,which lead to the divide between Leila and Beau. (I knew it that mother is one selfish person) .So much grief and longing and tears for two souls which should be already together forever from the beginning
Both characters have been completed,the only thing that bother me is constantly jumping into the past and into the future without some sort of accurate boundaries.
Both characters have been completed,the only thing that bother me is constantly jumping into the past and into the future without some sort of accurate boundaries.
November 10, 2014
Starless Nights (Hale Brothers Series #2) by Kathryn Andrews
4.5 stars!!
This is the second book in the Hale Brothers series and this book centres round Beau Hale. I knew that Beau's story was going to be emotionally brutal and Kathryn Andrews delivered in spades. My heart broke time and time again for our Beau Hale, he truly has suffered, yet he tries to put on such a brave front, but even the strongest men have to have a breakdown at some point. His journal and his inner thoughts brought me to my knees at times but Beau is a fighter and to see him slowly but surely come through was beautiful to watch. It is a hard journey and one fraught with a distinct lack of communication that had me angry at times, but this is the journey that they needed to take and actually I think made them both stronger at the end.
Kathryn Andrews destroyed me with Drops of Rain; it was such an emotionally charged book, so much so I already had a deep connection with the characters. We have heard Drew’s story but Beau was always present being the little brother. My first initial thoughts with Beau were that he used his wise ass humour as a distraction, by being funny; he hid the true Beau Hale. The real Beau Hale was empty, a shell, he had very little self-belief, always felt that he wasn’t enough, always living in Drew’s shadow and taking the punishment for it. His home life as we know was non-existent, he suffered immensely but he tries his hardest not to let it determine the man he is today, but sometimes trying just isn’t enough. He needs help. Throughout this book, I wanted to give Beau cuddles, I wanted to protect him, I wanted to give him those pep talks that told him he was a great man, he did deserve happiness and most of all he deserved a shot at life. It is testament to Kathryn Andrew’s writing that she managed to bring out the tigress, who just wanted to protect her cub.
Leila was a great character and was just what Beau Hale needed. She was full of life, vibrant, easy going, yet she was a little pocket rocket. She knew what she wanted in life and was fighting tooth and nail to get it. Professionally she was sorted, she had her path and she was walking it, actually running it, she was determined. Her personal life however was a totally different story. Beau Hale had already left his mark, a scar in fact, she never really understood and in fact had giving up trying to, however, she couldn’t shake her feelings for him. He was a true love for her, but she just couldn’t understand what had gone so horribly wrong.
I must admit, when these two reconnected I was ecstatic, second chance love is one of my favourite reads. However, these two were infuriating at times, as I said in my opening paragraph, these two just did not talk. I admit, circumstances beyond their control had kind of overtaken their lives and people got in the way or just even consider certain things, but once the whole sorry tale is revealed you couldn’t help but mourn the time that they had lost. Misunderstandings a plenty determined the route their lives have taken thus far, but now it is up to them to put it right. Do they both have the inclination to make it work? Are they prepared to fight for what and who they want? Or are they just too emotionally scarred to take that step? These two have a lot to work through and a lot to understand. Most of all they need to open their lines of communication and confide in each other and be there for each other. These two have a lot of emotional baggage and it all needs to be unpacked if they want a future, to even have a chance at a future.
Kathryn Andrews totally engages you throughout this book; from the first to last page I was riveted. As I have come to expect this book was emotional, it was heart-breaking but it was beautiful. This is a book that you will live, experience and breathe; it is that intense pull on your emotions that builds that character connection, to the point where the words fade into images. I found myself looking in as an outsider, I felt as if I was there and I was championing these two along. It may be second chance or even third chance love for these two, but you could tell they were soul mates, you could feel their deep emotional connection, their love for each other radiated off the page, they just needed to work through the past for them to have a chance at a future.
To say I have loved this series is an understatement, it is one of my highly recommends and I cannot wait to see what Kathryn Andrews has in store for us next. I love her writing style, fluid and effortless, emotional and all-consuming and I for one cannot wait to read more.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.”
This is the second book in the Hale Brothers series and this book centres round Beau Hale. I knew that Beau's story was going to be emotionally brutal and Kathryn Andrews delivered in spades. My heart broke time and time again for our Beau Hale, he truly has suffered, yet he tries to put on such a brave front, but even the strongest men have to have a breakdown at some point. His journal and his inner thoughts brought me to my knees at times but Beau is a fighter and to see him slowly but surely come through was beautiful to watch. It is a hard journey and one fraught with a distinct lack of communication that had me angry at times, but this is the journey that they needed to take and actually I think made them both stronger at the end.
“Every night, I wondered if she was looking at them too. Did they remind her of me? Did she ever think about me?”
Kathryn Andrews destroyed me with Drops of Rain; it was such an emotionally charged book, so much so I already had a deep connection with the characters. We have heard Drew’s story but Beau was always present being the little brother. My first initial thoughts with Beau were that he used his wise ass humour as a distraction, by being funny; he hid the true Beau Hale. The real Beau Hale was empty, a shell, he had very little self-belief, always felt that he wasn’t enough, always living in Drew’s shadow and taking the punishment for it. His home life as we know was non-existent, he suffered immensely but he tries his hardest not to let it determine the man he is today, but sometimes trying just isn’t enough. He needs help. Throughout this book, I wanted to give Beau cuddles, I wanted to protect him, I wanted to give him those pep talks that told him he was a great man, he did deserve happiness and most of all he deserved a shot at life. It is testament to Kathryn Andrew’s writing that she managed to bring out the tigress, who just wanted to protect her cub.
Leila was a great character and was just what Beau Hale needed. She was full of life, vibrant, easy going, yet she was a little pocket rocket. She knew what she wanted in life and was fighting tooth and nail to get it. Professionally she was sorted, she had her path and she was walking it, actually running it, she was determined. Her personal life however was a totally different story. Beau Hale had already left his mark, a scar in fact, she never really understood and in fact had giving up trying to, however, she couldn’t shake her feelings for him. He was a true love for her, but she just couldn’t understand what had gone so horribly wrong.
I must admit, when these two reconnected I was ecstatic, second chance love is one of my favourite reads. However, these two were infuriating at times, as I said in my opening paragraph, these two just did not talk. I admit, circumstances beyond their control had kind of overtaken their lives and people got in the way or just even consider certain things, but once the whole sorry tale is revealed you couldn’t help but mourn the time that they had lost. Misunderstandings a plenty determined the route their lives have taken thus far, but now it is up to them to put it right. Do they both have the inclination to make it work? Are they prepared to fight for what and who they want? Or are they just too emotionally scarred to take that step? These two have a lot to work through and a lot to understand. Most of all they need to open their lines of communication and confide in each other and be there for each other. These two have a lot of emotional baggage and it all needs to be unpacked if they want a future, to even have a chance at a future.
“You were never a responsibility or an obligation. You were mine and I thought I was yours.”
Kathryn Andrews totally engages you throughout this book; from the first to last page I was riveted. As I have come to expect this book was emotional, it was heart-breaking but it was beautiful. This is a book that you will live, experience and breathe; it is that intense pull on your emotions that builds that character connection, to the point where the words fade into images. I found myself looking in as an outsider, I felt as if I was there and I was championing these two along. It may be second chance or even third chance love for these two, but you could tell they were soul mates, you could feel their deep emotional connection, their love for each other radiated off the page, they just needed to work through the past for them to have a chance at a future.
“On bad days when I turn around and see what has become the ugliest part of me, I don’t see the scars, I see the stars.”
To say I have loved this series is an understatement, it is one of my highly recommends and I cannot wait to see what Kathryn Andrews has in store for us next. I love her writing style, fluid and effortless, emotional and all-consuming and I for one cannot wait to read more.
www.theromancecover.com
January 19, 2015
I don't understand how we got here. I was
so
excited for this book. So excited that I re-read Drops of Rain in preparation. But in reality, nothing could prepare me for how disappointing this story turned out to be.
Every reader has their hard limits; some avoid adultery, or kink, or love triangles. Me? I have a zero tolerance policy for misunderstandings.
Sure, sometime misunderstandings can be funny - when done right. But misunderstandings that encompass the ENTIRE story? You know, the kind of misunderstanding stemmed from egregious miscommunication that could be squashed easily if the characters just talked to each other. Not to other people about each other, not in riddles, quips, and jaded remarks to each other. But a simple conversation letting the other person know how you're feeling and why.
I just. Can't. Deal.
The story is about Beau & Leila and the friendship they once shared. The book is told from both their pov and transitions from past to present continually.
Beau and Leila are both reeling from something that happened in their childhood, something that left them both angry and bitter towards each other, and a little jaded in general.
In the beginning I was down for the ride, but as I hit the quarter mark, and the story became murkier rather than clearer, I began to get restless.
Each character hinting at this awful thing that the other did to them. Refusing to talk it out with their respective friends and walking off in a huff every time they were confronted about it. Avoiding each other at all costs, only to seek the other out every minute of every day. It was just too much of too little.
At the 50% mark I damn near lost it as 2 things became obvious: this was yet another case of an epic misunderstanding, and the author was gonna drag this out until the bitter end.
Mind you, the book unfolds over the span of 6 years, which means this misunderstanding festered for S-I-X YEARS . By the time it go to the "good part" I was utterly exhausted and disinterested.
So we get dragged through the better part of the book in the dark. We watch Beau and Leila push, pull, and shove each other (past and present) with random bits of love thrown into the mix.
They were so infuriating.
And when the big mystery is uncovered, around 73%, the book continues to drag on for over a 100 pages. It was like the super villain that never dies!
So, just to recap, the first 3 quarters of the book was a non-stop wink/wink, nudge/nudge fest, riddled with insinuations and foreshadowing, and the last quarter of the book rushed to put festive wrapping paper and a bow on the story before laying it to rest.
I'm going to read Matt's story for one reason only,
Every reader has their hard limits; some avoid adultery, or kink, or love triangles. Me? I have a zero tolerance policy for misunderstandings.
Sure, sometime misunderstandings can be funny - when done right. But misunderstandings that encompass the ENTIRE story? You know, the kind of misunderstanding stemmed from egregious miscommunication that could be squashed easily if the characters just talked to each other. Not to other people about each other, not in riddles, quips, and jaded remarks to each other. But a simple conversation letting the other person know how you're feeling and why.
I just. Can't. Deal.
The story is about Beau & Leila and the friendship they once shared. The book is told from both their pov and transitions from past to present continually.
Beau and Leila are both reeling from something that happened in their childhood, something that left them both angry and bitter towards each other, and a little jaded in general.
In the beginning I was down for the ride, but as I hit the quarter mark, and the story became murkier rather than clearer, I began to get restless.
Each character hinting at this awful thing that the other did to them. Refusing to talk it out with their respective friends and walking off in a huff every time they were confronted about it. Avoiding each other at all costs, only to seek the other out every minute of every day. It was just too much of too little.
At the 50% mark I damn near lost it as 2 things became obvious: this was yet another case of an epic misunderstanding, and the author was gonna drag this out until the bitter end.
Mind you, the book unfolds over the span of 6 years, which means this misunderstanding festered for S-I-X YEARS . By the time it go to the "good part" I was utterly exhausted and disinterested.
So we get dragged through the better part of the book in the dark. We watch Beau and Leila push, pull, and shove each other (past and present) with random bits of love thrown into the mix.
They were so infuriating.
And when the big mystery is uncovered, around 73%, the book continues to drag on for over a 100 pages. It was like the super villain that never dies!
So, just to recap, the first 3 quarters of the book was a non-stop wink/wink, nudge/nudge fest, riddled with insinuations and foreshadowing, and the last quarter of the book rushed to put festive wrapping paper and a bow on the story before laying it to rest.
I'm going to read Matt's story for one reason only,
November 30, 2014
Actual rating - 3.5
Starless Nights was a decent read, but i didn't enjoy it as much as book one.
I liked the characters in this one again, but at times, Beau and Leila drove me nuts. I just wanted them to sort everything out!
Again, my interest started to waver in the middle, but the second half bought it back.
Overall, A decent sequel.
Starless Nights was a decent read, but i didn't enjoy it as much as book one.
I liked the characters in this one again, but at times, Beau and Leila drove me nuts. I just wanted them to sort everything out!
Again, my interest started to waver in the middle, but the second half bought it back.
Overall, A decent sequel.
November 10, 2014
Kathryn Andrews continues to blow me away more and more with her phenomenally crafted writing that is beyond emotionally driven in such a way that is guaranteed to take your breath away from its sheer beauty.
You just don’t read her books. You feel her books.
When reading her first book, Drops of Rain, I was immediately taken in by the unforgettable characters, the highly emotional and feeling events, and their story that I literally could not get enough of. So I have to say I wasn’t surprised in the least to find that Starless Nights blew me away just as much, if not more than Drops of Rain did.
Beau and Leila made my heart hurt, they made it race, and they made it fall head over heels in love with them from the very first pages I met them. Their story is one that I felt and connected with on such a deeply magnificent level, and I cannot even begin to describe to you how much I felt for these exceptional two.
I don't know if I have the right words to describe how beautiful and emotional and heart tugging this book was, but I am sure as hell going to try, because Kathryn Andrews phenomenal writing, story, and characters deserve that.
Leila is such a vibrant, colorful, and fierce female character. She literally lights up the page she’s on, and the spark and determination that she has within herself leaps off the page. She is the color to all the black and white, and you will love her for that unique vibrancy. That girl also feels with all she has, and you will love her for it greatly. All that spirit and tenacity she has will have you understanding her, feeling for her, and loving her instantly. That fire and spark sets her apart in the best and most memorable ways.
I fell in love with the charming Beau Hale when I met him in Drops of Rain. He won my heart over, again and again, and he never failed to bring a smile to my face. Stepping into his head was beyond thrilling, and it allowed me to just get him and love him more. Beau is so heartwarming, and he’s one of the most engaging character’s you’ll find. His character has so many varying and well developed thoughts and feelings that you’ll want to reach in and care for him and protect him from all the darkness of his world, all while falling under his magical spell that’ll have you loving him immensely. He is a serious gem of a male character.
This book is all about the why, the past, and how things came to be. Kathryn Andrews beautifully and thoughtfully weaves that past into the present tense of Beau and Leila’s story. The more and more you read, the more you find out what led them to their present. With each new chapter you get another piece to the puzzle, and I can’t rave enough about how intricately placed those answers to all those why questions are. Those pieces explain it all, and in the end when you have the whole picture and all the answers, you will just be blown away.
Beau and Leila’s feelings for one another are magnificently deep. This is very much a second or third chance romance for them. With each chance they’re given you feel the depth of love and care they have for one another. You feel it in their thoughts, in the way they look at each other, in the inner feelings they have. Even when they make it hard as hell and even when they continue to get it wrong, that depth will have you believing in them with all you’ve got. It’ll have you deeply connecting with them and what they have, and it’ll just exemplify all they share together.
This book is very much about the fight for the happy that both these characters rightfully deserve. This author creates such exceptional ways for these characters to fight for what they want and need. These two go through so much, and the events of this book challenge both Beau and Leila to realize what it is they’re willing to fight for. Reading and experiencing that allows you the chance to understand them and their fight on a whole new level, and it will undoubtedly make you want to fight right along with them for that happy.
These two also have passions that just make them who they are. Beau has tennis and Leila has designing. They both have such well-developed passions that really illuminate a lot about their characters. These passions brought them both to life, and showed a truly authentic and passionate side to them both. These passions were such an integral part to Beau and Leila, and Kathryn Andrews creates a world and a book where you get to experience those passions right along with them.
Kathryn Andrews knows how to write emotions. She knows how to create a world and characters that have you feeling everything they’re feeling. You have the same emotions they’re experiencing, and you just feel it all with them. You will emotionally connect to these characters on a remarkable level, and you’ll fully understand all of their varied emotions. This is an emotionally driven read at its core, and that is what hit this book out of the damn park.
Starless Nights allows you the unique chance to see how these characters and their relationship changes over the course of years. You get to see them at multiple distinct times in their lives, and it’s an exceptional opportunity to see exactly how far they’ve come from where they started. This book gives you the chance to fully feel that powerful evolution with Beau and Leila, and their relationships with others. That evolution makes this book what it is, and I am in awe of the evolution Kathryn Andrews takes these characters on. It is simply superb.
This book is seriously bursting with supporting characters that you’ll instantly be taken away with. Drew, Ali, Charlie, Nate, Camille, and everyone else will win over your heart with their unique and very distinct little selves. They bring everything together in such a wonderful way, and they are part of the sheer magic and beauty that is this book. And I promise you’ll love every single second you get to spend with every single one of them.
This book is chalk full of little things that really add up to be big things. The little things added in so wonderfully to Starless Nights make the whole big picture that much brighter. These little things are incorporated in such subtle and beautiful ways, and they add up to something breathtaking. The star theme that permeates this book in a literally amazing way is beyond beautiful. The fantastic nuances of the characters that you see over and over again truly define their uniqueness. The vivid images and feelings that burst from the page. All of these little things and more combine in such an outstanding way that helps make this book truly unforgettable.
Starless Nights does an outstanding job of balancing every aspect, but especially the different times of moments that so fantastically come to the page. There are moments that will literally pull at your heart while bringing tears to your eyes, moments that will speed up your heart rate, and moments that’ll make your breath catch in an instant because of the level of emotion and vulnerability they contain. Other’s will bring a smile to your face, or a blush to your cheeks in the next instant. While some will have you feeling all the happiness and joy that’ll have you beyond thrilled at the warmth you feel. This book balances all of that exceptionally, and it allows you the chance to wholly experience it all.
Starless Nights was a beyond beautiful and breathtaking book that I absolutely loved reading with everything I had. Kathryn Andrews blew me away yet again with her emotionally driven and thoughtfully crafted words.
I really don't have enough positive words for this book. This book was so, so very good. And magnificent. And breathtaking. And beautiful. And emotional. And fantastic. And just beyond exceptional.
It was everything. It had everything. It made me feel everything right along with Beau and Leila.
Beau and Leila's story was everything I wanted it to be, and I couldn't love those two more. Their story is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, but I guarantee that it'll take your breath away with all of its magnificence. It’ll also have you knowing and believing in the sheer power and spirit of feeling and love.
This book gets my highest recommendation because it truly has it all. It is an exceptional book, with extraordinary characters, and I for one am completely sold on it all.
And you will be too.
You just don’t read her books. You feel her books.
When reading her first book, Drops of Rain, I was immediately taken in by the unforgettable characters, the highly emotional and feeling events, and their story that I literally could not get enough of. So I have to say I wasn’t surprised in the least to find that Starless Nights blew me away just as much, if not more than Drops of Rain did.
Beau and Leila made my heart hurt, they made it race, and they made it fall head over heels in love with them from the very first pages I met them. Their story is one that I felt and connected with on such a deeply magnificent level, and I cannot even begin to describe to you how much I felt for these exceptional two.
I don't know if I have the right words to describe how beautiful and emotional and heart tugging this book was, but I am sure as hell going to try, because Kathryn Andrews phenomenal writing, story, and characters deserve that.
Leila is such a vibrant, colorful, and fierce female character. She literally lights up the page she’s on, and the spark and determination that she has within herself leaps off the page. She is the color to all the black and white, and you will love her for that unique vibrancy. That girl also feels with all she has, and you will love her for it greatly. All that spirit and tenacity she has will have you understanding her, feeling for her, and loving her instantly. That fire and spark sets her apart in the best and most memorable ways.
I fell in love with the charming Beau Hale when I met him in Drops of Rain. He won my heart over, again and again, and he never failed to bring a smile to my face. Stepping into his head was beyond thrilling, and it allowed me to just get him and love him more. Beau is so heartwarming, and he’s one of the most engaging character’s you’ll find. His character has so many varying and well developed thoughts and feelings that you’ll want to reach in and care for him and protect him from all the darkness of his world, all while falling under his magical spell that’ll have you loving him immensely. He is a serious gem of a male character.
This book is all about the why, the past, and how things came to be. Kathryn Andrews beautifully and thoughtfully weaves that past into the present tense of Beau and Leila’s story. The more and more you read, the more you find out what led them to their present. With each new chapter you get another piece to the puzzle, and I can’t rave enough about how intricately placed those answers to all those why questions are. Those pieces explain it all, and in the end when you have the whole picture and all the answers, you will just be blown away.
Beau and Leila’s feelings for one another are magnificently deep. This is very much a second or third chance romance for them. With each chance they’re given you feel the depth of love and care they have for one another. You feel it in their thoughts, in the way they look at each other, in the inner feelings they have. Even when they make it hard as hell and even when they continue to get it wrong, that depth will have you believing in them with all you’ve got. It’ll have you deeply connecting with them and what they have, and it’ll just exemplify all they share together.
This book is very much about the fight for the happy that both these characters rightfully deserve. This author creates such exceptional ways for these characters to fight for what they want and need. These two go through so much, and the events of this book challenge both Beau and Leila to realize what it is they’re willing to fight for. Reading and experiencing that allows you the chance to understand them and their fight on a whole new level, and it will undoubtedly make you want to fight right along with them for that happy.
These two also have passions that just make them who they are. Beau has tennis and Leila has designing. They both have such well-developed passions that really illuminate a lot about their characters. These passions brought them both to life, and showed a truly authentic and passionate side to them both. These passions were such an integral part to Beau and Leila, and Kathryn Andrews creates a world and a book where you get to experience those passions right along with them.
Kathryn Andrews knows how to write emotions. She knows how to create a world and characters that have you feeling everything they’re feeling. You have the same emotions they’re experiencing, and you just feel it all with them. You will emotionally connect to these characters on a remarkable level, and you’ll fully understand all of their varied emotions. This is an emotionally driven read at its core, and that is what hit this book out of the damn park.
Starless Nights allows you the unique chance to see how these characters and their relationship changes over the course of years. You get to see them at multiple distinct times in their lives, and it’s an exceptional opportunity to see exactly how far they’ve come from where they started. This book gives you the chance to fully feel that powerful evolution with Beau and Leila, and their relationships with others. That evolution makes this book what it is, and I am in awe of the evolution Kathryn Andrews takes these characters on. It is simply superb.
This book is seriously bursting with supporting characters that you’ll instantly be taken away with. Drew, Ali, Charlie, Nate, Camille, and everyone else will win over your heart with their unique and very distinct little selves. They bring everything together in such a wonderful way, and they are part of the sheer magic and beauty that is this book. And I promise you’ll love every single second you get to spend with every single one of them.
This book is chalk full of little things that really add up to be big things. The little things added in so wonderfully to Starless Nights make the whole big picture that much brighter. These little things are incorporated in such subtle and beautiful ways, and they add up to something breathtaking. The star theme that permeates this book in a literally amazing way is beyond beautiful. The fantastic nuances of the characters that you see over and over again truly define their uniqueness. The vivid images and feelings that burst from the page. All of these little things and more combine in such an outstanding way that helps make this book truly unforgettable.
Starless Nights does an outstanding job of balancing every aspect, but especially the different times of moments that so fantastically come to the page. There are moments that will literally pull at your heart while bringing tears to your eyes, moments that will speed up your heart rate, and moments that’ll make your breath catch in an instant because of the level of emotion and vulnerability they contain. Other’s will bring a smile to your face, or a blush to your cheeks in the next instant. While some will have you feeling all the happiness and joy that’ll have you beyond thrilled at the warmth you feel. This book balances all of that exceptionally, and it allows you the chance to wholly experience it all.
Starless Nights was a beyond beautiful and breathtaking book that I absolutely loved reading with everything I had. Kathryn Andrews blew me away yet again with her emotionally driven and thoughtfully crafted words.
I really don't have enough positive words for this book. This book was so, so very good. And magnificent. And breathtaking. And beautiful. And emotional. And fantastic. And just beyond exceptional.
It was everything. It had everything. It made me feel everything right along with Beau and Leila.
Beau and Leila's story was everything I wanted it to be, and I couldn't love those two more. Their story is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, but I guarantee that it'll take your breath away with all of its magnificence. It’ll also have you knowing and believing in the sheer power and spirit of feeling and love.
This book gets my highest recommendation because it truly has it all. It is an exceptional book, with extraordinary characters, and I for one am completely sold on it all.
And you will be too.
July 24, 2015
Perfect book cover! Magnificent characters! Beautiful love story! Ms. Andrews writes with heart and soul. My heart ached for the trauma and sorrow that Beau endured. No young person should ever have to go through such abuse. And, Leila was such a kind and caring person. She was just so mislead by circumstances beyond her control. At such a young age, she never really understood the depth of Beau’s loyalty and love towards her until it was apparently too late. I was so happy that these two strong individuals had their story told;)
Leila and Beau were such great friends when they were young. The stars were their saving grace when such destruction and chaos were present in their lives. As long as they had the stars, they would have each other. But, somewhere along the way their friendship disintegrated when their worst fears were assumed and not actually confirmed. Each were living in different locations. But, time passes by, and Leila returns to the island only to be stunningly shunned by her best friend. She has no idea why Beau hates her so much. That’s in the past, though, and in the present Leila now lives in New York City near her best friend, Ali. I was happy to get a glimpse now and then of Drew and Ali and kept up-to-date with their present lives. I really enjoyed their story! Now Beau too has moved to NYC to play tennis for Columbia. His first encounter with Leila is uncomfortable and awkward. As time goes by, though, it becomes somewhat easier to deal with when they see each other. Will they ever find themselves able to possess the relationship that they once had? And, when the truth finally comes out as to why Leila just abandoned Beau without saying goodbye, will Beau be able to ever forgive her? Beau is one stubborn guy. He just won’t give Leila a fighting chance to redeem herself. He honestly feels that she never believed in them or their friendship if she just walked away so easily. How can he ever trust her again? Leila is heartbroken. She has been in love with Beau for so long. Will he ever see see it in his heart to give her another chance?
Oh my word!!! So much drama and destruction! Hearts broken. Trust stripped away. And, all due to other people. Secrets finally revealed. There was so much distress in this novel between family, friends, and lovers. It was a painful one to read. Ms. Andrews writes this novel with intensity and brillance. The characters were strong but yet emotionally sensitive. I can’t wait to read younger brother, Matt’s story! That will be the finale to this deeply moving series portraying three courageous and scarred brothers finding the love of their lives.
“But what I am most thankful for and the thing that I’m most certain about is with you by my side, no matter what life throws at us, or where we end up...I will never again have another starless night.” ~ Beau (Epilogue)
Leila and Beau were such great friends when they were young. The stars were their saving grace when such destruction and chaos were present in their lives. As long as they had the stars, they would have each other. But, somewhere along the way their friendship disintegrated when their worst fears were assumed and not actually confirmed. Each were living in different locations. But, time passes by, and Leila returns to the island only to be stunningly shunned by her best friend. She has no idea why Beau hates her so much. That’s in the past, though, and in the present Leila now lives in New York City near her best friend, Ali. I was happy to get a glimpse now and then of Drew and Ali and kept up-to-date with their present lives. I really enjoyed their story! Now Beau too has moved to NYC to play tennis for Columbia. His first encounter with Leila is uncomfortable and awkward. As time goes by, though, it becomes somewhat easier to deal with when they see each other. Will they ever find themselves able to possess the relationship that they once had? And, when the truth finally comes out as to why Leila just abandoned Beau without saying goodbye, will Beau be able to ever forgive her? Beau is one stubborn guy. He just won’t give Leila a fighting chance to redeem herself. He honestly feels that she never believed in them or their friendship if she just walked away so easily. How can he ever trust her again? Leila is heartbroken. She has been in love with Beau for so long. Will he ever see see it in his heart to give her another chance?
Oh my word!!! So much drama and destruction! Hearts broken. Trust stripped away. And, all due to other people. Secrets finally revealed. There was so much distress in this novel between family, friends, and lovers. It was a painful one to read. Ms. Andrews writes this novel with intensity and brillance. The characters were strong but yet emotionally sensitive. I can’t wait to read younger brother, Matt’s story! That will be the finale to this deeply moving series portraying three courageous and scarred brothers finding the love of their lives.
“But what I am most thankful for and the thing that I’m most certain about is with you by my side, no matter what life throws at us, or where we end up...I will never again have another starless night.” ~ Beau (Epilogue)
April 27, 2017
Very disappointed with this book. I was so annoyed with Beau and Leila!! They have characters issues ughh it was so hard to read since all i want them to do is fucking COMMUNICATE. They always assume and assume and assume shit. Why dont they just talk right away so their questions can be answered? No. All they do is assume this assume that. It was so annoying. Didn't really like this book at all. I was very pissed at the both of them. I think out of all the characters in this book (besides ali and drew) I really enjoyed Charlie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2015
Wow.
I don't even know where to start.
Kathryn Andrew has already blown my mind away with Drops of Rain, the first novel in the Hale Brothers Series. She did one helluva job with her debut novel. Hold on to y'alls chairs because Kathryn just came back with a sequel that will not just blow your mind, it will blow your head away!
I believe that all authors have magic in their fingers. Kathryn sure does, as she has proved by giving us light as to what has happened between the secondary characters from Drops of Rain. Honestly, when I read Drops of Rain, I didn't know that there will be a sequel. As soon as I was done, I kept going back to Beau and Leila and what their story is. Alone the 24-hr truce after a certain scene did my mind want more. Well here I am, I got more! But my mind is still not satisfied.
Starless Nights was a beautiful insight, teaching you how important communication actually is. So many things wouldn't have happened, and there certainly wouldn't have been a sequel if these two love birds asked the question that needed to be asked. We all make mistakes though. This novel though helped me realize this, and I plan on bringing in more communication where it's needed because as much as I loved Beau and Leila's story, I don't want to go through what these two have - even if it has an HEA.
I love HEA's. They're beautiful and full of live. I love it when finally every little detail and trouble lines up, regardless of the mistakes made and words said. I'm a hopeless romantic! Can you blame me?
Beau and Leila went through a lot, from when they first met until the very end. I'm quite certain their journey won't be easy just because they got the HEA I wished for them to have. Life's not fair like that, but hey you never know.
What really got to me in this book is the truth Beau's mom tells him towards the end - I won't go into that here, because I don't want to spoil the fun for the readers that haven't read Starless Nights yet (shame on y'all!). Also another thing that had me gasping was the very last chapter. It was a tiny look into what the third book of the series will about. Yes, it will be about Matt, the youngest of the three brothers. It will be another emotional roller coaster, I bet, just like Starless Nights was. It easily became one of my favorite books, slightly kicking Drops of Rain down from the throne.
Just one more thing for Kathryn Andrews, DO NOT STOP WRITING. Like ever, okay?
I admire your work, your talent, and your skill to create a whole new universe within pages, I really do. Especially after your help with the gruesome college search. Thank you so much!
I don't even know where to start.
Kathryn Andrew has already blown my mind away with Drops of Rain, the first novel in the Hale Brothers Series. She did one helluva job with her debut novel. Hold on to y'alls chairs because Kathryn just came back with a sequel that will not just blow your mind, it will blow your head away!
I believe that all authors have magic in their fingers. Kathryn sure does, as she has proved by giving us light as to what has happened between the secondary characters from Drops of Rain. Honestly, when I read Drops of Rain, I didn't know that there will be a sequel. As soon as I was done, I kept going back to Beau and Leila and what their story is. Alone the 24-hr truce after a certain scene did my mind want more. Well here I am, I got more! But my mind is still not satisfied.
Starless Nights was a beautiful insight, teaching you how important communication actually is. So many things wouldn't have happened, and there certainly wouldn't have been a sequel if these two love birds asked the question that needed to be asked. We all make mistakes though. This novel though helped me realize this, and I plan on bringing in more communication where it's needed because as much as I loved Beau and Leila's story, I don't want to go through what these two have - even if it has an HEA.
I love HEA's. They're beautiful and full of live. I love it when finally every little detail and trouble lines up, regardless of the mistakes made and words said. I'm a hopeless romantic! Can you blame me?
Beau and Leila went through a lot, from when they first met until the very end. I'm quite certain their journey won't be easy just because they got the HEA I wished for them to have. Life's not fair like that, but hey you never know.
What really got to me in this book is the truth Beau's mom tells him towards the end - I won't go into that here, because I don't want to spoil the fun for the readers that haven't read Starless Nights yet (shame on y'all!). Also another thing that had me gasping was the very last chapter. It was a tiny look into what the third book of the series will about. Yes, it will be about Matt, the youngest of the three brothers. It will be another emotional roller coaster, I bet, just like Starless Nights was. It easily became one of my favorite books, slightly kicking Drops of Rain down from the throne.
Just one more thing for Kathryn Andrews, DO NOT STOP WRITING. Like ever, okay?
I admire your work, your talent, and your skill to create a whole new universe within pages, I really do. Especially after your help with the gruesome college search. Thank you so much!
November 21, 2014
Did you know that all polar bears are left-handed?
Did you also know that elephants use the folds of skin on their backs to crush mosquitos AND that cats can't taste sweet thing?
Starless Nights....there are not enough good things that I could ever say about this book. I never imagined that Kathryn could top Drops of Rain, but she blew it out of the water with this one!
Beau Hale is absolutely the best guy in the world because he's real. He's damaged, he's flawed, and he's still so perfect. I love his silly little facts. I literally smiled to myself after every one that he stated. It killed me to see all the hurt and regret Beau had, but I loved watching his growth.
Leila is definitely the girl for Beau, and every time they got close to one another to only have 10 steps backwards I wanted to scream and pull my hair out. If two people in a book were meant to be together, it's them! Kathryn amazes me. Drops of Rain brought out so many emotions in me, and Starless Nights did that and more! I loved getting to read Beau and Leila's story. Thank you for sharing them with us. Starless Nights is a definite 5 star read!
also....I am so intrigued by the Matt book sneak peek. I can't wait to get my hands on his book!! I can tell it's going to be so so epic!
Did you also know that elephants use the folds of skin on their backs to crush mosquitos AND that cats can't taste sweet thing?
Starless Nights....there are not enough good things that I could ever say about this book. I never imagined that Kathryn could top Drops of Rain, but she blew it out of the water with this one!
Beau Hale is absolutely the best guy in the world because he's real. He's damaged, he's flawed, and he's still so perfect. I love his silly little facts. I literally smiled to myself after every one that he stated. It killed me to see all the hurt and regret Beau had, but I loved watching his growth.
Leila is definitely the girl for Beau, and every time they got close to one another to only have 10 steps backwards I wanted to scream and pull my hair out. If two people in a book were meant to be together, it's them! Kathryn amazes me. Drops of Rain brought out so many emotions in me, and Starless Nights did that and more! I loved getting to read Beau and Leila's story. Thank you for sharing them with us. Starless Nights is a definite 5 star read!
also....I am so intrigued by the Matt book sneak peek. I can't wait to get my hands on his book!! I can tell it's going to be so so epic!
November 13, 2014
Any review given for Beau Hale must start with useless knowledge. Did you know that writing with words was invented by the Sumerians about 5 thousand years ago (c.2100BC).
Kathryn Andrews, Drops of Rain was a wonderful book and within Drew's story we met his funny brother Beau whom has an over abundance of useless knowledge.
When reading this book you get so involved with the characters and want to jump into the book and have a chat with Lelia and Beau. Slap some sense into them!! During the entire book Mrs. Andrews brings out many emotions and you find out how important communication really is in relationships with loved ones and family members.
Mrs. Andrews has a devine gift of telling you a story, getting you emotionally involved in the story all while subconsciously teaching you a lesson. Well played Mrs. Andrews.
I would highly recommend not only Starless Nights but Drops of Rain as well. These are two fantastic books that should really be on your TBR list.
Here is some useless knowledge for you Beau: Did you know that in the nursery rhyme Humpy Dumpy he never said he was an egg!! Think about it!! (You know you are saying the nursery rhyme in your head right now!)
#TeamBEAU
Kathryn Andrews, Drops of Rain was a wonderful book and within Drew's story we met his funny brother Beau whom has an over abundance of useless knowledge.
When reading this book you get so involved with the characters and want to jump into the book and have a chat with Lelia and Beau. Slap some sense into them!! During the entire book Mrs. Andrews brings out many emotions and you find out how important communication really is in relationships with loved ones and family members.
Mrs. Andrews has a devine gift of telling you a story, getting you emotionally involved in the story all while subconsciously teaching you a lesson. Well played Mrs. Andrews.
I would highly recommend not only Starless Nights but Drops of Rain as well. These are two fantastic books that should really be on your TBR list.
Here is some useless knowledge for you Beau: Did you know that in the nursery rhyme Humpy Dumpy he never said he was an egg!! Think about it!! (You know you are saying the nursery rhyme in your head right now!)
#TeamBEAU
February 27, 2015
Book Excursions Book Reviews
5 Stars!!!
I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!
Beau has only ever loved Leila; she was his best friend, then one day she gone. His heart and soul are broken and beaten. Can he and Leila find their way back to each other? Can they mend the past and move towards the future? Or is the hurt just too much to bear?
Kathryn Andrews sure knows how to deliver a story; I was hooked from the first chapter. Kathryn sends both the reader and her characters on a roller coaster ride of emotion; she pulls at every emotion possible. Beau and Leila’s story is one of love, betrayal, misunderstandings and hurt. I can’t wait to read Matt’s story!
If you have read Drops of Rain book #1 in the Hale Brothers series you will want to read Beau’s story. This can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend you read Drew’s story first. If you love contemporary romances full of emotion you will absolutely love the Hale Brothers series.
5 Stars!!!
I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!
Beau has only ever loved Leila; she was his best friend, then one day she gone. His heart and soul are broken and beaten. Can he and Leila find their way back to each other? Can they mend the past and move towards the future? Or is the hurt just too much to bear?
Kathryn Andrews sure knows how to deliver a story; I was hooked from the first chapter. Kathryn sends both the reader and her characters on a roller coaster ride of emotion; she pulls at every emotion possible. Beau and Leila’s story is one of love, betrayal, misunderstandings and hurt. I can’t wait to read Matt’s story!
If you have read Drops of Rain book #1 in the Hale Brothers series you will want to read Beau’s story. This can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend you read Drew’s story first. If you love contemporary romances full of emotion you will absolutely love the Hale Brothers series.
November 12, 2014
5 Crazy Ass Stars!!!!!
I absolutely love this book. I love Kathryn Andrews writing and how easily she makes it to connect with the charcters in her stories. A great book to me is one that has you glued to the pages, making you feel every emotion of the story. This book did just that! I ran the emotional gambit with this book and still have after effects as I write this review. I'm so in love the Hale Brothers and can't wait to read Matt's story.
This is a Crazy Ass Must Read and will be featured in CDBW's Crazy Ass Must Read Spotlight!
*Review is not complete and will be updated after I've had a little time to soak in the story more. .
I absolutely love this book. I love Kathryn Andrews writing and how easily she makes it to connect with the charcters in her stories. A great book to me is one that has you glued to the pages, making you feel every emotion of the story. This book did just that! I ran the emotional gambit with this book and still have after effects as I write this review. I'm so in love the Hale Brothers and can't wait to read Matt's story.
This is a Crazy Ass Must Read and will be featured in CDBW's Crazy Ass Must Read Spotlight!
*Review is not complete and will be updated after I've had a little time to soak in the story more. .
July 9, 2022
I can't explain how much I loved this book.. I was a bit frustrated because I wanted to know what happened quickly.. but it was so worth the wait.. beautiful story.. can't wait for Matts!
November 23, 2014
5 COMPELLING, EMOTIONAL STAR BRIGHT STARS
Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might have this wish I wish tonight…
Kathryn Andrews you truly blow me away every time. Beau’s story is beautiful, heartbreaking, frustrating, and so, so emotional. Do you know how much I love Beau?
I was captivated by Beau and Leila from the minute I picked up the book. It drew me in and left me breathless time and time again. The angst, frustration, misunderstanding, betrayal, lies and hurt they both endured really was heartbreaking. My eyes glistened almost all the time. I felt so much for both Beau and Leila. Their emotions became mine.
Kathryn you really have a way with words. I was totally consumed into this storyline, these characters, this time in their lives.
This story broke my heart and shattered it into a million pieces before getting to the end. Thank God for HEA’s, because I don’t think I would have survived if there wasn’t a HEA.
Incidents from their past changes the course of their lives. The lives of two best friends who loved each other, but were young and influenced by others. Lack of communication can break you. It can shatter the bond you have with the one you love from past to present.
Beau was introduced to us in Drops of Rain. One of Drew’s younger brothers. On the surface he is carefree, fun and everyone’s friend. But deep down he suffers. The pain he carries with him is harrowing. He’s hurt, beaten and bruised by an abusive father.
In the present day he is tormented by these past demons he carries with him, as well as the loss of Leila and the fact that she is back in his life. His nightmares are real, they haunt him still today.
Leila was also introduced to us in Drops of Rain. Ali’s best friend, she is kind, loving, loyal, sensual and beautiful inside and out.
All she ever wanted was for Beau to see her. To love him and be there for him.
She is confused about why they are so distant. How they became that way. She thought she was over him. She thought she was stronger.
Leila
My eyes fill with tears. Tears for a love that I’ve had for him for so long and tears for a love that has never been returned. I thought I was doing better. I thought I was getting over him. Nope. One glance from those beautiful hazel eyes and I am right back there again, being consumed by him.
The dual POV put everything into perspective. I loved knowing what the other was thinking and doing at the same time. It felt so real and in the moment.
Beau
What do I say to her? Does she want me to say anything at all? She’s so close to where I live. Am I supposed to stop in and see her now? Does she even want me to stop in? It’s been a year, we aren’t even friends. We haven’t been for a long time. Do I want to be friends with her? I know in the end, she will hurt me like she always does.
I adored this emotional rollercoaster of two young souls who were childhood best friends and who have misunderstood each other for years but carry a deep love for one another that they haven’t been able to express fully.
Their love was so strong, that it was so frustrating that they could not see it in each other. Too many years of misunderstandings of one blaming the other for something.
Leila left Beau and shattered his heart.
Beau left Leila and shattered her heart.
I felt their pain every single time. My heart was pounding in my chest for the hurt they were going through. I wanted to jump right in there and yell at both of them to really see each other, speak to each other, love each other.
He had loved her unconditionally from the moment he met her when he was 8. Leila also loved Beau unconditionally. He was the only one for her. But they were never able to express that. The each thought the other should have known.
Leila was and is Beau’s Northern Star – stargazing held a special place in both their hearts as it was something they shared together and still both do as it reminds them of each other.
Part of the frustration and angst between them was they each blamed the other for what happened in the past without really knowing the truth. There are so many underlying factors in this drama filled storyline that it will have you on the edge of you seat wanting to know more. Wanting to push Beau and Leila together.
There are so many Whys in this story.
Why didn’t Beau fight harder for Leila?
Why didn’t Leila talk to Beau and say goodbye before she left?
Beau & Leila
My eyes are had and fierce as they bore into her. “You win Leila. You’ve wanted to be rid of me for so long, well you just got your wish.”
I continue to stare at her but my words have dried up. I’m shaking, my eyes have filled with tears, and a lump has formed in the back of my throat. I know the minute I walk away from her, the tears will fall. She just broke my heart.
“Please, Beau…. I’m so sorry.” She lets out in a sob and takes another step toward me. Tears are now pouring down her face and her arms wrap around her stomach.
“It doesn’t matter Leila. I never did.” With that, I push past her, grab my bag, walk out the door, down the stairs and into the snow.
The love they have for each other is so raw and real but so mistaken by each of them. They can’t see how much it is there – their past is in the way – they have hurt each other so much that they just can’t see past that.
But when the drama that filled their pasts comes back with a BANG they both realize they made mistakes. And when they finally do talk, discover the lies from their past – it was heartbreaking all over again as well as beautiful seeing them understand the truth. recognize their mistakes.
Beau & Leila
She’s studying my face, searching for something, but I’m not sure what. Eventually she blinks and then swallows.
“I hurt you,” her voice is so grief-stricken it makes my chest ache.
“Yes, and I hurt you.” She needs to know that she’s not alone in this.
“It’s not the same. I know deep down you deserve so much better, but …. I can’t and,” her eyes lock on to mine, “I won’t let you go.”
Hearing her say that she’s not letting me go, I’m rewarded with a warmth that is soul deep. I’ve only ever wanted her to want me. This makes me so happy I’m flying high.
“Yes, it is the same. And just so we are clear, you do deserve me and I’m not letting you go either.”
She inhales sharply and her eyes grow a little bigger.
Silence hangs between us. She’s watching me and I’m watching her. Her big blue eyes sparkle and then she leans into me and tucks her head in my neck. I warp my arms around her and just hold her. I want to hold her forever.
Will they survive the past coming back?
Will they be able to handle the truth from the past?
Can they forgive each other?
Kathryn’s writing is flawless and effortless. It will engage you from start to finish. You really will not put this book down. I couldn’t. It kept drawing me in. And when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking of Beau and Leila. This is a beautiful, frustrating love story of loss, betrayal, truth, growth, love and finding your soul mate. I was completely consumed in them.
Congratulations Kathryn Andrews on a truly beautiful, stunning and amazing story. Thank you for bringing us Beau and Leila. I am so excited to get Matt’s story next.
Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might have this wish I wish tonight…
Kathryn Andrews you truly blow me away every time. Beau’s story is beautiful, heartbreaking, frustrating, and so, so emotional. Do you know how much I love Beau?
I was captivated by Beau and Leila from the minute I picked up the book. It drew me in and left me breathless time and time again. The angst, frustration, misunderstanding, betrayal, lies and hurt they both endured really was heartbreaking. My eyes glistened almost all the time. I felt so much for both Beau and Leila. Their emotions became mine.
Kathryn you really have a way with words. I was totally consumed into this storyline, these characters, this time in their lives.
This story broke my heart and shattered it into a million pieces before getting to the end. Thank God for HEA’s, because I don’t think I would have survived if there wasn’t a HEA.
Incidents from their past changes the course of their lives. The lives of two best friends who loved each other, but were young and influenced by others. Lack of communication can break you. It can shatter the bond you have with the one you love from past to present.
Beau was introduced to us in Drops of Rain. One of Drew’s younger brothers. On the surface he is carefree, fun and everyone’s friend. But deep down he suffers. The pain he carries with him is harrowing. He’s hurt, beaten and bruised by an abusive father.
In the present day he is tormented by these past demons he carries with him, as well as the loss of Leila and the fact that she is back in his life. His nightmares are real, they haunt him still today.
Leila was also introduced to us in Drops of Rain. Ali’s best friend, she is kind, loving, loyal, sensual and beautiful inside and out.
All she ever wanted was for Beau to see her. To love him and be there for him.
She is confused about why they are so distant. How they became that way. She thought she was over him. She thought she was stronger.
Leila
My eyes fill with tears. Tears for a love that I’ve had for him for so long and tears for a love that has never been returned. I thought I was doing better. I thought I was getting over him. Nope. One glance from those beautiful hazel eyes and I am right back there again, being consumed by him.
The dual POV put everything into perspective. I loved knowing what the other was thinking and doing at the same time. It felt so real and in the moment.
Beau
What do I say to her? Does she want me to say anything at all? She’s so close to where I live. Am I supposed to stop in and see her now? Does she even want me to stop in? It’s been a year, we aren’t even friends. We haven’t been for a long time. Do I want to be friends with her? I know in the end, she will hurt me like she always does.
I adored this emotional rollercoaster of two young souls who were childhood best friends and who have misunderstood each other for years but carry a deep love for one another that they haven’t been able to express fully.
Their love was so strong, that it was so frustrating that they could not see it in each other. Too many years of misunderstandings of one blaming the other for something.
Leila left Beau and shattered his heart.
Beau left Leila and shattered her heart.
I felt their pain every single time. My heart was pounding in my chest for the hurt they were going through. I wanted to jump right in there and yell at both of them to really see each other, speak to each other, love each other.
He had loved her unconditionally from the moment he met her when he was 8. Leila also loved Beau unconditionally. He was the only one for her. But they were never able to express that. The each thought the other should have known.
Leila was and is Beau’s Northern Star – stargazing held a special place in both their hearts as it was something they shared together and still both do as it reminds them of each other.
Part of the frustration and angst between them was they each blamed the other for what happened in the past without really knowing the truth. There are so many underlying factors in this drama filled storyline that it will have you on the edge of you seat wanting to know more. Wanting to push Beau and Leila together.
There are so many Whys in this story.
Why didn’t Beau fight harder for Leila?
Why didn’t Leila talk to Beau and say goodbye before she left?
Beau & Leila
My eyes are had and fierce as they bore into her. “You win Leila. You’ve wanted to be rid of me for so long, well you just got your wish.”
I continue to stare at her but my words have dried up. I’m shaking, my eyes have filled with tears, and a lump has formed in the back of my throat. I know the minute I walk away from her, the tears will fall. She just broke my heart.
“Please, Beau…. I’m so sorry.” She lets out in a sob and takes another step toward me. Tears are now pouring down her face and her arms wrap around her stomach.
“It doesn’t matter Leila. I never did.” With that, I push past her, grab my bag, walk out the door, down the stairs and into the snow.
The love they have for each other is so raw and real but so mistaken by each of them. They can’t see how much it is there – their past is in the way – they have hurt each other so much that they just can’t see past that.
But when the drama that filled their pasts comes back with a BANG they both realize they made mistakes. And when they finally do talk, discover the lies from their past – it was heartbreaking all over again as well as beautiful seeing them understand the truth. recognize their mistakes.
Beau & Leila
She’s studying my face, searching for something, but I’m not sure what. Eventually she blinks and then swallows.
“I hurt you,” her voice is so grief-stricken it makes my chest ache.
“Yes, and I hurt you.” She needs to know that she’s not alone in this.
“It’s not the same. I know deep down you deserve so much better, but …. I can’t and,” her eyes lock on to mine, “I won’t let you go.”
Hearing her say that she’s not letting me go, I’m rewarded with a warmth that is soul deep. I’ve only ever wanted her to want me. This makes me so happy I’m flying high.
“Yes, it is the same. And just so we are clear, you do deserve me and I’m not letting you go either.”
She inhales sharply and her eyes grow a little bigger.
Silence hangs between us. She’s watching me and I’m watching her. Her big blue eyes sparkle and then she leans into me and tucks her head in my neck. I warp my arms around her and just hold her. I want to hold her forever.
Will they survive the past coming back?
Will they be able to handle the truth from the past?
Can they forgive each other?
Kathryn’s writing is flawless and effortless. It will engage you from start to finish. You really will not put this book down. I couldn’t. It kept drawing me in. And when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking of Beau and Leila. This is a beautiful, frustrating love story of loss, betrayal, truth, growth, love and finding your soul mate. I was completely consumed in them.
Congratulations Kathryn Andrews on a truly beautiful, stunning and amazing story. Thank you for bringing us Beau and Leila. I am so excited to get Matt’s story next.
November 19, 2014
5 Crowns
Book 2 in the Hale Brother's series. This is very much a sequel to book 1 and although it could be read as a standalone, I would strongly urge you to read book 1 first as so much relating to this book happens in Drops of Rain.
So we move to the middle brother Beau. Having just moved to New York to attend Columbia focusing on his Tennis, Beau's life has turned a corner. No longer able to hide the hurt and pain he feels from years of physical and emotional abuse from his father, daily life is a struggle to find his true self, to find his place and above all to find his happiness. After another sleepless night he heads out for coffee. What he doesn't expect is to be faced with his past, the sorrow of lost love and his best friend.
Leila has been in New York for the past year, muddling along and pursuing her dreams in the world of fashion. When the only boy she has ever loved appears early one morning in her coffee shop, once again the pain of rejection stings her heart. If only she knew why her best friend hurt her all those years ago, then maybe she would be able to move on with her life.
Beau and Leila were best friends. From 8 years old they were inseparable, where one went the other followed closely behind. When Leila was forced to move away from the island they called home, the relationship that was slowly turning into love was damaged beyond recognition. When Leila returned several years later, the boy who once held her heart so gently in the palm of his hand, crushed it with hate and bitterness. Neither knows why their love turned to hate and each feels betrayal deep in their souls. Neither are able to move on because of the obvious feelings that still remain, but when secrets are told and truths are uncovered will they survive or will they finally be able to go their separate ways?
Beau, how I love thee! I admit now that I had a tad of a crush on him during Drops of Rain. He seemed like the stronger brother, the brother who let the darkness in the Hale family not effect him. Let me say right now that appearances can be very deceptive. I thought Drew was fucked up (for want of a better word) well actually this book is an example of how suppressing your feelings and masking the hurt you feel changes you once you let the emotions boil over. Beau has put up with years of physical abuse and was his father's punching bag, taking punishment to protect the brothers he adores. Now the terror he has endured is over, he struggles to cope with the overwhelming feeling of sadness. Leila is his North star, she was his anchor in the roughest of seas but she like another betrayed him when he needed her the most; even though he loves her, he cannot accept her as part of his life. For Leila, Beau's behaviour is puzzling. They went from being inseparable but then he discarded her without a second look. From her return to the island at 16, she has put up with his hurtful comments and watching him parade girls in front of him. She knows he hates her, she heard him; but she has only ever loved him, it leaves her confused, heartbroken and at a loss.
I have to stop now as this book seriously brought out the passion in me, and I could seriously harp on and on about it. Told from dual POV's and with some back and forth charting their relationship, this is essentially a book about facing the past, being truthful and moving on. Beau and Leila suffer the effects of years of lies, secrets and a total lack of communication. It is as breathtakingly beautiful as much as it is poignantly sad. Once you start this book you will be entrenched in a avalanche of emotions and angst. It is a very special book in a very touching series and I would recommend it to everyone.
Kathryn Andrews, you have pulled it out of the bag girl. This book is simply stunning. Your writing is faultless and I can feel the passion you pour into it. The world you have created for the Hale's is honest. Sadly too many families experience the pain you have so eloquently written about. You should be proud of the books you have written, I am in awe of your talent and am so glad that you decided to unleash it on the world in 2014. I wait with baited breath for Unforgettable Sun/Matt's book. I didn't think you could create a more emotional book then Drew's, then you gave me Beau's; I know that you are saving the best till last, Matt's book is going to be epic! (no pressure - LOL!!).
An unforgettable and emotional MUST READ!!
Book 2 in the Hale Brother's series. This is very much a sequel to book 1 and although it could be read as a standalone, I would strongly urge you to read book 1 first as so much relating to this book happens in Drops of Rain.
So we move to the middle brother Beau. Having just moved to New York to attend Columbia focusing on his Tennis, Beau's life has turned a corner. No longer able to hide the hurt and pain he feels from years of physical and emotional abuse from his father, daily life is a struggle to find his true self, to find his place and above all to find his happiness. After another sleepless night he heads out for coffee. What he doesn't expect is to be faced with his past, the sorrow of lost love and his best friend.
Leila has been in New York for the past year, muddling along and pursuing her dreams in the world of fashion. When the only boy she has ever loved appears early one morning in her coffee shop, once again the pain of rejection stings her heart. If only she knew why her best friend hurt her all those years ago, then maybe she would be able to move on with her life.
Beau and Leila were best friends. From 8 years old they were inseparable, where one went the other followed closely behind. When Leila was forced to move away from the island they called home, the relationship that was slowly turning into love was damaged beyond recognition. When Leila returned several years later, the boy who once held her heart so gently in the palm of his hand, crushed it with hate and bitterness. Neither knows why their love turned to hate and each feels betrayal deep in their souls. Neither are able to move on because of the obvious feelings that still remain, but when secrets are told and truths are uncovered will they survive or will they finally be able to go their separate ways?
Beau, how I love thee! I admit now that I had a tad of a crush on him during Drops of Rain. He seemed like the stronger brother, the brother who let the darkness in the Hale family not effect him. Let me say right now that appearances can be very deceptive. I thought Drew was fucked up (for want of a better word) well actually this book is an example of how suppressing your feelings and masking the hurt you feel changes you once you let the emotions boil over. Beau has put up with years of physical abuse and was his father's punching bag, taking punishment to protect the brothers he adores. Now the terror he has endured is over, he struggles to cope with the overwhelming feeling of sadness. Leila is his North star, she was his anchor in the roughest of seas but she like another betrayed him when he needed her the most; even though he loves her, he cannot accept her as part of his life. For Leila, Beau's behaviour is puzzling. They went from being inseparable but then he discarded her without a second look. From her return to the island at 16, she has put up with his hurtful comments and watching him parade girls in front of him. She knows he hates her, she heard him; but she has only ever loved him, it leaves her confused, heartbroken and at a loss.
I have to stop now as this book seriously brought out the passion in me, and I could seriously harp on and on about it. Told from dual POV's and with some back and forth charting their relationship, this is essentially a book about facing the past, being truthful and moving on. Beau and Leila suffer the effects of years of lies, secrets and a total lack of communication. It is as breathtakingly beautiful as much as it is poignantly sad. Once you start this book you will be entrenched in a avalanche of emotions and angst. It is a very special book in a very touching series and I would recommend it to everyone.
Kathryn Andrews, you have pulled it out of the bag girl. This book is simply stunning. Your writing is faultless and I can feel the passion you pour into it. The world you have created for the Hale's is honest. Sadly too many families experience the pain you have so eloquently written about. You should be proud of the books you have written, I am in awe of your talent and am so glad that you decided to unleash it on the world in 2014. I wait with baited breath for Unforgettable Sun/Matt's book. I didn't think you could create a more emotional book then Drew's, then you gave me Beau's; I know that you are saving the best till last, Matt's book is going to be epic! (no pressure - LOL!!).
An unforgettable and emotional MUST READ!!
December 13, 2014
To say that I’ve been excited for Beau Hale’s book would be a massive understatement. I adored Drew and his “Love you”s in Drops of Rain, but I needed Beau’s book. You know what I mean. When you don’t just want it, but NEED it in your life. That was me. I can honestly say, I’m a bit surprised. It wasn’t what I expected from their story. It was just different. Different isn’t always bad, and that’s the case with Starless Nights.
If you remember Beau (how can you not? He’s amazing and stole the show, in my opinion) from Drops of Rain, he seemed like this very fun, carefree, teenage guy. Yes, he’s endured pain from the physical and emotional abuse, but to me, he always seemed not nearly as intense as Drew. With his quirky, never ending amount of trivia and what appeared to be a laid back kind of guy, you would expect his book to be more of that, right? Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. We got a few glimpses of what was lying underneath the surface with Beau alone as well as his relationship with Leila, but you have no idea the depth of these two characters until you’ve experienced this book. Starless Nights lays it all out there, and it is quite the story to be told.
The relationship between Beau and Leila is…hmm…frustrating. Heartbreaking. Tense. Emotional. It’s so many different feelings wrapped up in two individuals that needed each other more than they both knew. It was heartbreaking to see how much they each wanted the other. Their love for one another never stopped, but they didn’t know that. They’re both so confused, and it broke my heart every single chapter. Every time you’d read how badly Beau wanted her, or how much Leila’s heart hurt when she felt like Beau didn’t need her in the past, it made me want to cry.
The good part is that things do pick up and turn around. The story of why Beau is the way he is couldn’t hurt more. The struggle they endured as a couple over so many years will bring tears to your eyes. But when things finally click and they decide to put the truth and past out there? Gorgeous. Your heart will soar. Plus, seeing what they’re both becoming was heartwarming. Leila is out there making her dreams come true, and Beau is finding his way into what he knows and loves. In the big scheme of things, this story is very emotional and intense, but there is no shortage of sweet, fun moments. Plus, we get to see Drew and Ali along with a few new characters. The friendships they gain or continue to have make for a great ensemble, and I love them all.
I loved that Andrews writes it to include flashbacks and the present. Normally, I’m not big on this. I tend to skim through any flashbacks in most other books. Not all, but most. That wasn’t the case with Starless Nights. I was even looking forward to the next flashback. How the story is written, it’s a puzzle waiting to be built. Every single chapter, whether it was in the here and now or 6 years earlier, brings something new to the table. Finally, things start clicking. For me, I found myself a bit confused through small parts, but it’d be explained in greater detail a few chapters later and ta-dah, another piece fit. By the end, it’s a deep story that will all make sense. Just hang in there because it’s a roller coaster.
Like I said, this story surprised me, but in the best ways. I expected more fun and casual. Starless Nights is anything but fun and casual through most of it. It wasn't what I expected, but I wouldn't change a single thing. Once you dive into their story and see how much Beau has changed and what their relationship entails, it makes sense. It's perfection. I liked that there weren’t too many aspects outside of their relationship thrown in. It’s all about the hellos, goodbyes, arguments, and romantic moments they’ve had together over the course of many years. The pain and heartbreak they feel crosses over to yourself, and you’ll be right there with them hurting or loving. It’s a fantastically told story of lies, secrets, years apart, and finding one another again. I loved Beau before reading Starless Nights, but Kathryn has made me fall even harder for him if that was possible. I adore both books in this series. Based on the tiny bit we see of Matt, their youngest brother, the greatness of this series definitely isn’t ending with Beau. I can’t wait to read all about Matt. I highly suggest Starless Nights, and can’t scream it loud enough: Go one-click the Hale Brothers!
<3 Erin
If you remember Beau (how can you not? He’s amazing and stole the show, in my opinion) from Drops of Rain, he seemed like this very fun, carefree, teenage guy. Yes, he’s endured pain from the physical and emotional abuse, but to me, he always seemed not nearly as intense as Drew. With his quirky, never ending amount of trivia and what appeared to be a laid back kind of guy, you would expect his book to be more of that, right? Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. We got a few glimpses of what was lying underneath the surface with Beau alone as well as his relationship with Leila, but you have no idea the depth of these two characters until you’ve experienced this book. Starless Nights lays it all out there, and it is quite the story to be told.
The relationship between Beau and Leila is…hmm…frustrating. Heartbreaking. Tense. Emotional. It’s so many different feelings wrapped up in two individuals that needed each other more than they both knew. It was heartbreaking to see how much they each wanted the other. Their love for one another never stopped, but they didn’t know that. They’re both so confused, and it broke my heart every single chapter. Every time you’d read how badly Beau wanted her, or how much Leila’s heart hurt when she felt like Beau didn’t need her in the past, it made me want to cry.
The good part is that things do pick up and turn around. The story of why Beau is the way he is couldn’t hurt more. The struggle they endured as a couple over so many years will bring tears to your eyes. But when things finally click and they decide to put the truth and past out there? Gorgeous. Your heart will soar. Plus, seeing what they’re both becoming was heartwarming. Leila is out there making her dreams come true, and Beau is finding his way into what he knows and loves. In the big scheme of things, this story is very emotional and intense, but there is no shortage of sweet, fun moments. Plus, we get to see Drew and Ali along with a few new characters. The friendships they gain or continue to have make for a great ensemble, and I love them all.
I loved that Andrews writes it to include flashbacks and the present. Normally, I’m not big on this. I tend to skim through any flashbacks in most other books. Not all, but most. That wasn’t the case with Starless Nights. I was even looking forward to the next flashback. How the story is written, it’s a puzzle waiting to be built. Every single chapter, whether it was in the here and now or 6 years earlier, brings something new to the table. Finally, things start clicking. For me, I found myself a bit confused through small parts, but it’d be explained in greater detail a few chapters later and ta-dah, another piece fit. By the end, it’s a deep story that will all make sense. Just hang in there because it’s a roller coaster.
Like I said, this story surprised me, but in the best ways. I expected more fun and casual. Starless Nights is anything but fun and casual through most of it. It wasn't what I expected, but I wouldn't change a single thing. Once you dive into their story and see how much Beau has changed and what their relationship entails, it makes sense. It's perfection. I liked that there weren’t too many aspects outside of their relationship thrown in. It’s all about the hellos, goodbyes, arguments, and romantic moments they’ve had together over the course of many years. The pain and heartbreak they feel crosses over to yourself, and you’ll be right there with them hurting or loving. It’s a fantastically told story of lies, secrets, years apart, and finding one another again. I loved Beau before reading Starless Nights, but Kathryn has made me fall even harder for him if that was possible. I adore both books in this series. Based on the tiny bit we see of Matt, their youngest brother, the greatness of this series definitely isn’t ending with Beau. I can’t wait to read all about Matt. I highly suggest Starless Nights, and can’t scream it loud enough: Go one-click the Hale Brothers!
<3 Erin
November 25, 2014
5 Stars|Amazon|Goodreads
Favorite Quote: "I thought I was doing better. I thought I was getting over him. Nope. One glance from those beautiful hazel eyes and I am right back there again, being consumed by him."
Like the first novel in this series, prepare yourself, crying will ensue. This novel as even better then Drops of Rain. If you loved book one, you don't want to miss this.
I really loved reading about Drew in book one, but it was Beau that I REALLY wanted to know about. I wanted his story. He was the one that stuck out for me. This novel delivered with even more of a story then I could have imagined. Beau and Leila have a long story that needed to be told in a certain way. I thought I wanted it all at once, but Kathryn showed me otherwise.
This was a story that needed to unfold slowly. We needed the past and we needed how that was affecting the present.
Beau had a hard life. The hardest. Every day he suffered, and everyday nothing changed. His only solace was Leila. She was his best friend. He was the same to her. She needed him in those stolen moments just as much as he needed her.
The motional aspect of this story was heart wrenching. Every moment that was relived was painful to read. To see what Beau went through. What was even more emotional was watching Beau and Leila finally come to terms with a lot of things from their past. They have both always knows they were IT for each other, but life and circumstance saw to it that at this pointing their lives they were little more then strangers.
Jump into this novel and watch as fate lets her plans unfold. 12 years later lots of things have changed and Leila and Beau are about to see just how much. They are about to find out Why. I really can't wait to see where the remainder of this series takes us because this novel was fantastic. A Can't Miss Read.
Synopsis:
Beau Hale
She said that she was my best friend and then one day she wasn’t. Every day I live with the visible scars, but it’s the invisible ones that hurt the most. They are a constant reminder of everything I’ve lost as well as all the things that I’ll never have. I should be over this by now, it’s been years, but I can’t escape the memories that haunt me. Everyone around me is moving on with their life, so now I need to do the same. Tennis brought me to Columbia University, and I am quickly proving that I will not let anyone defeat me, past or present. I am in control now. Life has taught me the hard way to remember that. But after all this time, I’m still searching for an answer to the one question that is constantly burning in the back of my mind…why?
Leila Starling
He said that he was my best friend, and then one day he wasn’t. It took one moment to change my entire life. What I thought I knew became a lie and nothing was ever the same. Slowly, I picked up the pieces and focused on what I could control…me. I live in New York City and attend one of the world’s most prestigious fashion and design schools. Day after day, I am getting closer and closer to making my dreams come true. I did this all on my own and no one can ever take it from me. I know my future is bright, even if my heart is destined to stay in the dark. The dull ache that still lingers is my daily reminder to rely on no one but myself. Although, after all this time, I still can’t help but wonder…why?
January 2, 2015
5 Wishful Stars
"The summer that I met Leila, was the summer I fell in love with the stars...and with her."
Broken and only beginning to put the pieces back together, Beau Hale is starting a new life in New York. It was hard leaving his mom and brother Matt in Florida, but it was what he needed to do. Bearing many open wounds from his abusive father, Beau focuses on tennis as his outlet.
"Every time I see her, she reminds me of how dull my world is. I continually move through life in the dark. Everything feels like it is in shades of grays, black, and white. Then she walks into my vision and it bursts with color."
Vivacious and loving, Leila Starling lives life in color. Fashion designing has always been a calling for Leila, and now she is living out her dream at Parson's in New York. She is a hard worker and dedicates her time to creating original, unique fashions.
A chance meeting between Leila and Beau in New York will open old wounds and have them both questioning what really happened between them and who was at fault. As questions begin to be answered, Beau decides that he is not ready to give up on Leila just yet. Leila, still untrusting and unsure about the past, begins to allow Beau in again.
No matter how many stars you wish upon, secrets and unknown events of the past can come back to shatter your dreams. Wishing will only take you so far. Sometimes you have to confront things, head on, to reach the stars.
Misunderstandings and one unforgivable action send Beau and Leila spiraling out of control once again. Can they work to put it back together, or will they always be just a wish upon a star?
This was another beautiful love story by the amazing Kathryn Andrews. Beautifully written with amazing settings and artistic imagery, Kathryn does not disappoint. An amazing writer and wonderful person, Kathryn is the best at interacting with her fans. I especially loved the Feast of San Gennaro scene in this book, which is such a special event to me. Thank you, Kathryn, for another beautiful, touching story!
"The summer that I met Leila, was the summer I fell in love with the stars...and with her."
Broken and only beginning to put the pieces back together, Beau Hale is starting a new life in New York. It was hard leaving his mom and brother Matt in Florida, but it was what he needed to do. Bearing many open wounds from his abusive father, Beau focuses on tennis as his outlet.
"Every time I see her, she reminds me of how dull my world is. I continually move through life in the dark. Everything feels like it is in shades of grays, black, and white. Then she walks into my vision and it bursts with color."
Vivacious and loving, Leila Starling lives life in color. Fashion designing has always been a calling for Leila, and now she is living out her dream at Parson's in New York. She is a hard worker and dedicates her time to creating original, unique fashions.
A chance meeting between Leila and Beau in New York will open old wounds and have them both questioning what really happened between them and who was at fault. As questions begin to be answered, Beau decides that he is not ready to give up on Leila just yet. Leila, still untrusting and unsure about the past, begins to allow Beau in again.
No matter how many stars you wish upon, secrets and unknown events of the past can come back to shatter your dreams. Wishing will only take you so far. Sometimes you have to confront things, head on, to reach the stars.
Misunderstandings and one unforgivable action send Beau and Leila spiraling out of control once again. Can they work to put it back together, or will they always be just a wish upon a star?
This was another beautiful love story by the amazing Kathryn Andrews. Beautifully written with amazing settings and artistic imagery, Kathryn does not disappoint. An amazing writer and wonderful person, Kathryn is the best at interacting with her fans. I especially loved the Feast of San Gennaro scene in this book, which is such a special event to me. Thank you, Kathryn, for another beautiful, touching story!
November 21, 2014
What a great read!!!
I was kindly given this ARC by the Author for an honest review.
Reading this book I knew it was going to be filled with emotions and laughs, I had no idea what I was in for, the flow of this book was great even the POV parts were written and kept me interested. The backstory was such a great idea to go back in time when certain events happened and to see what they were thinking at the time, I loved that.
The story of Beau he is this amazing man hidden by tragedy from his past afraid to let his feeling be shown afraid to to let the one thing that brightens his world in that he may just live in darkness if he can't put his walls down long enough to open his wounded heart to what could be an Epic love.
Leila has loved Beau all her life but through lies and Tragedies of her own she was moved away from the only love she ever knew. Trying to move on with your life and never being able to let go of "The One" is almost impossible then twist of fate and you are flung back together for a chance to possibly make amends for things that torn them apart but can they let the walls down long enough to see or will they let the past control their future?
I don't want to give anything away it's such a brilliant read and you don't want to miss out on this book. I will forever look at Useless Facts and think of Beau, one of my favorite things about him.
This was a emotional ride, it's a beautiful story that will no disappoint.
Thank you Kathryn Andrews for your dedication to bring us beautifully written stories, I'm so glad you trusted me with your book. Keep writing your talent leaves me amazed.
I was kindly given this ARC by the Author for an honest review.
Reading this book I knew it was going to be filled with emotions and laughs, I had no idea what I was in for, the flow of this book was great even the POV parts were written and kept me interested. The backstory was such a great idea to go back in time when certain events happened and to see what they were thinking at the time, I loved that.
The story of Beau he is this amazing man hidden by tragedy from his past afraid to let his feeling be shown afraid to to let the one thing that brightens his world in that he may just live in darkness if he can't put his walls down long enough to open his wounded heart to what could be an Epic love.
Leila has loved Beau all her life but through lies and Tragedies of her own she was moved away from the only love she ever knew. Trying to move on with your life and never being able to let go of "The One" is almost impossible then twist of fate and you are flung back together for a chance to possibly make amends for things that torn them apart but can they let the walls down long enough to see or will they let the past control their future?
I don't want to give anything away it's such a brilliant read and you don't want to miss out on this book. I will forever look at Useless Facts and think of Beau, one of my favorite things about him.
This was a emotional ride, it's a beautiful story that will no disappoint.
Thank you Kathryn Andrews for your dedication to bring us beautifully written stories, I'm so glad you trusted me with your book. Keep writing your talent leaves me amazed.
November 12, 2014
Where do I start with this review?!
I met and fell in love with Beau Hale in Katheryns first book Drops of Rain. While I loved Drew, Beau quickly stole my heart.
Beau and Leila have a beautiful, and complicated love story that starts when they are only 8 years old. Their easy and quick friendship continues until Leila is forced to move away with her parents. When she returns nothing is the same. Their once easy friendship, doesn’t exist.
They graduate. Move on to bigger places, and better things. A chance encounter, (or fate) brings them together again. Beau being close to his brother, and Leila being close with Ali, they come face to face more than they may like. The feelings they have for one another are hard to suppress, but the pain of the past is front and center in their mind.
Beau is hurt because…
Leila is hurt because…
Its. All. A. Big. Misunderstanding.
A gift from the past brings some light on the big misunderstanding. Can they move forward from the past?
Kathryn shot straight to the top as one of my favorite authors. She stole my heart in Drops of Rain. When I didn’t think it could get any better; I read Starless Nights. I wasn’t let down, I was impressed. It takes you on a roller coaster ride. I laughed, I cried, and at times, I was angry.
This is a beautiful story that shows you the domino effect. One small thing can change everything.
ONE CLICK!!! You won’t be sorry!!!!!
I met and fell in love with Beau Hale in Katheryns first book Drops of Rain. While I loved Drew, Beau quickly stole my heart.
Beau and Leila have a beautiful, and complicated love story that starts when they are only 8 years old. Their easy and quick friendship continues until Leila is forced to move away with her parents. When she returns nothing is the same. Their once easy friendship, doesn’t exist.
They graduate. Move on to bigger places, and better things. A chance encounter, (or fate) brings them together again. Beau being close to his brother, and Leila being close with Ali, they come face to face more than they may like. The feelings they have for one another are hard to suppress, but the pain of the past is front and center in their mind.
Beau is hurt because…
Leila is hurt because…
Its. All. A. Big. Misunderstanding.
A gift from the past brings some light on the big misunderstanding. Can they move forward from the past?
Kathryn shot straight to the top as one of my favorite authors. She stole my heart in Drops of Rain. When I didn’t think it could get any better; I read Starless Nights. I wasn’t let down, I was impressed. It takes you on a roller coaster ride. I laughed, I cried, and at times, I was angry.
This is a beautiful story that shows you the domino effect. One small thing can change everything.
ONE CLICK!!! You won’t be sorry!!!!!
November 25, 2014
I was kindly given this ARC by the Author.
Where to start and what to say? I feel like there is nothing left to say and that all compliments were already told.
I fell in love with this author with her first book Drops of Rain. It's where we meet Beau for the first time.
While I loved Drew, Beau got me interested. He seemed like a bad boy and they are my weaknes. But boy, was I wrong! Not only he is trully a bad boy, he has a soft heart and this heart has been broken in so many ways from to many people. Including Leila. I'm not going into the story beacuse... well... just read it! But this is the second time I wondered how? How does Kathryn do this?! The first sentence does me - it hooks me! And to be able to write such an emotional, heartbreaking, astounding, hopeful and beautiful story! I'm addicted, I'm obsessed. Her books are like drogs, you need them, like this wery moment. These are the stories that stays with you for days. These are the caracters you fell in love with, this is an escape from reality except you find yourself living the book! These are the books you could start right from the start after already finished reading them. Simply breathtaking!
I was being so impatient waiting for Beau and yet again I find myself impatient waiting for Matt!
Thank you Kathryn, for sharing this talent of yours with us! Please don't stop! The world needs you.
Where to start and what to say? I feel like there is nothing left to say and that all compliments were already told.
I fell in love with this author with her first book Drops of Rain. It's where we meet Beau for the first time.
While I loved Drew, Beau got me interested. He seemed like a bad boy and they are my weaknes. But boy, was I wrong! Not only he is trully a bad boy, he has a soft heart and this heart has been broken in so many ways from to many people. Including Leila. I'm not going into the story beacuse... well... just read it! But this is the second time I wondered how? How does Kathryn do this?! The first sentence does me - it hooks me! And to be able to write such an emotional, heartbreaking, astounding, hopeful and beautiful story! I'm addicted, I'm obsessed. Her books are like drogs, you need them, like this wery moment. These are the stories that stays with you for days. These are the caracters you fell in love with, this is an escape from reality except you find yourself living the book! These are the books you could start right from the start after already finished reading them. Simply breathtaking!
I was being so impatient waiting for Beau and yet again I find myself impatient waiting for Matt!
Thank you Kathryn, for sharing this talent of yours with us! Please don't stop! The world needs you.
November 25, 2014
When I read Kathryn's first book in this series, Drops of Rain, I was blown away. The depth of the characters, the drama, the love story, all of it just enveloped me into the story and I was blown away. I knew I would like Beau's story in Starless Nights, but I admit I didn't know if it could match up to Drops of Rain. Wow did Kathryn prove me wrong. Beau's story is so much deeper, more emotional, and full of surprises. In Drops of Rain Beau is portrayed as more of a ladies man who has little feeling for those that are not in his inner circle. In Starless Nights we learn that appearances can be deceiving and that under all that cool confidence is a man that gave his heart to one girl and is trying to cope with that loss. When I started the book I already had this nervous energy because I knew that this story was going to be full of a lot of hurt and pain. Kathryn's writing is so descriptive that I felt the emotions of these characters and at times, wanted the story to hurry along so that they could find the happiness they so desperately deserved. The love story of Beau and Laila is beautifully scared, but so very perfect. Kathryn, I am anxiously awaiting Matt's story, I have begun to buy tissues in bulk! Steamyness is moderate, with 1-2 scenes that are beautifully written and very appropriate to this story.
November 24, 2014
Starless Nights - Kathryn Andrews
5 stars
I first fell in love with Beau in Drops of Rain. I didn't think it was possible to love him more than Drew but I do believe I do. Nor did I think Ms Andrews could top Drops of Rain, but she did.
We know quite a bit going in about what happened with Beau and his dad. Why and how his dad was arrested and what all the boys went through. We loved all his crazy little facts in DoR and he wouldn't be Beau without them now. He's damaged and hurt and full of pain and to be able to watch him grow from all of that and become more an outstanding young man, truly made me smile.
Leila is the one for Beau. Their chemistry and need for each other knows no bounds. But for every time they got close they took 2 steps back. I literally talked to them and asked why they were being so difficult; making life difficult. Why?? I wanted to know. Their story is one for us to learn from. Keep those lines of communication open. Always always ask each other questions and talk about what's going on.
I also loved watching Beau and Leila grow together; from the very beginning to the truths that Beaus mom reveals and to the last chapter we catch a sneak peek of Matts book. I was so invested. I felt every single emotion, every tear, and every hurt.
Thank you Kathryn Andrews for writing such wonderful emotion evoking books.
5 stars
I first fell in love with Beau in Drops of Rain. I didn't think it was possible to love him more than Drew but I do believe I do. Nor did I think Ms Andrews could top Drops of Rain, but she did.
We know quite a bit going in about what happened with Beau and his dad. Why and how his dad was arrested and what all the boys went through. We loved all his crazy little facts in DoR and he wouldn't be Beau without them now. He's damaged and hurt and full of pain and to be able to watch him grow from all of that and become more an outstanding young man, truly made me smile.
Leila is the one for Beau. Their chemistry and need for each other knows no bounds. But for every time they got close they took 2 steps back. I literally talked to them and asked why they were being so difficult; making life difficult. Why?? I wanted to know. Their story is one for us to learn from. Keep those lines of communication open. Always always ask each other questions and talk about what's going on.
I also loved watching Beau and Leila grow together; from the very beginning to the truths that Beaus mom reveals and to the last chapter we catch a sneak peek of Matts book. I was so invested. I felt every single emotion, every tear, and every hurt.
Thank you Kathryn Andrews for writing such wonderful emotion evoking books.
November 21, 2014
This is the second book in the Hale Brother series. I must tell you, I loved Beau in the first book. He was funny and sarcastic and his useless knowledge was quirky cute. But, knowing the abuse that Beau had suffered at the hands of his father, I knew this was going to be an emotional read as well.
Leila Starling has been Beau's friend since she moved to Florida. The 2 of them have had a rough go at things They are both deeply in love with the other person, but time, events and family has kept them apart. Luckily they have both settled on friendship growing up. They are as close as two people can be.
Now they are both in NYC for school. In a city that big, they never thought they would run into each other. Fate intervenes and helps bring back into each other lives. Beau has some major trauma to overcome. He doesn't really want to let Leila back in for fear she will just leave again. He has kept his feeling hidden for a long time. My heart broke for him. He was such a poor soul.
If you are ready for an emotional beautifully story, then this is the book for you. I am amazed how touching both of Kathryn Andrews' books have been. They are beautifully written and will keep you coming back
Leila Starling has been Beau's friend since she moved to Florida. The 2 of them have had a rough go at things They are both deeply in love with the other person, but time, events and family has kept them apart. Luckily they have both settled on friendship growing up. They are as close as two people can be.
Now they are both in NYC for school. In a city that big, they never thought they would run into each other. Fate intervenes and helps bring back into each other lives. Beau has some major trauma to overcome. He doesn't really want to let Leila back in for fear she will just leave again. He has kept his feeling hidden for a long time. My heart broke for him. He was such a poor soul.
If you are ready for an emotional beautifully story, then this is the book for you. I am amazed how touching both of Kathryn Andrews' books have been. They are beautifully written and will keep you coming back
December 30, 2014
Starless Nights is the second book in the Hale Brothers Series. I couldn't wait to read this book and learn more about Beau. Let me just say that Ms Andrews didn't disappoint me with this book. It was filled with just as much emotion as the first book.
This is a book about how one incident can change the lives of two friends. Neither one seems to know what went wrong but it alters the path that their lives take. Beau is not the carefree guy that we meet in book one. That was just an act for those around him; he was really broken and damaged by family issues and by losing his best friend. Leila was the girl that Beau called his best friend, until one day he didn't. What she thought she knew became a lie and nothing was the same after that. After all this time both Beau and Leila wonder why?
I think I have found a new one-click author. I simply love Ms Andrews writing style; it flows so effortlessly and makes her books quick reads. The characters are so well developed that I found myself feeling like they were my friends. I look forward to reading the next book in the series about their younger brother, Matt. If you like a great well-written story you should do yourself a favor and one-click the Hale Brother's series.
This is a book about how one incident can change the lives of two friends. Neither one seems to know what went wrong but it alters the path that their lives take. Beau is not the carefree guy that we meet in book one. That was just an act for those around him; he was really broken and damaged by family issues and by losing his best friend. Leila was the girl that Beau called his best friend, until one day he didn't. What she thought she knew became a lie and nothing was the same after that. After all this time both Beau and Leila wonder why?
I think I have found a new one-click author. I simply love Ms Andrews writing style; it flows so effortlessly and makes her books quick reads. The characters are so well developed that I found myself feeling like they were my friends. I look forward to reading the next book in the series about their younger brother, Matt. If you like a great well-written story you should do yourself a favor and one-click the Hale Brother's series.
March 12, 2015
Me ha gustado menos que el anterior (y mira que el prota me molaba más), pero es que creo que la forma que la autora ha escogido para narrar toda la historia no me ha llegado demasiado...
Los protas se conocen con 8 años y todo empieza ahí. El "problema" es que se nos cuenta todo en flashbacks que se mezclan con la actualidad y hacen que toda la primera mitad del libro se me haya hecho leeeentaaaa... A mí me habría gustado mucho más si se hubiese narrado desde el principio, en orden cronológico, y hubíesemos visto a la pareja crecer y enfrentarse a todas las cosas que les ha ido deparando la vida.
Tampoco me ha gustado que, el conflicto central entre los protas se haya basado en malos entendidos y falta de comunicación. Me cansan los malos entendidos, me parecen la forma más absurda de cargarse las relaciones entre las personas, y Leila y Beau ya tienen bastante mierda en sus vidas que puede dar chicha para conflictos emocionales y románticos, sin tener que añadir este recurso. Siempre me da la sensación de que, cuando se utiliza, está metido con calzador.
Incluso con todo esto, me ha gustado. Es una historia emotiva y bonita, es un amor de "toda la vida".
Me da mucha curiosidad el hermano pequeño, a ver qué tal su libro...
Los protas se conocen con 8 años y todo empieza ahí. El "problema" es que se nos cuenta todo en flashbacks que se mezclan con la actualidad y hacen que toda la primera mitad del libro se me haya hecho leeeentaaaa... A mí me habría gustado mucho más si se hubiese narrado desde el principio, en orden cronológico, y hubíesemos visto a la pareja crecer y enfrentarse a todas las cosas que les ha ido deparando la vida.
Tampoco me ha gustado que, el conflicto central entre los protas se haya basado en malos entendidos y falta de comunicación. Me cansan los malos entendidos, me parecen la forma más absurda de cargarse las relaciones entre las personas, y Leila y Beau ya tienen bastante mierda en sus vidas que puede dar chicha para conflictos emocionales y románticos, sin tener que añadir este recurso. Siempre me da la sensación de que, cuando se utiliza, está metido con calzador.
Incluso con todo esto, me ha gustado. Es una historia emotiva y bonita, es un amor de "toda la vida".
Me da mucha curiosidad el hermano pequeño, a ver qué tal su libro...
November 12, 2014
I was an emotional wreck while reading this book. I waited and waited and truly was not disappointed in Beau and Leila story.
Two wounded misguided souls needing closure to move on and face the future that lies ahead.
So many people played a part in this love and friendship that started at the tender age of eight but got disrupted after the most compelling and heartbreaking act that brought me to tears when they were 14.
A back and forth love heat relationship that will leave you in awe and frustration all at the same time. Beau has grown put he still has so much more growing to do. I loved this story because I knew it would be deep and leave my mind and heart racing. I had to out it down and regroup a couple of times but in the end, WOW!!!!
I thought Drops of Rain was deep but as the series continue more truths are revealed. These brothers had it rough.
Two wounded misguided souls needing closure to move on and face the future that lies ahead.
So many people played a part in this love and friendship that started at the tender age of eight but got disrupted after the most compelling and heartbreaking act that brought me to tears when they were 14.
A back and forth love heat relationship that will leave you in awe and frustration all at the same time. Beau has grown put he still has so much more growing to do. I loved this story because I knew it would be deep and leave my mind and heart racing. I had to out it down and regroup a couple of times but in the end, WOW!!!!
I thought Drops of Rain was deep but as the series continue more truths are revealed. These brothers had it rough.
June 15, 2015
I hate that Beau's bubbly and cool personality from 'Drops of the Rain' changed a lot in this book. I missed the old Beau and how he handles his problems with his dad. The Beau here is really way different. He is the one whose coward not Leila. Moreover, he is also self-insecure and doesn't believe with himself. That's why I hate him and so is the book. Honestly, I don't even know if I will want to read Matt's story. From the previous books, his personality is not well established. I really hoped that he is the cute and witty kid that really adores his brothers. But then he is not. ughh. I rally had a lot of "ughh's" here...
November 11, 2014
Beau and leilas story is beautiful but also heart wrenching. I was on a rollercoaster ride of emotions reading this amazing book. This is the second book in the Hale brothers series and I was on pins waiting to get my hands on a copy. It was worth the wait I can assure you. Not only is this book beautiful the words written are incredible and make you feel what the characters feel. I love Beau Hale and his random facts. You will be missing out if you do not read this book
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