Every Minute

Music, Love and Other Miseries #1

by C.J. Burright

FROM EXCITING ROMANCE AUTHOR C.J. BURRIGHT Book one in the Music, Love and Other Miseries series Introverted teacher versus unstoppable violinist. She wants to be alone. He wants her heart. Let the games begin… After the unexpected death of her musician brother, third-grade teacher Adara buries her grief, avoids all music and vows to exist without attachments. Social solitude works perfectly…until she’s forced to share her classroom with the new music mentor, a man who rattles her carefully constructed cage and sparks emotions she prefers to keep chained. Always up for a challenge, violinist Garret is a master of patience and persistence, and the minute he meets Adara, he knows what he wants. Her sharp humor and haunted eyes inspire him in a way he’s never felt before. He makes it his mission to chip through her shields and breathe her back to life—no matter how hard she resists. Even as Adara struggles to keep Garret at a distance with each clash of wills, each smile he coaxes, each kiss he steals, her resistance crumbles. But when the past catches up with them both, they will discover that some promises are meant to be broken…and others are worth risking everything for.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2019

About the author

***Sign up for C.J.'s newsletter!***

Once upon a time, a girl with flat hobbit feet dreamed of adventures in the woods with an elven hero, fighting off orcs and saving magical rings. All grown up now, C.J. Burright resides in Oregon (at least she got the trees). While she faces her duties at the law office day job, she avoids writing legal thrillers and instead turns toward romance—contemporary (sometimes with a supernatural flair), paranormal or fantasy. With a 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, it’s no surprise she prefers feisty heroines who aren’t afraid to jump into the fight. Her slivers of spare time are spent working out, gardening, playing the latest Assassin’s Creed, and rooting on the Seattle Mariners, always with music. She shares a house with her husband (not elven, alas, but a fine alternative) and a devoted cat herd while missing her daughter from afar. C. J. is represented by Brittany Booker of The Booker Albert Literary Agency. Find her on Facebook, Twitter (@CJBurright), Instagram, Bookbub, and Goodreads.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes love and a chance at happiness comes barreling in when you least expect or want it, and it’s called moving on with the symphony of life!

EVERY MINUTE by C.J. Burright is that romance that will leave you feeling good when you finish that last word as she pits an emotionally unmovable force against the oncoming juggernaut of love.

Adara lost her musician brother and has become an emotional island, determined that no one will break down her barriers and she won’t be hurt. Her life has become a shade of gray and tones of black. Now, the third grade teacher finds herself potentially out of a job and must share her classroom with Garret, a master violinist and music mentor for her students. But she doesn’t have to like his powerful presence or his orchestrated approach to winning her attentions.

Garret is determined that Adara is the woman he wants to play a duet with for the rest of his life, but can he break through her iron willed resistance to happiness?

Looks like another heartwarming love story against all odds from C.J. Burright and it is as sweet as it is sexy. Wonderful characters come alive as we feel their emotions and watch the power of love in action! Upbeat, sassy with a touch of humor and tons of heart!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from C.J. Burright!

Series: Music, Love and Other Miseries - Book 2
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 31, 2019)
Publication Date: December 31, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon
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[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

The twist behind the title will melt readers’ hearts and find that the story was worth every minute of one’s time.

Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Samantha Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burning romance between a musician and a music teacher whose world stopped when her brother died. Determined to break through Adara’s self-imposed solitude, violinist Garrett has his work cut out for him in trying to convince her to live again. Set against a background of elementary school life and concert touring, these two do a slow dance while trying to determine if their versions of happily ever are possible and the same. Characters from Every Kiss return, and a final except promises a return to Gia and Ian in book three. Very enjoyable.

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful read, loved this story very much, our hero and heroine have many twists and turns on the way, but most definitely earned their happy ever after.

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your like summer and happiness in a sippy cup" - Adara

Where do I even start?
With the vibrant large as life cast?
The gut-wrenching angst?
The ab crunching humor?
The emotional journey that was Garret and Adara?

"She was hanging onto a cliff by her fingernails while a dark wind ripped at her tenacious hold"
I commented on the first book (you don't need to read it first to follow but it does add depth to the events) that Adara needed to let go, come to terms with her loss. She is harming herself irrevocably and I know that is not what Joey would have wanted. I'll admit a few times during this journey I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up! Enough is Enough!
But sadly I had to watch from the sidelines -
Pulling on my hair, tossing out the occasional expletive and drying those random salty drops of sadness - and Hope Garett found a way to light her path.

Garett... I'm absolutely in love 💞
He is so alive.
His personality bleeds from the pages.
I felt his happiness, his joy, his zest for life

I could go on forever (I'm serious)
Every Minute has it all
Family - Life's roadblocks - Angst - Laughter - Hope - Drama - Love
One of those rare romances that will grab you from the first note and stay with you long after the lights go off

[JessTheCat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stellar find this one was! I absolutely loved this book! C J Burright is a new author for me, but I'm now definitely a fan.
The story of the grieving Adara and the international violinist Garret had me hooked from the start. This author draws wonderful, interesting characters in such a way that you can see and hear them so easily. Their layers are gradually peeled back and you are carried along the twists and turns that they are each dealing with as they find their way to each other. Garret was a wonderful lead - charismatic, empathetic and the kind of character that makes you want to pay more attention to violin players! The secondary characters in this book are great supports to the main ones, and the family dynamics described are very believable. I thought it was a nice slow burn with an satisfying HEA at the end.
This one was an absolute page turner and really hard to put down. Work and sleep definitely interrupted my reading time here!

I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review. This one was an absolute pleasure to read and I can 100% recommend "Every Minute" and C J Burright.

[Rach3l · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read. I enjoyed every moment with its unexpected twists. Kept me hooked from the beginning. I want to read more by this author. Definitely recommend

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me feeling every emotion, the way the author describes both Adara and Garret's feelings so beautifully is truly a work of art! This is the first book I've read in a long time to bring me to tears 😭

Adara doesn't want to let anyone into her life after losing her brother but the minute Garret lays eyes on her, he can't imagine NOT having her in his life. I enjoy the way he carefully pushes her but accepts her limits. He treats Adara the way every woman should be treated.

I LOVE this story, do yourself a favor and read it!

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.

Personally I can't wait to read the other two books in this series!!

[Capicua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written slow burn story about finding love after grief. The characters are fully developed and 3 dimensional. While slow moving the story is romantic and poignant. I think everyone would love a Garret to come and sweep us off our feet.
If your after fast and raunchy, this is not the book for you. But if you want to experience a man determined to break through a woman's pain and walls to show her how to live again, then give this a go.
N.B.I was provided a free copy of the book via Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A slow burner with lots of action, outside the bedroom. A great love story. . I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.

[Leona Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I stayed up far too late to finish it!
Easy read, good characters.
Thanks to Voracious Readers for a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.

[RateTheRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this story! This is more complex than your average romance. There is heartache and loss, grief and mourning, love and passion.

I loved these characters with their flaws and their heartaches.

This book is a very slow burn, which I like. My only complaint (prepare yourself for my shallowness) is the lack of a sexytime scene that is built to the entire book and then we miss out on. Is that creepy of me to say? The Prequel to this series had much less build up and culminated in a detailed scene so I was surprised when this story, that made us wait so long, lacked that particular "payoff". Bring in a little more smut, I say!

Overall a great book with meaningful storylines and a sweet ending.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my feedback

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks like another fantastic read and the love story is another against all the odds romance. from C.J. It is as sweet as it is sexy., with wonderful characters that the author brings to life. We feel all of their emotions and watch the characters finally get their HEA. Such a beautiful romantic story which had sassy with a touch of humour, tons of heart and was also upbeat too. Look forward to reading more books from this author. Happy reading everyone!! 4 1/2 stars 🌟

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grief is powerful. Like takes prisoners and holds them in darkness powerful. For Adara, losing her brother, the embodiment of joy and sunshine, was practically debilitating. She was alive but not living. It would take someone with a eye to see beyond her walls and a boat load of both patience and persistence to knock them down for her. Because that’s what she needed. Grief had built some seemingly impenetrable barriers. Who knew a swashbuckling band geek with an amazing musical talent would not only crack those walls, he would have her waiving the surrender flag to the rockin’ beat of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. You’ll want to read the book to get that reference.

I can honestly say I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book. I read the prequel, Every Kiss, because I knew it would be short and I wanted a sample of the writer’s voice since I had requested Book 3, Every Breath, to read and review. That’s when I first met Adara. Just six months out from losing her beloved brother to the most horrible disease of cancer. She was closed off, hard to talk to, hard to like for this reader but I was mostly reading to get a feel for Gia and Ian who are the stars of Book 3. I knew that Adara and someone named Garrett were the feature in the first full length book so I was curious to see who could possibly pull her back from the abyss.

Only someone like Garrett Ambrose could have managed the nearly impossible. He stayed. He annoyed and chipped away at her every excuse and every defense. Bless him, he’s adorable and I had to keep reading to see what he would do or say that kept her in the present rather than allowing her to mourn the past. He’s very clever and I was thankful he didn’t give up on her.

The story isn’t completely focused on Garrett winning Adara over. He’s come home from a music tour but trouble followed him. That was an interesting side story that had me on the edge of my seat when it took a very heart wrenching turn.

Ms. Burright’s writing voice is excellent and I’m so very glad I didn’t give up on Adara because I can see her being important in the next book. I look forward to reading it to find out.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every minute by CJ Burright.
After the unexpected death of her musician brother, third-grade teacher Adara buries her grief, avoids all music and vows to exist without attachments. Social solitude works perfectly…until she’s forced to share her classroom with the new music mentor, a man who rattles her carefully constructed cage and sparks emotions she prefers to keep chained.
A brilliant read. I loved the story and characters. Gia was my favourite. I love the cover. 5*.

[Mia Jo Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Adara’s brother dies, her world collapses. Barely living, she isolates herself. All she does is work. She struggles to be the awesome Elementary teacher she was before Joey died. Grief is rapidly killing her. Then Garrett, a very handsome, very charismatic, and all-grown-up violin protégé returns to his hometown. He’s rich and successful—at the top of his game, but he’s lonely and looking for purpose. To spread his love of music, he volunteers to run a music enrichment course at the local school where Adara teaches, and, of course, he gets paired with her. He sees the vital, incredible woman inside her grief-stricken shell, and he’s determined to set her free.

He invites her to live again, asking her out, engaging her in conversation, and even trying to keep pace with her when she jogs around the neighborhood. She won’t have it. They may have to team teach music together, but that’s it. She doesn’t want to live—let alone get involved with anyone, yet his gentle kindness intrigues her. Sparks and witty banter fly… and, if you’re like me, you won’t be able to stop turning pages to find out what will happen next.

Garrett and Adara are interesting likable characters I couldn’t help rooting for. I wanted to see Adara’s healing and just like Adara, I fell for Garrett.

I highly recommend this story for readers that enjoy fun and heartfelt contemporary romances.

[Kimberly List · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I did not think it could get better then the prequel sample we got of Gia and Ian but boy was I wrong. Adara and Garret are off the charts. Any man that can play Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera on a violin while looking like a pirate is golden in my eyes. The way he went after Adara while taking into consideration the loss of her brother and what that did to her was beautiful to read. He did not pressure her but made sure that she knew he was not going anywhere and this was on her timeline. Watching the development of Adara from scared to love someone ever again to the woman she shows us at the end of the book brought me to tears just by the emotion and rawness she shows us. When she is hurting and feeling the loss of her brother you feel it and when she finally realizes she loves again your heart is right there along side her.

Thank you to netgalley and Totally Bound Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to C.J. Burright for giving us a romance story that had such deep emotions in it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief is an emotion that Adara holds close and everyday she keeps tight control of emotion so she doesn't fall apart. For Garrett he excels at opening a person through music and emotion, so his fascination with Adara sparks a challenge to both. I loved the emotional intensity of the story, dealing with grief, feeling lost and alone, the author really bring the characters to life through emotion. The romance and attraction is subtle not an in your face taking of desires, which ratchets up the intensity of every action and interaction between them. The dry and sarcastic humor is fantastic. Garrett is optimistic and he never loses faith in Adara, as she pushes him away at all opportunity. The characters feed off each other, and really spoke to me. I was enchanted and enthralled to the very end and cant wait to read more by this author.

[Krystin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many incredible things I could go on about when it comes to C.J. and her stories. Every Kiss pulled me into the story of Gia and Adara so when I got the chance to read Every Minute and see more of them I couldn't refuse. The story once again had me hooked from beginning to end and I already can't wait to read the next installment of the series. The characters development throughout the story was perfectly paced and felt natural. Adara and Garrett actually reminded me of mine and my husband's D&D characters, which only made the progression that much more impactful. Going through the loss of a loved one and dealing with that pain is never easy to get through, reading Adara navigating the loss of her brother and seeing Garrett bring her back out of her seclusion resonated deeply with me. I will always recommend books from this amazing author.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

While book one in the series didn’t do it for me, this one certainly was one I enjoyed.
If you read book one, you met Adara. A third grade teach that still has not recovered from the death of her twin brother a year ago. A young musician who loved a life that ended too soon. She wants nothing to do with men, people or music. On top if it all, her job might be cut.
When she meet prolific violinist Garret, her quiet life and distance are threatened.
Garret who is taking time to recoup and find a more normal life , is the uncle of one of her students, and the man who will shake her to the core.
This was a touching , at times heartbreaking but also heartwarming story about life , losses, hope, new beginnings and love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This is the second book in the Music, Love and Other Miseries and I thought it was excellent!

It is a really good story that was easy to read and follow.

I thought that the pace was spot on for the story and it had a great natural flow to it, as did the first book. I really enjoyed the author's writing style. I thought that the characters were well developed and I liked getting to know more about them as the book developed.

To get the most out of this book, you do need to read the previous book, Every Kiss as this will set the scene and will help you get the most out of the story.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adara has shut herself off from the potential of new connections. After the devastating loss of her brother she's decided that she can't handle losing someone else. And the idea of music is crushing to her. Enter the music mentor that's assigned to her class and she doesn't stand a chance. Garrett is relentless and his pursuit that she is his one. Bringing her back from her depths of loss may involve music, kittens and tickles.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes getting through just a second of a day seems like a huge win. Adams has lost a huge part of her life and has slowly closed off from the world. She’s anti social, likes black, and well is a little snarky. But put her in front of her third grade class and she’s a superhero.

Garrett is back home in the states after being gone for while. He’s trying to recharge and figure out what’s next when his whole world pauses for a moment. He knows he’s met his life changing moment when he sees Adara for the first time.

He will have to work to see if he can bring Adara back from the dark lonely place she has retreated too. If that isn’t a big enough hurtle, let’s add job loss, stalker, third graders, over protective family, and best friends. I have enjoyed this series but I’m so looking forward to Gia and Ian.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adara may still be alive, unlike her beloved brother, but she isn't truly living. The loss of Joey has left her mired in a downward spiral of grief. Even her beloved young students can barely breach the walls of her sorrow. Celebrated violin virtuoso Garrett has returned to Graywood seeking reconnection to his roots and purpose. The opportunity to share his love of music with the children of Adara's class brings him into her orbit. Garrett is a charmingly persistent ray of light daring to challenge the gloom that has cloaked her for too long. In Adara, Garrett has found his one, now he just has show her how good they can be together, given the chance. However as their relationship grows a menace seeks to disrupt their possibility for happiness. A captivating addition to an enjoyable series. I look forward to more from this author.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this slow burn, clean romance. I loved Garretts tenancies attempts to romance Adara with his music, his charm and his presence. I enjoyed the usage of classical music as a premise for this romance, music definitely leads to the heart.
The only thing that kept this from a five star for me was how persistent Garrett became in his quest. His intensity was overwhelming and I admit a bit overbearing. Yes we want him to win Adara and melt her broken heart but she needed space to decide for herself which he does give her in the end.
Heart-warming romance. Loved it.

[Karen Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Minute is the first full-length story in C.J. Burright’s Music, Love and Other Miseries series, and is a beautifully written account of second chances and the strength it takes to finally move on. Adara and Garrett’s story is well-paced, allowing for their romance to simmer and burn before erupting into full blown passion. The dialogue flows easily and you sometimes feel like you hear the music as the story progresses. I’ve fallen in love with this series and can’t wait for what comes next.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking loved this book! I loved the angst and the bantering that the characters did. I couldn’t put it down, I literally stayed up til 3 in the morning to finish it!
Adara and Garret’s chemistry is off the charts, even when they wont admit it!

Great read. The writer is a magician with the way she describes her characters, relationships and holds to suspense. I’m hooked. Fantastic storyline with stunning characters.

[Truly Trendy PR]

Every Minute is the first book in the Music, Love and Other Miseries series by C.J. Burright. A fast-paced  contemporary romance that sweeps you away to another place, another time, The characters are well-written and develop at a steady pace. A lovely romance that is sure to leave you wanting more. *I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third-grade teacher Adara’s grief at the loss of her brother has crippled her from everything she loved. Violinist Garrett has returned home and when he meets Adara’s their paths are undeniably connected, but can he convince Adara to live again for them. An enjoyable read, with a wonderful storyline and heart-warming characters. I look forward to reading more.

[Anadosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the unexpected death of her musician brother, third-grade teacher Adara buries her grief, avoids all music and vows to exist without attachments.When I started reading I couldn't put it downC.J. Burright is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.