In Your Honor

Double Blind Study #2

by Heidi Hutchinson

Book #2 in the Double Blind Study series


He was as wild and unpredictable as a prairie storm.
She was trying to pretend like he wasn't everything she ever wanted.
How long can a storm be in stasis before lightning strikes?


Double Blind Study is taking charge of their future. Coming off of one of the most successful tours to date, they start their own label and decide to get back to what they love the most: the music. But relearning how to be responsible adults can be a long road.


Blake Diedrich has been running from himself his whole life. Being in a band with his very best friends has helped to keep him on the move during that time. But then Blake's past joins the tour and he's forced to think about all the choices he's made to get him where his is today.


Lucy Newton, raised by her widower rock star father, has a talent beyond measure. But she's placed her hopes on the back burner, putting family first. An opportunity arises that allows her to chase her dream but there's a catch: Blake Diedrich, the man who broke her heart too many times to count is part of the package.


Pride is a destructive foe and Forgiveness is hard to accomplish. Friendship is powerful and Love is unpredictable. Every journey has a purpose, will Blake and Lucy come out stronger for it on the other side? Or will it destroy what's left of their shattered hearts?


Warning: contains foul-mouthed rock stars, surprise appearances from exes, heart wrenching revelations and of course, fantastically loud music.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Music, Ebooks

380 pages, ebook

First published January 31, 2014

About the author

Heidi Hutchinson writes slow burn rock star romances for contemporary readers who like humor with their hotties. She has both open and closed door series filled with relatable characters and swooney yumminess. Double Blind Study, her go-to series, is closed door and follows a band in emotional turmoil and the women who love them.

When she’s not writing about wild hearted women and hunky heroes, she’s watching Doctor Who or trying to find the perfect gluten free pizza crust for her pizza shaped celiac heart. She lives in the Black Hills with her alarmingly handsome husband, their fearless child, and a rather large (and spoiled) dog.

She’s fueled by messages from her readers and too much coffee.
And a whole lotta love.
Visit her website or social media for upcoming releases!

heidih.net
Email: heidih.writer@gmail.com



IN BETWEEN DUET SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: In Between the Earth and Sky
Book 2: Love of a Wild Thing (TBD)
Book 4: TBA

DOUBLE BLIND STUDY SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: Learn to Fly
Book 2: In Your Honor
Book 3: Tectonic
Book 4: Deepest Blues
Book 5: The Hope That Starts
Book 6: Brand New Sky
Book 7: Into the Night We Shine (Bonus Novella)
Book 8: Born to Resist (Bonus Novella- in progress)
Book 9: Matter of Fact (holiday novella)

DOUBLE BLIND STUDY WORLD CROSSOVER
Things That Shine (written with Bria Quinlan)

SOARING BIRD SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: Like the Back of My Halo
Book 2: Sushi and Sun Salutations
Book 3: Puppy Love and Peanut Butter
Book 4: Rope a Dope
Book 5: Caught a Vibe (May 2024)
Book 6: TBA

IN COLD MUD SERIES (IN PROGRESS)—
Book 1: Stubborn Hearts (prequel to DBS book 6 Brand New Sky)
Book 2:


THE DOUBLE BLIND STUDY SERIES is an exciting romance series about rock stars in recovery. The Double Blind Study band has already lived the rock and roll cliché. This is life after. Full of humor, heart, and slow burn romance. Each book can be read alone but it is best if read in order. Cliffhanger free.

THE SOARING BIRD SERIES follows a group of extreme sports enthusiasts as they navigate life and love living on the California coast. Slow burn romantic comedies that can be read individually, but best if read in order. Cliffhanger free.

THE IN BETWEEN DUET SERIES is a slow burn unconventional romance that explores the connections of science and poetry. Occasionally intense moments of personal clarity and heartfelt confessions. Filled with touches of humor and real world obstacles. Cliffhanger free.

IN COLD MUD SERIES is a small series revolving around the politics and relationships of horse racing. Not a romance series. Definitely family drama.

NOTE: All of Heidi Hutchinson’s books take place in the Double Blind Study series. Each series can be read on their own but there are often crossover characters you may recognize.

Reviews

[RaeWho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Heidi tapped into my 2 romance weaknesses: Angst and childhood sweethearts. The writing was much cleaner and the story was both raw and sweet. It felt a bit like "Sweet Home Alabama" with rock stars. And because it can never be said enough: I'm so happy Heidi writes a clean romance.

[Kami Dodson-Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucy is trying to run her grandparents diner while secretly she sings like an angel and her dad is a rock-n-roll legacy. Blake is the boy who loved to hard and never thought he deserved to be loved.

Blake and Lucy have been best friends forever and somewhere along the way it grew into a relationship. Blake was always making mistakes when it came to Lucy. He was young and stupid. But Blake knows he loves Lucy and always will.

Lucy is sweet and loving but has a hard time feeling loved. She thinks she is not enough. Blake needs to show Lucy that she has always been enough and now he knows he cannot live without her.

This is a nice story of a boy who finally grew up and let the past go while trying to also let go of his only love.

Rating: 3 stars

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly raw, painful, and beautiful story. I loved when I had tears because the story touched my heart. Lucy and Blake are extreme live out loud characters in every color imaginable. Reading about them is truly a rainstorm in all it's glory.

[Vonnielynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was crazy amounts of good! I'm so glad I read it. Ironically enough, I found myself wishing this band was real. I'd have a feeling I'd be a big fan.

[Angela Hankinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love these books
Could not put them down

[Dawana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wreckless Kind of love

Heidi writes in such a way that you connect with the characters and cannot guess how life will impact them. Lucy is a girl after my own heart, a hopeless romantic thru and thru. Blake carried his hurts like many of us and watching him heal was refreshing. Their story is one for the ages.

[Melissa Granata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I absolutely adored this book and this couples journey they went on to rediscover each other. But my absolute favorite person in this book is Shane for his big heart and for what he did. Highly recommend this book

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really easy for me to root for Blake and Lucy. Again, great chemistry between the characters, be it the band members or their families.
What I didn't quite get was how Shane converted from cheating and general douchebaggery in book #1 to love interest in this story. What the hey?

[Coralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read . Loved it

[Lustful Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

**JODIE'S REVIEW**

“You must be your own before you can be another’s”

The Synopsis of this book drew me completely in I am sucker for a Rockstar book I can’t help myself. And Heidi gave exactly what she promised a foul mouthed, heart wrenching story. This is a story is more than just a Rockstar story. This is a web of music, friendship and love.

“Wild, crazy, unrestrained, dangerous love.”

The thing I love about Heidi’s writing is that you are completely consumed in the story and you completely grow with the relationships that you watch play out. Lucy and Blake have this love that can’t be pushed away no matter what they tend to do. I love that their story never felt rushed or forced. I also love that there story gutted me and had me saying OMG more than once.

“Because love doesn’t follow the logical progression of time. It doesn’t get old or weary. It doesn’t quietly slip out the door one night while you’re sleeping, leaving you free to love someone new.”

But with this story like a lot of Rock star books I will say I found myself finding a lot of similarities that would throw me off and make me say did I see that somewhere. Not that it killed the book it just kept me from 5 starring the book. It’s a double edge sword because I think in some ways the things that threw me are the things that are necessary in a rock star romance.

“What’s really getting to you Sweet Bit?”

I don’t know, I do know that if you love rock star romance this is the book for you. But I promise this book is more there is more than just the music and the fame. There is more it’s the butterflies in your stomach romance, goosbumps that make you shake your head, and tears real honest tears.

“I am a wreck. Maybe I need therapy.”

Actually I think I would be okay if I got Shane’s book can I get that.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW!!!

This book is a masterpiece. Heidi Hutchinson took me on an emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions. And, I usually hate roller coasters...lol
The story of Blake and Lucy is phenomenal, just breathtaking. Blake, who was kind of hard for me to get a read on in book 1, is a man trying to life his life while not dealing with the regrets of his past, especially when it comes to Lucy. Lucy is a woman trying to move on with her life after her tumultuous relationship with Blake. Music brings them back into each other's lives and the ride is crazy. But, it's a ride you will ultimately enjoy. Trust me.
Shane, oh my God Shane! I hated him at the beginning in book one, but he had redeemed himself by the end of that book. However, in this book, I TOTALLY fell in love with him. There are no words to describe how much he will come to mean to the reader in this book. NONE! I cannot wait to read his story next. And, I have a feeling that we will also get to know Ashton's story eventually. I despised her after book one...like I really wanted to reach in and slap her skin off. But, after this book, although her appearance is brief...well you'll see.
As for the usual cast of characters, they, as before, made me happy. Harrison, Sway, Mike, Luke, Carl, Kendra were all just awesome and I can't wait to continue their stories.

Heidi, with this book alone, you have made a fan for life!!!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The characters were good -- liked the set ups for the rest of the series. Interesting seeing a first romance come to life later and the challenges involved.

[Desirae (Dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**arc provided for an honest review**
Heidi delivers again!! These stories are so incredible. Such intense tales of loss and love and family. I love it. It's such a complete story. When it's over i don't feel like anything was left out. Like anything was missing. I just has this feeling of wholeness. Like the story came full circle. No stone was left unturned. It's so amazing. Blake and Lucy's tale is full of so much heartbreak and love gone wrong. But as the story is told you find yourself torn. Blake grows so much in this story. He really does work on becoming a better man, and does amazingly. And Shane. Who knew I would actually like the guy. Who knew he would change and I would actually be in his corner. My heart breaking with his. Holding out hope for him. That's how you know how amazing Heidi is. She can take someone who was a villain in a previous story and make you fall in love with them. Take someone who is a villain and actually turn them into a hero. Someone who's corner you are in, who you support. I loved this story. I loved more Lenny and luke. I loved Lucy and Blake. I actually kinda like chad and Kendra. That's someone who completely surprised me was Kendra. Who knew the mousy chick actually had a backbone. Just everything about this book is amazing. So many characters grown. So much love. Such a strong family.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi has not let me down with the next installment in my favorite series about a band I have read thus far in my life, and I have read quite a few! My favorite band mates are back, with a couple of new characters and older ones coming into the spotlight more. Romance buds, blooms and dies, secrets about the past are revealed and promises are broken again and again. I wasn't sure how much my heart could take, sitting there waiting for the happy ending. I kept checking how much percent I had left in the book in anticipation for what I would hope would be an ending that woud satisfy me, and satisy me it did. The characters are just as lovable as before, even more so as we learn more and more about Double Blind Study's members. My crush on Luke is still here (married or not I want him), and I opened my heart to add other characters to my heart break list. I don't know how to put into words what I read, I just know it's amazing and no combination of 26 letters can really capture how I feel about this amazing book. The perfect blend of love, loss, hope, repeat (that's a great song by the way, not in the book but I feel like it kind of describes this book for me).I want book three, I want it now!!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you love the first book in a series so much, as I did with Learn To Fly, you worry about the follow up. Especially when it is likely that Luke from DBS#1 is perfect book boyfriend material. I mean, how do you top that?

I have to say, i was seriously concerned about where this story was going. It wasnt in line with what I was hoping for, and I messaged the author and told her so. Her response (and that of her friends)? Stick with it - it gets better.

Now, that's not to say that the book was bad before that point. Oh no. Far from it. It's just that sometimes. I get a bit invested in characters. And when I do that, I want things to work out the way I want, irrespective of what the author wants. I mean come on, the customer is always right!!

I guess you can tell that I absolutely adored this book, even though this one did have me resorting to talking out loud to an ereader. In earshot of others. So thanks for that.

Once again, the characters were so well written, with relationships that just zinged (it's a word) and sparked off the page. How do you deal with a love you thought you weren't good enough to keep? Read the book and find out.

[LeeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how much I loved this book, I really didn’t want it to end! This is book two in the series and it’s equally as phenomenal as the first. Blake has been pining after his high school sweetheart for years but hasn’t been able to pull his head out of his a** long enough to be in a relationship with her. Lucy has had her heart broken numerous times by Blake and she’s not willing to give him another shot. They’ve not seen each other in years until lead singer Luke is checking out a band to open for them and Lucy happens to be in said band. They know as soon as they hear Lucy’s voice that she is the one for their tour but can Blake and Lucy handle spending that much time together without killing each other… or falling in love?

I can’t say enough how much I’m enjoying this series, it’s well written, has an original plot, and is quickly becoming one of my favorite series ever. I love the up’s and down’s the author manages to put in the book, I really wondered at about 70% how in the world she was going to pull out an HEA for Lucy and Blake but somehow she manages it flawlessly! I can’t wait to start on the next book!

**Given in exchange for an honest review!**

[Hot Romance Novel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! The story took me by surprise right from page one. This was an amazing story full of love, hope, inspiration and an enormous amount of real life soul searching! It was touching in a way that made you wonder about the one love "you" lost and maybe if it really was the right time for you to find it. Did your one true love get away? Or was it just not time for your souls to be one?

The passion that laid below the surface for Blake and Lucy was tough to handle throughout the story. Seeing both Blake and Lucy trying to push away the love because of each others pasts, was torture for me (In a good way). I felt myself falling for both of them. I was giggling to myself throughout the story while I was jumping from the Lucy bandwagon to the Blake bandwagon. I loved the story and even enjoyed my own personal rollercoaster along side them both.

Thank you so much Heidi Hutchinson for just twisting my heart in knots!! (Another compliment honest!!) You are wonderful!!

[Laura Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the second book in the DBS series, In Your Honor starts off much the same way. Except this time, instead of it being the worst night ever told from the perspective of Luke, this time the reader gets to see it through Blake's eyes.
If Luke was the foundation of the band, then Blake is the broken window pane no one has bothered to fix yet.
He's a beautiful mixed up mess and it shows from the very beginning.
I didn't think I could love anyone more than I loved Luke, but Heidi Hutchinson proved me wrong with Blake.
Joining them on tour is the wonderfully free Lucy. I think poets write sonnets about her physical appearance, seriously, she's that pretty. If she were a real person I would fan girl for days. Days I tell you.
Really.
In Your Honor is a story of two people who need to be together but because of stupid mistakes they can't. Really, its exactly in the title and its perfect.
I loved this book more than the last and I can't wait to read the next DBS installment.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 STARS*

Same band, same rock stars! This time with a little more angst, a whole lot of baggage, and a slower burn for the second novel in the Double Blind Study series. Have no fear, these are all good things.

In Your Honor (another awesome Foo Fighters reference), is a story of second chances. Music and love continue to heal and strengthening the relationships between Hutchinson's flawed but strong male AND female characters in this series. So simple, but not formulaic. This story focuses on Blake and Lucy. Childhood best friends and sweethearts, they find themselves somewhat reluctantly reunited on the road. Only through rediscovering themselves and coming to terms with their respective pasts, are Blake and Lucy able to reconnect and reestablish trust that was missing during their estrangement.

After two books, I cannot be alone in wanting all the DBS boys (and some supporting characters) to have their own story. :)

[Jodie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I did read the first one, Learn to Fly (also a 5 star read), but in my opinion, this one can definitely be read as a stand alone. The band members are the same, but each book focuses on entirely different characters. This book happens after Learn to Fly so there isn't any overlap of scenes either.

Blake had promised to leave Lucy alone, but he is so drawn to her that he finds it almost impossible to do. Lucy's heart has been broken by Blake so many times that she is afraid to let him in again. Now, the two of them thrown back together for Double Blind Study's newest tour. They see each other constantly. Watching them fight the attraction between them was heart wrenching. This was definitely a story of love gone wrong.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another huge success for Heidi! I loved this book! I was so happy to see everybody and get to know them more! I am a huge sucker for second chance stories and love stories where the characters have known each other forever. This is one of the best ones out there! Lucy and Blake and the roads that lead them back together totally suck you in. I think that I had to talk myself out of sneaking a peak at the end at least 8 times! And then there were moments that I didn't want to get to the end because I wasn't sure which ending I wanted! It was a crazy roller coaster ride but I'd get back on and ride it over and over again!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story and if you like rock star books then this one is for you. It was well written and it grabbed my attention and didn't let go. It was a very emotional read for me and I enjoyed every minute of it. I connected with the characters easily and it was one of those books that you could just see happening to someone you know or even yourself. It had me thinking and so caught up in the story that I was finished before I realized it. I love that I was able to get so carried away by it and feel all the emotion. Simply said you must read this one.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful rock star romance full of raw emotion and missed opportunity. I loved the first book in the series and couldn't wait to get stuck into this one, I wasn't disappointed Lucy and Blake were brilliant characters.

Blake and Lucy had been friends forever, when they hit high school romance finally blossomed only to ruined. Years later their paths cross again, Blake now a successful rock star finds himself put back in proximity of the only girl he'd ever loved but will they be able to move forward as just friends.

I loved the book and can't wait to read more from this author.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by United Indie Book Blog in exchange for a honest review.

This is book 2 of 6 on a series. Book 1 was awesome and book 2 is just as awesome. Blake and Lucy are so well written. You can feel the pain, anger, laughter, and love. I was so in love with Blake. He is a character that you know and feel. He was human but at times he was a total jerk, but then he would melt your heart. He has a bad boy side with a heart of gold. Lucy is woman enough to handle everything else grown at her. You have to read this series. You will thank me for telling you.

Reviewed by Jenni

[Asma · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, when I first finished the first book of DBS and knew that the second is a Blake's story, I felt hesitated and scared because I really liked Lenny and Luke's and I wasn't sure I wanted to let them go. But wow!! I even fell in love with Blake more that with Luke! It was just great though it wasn't as funny as #1 DBD, it was more heartbreaking!
And the one thing I didn't really like is how Shane ended up things with Lucy! I just kept thinking maybe there was another better way for the sake of the story!
But I liked it, enjoyed it and absolutely loved it!

[Jenni Copeland Belanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by United Indie Book Blog in exchange for a honest review.

This is book 2 of 6 on a series. Book 1 was awesome and book 2 is just as awesome. Blake and Lucy are so well written. You can feel the pain, anger, laughter, and love. I was so in love with Blake. He is a character that you know and feel. He was human but at times he was a total jerk, but then he would melt your heart. He has a bad boy side with a heart of gold. Lucy is woman enough to handle everything else grown at her. You have to read this series. You will thank me for telling you.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Ashley Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd already fallen in love with the boys of Double Blind Study! So getting to know Blake was necessary to elevate my fan status to uberfan!

Blake and Lucy's relationship was complicated, deep, and life-long. I loved discovering their past, watching difficult changes being made, and then finding how to fit together in the present.

I am one-clicking Book 3 immediately! Thanks Heidi!

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I didn't like this one as much as I liked the first one. The writing was still compelling, but I couldn't figure out why the MCs weren't together. According to one of them it was just because he was a jerk for no reason (but really I think that applies to both of them.)

I will read the next one and hope for better.

[Heidi Boyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Heidi had me hook, line and sinker from page one. I love how easily I connect to her characters and how invested I become in them. Lucky and Blake were no different as they tugged on my heartstrings often. I love this series!!!