Heartache Duet: Heartache and Hope & First and Forever

Heartache Duet #1-2

by Jay McLean

Ava Diaz needs saving.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Just like she doesn’t know a thing about the boy she sits next to on the first day of senior year.
He thinks she’s a brat.
She thinks he’s entitled.
Maybe first impressions don’t always last…
Because Connor Ledger’s about to save her.
He just doesn’t know why.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, New Adult, Basketball, Young Adult, Sports

757 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2023

About the author

Jay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three little boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.

Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.

Reviews

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 5 out of 5]

”You’ll always be my first love, Ava. Everything else is insignificant.”

The Heartache Duet is an emotional rollercoaster ride of falling in love while coming of age. All the teenage angst, but real world problems that hit hard and a little too relatable at times. When I read these books I probably laughed, cried, and swooned in equal measure. There’s something about a Jay McLean book that can make you feel every feeling under the sun and there’s nothing better when reading romance if you ask me. So this duet includes Heartache and Hope & First and Forever PLUS a bonus epilogue that just made me so happy for Connor and Ava. Love getting a glimpse of my faves in the future.

If you loved the angsty teen sitcoms from the 2000s, then you will adore Ava & Connor’s love/life story.

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRg65VTr/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRg6pfbo/

[Betül · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

Book 1: Heartache and Hope - 5 stars

"Love is not a noun. Love is something you do. Something you prove. Something you work hard to create. Love is not something that simply exists because you say it. Love is not a noun. Love is a verb."

Heartache and Hope is the type of mature Young Adult book that I absolutely can't resist reading. This was such a perfect book from start to finish. I haven't read a romance book that takes place in high school for a while, but now I remember again what I loved so much about this genre. Jay McLean is an amazing author. Her characters always feel so real and nothing seems fabricated or fake. Every emotion, behavior, and action makes sense for better or worse. Ava and Connor are such beautiful characters and they were perfect for each other.

"There'd be no happy ending to our story. There'd be an intense beginning, a shaky middle, and then heartache. And we've both been through enough heartache to last a lifetime."

However, will their love survive with all the hardships they both are facing? They both have other priorities and it broke my heart to see both of them struggle to make their relationship work. Connor is supportive and an amazing guy. He isn't perfect, and that is what I loved most about him.



Book 2: First and Forever - 5 stars

The Heartache Duet is absolutely phenomenal. From the characters to the amazing writing, it is just so perfect. First and Forever takes up where we left off in Heartache and Hope, I was really happy that there was no time jump into the future because I wanted their story to continue in present time. My heart broke so much for Ava and Connor, they are both broken and trying to make the best out of their situation.

Their love was tested immensely in this book, and it really had me on the edge of my seat at times. Connor is one of the most amazing main male characters I have ever read, he was just such a good guy. Nice guys don't always finish last. Ava had so much burden on her shoulders, and I just can't imagine the amount of stress she was under. Also when Connor is confronted with his past, it created some tension between Ava and him.

"When the world is at its darkest, that's when the magic appears."

One of my favorite things in this duet was the relationship between Connor and Ava's mom. It was so beautiful, and heartbreaking at times. But they really had a special bond with each other. Connor brought hope and magic into their lives. It really made me emotional at times and I couldn't contain my tears. Ava's brother Trevor was great and had made so many sacrifices.

This whole duet was just perfect in my opinion. There isn't a thing I would change. I was getting sadder when I was getting to the end, because it was getting time to say goodbye to the characters I connected so well with. Their love was raw and real, and it wasn't perfect but it was perfect for them. I love Jay for writing their story, and I wish that this duet was a trilogy because I didn't want it to end. This duet is one of my favorites this year and I highly recommend everyone to read it.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 "The End Game!!!" stars***



"When the world is at its darkest, that's when the magic appears..."

This duet was full of heartache and hope, firsts and forevers...
Jay McLean is one of the best storytellers that exists and I adore her stories, even when they hurt me...
And there was so much heartache in here, in so many forms, but there was also hope, because in here, they were existing beautiful people with huge hearts!!!
I am so happy that I've read this book and I can tell you with my hand on my heart that Connor and Ava's duet was an unforgettable story!!!

"Love is not a noun. Love is something you do. Something you prove. Something you work hard to create. Love is not something that simply exists because you say it. Love is not a noun. Love is a verb."

Ava needed saving, but she didn't know it!!!
Connor needed motivation and Ava became exactly that!!!
These two had so much heartbreak on their lives, but together they had found a reason to live and laugh and love unconditionally...
I don't want to get into details, cause it will be better for someone to go into this story blindly, but this was a magnificent story about first love, family, friendship and hope... It was a story that I will carry for a long time with me!!!

"There'd be no happy ending to our story. There'd be an intense beginning, a shaky middle, and then heartache. And we've both been through enough heartache to last a lifetime."

Ava was a girl that lost everything and she was struggling in her new reality...
Her dreams and hopes had vanished overnight, but she kept going for a reason...
My heart was breaking for her and I was admiring her for the load that she never stopped carrying upon her shoulders...
Connor was a boy with one certain goal and he could sacrifice everything for his end game...
What Connor couldn't imagine was that the end game can change in an instant when your heart will fill out with love...
I admired Connor's strength and his determination to stick beside his loved one...

"You never have to hide who you are with me. Because I'm here.
And I'll wear your pain as if it were mine. I promise."

But except this two exceptional creatures, there were some secondary characters that earned my love with their characters and they deserve to be mentioned in my review...
Trevor was the best big brother that could ever exist... His sacrifice was something that no many people would do... He was simply... remarkable!!!
Also, I loved Mrs. D... My heart was breaking for her... And her moments of clarity were worthing a million bad moments... I loved the connection that she and Connor were having...
And then, it was Connor's father... A father that sacrificed everything for his boy... He was the best dad that a boy could ask for and even though, sometimes I wasn't very sure of him, he proved to me his worth!!!
Also, there was Rhys, Karen and Amy and they were amazing creatures too!!!

"It's not stupid to hope, Ava. Sometimes hope is the only thing that gets us through to the next day."

This was a very beautiful and heartwhelming story...
A story that hurt badly while it made you laugh, but one that had the ability to heal you...
Connor and Ava were meant to be, even though their road wasn't always paved with roses...
Their love was grand and unique and a fighter... Their love never gave up, even when the hope was gone...
Connor and Ava were everything!!! And if you are a little bit curious of everything you've read above, what are you still doing here??? Just go and start reading!!!

"There's no magic in a broken heart..."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Fahmida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is singlehandedly the best duet I've read in a while. I went through all sorts of emotions while reading this. This made me laugh, cry and everything else there is in between. This is so beautifully written, I'm at a loss for words. I genuinely do not know how to express my feelings rn. I kid you not, the entire duet is like 800 pages and I ate it up in 48 hrs! The relationship between Ava and Connor was so beautifully written and the author did a great job at portraying the difficulties of managing a tough home life and a relationship at the same time as a teen. I couldn’t stop smiling reading Ava and Connor's text messages. I always kept wondering how did the author come up with this? It was so wholesome. There are so many things I loved about this book, I can never finish talking about it. I did get bothered a little bit at the misunderstanding at the end of Book 2 but I wouldn't call it miscommunication because I understand where Ava was coming from. This book broke my heart in the best way possible and put it back together. I already added so many of Jay Mclean's books to my tbr after this!
And Connor Ledger, the man that he is......he isn't a green flag, he's a whole goddamn green forest!!!!😭💗 I will not be forgetting anything about this book anytime soon.

[BLuvsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love is not a noun.
Love is something you do.
Something you prove. Something you work hard to create.
Love is not something that simply exists because you say it.
Love is not a noun.
Love is a verb.”

My Heartaches for the things that Ava and Connor have to endure and also Hope for the love they share.
Ava is determined to prove her love to her mom by being her caretaker.
Connor is proving his to his father by exceeding in basketball and getting to the “endgame”
They are both struggling with family issues and experience first love.

“When the world is at its darkest, that’s when the magic appears.”

Connor and Ava’s love story was pure magic.
It was filled with heartbreak, sadness, healing and love.
Jay McLean is an amazing author. Her words have you feeling a myriad of emotions. I could not put this book down. It consumed me.

Must Read emotional Romance.
New Adult. Dual POV

[C. Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

roller coaster of emotions over here!
did i read this because i heard it was very similar to binding 13? yes, yes i did.
did it disappoint? no, in fact it did not!!!
in my head this was troy and gabriela and i just loved this.
they deserve everything and i’m so in love with this story and every single character… 💜🥹

[Justmyfantasyworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Heartache Duet
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jay McLean
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

I went through soo many emotions during this book and the story just flows naturally (if you know what I mean). Both Ava and Connor are so extremely well developed characters and their story just EVERYTHING. What the author does really well too is introducing serious topics and also keep it realistic. We all go through stuff and it’s not like we can get over something in a few days. Some things take time and so does the story of Connor and Ava. They take you with them on this journey and with every piece they give you everything just keeps falling into place bit by bit. What a ride this was. AND THAT ENDING. Ladies and gentleman have your tissues and drinks ready (preferably spiced up if you are old enough of course). It is an amazing duet and both these characters have so much to offer you as a reader. They give you depth, an emotional connection, mistakes, love, humor and more. What I also really loved was the family aspect in this book. There were so many interesting things happening familywise (no spoilers) and the relationship between Connor and Ava’s mother was really special. I especially recommend this duet for readers who love angst, it is also a really good representation of what Jay McLean is capable of: MAGIC.

[Michelle Krystel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. Okay heartache is the perfect title for this book, I felt my heart break multiple times, but I also cried happy tears too. It was mix of emotions but I was hear for all of it. Connor is not what I call a book boyfriend no, he gets a rare title I don't use very often, Connor legend is a book husband. This man is incredible inside and out, they don't really make him like they use too. I'm just gteatful I have own. Anyways heartache is one of the best duets I've ever read, and the best book I've read this year. It will stay with you for years to come. I also love Ava she's so strong and has a heart of pure gold. I pretty much loved most of the characters. Rhys for sure, Karen intrigued me, and Trevor is a Saint, Miss D is amazing, even Connors Dad was incredible. I wish there was more to come with these characters. I loved this duet Soo much I wish I could just read it again from the start lol.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava may only be a teenager but with the obstacles that life has thrown at her it has forced her to grow up and mature before she should have to. She doesn’t have the time or energy for the fun and social aspects of school but when Connor comes into her life he isn’t about to just let her push him away.

Connor is a talented basketball player with high expectations so he can’t afford to be distracted by anything but there is something about Ava that calls to him and walking away is no longer an option.

Connor and Ava take us on an emotional journey that is at times heartbreaking and at times inspiring. They are willing to do anything for those they love despite the personal cost but as the twists and turns keep coming they realize they have a great support system as well and every angst filled page only made their story that much better.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this duet back in 2021 and absolutely fell in love with the characters and the story. Fast forward to 2023 with the release of an extended epilogue that I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC for and I dove in head first and reread the duet from start to end.
And it was even better the second time. I don’t remember crying this much or feeling what I felt when I went through my first read.

This duet broke me, healed me and put me back together before doing the breaking and healing all over again. And the extended epilogue was everything! It was everything that I wished was there the first time I read it and I got it. It was so much more than what I had hoped for and I’m so grateful I got to read it.

If you haven’t read this duet yet, I highly recommend you get on it.

[_book_topia_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is my first time not finishing a Jay McLean book. Shock horror. Don’t @ me.
She’s still my angst queen it’s just this duet really didn’t float my boat. The problem? Ava.

To begin with I felt sorry for her. Mum with a lot of issues, stepfather who abandoned them in their time of need, brother who gave up everything to help them and she has to pick up the slack. The sad thing is by the end of book one I felt nothing for her. I found her annoying, self absorbed and selfish. She had no regard for Connor and his feelings apart from telling him she couldn’t be anything he wanted. She was needy and jealous for all the wrong reasons and she bugged me to no end.

Then there was Connor, sweet, sweet Connor. He was first love personified. He fell head over heels for a girl and pictured a future together. But he put so much pressure on himself that it broke my heart. I honestly think Karen would have made a better girlfriend for him. She was supportive, encouraging and honest. And I actually loved her for it.

None of the side characters made me gaga for them. Trevor was decent-ish but could have been so much more had he actually stepped up and been an adult in his and Ava’s situation. I get he sacrificed his future but it wasn’t his place. He should have asked for help and support and set up a support system for Ava.

I know this was one of McLean’s earlier books and it shows in how her books now are so much more character developed. I got bored towards the end of the first book. So book 2
I literally skimmed as I felt it was more of the same from book 1z there was a lot of repetitiveness and there’s only so much sympathy you can have for someone that chooses not to help themselves.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

4.5 Stars
I originally read the Heartache Duet back when it was released. I knew I had to re-read it when I heard McLean was releasing it as a box set with added content. I’m going to give you updated reviews and then I’ll add comments at the end for the bonus content.

Heartache and Hope, Book 1 – ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
From the blurb, it sounds like Heartache and Hope is an enemies to lovers (for a lack of better word for a YA book) romance. The line “Maybe first impressions don’t always last…” is accurate and this story quickly shifted away from that trope. Heartache and Hope was really about two high school students who have heavy burdens to carry. Ava and Connor should both be avoiding distractions, but they can’t get past their attraction for each other. Their relationship can’t be what a normal high school relationship should be, so there’s some heartache and some hope.

Since this is a duet, I don’t want to say too much about the plot. What I will tell you is that Jay McLean’s given us an emotionally charged romance filled with angst. There are so many ups and downs my head was spinning. I have to admit the angst was hard for me at times — but that’s because of some stuff I have going on in the background, not the book.

Ava and Connor… Man, their lives were tough. They each had something big they were dealing with, and I was actually pretty amazed at how they handled things. I didn’t always agree with their decisions, but I understood them. They were a very sweet couple.

As for the rest of the gang, there were characters I loved and characters I loved to hate. Trevor, Rhys, and Corey were my faves. Peter needs to go. I don’t like him and his being involved in the story makes me nervous.

Heartache and Hope ends in a cliffhanger. It wasn’t one that completely shocked me, but it did make me wish I already had the second book to read when I first read the book. Be glad in this box set you get both because I was very curious to find out where things were going to go for Ava and Connor. I’m not just talking their romance. I was curious how life is going to evolve for them separately as well.

First and Forever, Book 2 – ★ ★ ★ ★
First and Forever is the conclusion to Ava and Connor’s story. It picks up where their story left off.

Connor and Ava’s relationship was full of ups and downs. There were lots of moment of back and forth in relationship status. It was both frustrating and understandable. As high school students, they lacked the maturity their situations called for at times. I got frustrated with Connor for keeping important secrets. I was irritated with Ava for avoiding everything she should have been facing head on. Even though I thought the characters needed to grow up, I understood their immaturity and struggles. I liked how they shaped the story. They both learned some valuable lessons.

First and Forever made me love Connor even more. I didn’t always get his dedication to Ava, but I loved the way he supported her. He stood by her when others had walked away. He developed an amazing relationship with her mother and it wasn’t just to win Ava over. I loved that he was always looking at his end game.

Ava wasn’t my favorite, but she grew on me. Like I said before, she was good at avoiding. Some of the things I learned in this book helped explain her, and I was able to make some connections with her actions.

I have a couple of things I want to say that don’t really fit well anywhere in this review. The first is that I didn’t like how the whole Peter thing was dealt with. There was a big build up to it, but when it came time to get into it, I was told rather than shown. I wish there had been more attention on that moment. Second, Heartache and Hope was definitely YA. First and Forever felt liked it moved from YA to NA. It was definitely a more mature read.

First and Forever was a great ending to the Heartache Duet. It brought Ava and Connor’s story full circle in a way that felt organic to the characters and the story. Jay McLean did a great job with Ava and Connor’s end game.

BONUS EPILOGUE – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This may only have been one epilogue chapter, but it was so sweet and an even more perfect ending for Ava and Connor. I’m not going to say anything else about it because it’s just something fans of this duet have to read for themselves. Big smiles from me.

If you haven’t read this angsty, emotional YA/NA duet from Jay McLean, I would recommend you do.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read these books about 2 or 3 years ago. And like that time, it has once again left a lasting impression on me.

You want heartache, you got it here.
You want hope, you got it here.
You want first (everythings), this will give it to you.
Now how about forever you say? This will deliver that to you as well.
The Heartache duet is the perfect name for this, because trust me you will feel your heart ache and break, but don't you worry, Jay McLean will fill you with all the hope, love can give.

Jay McLean is such an amazing, amazing writer, and I can't say that enough. Because yet again she delivered a masterpiece of a book, and she made these characters that are so painstakingly wonderful.
Ava is such a strong and brave girl, she has been through so much, but for her loved one she will sacrifice everything and give everything, eventhough that may mean she loses herself in the process.
In comes the ever so charming Connor, who brings light, joy, and hope to Ava's life. Connor is just enamored by Ava, and he cares for her so much; and loves on her so much. They face their battles, individually and as a team, with the hope that the end game will be worth it; with the hope that their love will be enough and conquer it all. Because that is what Ava and Connor are, they are the end game.

Ava and Connor are wonderful characters, but their circle of friends and their respective family members play such a huge part in their story, that you just can't forget about them. Everyone deserves friends like Rhys and Karen, and a brother like Trevor.

The Heartache Duet consists of 2 books; Heartache and Hope, and First and Forever. Be sure to go read this, it will leave a lasting impression on you, like it did on me.

I received an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own

[Melissa Gloria - Meli’s Books and Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow! This book is nothing short of amazing! Connor, sweet Connor, the star basketball player who's suffering and dealing with so much on the inside. Ava, heartbroken Ava who has had to grow up before her time. These two will make you feel every emotion they bring out when you remember your first love. But there is always a downfall. This book moved me and made me feel everything they were going. It's emotional, full of angst and so much heart. I loved this book and this couple. I loved the extended epilogue and I remembered why I loved Connor's character. This sweet caring guy who is always thinking of others is ready for the next steps with Ava and I loved reading every minute of it.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet is such a great read. It sucks you right in and you find yourself reading late into the night because you don’t want to put it down.

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 - Heartache & Hope 📚
I did enjoy this book and also the chapters are short so I was flying through it. It’s quite a sad read with a lot going on. Both Ava and Connor are dealing with personal situations that one leading in to college shouldn’t be dealing with. There is angst and tension but also mental health rep. You feel bad for these characters and the situations that draw them together but also can pull the apart. I also felt it was a bit juvenile for my taste and feels like I’m taken back to high school dramas and first loves.

Book 2 - First & Forever
This was a good follow up as we saw more of Connors side in this book and his personal situations. Towards the end a lot of things were happening in the book that just didn’t seem realistic to me personally for example:
- This takes place in America and Connor is 18 at the time went out drinking at a party. Connor came home drunk and spoke with his dad who is in the medical field saying I hope you didn’t drink drive as your under age for drinking as well. Connor said no Dad I wouldn’t do that and that was it no worries or cares about the situation. Also Connors dad is all for him to focus on basketball to not have any distractions so this confused me that he got away with something like this.
In this book I loved the relationship dynamic between Connor and Ava’s mum that was a highlight for sure and made me feel good.
Also I wasn’t really surprised or shocked with the plot twists.

Over all it was a good duet just I felt like I was a teenager again back and fourth breaking up or getting back together, fighting getting jealous. Just a little juvenile for me personally. Also it has sports in this but it isn’t the main focus as it’s about two teenagers navigating family, past trauma and relationships.

If you love:

🔹Basketball
🔹Girl Next Door
🔹High School Era Vibes
🔹We Can / Can’t Be Together
🔹Family Issues
🔹Mental Health
🔹Angst & Tension

Genre/Type: Contemporary Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 757
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual POV
Tropes or Themes: Friends To Lovers, Neighbours, High School & Mental Health
Check Triggers ⚠️

Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Amazon Reviews 💫

[adeela_books ❁ཻུ۪۪ · Rating 5 out of 5]

❛ Heartache Duet Series by Jay McLean ❜
5 ⭐️

The first book in this duet is 'Heartache & Hope' let me first say how beautiful this story was. It had everything in it from wonderful and strong main characters to equally great secondary and supporting characters. Everything about this book was just exceptional; the writing, the scenes,the story,the directions taken,the setting,the characters, the emotions. The author just submerges you into this world she's created and it's so good. The talent is there my dudes. A must read! I couldn't put this down and read it in 1 day!

Pls know this book will heal you then break you. It has so much of love and yet so much of pain,heartbreak and angst. There are pure and sweet moments that will make you smile then there are moments that make you want to cry and scream, desperately wanting for it to all work out in the end.

From Ava the protagonist being such a strong queen and prevailing through it all to Connor for being the best person and boyfriend you could ever want. Connor Ledger is everything. He sets the standards and is severely underrated in the book community. Maybe it's coz this book is YA idk but ya'll Connor slays.

Coming to the side characters, Ava's mom my heart goes out to her. Trevor and Rhys are so fun. Thank you for writing this gem author.

I have to say tho the first book slaps. The sequel, 'First & Forever' is good enough but i just found it having too many hurdles that felt repetitive and overdone esp coz it was on from the first book. The whole miscommunication thing also irked me coz it didn't get resolved as fast as I'd have liked. It was just too much conflicts that felt unnecessary and draggy. But overall a cute read. Tho book 1 takes the W and Connor always has my ❤️
as for the book covers, looking good & matching slay.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved these two novels.

Connor and Ava are such beautiful souls, each of them with their respective traumas, past and present, navigating their lives the best they can. They brought out the best in each other, and they could also bring out the worst in each other.

Connor is such a wholesome, sweet, caring, guy. He made my heart feel so full.

My heart often broke for Ava, witnessing her experiences, having to grow up so fast, shouldering responsibilities that could make the most solid adults crumble.

There are a LOT of heavy themes in these novels. A painful reminder of the fact that everyone is battling something you know nothing about.

There is a lot of angst in their story, and so much love. You have to remind yourself during these periods of angst, that these are two teenagers, working through adult-like experiences… and lend them some grace when they stumble in their communications and behaviours.

I loved the alternating viewpoints, which allowed the reader to witness same experiences from different perspectives.

The story unfolded realistically, it wasn’t a rushed, “out of the blue” happy ending. … it took work, and it happened organically.

I feel mama-bear proud of how much Connor and Ava grew, apart, individually, and together. ♥️

This was my first Jay McLean series and I can’t wait to read more.

I can’t forget to give a shout-out to Mama Jo and Trevor. ♥️

[Monae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read in a long time! The FMC is incredibly smart and strong despite all that she's been through and is currently going through. I've read books with "Broken" FMCs or MCs that have gone through very traumatic situations and one thing I usually don't like is when it makes then less emotionally intelligent especially when their trauma is completely unrelated to trust and being in relationships. This book is so well written, the main character Ava has gone through a very big familial change and due to that she is more closed off and opposed to relationships. Watching Connor the love interest begin to tear down those walls brought me to tears at some points. Another part that i loved is that neither of the characters had a "perfect life" and had both experienced hard times in their life. But the best part of this book is the authenticity. In some books the authors are so quick to get to the happy ending that they abandon storylines they created in the beginning and I love how this book wasn't rushed it showed the hard times and the good times, and how in depth it was. Finishing this book was saddening but I am happy to have found a new favorite author.

[Prez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both ratings join: 7/10

1. Heartache and Hope - 4.3/5
PLOT - 16/20. CHARACTERS: 15/20. WRITING STYLE: 14.50/20. SETTING; 20/20. THEME/ORIGINALITY:20.

REVIEW: The plot was interesting and anchored me on the spot. I just wish we could have learned more about the past of others. The characters - they all needed fixing (I mean emotionally, like they're really not compatible at the moment.) Ava and Connor throughout the first book had some great misunderstanding, a huge conflict. In my opinion, they weren't resolved the way they deserved to be. He was hurting, she was too. However, they both hurt each other. The way Connor treated her in the end was unreasonable, I was glad she treated him the same. I wish she could've said "I'm only treating you the way you treated me." I didn't like the writing style, however, I still gave it a shot. Of course. The setting was good, and the theme too.


2. First and Forever - 4.5/5
PLOT - 17/20. CHARACTERS - 17.50/20. WRITING STYLE -14.50/20. SETTING - 20/20. THEME - 20/20
The plot was great. The characters? They really changed in the end. I loved the ending.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohh my heart. This duet was an intense way to kick off my new reading year. It was so angsty at the begin no and at times the miss communication made me crazy but the characters were acting their age and so if I view this book from that perspective it was spot on. I really enjoyed this authors writing and how much the characters were developed.

[Geronimo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hated that they broke up but I liked that neither of them like slept around and that they were still in love, smut was very far and few and I don’t really remember it so idk if it was good but given I don’t remember it it probably wasn’t

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some people actually really like this book… each to their own I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️


ALSO THE SYNOPSIS SAYS SHES A BRAT. LIKE SHE DOESNT SEEM BRATTY JUST OCCASIONALLY SASSY. SO LIKE WHEN CONNOR WOULD CALL HER A BRAT ID GET OFFENDED FOR HER UK.

[angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

the people who are saying this book is similar to the boys of tommen series are lying. these two books were ridiculously long and i hate how connor miraculously got through to miss d when her own children couldn't.

[ihateseverussnape · Rating 4 out of 5]

second one isn’t on here
???

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Slovestoread · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf

[romcomslvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars — ava and connor deserved sm better ☹️☹️. somehow i found this book very comforting

[z · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars — i’m not gonna lie: i did not gaf about the romance. howeverrrrr, ava and connor were both interesting characters and the story itself was compelling and emotional, so i enjoyed this.

[k · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️