Dear diary,Once upon a time… thing she could rely on.
No one saw through her looking glass.
No one cared.
No one tried.
Until the villain presented himself as the hero in her life.
He took and took and took some more.
With no regret.
With no shame.
With no apology.
The page never turned.
Their story didn’t end.
Tomorrow never came.
His life of debauchery was their journey to nowhere.
She’d give anything to go back in time.
To walk where she had walked.
To see what she had seen.
One step.
One breath.
One day at a time.
Though in the end, “I love you” were just words.
That destroyed us inside.
more
Having read the love hurts duet I hated Cash. Surely no words written could make me even remotely care for him.
But I was wrong. Oh how was I wrong. I adore Cash. I am rooting for him and I had no idea just how tortured and sad he truly was.
I’m not sure how I feel on the age gap between Cash and Journey but for the aspect of story I sort of overlook it when I read it.
I just need the rest of the duet I need to know what happens.
So, after reading the LOVE HURTS duet last year, I was NOT a fan of a side character (Cash McGraw). Yet I wanted to know more about him, so when I learned he was getting his own time in the spotlight? You best believe I was gonna devour this book and that’s exactly what I did. Although to be fair, I devour every M. Robinson book she releases.
You might not agree with Cash’s decisions, but at least he does what he feels is true to who he is, not what his family wants for him and his future. It’s not an easy road to travel, and there are some SERIOUS emotional issues he’s got to deal with, but there’s only one person who can help him with that. As with most M. Robinson books, this one’s gonna give you plenty of feels and I can’t wait to see how things are gonna play out.
I always expect M to deliver an emotional feast for the soul and boy has she done that and more. If you’ve read the Love Hurts Duet you’ll have an opinion of Cash and probably not a good one.
I have a feeling Cash and his story is going to end up being one of your favourites. We get a ringside view of the shitshow that his life has become. I am not going into the specifics but I was angry at Cash but also at other people who I expected more from. We see where his anger stems from and his love of music. I don’t need to wait on the second part of his story I LOVE him and every misunderstood confused part of him. I cannot wait to see the big reunion because I have a feeling it’s going to be full of anger and pain.
I just stayed up until 1:30am because I could not put this book down.
There was so much pain and heartbreak. My heart was in my throat and I was trying not to have a panic attack through most of it. Cash McGraw is real, raw, and living his life either numb or in agonizing pain.
I absolutely loved book one in this series and cannot wait to see what happens in book 2…. But how do I wait a month?!? Am I just supposed to wait around with my heart ripped out of my chest???? April 21st cannot come soon enough!
This duet is M. Robinson at her best!
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog
From the First Verse by M. Robinson is the first book in the duet series Life of Debauchery and what a story it. M. Robinson takes into the world of Cash. From childhood to current times. The emotional rollercoaster of life that Cash has taken. The ups, downs, family, friends, enemies, trying to prove oneself.
We start off in the early years of Cash life from the beginning, and we ride the wave of how life sends us challenges and how you deal with those challenges.
As we have met Cash previously, and he is the villain of all villains, this time is his story and what a story we get.
Wanting to hate the villain but yet you can help want what’s best. M. Robinson has delivered a story that will tilt your emotions all over with a small amount of what’s going to happen as you read through these pages.
I don’t want to give the story away, because of how it’s played out to us and the situations that arise, I don’t want to give anything away.
But I can tell you, you will be sucked into the story, your emotions will be pulled at and you will be like I didn’t see that coming.
Well written, what an ending, I can’t wait for book 2.
Ms Robinson is a new author to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the angsty, emotional story of Cash motherf#*kin’ McGraw. Told from the past and present, from both POV’s, at varying ages and at monumental moments of his life. From the First Verse was written with a brutally raw tongue, which only added to its authenticity. Each character was well developed and easy to connect with.
Johnny Cash McGraw was attached to his guitar and performing. Harley was his best friend and was always at his side, cheering him on. Were they in love, absolutely. He had a dream to follow and was solely focused on making it come true. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was to become a musician…he had daddy issues. When everything came to a head Cash left everything behind and set out on his own. If you want to know what happened you should listen to his music…every emotion and thought was written in his songs. Cash is drowning in money, booze, drugs and women, he’s escaping but it isn’t a long term pain relief.
Jackson’s baby sister shook her diaper covered butt to music. Journey loved Cash, he was her best friend and she did not miss a beat. Her love grew every time he babysat and sung to her. The day Cash left he broke Junie’s six year old precious heart. Broken promises of being there for her, stung. She was an old soul, she’d followed his career, knew things because their connection was so strong. It’s twelve years later when they cross paths, she is eighteen and all grown up. She just may be his saviour or will she be the final straw to break the camels back?
Omg the queen of angst has done it again. She has this ability to make you feel every raw emotion of her characters. And with Cash and Journey it’s no different. I know so many people didnt like him after Love You Now. This book will give you insight on why he did what he did. How he has lived. And his life with Journey past and present. I cant wait to see what they go through next.
This is a spin of from the Oak Island crew. This book is more from Cash’s POV.
In this book we have Cash who wants to prove himself to the world that he can be a rock star. Ash is broken inside. He is hurting himself more than anyone by staying away from those who want to love him and from those who could love him.
Journey, has always loved Cash, ever since she was a baby. We do get more insights from Journey from her Dear Diary entries which is nice.
Will Journey be able to move on once Cash leaves? Or will she always be waiting on him? Will Cash be able to see into Journey?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Omg M Robinson did it again! what a story! I had to read it in one sitting because I was intrigued by this, there’s so many twists and turns you won’t see coming! I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings!
From the moment that I heard about this book I was beyond excited to read it, and so glad that I had that opportunity. I’m a big fan of this author and she did another fantastic job on this one. I had a crazy love/hate relationship with Cash but in the best possible way. I can hardly wait for book 2!!
Cash has always been into music and knew who he wanted to be in life. Journey was always the one person who understood him. We get Cash’s back story and how he came to be in the situation he’s in now in the present. I can’t wait to read Til The Last Lyric!
Another epic romance from M Robinson! Her books NEVER disappoint!
5+++BREATHTAKING STARS!!! (A MUST READ)
Cash McGraw’s story has really done a number on me….I am at a loss with how to write a review that really expresses my feelings about his story, but I’m going to try. I just want to scream from the roof tops and tell everyone to read Cash’s story because it so freaking good. His story is one that had me all in my feels. The emotions that his story brought out in me was off the charts. I never thought that his story would have ever had this much of an affect on me, but it did and now I’m left with my thoughts of just how his story is going to end. He’s such a broken man with so many deep wounds from the choices that he’s made in life. Now add Journey to the mix with their history and I’m left wondering will she be what he needs to help him heal all those wounds or will their story be what breaks him even more and possible destroy him. Gosh…my thoughts are all over the place with how it could all go and I’m a mess. Knowing both of their past and just what could lie ahead for these two has left me needing the rest of their story asap. I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on the next book that is coming really soon. I loved Cash and Journey from the other books, but this book has me floving them even more than I thought possible.
Cash! Cash! Cash! I need more Cash!!!
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
New Adult | Age Gap | Rock Star Romance
Once again, M. Robinson has written an intense and addicting read. From the First Verse has given me an escape when my mind can’t seem to rest. I’ve been having a hard time finding the motivation to read these past two weeks but the second I started in on this one everything else disappeared and swiftly became enthralled in Cash and Journey’s story. M. Robinson has time and again, proven to me that she writes what readers CRAVE. We don’t even have to tell her what we want she simply knows and delivers. It’s pretty amazing to witness and I have fallen hard and fast for her storytelling ability.
This is the first book in the Life of Debauchery duet and follows Cash (he was Harley’s best friend from the Love hurts duet) and Journey (she was the baby in the Pierced Hearts duet). This is an age gap (12-year age difference), rock star romance! The first half of the book gives readers insight into Cash’s life leading up to his stardom and the second half brings Little Miss Thang into the picture. While the romance between the two isn’t spectacularly apparent here, it’s the buildup over time that shows us their possibility as a lifelong couple. Oh, I cannot WAIT to see what happens with them in the next book!
One thing is for certain is that the cliffhanger wasn’t all that bad- but it leads to a shocking twist I wasn’t expecting! So, don’t fret over the cliffhanger- it’s not as bad as some cliffy’s that authors write! I loved this.
If you’re a fan of the tropes mentioned in my review, then this is a must read for you! I’ve read 5 of Robinson’s recent books and am absolutely obsessed with her words now. I have a feeling many readers who start one of her books will be feeling the same way I do!
As someone who lives for, and through music, this book speaks to my soul. “Music is what feelings sound like.” What I wouldn’t give to be able to hear Cash’s music. Cash and Journey are the escape I didn’t know I needed, but loved every second of. I wholeheartedly recommend this one!
This story started out very slow for me. Not because of anything negative, I just wasn’t a big fan of Cash. Reading about him in Harley and Jackson’s book, he really pissed me off. Let’s just say he wasn’t my favorite at the time, But I knew he had a story to tell so I wanted to read plus is M Robinson who doesn’t want to read any of her books?
Well half way through this book, Miss Queen of angst got me yet again! She slowly started shedding my wall I had made for Cash and slowly breaking my heart for him! I knew without a doubt this was exactly what she would to me in the book! The fact this is the case just proves what an amazing writer she truly is! She made me hate him to then fully feel for the man!
The book was so good. It was so much more than I expected. By the end I was fully invested. I got to understand more his reason and fully see his hurt and pain. It broke me and let me craving for more.
M Robinson always gives the best reading experiences that suck you in, to destroy you in the process and then leave you fully satisfied. Book 1 doesn’t fully satisfy you but it will open you to Cash! I can’t wait to see how everything will go down and secretly hoping I get to catch-up with prior characters. She just has truly the best characters!
In typical writing fashion from this author, she is the queen of angst. She did not disappoint with this one!
My feelings were all over the place, one minute I am loving Cash and the next I am hating him but in all honesty my heart broke for him. I wanted to let him know that things would be ok and at the same time slap him upside the head and tell him to open his damn eyes.
Journey I loved her from when she was a baby in Choosing Us/ Choosing You duet. I love how she connected with Cash from the beginning. My niece reminds me of Journey in a lot of ways.
I so need book 2 like right now.
4.5 Oh My Heart & More Stars!!
This duet went to the top of my most anticipated reads list the second that it was announced! I’ve been wanting Cash’s story ever since I read the Love Hurts duet and this first installment did not disappoint! Just like the first time I listened to my favorite songs, this book hooked me from the get go! I absolutely loved it!
This first part in Cash and Journey’s story truly got to me. From Cash’s love of music to his emotions that I felt deep in my soul, he made my heart feel everything. I adored Journey so much!
Ms.Robinson has created an unforgettable read with From The First Verse! She brought ALL THE FEELS! I’m still thinking about this book and have the best kind of book hangover. I want more, so much more of these characters! I can’t wait ‘Til The Last Lyric releases!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
FIVE MUSIC STARS for Journey and Cash !!!
SWEET.
BEAUTIFUL.
AMAZING.
MIND-BLOWING.
EMOTIONAL.
That’s the short description of this book.
After I’ve read “Love Hurts Duet”, I couldn’t wait for Journey and Cash’s story because I wanted to know more about them both.
Monica again did an amazing job.
Her words made me read this book without taking a break.
She made me smile but she also made me cry.
“From the First Verse” is an emotional age-gap romance with friends to lovers and rock star trope.
I love the relationship between Journey and Cash because it’s unusual and also beautiful.
I didn’t like Cash in the previous duet but after reading this book and read his P.O.V. I understood why he did what he did.
Cash maybe seems cold heartless but he is so much more and the best examples are his protective side for Harley and Journey.
Journey is not a typical eighteen year old female character. She is an old soul which you can see from the beginning of the book.
She is different and special.
Book, of course, ended up with cliffhanger and I can’t wait for “‘Til the Last Lyric” to find out what will happen the next!
If you loved “Love Hurts Duet” and you also love reading M. Robinson’s books, then this is a book for you!
Highly recommended!!!