From The First Verse (Life of Debauchery Duet Book 1)

I love the way M. Robinson links her characters and her books, and this book didn’t disappoint. Cash was so much more than I expected from Jackson and Harley’s story I didn’t expect him to have much to offer but gee I was wrong.
The Queen of Angst has done it again. Cash has to be one of the biggest assholes she’s written, but we love those guys the most.
Can’t wait for book 2.

“Sex, drugs, and rock and roll, baby. It wasn’t just a bumper sticker on the back of a 1966 Mustang Sally. It was a fuckin’ lifestyle. A stigma. A curse.
“Cash! Cash! Cash!”

This book (book 1 ) is mostly Cash McGraw – who he is, where he came from and why he is the way he is and his rise to fame.
Towards the end we see some more of Journeys perspective (with a few journal entries along the way ) . Cash is a musical genius , he feels, lives and breathes music.

“ I was music. Music was me. We were one and the same. I needed it like I needed air, like I needed water, like I needed a reason to live. It was my home when I didn’t have one.”

I’ve been curious about Cash’s character for a while and his story will not disappoint . He’s intense with a hard exterior but a big, LOST, softy in the middle .
This book is about how he lost his way, while chasing his dreams, and how Journey Gives him a spark of hope .

“I was submerged in a sea of his agony. Drowning. Praying I’d be able to breathe again. Until he finally spoke, repeating, “Junie, show me what love is.”

On a side note : I was actually really glad that I had read both the pierced hearts duet and the love hurts duet before this one , (I’d actually recommend you do too) as this follows a very similar time line of events and gives a more in-depth understanding of relationships between all the characters and circumstances around what’s happening .

As always with Monica’s books I’m left feeling broken at the end of this book . But I have faith that she will build me up again in book two so I eagerly await the release of ‘til the last lyric’!!

This is the first book in the Life of Debauchery Duet, and the story of Cash, and Journey. This was beautifully written , kept me glued to the pages, and I can’t wait to read the second book. The characters have great chemistry, and this was intense, emotional, raw, gritty, and dramatic.

Another intense read from M. Robinson and this time we get the anticipated story of Johnny Cash McGaw and it is one that will you breaking for this lost soul who is determined to prove everyone that he can make it as a musician.

There were only a few people in his life that believed in him; however, in order to fulfill his dream he will do whatever it takes to get there even if it means hurting the ones that matter the most. In this read we get a look of his life over the years and how his decision came to be on the road. We are taken on a journey of his highs and lows where we get to know a deeper side of him. Yet with everything regardless of his achievements he is still fighting demons that he has a challenging time to overcome and face.

There has always been a person in his life that made him feel worthy. Their relationship had a special connection from the get go and was a reason behind many of his hit music. That person has entered his life again and with it comes with some intense and forbidden connection. A person that has him changing into someone where his band sees another side of him they least expected. As we get reveals; it will have you aching for more and are left with a cliffy that will have you thrown for a loop and itching for more stat!

OMG! So incredible. Kind of sucks it’s over. I didn’t want it to end. From The First Verse holds true Robinson’s writing: raw, gripping, exhilarating. My emotions are all over the place but what rings true most is my sheer infatuation. Yes, I’m addicted to Cash and Journey’s story and will most definitely be rereading this gem. I loved the character’s and their banter. No cheesy drummed up dialogue—uh, uh. This books was more than I expected and I’m glad to have had the awesome opportunity to have received this amazing ARC.

From the First Verse had me hooked from the very start. Once I started I could not stop reading. I’m pretty sure I devoured this book in a day! M Robinson has a way with words and characters that always leaves me wanting more. Everytime I think I have a favorite a new couple drops the bomb on me. I am on the edge of my seat for the duet conclusion. Rockstar Romances have always been of my favorite troupes and this one checked all my boxes! The angst. The passion. The chemistry bleed through the pages of this story and it’s just getting started. I have a feeling that Cash and Journey are going to be the wildest ride yet.

Journey quickly become one of my favorite heroines by this author. She’s young, carefree and fun! I can relate so much to her sassy wild spirit. I always wondered how journey would be when she was older and honestly she exceeded my expectations. Something about her innocence adds so much to this story. I can’t wait to see where we end up next in her journey.

Cash brings out so many mixed feelings for me. I won’t say to much because thats another story. However I was pleasantly surprised with his character. I am still on the fence but I can see myself warming to him at the same time. I find myself craving his secrets. He is broken, haunted and charming all in one. Cash McGraw isn’t your typical Rockstar and I’m all for it.

*5 STARS*
And a standing ovation for Life of Debauchery. They are well on their way of ruining me from other Rock stars. I can NOT recommend one clicking this book enough. It is so worth every emotion fueled page!

Wow, she’s done it again…M. Robinson has revealed Cash’s tortured soul, bared every angsty emotion, and made me feel all the empathy for this beautiful man!

Cash and Journey seemed destined for heartbreak from the start, and I definitely wasn’t wrong on that assumption! I went from loving teenage Cash and how sweet he was with Journey when she was a little girl to feeling his pain because of the relationship with his Dad to wondering if it was possible for him to be much more of a douche as an egotistical rockstar?! M. Robinson excels at writing frustrating and sexy men we love to get angrily fired up about and then end up loving. I think Cash has a long road to hoe.

When Cash is reunited with Journey, it’s in a very unlikely place under very unlikely circumstances. And she’s no longer the little girl who dotes on Cash’s every word and follows his instructions…quite the opposite! I have a feeling that Journey is going to be his kryptonite, and the path to their, hopefully, happily ever after has only just begun.

Oh mylanta, that ending…it was everything, but also a crazy tease for what just might be coming in Book 2! Can you say “most highly anticipated conclusion”? Now we wait…impatiently.

From the opening scene, the beat of a pounding bass drum rhythm is felt heralding the oncoming of what is to be one heck of read and this author did not disappoint. We are not perfect and just want to be accepted for who we are and sometimes that means distancing ourselves from things that do not serve us. In the case of Cash, he has always known from the time he was young and held his first guitar that he was destined for greatness. He is a prodigy that bled music. He did not need air, food or water as it was all about the music. Fortunately, he had his best friend Harley who believed in him. She was his cheerleader and then there was Journey. Journey was just a baby when she blew into Cash’s life and never let go. Fast forward twelve years and what once was a fantasy, suddenly becomes a reality as Cash becomes a superstar with his band Life of Debauchery. Fame is a fickle mistress which brings about a whole slew of new issues once thought buried deep. This is one powerfully written storyline that showcases the range of emotions that Cash goes through especially when he is thrust into situations, in some ways cutting off his nose to spite his face. There are so many complex layers to all of the characters and their relationships as they intertwine and react. Prepare to be swept away as this is one book that you will not be able to put down. A definite story to one click as it takes the whole life of a Rockstar to a new height. I highly recommend. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.

5 Stars

From the First Verse by M. Robinson is the first book in the Life of Debauchery duet and OMG it was AMAZING! M. Robinson KILLED IT with this story-she isn’t labeled the queen of angst for nothing. I swear you guys, talk about putting your emotions through the wringer. From the very first line to the last, you will experience ALL THE FEELS.

I don’t want to say too much because I feel that this story needs to be read without any knowledge of the storyline. I will say that you will FALL IN LOVE with Cash-even when he’s being a jerk. I think it honestly makes him more loveable. He is broken and the heroine is the only one who can piece him back together.

Once you start reading FTFV, you won’t want to stop. I am so in love with these characters and I cannot wait to read the conclusion. Highly recommend reading this book!

5 *walking that line* Stars

OH MY HEART! You know the moment when you read the first book from a duet and you are left absolutely speechless and scared shitless for what’s to come….. Yep, that’s basically me in a nutshell.. If you need me I’ll be rocking myself in a corner.

About The Novel:

Usually at this time I would be telling you a bit about what this story is about. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I tried to write what this first part of Cash and Journey’s story was all about… without giving away spoilers…. I found this task impossible, so I’m going to skip that part for now. Trust me when I say, this book is going to blow your mind either way.

My Thoughts:

In the past few years M. Robinson has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Not only does she write compelling stories but she steals your heart right along with it. Her characters immediately draw you in and capture your heart from the first moment you’re introduced. Angst is my greatest weakness, the more emotional the novel, the more I love it. M. Robinson is The Queen Of Angst!!!

If you all have read the Love Hurts Duet (Jackson & Harley’s story) I’m pretty sure I’m safe to assume the majority of readers had a love/hate relationship with Cash McGraw. I may just be one of a few when I say, I loved Cash McGraw from the moment he stepped into my life!!! What can I say, I’m a sucker for a man with a guitar…ask anyone and they’ll say that’s how the love of my life gained my attention. With a guitar and a song. I’ve always felt a familiarity with Cash’s character. I honestly was Team Cash throughout that whole damn duet… I actually cried when Cash broke Harley’s heart… That was one of the only times I really hated this character.

Throughout From The First Verse my heart aches for Cash. I legit wanted to crawl into my kindle and throw my arms around this fictional boy. All he wanted was to be loved and accepted for who he is, not changed into the vision of a life others see for him. I have to say, I loved Cash’s stubborn streak and his no fucks to give attitude. I loved his ability to stand his ground and not back down from the way he sees his life. Living life and loving hard sometimes hurts you in the long run. Cash did everything he could to gain acceptance, and for a boy to never feel accepted for who he is on the inside, really hit me in the heartstrings.

Now onto Miss Journey. We all know Journey as the adorably booty shaking baby from the Pierced Hearts Duet, and the Love Hurts Duet. We’ve gotten sneak peeks of Cash and Journey’s adorable bond, but now it’s time to experience Journey and Cash’s relationship from the very beginning. I loved watching this relationship evolve from a boy playing a guitar for a baby girl, to a friendship, and then into something more. It sounds really odd saying it that way, but these two seriously melted my heart. I have to say, I Loved the sweetness that a young Journey brought to this novel, but what I loved most was the fierceness and sassy vibes an older more legal Journey brought to the table. What a spitfire. I can already assume what’s going to come to the conclusion!

Before I even opened Cash and Journey’s story I knew there was going to be a load of hardships and possibly a few tears. I can say with a grin on my face, I held in my emotions like a champ!! It’s always a mission to try to hold in my emotions when reading a novel by Mrs. Robinson. I had my doubts this mission would end in my favor. But after many scrunched up faces, and many moments of taking deep calming breaths, I found myself at the end with vindication in my eyes!!

With that being said, I’ve never feared a conclusion as much as I fear the conclusion to Cash and Journey’s story. I know there are going to be an endless supply of tears in my future…. Damn, and I thought I did so good with holding in my emotions during From The First Verse….. I literally ended this book with a few curse words. I threw my kindle on the floor…. And my kindle is one of my most treasured possessions…. Aside from my Johnny Cash albums.

M. Robinson is about to slay all of our hearts… if they haven’t already been slayed yet. Trust me when I say, you aren’t going to want to miss out on the Life Of Debauchery Duet!!

~ Alecia @ The Staircase Reader