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
Cash and Journey’s story so far is angsty and broody and raw. I hurt for them both, especially Cash, as it was obvious the man had serious demons. The story starts in the past, and the time frame weaves a bit throughout this first part, starting from when he was a teen, then to him in the present in his 30s, with parts in between both those ages. He’s a man with music in his veins and a dream to make it big. His best friend is along for the ride, well, for part of the ride, and so much happens that my head was spinning a bit.
Of course there’s a huge cliffhanger and now I’m anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this gritty story.
Luna decides to let loose and go out to drink. She meets a man and they have one amazing night, then goes back to real life. Luna has been trying to keep up with school and her health at same time. When she’s able to go back to work, she discovers she’s only got one option for internship. She goes for interview and gets hired. When she meets her boss, she’s shocked but can she ignore it and do her job? Gabe has his own baggage and has sworn off relationships but can he resist Luna?
Every time this author comes out with a new book, you just know it will take you on a journey of a lifetime and this one is no different! This is the first book of the duet series and will leave your mind blown from everything that Cash is going through. We’ve met him in Jackson and Harley’s duet series and even though you hated him, there’s just something about him that you know runs so much deeper! This book ends on a cliffhanger but in my opinion it’s not too big 🙂 I just want book 2 now to see how it goes…
We get to see much more what’s underneath the eye and it’ll take you back to the beginning and throughout the years where Cash has struggled so much. He and Harley are best friends but he also struggles to get his music out there and become the star that he always wanted to be. Even though not everyone in his family supports him, he feels and breathes music in a way that only big stars do but the road ahead is hard. Even though he has a special bond with Journey, it won’t stop him to go after what he really wants, even if that means to leave the life behind he has always known… Will he be able to make it to the big leagues? But what price will he have to pay in the end?…
I’ve read this book 3 times this month. And every single time I loved it more and more.
We got to see a little bit about who Cash McGraw is in the Love Hurts duet. And I can’t say he was painted in a very good light. I for one was sooo mad at him but by the end of Love You Now I was H Y P E D for Cash’s book.
Don’t ask me why because looking back I know my thoughts were silly BUT I wasn’t expecting to get hit so hard in the feels. I didn’t expect my heart to break the way it did. Again I read this book 3 times and each time it GUTTED me. I always ended up needing time alone to just deal with the sadness I was witnessing and kind of experiencing.
Cash is so so so cocky and arrogant. Underneath all that is just a hurt kid. He acts out and makes incredibly poor choices and as a reader all I wanted was for him to win.
Journey, has had a crush on Cash she was a baby and cash was like 12 or something (listen I’m not good with math). She’s always been just a cute kid to Cash. Someone who loved music the way he loved music and EVERY damn time someone mentioned the crush Cash C U R B E D it.
After some stuff goes down with his father Cash leaves town and never comes back breaking a promise to Journey and her little heart.
Fast forward 12 years and she’s back in his life, on his tour bus and she’s not so little. Cash really struggles with his demons and his attraction to Journey. And for that I seriously applaud Robinson. Truth be told I was a little concerned going into this age Gap book because Cash had been there with her growing up. Would this come across as grooming (which is disgusting) or would this Age gap just show two people who fell in love.
100000% this is genuine man and woman stuff. I felt no icky feelings. I love these two together. Not that they were together very long but the dynamic between them. They don’t call M. Robinson the queen of angst for nothing. Journey pushes Cash to be a better version of himself and really that’s all love is right.? Loving someone enough to be the best person you can be for them. She’s not trying to get him to change who he is.
This duet is going to break me. I’m absolutely okay with that. M. Robinson knows how to write stories that will twist you up. You should absolutely read this.
As usual with my reviews for this author I’ll be staying well away from the actual story. It’s always best to go in knowing as little as possible especially with this book.
Cash McGraw…what can I say about Cash? I wasn’t his biggest fan from what I’d seen of him in other books. I haven’t hidden the fact that I disliked him and I had some serious doubts that Ms Robinson could make me like him when it came time to read his story. And now I’ve finished the first part and I’m still not sure how I feel. I think the best way to describe how I feel about him is I love him but I don’t always like him? I didn’t like some of the things he did or the way he went about things. I didn’t always like the person he was but at the same time I understood why he was like that even though I didn’t agree with his actions. He wasn’t the only one that left me frustrated with their actions though, I was extremely angry with a certain somebody and also very disappointed in them. Cash’s story takes us from his teenage years when he’s chasing his dream to years later when he’s living it. He’s a tortured guy and his story is an emotional one. It’s hard not to feel for him and for what he’s lost.
I will forever picture Journey as been this sweet, adorable little girl who’s always dancing but she’s growing up in this book and I’m loving the young woman she’s becoming. I can’t wait for more of her.
This book is told mostly from Cash’s pov and as we get his story it’s so easy to see the unbreakable bond that’s between Cash and Journey. I’m already impatiently waiting for the next book. I’m desperate to find out what’s going to happen with Cash and Journey and I’m counting down the days until I can find out. Another angst ridden, addictive story from Ms Robinson.
Oh cash what have you done to me. I devoured this story and need the second one like now.
The Queen strikes again! Just wow I couldn’t put this book down it sang to my soul like lyrics to a song! I couldn’t get enough of this amazing story I felt so many different emotions!
I felt this book deep down in my soul I couldn’t get enough of it! The characters and they’re developments were well written..
I can’t wait for more!
Dear Lord in Heaven…M. Robinson might have written one of my favorite stories of 2020. Let’s see where to begin…this is Cash and Journey’s story. These two are an unlikely pair. But they honestly couldn’t be more perfect if they tried. Don’t let the age gap deter you. I loved the girl Journey is. She’s so sweet and wants to do right by the man she loves. Cash has distanced himself from everyone.
There are parts of this story that hurt my heart. I know it’s just a story, but my soul hurt for him at times. I feel he was often misunderstood. In a time when he was young and needed a positive influence, it just wasn’t there. It sucks when you have dreams, but others try to pull them apart. I hurt for this man. Things could have been different, but weren’t.
There were parts of this story that made me want to scream at Cash. There were parts where my heart truly broke for him. Then there were parts that I honestly wanted to junk punch him. But this is what M. does with her writing. She makes you feel so many emotions in one freaking story. I wanted to get lost in her words and that’s exactly what happened. I loved this story from the beginning. I can’t want to see what’s to come. I honestly feel like we are on the uphill of a falling rollercoaster. I’m sure going to enjoy this ride. Sit back and hang on friends, this is going to be one heck of a ride.
Get the latest from M. Robinson!
It has taken me a few days to find the right words to write my review! Monica has out done herself with this book! It was magnificent!
Cash Mcgraw is a hit, troubled, rock and roll star! He will make you want to hate him but you just aren’t able to! My heart breaks for him as much as I want to strangle him!
Journey is smart, sassy, and loves to dance! She has loved Cash since she was born!
This is just the beginning of their story and it will give you all the feels! I can’t wait for the next book!
I already know that Cash and Journey’s story will break my heart before putting it back together! They don’t call Monica the Queen of Angst for nothing!
If you haven’t already go read this book Now!! You will not be disappointed!
From the First Verse is my first go at M. Robinson’s writing (I know, I know!) and like I assumed would be the case, I became a fan within pages! The way she’s able to transport you to this colorful, sexy, fun filled world is effortless. It’s like you’re living the story right next to Cash and Journey instead of just reading about them.
Cash McGraw and Journey Pierce have always had an emotional connection, one strengthened through music. Having known her since she was born, Cash took a protective role in Journey’s life and in turn, little Journey became the Junie to her Johnny. While Cash’s road to stardom is filled with heartache and strife, it’s Journey that’s able to bring him happiness. But eventually, her knows he has to keep going to achieve his dreams.
Life of Debauchery isn’t just the name of Cash’s band, it’s the way he lives his life. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll is a lifestyle that the youngest McGraw has fully embraced, and it isn’t until a grown up Journey enters his life again that he’s able to breathe once more.
Cash and Journey have an emotional story, one that grips your heart tight and squeezes. We’ve only just started the ride and I’m sure that things will really ramp up in book two, which I can’t wait for.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I have been waiting for Cash MotherF*ckin’ McGraw story, and it’s finally here!!
This story captured me from the very beginning, it was so full of emotion, and genuine. I guess that’s why the call this author The Queen of Angst!! There were times I loved Cash, music is in his soul, but there were times I really disliked him too. As the story develops you get more of the real man. Journey is a sweet girl, who loves music as much as Cash. She is June to his Cash!! I liked that the good ol boys and their families are in this story. I really can’t wait for the next book to find out what’s going to happen next for them.
I held a huge grudge against Cash since Love You Know and I didn’t think there would ever be a good enough excuse to have me forgive him and love him again as much as I did before he messed-up. But the author showed me there was more to the broken boy. My heart melted at the sight of him and little Journey – seeing him still find light and kindness amongst all the hurt he wore like his second skin. Speaking of hurt one of my favourite parts in FTFT was the father/son relationship. The parents’ love for their kids that can easily turn into expectations that are too hard to follow. I hope we get Dylan’s POV in Till the Last Lyric or in a bonus scene. *winks at Monica*
I devoured this book in record time. Monica Robinson has a way with words that makes all her books somehow emotional but beautiful as a fairytale at the same time. Just the prologue tucked at my heartstrings and deserved 5 stars on its own.
This was Cash’s story, more than Cash and Journey’s story and even though the book was a little low on romance and wasn’t that angsty compared to Ms Robinson other books + the ending came out of the blue, I enjoyed every second of it and I cannot wait for the conclusion.
RATING: 4.25 – .5*
***
Let’s take a minute to mourn my tears that never came. Seriously, someone pat me. This book was emotional but I didn’t shed a single tear. Am I broken?
***
I stake claim on Beck and all members of Life of Debauchery. I loved their shenenigans and banter with Journey.
***
Holy moly.
This book was fantastic.
Dammit Monica.
I won’t fall for Cash MOTHERF*CKING McGraw’s charm.
Sooo I turned the last page of this book. My chest is tight, tears in my eyes, and a knot in my throat as I try to process what I experienced. I have read the last two duets from this author which introduced me to these characters. Truthfully, I was hesitant to enter into this world because I knew it was going to be emotional, possibly breaking my heart. Yes, I was a fool. This story is everything and more.
Plan to go back and forth in time with an unveiling of details that takes you on a journey filled with tears, laughter, and love. The added bonus is the musical elements of this rockstar romance. I also love stories that have journal entries.
Cash, in all his humanity, made me wanna hug the heck out him. Eek, welling up thinking about it. Journey aka Junie is an old soul with a heart of gold. For being so young she sees and understands all. They are magic together and have such purpose.
Cliffhangers in years past have never been my favorite but over the last year I have had a real change of heart. It is more than appropriate with this story and creates an anticipation that leaves me reeling.
If I were to join a spoiler group/book club after my read, a big discussion for me would be about the feelings this couple each have in regards to one of their parents. Different reasons but similar emotions. I am planning for ALL to be answered in the next book. Ok enough with my cryptic tease. Wink!
Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
From the First Verse is book 1 in Life of Debauchery duet by M. Robinson. Cash and Journey’s story is raw, heartbreaking, emotional, intense, forbidden, tempestuous, and full of angst. The characters will pull on your heartstrings like no other. We meet Cash in Harley and Jackson book( Love You Now) and boy, did I dislike him there but here in his book, I have done a 360. He’s is full of flaws, he loves deep and we see what drives him/is driving him. Cash literally lives for his music. Journey is Jackson’s younger sister whose 18 yrs old. Even though she’s 18, she’s an old soul in a young body type /sassy personality. Put these two characters together and watch out for the fireworks. The rollercoaster of emotions is awesome and OMG, the feels and that cliffhanger ending…I can’t wait for book 2!!!
My Rating: 4.8 stars *********
Omgosh Journey and Cash!!!! Just the names make me swoon, but the whole book made me swoon even more!!!!! M. Robinson, you are magnificent!!!! You talent is beyond reproach!!! Just absolutely BRILLIANT!!!!
I love Cash! My heart broke for him so many times. This book, like all this authors books, captivated me from the beginning until the end. Journey is an old soul that is only eighteen years old. I don’t want to give anything away to this book. I can’t wait for the next part of this story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
LIVE on Kindle Unlimited!
Cash Mother F#*king McGraw is here!
READ NOW: amzn.to/3dqwXR0
Dear diary,
Once upon a time…
There was a girl with long golden hair who had the truest, bluest eyes that turned white when she cried.
She lived in a kingdom far, far away in a tower made of stone, but her mind was made of glass that she kept sharp as knives.
Where her memories hid behind her darkest doubts.
Her deepest thoughts.
Her diary became the only 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.
Cash McGraw. Since reading the Love Hurts Duet, I have been left with so many questions regarding Harley’s friend Cash, a talented singer with a troubled past. I loved him, then I hated him but I was also excited to read Cash’s story to find how he could go from a sweet boy who loved his friend Harley almost as much as he loved music, to a selfish jerk who left his friends and family behind to build his career.
Well, this story definitely ties up a few loose threads left out in the Love Hurts Duet. I have to say, my feelings for Cash changed when I saw the past through his eyes. His life seemed to be filled with plenty of senseless misunderstandings, mistakes, and heartbreak. At times it was hard to love him at all. The one redeeming moment for Cash is his sweet friendship with Journey Pierce (Jackson Pierce’s baby sister). Their friendship was innocent and sweet and based on their mutual love of music.
While I started to understand the misery behind Cash’s rock star persona, Journey’s present life remained a mystery. I felt there was so much more that troubled her, more than Cash could ever understand. Hopefully Journey’s secrets will be revealed in the next book.
Past and present eventually collide and the dynamics of Journey and Cash’s former friendship have changed dramatically. Journey may be 18 but she is much more older in spirit than Cash’s 30 world weary years. I loved how selfless Journey was in her love for Cash and how overprotective Cash is with Journey. Their relationship is nothing that I ever expected but it is everything that Cash needs. Speaking of need, I need to know how this duet ends!
*The Life of Debauchery Duet could be read as a standalone.
4.5 stars
Oh man, I fell so hard for Cash. I just couldn’t put this book down! I love being back in this world and I loved all these characters already. I feel so connected to them all because it’s all a big family. So it really breaks my heart to see one of them suffer. And this book is full of heartbreak. I can’t wait for the second book!
I also really loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter!