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.Heartache and Hope is mature young-adult Sports Romance, 80k full-length novel and is the … Romance, 80k full-length novel and is the first book in the Heartache Duet
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Really good angsty romance. Ava and Connor were both complex characters who had a lot to overcome. This does end on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to read the conclusion of their story. Their love was clear to see and I need to know what happens next.
I adored this book. It was beautiful. It was full angst. I seriously was hooked from the first page. These characters just sucked me in! This was my first read from this author, and I can’t wait to read the next part of this duet, and more books from this author! Definitely a new 1-click author for me!
Woah…
Not gonna lie, it’s 3.30am and I just got finished with this book – I couldn’t put it down!
It was absolutely riveting reading Ava and Connor’s story (or at least I hope, part of it).
There were moments in this book that were light, easy to read and made me chuckle . But, there was a LOT of hard. It’s an emotional roller coaster, for sure.
Ava is a warrior, no doubt about it. Her strength is so awe inspiring, her loyalty; unwavering.
Connor – he is also strong (mostly). His strength lies in his determination and his protective nature.
I’m absolutely DYING to read the next part!
Boy what an emotional story, I wasn’t expecting this book at all, it simply blew me away! I couldn’t put it down.
Oh, go ahead and break my heart again…
If Heartache and Hope was a dish, I’d lick my plate and my fingers.
Both MCs – Connor and Ava – continuously gave me hope. Both were also extremely funny.
So heartbreakingly beautiful.
I have had this on my TBR for so long but knowing it’s a duet that I would have to find time to devote to it I kept pushing it down. Because I knew it would wreck me and I wouldn’t be able to put it down and adult while I was reading it. But then Jay decided to go and re-release it and put it all over Facebook I couldn’t help myself.
I got to the last 15 percent at 2am last night and I KNEW I had to put it down to finish when I had more time. Because the angst of what was going to happen had me all tied in knots. I was so scared that one of them was going to do something to break my heart. And then I was going to cry, try write this review and then jump straight into book 2.
And as it turned out I’m glad I waited. Ava absolutely gutted me. Her strength, determination and perseverance made me love her so much. And Connor was truly beautiful too. The sheer volume of things against these guys made me want to wrap them up and hide them away.
But now I have to dive into book 2 because I need them both to be okay. But more I need them to thrive and live happily ever after because if anyone deserves it, it’s them.
I actually read this duet awhile ago but wanted to reread now having become of huge fan of the author. The second time through and I’m in love with this duet. I read both back to back and couldn’t put it down.
This story with emotional, and heartbreaking, and tear inducing at the same time it makes you smile.
The main characters Ava and Connor, although teenagers have been through so much and it has shaped who they are. They both feel alone in a world that has not been kind to them and it draws them toward one another where they form a bond that not many young teens are able to form. They have too many obstacles in their way and the world is not yet done kicking them down but they have a strength that helps them to continue to push through and they are most definitely stronger together. That, unfortunately, doesn’t mean their journey is easy.
Your heart will be out through the wringer with this one, but that’s definitely something you need to be prepared for with Jay McLean, but it is a story worth reading. The characters, and I mean all of them, are incredible, you will become invested in each and every one.
Part one ends with heartbreak be prepared.
4,5 Stars
I love this authors writing. She writes the kind of hard hitting Upper YA/NA that breaks your heart as it fills you with joy. I can’t resist it. Which makes it indefensible that I’m only getting to this series now. But she nailed it with that title. That’s what this book is. Heartache and hope. Hope and Heartache. Ava and Connor are amazing characters and as always the angst in everything. Thanks to Wildfire Marketing for allowing my to leave an unbiased review. My opinions haven’t been influenced in any way.
Heartache and Hope is the first book by this author I have read, and once I started and couldn’t out it down. The title pretty much says it all about the beginning of Connor and Ava’s story. Make sure to have tissues handy. I loved reading this book and look forward to reading the next part of their story.
You’re something else, Connor.
You’re something MORE, Ava.
Jay McLean completely stole my heart with Connor and Ava story. Heartache and Hope is a beautiful, heartbreaking and filled with magic story. Story about first young love that was supposed to be easy, but it wasn’t. The story about hard choices, dreams, hopes, and sacrifices. I breathed this story and felt as if I was standing next to Connor and Ava and watched them at the highest and lowest part while having my heart broken to million pieces.
Ava life isn’t easy. After tragic accident which left her family in pieces, she can’t behave like typical teenager, go to parties, meet with friends or be in a relationship. Her life is hard and filled with many sacrifices. But she isn’t complaining. I admire her strength so much because even adults would give up in her place. She is beautiful, smart, fierce and has so much love to give but she can’t. Because family is her number one priority. And then she meets Connor.
Connor is a new boy at school, an athlete. But he isn’t a jock, so far from it. He is a serious athlete, smart, caring, motivated and has his mind set on the end game. He wants to be a professional basketball player and nothing would distract him from pursuing his dream. And then he meets Ava.
The magic begins. The journey nothing supposedly would break. But will their love be enough when responsibilities and sacrifices will be too much to handle? I loved how real Connor and Ava are, every funny and sad moment. Every smile and tear. Every laugh and shout.
Jay McLean created an epic story which gave me all the feelings. I fall in love with this story and author writing from the very first page and I can’t wait for the next book. You need Ava and Connor story in your life!
OMG I need the second part of their story. I need things to get better for them. I need them to have a fighting chance.
Prepare to get crushed. Because Connor and Ava are just kids but they have it worst than many adults. Life keeps demanding of them constant sacrifice and it’s depressing. You want to reach inside the pages and just hand over solutions and opportunities, because the story gets you THAT invested. They deal with trauma, abandonment, pressure, bullying… it’s hard and they are barely staying afloat. It takes a toll on them, same as us the readers. But things have to get better. Because even with all the downs, their feelings for each other are beautiful. Plus they are thoughtful and worthy. The magic will come.
So much heartache, and hurt. This is a story that is very raw and realistic. The author shows what life in High School can be like if you don’t have it all. Ava and Conner are neighbors who are just trying to survive, and make it to adult hood. Conner’s father has given up lots to get him into the right school to follow his basketball career path. Ava has spent most of her teenage years taking care of her mom, and feeling guilty that her step-brother has stepped in after a tragedy occurred.
Together they start to heal, and learn how to navigate an adult relationship.
I honestly don’t think Jay McLean has ever written anything except 5 star books. These worlds she creates are always full of amazing chemistry and banter but also heartbreak. She always does it so beautifully. I will be immediately reading book 2
Whew, that was an emotional ride—Connor and Ava’s story tears at your heart from the very beginning. Connor is a good kid; he’s got an end game and is doing what is necessary to reach that goal. As a side note, has Jay lived in North Carolina? She writes likes she’s been here, and I’m a native. Plus, I have two daughters at NC State–Preston Brothers reference. Ava, bless her, is in a no-win situation. My heart weeps for the devotion this child gives her Mom, realizing she’s all her Mom has.
Connor and Ava’s story is also about two kids shouldering a lot of responsibility that I don’t feel they should have to at the age of 17. It makes me sad they are so bound by the needs and desires of the grown-ups in their lives that they don’t know how to be a teenager. Unfortunately, I see this in real life with many teens these days. Parents focused on their child “succeeding” is more important than just letting them be a kid. Kids are stressed and burdened, much like Connor and Ava.
This book left my heart hurting for Connor and Ava, and I am so very thankful there is another book right behind it. Right now, all I want to do is cry for both of them. I better be getting a happily ever after here soon; those two kids deserve it.
Heartache and Hope left me wondering, hoping, and wishing, but rather than focus on that for this review I am going to talk about my feelings leading up to the epic cliffhanger (that shouldn’t be a surprise as this has been advertised as a duet). I fell in love hard and fast with these characters. Somewhere between the fireflies and the magic they nestled into my heart. Connor and Ava created love in a literal hopeless place (sorry Rhianna). I enjoyed the details when it came to basketball as well. The tidbits of real-life players info, twisting into Connor’s story was impressive and much appreciated.
Speaking of Connor, he is a little shy, a lot talented, and super sweet. I loved him almost instantly. Ava’s life is hard and that is apparent in her character often, but she her sass and spark really sold them as the perfect couple. I enjoyed that they still seemed like high school students despite their extenuating circumstances. The heartache is stabbing and painful, but the love and friendships being built in between are paramount to it all. As with any McLean book, there was a steady flow of humor that will keep you chuckling throughout.
Everything about this book is McLean’s standard prose but amplified. This book was her best, and I cannot wait to find out if the second book trumps this one. Either way, this series will be McLean’s best to date.
This story deserves more than 5 Stars
I don’t normally read YA books and this is the first time I am reading this author and I am so glad I decided to read this book. It’s an absolute masterpiece. It’s thought provoking, raw and heartfelt. It was slow burn and my heart broke for Ava . She couldn’t be like a normal teenager and enjoy her life . She went through so much but was resilient and went through day to day taking all the responsibilities of her disabled mother . Connor was the guy in school , with only dream of making his father proud and looking at the end game of getting selected in NBA in four years. Ava doesn’t want to get attracted to Connor and avoid him because of all her responsibilities but these two connect .
It was a roller coaster of emotions. The cliffhanger was brutal and I can’t wait to pick up the next book to read how the rest of the story unfolds. The author has done exceptional job with this story and it’s a very well written story that would tug your heartstrings . I can’t wait to read more from this author. I am excited to find a hidden gem . Highly recommend this book even if you don’t read YA , read this book , you won’t be disappointed.
Two kids with the weight of the world resting on their shoulders. Both went through so much in their short lives. I can’t even imagine how hard Ava’s life is & how much pressure Connor’s under. All I did throughout the entire book is hope that they can work it out & that all the things I’m thinking are going to happen don’t. I don’t really trust Connor’s dad, something seems fishy to me. I don’t trust Peter either, like at all. I think the next book is going to be even more intense then the this one! Angst at its finest.
Oh, my heart! Heartache and Hope by Jay McLean has definitely given me a heartache. This is the story of Connor and Ava. Connor has just transferred to a new school in hopes of pursuing his basketball dreams, and Ava is just trying to survive her senior year as she struggles to care for her mom. They form a friendship that turns into first love, but when goals, dreams and responsibilities get in their way, they are forced to accept that sometimes love just isn’t enough.
My heart absolutely broke for both Connor and Ava (especially Ava!) The author does an amazing job of bringing their struggles to life and making you feel every emotion and fear right along with the characters. Their story does end on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to read the second book to see if they’re able to find their HEA.
Jay McLean is a newer author to me as I’ve read a few other of her books, but she is quickly becoming a favorite. She is an incredible storyteller that pulls out every emotion with her words. 5+ stars!
This is the 1st part of this duet, and I was totally blown away! The title of this story could not be more perfect. My heart broke for Ava and how she looked after her mom after a tragedy, and she is struggling to merely exist through life. Connor is a new neighbour whose life is basketball and he tries to befriend her in class but she keeps brushing him off, and it is only when they need to work together on an assignment that they begin to open up to each other, and he tries to protect her from the ridicule that gets thrown at her by other students. I loved Trevor as he is a brilliant secondary character and help to Ava and her mom. This is a beautifully written tale which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout, and has an intricate and in-depth plot, as well as having angst, heartbreak, hope, tragedy, friendship, family, witty banter, and love which all leads to a magical story which had me totally enthralled throughout this riveting tale. I cannot wait to read the 2nd part of this phenomenal duet and I highly recommend this gifted authors’ work for all readers.
I loved this story.
I admit that reading about these two young persons who have to carry the weight of their worlds on their shoulders broke my heart, to see them fight against fate and life in order to be a normal teen just for a few hours broke my heart, to see them turn on a little light of hope for each other made me hopeful but the end just brought me some more heartbreak.
“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 and Connor’s journey is a tough and tortous one, when you believe it is going to be better it’s where their love is put to the test again.
“Love should make people stay. Love should make you want to keep the people who hold that love near.”
Heartache and Hope kept me glued to my reader for hours and I’m so happy I don’t have to wait to read next book after that ending left to cry my eyes out.