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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It’s no secret. I’m a H U G E Jay McLean fan. Have loved every one of her books…Heartache and Hope proved to be no different.
The beauty about Jay McLean’s books is how invested you become in each character, the secondary ones just as much as the main ones.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with Ava and Connor. Connor’s ability to love like he does is something to admire. Where most would become jaded, he becomes determined. Ava is one of the strongest and most loyal characters I have met.
What struck me the most though, was how I became equally attached to Ava’s mom and Trevor. Invested in the unfolding of their story-lines as well. Let’s just say, you won’t find any surface characters in this book!
Ava and Connor’s love story is consumed by Heartache and Hope.
I can’t wait to see how it ends!
Happy reading, y’all!
*5 Stars*
I was hooked from the very beginning with this book. Connor and Ava’s story is intense, and the push and pull, and chemistry between them is amazing. They have both have their own inner demons that they’re dealing with, and things just aren’t as easy as they should be for them as a couple.
Connor has his basketball, and his issues from his past, and Ava has her Mum’s problems to try and handle. Both of these characters are very strong, particularly Ava. Connor is also a really lovely guy, a great person.
I like some of the secondary characters too and look forward to seeing the roles they play in the second book of this duet.
I loved this story, couldn’t put it down, and have already jumped straight into the second book. Highly recommend!
My heart!
I’ve been trying to work out how to review this book, but failing miserably. This really did a number on me. There were times when I felt overly emotional because of the awful circumstances of Ava and Connor’s lives. These two have been through far too much as teenagers and I’ll admit to getting misty eyed – I don’t cry at books so this takes some doing.
The only thing I can really say is go into this book blind and be prepared to have your heart ripped out. Mine was…
I’ve been a fan of Jay McLean since the first page of the first book of hers I read. (Which was Where This Road Takes Me, btw) Heartache and Hope just re-enforced my love for this author. She writes such emotional works. This is one of those stories that will suck you in and make you so emotionally invested in the characters that they become real for you.
Neither Ava, nor Connor has had it easy in this life. So, when they find each other, you just automatically want it to work out for them. You want the romance, the butterflies, and the perfection of a first love. But things keep getting in the way and it’s so hard for either of them to get what they really want out of life and their Senior year.
Through childhood trauma, parental issues, school struggles and of course, Basketball, this story will take you through the highs and lows of the journey these two take together once they’ve met. At the end, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be DYING for the next book…so be sure to have it handy already!
Jay McLean books are perfect for lovers of contemporary romance and fans of authors such as Colleen Hoover and Siobhan Davis.
I’ve never read a book quite like this one. It took me a couple of weeks to get through it because it is a very heavy, emotional story. As a mom, I wanted to swoop Connor and Ava up and take care of them. Hug them and love them. I wanted to lend them a hand, giving them a chance to breathe and just be.
Connor and Ava’s story is heart-wrenching. I cried more times than I can count, overwhelmed with pain and sadness for both of them. These two teenagers are dealing with so much in their young lives. I don’t know how they do it, and clearly…it’s too much. The love they have for one another is deep and meaningful, and even so, it’s fragile. I dearly hope the next book mends their broken hearts and the magic they once had not only returns but is strengthened, and these two amazing individuals find happiness and peace and get a chance to love freely.
The end game
Far out a very emotional book !!!!! Kids dealing with stuff that’s way beyond their years and doing it with such strength .
I really enjoyed this book and have my
Hope for where their story goes . It went down to 4 stars because of the ending … it’s not an ending
But a big teaser haha and I’m not a fan of that if I can’t go straight into the next book … BUT you can rest assure I will definitely continue this series
Jay McLean’s the kind of author who likes to rip your heart out mash it up, tear it apart, and then put it back in your chest, totally transformed. This book is exactly what I would expect from her in the best possible way. It’s not “clean,” but if you’re looking for something that will make you smile, hurt, laugh, then this book is a good way to go.
I loved this book so much and cant wait to start book 2 so im goona keep this review short.
An original storyline with all the emotions, so many amazing character’s in this heartfelt story that had me hooked from the start and zooming through the pages.
The writing and flow of this story is Beautiful.
A must read.
I was given a copy of this book by the New Adult Book Club and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
The writer Jay McLean is new to me and so this is the first book that I read of hers. But after hearing many good things about this book ‘Heartache and hope’ I got curious and I wanted to give it a try too. And I’m happy that I was giving the opportunity to read it because I enjoyed it too.
So ‘Heartache and hope’ is part of a duet, which means that this story ends with a cliffhanger but the good news is that the other part of the duet is out, so you can read the two books in one go. The main characters are also still on high school so the story is more for young adult/new adult readers.
The story is about two young people Ava and Connor who through different circumstances have a lot of stress/responsibility on their shoulders. Connor dreams of becoming a pro basketball player someday. To follow his dream, Connor and his father moved through the country. In the believe that Connor will have more chances to be notice on his new school. Connor is very happy about this opportunity but it also brings a lot of stress with it. On his first day, he sees a girl who captured his attention.
Ava had a great life until her 15th birthday, the day that her whole world changed. Now, two years later she’s just struggled through live, one day at a time, taking care of her mother. She has no time for the things that teenagers of her age do, like partying and having fun and she certainly doesn’t have time for boys. But then Connor isn’t like other boys on her school. Just like her, he knows what it is to be abandoned. To look with stress and fear to the future. To be lonely. Slowly they’re becoming friends and then they become more than friends but can their relationship hold or was it never meant to be?
‘Heartache and hope’ is an emotional story, told in both POV’s. Connor is a great character, I liked him very much. He’s attentive, considerate and he has a good heart. Ava’s character was more complicated. She’s really struggling with her emotions and the responsibility of taking care of her mother. But now and then you could see glimpses of the ‘old’ Ava. Where she’s fun and playful. I loved that side of her. It was lovely to see the friendship blossom between Connor and Ava. This story is young adult so there were times that the characters had their moments of insecurities and doubts. But that’s natural on that age.
The writer really made you feel the different sides of the word ‘hope’. Hopefulness and hopelessness both contains the word ‘hope’ in it but the meaning of both words are very different and that was what this story was about.
This was a 5 star keeper shelf read for me. Read it in 1 day. Loved all the feelings with the book. You really feel for Ava and what she and her small family are going through. Connor’s life isn’t perfect but he helps Ava deal as best he can. I looked forward to the secondary characters showing up in the story. They could have great stories themselves. Perfect read for those that need to be invested in all the characters and feeling what they are going through.
What a beautiful and painful story! I finished days ago and I’m still having a hard time getting my feelings wrapped up. Connor and Ava are two of the most astounding characters I have read. Their tragedy and heartache is written so realistically, I feel as though I’m a confidant to each. The development of their story is fresh and tangible, and the evolution of their friendship to something more is completely engaging. I’m a bit at a loss for words and I won’t spoil anything, but Heartache and Hope is absolutely a must read story! Jay McLean has earned a fan for life out of me. I’m oh so nervous but oh so needing to read more in book 2! 5 heartfelt stars for this one!
I absolutely adored Connor and Ava! This book will be heartbreaking. The story is powerful, and the characters are gripping. This is a page turner and will have you quickly going to the next book, First and Forever! Connor has moved to town with his Dad to play basketball and hopefully get scouted by Duke or the NBA. He has no time for distractions. Ava is troubled under the care of her mother, who suffers with PTSD as soldier who has lost half an arm and has scars covering half her face. She has no time for distractions either. But the two are drawn to each other. Their love is epic, if not tragic! This is a must read! 5 stars
5 Humongous stars for this one!!! I loved this highly emotional, grab ahold of you and never let you go romance.
Connor and Ava, the family, friends, this book has so much to it. Jay McLean is an amazing storyteller, I adore her words.
HIGHLY recommended!
What an amazing read! The title of this book says it all. There is so much heartache, a bit of hope and humor. Ava is a high school student taking care of her mother who suffers from PTSD, mental and physical injuries sustained on deployment. Connor is a basketball star moving schools for a better chance at having a career as an athlete. His past is quite traumatic. Both of these characters have tremendous burdens that they are carrying for others. My heart broke for Ava, Trevor, and Ava’s mother. Ava has taken the responsibility of an adult and as a result she is basically alone, her friends have moved on. Trevor is an amazing man and brother. I would love his story! Connor is amazing too and is doing what he thinks is best for the future of him and Ava. He wants to be there for her and not leave like everyone else. It is hard for both of them, they truly love each other, but there are so many things that can’t be ignored or put on the back burner like so many other teenagers are able to do. I loved the banter between Ava and Connor. The author created such a connection between them that the love, heartache, and disappointment is felt throughout the entire book. You will not regret starting this journey with Ava and Connor. I can’t wait to read the next book in this duet. It does not have a HEA yet, but I’m hopeful!
Jay McLean will break your hearts twice!
Heartache and Hope is EVERYTHING!
I can’t even think what author prepared for us in book two!
My heart is in pain.
I am sad.
But I love Ava and Connor story so much!
I am in love with this story and I adored every single page of this awesome story.
But it isn’t nothing new. Jay McLean is one of my favourite author and I love all her ideas for new heartbroken books.
When I read the blurb first time I knew that this will be something more, than other book of this author.
When I open Heartache and Hope first time I was absorbed. This book made me cry, angry, happy, curse and everything else. I never had this river of feelings before.
Ava and Connor are so fantastic heroes! Strong, mature for their ages, and so much undervalued.
Their love is so hard and tough. They’re both afraid to open their hearts for themselves, but when they finally do it from small spark, we have HUGE flames!
Also I think that Jay McLean must write an alert about heartache on the first page in her book. Every book!
Heartache and Hope is only the first book in Heartache Duet. I think that I don’t want to know what this fantastic YA/NA author prepared to us in First and Forever.
Why?
I really don’t know, but when I write this review, I know that Jay McLean will broke our hearts many times more.
And we will still love it!
This book is all magic!
…not more words needed. Just read it!
The emotion in these books is second to none. I was blown away by both books. The fact that Connor wasn’t the typical leading guy, he was insecure and not a playboy and I thought that really set him apart from other leading guys. His heart was just so pure and he was amazing through the entire series. Ava had her issues just like Connor did and I loved her transformation and the way she opened up. I can’t say enough good things about these books!
I didn’t care what the book was about, I’ll read what ever she writes. I devoured it in a couple of hours and I’m so glad I waited for #2 to come out so I could devour that one too. I loved every single minute of it. Such a fantastic story!
I got this as an ARC and it is my first read of Jay McLean but clearly isn’t me last!
I started this book not knowing what I was going to get. I was very surprised with the outcome, in a good way!
I wasn’t expecting this book to be what it was but I loved it!
I loved everything about Ava and Connor. Both of them with all their insecurities and just wanting people to love them for who they are! Ugh they killed me but made me love them even more.
Both having their horrible and painful past but to come together like they did to try and overcome life but they are too young to have all the pressure they have on them and on their own relationship.
Looking forward to book 2 in this series to hopefully get all the answers I have lol.
Over all I would recommend this book and I give it 4.5 stars!
I really loved this book. I loved the plot. The characters. Everything about it actually.
It really can f*ck up your emotions. You’re giggling and smiling up to ear to ear and later on the next few chapters you’ll caught yourself crying and hurting, you badly wanted to scream the f*ck out. The four (4) chapters were really godd*mn amazing that actually made me stay up late but made my day so beautiful.
It’s been a long time since a book f*cked me up & I’m lucky I’ve found Jay’s Book.
Definitely worth reading. Worth the time, feelings & emotions. It’s beautifully written. The characters are amazing. You can surely relate to it.
Gives hope & magic
Heartache and Hope: Heartache Duet Book One .Jay McLean