Eva and Rafe’s story continues in this emotional, angsty, rockstar romance from the bestselling author of The Rixon Raiders series. Eighteen-year-old Eva Walker knew going on tour with Black Hearts Still Beat would be complicated.She didn’t expect to find herself torn between two brothers.One wants her but he walked away before.The other needs her but she doesn’t understand why.It’s only time … other needs her but she doesn’t understand why.
It’s only time before the truth comes out, and when it does, nothing will be the same for Country’s newest sweetheart and the black-hearted boys of Rock.
Rise: The Interlude is the second installment in Eva and Rafe’s story. The concluding book Rule: The Finale is available now!
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Rise: The Interlude by LA Cotton is a Rockstar romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson. This is the second installment in the Black Hearts Still Beat series.
All I can say is Wow! This is an amazing series and I cannot wait until Rule: The Finale is released on May 14, 2020. Lianne is an amazing write and just pulls you into the story and I cannot wait to see how everything plays out
Sarah and Michael did an amazing job on the narration. They really brought the story to life. I absolutely love the original music performance throughout the book.
I would highly recommend this series if you love Rockstar Romances.
AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsessionReviewer
A perfect beginning that starts pretty close to where the first ends and keeps going non stop until the end. The progression of the friendships and more with the band and “country” grows slowly and yet their bond is so tight towards the end. I’m glad we have a semi happy ending with this book but I really need the next to know what happens. The narration is done really well.
Rise: The Interlude
Black Hearts Still Beat, Book 2
By: L. A. Cotton
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Michael Norman Johnson
If you want a series to pull you in and keep you completely captivated, this is the series. This second installment of the Black Hearts Still Beat is not only entertaining, but begins to cultivate real life issues in a way that is truly evident in our society today. Eva is the warm up performer for the Black Heart Still Beats and as the new and upcoming country sensation that she is, there is a lot of buzz. She is still taken with Rafe, but she is hands off to the band members. The chemistry between them sizzles. Levi finds her intriguing too. And there are secrets, and we all know how that will end. This is a fantastic book. I love Eva! She is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is she a survivor, but she holds a love and patience that most do not have. Rafe is hard to get a read on because of the secrets he holds and the progression of Levi for me is what truly fires this installment. I am loving the dynamics and the plot, and can’t wait for the next book!
The narration of this story is wonderful! I love Sarah Puckett and she portrays Eva perfectly. All the emotions that go through Eva are felt and we even get a song! Michael Norman Johnson is amazing as Rafe. He holds himself close to the heart and we are able to sense this in his narration. A couple of songs are a treat for us too! Looking forward to more!
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Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Holy moly! I seriously didn’t think that anything could surpass that first book of this series but this book stole the kingdom of my heart. It kicked down the doors, slaughtered innocent bystanders, and overthrew the monarchy. I’m a bit of a mess and I couldn’t be happier about it.
L.A. Cotton is such a gifted storyteller. I don’t know how she does it, but she draws me in to her stories like a moth to a flame. Just a little taste of one of her stories and I am immediately addicting. Her prose flows like a dream. Her narration is always so inviting. I always know that when I read one of her books that I am going to get top-notch storytelling. The plot of this story was so much more intense than the last. I am always so impressed with the way that she plots her stories and this one was no exception. All the drama in this book hits you right in the feels.
These characters are just everything. I gave my heart away to these characters in the first book and they only ingrained themselves deeper into my heart in this one. I love how easy it is to connect with these characters. Each character, even the secondary characters, have their own distinct personality that I find so refreshing. When you are reading this book you really do fall in love with each and every one of them. I am enamored with this cast of secondary characters and I only hope that Cotton decides to give us their stories as well as Rafe and Eva’s. I really loved how Eva and Rafe’s characters progressed in this book.
The romance in this story is so heartwarming and tragic at the same time. It’s hard to get into without going into spoiler territory, but let me just say that their love story is one that you want to root for. They are so perfect for each other and they have such a beautiful and deep connection. Tensions were high at the end of this book and I am eager to see where this romance goes.
Overall, this story gave me everything I wanted and more. I am so floored with this book and this series has fast become a favorite. This is a series that I know I will revisit in the future. The characters and the story just stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I really hope that L.A. Cotton decides to write more rockstar romance novels because this series is just amazing!
Ahh finally the continuation of Rafe and Eva’s story … and it was everything I was hoping it would be and more.
I was so lost in these two, I nearly lost a full day myself ..
Sucked in from the first page, and praying these two were gonna make it.
But when your in the spotlight , things aren’t as easy as they could be, with tension between the brothers the band looks shaky.
.••• “So the way I see it is, you need to man the fuck up and do the right thing here. You love Eva and she loves you. Only you can decide if you let Levi come between that.” •••.
What an amazing read ..
I need more from the other guys, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this series.
I think Levi’s book is going to kill me slowly ,
Eva & Rafe continued
She hasn’t heard from him. She should have known. Now she’s offered a chance to pay her parents back for all the sacrifices they made for her. She has to pull up her big girl panties (and keep them up) Touring with the band would be hard enough but her feelings for Rafe make it so much worse. Add the way Levi is starting to feel could be an ending instead of the beginning of her career.
The touring life is both wild and exhausting. Add the emotional stress and touring life might be too much. While the rest of the band seems to make her feel part of the family, Rafe ignores or scowls at her. Will it remain that way? She’s supposed to mellow out the band and especially Levi. How can she be there for Levi when she’s in love with his brother who shuns her?
Could it get worse? What could happen to confuse Eva’s life even more? You’ll have to read to find out no spoilers here.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
After waiting all this time for book 2, and even knowing that there were 3 books in this series, I am now stuck trying to figure out how I am going to last until the next book comes out.
Wow, that was a trip! The emotions, the angst. Just wow. I’ll admit I was nervous about this book. After reading the blurb I wasn’t sure if I was going to come out happy. Don’t get me wrong, I knew who’s story this was, I just wasn’t sure I’d be happy with the cliffhanger outcome. Now though, through all the emotional mess I can say I am. I know that they still have a road, and a few obstacles, to get over but I know it will be okay.
Levi is gonna be an interesting character. After learning the basics of his story (and his full name… dang) I can see why he has a mountain of baggage. I definitely want his book now (I need to meet his match)!
Rafe is such an amazing guy. I admit after he ghosted Eva I had a hard time liking him at the beginning but I knew he eventually would come around. Did I like how he kept running? No. But in a sense I understood. The need for space and air was strong with these three. I understood why he always put his brother first. But as Molly tried to explain, he has hopes and dreams too. Eventually he needs to put himself over Levi. It will probably be hard but his happiness is important too.
Then we have Eva. Sweet, sweet country. Starshine. Angel. She has become family to these boys. It’s so obvious. I love how strong she is with all this craziness; how she holds herself up. I’m so glad she has a support system because I don’t know if she would be able to do all this without one. She may be confused where Levi is concerned. But deep down I think she knows, I think they all know and just need Levi to realize it himself. I love how she doesn’t back down from Rafe’s walls. Those two need each other. Their souls have been bound from the beginning and there is no denying that.
Great book. That cliffhanger, gah! Can’t wait for book 3!! *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
Gah! Rise is the second book in the Black Hearts Still Beat series. This novel will surprise you with its depth and intensity. It’s one that will have you laughing and crying, swooning and wanting, needing all good things for these characters. It’s deep and it’s heartfelt. I absolutely loved it!
At the end of Rush, Rafe ghosted Eva, leaving her heartbroken and confused. Now months later, management decides they want Eva to join the band on tour as their opening act. She knows that seeing him again will reopen old wounds, but she agrees because her parents desperately need the money.
Now they’re on the road together, and it’s obvious the feelings are still there. Eva longs to be with Rafe, but he keeps holding back and she wants to know why. Then to confuse her even more, Levi begins to show interest in her, and she soon finds herself torn between the two.
Overall, I am in love with these characters and their journey thus far. I connected to them on a deep level, and I loved seeing their growth and progression throughout the book. This intense, angsty and heartfelt story is a must read for all lovers of rock star romance. Five stars for Rafe, Eva and Rise!
Wow! What a start to this journey. It was a truly beautiful story, that by no means it’s full of hearts and flowers. It was full of a spark and a connection, that I felt would be enough but somethings are just not enough when you encounter. A beautifully broken rockstar that doesn’t only deal with his own demons but those of his older brother.
Eva is a cancer survivor, someone that doesn’t feel she deserves to be alive. Someone that thinks the others should be here and not her. Her passion is for performing and she is an amazing talent. One that is shy but completely comes alive on stage. She plays for then all.
This book is about an encounter with Rafe from Black Hearts Still Best and Eva. It’s touching, beautiful, and for a while meant to be. Until it wasn’t anymore. You get all the feels of their connection, as well as what seems a promise. One that is destined to be broken.
All the characters that feature in this book make an impact from all the band to Molly, Eva’s best friend. The ending is set to make book two one that will keep you wanting more and guessing what will happen. This is a huge recommendation from me.
Reviewer: Donna
Finally arriving to join the band for the tour, Eva makes it known from the beginning that no one else needed to know of her medical condition, she didn’t want the media to find out or the band members. Finally seeing the band members, she didn’t expect Rafe to be happy to see her but didn’t expect him to be so cold either.
With tour all he was worried about was surviving with Eva there and keeping his brother Levi, on track, who he’d been taking care of since he could remember. He knows Levi has problems and that this tour can either make or break Black Hearts.
You learn more about Rafe’s brother Levi, why Rafe does the things he does, Eva realises that Levi needs her to help battle his demons, but she needs Rafe and he walked away. Can Eva help either of the brothers or will her heart get broken again.
Can Rafe put himself before his brother for once or will he force Eva away from him for good. What happens when everyone’s secrets come out, will they ever be the same.
I have been a huge L. A. Cotton fan since the beginning. I just love her style, it’s real and a little angsty on the side 😉 I always thought of myself as a person that doesn’t necessarily love rockstars and therefore doesn’t like rock star novels. But Lianne got me hooked from the first book of this rock star series! I absolutely fell in love with Eva and the band – but especially with Rafe. If you know me, you might know that I’m a sucker for a little hate to love. And while Rafe and Eva weren’t exactly hate to love material (they are just so sweet ) they definitely got their moments in Rise. He treated Eva like she meant nothing. Like she is nothing.
Rafe wanted to protect himself and the band from getting to attached and one could say feeling all together. He started right away where he left off in the last book – being cold and detached to Eva. But this girl – damn she’s been through so much already and she still handles everything like the queen she is
She showed Rafe exactly what he’s missing and what she’s made of.
Can’t tell you more without spoiling you from this amazing book … so if you love Lianne Cotton’s books like I do and if you’re not the anti rock star reader like I thought I was 😉 you will definitely love this book I can recommend it to 100%!!!
Exciting, Fun, Emotive & Terrifying!!
Rise: The Interlude (Black Hearts Still Beat #2)
I just want to know more!! The Black Hearts Still Beat (BHSB) members are all fascinating characters to me individually. I love them. Rafe & Levi backstory becomes a little more into focus & it’s harrowing. Levi, especially, has had a really tough time emotionally. It’s why he’s so unstable. Rafe had it a bit easier but he’s been messed up seeing what Levi had to put up with!! He’s his protector, his stability in life.
Eva joins the Tour. Rafe ignores her or is pretty dismissive towards her. Hudson, Damon & Levi usually treat her fairly well. She, more than anyone, is shocked when Levi seems to become attached to her. He’s respectful-ish, encouraging & boots her career with a few surprises!! Rafe is dying inside, seeing their connection grow, although it doesn’t seem romantic!?
Places they’re all staying, parties they’re attending & then finally a huge secret, is all being leaked to the press!! The final one ends up leading to catastrophic consequences!!
This was gripping!! Painful, exciting & so full of raw emotions. As always with this Author, the characters & world building are on point! After finishing the book I felt a bit wrung out but I’m desperate for the next book! #BHSBAddicted I’m REALLY hoping we’ll get all of the Band’s HEA’s. Damon’s was started in a short story that was part of a multi-author boxed set so my appetite is already wetted!
Debbie, 1970, UK
Rise is the phenomenal new book in the Black Hearts Series by L A Cotton. *You should definitely read Book #1 first to get the most out of it. This is one of those books that makes you really think about the characters after. I really enjoyed Rafe, Eva, and Levi and how they evolved as Rise progressed. It is not your average Rock Romance! It is intense and entertaining, emotional and drama-filled. I can’t wait to see where Book #3, Rule, takes us next! 5 Musical Stars!
This is an excellent follow up to the first book. Can’t wait for the next one.
Eva and Rafe’s story continues in the 2nd book of the Black Hearts still beat series!
Eva, now 18, goes on tour with the 4 rockstars. But how is the air going to be between them? Especially between Eva & Rafe, after leaving her a few months before?!
This story is definitely full of angst, drama, love, a lot of chemistry, friendship and jealousy! LA Cotton writes these things down to a T, and you kinda feel it all!
Great story again, and the end left me shouting at my kindle! I really want to know how their story continues, and if all the other guys get the girls I’m guessing / hoping for!
I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review
Rafe thought he was making the right decision when he ended his relationship with Eva but now that she is coming on tour with them things are about to get very complicated.
Eva may be nervous and feeling out of her depth when it comes to performing on stage, but those feelings don’t compare to the uncertainty she feels towards the two brothers. One brother wants nothing to do with her while the other brother is doing his best to become close to her. Is there any way for this to end other than in disaster?
Rafe and Eva’s journey is filled with so much emotion and angst. We learn so much about all the characters and their motivations which leaves us wondering what the future holds for the band.
Rise: The Interlude (Black Hearts Still Beat #2) by L.A. Cotton
5 STARS
Rise is the second book in the Black Hearts Still Beat series by author L.A. Cotton. It can’t be read as a stand-alone, so you have to read Rush first, and trust me, you will love it. I loved Rush. I very was curious to see what would happen next, because my heart broke at the end of Rush. Rise picks up right where book 1, Rush left us.
At the end of Rush, Rafe made the decision to let Eva go but the management has other plans. Eva will be joining the band on their tour, and now, Rafe starts to think that maybe, he made a terrible decision. He is still as drawn to her as he was before …and now they’re all stuck together.
Eva still loves Rafe. She has a special connection with all the band members. They all protect her and love her because she is new to the music industry and fame but also because she is sweet and kind. Her deeper connection is with Rafe & Levi, Rafe’s brother. They each need Eva in their own way.
I can’t wait to read more about the other members of the group too, especially about Levi.
If you like Rock star romances, this one will be perfect for you!
Lies, secrets, angst, rock and roll, passion, pleasure, you will find it all in Rise.
Can’t wait for book 3
L.A. Cotton knows how to deliver a book that makes you craved more and more. Rise is the second book of ” The Black Hearts Still Beat series” and we are catching up with Rafe and Eva’s journey following the events that occurred in Rush.
In this book we see Eva blossom on stage taking her musical talent to the next level, stealing the hearts of the fans and the band members, specially one in particular, Levi (Rafe’s brother and lead singer). If I loved Eva on Rush(book 1), now I love her even more, she is a fighter and the light to these rockstars, that didn’t know they desperately need it.
This book took me throughout an emotional journey, finding out in more detailed why Rafe did what he did towards the end of Rush and why he feels the need to protect his brother Levi, even sacrificing his own happiness.
Im already missing this characters and *fingers crossed* L.A. Cotton gives each member of the band their own book because there is so many layers to this characters that I need answers for.
I can’t wait for the next book after the surprising ending of this book
I need all the guys to have a book!! They are addictive. This series is going to be AMAZING. I don’t typically read a lot of music/rock star books but I am hooked on this one. Rafe and Eva’s story is powerful. I need more of them ASAP! Chasity Falls series has always been my favorite by Lianne but Black Hearts Still Beats may become my new favorite series.
I absolutely loved this continuation of Rafe and Eva’s story!
I loved how more in-depth we got to see Black Hearts Still Beat!
With All the angst and Rockstar personas tensions run high! We find out it’s harder to keep secrets when your in the spotlight!
L.A. Cotton definitely made me fall harder for these characters in Rise! Can’t walk for the conclusion in Rule!
A Must Read!