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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Take a bow
Eva is rocking it, country style. She is on tour with the one who got away. Actually, she’s on tour with the one who ghosted her. Tension is thick. Lust levels high. Drama is right around the corner.
Life on a rock tour is nothing you can prepare for. Rise is a bucket of longing, need, and hope. It’s sides are opaque so you miss the things clinging to the sides…Die Hearts, clingers, and jealousy are a sludge dirtying up the water. Secrets and and untold stories are the baking soda lurking at the bottom and when the vinegar gets added…
The bubbling up and then resulting overflow leaves the reading clutching for someway to hang on. The tempest isn’t over. The torment is just beginning but Black Hearts Still Beat.
After reading the Prelude novel Rush, I could not wait for more of Rafe and Eva’s story.
L.A Cotton is an exceptional writer and although I don’t normally give a book five stars without reading the conclusion to the story, this was well deserved. I was hooked, engrossed, I absolutely loved the characters and the ups and downs within the story, I was turning the pages eagerly.
The sweetheart of Country is about to show the bad boys of Rock, it only takes a single beat for everything to change.
Rise finishes on a cliffhanger. Told in first person dual pov. A recommended read for rock-star romance lovers, second chance romance lovers, or basically anyone who loves to be held captive by a good story, RUSH needs to be read first.
I will be eagerly awaiting the conclusion to this story.
Rate: 5 / 5 stars
Goodness I should learn to control myself… I read this baby in one sitting and now I’m having withdrawls. I miss these characters already and I’m craving so much more!!
I seriously CANNOT get enough of all these characters and this story, I’m so glad this is a trilogy so I have three times as much words to read as normal, even though the waiting in between sucks because I honestly could keep on reading about Rafe and Eva and the rest of the band for days on end…really.
I think I’ve mentioned before but I freaking love rockstar romances that are set while the band goes on tour so this book was already amazing for me for that reason alone but even more so because I love each and everyone of these characters and after Rise, I love them even more now. Getting to watch Eva get up on that stage and sing her heart out, winning over Black Hearts Still Beat’s fans and the world.
Learning more about each band member and mostly the Hunter brothers is amazing and at the same time heartbreaking. Levi breaks my heart and although I hate that he only thinks about himself most of the time… his past and every demon he still faces makes me feel so much for him. I just hope he sees what’s he doing to the band and seeks real help. He deserves to move on with his life and his brother deserves it too so he can finally let of go and think of himself first, so he can be happy with Eva. Sigh. I want these two to work so bad but not at the cost of the band and Levi and Rafe’s relationship. I’m scared but hopeful and so darn ready for more.
I really really hope L. A. plans on writing books for all the other band members because as much as I love Rafe and Eva, my heart really is soft for Levi too and with everything that we learn about him and his past… I want him to find his own Eva and find happiness so his brother can be happy without all the guilt he feels. And of course, gosh I want Damon and Ruby so bad! And to learn all about Hudson and Molly and the episode about his hair. I need to know all the things!
Black Hearts Still Beat series is an amazing rockstar romance about two artists from very different backgrounds that find each other and somehow their pieces fit in all the right places. It’s a whole journey of chasing dreams, fighting demons and finding love.
Rise by L.A. Cotton is the second book in the Black Hearts Still Beats series where we see Eva returning to the stage with the rock band Black Hearts Still Beats and former lover Rafe. If you’ve read the previous book you will know how their relationship ended and partially know why. Eva has signed a contract to tour with the band and the book takes us on a journey of what it is like to be thrust into the limelight as well as balancing her relationship not only with Rafe, but also his older brother, Levi (and the issues he has) as well as being in the public eye.
The camaraderie between all of the characters was amazing in this book and you really see how they balance each other out. Although this book is about Eva and Rafe there is also a really strong focus on Levi and the will Eva get with him or not vibe (at least that’s how I read it).
This book has a lot of emotion behind it. It’s about secrets, forbidden love, living life under a microscope and young people becoming adults before their time. As with the first book there are some steamy scenes but they are balanced with all of the other sub stories that seem to be going on. Of course, there is a cliff-hanger (and it was a good one!), it certainly keeps you guessing on what is going to happen to all of the band.
Eva is such a sweet, lovely character and you are certainly rooting for her throughout the whole book and at times want to smack both Rafe and Levi across the head (those boys need to get themselves sorted). Eva knows what she wants and she’s certainly fighting for it in this book and it was really good to see her make a decision which was good for her, regardless of how difficult it was to make.
If you like your rock stars hot, in full blown angst with some sweetness thrown into the mix, then this is a series for you. Get reading it now!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
The boys of Black Hearts Still Beat, and the girl Country are back!
I was so excited when Rise: The Interlude hit my kindle, I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen between Eva and Rafe, or is it Eva and Levi? After all Eva was brought on the tour to clean up Levi’s image in the press. The story is a quick one, that I devoured in no time, it has emotion and angst but I still want more. I’m really enjoying this trilogy, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the last book.
Eva, Rafe and the rest of Black Hearts Still Beat are back in L.A. Cotton’s new release, Rise. Rise picks up where Rush left off and should not be read as a standalone.
Eva takes her budding music career on tour with Black Hearts Still Beat to help out her parents financially after they are left buried in medical bills. She knew things would be complicated and uncomfortable. She wasn’t sure why Rafe ghosted her, but she’s willing to make the best of things for the tour.
Even though they try to avoid one another, they just can’t. and, ignoring their feelings for one another is almost impossible. Rafe and Eva can’t stop the feelings they have for one another. But, Levi is the twist. He cares about Eva too, and Rafe is caught in the middle. Why Eva seems to sooth Levi’s beast, no one knows, but Rafe can’t seem to take what he wants and leave Levi behind.
There is so much angst!!! It’s a love triangle for sure, except Levi’s love isn’t necessarily romantic a this point even though it is definitely sitting between Rafe and Eva. We also find out a bit more about Rafe and Levi’s childhood, which is dark and gives readers some clues into why their relationship is the way it is.
Molly is still awesome as Eva’s BFF! Letty, her new assistant is pretty amazing as well. Riley is definitely up top no good and Hudson and Damon add great depth to the story as well.
The angst and drama in this book come to a head when the band, specifically Levi, finds out that Eva was in remission for cancer and his world comes crashing down. There is crazy fallout to be faced and major decisions that need to be made Of course, knowing book three is on the way makes the unresolved issues a bit easier to handle, but readers will definitely be left wanting more! I know I was! 4.5 stars.
Eva and Rafe are still together but are going through tough times. This is the continuation of their story and will be concluded in the next book. A good read with all the feels.
Gaaah!!!! This story is epic. I absolutely adored Rush, but yet again LA Cotton raises the bar with Rise. How will she top it?
Eva’s story continues in this book, and I was not disappointed. Full of drama and angst, the story had me hooked from the very first page to the very last.
Eva is a wonderful character, her strength is phenomenal, and as she embarks on a tour with Black Hearts Still Beat, she knows things aren’t going to be easy. I love seeing Eva develop relationships with each of the band members, forming friendships. And of course not forgetting her past with Rafe and how that develops too.
The angst and tension surrounding Eva, Rafe and of course Levi is immense and with leave you breathless and heartbroken. We learn far more about Rafe and Levi’s past, and lots of questions are answered. However there are even more questions I am asking now, which I want to know the answers to!
Another super read in the BHSB series. If you’ve not started reading it, I urge you to pick it up now!
I really need book 3!
5 Stars
Rise, definitely rose to the occasion! I loved Rush, so I was so looking forward to Rise. And it did not disappoint! Rise starts just where Rush left off.
Rafe and Eva are back! And left me needing more! In Rise Eva goes on tour with Black Hearts Still Beat and really comes into her own, which I loved! Eva is also stuck between two brothers that she never wanted to be in. She made her choice so I feel that made it worse.
“I felt it too. The shift in the air, the hint of things to come.
Only I wasn’t sure if this tour would be the making of Black Hearts.
Or its downfall.
And I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out.”
Rafe and Eva are amazing, Levi is the most amazing side character (calling him a side character almost seems wrong) I love him that much! I would love to know what is going on in his head. Eva’s growth in this Rise is so easy to see, and I loved it. Great characters evolve as you go through a book or series, and Eva is that. And Rafe is the sexy as sin rockstar that everyone loves, including me.
Rise was a roller coaster of emotions that I didn’t anticipate, but loved beyond words. I love the tension, and attraction Rafe and Eva jumps off each page. Add in the secrets and the drama it’s the perfect L.A. Cotton book.
L.A. Cotton can write any and everything she wants, and can produce something perfect each time. Not only were the characters amazing, the plot was perfect, and this book was phenomenally written and had me hooked form the start. Well, technically she had me hooked with Rush! I cannot wait to see what Cotton brings with Rule!
I love a good rock star romance and this is definitely that and more ! I’m fairly new to LA Cotton this being the second book I’ve read by her the first book in this series being the first and I love her writing and characters she creates . This is definitely a angsty steamy with lots of drama read and I can’t wait to see what happens with Eva and Rafe ! And I LOVE Levi ! Please tell me he gets his own book I’m a sucker for broken bad boys and those snake bite piercings are just yummy and to die for ! I hope Levi , Rafe and Eva are able to set aside there differences and finish this tour in one piece ! I absolutely love this new rock star romance and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book I am highly invested in these characters and even the side characters and I think I know who’s causing trouble for the band and can’t wait to see that unfold in Black Hearts Still Beat Rule The Finale Book 3 !!!
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
4.5 stars
Another great story by a favourite author.
We get to know so much more about Rafe and Eva! Their love is not easy and life many times complicate things more but step by step they go closer and realise that their feelings are something that can last forever.
My actually state of mind: SPEACHLESS-dot-com
I have no words… I lietrally can’t deal with my head right now! Rise, Book no2 and this author hit me off the ground, AGAIN! Wow just WOW! It was truly amazing journey and I’m looking forward for more !
Rise was emotinal ride. Rise was intense adventure. Rise was everything what I could only expected and so so much more. I was crying, but this athor made me smile too. The characters, The story line all was perfectly mixed together.
Eva has my heart since the first book and my feelings fore her hasn’t changed, I even love her more. I like how author lead Her stroey, I loved her strenght and tha she got the biggest heart ever. Even because a lot of ups and downs she still was kind for everyone, she didnt’t judge people in their weak moments… it was special because thanks to that she fitted herself perfectly in crazy band’s life. I was breathless seeing her fight for the people she love, my heart was breaking for her hard times… Levi, Rafe… Eva – their story definetely isn’t an easy one.
After this book I’m sure its not only a book – it’s a epic story where LOVE could be always an answer… Of course now I know more , that in the book number 1 but … I’m stil very greedy for more!
Wow. What a ride!
***
Sweet baby of rock and country, this book was great! The blurb hints on a love triangle. The truth is it’s more than that. The connection between Eva and the Hunter brothers is intense and something you MUST experience on your own. Honestly, I have no idea how to review this cute little red gem. The story was so easy to read! Really!!! But all I can feel right now is the need to get my hands on Rule.
I don’t usually read books with younger protagonists than old me because often I have a hard time to connect with them. But the author did some magic and I couldn’t help myself and fall in love with everyone despite their infuriating behaviour. Between Rush (book one), Rise and Ruby (that is a part of an anthology featuring Damon) I have to say the continuation of Rafe and Eva’s story is my second favourite to my undying love for Ruby. I love it even a little more than Rush. Finally, we got some answers and we got to know the characters better.
If you’re in search for a companion during the lonely nights that will keep your attention to the last page, this book has a little drama, a simple plot, perfectly flawed characters and overall, it might be just what you’re looking for.
FINAL RATING: 4.4
Eva and Rafe’s story continues with Rise. The first book did a great job giving us the background of Eva, and how she meets Rafe. Rise take’s things up a notch.
L.A. takes us behind the scenes of the BHSB tour where Eva and Rafe have to learn to live around each other. Eva is still hurting from the last time she saw Rafe. Rafe is dealing with the fallout from choosing his family over the girl he has fallen for. Levi, Rafe’s brother, has the chance to continue his fascination of Eva that we experienced towards the end of Rule.
The heart and soul of this book is Eva. She brings such a goodness to a group that banded together out of their traumatic pasts. She has a pull that is hard to ignore for the group that has never experienced such light. Will Rafe and Eva fall together or fall apart? You have to read it to find out. TRUST ME you NEED to read it to find out. 🙂
4.5 Stars
Rise: The Interlude is the second book in the Black Hearts Still Beat series, and just like the first it absolutely blew me away.
After a whirlwind meeting, Eva & Rafe couldn’t deny the pull between them, until he completely ghosted her. Now, months later, she’s joining Black Hearts Still Beat on tour and this time it’s not only their hearts on the line.
“We were a lit fuse racing towards its end, and only we could decide whether we exploded or flickered out to nothing.”
I loved this book. LA Cotton has delivered an incredible storyline, with equally incredible characters. I loved getting more in-depth with not just Eva & Rafe, but the rest of the band as well. And once Levi was thrown in everything was elevated even more.
Rush set the bar pretty high, and Rise completely shattered it. I devoured this book and then, admittedly, stared at the last page willing more to appear. I am so unbelievably invested in these characters, and I need to know what is going to happen!
In the meantime, I’ll be over here counting down the minutes for the conclusion (and begging for more in this world!) and shouting from the rooftops for everyone to start this series!
Rise is book 2 in the Black Hearts Still Beat series and picks up right after Rush (Black Hearts Still Beat Book 1) ends. This is the continuation of Eva and Rafe’s Story.
Eva joins Rafe and the rest of the band on tour even though things between her and Rafe are not good. Having been completely ignored by him after everything they felt is proving to be confusing and frustrating for Eva but she is trying to set all that aside to continue following her passion and dream of making it in the music industry.
Evs is left feeling conflicted about the way Rafe is handling her being on tour with them as well as the strong attachment his brother Levi seems to have towards her all while trying to navigate the touring life and her friendships with the other band members.
Rafe is such a selfless gentle and kind soul who would do anything for his brother even if that means putting himself and what he wants to the side. The chemistry between Eva and Rafe is undeniable, both love fiercely and their story is full of angst, heartache, frustration but it is also so sweet and addicting.
My heart broke for Levi and everything he struggled with. I just want to hold on to him and never let go
And can we talk about that ending.. I need book 3 asap. I can’t wait to see how the story ends in Rule : The Finale
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and the first rockstar romance that I’ve read, let me tell you it’s an awesome read.
This book is the second book in this series. Black Hearts Still Beat : BHSB.
Rush: The Beginning: Black Hearts Still Beat #1
Rise Interlude: Black Hearts Still Beat #2
Eva’s life has changed so much, so much so that she wasn’t actually ready for it at all. Eva goes on tour with the Black Hearts Still Beat and it’s all she’s ever wanted, the music.
However life isn’t made any easier especially with the brothers and all the fame, there are curve balls for sure. We see Eva and Rafes journey through this book, however she is feeling completely torn. Why do things have to be so hard ? It shouldn’t be this difficult but it is because one brother wants her but actually walked away and the other wants/ needs her and she hasn’t got a clue why.
Things are changing and they are never going to be the same again. Rafe has got things just as tough and he feels pulled into different directions because of the love he has.
Eva is stuck between two brothers and she hates it, because all she wants is the one she wants, the one she chose. ( NO SPOILERS ).
This book is the second in the series and it is a fantastic read. It had me totally hooked from the beginning it’s fabulous and will definitely leave you wanting more.
The author has written these characters awesomely and we see Eva change and become a beautiful young woman and at times I really feel for Eva, but she has alot of courage inside of her.
This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, the love, the tension and the tears and the love between them all is so strong and powerful and you won’t be able to put this book down its captivating. I will look forward to reading more from this author in the future and I can’t wait to read her earlier books.
I highly recommend that you read the first book in this series first so that you know who everyone is and where you are up to.
Thank You to the author and publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
After reading the first book in this series “Rush”, and very much enjoying it, I was curious to see what would happen next. I was also a bit hesitant because as always, I fell in love with the side-characters in the previous book. This happens to me all the time and then I have to try and patiently wait to see if they will get their own story. When it comes to this series, I am crushing very hard on Levi (what can I say, I always love the bad guys) and Hudson <3
Even though this story centers around Eva and Rafe... my crushes get plenty of "screentime" as well.
Rafe left Eva to her devices in the previous book. He made the decision to just let her go, because he figured it would be the right choice for everyone involved... especially for Eva and his brother Levi.
But when management decides that "Eva" joining the band on their tour, would be a golden idea, Rafe finds out his decision may have been a rash one. He is still as drawn to her as he was before...
Now they're all stuck together, and feelings won't just be pushed aside. Eva longs to be with Rafe, but for some reason, he just won't give in and she would do anything to find out why... Can he not feel the chemistry between them.
Then there is the matter of Levi taking a great liking to Eva himself, and the fact that Rafe and Eva are lying to him about how they feel about each other.
I am gonna be really honest here and I hope no one will throw rotten tomatoes at me...but I wouldn't have minded Eva being with Levi. I always go for the fucked up ones... At some point in the first book, I actually thought Levi would be Eva's love interest. That is not to say that I don't like Rafe. I just find Levi's character way more interesting. For some reason, I think he needs and deserves it more. I feel so sorry for him...
I like rooting for the underdog and in this case, I really did think Levi was the underdog.
Anyways... we will just have to wait and see where things will go. I do however really hope that Levi will find his soulmate soon...whoever it turns out to be. It is getting painful for me to read about Eva and Rafe, knowing that Levi is hurting....
Just like Eva and Rafe.... I can't help who I fall in love with 😉
5 STARS
This book hit the right note with me…totally loved the angst between Eva, Rafe and Levi. I was so immersed in the story and now I need more. Rise: The Interlude by L.A. Cotton is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
“They were Black Hearts Still Beat, four friends bound together through more than just their music, and I was Evangeline Walker, a small-town girl swept up in their world.”
Rise picks up right where Rush left off. For those who haven’t read Rush, it’s a quick prelude into the BHSB world.
Rise is such an emotional but angsty story. The emotions are at an all time high throughout this story. Lies, secrets, darkness, rock and role, passion, pleasure. Rise has it all.
Eva and Rafe are complicated. But it’s not just Eva and Rafe anymore.. It’s Eva, Rafe, and Levi. The brothers need Eva in different ways but they need her just the same.
Rise shows us more of the lives of BHSB. The darkness that surrounds Levi, the life they live, the troubles they face, the future they want. I loved diving back into this world.
Cotton always sucks me in with her writing. These characters, their stories, it pulls me in. I need book two desperately.