An emotional, angsty, rockstar romance from the bestselling author of The Trouble With You and Wicked Beginnings.The sweetheart of Country is about to show the bad boys of Rock, it only takes a single beat for everything to change.Evangeline Walker knows how quickly everything can change. But nothing can prepare her for the moment she meets Rafe Hunter.Intense gray eyes.Wicked smile.Tattoos inked … nothing can prepare her for the moment she meets Rafe Hunter.
Intense gray eyes.
Wicked smile.
Tattoos inked on his skin just begging to be touched.
Those aren’t the reasons Eva should stay away from him though.
The fact he’s the bassist for America’s hottest rock band is the reason she should run and never look back.
Everyone knows the greatest love stories all start somewhere.
… this is their beginning.
Rush is a 50,000 word Black Hearts Still Beats prelude novel. Rise (BHSB: pt. one) and Rule (BHSB: pt. two) are coming soon!
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Black Hearts Still Beat…Rafe will steal your heart!
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Rush is L. A. Cotton’s first book in the emotional, angsty, rockstar romance—Black Hearts Still Beat series—and I am swooning after that Rush the author so eloquently executed in this beginning.
“I meant what I said last night, Starshine. I know it’s complicated, but you never know where this might lead. You just have to give it a chance.” – Rafe Hunter
As the first rock romance by the author, Rush is a beautiful story about how one’s life can change in a mere second. Evangeline Star Walker is a young, resilient girl who’s talent carries her through, but there is a darkness that lingers. Enter rockstar heartthrob, Rafe Hunter, who mirrors that darkness, but is tethered by the light of music. And their worlds change in an instant; country meets rock, light and dark.
“Promise me this won’t be the last time I see you, Eva?”
Needless to say, I could not put this book down! This rating was given for this book’s page-turning ability to captivate the reader easily, while building a world with intriguing characters.
“Rafe Hunter was nothing but a liar I wanted to forget.” – Eva Walker
I look forward to finding out what happens next in Rise—book 2—for more “Starshine” and Rafe!
L. A. Cotton
COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN!!! I can’t get enough of Eva and Rafe. They are such in depth characters, this prequel barely scratched the surface. I can’t wait for more. Not to mention the members of the band. They all have something dark they’ve been through, from what I can tell. I’m so happy that this is Black Hearts Still Beat: The beginning, because I NEED MORE!!
Definitely the best way to start a series is this book, it’s a quick read that introduces us to these amazing characters and sets the tone for the books that are to follow. Eva has suffered a lot in the last year, she has been battling a sickness that has her down and out hiding away from the world. One day her friend enters her into a singing competition because not only is she a fantastic guitar player and singer, but also to try to help give her the push she needs to get her life back and get out of he shell she has been in. During the competition she meets the bass guitarist Rafe Hunter and these two have an instant connection and attraction. They spend nights getting to know each other and are so at ease with each other that things feel as if they are meant to be, but things happen, and Eva ends up with a broken heart. I loved this read so so much, loved the band members, loved Rafe and Eva together, and loved the setup that is going to lead to more amazing stories.
L.A Cotton is new to me author and I went blind into her book but she totally swept me off my feet with Eva and Rafe story and now I need nothing but more of them. Rush was a short story and introduces us into the rock star world. It was refreshing and captivating book full of angst and chemistry between main characters.
Author wrote not only romance book but also told us deep and profound story about young couple who’ feeling and life was so complicated.
This story gave me all the feels I was looking for. It brought me many breathtaking but also very heartbreaking moments but I’ve welcomed all of them. It wasn’t easy for a young girl to find herself in the rich and famous rock star world especially when she experienced some terrific events in her life.
Author left me with a huge cliffhanger and now I’m awaiting early for the next book in Black Heart Still Best series.
If you like NA story I recommend this book.
L.A. Cotton, you my dear, are a tease!
Rush: The Beginning is just that the beginning. It ends on a high note and is the ultimate tease. Black Hearts Still Beat are going twist your wet panties while you hope for your every wish to come true.
I would laugh if I also didn’t want to cry! I’m so torn, angry, and feel like a foolish young girl smitten by the brooding rockstar. Be careful what you wish for! You might just get it!
I am so excited for the next chapter of Eva’s life to begin. I’m even more excited to see how almost this pans out! After all…its just the beginning!
Well I don’t know what to say apart from I NEED more!!! Rafe and Eva are life! I don’t normally read rockstar books but the story line and characters sucked me in from the beginning. I knew that this book would be good, I love all of L.A. Cotton’s books. This was a fantastic introduction too everyone and I can’t wait for book #2. It was perfectly executed and I was lucky that I could read it mostly in one go on a long flight home do I didn’t have too put it down! It had just the right amount of feels and male alpha hotness Bring on the next book
“Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.”
I don’t know why i waited so long before starting this amazing series.
This band has already changed me.
Rafe and Evangeline are just too much to handle, they are absolutely fire.
I couldn’t put it down for a second, it’s mind-blowing.
The chemistry and the passion these two share is just wow!
A rollercoaster of never-ending emotions.
”Rafe Hunter was breathing life back into me, and I was quickly becoming addicted.”
I literally can’t put into words what I just read, and it was just the first book of the series.
L.A. Cotton you’re a genius!
This is the classic rock band romance that will make you go crazy, you won’t help but loving every single word. Trust me!
I can’t wait to start the next one, what a plot twist was that!!!
“All it takes is a second for everything to change“
I gave it 5 stars
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did.
Perfect start to Rafe and Evangeline “Eva’s” story. This book has it ups and downs but I loved the character development along the way. Eva life wasn’t easy and now when things are starting to come together can she trust them. This book was so great and I loved how Rafe and Eva’s story starts, can’t wait to read more.
The Prelude to the Black Hearts Still Beat Series and we meet Evangeline (Eva) Walker and Rafe Hunter. This is the beginning of not only their story but also the story of the band.
Eva is a young country singer who hasn’t performed for over two years. During the story we find out the reasons and also all about the burdens she is now carrying.
Rafe is the bass guitarist for Black Hearts Still Beat, the new but young bad boys of rock .
She has been entered into a talent show and one of the band members is a judge.
I liked how she didn’t know who Rafe was when they first meet, which is the complete opposite to her best friend Molly, who has extensive knowledge of the band
Rafe, is mysterious and broody with tattoos and piercings but oh those intense grey eyes. He has a darkness about him which Eva can relate to, however, we do get to see his kind and protective side which is hopeful for the rest of their story.
Molly tries to be realistic throughout but can’t resist a bad boy. She a great friend, loyal and supportive throughout. She so optimistic and hopeful.
“Maybe there’s a reason you’re both here, at this exact time. Maybe he’s supposed to help you heal.”
We are introduced to the rest of the band . Hudson, the drummer, such a typical rock star.
Damon, guitarist, seems so sweet and hopefully we get his story as it would be interesting to hear his side of life with the band. Then there is Levi Hunter. Rafe calls his brother complicated but that is an understatement as the reader finds out.
We learn more about Eva than Rafa and the rest of the band. There as so many questions left unanswered especially lots of “why” about the band. Eva and Rafe both have secrets and I thought it interesting that they sing songs that reveal more about themselves than they ever admit to the other.
“All it takes is a second for everything to change.”
Epilogue sad but I did expect it. I thought all the lyrics in the book were excellent and really added to the story. Good introduction to all the characters, hopefully Rafe can help her heal and I look forward to the rest of the series. I get the sense it going to be an almighty battle between the Sweetheart of Country and the black-hearted boys of rock.
Definitely worth the purchase! Three books plus bonus content!! Each book takes you through Eva & Race’s journey. Rafe lives the typical rockstar life until he meets Eva. Then he wants more for himself & Eva. Eva is a small town country girl who is afraid to live until she meets Rafe. He makes her want to live her life to the fullest.
I’ve been picking up this authors work a lot this year and when I found out there was a rock star romance in her back catalogue, I couldn’t help but snap it up. This was quick, like I’ve come to expect from this author and really laid the groundwork for what’s to come. Eva is trying to get her life back after going into remission, even though she’s weighed down by survivors guilt. Rafe is the bassist for Black Hearts Still Beat and they have an instant connection. This is the first book in a series. There is some beautiful singing in the audiobook and the romance is a slow burn. There was no obligation to review however copy was free from Give Me Books PR. My review is honest and my own opinion.
Rush is the beginning of Rafe and Eva’s Trilogy. I feel in order to get the full scope and understanding books must be read in order. This book is told entirely from Eva’s perspective.
Eva is a senior in high school and 6 months cancer free. In an effort to bring her back to all the things she loved, her best friend, Molly, enters her in a talent show that showcases up and coming country music stars. Eva has put her life on hold. She is suffering from survivors guilt and guilt that her parents are in debt because of her illness.
As Eva prepares for the showcase she begins to remember how much music, singing, and writing songs meant to her.
At the showcase, she is about to go on stage and she hides out panicking. She is approached by a gorgeous stranger who offers her words of encouragement. Turns out it is Rafe Hunter, the bassist, from the rock band Black Hearts Still Beat.
They only spend 2 weekends together, but in those few short hours they share moments of complete openness that neither has had in a long time. Each holding back the broken part of themselves. They connect on so many levels, but know their time together will be short lived.
When they part way, Rafe promises to keep in touch, but does not. Eva begins to settle back into her life when she gets a call that will change everything and bring her back into Rafe’s life.
LA Cotton has a way of writing young, angsty couples who are on the verge of life changing events. Her books contain the right amount of heat to draw you into their love affair. Secondary characters that you want to know. And, just enough angst to have you wanting to hug, shake, and ultimately root hard for the HEA you crave.
Rafe:
“Most girls are impressed by all this.” I balanced, offering him a sad smile
“I’m not most girls.”
“No, no you’re not.” Rafe ran the back of his knuckles down my cheek, his eyes fixed on mine. “Who are you, Evangeline Star Walker?” Intensity blazed in his gray eyes. “Because I have never wanted to know someone as much as I want to know you.”
I love singing competitions and seeing this one come to life was a great treat. Not only do we see from start to finish in a way but we see the temptation, hard work and oh man the nerves all the way. I loved seeing Evangeline in her element she is in a way in tune with the singing and playing guitar. Seeing her break out of her shell was in a way sweet because of how much she has shied away from living. In many ways she feels guilty that she is alive yet in many ways she fights every day. Now Rafe is a mystery, one minute we see a guy who is helping Evangeline then a band player who is feeling like the world is on his shoulders. L.A. Cotton definitely knows about reality tv and this is one competition that is worth getting to see how Evangeline can compete with the singers and managing her feelings towards Rafe. All in all this is starting off to a great series and there is so much more happening then just a singing competition for Evangeline. Cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
A good start to a YA series. When you’ve read several of this authors work you come to know what to expect, and that’s a good story. I liked this one, it pulled at my heartstrings. I look forward to reading book 2.
Oh, my heart; this was a very emotional start to a book, it pulled on all my heartstrings, if this is the prequel, I can’t wait for the next part of the book to start, I’m a huge fan of L.A Cotton and this book hasn’t disappointed me.
This is such a page turner full of emotion, angst and heart and I loved every minute of this Romantic, Musical extravaganza.
I can’t wait for the next book.
By Cat W
Oh my wee beating heart!!
This book was a fantastic way to start the series!! There’s so much emotion not only from Eva but from Rafe as well, with many unanswered questions and theories swimming around in my head I couldn’t put this book down with the need to know what happened!! I was engrossed from beginning to end and I am on my way to read the next book right now!
A MUST READ!!
Short, emotional, and entertaining prequel to the Black Hearts Still Beat series. There were endearing and flawed characters. The secondary characters definitely caught my interest as well. I can’t wait to see where the author takes us in the series.
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
What an amazing start to a new series!
I am a longtime fan of Cotton’s work, but this one here may have taken her to a new level!
Rafe Hunter is so many good things, especially for being a rockstar. Rock romances are usually so much of the same things going on, but this one…. prepare yourself for a new era of stars.
Eva Walker is a girl with some things in her past that she’d rather keep to herself, preparing to join the music world. She’s a wholesome girl, untouched by the types of things that rockstars experience, which makes the differences between them even more distinguished.
The chemistry between the two of them has me hungry for the next part in the series.
Eva’s life is about to change in all kinds of ways, we can only hope she’s ready.
Recommendation: Take a chance on this new wave of rock stars, I have a really good feeling that you won’t be disappointed.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Be still my heart. This book totally got under my skin. I was captivated by this story from the very start.
I am such a fan of L.A. Cotton and one of the things that I love most about her books is her phenomenal writing style. She has such a magical way of bringing the reader into the story. Her storytelling is atmospheric and so full of feeling. I love how smooth and inviting the prose is. The plot of the story was addicting. I couldn’t get enough. I really loved the premise of the story and where the author it taking it.
I really loved the characters. Especially Eva. She is overcoming some deep-seated issues and I really connected with her character. Rafe was a little more mysterious but what I saw of him I really liked. He was kind to Eva and he never pressured her for more than she was willing to give. He was hiding some deep-seated issues just like Eva. There was plenty of depth where Eva’s character was concerned. I think that she had some great character growth in this book. I really liked the secondary characters in this book and I hope that there is more of them in the second book.
I liked that Eva and Rafe were able to bond in the time that they spent together. While they didn’t totally open up to each other they did share something real. I liked the chemistry that they had with one another. It felt natural. With the ending in this book, I really can’t wait to see where their relationship goes in the second book. There is definitely going to be a journey.
Overall, this book knocked me off my feet in all the best ways. This story and these characters are so addicting. I was so enamored with this book that I read it in a single sitting. I am so glad that the second book is already out because if it wasn’t I would have been a huge mess right now. I am still kind of a mess at the moment, but at least I can get my next fix. This story is some serious kindle crack. I can’t recommend this book enough!