BEAU has never known a good life, only the torment that lives inside his head every day. The only way to block out the darkness that shrouds him is through the rhythmic beat of his drums. Knowing what happens when he opens up to anyone, Beau buries his pain deep inside, keeping it all to himself.
APRIL has lived a life of wealth and privilege, full of love and support. Her only insight into … insight into what it’s like to have a rough life is through her work with foster children. When she meets Beau, it starts as a challenge to get through to him but quickly turns into much more than either of them bargained for.
TOGETHER, they are mismatched, ill-fated, and COMBUSTIBLE. But when their connection is challenged by the collision of past, present, and future,
will they be snared by love…or circumstances?
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I didn’t expect to fall in love with Beau. He is not your typical leading man. His tortured past and ongoing fight with mental illness make him feel quite unlovable.
“I’d allowed life to snare me into believing I wasn’t worth anything and was incapable of loving anyone.”
April has only known a loving happy family life, but strives to help children not as fortunate. They are from such opposite backgrounds but can’t deny the attraction.
“Love was a snare I would gladly choose over, over, and over again.”
I was drawn into this story and lost my heart completely to Beau & April and their families. I loved the glimpses of Johnny & Bex and I hope there are more Jaded Regret stories in the future.
“Somewhere along the way, I’d learned to listen to more than just the beat of my drums. The beat of my heart became the most powerful sound of all.”
This powerful dedication touched my heart before I even opened to the start of the book.
“To anyone who has ever struggled with mental illness. It may be an invisible illness, but you aren’t invisible and don’t suffer alone. You are beautifully and wonderfully made, and your life has purpose.”
There isn’t a good way to review this book without giving spoilers. So, I’ll just explain my feelings about the book. First off, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO READ WHEN OTHERS ARE AROUND. Second off, BLOCK THE APPROPRIATE TIME YOU WILL NEED TO READ. Thirdly, GRAB TISSUES!!! LOT’S OF TISSUES!!! This is an emotionally gripping book. I urge you to savor each word. I urge you to feel every emotion. I urge you to smile every smile. The prologue broke my heart. I wanted to hug Beau. I wanted to high five April because she is the perfect woman to stand by Beau’s side. L. L. Collins lets you know right away that there are sensitive topics explored in this book. I had an ah ha moment as I was reading, so I just couldn’t put it down. I wanted to see if my idea of that little twist/surprise was correct. I have NEVER read a book by L. L. Collins that I didn’t love. I have NEVER read a book by her that I didn’t give 5 stars. Also, any of you who may think “Oh great another book about a member of a band”, well think again. Yes, Beau is a member of Jaded Regret, but he is NOT your typical rock star and this is NOT your typical rock star book. This one has deep meaning that touches on deep subjects that so many people go through every day. I hope that just maybe someone will read this book and will take the steps needed to heal themselves. What an awesome gift that L. L. Collins has shared with the world. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger. Part of a series, but this one can be read as a stand alone. Hey, those of us who loved Johnny will get to see him in this book too. If this is your first L. L. Collins book, I urge you to take the time to view her other books because you will become her newest fan.