A jaded rock star falls for a small-town girl in this all-new standalone romance from author Carrie Elks.Gray Hartson is coming home after years of playing to sold-out stadiums around the world. The tattooed singer is determined to build bridges with his sick father and reconnect with the family he left behind.But then he meets her . . . the beautiful waitress with the smart mouth who makes him … with the smart mouth who makes him laugh more than he has in years.
One small problem. She’s his ex-girlfriend’s sister. The only woman he shouldn’t want.
Maddie Clark was an awkward teenager when Gray left. Now she slings hash in a backwater diner, her dreams of being a famous concert pianist left in tatters.
Don’t ask her why. She’ll never tell. Strong women do what it takes to keep a roof over their heads.
Until he walks through the door and complicates everything.
Their attraction is wrong.
But foolish hearts never listen to reason.
Maybe he should write a song about that.
Take Me Home is the first book in the Heartbreak Brothers series of emotional standalone romances, set in the small country town of Hartson’s Creek.
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Inspired by the Lady Gaga/Bradley Coopers’ film “A Star is Born”, I’d say Carrie hit the mark with Take Me Home. She left me absolutely GAGA over Gray Hartson and Maddie Clark. This story left me feeling so utterly happy. I inhaled this book and finished it over the course of an evening. I simply could not put it down and I didn’t even pretend I wouldn’t be staying up into the night to finish. If you’ve ever read a book where you found a certain activity ( such as a first date, etc) that stuck out to you as a favorite in your reading history, it really propels you to stay with the story until the final word. When I recognized this moment, “A goldilocks kiss that sent her soaring”, I felt sheer joy.
We are first introduced to Gray as he’s finishing show before heading to his small home town, Hartson’s Creek in Virginia, for the first time in ten years. He’s immediately likable. He’s thoughtful, a little more mature, and taking this visit seriously. One of his first non-family run-ins is with a girl he doesn’t immediately recognize, but one he feels a pull toward that can’t be helped.
The connection between Gray and Maddie left me beaming and Carrie Elks’s dialogue writing shines strong. The slow-burn, banter between them made me giggle, left me anticipating whatever would come next, and led them to their first kiss qualifying one of my literary favorite first kisses:
“Is your mouth always this smart?” he asked her.
“Pretty much.” She batted her eyelashes at him. “But I think you know what to do about it.”
I’m GAGA for them, I tell you! The way they make each other feel, how they see each other, is magical and fosters hope for a long term relationship, but there are a few obstacles that they must navigate in order to get to the other side.
The nature of Gray’s career and his visit would indicate there’s an expiration on their relationship. One of the other key blocks is the fact her sister Ashleigh is his ex-girlfriend and he broke her heart. While Maddie is loyal, she’s done so much to reconcile what she’s received with what she has given back, but she seems to feel she owes her family at the expense of her happiness. She’s made herself believe that she is content, but being content does not equal being happy. Fortunately Gray is oh so romantic and very persuasive!
Maddie also has a good friend that calls it as she sees it, helping to enlighten Maddie’s view. I had conflicted feelings with Ashleigh but she eventually made things right, helping Maddie deal with past trauma and leads her to see just how much she trusts Gray with her heart. Both characters grew so much throughout the story, and while their first kiss is a favorite of mine, these two have so many other great firsts. They share a sensibility, a passion and a newfound friendship in each other. I just love how they made each laugh and see that as reason enough to fight for each other and their HEA. I can’t get these two out of my head or heart, and for that, I am happy 5++ Stars and Recommendation
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
OMG!! ‘Take me home’ just became my favourite book of the writer Carrie Elks!
From the moment that I heard that this writer would write a story about a rockstar, I have been impatiently waiting for this story. I have read quite a few rockstar stories so it’s not a new genre to me but it’s the first time that this writer wrote about one so I was very excited about that.
The main character Gray may be a rockstar but this story is about much more than that. It’s about growing up and living in a small town where everyone knows everyone and where it’s hard to keep secrets, it’s about a family that never got over the loss of a loved one, the hurt they can cause and the bond between siblings. It’s about two lonely people looking for love, for a place or a special person to call home. About not being afraid to fight for what you want and having each other back no matter what.
The main characters Gray and Maddie were such lovely characters! I loved their honesty with each other, they never played games. The connection between them was wonderful, emotional, loveable and filled with intense chemistry.
And then you had Gray’s younger brothers, Cameron, Logan and Tanner. I can totally understand that the people of their hometown called them the Heartbreak brothers when they were young! They were certainly very interesting secondary characters.
The fact that Gray once dated Maddie’s older sister Ashleigh in high school gave this story an extra something. A little bit of a taboo, because how do you tell your sister that you are falling for her ex, the boy that broke her heart so many years ago.
So, if you’re looking for a dark rockstar story than don’t read this story! But if you’re looking for a light read filled with fun, emotions, hope, love and hot guys than you have to give this one definitely a try.
‘Take me home’ is the first book in the ‘Heartbreak brothers’ series and it’s a wonderful start to a new series. I’m very delighted that the next stories in this series will be about Gray’s younger brothers. I can’t wait to read them!
There’s so much to this book…. young love, mature love, heartbreak and betrayal… and a family that sticks together through thick and thin. Oh, and we certainly can’t forget Aunt Karma. It’s so nice when she visits. She always makes the bad guys pay.
This is an emotional read, but, oh so heartwarming at the same time. It’s easy to judge a person on the outside…. but looking in, deep inside their inner being, usually shows a very different person. Without giving spoilers here’s my impressions:
Gray … a lost soul who never felt a father’s love. He relied on his music, the crowds, the concerts, to keep him moving forward. But Gray knows the price of fame and fortune and refuses to settle. He’s the eldest ‘Heartbreaker’ and had to fill big shoes to care for his brothers when their mother died.
Maddie … it was easy to relate to Maddie .She always felt like a shadow of her sister. She did her best to escape small town life and make her own way. She had the talent but needed the confidence. She gets her big break but unfortunate events strip that away. Now she’s back in that small, country hometown where gossipers reign, but so does family.
Ash … the glamorous sister that always gets what she wants. Oh does she put on a good act, but part of that cold exterior is hiding a soft heart that knows how to rebound and fight for right.
Aunt Gina … oh how I hope she gets her HEA. She deserves it.
Becca … fiesty and sweet friend to Maddie … and she’s Gray’s sister.
Heartbreaker Brothers: they may play a small role here but it’s an important role. The Heartbreaker brothers are special and I’m looking forward to reading their adventures and misadventures in future books. We get a good tease in this book as to who they are and their personalities.
OBSERVATIONS:
Loved how Aunt Karma pays a visit to the ‘bad guy’. However, I would like to know what dinky dive he was relegated to when performing his swan song. He more than deserved it. When you make your bed, you gotta learn how to sleep in it.
Gray was wonderful, protective and strong. He overcome a lot growing up and used that to move him forward. Hard to imagine any woman not wanting a Gray in their life.
Of course nothing is perfect. My biggest complaint was using G_d’s name in vane, several times. It wasn’t necessary. The storyline’s flow would not have been hurt by changing that particular verbiage.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Take Me Home: The Heartbreak Brothers Book 1 by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.
Heart warming and drama packed with hints of humor and realistic characters, this novel expresses the harsh and loving sides of the Hartson and Clark families interwoven with scenes of small town life, a scandal, a slow burn to mildly steamy romance with a happy ending, and contains an intriguing lead into a sequel.
After 10 years rockstar Gary Hartson returns home to Hartson’s Creek, Virginia, USA to visit his overly critical father, his Aunt and his siblings Logan, Cam,Tanner and Becca but tension soon escalates when finds himself involved in home repair and attracted to Maddie, the younger sister of his highschool girlfriend, Ashleigh Clark.
Favorite Quotes:
“I’m sending the dogs out,” Della Thorsen shouted. “Sic ’em, Dodger.” “Dodger’s seventeen years old and incontinent,” Cora muttered to him. “Ignore her.”
Every day feels like one of those days sometimes, you know? Like you’re swimming against the tide when everybody else is on a motorboat, and right when you think you’re making progress, they circle around you and make sure their wake sends you under the surface.
“I only had a couple drinks.” “Four.” She held her fingers up. “A couple of couples.”
According to Mrs. Chilton, he looks like a ‘Beatnik’… I asked her what that meant, and it turns out he wears jeans that hang below his underwear, which is some kind of a crime around here.
I do kind of like her. The same way I kind of like Hannibal Lecter.
My Review:
This was a yummy, fun, and eventful read featuring a successful yet tired rocker returning to his small town after a ten years absence to check on his frail yet heinous father. The storylines were engaging, entertaining, and generously sprinkled with amusing wit, family drama, and a steamy romance. I enjoyed every word and am eager to continue on to the second and third installments, which are thankfully already locked and loaded on my beloved Kindle.
Grayson is a famous musician who returned home to see about his sick dad and to write some new music. Hartson Creek hadn’t changed since he left, the same diner and bakery were still there. He is the oldest in the family, the twins Logan and Cam are a year younger than Tanner and Becca. He has always felt his dad was never proud of anything he accomplished and they butt heads all the time. Maddie received a scholarship to The Ansell School of Performing Arts in NY but returned home less than a year later to waitress at the diner. She also teaches piano to students which she loves. She and Becca are known for winning at the Karaoke contest at Moonlight Bar. Both characters have things to overcome. The storyline was well written and the characters have sizzling chemistry. I would definitely recommend this book.
Take Me Home by Carrie Elks is the first book in the Heartbreak Brothers series. The series is set in a small town by the name of Hartson’s Creek, where times seems slower but the gossip spreads fast. This book delivers a Rockstar falls for small town girl lovestory… with an extra dose of angst by making Maddie the forbidden little sister of Gray’s high school sweetheart. The story is sweet and fun with a little bit of drama mixed in. Definitely brought on the emotions andfeeling. The main characters are likable and I really needed to get their Happily ever after. The supporting characters added humor, angst and even more fun. I have a feeling the whole series is going to be great.
Take Me Home is a really great read. It is the first book in the Heartbreak Brothers series and also an excellent stand-alone with a HEA.
Maddie is a small town girl, Gray was a small town boy but for the last ten years he has been a world famous rock star. Their lives could not be more different.
I absolutely love everything about this book. The characters, their stories, the family tensions, the small town feel and the rock star lifestyle all fit seamlessly together and draw you into their world. This book deserves a 5* rating and I definitely recommend it. I am already looking forward to the next Heartbreak Brother book.
Take Me Home is the perfect mix of rockstar and small-town romance. It tells the story of a love that is meant to be, of broken families, mistakes and amends, of hurt so deep that tarnishes relationships and self-value, of possibilities when conquering fears.
Gray goes back to his hometown after 10 years, as a promise to his sister that he will visit their sick father and at the end of a long world tour with his band. It’s a tiny town, named after his grandfather and where everyone knows each other’s business.
He will instantly be attracted to Maddie, a sassy and not-afraid-to-speak-her-mind waitress. She is also the little sister of his high school sweetheart. Their connection is beautiful, raw and honest. He can be himself, while she is finally able to live her childhood love dream.
Take Me Home is an emotional book with wonderful characters. I found it to be a perfect book to experience Cariie Elk’s writing.
Maddie always had a crush on Gray in high school even though he was dating her sister at the time. When he comes back into town 10 years later after his tour ends the sparks start to fly between them. This book is full of love, heartache, overcoming the past and being strong enough to stand up for yourself. Once I started I had an extremely hard time putting this page turner down! I loved every emotion I went through and can’t wait to read the next story!
I had a great time and was highly entertaining with each turn of the pages. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Take Me Home: The Heartbreak Brothers Book 1 by Carrie Elks and this review was given freely.
Heart warming and drama packed with hints of humor and realistic characters, this novel expresses the harsh and loving sides of the Hartson and Clark families interwoven with scenes of small town life, a scandal, a slow burn to mildly steamy romance with a happy ending, and contains an intriguing lead into a sequel.
After 10 years rockstar Gary Hartson returns home to Hartson’s Creek, Virginia, USA to visit his overly critical father, his Aunt and his siblings Logan, Cam,Tanner and Becca but tension soon escalates when finds himself involved in home repair and attracted to Maddie, the younger sister of his highschool girlfriend, Ashleigh Clark.
An interesting and enjoyable book one in the Heartbreak Brothers series! A slow burn; the story-line is well written, relatable, emotionally deep, funny, witty, and entertaining. The characters are likeable and you will enjoy getting to know them. A really good read; strongly recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful story! I really loved it. Rock star Gray and waitress Maddie have a ton of chemistry and I found it difficult to tear myself away. The writing is great and the story kept me turning pages. The main characters are very likable and so are the supporting characters. This beautiful, sweet love story set in a small town is my first read by Carrie Elks and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next Heartbreak Brothers book!
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
Gray Hartson is finally coming home after playing in sold-out stadiums around the world. His main goal when returning home is fix the relationship with his father and his family. He happens to meet Maddie who is working at a diner in their hometown and she happens to be the sister of his ex-girlfriend which is kinda of a problem. Maddie Clark was an awkward teenager when Gray left and her dreams of being a famous concert pianist have been shattered. Will Maddie and Gray give there relationship a chance?? Will friends and family get in there way? Great read and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love any type of small town romance stories. Gray is one of a group of brothers nicknamed the Heartbreak brothers. After his music tour, he comes back to the small town where he grew up to help at home and get a break. Maddie is a small town girl who really hasn’t left in her life intersects with Gray’s. Their friendship grows and you have to read to see what happens. Great story development and storyline. Can’t wait for more heartbreak brothers stories!
This is my first time reading anything from this author, and I really enjoyed reading this book, it was beautifully written, the characters had hot chemistry, and i was glued to the pages the whole way through. This is the story of Grey, and Maddie, they meet when grey, a rock star comes into town. They have an immediate connection, and soon find it too hard to fight. This was emotional, raw, passionate, steamy, intense, and dramatic.
Gray takes a break from touring – his father is ill and he needs to go home. He didn’t realize what his fame would do in this small town. Maddie helps him escape from the throng of screaming teenage fans after he attends church. She’s a waitress at the diner, and teaches piano lessons. She’s always had a crush on him, but her older sister dated him in high school, and she can’t compete with Ashleigh’s grace or beauty. Except this time, he falls in love with Maddie. I absolutely love these two together – the banter between them is worth the price of admission, especially their discussion of the diner’s eggs. It takes this aggravating trip home to realize that what he has in LA isn’t everything he wants for his life. I spent most of the time really not liking Ashleigh – she’s snotty, self-absorbed and over-bearing. Her nasty attitude when she finds out about Gray and Maddie is what spurs Maddie to finally share her darkest secret with him. Ashleigh redeems herself nearer to the end of the end of the book. Gray’s dad needs an attitude adjustment. Aunt Gina is wonderful. Becca is such a great friend to Maddie, and a saint for putting up with her brothers. Tanner, Cam, Logan – can’t wait for their heartbreak stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is so sweet. The characters are great.
I loved the ups and downs and the small town
A great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 4.5*
A great start to a new series from Carrie Elks! It’s emotional and heartwarming all at the same time. You’ll feel plenty of emotions as you read the story but they’re so worth it. The characters will feel like family and you’ll feel like you’re in the story with them. Well done Carrie, well done!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.