just the beginning

Wow - what a read / listen. This is the first time I've read or listened to L.A. Cotton and I hope it won't be the last! For me this was a coming of age story full of emotions. I loved how realistic this whole read / listen came thru. The characters and their dynamic is completely believable which is unusually in most famous rock star stories so that alone impressed me. The emotional rollercoaster that Eva takes us on is another compelling part of this read. I fell in love only to get my heartbroken. So vested in Eva who in some ways is so mature for her age and in other ways not...I really am hooked and I can't wait to see what's next!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

1 person found this helpful

Oh My Heart!

This is my first book by Ms. Cotton and oh what a book! I didn’t even realize it is a prequel until after I’d finished and went looking for the next one, but I’m so glad it is. I cannot wait to read more! Ms. Cotton adds a few new spins on the rock star romance genre and keeps you wanting more.

I was introduced to Ms. Puckett’s southern drawl in this book and as usual was not disappointed. She provided a convincing southern, teenage accent for the characters and made me think of sipping sweet tea in wicker chairs on a front porch. Ms. Puckett also sings – legit sings – in this novel. I’ve read other books that had lyrics in them before, but never had a narrator take the time to put them to music and provide both the vocals and the instrumentation. It was certainly a treat and added more authenticity to the novel.

I certainly recommend this series and I hope the remaining books (and many more to come) are released soon!

I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.

1 person found this helpful

A Quick Listen

Evangeline Walker know how to quickly everything can change. But 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 face 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 start somewhere....this is their beginning.

This is novella and an introduction in the Black Hearts Still Beat Series from L.A. Cotton. Rise and Rule should be coming soon. I loved this little novella. It didn't take long to listen too and you can probably do so in one siting. It was entertaining and will have you wanting the next two books right this second. So dive in. Have a listen and I hope you like it as much as I did

I received a copy of this book from Audio Book Obsession to review.

Great Romance

All the feels and singing to boot. A promising start to this new series and the narration was superb as always with S Puckett😊

Amazing story!

I received this audiobook from Sarah Puckett in exchange for an honest review.

It took me about two chapters to get used to Sarah's voice. After I got used to her, I really enjoyed it. I look forward to book two! There are two or three songs during this audiobook and I had never read a book before that had actual songs in it, so I found that refreshing and interesting. It definitely sets this book apart from the rest. I don't usually enjoy books that have cliffhangers, but it's book one of three, so I'll allow it. ;)

Great Book

Rush: The Beginning: Black Hearts Still Beat, Book One was a great read by L.A. Cotton. Evangeline knows that everything change change very quickly. She doesn't realize how much everything will change when she meets Rafe. She knows that she shouldn't trust him as he is the bassist of the hottest rock band in America. I absolutely loved reading Evangeline and Rafe's story and can't wait to read more in this series. I loved how Sarah Puckett narrated the characters so you fall deeply for them.

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.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS NEW SERIES!!!

“Music was a part of my soul, something I would never give up, but I needed to believe I was here for something more.”

What an amazing start to a new series!!! I really tried hard to savor this, but I devoured it!! I’m in love with all things Eva and Rafe!!! The emotions in this...I’m not even sure where to start.

 “Maybe there’s a reason you’re both here, at this exact same time. Maybe he’s supposed to help you heal.”

Eva has already been through so much. Her best friend, Molly, is her biggest cheerleader and partner in crime. We ALL need a friend like her. Someone who loves us unconditionally and can kick us in butt when we need it.

“Rafe Hunter had swept into my life and obliterated all my walls.”

Rafe is the bassist for the rock band, Black Hearts, and OMG I think I’m in love 😍. Since this just the prelude of what’s to come, we don’t have alllll the things Rafe yet. But I’m dying to know more about him and the band. They have secrets, but who doesn’t?


“This isn’t the end, Eva,” “It can’t be the end.”

My heart wants these two together. It won’t take NO for an answer. They are a match made in heaven. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us with this series!

Sarah Puckett was fantastic!!! She is the perfect Eva!!!

🎧AudiobookObsession🎧

Actual SINGING in an audiobook?! WOW!

So Sarah Puckett is a goddess. She actually sings in this audio. Like full on, there is a guitar playing and she SINGS. I knew it was coming, others had told me how amazing this was, but I didn't actually believe it until I heard it. It was just amazing. Simply the best. She tore my heart out and then stuffed it back in my chest and sewed it back together again. Sarah can ring so many emotions out of you and take the material she is presented and just make it even better than it already was.
This was a fantastic book. I typically don't listen or read a whole lot of YA/NA books, this was more on the NA side as there was some adult content, but the characters were 18-19 years old and it can be hard to relate to that age when you older than that. But because it is Sarah, I listened. And boy do I want to hear more from this series! I loved the touches that were added. Not only does Sarah sing, but there is also a male that sings a song that is done from the male POV. It was just amazing. I can't say anything more than that. Another A+++++++ performance for Sarah Puckett.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

A flippin' fantastic read!

Everyone knows the greatest love stories all start somewhere...this is their beginning...

This is one of the best rockstar romance reads that I have read so far...it may even be my favourite! I'm waiting so eagerly to read book one.

Excellent narration. This narrator really sucks me in from the very beginning.