That's the rule I live by now. No more messy emotions. Just in and out. Sure, some may think that makes me an asshole, but they know the game when they crawl into my bed. It's never about love.
Been there, done that. No thanks.
With the band racing up the charts and a different woman warming my bed every night, I'm completely satisfied.
Or I thought I was.
One glimpse into the crowd, one familiar face...that's all it takes and I'm a goner all over again. We're connected through the notes of our past, but I don't know if it's enough this time around.
Reading is a passion of mine. My love for the written word was rekindled a few years ago, and it's been a blessing to discover everything that is out there. I love a good romantic book, one filled with swoon-worthy heroes and the women who drive them crazy. There aren't too many genres I won't read (sorry horror and scary stories, you still give me nightmares). As long as it drags me into the world to live alongside the characters, I want it!
I've been married since December 2000 to my best friend. Yes we were young, yes people thought I was crazy, but when you know, you know. We had one of those insta-love relationships where we fell hard and never looked back. We have 4 beautiful daughters who drive us a little batty but we still love them!
Ever since I was little, I dabbled in writing, starting with Fanfic of Sweet Valley High (Yes, Jessica and Elizabeth needed some new adventures). In Seventh Grade my teacher submitted a poem I wrote to a national contest and was published in an anthology. I was afraid to turn it in because I never thought I had a chance and yet, it was picked. Writing stories had always been an escape of mine, something to lose myself into or rewrite a bad experience I had to give it a better outcome. There's a little bit of me put into my books so I'm always emotionally attached to them.
9 years separation and he was sleeping around with anyone and everyone. He even slept with at least two other women after meeting heroine again the disgusting pig! She in the meantime was CELIBATE for 9 years because she was pining for only him the pathetic loser. Talk about double standards in a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“You’re the song of my heart, the lyrics of my life. Every note I play is for you.”
Ever since I finished Serenading The Shadows, I have been hoping that we would get Myles story. Despite having some epic douche worthy moments, I knew that he had a story to tell, and if we got a chance to read it, it would be totally worth it. And boy am I glad that Jodie Larson decided to tell Myles’ story.
Notes of the Past is told from dual points of view and is the much anticipated story of Myles. Myles is an asshole; a total jerk. He loves woman and always has a new one in his bed. Besides music, women are his next love. That being said, the women in Myles’ life never get more than one night. He doesn’t do strings or complications. You see, he’s been burned by the love a good woman in the past and he let that hurt turn him into the man that he currently is. Now, many and I mean many years later, his past is about to collide with his present, knocking his entire world off of its axis….Tatum has only loved one man her entire life, but she let fear get the better of her, ruining the best thing that ever happened to her. Now, many years later, fate has brought Tatum and Myles back together. Tatum regrets the actions that separated her and Myles and would give anything for another chance. Will Tatum be able to break down the sky high walls that Myles has built and get him to listen? There is only one way to find out…
Notes of the Past is a fantastic rockstar/ second chance romance. I loved Myles and Tatum’s story. From the moment I picked up this book, I was sucked in and desperate to see what made Myles the way that he was. I just knew that there had to be more to him than meets the eye and as much as his behavior and actions pissed me off, I really wanted to see him redeem himself. Because, let me tell you, the more time I spent with Myles, the more I wanted to see him become a better man. Sure Tatum wasn’t perfect. She made some epic mistakes, but she was young and handled things as she saw fit. It takes a big person to own up to their mistakes and to try to make them right. And let me tell you, just being around Tatum and Myles…You just knew these two had some unfinished business. The tension between the two of them was not only intense, but an inferno just waiting to explode…If only they could move past the past….
Notes of the Past is one of those books that you can’t help but devour in one sitting. The characters are well written and are perfectly flawed. You can’t help but get caught up in their story; one minute frustrated to the point of wanting to throw your kindle and in the next moment, holding your breath, hoping that these two could find a way to get to their HEA.
Myles’ story was everything that I could have wanted and then some. This is a story of mistakes and second chances. This is a story about true love and redemption. This is a story of grabbing on to your second chance and not wasting a single moment. It was just the book I needed and a great addition to the Lightning Strikes Series.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Notes was my first book by Ms. Larson and it's the second in the Lightening Strikes series but can be read as a standalone.
Myles and Tatum were high-school sweethearts. Actually, more like sweethearts of the playground, it's been so long. They grew up together. Learning about music and dreams and love together. Together with Kade, Breck and Pax, they were going to be the next big band to take over the air waves.
They were the stuff dreams were made of, until she disappeared from his life without explanation. Now Myles is the moody, entitled, self-important guitarist for the chart topping rock band, Lightening Strikes. He plows his way through the women on the tour in an effort to exorcise her ghost. Fate places these two back in each others lives and gives them a second chance at those big dreams. Can they hold on this time?
I liked this book but it wasn't my favorite. I never quite connected with Myles. I found him really self-indulgent and selfish. I didn't care for the way he treated people but I really liked the other characters in the book. The rest of the bandmates were really likeable and you definitely want to see them get their happily ever afters.
This was my first read by Jodie Larson and I liked it. It is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone. Myles is the guitarist of the band Lightning Strikes. He is the fun playboy of the band. Though he is having fun and tries to live a simple life, he harbors a broken heart. Tatum is the girl that broke his heart. When these two are brought back into each other’s lives, what will happen?
I did enjoy this story. Myles was a little hard to like in the beginning because of his actions, especially when Tatum came back in the picture. But when the sweet and nice boy shone through, he was a delight. Tatum was a sweet girl. I loved seeing the flashbacks of Myles and Tatum’s relationship. It really showed the personalities of them both and how much they loved each other. When these two reconnect in the present, it is intense. They have that magical connection that was not going to be denied no matter how many years they spent apart. That everlasting love that they have was nice to read about. When everything was right, it was great. I also loved the camaraderie of the band. They’ve known each other forever so it was great to see that love and friendship -though they did have some misgivings but it was just like every other family relationship. Jodie kept my interest from beginning to end. The relationship between Myles and Tatum was fascinating and I was intrigued to see how it would all play out. The characters and storyline was good. A little angst but also sweet. I like a nice second-chance story. Overall, a decent read.
Myles and Tatum were in love and happy. Then one day she walked away and never looked back. Myles was devastated. When his band finally made it big, after years of hard work and dedication, they finally had everything they wanted.
But his life was empty. The parade of woman and alcohol were only numbing his life away. Then she started showing up at his shows? Was he imagining it?
Can Myles and Tatum find a way to move forward and admit their feelings? Or will life get in the way again and finally drive them apart?
Notes Of The Past is a great second chance romance story, featuring a sexy, smoldering, manwhore and the woman who broke his heart nearly a decade ago. It's a popular (and favorite!) trope, but I've never read a story where the two are forced to share close quarters on a tour bus before. My, the sparks ignite!
Myles and Tatum were childhood sweethearts, and shared such a special connection, they never in a million years thought that they would be apart. But Tatum backed away, completely disappeared, to deal with a life matter and before she knew it, years passed by, and aspiring musician Myles hits it big with his band, Lightning Strikes. During a visit back to their hometown, Tatum and Myles cross paths unexpectedly, the band ends up needing a new opening act, and that brings us to karaoke queen Tatum joining the band on tour, despite Myles throwing one helluva hissy fit.
What makes this story great is that since the band members are all childhood friends, they are all childhood friends of Tatum's as well. So as much as Myles hates the idea of Tatum being on the tour, the rest of the guys are thrilled to reconnect with their old friend. Which irks Myles even more! But he can't deny that he and Tatum still share a crazy connection. But is that enough to let bygones be bygones?
At times, I wanted to smack Myles and his double standard! Yes, he was hurt when Tatum took off, but he didn't exactly try to track her down to find out what was going on with her! Likewise, I thought Tatum was wrong for her actions toward the end, especially after EVERYTHING they'd previously gone through and how they had already reconciled. This is a HEA, though, and it was refreshing to see them both own up to their mistakes, grow up a bit, and put the past behind them once and for all.
"She is the notes of my past, the music of my present, and the lyrics of my future." Swoon.
Notes Of The Past is a beautiful tale of forgiving the one you love, and forgiving yourself. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Myles Donovan is living his dream. He’s the lead guitarist of Lightning Strikes, a band whose music is sitting at the top of the charts and they’re playing on a sold-out tour across the country. Women fall at his feet—one, two, four at a time. What more could Myles want? Love isn’t for him…he’s been there, done that. He is happy. Happy. Until one night, he spots a familiar face in the crowd. Tatum Mitchell—his first love, his girl. His girl that broke his heart years ago. Tatum was who he lived for and loved with every piece of his being. They had plans. Big plans until she walked away. It’s been years since Myles has seen or spoken to Tatum. Is Myles willing to forget the past to move toward the future, can Tatum resurrect the feelings inside Myles to break down the walls he’s erected around his heart?
"She is the notes of my past, the music of my present, and the lyrics of my future."
Oof… second chance romance, lovers to enemies to lovers… hard to categorize Notes of the Past. I loved Myles and Tatum. Myles is a song writer who lays his feelings out through his lyrics and music. Tatum is a bit of an enigma at first, but she’s strong and determined and awesome. There’s not much of an explanation about her disappearance from Myles’ life all those years ago initially—but she’s immediately welcomed back into the fold by the rest of the band. I loved watching Myles and Tatum try to both stick it to each other and work their way back to each other. And whoa, are they sexy together. Don’t even get me started on the rest of the band. Love how they’re brothers of the heart and that they rag each other much like siblings. Their dynamics are palpable—makes you really see their connection.
Notes of the Past truly stands alone, but I’ve gone back and one clicked Serenading the Shadows because I wanted to start from the beginning to see what I’ve been missing out on! This is one of the best rocker books I’ve read in a LONG time. I can’t wait for book three! ~ Missy, 5 stars
Music is life. Like really. So every time a music related novel comes up, I jump at the chance to read it. I was prepared to absolutely love this book, and while I liked it, I can't say that it's one I loved so much that I'm likely to read it again. There is nothing technically wrong with the book. There weren't any major plot holes. The writing style was easy to follow and engaging. I even liked the way the story flowed. It reminds me of movies that I love to watch. Knowing all that, you're probably wondering what the heck is wrong with me and why I can't count to five when I'm giving ratings. But I promise I can count. The thing is, I found the characters incredibly hard to connect to. It's hard to be really invested in the outcome of a book or to find a plot especially compelling when you don't connect to the lead characters and/or the narration. In this case, I just didn't like Myles. I straight up detested him at the start and, while he did grow on me, I still never completely connected with him or really grew to like him much. The story's well-written, though, and I know not everyone will have the same opinion I did, so give it a go, guys! You might connect better than I did, and if you do, you'll love it!
I absolutely loved it! Even though it is book #2 in a series, and I did not read the first, I don't think it is necessary. I thought the book was an easy read. It's a story about two people, Myles and Tatum, and their broken relationship that still has a special place in their hearts. The book goes back and forth from Myles and his feelings to Tatum and her feelings. I liked reading his thoughts and then hers. Myles is the bad boy, which is intriguing, but he has a soft spot for Tatum despite the hurt he once experienced from her leaving. It's the kind of book that you can't put down.
Notes Of The Past by Jodie Larson is the second installment in The Lightning Strikes Series. For better understanding you should read book one, Serenading the Shadows (Lightning Strikes #1) , first. Meet Myles Donovan, the lead guitarist of Lightning Strikes. Myles is a cynic who doesn´t do relationships or romantic feelings. And there is Tatum Mitchell, the girl who broke his heart, vanished and is now back. Tatum and Myles have this crazy chemistry and rare connection. But can he forgive old mistakes? Can they make their professional and private relationship work? Is it true love and does love conquer all? So many questions and only one way to find out. Notes of the Past is a beautifully thought out, beautifully written and beautifully told story. I enjoyed reading this story. I loved the characters and I loved thw writing. 5 Stars and Thank you Jodie Larson !
Myles is an a$$hole! Tatum is prideful! I wondered if these two would be able to put that aside and actually listen to each other and be honest with each other. Their hot and cold made me want to hit them both upside the head at one point or another. Then it happens, they morph into the people they were meant to be!
Jodie has a unique talent to pulls you in with the music just like in her first book.
NotP is the second book in JL's Lightning Strikes series, and while I haven't read book one, I hella loved book two (& promptly went and one-clicked book one). So, so good y'all. Seriously, I flipped through these pages at a break-neck speed, and then I went back and read it again, slowly. The second time around, I enjoyed it a bit more. I really sat down, and picked apart the layers, and I really liked what I found. JL's characters have a beautiful, and believable depth to them. I absolutely f'loved watching Tatum and Myles sort their ish, and figuring out what was what. So much yes, and so much feels. If you <3 swoony musicians and second chance romances, then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
"She is the notes of my past, the music of my present, and the lyrics of my future."
I should have known better since I pretty much loathe books were the male MC is a manwhore and the female MC has been celibate since they broke up. Add in the fact that she is wishy washy and he's got to be right and it was a struggle to finish this. If she had a bit more backbone I would have added one more star - but she didn't.
The 9 year break was too long for the reason...fuck, 5 years is still too long but maybe more believable for all the other plot points. Another reviewer mentioned h had cancer. She didn’t. The entire separation was total stupidity on both of their parts. Just sayin. The angst was good ;)
Notes From the Past is a second chance at love story between two high school sweethearts and soulmates that lost their way. They say it is better to have loved and lost then to never loved at all. Tell that to Myles Donovan, lead guitarist for the hottest band in the country, Lightning Strikes.
Myles has worked hard for the past five years with his bandmates to get where they are today. His band is on top of the world. They are successful, touring the country and there is a rotating line of women at every stop. Life could not be better, right?
Myles was a player and jerk. He lived the lifestyle expected of a rock star and acted like he had no regrets. But what he was really doing was protecting his heart. He gave it to only one person when he was younger and she walked away from him without a trace. He was never putting himself in that situation again.
Tatum Mitchel has always loved Myles Donovan. Even when she walked away from him. She had her reasons, even if he would never understand. But when she comes face-to-face with him, she realizes the impact her leaving had on him. She feels his contempt at every turn.
I found Tatum to be a bit indecisive at times. She knew what she wanted, but was also intimidated by Myles. He was not the same boy she loved and walk away from. Now he was all man, a very hardened man who had no intentions of ever forgiving her.
Now they are forced to spend time together. Can they find a way to forgive, forget and move forward? Or is it too late? Myles wants to keep his heart made of stone around Tatum, but the woman he has always loved is finally back and reminding him why he loved her so much. His friends welcomed her back without reservations, but he will not be as forgiving or trusting.
This is not an original story, but the author did give it some unique twists. This is the second book in the series, though each can be read as a standalone. I have not yet read the first book, but did not find myself feeling lost.
Overall a good second chance at love romance. Did not always like Myles, but when we get their backstory, you begin to understand him more. I loved the members of the band and their friends. They had great connections and banter throughout the story. And by the end, you see both characters grow in a lot of ways.
Ah. What a second chance story! Notes of the Past is a beautiful story of second chances and the mess it can be. So often we see couples jumping straight in and everything being perfect, but in this story, Larson shows the messy side of a broken heart and chance at reconciliation. Tatum and Myles are electric. There is something between them that cannot be denied. So much passion between two people has the ability to go two ways. We see a bit of both in this book. Myles swings from anger to hurt, while Tatum tries to find her footing between his many mood swings. Everything about these two has potential and I was very curious about where it would lead.
Larson has a talent of writing emotion well. Tatum and Myles both left with broken hearts nine years ago. The pain, anger, bitterness, and hurt lingers. They both feel deeply and react just as deeply. I loved understanding their emotions and reactions while reading their different POVs. It makes for a well rounded story that shares both sides and gives the reader all the facts. These two are meant to be, and despite their time apart, deserve each other. The history we read about these two is heartfelt and endearing. I loved getting to understand how they fell in love and where their life plans were. They were starry eyed young people and reality ripped it away. That second chance was one in a million and I loved that it felt raw and real.
One of my favorite things about this series is the secondary characters. The guys from the band are awesome, adding comedic relief and a swift kick to the rear when it was needed. The camaraderie is awesome and I loved the progression from the first book to the second. These characters grow on you and I loved getting to see Kade and Adrienne are now! Overall, this book is a winner! If you love rockstars, second chances, and emotional love stories, do not miss this one!
A second chance Romance, Myles and Tatum were childhood sweet hearts, but circumstances led Tatum to pull away from the relationship. Ten years later they connect once again, Tatum finds herself on tour with the Rock band Lightening Strikes, the band in which Myles is a member of. Sharing close quarters with someone you loved and left won't be easy, because the Attraction is still very much there between them. But Myles still feels bitter about what happened all those years ago, can he leave the past in the past and forgive. I Loved this story, its about heart break and forgiveness and Wonderfully written. Compelling and totally addictive Notes of The Past is an exceptionally Amazing read. I highly recommend it.
I first met Myles in Serenading the Shadows where he said rude things to Adrienne, the heroine, and generally got on my nerves. With this book, I finally got the chance to see past the rudeness to the pain in his past. After spending several chapters getting to know Myles and his hurt and anger, we finally get to meet Tatum, who is suddenly back in Myles’ life, and it took me a bit to warm up to her. I enjoyed how she was able to bring out a different side of Myles, but found it difficult to reconcile the woman who seemed to be pining for him with the woman who stayed away for nine years. I could understand why Myles’ emotions were all over the place, because mine were, too. I love books that make sure I am just as caught up in the hero’s story as I am in the heroine’s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Tatum annoys me, a few of his friends as well. How can they get on his case for being upset that she just leaves him with no explanation. Tatum is horrible with communication which is important in a relationship.. Myles deserves better. Tatum fixed her mouth to say “You didn’t exactly come running after me either time, so how much did you truly love me? Just enough to let me go?” seriously???? She's really selfish and full of herself! He's an musician, pretty sure he has a busy schedule and chasing her isn't on it. Also Myles was ready to give it all up to be happy with her but she ran AGAIN. So why should he chase her?! I didn't like the book because of Tatum.
Since seeing the blurb for the book, I knew I had to read it. You could already feel the angst from those few short paragraphs. I didn’t like Myles at all in the beginning due to his behavior but Jodie did a great job at portraying their story and allowing us to see their choices and the reasons behind them and learning why he was the way he was. I really felt for Tatum and her story allows us to understand Myles as well. The author did a great job at keeping me interested throughout the story.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I love rock star romances, especially when I feel like the author captured the different sides of what it must be like to call a bunch of the shots, but not all of them, to be adored by millions, but still lonely. The love scenes are steamy and plentiful and even though there is history there, it still isn't instantaneous that they get together. The only reason I gave it 4 and not 5 stars is that I wish there had been a little more behind Tatum's reasons. I can't say more than that without possibly giving a spoiler.
This can be read as a standalone, although you will have an idea of how Serenading the Shadows ends if you read this first. I think that's okay because Adrienne and Kade were interesting enough characters that I still want to go back and read their story.
I definitely found another great author. This is my second book I've read of Jodie Larson's and I'm definitely not disappointed. Myles and Tatum had a love others only dream of. That's until she disappeared. Sure, Myles has tried to substitute his feelings with night stands, but no one makes him feel the way SHE does. This is a definite must read. Not everyone gets a second chance at love, that's what makes Tatum and Myles love story so special. They show that it's far from easy. Everyone needs to read this book❤
I really liked Book 1 of this series, but loved this one even more.
The history and chemistry between Myles & Tatum is strong. So when she comes on tour as their opening act, after leaving him years ago with no explanation as to why she walked away from what they had, you just know sparks are going to fly. And boy do they!
I won't go into too many details, but this is a great second chance romance. I love the banter and the fire between them. Whether they are hating or loving, there is definitely a lot of passion between them!
This was a heartfelt second chance romance of two high school sweethearts finding their way back to each other after years of misunderstandings. Myles is the bad boy rocker with the hidden heart of gold and Tatum is the self sacrificing love of his life. It was also great getting to check in on Kade and Adrienne in this story.
*swoon* I wish I could give this book all the stars in the world. I absolutely love Tatum, Myles grew on me. If your debating reading this book, go read the first in the series and you will be looking for all the books! Can’t wait to start the next one, I have an idea who Bracken falls in love with.
In book one Myles isn’t really likable at all. He’s a behind and he knows it. Once you dive into this book you see why he is the way he is. I loved this book. The angry angsty back and forth was my favorite! The tease here and there. Both characters needed to communicate to each other better. The ending was absolute perfection!!