Behind the Bars
When I first met Jasmine Greene, she came in as raindrops. I was the awkward musician, and she was the high school queen. The only things we had in common were our music and our loneliness. Something in her eyes told me her smile wasn't always the truth. Something in her voice gave me a hope I always wished to find. And in a flash, she was gone. Years later, she was standing in When I first met Jasmine Greene, she came in as raindrops. I was the awkward musician, and she was the high school queen. The only things we had in common were our music and our loneliness. Something in her eyes told me her smile wasn't always the truth. Something in her voice gave me a hope I always wished to find. And in a flash, she was gone. Years later, she was standing in front of me on a street in New Orleans. She was different, but so was I. Life made us colder. Harder. Isolated. Caged. Even though we were different, the broken pieces of me recognized the sadness in her. Now she was back, and I wouldn't make the mistake of letting her go again. When I first met Jasmine Greene, she came in as raindrops. When we met again, I became her darkest storm.
30 review for Behind the Bars
Christy – Jun 07, 2017
5+ stars!!!! "No woman can only fall in love with the music of jazz. She always quietly yearns for the musician behind the bars." Brittainy C. Cherry is a wordsmith. She is one of those people that is doing exactly what she was made for. Behind the Bars is another masterpiece. I can't say enough good things about this book! It moved me and gave me the feels on an entirely different level! It was brilliant and a top favorite of mine this year! Jasmine Greene is the daughter of a trave 5+ stars!!!! "No woman can only fall in love with the music of jazz. She always quietly yearns for the musician behind the bars." Brittainy C. Cherry is a wordsmith. She is one of those people that is doing exactly what she was made for. Behind the Bars is another masterpiece. I can't say enough good things about this book! It moved me and gave me the feels on an entirely different level! It was brilliant and a top favorite of mine this year! Jasmine Greene is the daughter of a traveling musician and a mom-ager. Her dad, Ray, is fantastic, but her mom is always trying to get her to be someone she's not. Jasmine loves music and soul is what speaks to her. According to her mother, Jasmine needs to sing pop to be successful. For the first time in a long time, Jasmine has a home. New Orleans becomes home for them, as Ray has a long-term gig. While in New Orleans, she meets Elliot. Elliot is a sweet, shy, and quiet boy. He's one of those too skinny and a bit nerdy high schoolers. But when Jasmine hears him play his saxophone, he becomes someone else. His music is everything. Jasmine and Elliot forge an unlikely friendship that becomes more with time. Elliot holds the key to Jasmine's heart and nothing could ever break them apart. Until Jasmine's mother decides to uproot her entire life. While Jasmine is gone, the unthinkable happens to Elliot and they go years without seeing each other or speaking. Finally, Jasmine comes home. Home to New Orleans, to Ray, and maybe even to that shy boy she's been in love with since she was a teen. Whenever I thought of home, I didn't think of a place, I thought of people. The ones who shaped us into the people we were meant to become. The ones who loved us with our scars, and told us those scars were beautiful. The ones who allowed us to make mistakes, and still loved us fully. Elliot and Jasmine are both so different as adults. I won't get into their second chance love story, but gah! It's stunning. I felt their pain, their struggle, and their love completely. I adore these characters so much. Elliot is one of the best characters Brittainy has ever written. He's so complex. And, as always, there are a few side characters that completely steal the show. TJ is incredible, and Ray. Oh Ray. I can't even tell you how much I loved this man!!! (view spoiler)[ "Being blood related doesn't make someone family, Snow White. Love does that." - SOBS (hide spoiler)] Elliot and Jasmine's love was strong. Strong enough to withstand the strongest of storms. Strong enough to fight the hardest of battles. And strong enough to conquer all the hardships they face along the way. It's not without a fight, but these two are made to be. Their connection is that strong. You can feel it- it's palpable. 36 highlights. 36. I'm a reader who usually highlights a few of my favorite quotes while I'm reading, maybe 5-10, 15 if I really loved the book. But 36… that only happens with a Cherry book. There are so many quotes that spoke to my heart. So many moments filled with pain, hope, and love, that I needed to save on my kindle so I could go back and re-read them when I needed them. This story and these words are so special to me. "One can't truly heal if they pretend the cracks don't exist." Behind the Bars is one of those books that will touch your heart and soul. It will make you feel, make you cry, and by the end, completely warm your heart. THIS is the reason Brittainy is my favorite author. She always makes me cry, but by the end, always always leaves my heart happy and healed. Read this book for the love, for the heart, and for the music. It's a book that needs to be read and I give it all the stars!
KAS – Jan 06, 2019
"...You don't see music, you feel it. Music doesn't see color. Music transcends all stereotypes." I don't know what 'category' of romance to file this under, but it honestly doesn't matter. What matters is ... It was amazing! It was riveting! It was totally unique! It was a page turning, slow burn romance! It gave me ALL THE FEELS, ranging from the depths of sadness, to the heights of elation and everything in between! It was also my first read by this author, and now I need more and more. The "...You don't see music, you feel it. Music doesn't see color. Music transcends all stereotypes." I don't know what 'category' of romance to file this under, but it honestly doesn't matter. What matters is ... It was amazing! It was riveting! It was totally unique! It was a page turning, slow burn romance! It gave me ALL THE FEELS, ranging from the depths of sadness, to the heights of elation and everything in between! It was also my first read by this author, and now I need more and more. The words just flow and and take you right to the setting of New Orleans, where music defines who the characters are and who they are not. I couldn't have felt a deeper connection with Elliot and Jasmine if I tried. I am just so glad I finally took the time to read this one which constantly winked at me from my tbr pile. The cover and title enticed me, so I dove in blind and enjoyed every single minute. If you are looking for a storyline with a lot of heart and soul, this is for you!! We walked up to the door and before we entered, he turned to me. "Okay, so we're planning a wedding for the first weekend in June. The theme is rustic. We're super excited and can't wait to tie the knot. I think that's all you need to know. And, Jasmine? "Yes?" "Act like you love me." Oh my good gracious, this book pure slayed me!!
SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ – Sep 27, 2017
LIVE at 99¢! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | STOCKING UP ON TISSUE! LIVE at 99¢! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | Blurb: Book Blurb: When I first met Jasmine Greene, she came in as raindrops. I was the awkward musician, and she was the high school queen. The only things we had in common were our music and our loneliness. Something in her eyes told me her smile wasn't always the truth. Something in her voice gave me a hope I always wished to find. And in a flash, she was gone. Years later, she was standing in front of me on a str LIVE at 99¢! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | STOCKING UP ON TISSUE! LIVE at 99¢! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | Blurb: Book Blurb: When I first met Jasmine Greene, she came in as raindrops. I was the awkward musician, and she was the high school queen. The only things we had in common were our music and our loneliness. Something in her eyes told me her smile wasn't always the truth. Something in her voice gave me a hope I always wished to find. And in a flash, she was gone. Years later, she was standing in front of me on a street in New Orleans. She was different, but so was I. Life made us colder. Harder. Isolated. Caged. Even though we were different, the broken pieces of me recognized the sadness in her. Now she was back, and I wouldn't make the mistake of letting her go again. When I first met Jasmine Greene, she came in as raindrops. When we met again, I became her darkest storm.
Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ – Sep 05, 2017
"Who knew things could be painfully beautiful?" Wow! This book was everything I was hoping for and more… much more. I am a huge fan of Brittainy C. Cherry and have been ever since reading Loving Mr. Daniels a few years ago, and then I fell even harder for her after each one of the Elements stories. Behind the Bars is a phenomenal story of love, hope, friendship and two lonely souls coming together through their love of music. If there is one book you need to check out this year, or ev "Who knew things could be painfully beautiful?" Wow! This book was everything I was hoping for and more… much more. I am a huge fan of Brittainy C. Cherry and have been ever since reading Loving Mr. Daniels a few years ago, and then I fell even harder for her after each one of the Elements stories. Behind the Bars is a phenomenal story of love, hope, friendship and two lonely souls coming together through their love of music. If there is one book you need to check out this year, or ever, it is this one. Brittainy C. Cherry's writing is sensational and I felt this story on such a deep level, right down to my very core. "I didn't see him at first- I felt him, felt his music crawl along my skin. The chords and bars of his saxophone sent chills down my spine. It sounded magical, the way the notes danced through the air, so hauntingly beautiful." Elliott was a sweet boy who felt music; he was someone who had one of those connections with music that meant he lived and breathed it. Music was a part of him and he was a part of music, especially Jazz music and he could play the saxophone like nobody else. Elliott's high school years were rough to say the least. He was repeatedly bullied, harassed, name called and humiliated. Elliott wanted nothing more than to be invisible and just try to survive each day. Bullying is never ok and what Elliott suffered was utterly heartbreaking, but he learnt to accept it as a way of life, which is devastating and sad beyond all belief. "He was so skinny and fragile, and I swore I weighed three times as much as him, but he loved me just as much as I loved him. He was all bones, and I was all meat. His skin was painted caramel, and mine was as white as cream. We were polar opposites. We weren't meant to fall for one another, but when we blended together, we were some kind of beautiful." High school was Jasmine's happy place; time away from her overbearing mom who worked Jasmine to the bone and was a place where she felt free. Jasmine was beautiful and popular and to the outside world had very few problems, but looks can be deceiving. Jasmine's mom was living vicariously through her in the hopes that her daughter could make her dreams come true by becoming the next pop star. Was it really what Jasmine wanted though? She lived and breathed soul music, but according to her mom there was no money in soul. "I knew I was young, and I knew it was stupid, but in that moment, I began to fall in love with the quiet boy who quietly cared for me. The boy who was scared and still strong. The boy who stood up for me when he was surrounded by reasons not to do such a thing." You can live your whole life surrounded by people, but still be the loneliest person in the world. This was life for Jasmine, maybe people just didn't understand her. When Jasmine and Elliott met there was such a profound connection between the two that it literally seemed like they had found the other part to their soul. They were both different in so many ways, but together they found strength and hope in a lonely and hopeless world. Some aspects of this story I found hard to read as it dealt with the devastation of bullying and the horrific treatment of another human being. I felt deeply, I cried and my heart broke as the scenes unfolded before me about what happens when bullying is taken to the next level. This was such a beautiful and heart wrenching story that completely consumed me, broke me and healed me all at once. This story means so much to me on such a deep level and I know without a doubt I won't ever forget this story and I urge everyone to read this story as you will no doubt feel similarly to what I felt.
~**Anna**~ A Romance Reader – Sep 05, 2017
What a beautiful story! I loved this book so much! It was perfect! Brittainy C. Cherry is one of my favorite authors of all time. She just has a way of writing the most beautiful and heartbreaking stories. This one is not an exception. Elliot has such a beautiful soul. He goes through so much (the bullying was so hard and sad to read about) but he's not tainted. He loves deeply and cares so much for his family and friends. I am so in love with him. Jasmine was perfect for Elliot. She too has gone What a beautiful story! I loved this book so much! It was perfect! Brittainy C. Cherry is one of my favorite authors of all time. She just has a way of writing the most beautiful and heartbreaking stories. This one is not an exception. Elliot has such a beautiful soul. He goes through so much (the bullying was so hard and sad to read about) but he's not tainted. He loves deeply and cares so much for his family and friends. I am so in love with him. Jasmine was perfect for Elliot. She too has gone through a lot (her mother is so awful) but still finds in her heart to forgive and love. Music was a big part in this book too and I wouldn't have it any other way. It was so comforting and now I want to learn more about jazz. Overall I highly recommend this book to everyone! It touched me deeply and I'll be re-reading it in the future for sure!
Jennifer Kyle – Jun 08, 2017
4 Stars [image error] Brittainy C. Cherry delivers yet again another heartfelt story. This couple shares a love of jazz and of one another and their connection is simply beautiful. There were so many lovely quotes as Jasmine and Elliott find their way back to one another. I enjoyed this story and will always read anything this author pens! 4 Stars [image error] Brittainy C. Cherry delivers yet again another heartfelt story. This couple shares a love of jazz and of one another and their connection is simply beautiful. There were so many lovely quotes as Jasmine and Elliott find their way back to one another. I enjoyed this story and will always read anything this author pens!
warhawke – Dec 02, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance Type: Standalone book in a series POV: First Person - Dual Rating: Jasmine Greene was born to be a star. Coming from a family of musicians, she was poised to be a household name. But behind the talent, she was unhappy and lonely. That was until she met a kindred spirit. Elliott Adams was shy and awkward. Music was his only way to escape real life. His friendship with Jasmine opened up his eyes to what a good life could be. But being together proved to be a lot harder than Genre: Contemporary Romance Type: Standalone book in a series POV: First Person - Dual Rating: Jasmine Greene was born to be a star. Coming from a family of musicians, she was poised to be a household name. But behind the talent, she was unhappy and lonely. That was until she met a kindred spirit. Elliott Adams was shy and awkward. Music was his only way to escape real life. His friendship with Jasmine opened up his eyes to what a good life could be. But being together proved to be a lot harder than either of them could imagine. Initially I had reservation about this book since I'm not into soul music or even music in general. I'm glad to say it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. "You're a reminder of the best time of my life, and I didn't think I deserved you," Elliott didn't have an easy life. His closed off personality was understandable. But beyond that, deep down he cared about those in his inner circle. "People don't care about me, Elliott. People just take pieces of me and then throw the rest away." Jasmine might seemed like a well adjusted woman. But she hid pains behind the facade. I like how she was understanding and put other people first. I was angry with how she handled certain situations, but she needed to learn thing the hard way. I love the elements of family and friendship in this book. Some parts of the book hurt, and I like seeing how the characters coped from it. I have to say though I wish the epilogue is turned down a little. "One can't truly heal if they pretend the cracks don't exist." Behind The Bars is a story of loyalty and forgiveness. It would appeal to readers looking for a heartbreaking yet heartwarming romance. 🎙 🎼 🎙 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 🎙 🎼 🎙 For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" – Sep 16, 2017
"You were, are, and will always be my Jazz. You are every beat, every note, every bar. You are the lyrics, the harmony, and the melody. You were, are, and always will be my favorite song." 4,5 stars All along two thoughts were twirling in my head: "Oh Elliott, no…" when he was pushed and pushed "No Jasmine, please don't do it. They won't love you for this." They both tore my heart in tiny pieces, quietly, one piece at a time. Poor, bullied and lonely Eli. Elliott is the bullied boy with an unassuming "You were, are, and will always be my Jazz. You are every beat, every note, every bar. You are the lyrics, the harmony, and the melody. You were, are, and always will be my favorite song." 4,5 stars All along two thoughts were twirling in my head: "Oh Elliott, no…" when he was pushed and pushed "No Jasmine, please don't do it. They won't love you for this." They both tore my heart in tiny pieces, quietly, one piece at a time. Poor, bullied and lonely Eli. Elliott is the bullied boy with an unassuming appearance. He was skinny had glasses.The boy with the soft hazel eyes with a soul that shone so bright he had to bleed his feelings with his saxophone. When Eli played Jazz the world stopped spinning and the hearts would weep. Jasmine was part of the "in crowd" and was groomed by her mother to become a star. She projected a confident aura but Jasmine was still lonely. Wanting to be loved by her mom she forgot her true calling every day. Jasmine was slowly dying inside. I loved her for really seeing Eli. Whatever her popularity she was never afraid to be seen with the bullied boy and show to everyone that he was her friend. "He was a quiet guy and he mostly kept to himself. He was a skinny boy with beautiful caramel skin and hazel eyes. He never in the history of ever bothered anyone. He had braces, glasses, and nervous habits, like the shaky hands I always noticed. He was the easiest target for Todd: timid, kind, and lonely. I noticed the loneliness most, because I knew the distinct look. I'd been lonely my whole life, and Elliott's stare mirrored my own." Brittainy C Cherry did not make it easy for me in this story. I was shocked by some choices Jasmine made. When you realize that you are judgmental this is not pretty to admit. If she would have been a boy I would only have had an amused smile. How fair is that? I liked Jasmine but did not always understand her. I loved her brave side when she fought for Eli. I understood that the choices she made came from the heart. But it was still bothering me. Then a wonder happened: she rebelled! Yes! At last! From that moment on I was 120% team Jasmine. She was gorgeous, caring, gifted, selfless and she loved Eli so much. All is well then? Well not exactly. I fell in love with Jasmine when Eli had changed so much that it was hard to still love him. He was really putting distances between him and others. Standoffish. All cold outside. Everyone copes in his own way with drama but Elliott was stuck in his pain. He could not move on and I did not either. What happened was just horrible. Another shock factor of the story. Brittainy C Cherry went all in with this one sparing her characters no pain at all. He just wanted to stay numb. He did not deserve to feel anything good. He's been weak. He is guilty. … Then began the long way to loving Eli back. Step by step, punch after punch, note by note. I adored the love story. It was cute, touching, sweet, real. They both were really meant to be together. My eyes were often brimming with tears when I read some moving parts witnessing their shy but stong love blossom. A few tears rolled down my cheeks. "I'm a little messed up." "I know." He nodded. "That's why I like you." He went back to staring out the window, and I kept staring at him. And there it was. So small, so tiny, so real. Love. It wasn't love, but it was the beginning of it. A personal note here: being a good parent. Brittainy C Cherry portrayed different parents in this story. Some were really bad like Jasmine's mom. I hated her with a passion you have no idea! Some wonderful like Eli's mom or Ray. Ray is Jasmine's dad in everything that count but blood. "I love her because she gave me you. You may not be my blood, Snow White, but don't for a second think that you are not my family. I stay for you. I'll always stay for you." And you have Todd's parents… Brittainy showed that you can neglect a kid in many ways. What's most important is not to give them designer bags but to love and listen to them. Without love and understanding kids are lost. It hit close to home as I'm currently going through some hard times with my son. Eighteen is not easy. You are not a kid anymore but you are not an adult either. Brittainy reminded me that whatever the outbursts, the tongue lashing or the frustration I have to listen to him. Show him I'm supporting and loving him. That's how it's done and that's how we'll win. I cried, I swooned, I raged at life's unfairness. In four words: I lived the story! Now confession time: I loved it but still felt bereft. I would have loved reading more about their lives when separated. What happened every day. And yet I suspect these years were so dark, desperate and ugly that it's probably better if I don't know. I would have loved another ending. Call me greedy all that you want but what happens with their music? Nothing more than that? I know that's me splitting hair as Brittainy C Cherry once more delivered a moving, heartbreaking and gorgeous romance story. It's one tale of resilience and forgiveness you won't want to miss! "No woman can only fall in love with the music of jazz. She always quietly yearns for the musician behind the bars." Recommend it? Hell yes!!!
Hulya Kara Yuksel – Jul 06, 2017
Ugh Ms.Cherry, you're always making me cry... 😢😢😢 This book was so good. ❤❤❤ Ugh Ms.Cherry, you're always making me cry... 😢😢😢 This book was so good. ❤❤❤
Olga therebelreader – Oct 10, 2017
***4.5 stars*** Loved this book, I literally couldn't put it down, I've been reading all day. I found humor in the right parts, sorrow, drama, vulnerability, understanding, lust, chemistry, friendships and love and yes, violence too! Elliott, oh my dear sweet, Elliott... I really felt sorry for this guy, he had truly be handed a shit hand of cards to make his life. Jasmine knows what is expected of her, perfection. She has quite the messed up family life. I loved her character and how she would ***4.5 stars*** Loved this book, I literally couldn't put it down, I've been reading all day. I found humor in the right parts, sorrow, drama, vulnerability, understanding, lust, chemistry, friendships and love and yes, violence too! Elliott, oh my dear sweet, Elliott... I really felt sorry for this guy, he had truly be handed a shit hand of cards to make his life. Jasmine knows what is expected of her, perfection. She has quite the messed up family life. I loved her character and how she would do quite literally anything to protect bullied Elliott. Ray, her step-father is a wonderful secondary character. He's so proud of her, he's a lovely man and with a heart of gold. Elliott and Jasmine's story of physical and verbal bullying broke my heart! Bullying knows no limits and is often times extremely dangerous for the well being of the bully and the bullied. This was one of those romances that has very heavy undertones, which could have taken over the story and been too much, but still manages to not be too angsty. Will Jasmine open her eyes to her own feelings or will she settle? Will Elliott manage to break down his walls? I admit I found myself enjoying Elliott's POV more than Jasmine's. His emotions and thoughts were just so captivating and heart wrenching. This romance was an experience. It was all consuming, refreshing and a unique measure of beauty. A good read I believe that shouldn't be missed. In short: Hero 5/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 5/5 | Steam 1/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 5/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5 ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Pavlina Read more sleep less blog – Jun 07, 2017
4.5 Unique Stars "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." Such a beautiful story, it was emotional, heartwarming and sweet!I didn't expect anything less from Brittainy, for one more time she delivered a beautiful story!The writing is flawless and her characters original! "We were polar opposites. We weren't meant to fall for one another, but when we blended together, we were some kind of beautiful." Behind the Bars is a story that will make you think about your o 4.5 Unique Stars "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." Such a beautiful story, it was emotional, heartwarming and sweet!I didn't expect anything less from Brittainy, for one more time she delivered a beautiful story!The writing is flawless and her characters original! "We were polar opposites. We weren't meant to fall for one another, but when we blended together, we were some kind of beautiful." Behind the Bars is a story that will make you think about your own life.I love when this is happening with books.Jasmine and Elliott's relationship was something else.They have an amazing connection as friends.Their love for each other is so strong , it was something magical. I could read Brittainy"s books without reading the synopsis.I love her writing and I loved all her books so far!She is an author I highly recommend, so if you haven't read any of her books do it now!You will fall in love with her stories!
Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ – Sep 16, 2017
Brittainy C Cherry has always managed to bring out the emotional side with her readers. Every word that's been written into the pages feels like a warm protected blanket and you can't help but bask in it's safety and strength. Never striking down for the emotional feel, Behind the Bars keeps you locked into a heartbreaking grasp about love, loss, hope and finding the perfect tune. From an early age , Jasmine has been groomed to be the next pop star thanks to her over bearing mother. Mus Brittainy C Cherry has always managed to bring out the emotional side with her readers. Every word that's been written into the pages feels like a warm protected blanket and you can't help but bask in it's safety and strength. Never striking down for the emotional feel, Behind the Bars keeps you locked into a heartbreaking grasp about love, loss, hope and finding the perfect tune. From an early age , Jasmine has been groomed to be the next pop star thanks to her over bearing mother. Music and fame is the goal and everything else is just a waste of time and that includes being in a public school and making friends. But one encounter with someone who shares the same love and passion for music is about to change her entire life. Elliot wasn't your typical teenage boy. Being smaller than your peers and shy in high school makes you a target and unfortunately food him, he became a victim. His saving grace at the end of a bad day is playing his saxophone and getting lost in the music. When the most popular girl in school takes a liking to his work and becomes friendly, Elliot realizes that this girl is going to be the musical soundtrack of his life and ready or not, the notes have already been written. I loved that this story touched on a lot of different subjects and the author made us look at EVERYTHING. It was pure and raw and heartbreaking at times but it had the right amount of emotion to it. Elliot and Jasmine weren't able to be what they wanted to each other in the past, but they made up for it in the present and because of that, they had a beautiful future. *Teaser used is from the author's fb page.
Wil Loves Books! – Nov 26, 2017
"You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." Brittany Cherry writes beautiful, amazing books, that's a fact. She's definitely on of my all time favorites and an instant one-click. Her stories are so real and amazing, and her writing is just beautiful and moving. This one is no exception. This book is about live, love, loss and ,music. "I noticed the loneliness most, because I knew the distinct look. I'd been lonely my whole life, and Elliott's stare mirrore "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." Brittany Cherry writes beautiful, amazing books, that's a fact. She's definitely on of my all time favorites and an instant one-click. Her stories are so real and amazing, and her writing is just beautiful and moving. This one is no exception. This book is about live, love, loss and ,music. "I noticed the loneliness most, because I knew the distinct look. I'd been lonely my whole life, and Elliott's stare mirrored my own." I'm not sure I can make this story justice with words, so I'm keeping it short and sweet. I mean it this time. You need to read this one, it's simply beautiful. This story spans a few years and recounts a true friendship between kindred spirits that have been through so much in life. Music is what kept them going and how they connected. "When Elliott had his music, his soul was free. Because of jazz, Elliott was able to breathe." I loved Jasmine and Elliott, their friendship was everything, and as adult, they chemistry was off the charts. "I wondered if she knew I'd dreamed of someone like her, and I wondered if she'd dreamed of someone like me, too." "So that's what it's supposed to feel like. That's how my heart is supposed to beat. This is love." This book is so much more than a love story. Actually, the love story is the least important part of it. It's so much more, it's about all these characters, and their stories. The seconhdary characters are as important. And I loved them all, Ray, Laura, Katie, Jason, and TJ. I would say TJ was as central to the story as Jazz and Elliott. Loved it! "Because of her, I lived again. Because of her, I smiled. Because of her, I was freed from behind the bars of my darkest days. And I'd spend the rest of our lives showing her my love through every single song that lived within me." "My lover, my friend, my beginnings, my ends. He was everything I wanted to have and everything I had thought I'd never witness again." So, like I said, short and sweet. This was amazing. I don't know how she does it, but Brittainy brings it every single time. All the emotions and feels. She's a very special soul, just like her characters. I absolutely recommend this one! I leave you with some more favorite quotes cause I've highlighted a ton… "I like you a lot, Jazz…more than music." "Where have you been? What makes you cry? What makes you smile? What do you do for a living? Did you miss me? I missed you." "I don't know how to exist around you," "So small, so tiny, so real. Love. I knew I was young, and I knew it was stupid, but in that moment, I began to fall in love with a quiet boy who quietly cared for me. The boy who was scared and still strong. The boy who not only sheltered me but cared for me when he didn't have to at all. I hadn't known much about love, I hadn't known how it looked, felt, or tasted. I hadn't known how it moved, how it flowed, but I knew my heart was tight and currently skipping a few beats. I understood the goosebumps covering my arms. I knew this stuttering boy who was sometimes so scared, was someone worth loving for the second time ever. I knew Elliott Adams was love, and I was falling into him so fast. Truth was, I had never fallen out of love with him. Only this time, unlike before, I refused to let him go." Closure was an odd concept. In my mind, I always believed closure came when both parties spoke from their hearts, and let go together. I thought there couldn't be full closure if one party wasn't willing to open up and express their truths, but that wasn't what closure was—not really. Closure wasn't a fairy-tale ending with equal goodbyes. Closure was simply one person finding their voice, their own strength, and learning to let go by themselves. Closure was one person writing the ending to a very toxic song, and never replaying it in their souls. The best kind of closure was being brave enough to start a new song with new lyrics and a beautiful melody. "You were, are, and will always be my Jazz. You are every beat, every note, every bar. You are the lyrics, the harmony, and the melody. You were, are, and always will be my favorite song." **An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review**
Sabrina – Jun 07, 2017
NOW LIVE! Amazon US * Amazon UK I'm starting to have suspicions that Brittainy C. Cherry might have stock in a Tissue company because she keeps writing these books that have me going through an entire box of tissues. Seriously, she pushes my tear ducts to the extreme. Behind The Bars starts off with Jasmine and Elliott in High School where they first meet. For me, this was the most emotional part of the story and the whole first half of the story had my heart continuously shattering into pieces. H NOW LIVE! Amazon US * Amazon UK I'm starting to have suspicions that Brittainy C. Cherry might have stock in a Tissue company because she keeps writing these books that have me going through an entire box of tissues. Seriously, she pushes my tear ducts to the extreme. Behind The Bars starts off with Jasmine and Elliott in High School where they first meet. For me, this was the most emotional part of the story and the whole first half of the story had my heart continuously shattering into pieces. Hit after hit kept coming at them and I was ready to scream at the universe for making these people go through so much pain...and then I had to remind myself they were fictional. What kept me sane through all of that was seeing how Jasmine and Elliott helped each other. Even when the book skipped to them as adults and Elliott was trying to push Jasmine away she was there for him and it started to put my shattered heart back together. Sounds cliche, I know, but I swear that's what it felt like while I was reading. Overall, this book is a hugely recommended one but it comes with the warning to not read in public unless you want to look a little crazy when you bust into tears. And also have some tissues handy. ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
NMmomof4 – Nov 26, 2017
3 Stars Overall Opinion: Well...I think this was one that I sadly went into with big expectations that it didn't quite live up to. I liked the characters, I felt bad for what all they went through, I was happy with the ending (feels like I should add "for once" with the books I've been reading lately)...but I just didn't love it. I guess I never really felt their connection past a really good friendship. I'm not sure why either. I felt sad when the tragic event went down, but I didn't get as em 3 Stars Overall Opinion: Well...I think this was one that I sadly went into with big expectations that it didn't quite live up to. I liked the characters, I felt bad for what all they went through, I was happy with the ending (feels like I should add "for once" with the books I've been reading lately)...but I just didn't love it. I guess I never really felt their connection past a really good friendship. I'm not sure why either. I felt sad when the tragic event went down, but I didn't get as emotionally attached as I would've liked (and also had expected myself to do). I think I might've self sabotaged here with my expectations again, because overall it felt just meh 🤦🏻‍♀️ Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jasmine and Elliott's story. Jasmine notices Elliott when he is playing on a street corner, and she can't help but talk to him at school the next day. Jasmine is the instantly popular new girl at school and Elliott is a kid that is constantly bullied. They form an instant friendship and bond over their love of music, but some things get in their way and they end up separated. About six years later, Jasmine returns to find Elliott a changed and damaged man. She works to bring back the old Elliott in spite of his resistance. There are some sad moments, some sweet moments, a few sexy times...and they get a HEA ending. POV: This alternated between Jasmine and Elliott's POV. Overall Pace of Story: Alright. I did feel like it lagged some after they reunited, because I felt like I was just waiting for something to happen. I never skimmed though. Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings. H rating: 4 stars. Elliott. I liked him. I felt horrible for all he endured, but I appreciated how sweet he was. h rating: 4 stars. Jasmine. I liked her. I appreciated how she cared for Elliott and didn't ever give up on him. Sadness level: Low/moderate. I might've shed a few tears, but I definitely didn't need tissues like I was expecting to. Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[The H pushes away a good bit when they are reunited. I'd probably say the h is the main pursuer of the relationship. (hide spoiler)] Heat level: Low. They have mild tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not very many scenes and it was more focused on the emotions and not the physical act. Descriptive sex: Yes (see above) OW/OM drama: Yes (view spoiler)[There is a bully that is interested in the h. She ends up sleeping with him and his friends to try to protect the H from being harassed (before anything romantic happens between the h and H). (hide spoiler)] Sex scene with OW or OM: No Cheating: No Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated for about 6 years. There was no mention or suggestion of other partners for the h during this time (other than being harassed). I felt like maybe the H did have other partners (a feeling I had because it wasn't a big deal for him to lose his virginity with the h), but I could be wrong. (hide spoiler)] Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Bullying/assault/harassment/sexual harassment (on page), verbally abusive parent (on page), violence/rape/murder (on page), and loss of a loved one. (hide spoiler)] Closure: This had good closure with a few different jump ahead glimpses into their future. I would call this a HEA ending. Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences. (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the H pushing the h away - Does have a separation between the h and H - Does have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]
Kandi Steiner – Nov 26, 2017
I have never been so emotionally moved by a book in my life. I didn't just fall in love with these characters, I walked 300 pages in their shoes, I BECAME then, and I am forever changed. Behind the Bars is true Brittainy C. Cherry magic. 5 achingly beautiful stars! I have never been so emotionally moved by a book in my life. I didn't just fall in love with these characters, I walked 300 pages in their shoes, I BECAME then, and I am forever changed. Behind the Bars is true Brittainy C. Cherry magic. 5 achingly beautiful stars!
Sentranced Jem – Dec 05, 2017
Title: Behind The Bars Author: Brittainy C. Cherry Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult Publication Date: December 7, 2017 It's good to be alive! Why you ask? Because you get to read books like this! Behind The Bars is such an amazing book. It's written beautifully.. I can't tell you how good this book was...I loved it! ok...I've been sitting here for the past 15 minutes, trying to write this review but I know for a fact that my words just won't do it justice.This book i Title: Behind The Bars Author: Brittainy C. Cherry Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult Publication Date: December 7, 2017 It's good to be alive! Why you ask? Because you get to read books like this! Behind The Bars is such an amazing book. It's written beautifully.. I can't tell you how good this book was...I loved it! ok...I've been sitting here for the past 15 minutes, trying to write this review but I know for a fact that my words just won't do it justice.This book is so beautifully poignant. It deals with so many struggles yet has an underlying beauty thats so strong that it lingers with you even after you are done. I still get the chills whenever I think about this book, as I write this review-I have goosebumps because this book is AMAZING! Jasmine and Elliot are from two completely different world- she's the popular girl in high school where as he's been dubbed the 'loser' of the school. But somehow they recognized the loneliness in each other and creates a bond so potent and strong that defies 'logic'. The other thing they bonded over was Jazz. I swear, I have a new found respect for Jazz music after this book- In a world where there are so many misfortunes and tragedies, maybe God gave us music as his apology. Behind The bars deals with so many issues- an overbearing 'mother', lose of people you love, the darkness of struggling with a disability and the horrifying trauma of bullying. The bullying in this book was appalling! It was brutal and horrible-and I felt so hopeless reading it because I couldn't do anything to help him. After a particularly intense scene, I literally stopped reading and froze because that scene?I couldn't believe what I read- It was over so quickly yet it felt like a lifetime. I couldn't stop crying. I felt the pain, I felt the helplessness and the ultimate sense of denial. Behind The Bars was so heartfelt and intense and I admit that I will never be the same again. PS: I want to give a HUGE shout-out to Ray (Jasmine's 'step-dad' ). He is by far THE most kindest, most genuinely loving person ever! It takes a special kind of person to take on another man's kid and love them as your own and I applaud him for it. Happy Reading! For more reviews and giveaways follow my blog at www.jemimajamir.com
DW – Dec 11, 2017
When Going into a book by this author, I know there is going to be so many emotions. Happiness Sadness And then happiness again. So many emotions but always so worth it!!
MELISSA *Mel Reader* – Jun 07, 2017
4.5 Stars! -If you had one person who'd catch you when you were crashing through life, you were blessed beyond measure. Jasmine Greene is a beautiful, popular 16 yr. old girl living in New Orleans. Her mother wants to make her famous. She's grooming her to be a star. She takes singing, dancing, & acting lessons, and is constantly going on auditions. Her mother wants her to be a triple threat with her talents, but Jasmine just wants to make her mama proud. She's always working hard to try to m 4.5 Stars! -If you had one person who'd catch you when you were crashing through life, you were blessed beyond measure. Jasmine Greene is a beautiful, popular 16 yr. old girl living in New Orleans. Her mother wants to make her famous. She's grooming her to be a star. She takes singing, dancing, & acting lessons, and is constantly going on auditions. Her mother wants her to be a triple threat with her talents, but Jasmine just wants to make her mama proud. She's always working hard to try to make her happy, but she also longs to live a normal life. That includes public school, so when her mother agrees to enroll her at Cannon High School, she's thrilled. She's felt so lonely she's looking forward to being around kids her own age. Jasmine witnesses a boy at school being bullied. She later locks eyes with him outside of school. She hears him before she see's him. He plays the saxophone on the corner. His music is hauntingly sad, but beautiful. His notes send chills down her spine & make her feel so much. His music touched her heart & changed her. Jasmine felt the need to be close to Elliott. They were two lonely souls who connected. When she listened to him play she didn't feel so alone. They healed the part of each other that was broken. Then life & tragedy take them in different directions. They are apart for a time before they find their way back to one another. This was a beautiful story that touches the heart. It's sad at times, but full of so much love. I adored Jasmine & Elliott together. I also loved the people close to them. Family is those who love us most & what we make it. -"No woman can only fall in love with the music of jazz. She always quietly yearns for the musician behind the bars." -We were polar opposites. We weren't meant to fall for one another, but when we blended together, we were some kind of beautiful. -I knew Elliott Adams was love, and I was falling into him so fast. -Our love existed in every second, and every touch we shared. -"You were, are, and always will be my favorite song."
Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ – Jun 07, 2017
4 ★'s "You are the music." Elliott and Jasmine meet when Jasmine's mom finally allows her to go to a public school. She's been homeschooled all her life because her mom is bound and determined to make a star out of her. Jasmine has nonstop music, dance and acting lessons and auditions. Every part of her life is controlled...and it's nothing she wants. Meeting Elliott frees something inside her and she feels her true calling. Unfortunately, she's only sixteen and can't make any decisions for herse 4 ★'s "You are the music." Elliott and Jasmine meet when Jasmine's mom finally allows her to go to a public school. She's been homeschooled all her life because her mom is bound and determined to make a star out of her. Jasmine has nonstop music, dance and acting lessons and auditions. Every part of her life is controlled...and it's nothing she wants. Meeting Elliott frees something inside her and she feels her true calling. Unfortunately, she's only sixteen and can't make any decisions for herself...yet. And unfortunately, that means moving to London to pursue her career and leaving Elliott behind. Fast forward six years and Jasmine is back. She's been through a lot but so has Elliott and they're not the same people they once were. Elliott has really changed and it takes some time for Jasmine to break through. This book was really depressing. I hated how Elliott was treated in the beginning and what happened. I hated what Jasmine thought she had to do to protect Elliott. And I hated what Elliott did to protect himself after the tragedy occurred. What I did love was their families...mostly the family of their choice. Ray was simply amazing and there are no words for T.J. (I loved what Elliott and Jasmine set up for him...BIG tears!) Elliott's mom, Laura, was the sweetest thing and it was perfect where things were going for her and someone at the end. And there is no better best friend than Jason. As I said, Elliott has spent six years getting himself to a certain place to protect himself. I loved how he was able to see hope and give himself and love another chance. The wrap up was perfect as was the two mini epilogues but the second one was my favorite! The more, the merrier!
Diana – Jan 06, 2018
I was up until the wee hours of the morning to finish this little gem up. It does have angst, but my advice is to push through it. It is a beautiful story about Elliot and Jasmine, two lost and lonely souls that find each other as teenagers. Elliot is constantly harassed and bullied at school for his stuttering, while Jasmine is gorgeous and popular, but that is only on the outside. She is struggling with trying to find herself plus she has a monster of a mother, which I seriously wanted to throa I was up until the wee hours of the morning to finish this little gem up. It does have angst, but my advice is to push through it. It is a beautiful story about Elliot and Jasmine, two lost and lonely souls that find each other as teenagers. Elliot is constantly harassed and bullied at school for his stuttering, while Jasmine is gorgeous and popular, but that is only on the outside. She is struggling with trying to find herself plus she has a monster of a mother, which I seriously wanted to throat punch. Her mother's dream is for Jasmine to be a pop singer, not matter what the costs. Jasmine has a different dream. When circumstances separate Elliot and Jasmine, their heartache only deepens. Years later, Jasmine is back and searching for the boy she never forgotten. What she finds is heartbreaking. Elliot is no longer the sweet young boy. He is hard and cold. Life hasn't been easy for Elliot, but he has never forgotten the girl that makes him feel alive. Is Jasmine strong enough to bring back her Elliot? You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here"~Elliot I adored both Jasmine and Elliot. Their friends and family, were all amazing as well, especially Ray, Jasmine "Dad". "Whenever I thought of home, I didn't think of a place; I thought of people, the ones who shaped us into the people we were meant to become, the ones who loved us with our scars and told us those scars were beautiful, the ones who allowed us to make mistakes and still loves us fully"~Jasmine I can't say enough how much I loved this story. The writing was beautiful and really made me feel, not only their pain, but their determination. Highly recommend!!
Pick a Book – Nov 11, 2017
English / Português "Jasmine?"he whispered one more time. "Yes, Elliott?" "Does this mean we're friends?"I laughed and nodded against his shoulder. "This means we're friends." - 4,5 stars I've known Brittainy's books for a long time. My first read was one of the first ones she launched; THE SPACE IN BETWEEN. And from there she has grown extraordinarily in her writing. The Elements Series, for me, was the best, that kind that you think you can't overcome. And then comes the author and show us that s English / Português "Jasmine?"he whispered one more time. "Yes, Elliott?" "Does this mean we're friends?"I laughed and nodded against his shoulder. "This means we're friends." - 4,5 stars I've known Brittainy's books for a long time. My first read was one of the first ones she launched; THE SPACE IN BETWEEN. And from there she has grown extraordinarily in her writing. The Elements Series, for me, was the best, that kind that you think you can't overcome. And then comes the author and show us that she can! BEHIND THE BARS is another wonderful book by an author that I have a tremendous love for making words turn into strong feelings within us. Every book of her I feel everything. I feel a lot and I fall in love with every person described, carrying these characters with me. In the first chapter of BEHIND THE BARS I was hooked. Jasmine and Elliot didn't even have to talk much to conquer me. The innocence of two teenagers living in such a bitter environment has made me want to enter in the book several times and embrace, comfort them. And I felt very angry too. That bad feeling that good people suffer by others neglicence, while all they want is love, is affection, is respect. While reading, some friends asked what I was thinking and I answered: "the author likes to makes us soffer in a cute way!" hahaha. Translating: I always find this author's books with a dose of angst, heavier subjects, but she doesn't let it become too sad and boring, exploring also the innocence / naivety of the characters. Elliott was the one who most impacted. I like stories that show that even people who have suffered so much, can become good, can still walk with a light of hope within them. The first book in the series THE MUSIC STREET features broken characters with lots of love inside them. Bring good music - I even encourage you to listen to a few. It brings a beautiful friendship story that becomes something more, and especially put hearts in our eyes making us sigh with such beauty. Is it going to make you cry? Well I did shed a few tears. And although I didn't know much about the story before I start reading, BEHIND THE BARS, for me, turned out to be what I craved, a beautiful romantic drama from an author who never disappoints. I highly recomend it! *An ARC was provided by the author and Social Butterfly. Thank you! ----------------------- English/ Português "Jasmine?" ele sussurou mais uma vez. "Sim, Elliott?" "Isso significa que nós somos amigos?" Eu ri e balancei a cabeça no ombro dele. "Isso significa que somos amigos." - 4,5 estrelas Conheço o trabalho da Brittainy há muito tempo. Meu primeiro livro dela foi um dos primeiros que ela lançou; o THE SPACE IN BETWEEN. E desde lá ela vem crescendo extraordinariamente em sua escrita. A serie Elementos, pra mim, foi a mais TOP, daquele tipo que você acha que não tem como superar. E aí vem a autora e mostra que pode sim! BEHIND THE BARS é mais um livro maravilhoso de uma autora que eu tenho um carinho enorme por conseguir fazer palavras se transformarem em sentimentos fortes dentro da gente. Todo livro dela eu sinto tudo. Sinto muito e me apaixono por cada pessoa descrita, carregando esses personagens comigo. No primeiro capitulo de BEHIND THE BARS já fui fisgada. Jasmine e Elliot nem precisaram falam muito para me conquistar. A inocência de dois adolescentes vivendo num ambiente tão amargo fez com que várias vezes eu quisesse entrar no livro e abraça-los, consolá-los. E senti muita raiva também. Aquela sensação ruim de que pessoas boas sofrem pelo descaso de outras, enquanto tudo que se quer é amor, é carinho, é respeito. Enquanto lia, umas amigas perguntaram o que estava achando e respondi: "a autora gosta de maltratar a gente de maneira fofa!" hahaha. Traduzindo: sempre achei os livros da autora com temas mais pesados, profundos, mas ela não deixa cair no maçante, explorando também a inocência/ingenuidade dos personagens. Elliott foi o que mais impactou. Gosto de histórias que mostram que mesmo pessoas que sofreram tanto, conseguem se tornar boas, conseguem ainda andar com uma luz de esperança dentro delas. O primeiro livro da série THE MUSIC STREET traz personagens quebrados e com muito amor dentro deles. Traz música boa - inclusive recomendo que escute algumas mencionadas. Traz uma história de amizade linda que se torna algo mais, e principalmente coloca corações nos nossos olhos nos fazendo suspirar com tanta lindeza. Se vai te arrancar algumas lágrimas? De mim, arrancou. E apesar de não saber muito sobre a história antes de começar a ler, BEHIND THE BARS, pra mim, acabou sendo o que eu ansiava, um drama romântico lindo de uma autora que não decepciona nunca. Recomendo demais! * Recebi um ARC da autora e Social Butterfly. Obrigada! ---------------------- * Pick a Book facebook / instagram / twitter [email protected]
Beatrice Masaluñga – Dec 02, 2017
Full review posted at Confessions of a Pinay Bookaholic I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Behind the Bars is the first book of Brittainy C. Cherry's new series, The Music Street series. The story is set in New Orleans and it's about a soul singer Jasmine Greene and a saxophonist Elliott Adams. It started with an awkward friendship turned into lovers briefly and years later rekindled for the second time around. Soul music was Jasmine's love and passion but her mother discouraged i Full review posted at Confessions of a Pinay Bookaholic I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Behind the Bars is the first book of Brittainy C. Cherry's new series, The Music Street series. The story is set in New Orleans and it's about a soul singer Jasmine Greene and a saxophonist Elliott Adams. It started with an awkward friendship turned into lovers briefly and years later rekindled for the second time around. Soul music was Jasmine's love and passion but her mother discouraged it and wants her to sing pop music because it'll give her a promising career in the music industry. Her mom was a selfish woman. She forced her daughter to attend singing and dancing workshops. For years, Jasmine pretends to enjoy those workshops for her mother's sake and the last thing she wants is to disappoint her. She's fulfilling her mother's dream and not hers. Wandering in the streets, she's mesmerized by a music around the corner and it belongs to a boy she goes to school with. "His music was beautiful, and kind of painful, too. I hadn't had a clue that something could be painfully beautiful until that evening." Elliott expresses his emotions by playing saxophone. His love for Jazz was his therapy and every time he plays, it gives him peace. Every day it's always chaos and pain for being bullied at school. It's heartbreaking to see this precious boy defenseless. He'll take the beatings just to protect those people he loves especially Jasmine and his sister Katie. He was so down to earth, reserved and thoughtful. He didn't deserved to be treated badly. Reading those scenes was difficult and it's impossible to keep my tears at bay. Elliott and Jasmine were like Jazz and Soul. They're perfectly blended for each other both as friends and lovers. Their friendship was awkward yet amusing and the romance between them was purely genuine and slow burn. Though their relationship was brief under circumstances and six years later, Jasmine returns to New Orleans from United Kingdom. Hoping she'll see Elliott again. Within those years, both of their lives changed. After a life-altering event, Elliott lost his love for music. He was hollow, cold and distant. He builds a wall that seems impenetrable to everyone else. He feels he deserves to be punished. Whereas to Jasmine, she's fed up seeking validation and love from her mother. Tired of doing things that made her unhappy. This time she allowed herself to be vulnerable and for once, she wants to experience being happy according to her will. "Sometimes it's hard to see things in a different light when you've become so accustomed to the dark." Jasmine and Elliott's story isn't always sunshine and rainbows. There are parts that will give you heartaches. It will bring you to tears. Both sad and happy ones. MY. EMOTIONS. MY. FREAKING. EMOTIONS. It's such a beautiful, deep and tear-jerking novel. I have to pause once in a while and just let myself weep. Brittainy C. Cherry never fails to leave me in an emotional mess. I recommend you have a box of tissue or handkerchief. Aside from the emotional aspect, I love Behind the Bars because it doesn't focus entirely on romance. It's also about family, grief, forgiveness and acceptance. There are things in our life that needs closure. No matter how hard it is to forgive someone who tremendously wronged us, there'll come a time we should but it doesn't mean it's forgotten. Forgiving sets free those burden feelings and darkness. In the end, Elliott and Jasmine healed their broken souls. Lastly, a shoutout to two amazing father figures Ray Gable and Theodore James a.k.a Uncle TJ. Ray is Jasmine's stepfather and I love he treated her like his own daughter. He's supportive, loving and protective. He taught Jasmine to be herself and encourage her to pursue Soul music. Uncle TJ is also a saxophonist and Elliott's mentor. He taught him that playing music, you have to give your heart and soul or else such tune is an empty piece. These men became instrumental for them to appreciate the true beauty of music. If you're looking for a contemporary romance that will stir your emotions, I definitely recommend this novel. I'm looking forward to the upcoming books in this series and to end my review, here's my favorite quote: "Being strong is loving the broken pieces of your loved ones. Being strong is crying yourself to sleep at night and waking each morning still believing in beauty. Being strong is forgiveness. What you're doing today — that is strength."
NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} – Apr 30, 2018
***4,5 "Also, I still love you!!!" stars*** ***************************** "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." ***************************** Phew!!!! it's been almost a week since I've finished this "painfully beautiful" story and my feelings are still all over the place... Honestly, I don't know what to say about this book!!! Mrs. Cherry knows how to write beautiful, but painful stories!!! Stories that will stay with you for a long time after you finishe ***4,5 "Also, I still love you!!!" stars*** ***************************** "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." ***************************** Phew!!!! it's been almost a week since I've finished this "painfully beautiful" story and my feelings are still all over the place... Honestly, I don't know what to say about this book!!! Mrs. Cherry knows how to write beautiful, but painful stories!!! Stories that will stay with you for a long time after you finished them.... And this one was one of those stories!!! "Who knew things could be painfully beautiful?" In the most part of the book, my heart was aching really bad for both Elliott and Jasmine's sake... They were both lost in their own way and music was their only refuge... They met when they were sixteen.... Elliot was a skinny, awkard kid with a big heart, who unfortunately got picked up a lot by his bullies!!! The things they did to him!!! Oh god!!!! I felt so awful and i was so damn sad.... Jasmine was the new, popular girl of the school, but there was more depth in her than that.... She had her own share of sadness... "I knew this stuttering boy who was sometimes so scared was someone worth loving. He was worth being the first one I gave my heart to. I knew Elliott Adams was love. And I was falling into him so fast." Those two kids who seemed so different, create a strong bond who would follow them for all their lives... And then one day, Jasmine was forced to leave from New Orleans and after a while, tragedy found Elliott's life and changed him forever.... "Every person had lyrics in their life that were too painful to sing. But other's lyrics were far worse than my own." ,/i> Now, after six years apart, Jasmine is going back "home", but she can't find the boy she used to know... In his place, it's a man who has nothing to do with the Elliott she knew... Will her presence pull Elliott outside from the bars that he had put in his heart and mind??? Will both of them managed to leave behind the past and create a new future together??? "Whenever I thought of home, I didn't think of a place; I thought of people, the ones who shaped us into the people we were meant to become, the ones who loved us with our scars and told us those scars were beautiful, the ones who allowed us to make mistakes and still loved us fully." "One can't truly heal if they pretend the cracks don't exist." Well, i loved so much Elliot!!! Even though that his life sucked in school, he was so kind and gentle... When he was playing his saxophone, he was transporting in someone with so much confidence... Also, his little family meant the world to him and i loved how close he was with his mom and sister... When he grew up, i was mourning for the man that he could be... I was aching for the loneliness that had forced himself into... "Music was my therapy, and after a few songs, I always felt stronger. It was crazy how jazz fixed the broken pieces of me every time, how the sounds always took me back to a safe place in my soul." Jasmine was living under a lot of pressure because of her mother and her dreams... No child deserves to have that kind of pressure and in a way, she was trying to do her revolution, but unfortunately that wasn't possible.... I loved her when she finally take her life in her own hands... "All my life, I'd been caged, and Elliott opened my door and allowed me to fly." "Closure was simply one person finding their voice, their own strength, and learning to let go by themselves." Hmmm... I really don't know what else to say about this book, so i will stop right here... I just want to add that in this book were wonderfull characters except Elli and Jazz... I loved so much Ray beacuse he loved so much his Snow white!!! I loved Katie and her sisterly ways... I loved Elliot's mama, because she was staying strong even though that she was dying inside... I loved J.T. and the way he was with Elliot and later, Jasmine... And I loved very much Jason, because he was a true and loyal friend... Unfortunately, there were also people that i disliked... One of them was Jasmine's mother... God, i hated her so much... I can't understand how a mother can be like that to her child... I also didn't like Todd and his friends... Their actions were... "deathly" in many ways!!!! God, this book was so emotional... It broke my heart over and over again, but i loved it!!! The stories that stay with you, are the stories who can break you and then put you back together!!! "The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains." -Josephine Baker
Jean – Feb 06, 2018
Simply magical! Loved this book! Love this author.....she never disappoints me. Her stories are so emotionally moving and unique. Elliott is the skinny, nerdy, glasses-wearing kid in school who always got picked on by the popular crowd. He tries to blend into the background, but would do anything for his sister, Katie. Jasmine is the new popular girl. She has a stage mother who pushes her to be the best....singing, dancing, acting....her mother has dreams for Jasmine and she barely lets Jasmine li Simply magical! Loved this book! Love this author.....she never disappoints me. Her stories are so emotionally moving and unique. Elliott is the skinny, nerdy, glasses-wearing kid in school who always got picked on by the popular crowd. He tries to blend into the background, but would do anything for his sister, Katie. Jasmine is the new popular girl. She has a stage mother who pushes her to be the best....singing, dancing, acting....her mother has dreams for Jasmine and she barely lets Jasmine live the life any other normal teenager would. She was a Grade A Biatch as far as mothers go! But then Jasmine comes across Elliott playing saxophone on a corner in New Orleans.....she is mesmerized by his sound and his emotional connection to the music. Jasmine is a good-hearted, compassionate, and caring person.....and when she first sees what the other kids put Elliott through, she stands up for him. But then she gets herself into a bit of a mess with the other popular kids......it was just so.....messed up! Some major heartbreak in this book....tears....yep, get the tissues. And then Jasmine and Elliott are separated for many, many years. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK!! IT WAS EMOTIONAL AND BEAUTIFUL AND HEARTWRENCHING AND SATISFYING!!! JUST AMAZING!! Here are a few quotes that I highlighted.....but seriously, there was so many beautiful words I could have highlighted. Every person had lyrics in their life that were too painful to sing. Whenever I thought of home, I didn't think of a place; I thought of people, the ones who shaped us into the people we were meant to become, the ones who loved us with our scars and told us those scars were beautiful, the ones who allowed us to make mistakes and still loved us fully. It's hard to be around you sometimes," he whispered. "Why's that?" His eyebrows knit together and he lowered his voice. "Because you make my heart beat." There's so much more than what I've written up there. So many beautiful, meaningful moments. The secondary characters were just as important as the MCs.......Ray, TJ, Laura, Jason...they all held a special place in my heart! If you are a Brittainy Cherry fan.....don't miss this one!! It's EPIC! I beg you all to read this book! P.S. Special shout out to Leslie for recommending and having me push this one up on my TBR!!!
Gabby – Jan 24, 2018
DNF at 200 pages Damn, I really wanted to love this book. I even included this book in my 5-star predictions video and I couldn't have been more wrong. Brittainy C. Cherry is one of my favorite authors and she's written some of my favorite books of all time: Loving Mr. Daniels, The Gravity of Us, and The Air He Breathes. POSITIVES: -Takes place in New Orleans -POC characters -The plot revolves around music NEGATIVES: -I didn't care about the characters -There were SO many cliches about the characters DNF at 200 pages Damn, I really wanted to love this book. I even included this book in my 5-star predictions video and I couldn't have been more wrong. Brittainy C. Cherry is one of my favorite authors and she's written some of my favorite books of all time: Loving Mr. Daniels, The Gravity of Us, and The Air He Breathes. POSITIVES: -Takes place in New Orleans -POC characters -The plot revolves around music NEGATIVES: -I didn't care about the characters -There were SO many cliches about the characters and within the plot -The characters were so incredibly insecure, I don't know how many times I read he phrase: "I didn't know girls like Jasmine hang out with boys like me" or some variation of that kind of insecure statement -The romance was so insta-love -The writing felt so rushed and dramatic to the point where it felt kind of ridiculous -I didn't realize the first half of this book is YA and I didn't really care for that (most of her books are new adult not young adult so it felt really different and not in a good way) I'm just so disappointed by this and I went into it expecting to love it, which made it even more upsetting for me. I'll always read Brittainy's books in the future, but I'm bummed I didn't like this one.
☽Ari – Nov 05, 2017
5 gorgeously heart-breaking stars Read my entire review at Readin' Under Street-Lamps Ah jesus, this book is so goddamn beautiful! This book had so much life and heart and soul to it that made you not only appreciate life but your ability to fall in love as well. As some of you might be aware, I'm not a huge fan of swoony stories, but dear heavens! This book was so freaking beautiful that I couldn't do anything but swoon. And while this book might not be one of her bests, this is still a heart-achi 5 gorgeously heart-breaking stars Read my entire review at Readin' Under Street-Lamps Ah jesus, this book is so goddamn beautiful! This book had so much life and heart and soul to it that made you not only appreciate life but your ability to fall in love as well. As some of you might be aware, I'm not a huge fan of swoony stories, but dear heavens! This book was so freaking beautiful that I couldn't do anything but swoon. And while this book might not be one of her bests, this is still a heart-aching tale woven beautifully. And there is something to be said about Cherry's writing. It can't enough when I say that her writing takes on a world of it's own, and lives and breathes inside your mind for days to come long after you've already put the book down. And that is just so fucking magical.
Carol – Nov 25, 2017
4.5 stars. I am not gonna lie. This book is divided into two parts and Part 1 of this book was really hard for me to read. I badly wanted to put it down and quit several times as the story was so harsh and also unrelenting in the abuse and suffering that both MC's experienced. I am a total wimp when it comes to the type of bullying that Elliot had to endure at high school but I am glad that I persevered and made it to Part 2 of the story which takes place 6 years later and reunites a changed Jasm 4.5 stars. I am not gonna lie. This book is divided into two parts and Part 1 of this book was really hard for me to read. I badly wanted to put it down and quit several times as the story was so harsh and also unrelenting in the abuse and suffering that both MC's experienced. I am a total wimp when it comes to the type of bullying that Elliot had to endure at high school but I am glad that I persevered and made it to Part 2 of the story which takes place 6 years later and reunites a changed Jasmine and Elliot. Ultimately this is a second chance love story and the writing is really quite hauntingly beautiful at times. I loved Part 2 which is more about our heroes finding hope and their own "truths" . Brittainy Cherry really has mastered the art of wringing out all emotion from her readers. She writes books that are truly unforgettable. However I will definitely not be re-reading this one as I never want to experience the angst of Part 1 again.
Dora Koutsoukou – May 21, 2020
4,5 💞💞💞💞 🎶 🎷 🎶 🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️ Oh! This story!!! It filled me with so many emotions and touched my heart with a gripping fist. Elliot and Jasmine were in the same high school when they met, however they were completely different. But their great connection started with music. Elliot was a skinny shy boy, stuttering and trying to be invisible. "Elliot Adams was love." Jasmine Jasmine was the popular girl, trying to make her mother happy and proud. "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beat 4,5 💞💞💞💞 🎶 🎷 🎶 🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️ Oh! This story!!! It filled me with so many emotions and touched my heart with a gripping fist. Elliot and Jasmine were in the same high school when they met, however they were completely different. But their great connection started with music. Elliot was a skinny shy boy, stuttering and trying to be invisible. "Elliot Adams was love." Jasmine Jasmine was the popular girl, trying to make her mother happy and proud. "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." Elliot Their relationship was beautifully blossomed out and they were so perfect for each other. "We became our song. And he was mine. My lover, my friend, my beginnings, my ends." Jasmine This story had many layers which were intense, emotional and heartbreaking. It was about hope, faith, strength, love, healing and jazz. There were a couple of scenes that I may have shed some tears and felt my heart would explode... Ray, TJ and Laura, secondary characters, were more than amazing. ❤️ It was a beautiful read ❤️ "I'd planned to kiss her for the rest of forever." Elliot
Amy – Jun 07, 2017
"You don't see music, you feel it. Music doesn't see color. Music transcends all stereotypes." "Jazz is….um, jazz is the reminder that when I'm alone, I'm not really alone." "That's what soul is to me." "It's my best friend when everything else in the world is just an acquaintance." "Life happens. Sometimes you just have to go with the waves." "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." There are books you read and then there are books you live. You breathe them. You "You don't see music, you feel it. Music doesn't see color. Music transcends all stereotypes." "Jazz is….um, jazz is the reminder that when I'm alone, I'm not really alone." "That's what soul is to me." "It's my best friend when everything else in the world is just an acquaintance." "Life happens. Sometimes you just have to go with the waves." "You're the music in a mute world, and my heart beats because you're here." There are books you read and then there are books you live. You breathe them. You consume them. Devour them. Lose sleep over them. Completely and totally relate to them. They change your world and they blow your mind. That is what this book is. It is pure magic. It is everything and more. It is unexpected and beautiful. It touches every part of your heart and awakens your soul. This is a story that must be lived; that must be experienced. It's only fitting that I would kick off December by reading a book by one of my go to authors and let me tell you, this book is powerful. The messages throughout are strong and the story-line is life changing. This story is not an easy one. It is going to pull at your heart. It is going to put tears in your eyes. Your heart will ache as you experience this story along with the characters, but I promise you, I promise you, the journey is so incredibly worth it. Behind The Bars isn't just a love story, it is so much more. It is a story of hope and the strength of love. It is a story of grief and heartache. It is a story of strength and never giving up. It is story of finding yourself again after the darkness takes over. And finally, it is an incredible love story that will make your heart flutter and hope for happily ever afters. The characters in this story experience things that no one should ever have to. They are broken, but not defeated. They are filled with so much hope and have so much to give. They have so much to overcome and they are flawed in the best of ways. You can't help but ache and root for Elliott and Jasmine… Behind The Bars is such powerful and moving read. The writing is just phenomenal. This writer doesn't just make you feel her books. She makes you live them, experience them and breathe them. She makes you connect with the stories and characters in ways that you never thought were possible. And I have to tell you, this book was written with so much heart and soul. I just loved each and every swoon worthy, heart fluttering, heartbreaking, painful, and devastating moment. And in the end, I was left with the happiest of tears and the fullest of hearts. Behind The Bars has left my emotions a mess in the best possible way. It gave me all the feels and I couldn't possibly ask for more. This story is one that will touch everyone's life and will take you on the most amazing journey. *I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
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