“That the love we have outweighs the pain.”

WHOA! WHOA! I’m emotionally drained – in a good way. What a privilege to be able to read such a real, raw, and heart-felt love story from one of my favorite authors.  Full Tilt is on my list of most anticipated books this year.  I have been waiting very patiently since she announced the book, then the cover reveals, and finally this beauty was in my hands.  I will tell you it is so worth the wait.  What an incredible story!!!! Emma Scott out did herself again with this book.  Every time I read a book from Emma I say to myself this is my favorite and here I am saying Full Tilt is my current favorite of hers. I am betting I will say All In is my favorite in October.  Trust me, you do not want to miss this one!!!!

So on with the story… What is this about?  Kacey is a lead guitarist for a hot, up and coming band.  She is on her way to fame and fortune.  Kacey is living the rock star, reckless life filled with meaningless sex, partying and alcohol.  The cycle is relentless and she is spiraling out of control fast.  One fateful night after a concert and a usual hangover she wakes up in a stranger’s apartment without any recollection of the events the night prior.   Jonah – her limo driver is responsible for Kacey’s whereabouts.  After unsuccessfully delivering the rock star to her own place he was left with no choice but to bring her to his apartment for the night so she can sleep off her hangover.  Well, one night turns into a few days… their relationship turns from strangers to friendship to more… in a short amount of time.  Neither one expected the chemistry and connection would draw them together fast but it did, and they both know this fragile union will not last forever.  It will eventually shatter – and when it does, how can their hearts survive?

Well, my heart did not survive! I cried my eyes out reading this book.  I am totally wrecked and my heart hurts for them – for the pain, the loss, the grief; but also for the beauty that is love – patient, kind and unconditional.  Jonah does not have much time.  His situation is dire and is handed a few months left.  Jonah’s only wish is to leave a legacy behind – something that his small circle of friends and family can remember him by.  He is focused and determined to finish his own glass installation at a prestigious art gallery.  But his plan is interrupted.  Kacey is seemingly wild and reckless but she is fighting a demon.  Deep down she is a good girl, a talented artist, and a caring person.  She wants to be good and Jonah is the only one that cares enough to recognize that.  Kacey is helping Jonah and is giving him the unconditional love that he did not even expect but so deserved.  At the same time, Jonah is helping Kacey finds her passion and herself.  I love both main characters in this story.  The depth and complexity of the characters just blew me away.  They are both strong, yet vulnerable.  Both with good hearts full of love and passion for life.  I also enjoyed all the secondary characters.  Jonah’s brother, especially.  He is such a good soul, protecting and loving his brother – it’s just absolutely beautiful to see.

Full Tilt is a story about love, loss, and sorrow but also triumph.  Life is beautiful but also full of unfortunate sad events.  The key is how you survive, overcome and thrive to live on.  To not experience life with all its beauty, pain and sorrow is not really living life to its fullest.  A good ending to a book is multifaceted for me.  It does not always have to be riding into the sunset or happily ever after.  At the end of this book, I am very sad but also hopeful for what is lying ahead.  Let me say that the author’s writing is absolutely phenomenal.  I laughed, cried and swooned hard.  I promise you will feel all the emotions. What I like about Emma’s writing most is that I feel like she is speaking to me and personally conveying the story.  Her writing speaks from the heart – it is real and honest – just superb!!!  Emma is one of those go-to authors for me.  When I am in a book funk I re-read her books.  Emma’s books are automatic one-clicks – cover and blurb not necessary.  For some reason, I am very drawn to her writing and her stories.  Sure, she writes romance but they always encompass deep meaningful life lessons that you can take away and that’s such a gift.  So for Full Tilt – life is short.  Don’t take it for granted. Live and love to the fullest.

This book is absolutely one of my favorites this year.  I cannot wait until October for All In (Full Tilt # 2).  If you read the sneak peek at the end you can guess who the story will be about.  So I don’t know about you all but it’s going to be a long, painful, agonizing wait for me 😦

“He’s loved and he’ll be loved forever.”

 *** Much love and thanks to the author for providing this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.