Beneath the Stars

A Small Town Second Chance Romance (Sugarlake Series, Book One)

By: Emily McIntire

Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Steve Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Alina

I was 11 when I met Chase Adams. I loved him before I knew what lovin' was.

I pulled, he pushed.

I gave, he took.

I loved.... I lost.

Now he's back. All grown up and sexy as sin.

But things changed while he was gone. So, he can show those dimples and flex those muscles all he wants. It won't change a thing.

Chase Adams is nothin' but a lost memory. I'll do everything I can to keep him that way.

Chase

Growing up, there were only two women I ever loved.

Neither one of them ever really loved me back.

Until her. Alina. My Goldi.

She was everything that's good. I was the bad.

She was the brightest goddamn star. I was the black hole shredding her to pieces.

I loved her wrong, losing her to my demons.

But now I'm back. A better man.

I'll do everything I can to make her remember us, even if all she wants is to forget.

***

Beneath the Stars is a full-length, interconnected stand-alone featuring strong language, explicit sexual scenes, and mature situations which may be considered triggers for some. Listener discretion is advised.

Please note that while there is a HEA for the main characters at the end of this book, since it is an interconnected stand-alone, there are themes and side stories that run through the series and may not be resolved immediately.

©2020 Emily McIntire (P)2021 Pink Flamingo Productions, LLC

Amazing!

I loved this book so much. The portrayal of the relationship and how electric it can actually be was refreshing. I can NOT wait until her other books are on Audible!

small town romance

Emily McIntyre has written a beautiful, emotional, gut- wrenching, second chance romance. She describes how the friendship and young love between 13 yr old Chase and 11 yr old Alina developed through their teens. Chase's broken background keeps him from knowing what real love is. It's hard for him to communicate his deep feelings to Alina.
The jealousy, insecurities, and lack of communication eventually led to their downfall. The story also touches how addiction to drugs and alcohol can effect the emotional stability of family.
Years later, Chase moves back home. By his going to therapy to understand himself, he becomes a better man. All he needs now is to convince Alina to take another chance on him.
Sarah Puckett and Steve Campbell tell this story with so much emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
🎧Audiobook Obsession Reviewer🎧 The Flock Team

Very emotional

This was a tough book to get through for me, not because it was bad. I thought the story was great and the characters were real. There was a lot of reference to substance abuse. As the adult child of addict parents, it really struck a nerve with me so I would have to pause it to take a minute.

Chase and Lily were left by their drug addict mother. Chase is the older sibling, so even when they were with mom (who I also think may have been Bipolar also) he was the one taking care of Lily. Alina meets them when they move in down the street when she and Lily are 11. They become the best of friends, and Chase ends up gravitating toward Alina also! She was just that person that all the people seemed to gravitate to. Eventually Chase and Alina got together (after she was crushing on him FOREVER). But true to the mind of the child of an addict, he constantly felt like he was not good enough.... and he let that take over his life and disrupt every relationship he had. Even with his sister and his adopted parents.

Alina was such a giving and understanding girl who put up with a lot from him. Until she suffered from her own tragedy and she basically couldn't deal with the drama anymore. Then she got to know what it is like to be the child of an alcoholic. 8 years later Chase moves back to Sugar Lake and runs right into Alina! He ends up witnessing her father having an issue at the bar and that is how he finds out the secret she is keeping from all of her friends. He then goes out of his way to help her.... and that is his IN to getting her back.

While a lot of people will say a lot of terrible things about Chase, I think he is very real! His character development was ON POINT! While he wasn't very swoony, I was rather impressed that he got himself some help in dealing with his issues! Not something a lot of people do. And then he uses these experiences to help Alina later on. I would like to have seen him grovel more, I felt like he should have done more to win her back and that after putting up a fight, she gave in kind of easy once he explained. But again, that is probably a bit closer to realistic because by this point he has gone out of his way to help her out and she really needs some one to lean on. But more groveling on his part would have been nice.

This was the first time I heard a duet narration and it took a little getting used to. But I really did like it. Steve Campbell was new to me.... but I have to say I am a fan! I totally believed him! Definitely love this story and I am eager to listen to the rest of the books about the Sugar Lake crowd! I need to know what kind of HEA they all get!


Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍
Angst 💔💔💔
Narration 👏👏👏

Beneath the Stars is so good

Beneath the Stars makes me yearn for the sugar-sweet love of honeysuckle summers, high school sweethearts & secret kisses under shooting stars. McIntire reminds us to always search for love that burns like wildfire.

What were my favorite aspects of the novel?
Characters

Alina: There is almost no way not to fall immediately in love with Alina - from the moment you meet her at 11 years old. While Chase may be the comet of their ever-burning love story, Alina is the glorious constant flame, striving to be her best while diving head first into her own bad decisions.

Her overzealously honest mouth and belief in the best of people pulls you into until you’re ready to move mountains to protect her. She’s the bleeding heart no one deserves as a friend or partner. Throughout the novel, it’s difficult not to be angry with how everyone in her life treats her. You’re fully rooting for her happy ending.

Chase: Chase is the man you want to hate, and he does everything possible to make you love him. It’s impressive to experience his transformation from a struggling young boy into an astoundingly complex man. Every man should read Chase’s perspective, because while he may not be the perfect man, he can teach many of us what it means to find light through yourself in darkness of your own making.

It also helps he’s one of the most reverent lovers that will have anyone preening with jealousy. Personally, I was not Team Chase for a lot of the novel - that protective instinct kicking in - but he puts new meaning into the word “soulmate.”

Jax: Jax might be the man for me. Between that smile and hair he could be the perfect man. He’s a great friend - with a few (understandable?) road bumps along the way. Let’s just say I’ll be returning to Sugarlake for Episode: Jax.

The Narrateds did such a wonderful job telling the story of Beneath the Stars. They brought the characters to life. making you feel like you where apart of the story. i highly reccomend everyone to check out this book.

Emotional first love/second chance romance

Ultimately, this is a second chance romance. But where it’s a bit more unique than many of the other second chance books out there, is that we actually get the full story of Alina and Chase. They met when she was 11 and he was 13. They were extremely close as children, and yet, despite their shared attraction as they got older, neither of them acted on it until the end of high school. But tragedy, deception, lies, and betrayal brutally ripped them apart. When Chase returns to town and ends up working a construction job at the dance studio Alina works at, their old chemistry kicks back into high gear, and all those old feelings, including the broken hearts, come roaring back.

Getting their full story from children was such a nice touch here. We get a much deeper than usual emotional tie to them before their ultimately given their second chance. As the reader, we know what really happened on both sides, but of course, they need to figure that out to heal and move forward. But he’s determined to win her back, not even fully realizing what she believes about why he left in the first place, and she’s determined not to let him break her heart again. It’s a very emotional tug of war, and a very steamy, very satisfying reunion.

The narration is excellent, emotional, tonally perfect, and well paced. Two excellent narrations who really know what they’re doing.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Title: Beneath the Stars
Author: Emily McIntire
Format: Audio
Narrators: Sarah Puckett, Steve Campbell
Genre: Romance, small town, second chance, enemies to lovers
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Sugarlake Book 1
POV: Alina and Chase
Steam Level: Steamy
5/5

Beneath the Stars is the first book I've read my Emily McIntire and, wow, it was good one. Alina and Chase's love story burns bright, burns hot and, at times, just burns. Beneath the Stars tackles issues of addiction, guilt, blame, and trust. It was both funny and heart-wrenching. I love the characters and hope to read more of this series.

I received this audiobook from Pink Flamingo Productions and Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.

So Much Angst, But So So Good!!!

Wow, this book hit me right in the feels, over and over....and over again. I mean seriously, the angst factor is like a billion I'm not going to lie, but I was completely sucked into the story from the very beginning. Chase and Alina met when they were young (pre-teenish) and Chase and his sister Lily moved in a few houses down from Alina. The girls became best friends, but Chase and Alina formed a deeper connection, one which would be tested over time, but one which would inevitably show that sometimes you can find the other half of your heart early on in life.

In all honesty, there were times I wanted to throw my kindle, and there were times I wanted to cry, and my heart bled for both Chase and Alina (mostly Alina), but this story definitely made me feel. I think the book was well written and I overall loved the characters, especially Jax. I cannot wait to read more of the books in the series and see what else comes about these characters in Sugarlake.

Sarah Puckett and Steve Campbell were absolutely fantastic in their performance in this audiobook. I loved the dual narration and all the emotion from the both sides. Sarah Puckett is a definite top female narrator for me. This was my first time listening to Steve Campbell and I would definitely recommend him. #TheFlock #PinkFlamingoProductions

Excellent Audiobook

This was the first book I've read/listened to by Emily McIntire. It was excellent! It was well written with an engaging storyline. The drama between the characters was perfect. It kept me glued to the audio and I was grateful to be traveling so I could listen to it all the way through with minimal interruptions! I absolutely love the characters and can't wait to see others get a HEA story! This is worth a re-listen!!

Steve Campbell and Sarah Puckett are excellent narrators. Their performances were perfect! The way these narrators performed brought this story to life. It rolled like a movie. So very good.

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
#PinkFlamingoProductions

Beneath the stars 🌟

this was a really good 2nd chance romance. so many people can relate to this book In a way. especially when you're friends with the person 1st. I just love it. you have to read and listen to this book you won't be disappointed.

Second Chance to Love!

This is the first book in the Sugarlake Series, a Small Town Romance. Alina and Chase's second chance to love is well written, and intriguing. Their story is filled with misunderstanding, and miscommunication. The back and forth past to present is well done and easy to follow. The supporting characters are great. Sarah Puckett and Steve Campbell did a great job with the narration. Looking forward to listen to Beneath the Stands, Eli and Becca's story, the next book in the Series. #AudiobookObsession #PinkFlamingoProductions

So good!!

Get ready for a listen that will leave you with a book hangover. Yes, this book is that good! Emily McIntire's debut novel had me listening nonstop to Chase and EIlina's story. A second chance romance, we meet Chase and Elina during their childhood, both from different backgrounds, yet drawn together. Tragedy, misunderstandings, and life have gotten in their way, and now they have another chance at love. Will this be their time? Elina is quite a woman. She carries a huge burden and it definitely effects her everyday life. Chase has had it hard, and is broken in so many ways. I love how he is mature enough to know what he needs to do and goes for it. These two fit perfectly, and the cast of secondary characters adds depth to their story. I cannot wait to see what McIntire has in store for us next!

Sarah Puckett and Steve Campbell bring this gem to life. Just the right amount of angst, and huge amounts of warmth and love, these two are a fantastic team. Narrating in duet, their voices compliment each other and their dialogue is spot on! I truly was captivated by the story, and their performance just enhanced my experience.

Book hangover incoming

Oh.my.GOSH!! This book was so great, I almost have no words for it! I couldn't stop listening, once I got started. All the feelings, it nearly gutted me at times. The things the two main characters have been through in their life.. Just wow. This is an amazing second-chance romance that I highly recommend, definitely worth a shot! The narrators Sarah Puckett and Steve Campbell also did an amazing job, bringing the characters and story to life. Bravo!

I loved it!

My...heart...
It broke but luckily got put back together at the end.
But oh my how I felt for these characters.
This was my first listen from this author and I'm in love. I want the next book now!
I enjoyed how this story started at the beginning instead of it being flashbacks. Like, I loved that we saw when the main characters met and how they grew up together all the way to present times and how they fall 'back' in love.
This whole book was amazing, hitting some possible triggers for some readers but the author does such an amazing way of writing about addiction and the effects on others, etc.
Overall an amazing read/listen and I recommend it!

#vipflock #flockteam #flockreviewer

wow - all the feels

such an awesome story! could not get enough. would love to listen to more from this author! narration is excellently done!

#audiobookobsessionreviewer #theflock #pinkflamingoproductions

Batten down the emotional hatches!

I received this audiobook via a promo code at my request and this is my voluntary review.

Chase Adams. How to explain Chase:
"Maybe if I hadn’t met my soul mate when I was thirteen, and lost her when I was twenty, I would be able to feel for Marissa the way I suspect she’s starting to feel for me. But, I don’t. And it isn’t fair to Marissa for me to pretend otherwise. I’ve tried to let her loose, urged her to meet someone who can give her everything she wants. But she sticks around, showing up and putting her p*ssy on a platter. So for now, I’ll give her the parts of me I can."

Alina knew she loved Chase since she was 11, and through his deep seated neurotic 'I'm not good enough' inner monologue, he screws up... by screwing around... but all these years later he's all grown up and he's never gotten over Alina, she's determined to forget them and carve out even a fraction of a life without the shadow of their connection that is always hovering. I've been where they are, so this is very relatable for me. Narration was perfect and this story knocked me for 6, if I could give it 10 Stars, I would.

Amazing country love story

Trigger warning
Family member death
Addiction

Time skip/ flashbacks
County love story
Second chance romance
Duel narration.

This is a emotional Augsty tear jerker but with a HEA.
It’s a childhood love story that takes you on a roller coaster of there lives together and separate. Sometime life just get in the way of love. But they find their way back to each other. When they are older.
If you like second chance romance with duel narration this is great.
I got this for free for review.

Heart wrenchingly good!

This book brought out a lot of emotions in me I wasn't prepared for.

Alina and Chase have grown up together, they are meant to be but sometimes life gets in the way and royally destroys your plans. Which of course is exactly what happens to these two. Can they get over the hurt and pain of the past and move forward? Only time will tell.

The hurt and pain in this book was so raw and real. The emotions were felt! I loved it and hated it all at the same time. It was hard to endure but oh so worth it. Alina's life did not go according to plan at all and that hit way closer to home than I expected. Chase has been dealing with his own battles and that was hard to witness, again too close to home. BUT... With that being said, I loved watching the growth of these two and the mutual respect they learned for each other.

Sarah Puckett and Steve Campbell did an amazing job of bringing all the emotions to life and really making the reader FEEL what the characters were going through!

5 stars

Although this is longer then I usually go for, it was really worth the listen. A well told story with lots of twists and turns. I’m really looking forward to more books in the series.
The narrators did an amazing job!

So many emotions

Alina has loved Chase since she was 11 but he ended up hurting her and now she’s back. He realises what he lost and now he wants a second chance with her . I loved Sarah and Steve’s narration it was perfect.
audiobookobesessionreviewer ,pinkflamingoproductions

beautiful story

ok let's discuss the elephant in the room first.. addiction. I know how hard it is to have someone in the family being consumed by it. this book is not a trigger, I think it could actually help seeing how to react, how to share.. I think the author did a great job with this difficult subject.
now the love story. well it was intense and beautiful. nicely written and I could feel every emotions that were being described. it's everybody's dream to even get 10% of such love like the 2 mcs have.
the characters are great. all of them. it's beautiful to see how they evolve growing up, how they mature. Chase does become a wonderful man. the perfect man.
the narration was brilliant. I LOVE dual narration and it was absolutely perfect here
I will eagerly wait for book no.2 to come out in an audible version, but if it doesn't happen soon, I will definitely get he other books as I want to know what happens next.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving a review.