Rush: The Beginning

Black Hearts Still Beat, Book 1

By: L. A. Cotton

Narrated by: Sarah Puckett

Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

An emotional, angsty, rockstar romance from the best-selling author of the Rixon Raiders series.

The sweetheart of Country is about to show the bad boys of Rock, it only takes a single beat for everything to change.

Evangeline Walker knows how quickly everything can change.

But nothing can prepare her for the moment she meets Rafe Hunter.

Intense gray eyes.
Wicked smile.
Tattoos inked on his skin just begging to be touched.

Those aren’t the reasons Eva should stay away from him though.

The fact he’s the bassist for America’s hottest rock band is the reason she should run and never look back.

Everyone knows the greatest love stories all start somewhere.

....this is their beginning.

Narrated by Sarah Puckett. Lyrics by L A Cotton. Music by Jon Ryno and Doug Johnson.

©2019 L A Cotton (P)2019 L A Cotton

just the beginning

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

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

Oh My Heart!

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

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

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

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

So good

L.a cotton did an amazing job with writing this book.Sarah Puckett did a absolutely wonderful job narrating this audiobook

My Two Pennies

This book its listed under as a rockstar romance I felt it was just an undertone for it. Don’t get me wrong, it does have connections being that Rafe is in well off band with his brother and Eva is a singer/songwriter. Her story and what she and her family have been though is heartbreaking but at the same time seeing what she is trying to do now shows you the kind of young woman she is. Rafe won me over rather quickly and listening to him sing with this narrator was amazing, I was slightly put off when it came to Eva’s audio songs but the words themselves were beautiful. At one point I was beyond frustrated with Rafe and I thought the storyline was going down a path I was not too happy with but overall I found their story enjoyable. I will be looking into the rest of this series in the future

So good!

This isn’t your typical steamy rock star story full of debauchery. The age of the characters are all 18-20ish with the MFC still in high school. There is a small level of angst and it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to start the next book

Awesome listen and great start to the series!

This was a good listen and great start to a new series from L. A. Cotton. After overcoming a very serious illness, Eva is encouraged by her best friend to compete in a talent competition, and to try and get back to "normal life." During the competition, she sings and plays her guitar with passion and ease. Then, she and her best friend Molly meet Hudson and Rafe, two members of the band Black Hearts. The connection between Eva and Rafe is immediate, and it is clear that there is so much more to their budding relationship than just physical chemistry. But, it also seems like there is a bit of mystery in terms of the band and their lifestyle. Rafe and his troubled brother Levi have some secrets they seem to be hiding.

Sarah Puckett is a wonderful narrator, and as a special bonus, she sings in this audio. Yes, there is a guitar playing and she SINGS. It was so cool and a fun addition to the audiobook. Sarah can ring so many emotions out of you and take the material she is presented and just make it even better than it already was. I'm looking forward to seeing where L.A. Cotton will take us with this story.

Music that can be "felt"

Really good intro into what seems like it will be a good series!!! I'm generally not one for the "rock star" romances but, this one kept my interest. A lot of intrigue, a lot of secrets, there's angst in there as well. All the characters I met in this book (the main ones) I really enjoyed and am looking forward to reading more about. It wasn't a super light read, it did have a lot of real life issues to it but, it definitely isn't super dark either. I really liked how the music could be "felt".

Can't wait to see what the next book brings!

Loved how the narrator brought the story to life...and, surprising that the songs (a few of them) were actually sung!

EPIC romance!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

Excuse my pun...but what a RUSH!!! I couldn’t get enough of this book! An utterly gripping story, Eva and Rafe will keep you wanting more!!! I can tell that this is the beginning of an amazing series you won’t want to miss!

“Cut me open and I bleed, Eva. Just like everyone else.”

Sarah Puckett was the perfect voice for narrating this fantastic story! Rush - Black Hearts Still Beat: The Beginning by L.A. Cotton is an EPIC book and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

Awesome Audible Book

This was a new author for me and let me tell you it won’t be the last time I read one of L.A Cotton’s books.
I was a little worried when I realized the ages of the characters in the story but after 1 chapter I was hooked. The story was great and had me feeling emotions and making it impossible to put down.

Eva and Rafe were believable in their actions and also their relationship. This book has me getting this review done so I can get started on the second book ASAP . I have a feeling there will be a few bumps and bruised hearts along the way but what a ride I’m sure it will be.

The narrator is also one of my fav to listen to and the fact that there were actually songs sang was a super added bonus.

Yes Yes Yes

Who knew I needed a Rockstar romance to.lift my spirits???
Rafe and Eva are everything in this book. It's only just the beginning, but the chemistry burns just as bright.
A new genre for Cotton, but she knocks it out of the park.

I Couldn't Put It Down Til I Finished! ❤

L. A. Cotton, I don't know when you came onto the scene as an author, but I'm loving your style of writing very much. You mesmerize your listeners with unique storylines where I found myself involved from prologue to epilogue. I found it packed with emotions, kept secrets, and HOT chemistry.

I don't know if "Rush" would be considered a cliffhanger or just the finishing of one Book and that you could continue on with Book 2. I didn't get my HEA but the main character did end up receiving something that wasn't expected.

Sarah Puckett was the narrator for "Rush" and she did what she always do, knocked it out the park. I just adore her so much. Sarah has a "One of a Kind Style" that separates her from all the others. Sarah is one of my 'Top Five Favorite Female Narrators' and any time I see a book has her as the narrator, I know that it's going to be good because she will get the job done. 5-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with no problem, and I very much recommend this book to others.

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧ronigirl

One of the best audio book I have listen too!!

First of all I read this book but listening to it is another story. The music was amazing in it and her voice totally what I pictured for Eva. I cannot wait for the future books I will be listening to them!

I loved Eva and Rafe, there instant connection just kept me interested in the story and wanting to know where it was going to go. I was surprised by parts and wasn’t sure how it was going to end. However I loved how it ended getting ready for the next book, I be reading as soon as next one out.

I can’t wait for the next part of their story and get to know what happened to Rafe and his brother.

I loved Molly her best friend and I am hoping we find out about her story as we go along or has her own book.

What a Rush!

I was expecting quite the love story, and that's exactly what I got. What I wasn't expecting was to sit at my desk and openly cry. The characters were so easy to get attached to, and you couldn't help but root for them. The secondary characters were awesome as well. We all need a friend like Molly! I honestly can't say enough about the narration! There has yet to a book Sarah has narrated and I didn't like it! She really knows how to bring the characters and book to life! I'm so excited for where this series is going!


#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer🎧

Not your typical rockstar book

This book has an innocence that I love. It’s not the usual rockstar book, it is sweeter than that. I feel like this is just the beginning of something very special. Fantastic performance from Sarah. The songs are brilliant!!
#audiobookobsessionreviewer

Great narration, enjoyable story.

Sarah Puckett does a great job with these characters and their story. It was so easy to tell who is who and I love that.

Oh, oh, oh, ohhhhh. I have so many questions I need answers to now! I enjoyed the characters and the setting and I can't wait to see where the next book takes this. So enjoyable.

Loved it

I have loved everything I have read/listened to by L.A. Cotton! And Rush does not disappoint!

Evangeline is signed up for a music competition by her best friend. She needs to find her love for music again after going through an illness. There she meets Rafe and sparks fly. These two together are so cute. I loved every word!

Sarah Puckett did an amazing job narrating which isn’t surprising! Love her!

🎧AudioBookObsessionReviewer

This Made My Heart Beat Hard & Break A Little!!💔

This Made My Heart Beat Hard & Break A Little!!🎤🎸🎶💘🔥💔😭💥
Audible Audiobook 🎧
Rush: The Beginning
Black Hearts Still Beat, Book 1
By: L. A. Cotton
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett
Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins

Evangeline, Eva, has survived Cancer when so many didn't. She's suffering with a severe case of survivors guilt & struggling to reconnect with life & her religion as she doesn't understand why she lived when so many other worthy friends didn't!!💔😭 Her bestfriend Molly has been by her side through it all, along with her parents.🙏😍

Molly, with Eva's parents, have entered her into a Country Music Talent Show.🎶🎸👢 The finals, if she gets that far, are televised!😱 She hasn't touched her guitar or sang for over a year, since 'before'. 😳🙈 She wants to do it for them though, they're obviously excited about it. Molly losses her mind when it's announced that the Drummer from Rock Band 'Black Hearts Still Beat' will be a guest judge. They've recently blown up big on the music scene & are idolized by many - Eva, having been out of the loop, hasn't a clue who they are!🙈 Molly thinks it's hilarious.😂

Hudson is judging the Country competition, Rafe the Bassist is with him but staying out of sight. He sees a beautiful young woman having a bit of a melt down in a hidden area.They exchange a few poignant words. It's not the last time they'll meet & their connection will deepen to something neither of them can ignore!!😍🔥💕 They're determined it's the start of something, can it be real??

This is a fabulous opening book to this series. I really liked Eva, Rafe & Molly, in fact all of the secondary characters were intriguing!😎 The angst in this story isn't of the usual type, for this genre, it's darker, more layered & profound. I think it's likely that will hold true for the BHSB boys too!💔😥 It was a really interesting storyline with so much heart & lots depth. I'm excited to read 'Rise' in February, I hope it releases earlier though!🙏💖

I liked the narration but I did hope that it would include more than two songs!!😞 I have to be honest, that really disappointed me!😒😢

Debbie, 1970, UK

Great narration, good story

First of all, the narration was amazing, Sarah Pucket was so good, the singing was a great plus.

The storyline was good and engaging. I wasn't expecting that "ending" at all, I was like OMG, but can I have the next book now! I really really really need to know how everything is going to play. I need answers just as I am sure Evangeline needs them.
🎧 AUDIOBOOK OBSESSION 🎧

Rafe and Eva!

After all that Eva has endured, she is forever changed and no longer the carefree person she used to be. Her best friend is determined to help her regain the spirit that she has lost along the way and that means helping her rediscover her love of music.

Rafe is a successful rock musician who has a way with words whether he sings them or not. He is intriguing not only because of what we know but also because of what we don’t know. There is no denying the chemistry and connection between them and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for them.

I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was impressed not only by the narration but by the musical component as well. 🎧AudiobookObsession

A great beginning

I have never listened to an audiobook that contains proper singing within the book. If I had known, then I may have passed this by and that would have been a huge mistake. The singing and the lyrics added a wonderful layer to the book.

Evangeline really moved me with her journey and the impact that it had on her life. Her character is wonderfully developed and thoughtfully created.

As a teen cancer survivor, Evangeline has seen and experienced so much heartache during her young life and carries burdens that she holds deep inside and hidden from the world.

When her best friend Molly submits a tape of her performing to a high-profile talent contest, she has a choice to make. Go for it, enjoy herself and take a risk or stay home, filled with guilt and tortured by being a survivor.

I adored Evangeline and Molly. Their friendship is wonderful. I really liked Rafe and was really rooting for their relationship. He has depth and his character is as well developed as Evangeline’s, even though his role was not as prevalent until later in the book.

This is a slow burn, emotional romance. I enjoyed the way that the story developed and felt that the story definitely delivered. I absolutely cannot wait to continue this series. There is so much more that this series has to offer.



Sarah has become one of my favourite narrators and wow, her skills are on full display in this story.

Ms Cotton and Ms Puckett are both such talents and combined, create an amazing audiobook listening experience.
🎧Audiobook Obsession Reviewer🎧