In the Lyrics

by Nacole Stayton

Hensley Bradley is the definition of the girl-next-door. She’s kindhearted, beautiful, and talented. Bored with her mundane life, thoughts of fleeing her small town begin to consume her. With aspiring dreams to use her voice as a one-way ticket, she suddenly discovers that music might not be her only passion.

After a fallout back home, Colby Grant decides to leave his family’s farm, determined to show his father he’s more than just a wanna-be country singer. With his All-American good looks, it doesn’t take long for girls in his new town to focus their eyes on him. But things aren’t what they appear from the outside, and it isn’t long until Colby feels he doesn't fit into the perfect world that so quickly embraced him.

A chance encounter places Hensley in Colby’s path, but it isn’t her natural beauty that first captures his attention – it’s her voice.

When love and music mix, will the combination blossom into a beautiful melody or wither into a heart-wrenching tune?

Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters.

Genres: New Adult, Music, Romance, Contemporary, Musicians, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published February 6, 2014

About the author

Nacole Stayton is thirty-something years young and resides in the Bourbon Capital of the World with her husband and son. Her debut novel, The Upside of Letting Go is an Amazon top 100 bestseller. She spends her days working in healthcare as a practice administrator and her evenings pinning away on her next novel. She can usually be found playing with monster trucks and dodging Nerf gun darts or enjoying an iced coffee poolside.

Reviews

[Nacole Stayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to share this one with you all! Stay tuned for release date information.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my review at...
http://lustfulliterature.com/in-the-l...

Be sure to check out more of my reviews at:

http://lustfulliterature.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/lustfulliter...

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for an honest review


“NO, YOU LISTEN to me, Son, and you listen good. Your mother and I have bitten our tongues for far too long. This here music, you think you can do that forever? You think singing at these podunk bars is going to pay your rent? You better take a real good look around this farm. This is where you belong. Working like a real man should, providing for his family, not on some rickety-ass stage trying to make a buck, never knowing where you’re going to lay your head at night.”

Meet Colby, a strong and handsome young man who aspires to be a musician. Right off the bat you feel for Colby. His alcoholic father is just rude and crass and Colby takes it like it is nothing. He is used to his father’s tirades and when he kicks him out I was so thankful Colby had a place to land. He was already registered for school and had an apartment lined up with a guy named Dusty.

“Dusty and I have been best friends since as long as I can remember. I was the poor girl growing up in a town full of snobs. I didn’t have a pot to piss in, and he was the resident gay, so our matching social statuses as outcasts grounded us and allowed for a friendship to bloom. Since then we have been inseparable, doing mostly everything together, including studying, singing and sleeping.”

Meet Hensley, a beautiful young woman who also aspires to be a musician. Her dream is to get out of this town and become something. Well it is sort of her mother’s dream for her but she kind of goes along with it. Her best friend is Dusty and they are inseparable. Almost like brother and sister. Little did she know that when Dusty’s new roommate comes to town she was going to have her world spun upside down.

“Not in my twenty years have I ever felt so…I don’t know…drawn to a complete stranger”

Hensley is a piece of work she wants to keep her heart behind the brick walls she has built up. No she isn’t going to become her mother and give up on getting out of this town. She can’t let anyone stand in her way. But Colby, he breaks all her rules. She is drawn to him. No matter how much she fights it, He is going to break down her walls one brick at a time. And boy when you read how he goes about it. You too will fall in LOVE with Colby. I seriously LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED HIM!!

“Hensley is like a jigsaw puzzle. Just from looking at the box on the outside, it appears easy. You think, “I could put this together in no time,” when really, once you open the box and take a glance inside, there are so many tiny pieces. The reality is the little project you thought would take a mere hour to complete is way more complex than you realized. The only problem is I’m normally not a patient person, but with Hensley I could see myself sitting for hours, maneuvering her pieces, until they fit in place and the picture is complete.”

That right there is what I am talking about! Seriously, this man is a saint! Hensley makes him work for it that’s for sure. Colby is patient and kind and understanding knowing when the time is right she will be his. And you want that so bad for him. She is his muse and the music they make is beautiful. But the things that come out of his mouth are just swoon worthy to the max and brick by brick that wall around her heart comes tumbling down.

“Maybe you haven’t been told enough how beautiful you are.” He reaches up and brushes a strand of dark hair off my cheek. “Or how special you are, but trust me, Hensley, the world sees it, even if you don’t.”

CHECK PLEASE!! I want to purchase my own Colby to take home! Sun comes up and all is right in the world between Colby and Hensley then.. OMG then Hensley does something that shocked me to the core! I was all WHAT????? NNNNNOOOOOOO and then the tears started and I was all OMG NACOLE WHY?? WHY DID YOU WRITE THIS?? Then you think things are getting better and BAM! She hits you again!! Like a freaking wrecking ball .. yah just like that!! She came in like a wrecking ball and took my Colby’s happiness and shoved it in the ground! OMG I wanted to reach in the book and grab him and be all its okay Colby you come home with me, I will take care of you! But in the end I was happy with where the Characters ended up. I won’t say if it’s the HEA that you want because well you the reader will have to decide that.. but It works for the Characters and where they are headed in their lives. But I do want to leave you with one more quote from the book. One that I think is one of my favorite lines in the whole book.

“I hear her voice whisper in the darkness, “Colby?” Turning around, I answer her, “Yes, Sunshine.” “ Why do you call me that?” Without hesitation I confess, “Because my world was dark for a long, long time. When I first laid eyes on you, things seemed brighter for once. You didn’t know it, but I watched you as you prepared for your set, and you seemed so peaceful, like a ray of sunshine as it beams down on the world.”

Nacole you took me on a ride with this book. At one point I wanted to throw my Ipad across the room because I was so mad. I laughed, I cried, I was pissed, and I was sad. I felt it all in this book. I truly from the bottom of my heart loved every bit of Colby and Hensley’s story. 5 Gold Stars for you girl!! YOU ROCK!

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*SPOILERS ABOUND.
*Full rant can be found here: http://skizzles22hu.blogspot.com/2014...


Actual rating: 1.5 stars!

I'm quite sad that this book fell short of my expectations. I've read A Graceful Mess by this author, and I really liked it! However, even though this was a pretty quick read, I found myself incredibly bored.

And. I. Hated. Hensley.

She was one of the worst characters I've read. She's a selfish little brat who thinks the world revolves around her, and her only. Sometimes, she can set her desires, wants, and needs aside for her friend, Dusty, and Colby. But most of the time, she's a horrible character. She doesn't deserve love; she doesn't deserve friends. You want an in-depth look into who Hensley is? Read these lines.

Examples:

My heart aches as I sit getting my hair and make-up done, knowing how my dad's doing, how his condition has been diminishing at an alarming rate. It makes me feel guilty about being here, living my dream. ...I know I need to get home and visit - it's been a while - but we just started this tour. My very first with me as the headlining gig. If he can just hold on, the holidays are right around the corner.

Dad, could you, I don't know, stop dying until after this tour is over? Kay, thanks!

I abandoned him to live my dream. I deserve to be told to stick it where the sun don't shine. But other than that little fact, what does he have to be upset about? His dad didn't just die.

She's selfish, so damn selfish that she didn't even think about Chasing Strings and decided to sign with a record label. I get it, she wasn't letting anything stop her from her dream of being a country singer. But seriously, you never once thought about your fellow group members? And you picked it over love? Not to mention, just because your dad died, it doesn't give you the divine right to be a bitch. Colby can be upset if he wants to, because you just walked back into his life when he was trying to forget you!

And my personal favorite:

We've been sitting in this stuffy funeral home for hours now. The clock on Mr. York's desk says six forty-six. Yawning, I try to seem interested in the flower debate. Really, I don't know why this wasn't all done and figured out sooner. Dad's been sick for a very long time, and my mom is a nurse. You'd think she would had all of her ducks in a row.

When are you EVER prepared for death? You can spend months, days, even years talking about arrangements, but it doesn't matter. Are you seriously going to sit there and blame your mom for not thinking things through? God forbid she ever have hope, ever believe that her soulmate would make it. You know what, Hensley? Fuck you. Just, fuck you. I can't believe I actually liked her in the beginning of the story. All of these lines are just from the last half of the book. But she's just as worse in the beginning as she is in the end.

Thank God Colby makes up for her, except he's a pushover when it comes to her. He does everything for her, gives up his dream for her. You know what she does? Leaves him behind. Colby has been through a lot, but he's not a douchebag. He's a great guy, and I think he deserved more than he got from Hensley. He's got a bad home life, been through a painful tragedy, and just wants to become a country singer to make his brother proud of him. I liked his voice, his POV. He's a very genuine character that is easily relatable. He's funny, kind, and has that good-boy southern charm that is just irresistible.

But his relationship with Hensley was very boring. It seemed to move way too fast, and they were never honest with each other. They never worked out their problems; they let them either die or fester until one of them walked away. They never really communicated. BUT. THEY. WERE. MADE. FOR. EACH. OTHER. It was love at first sight! Seriously, gag me. There was nothing different about their relationship, and it wasn't swoon-worthy. It was pretty damn ridiculous.

***

Here's the plot:
Beginning: cue girl and guy staring into each other's eyes, mesmerized. Completely overtaken by lust at first sight.
Then cue in the petty antics and jealousy that should stay in a high school setting.
Girl and boy fall in love quickly. They were just made for each other!
Then ensues mindless drama and unnecessary angst.
Girl and boy realize their mistakes and make up: the end!

Oh, you wanted more out of this story? Well, so did I! I swear, there was no actual depth to the story-line, or to the characters. Actually, Colby did have depth. But I didn't really connect with him on an emotional level. Nothing about this story made me feel. Even when Hensley's dad died, I felt nothing. But, I think that had to do with my hatred of Hensely (especially considering how she acted when it happened). I get it, she was grieving. But she acted so damn self-righteous (even though she had no right to be considering that she wanted nothing to do with her father), and she was patronizing to everyone, even her mother!

And honestly, this story-line was a lot like one that I'd see in a young adult novel. NOT an NA one. It was way too high school for my tastes, especially considering the age of the two main characters. The additions of Brittani and Logan were absolutely ridiculous and didn't add anything to the story-line except unnecessary drama. Especially with Logan. That attempted rape scene was completely ridiculous and just randomly thrown in there. It didn't serve any purpose, nor did the drama with Brittani (except, of course, to create jealousy). Because, obviously, you need jealousy in a relationship. *rolls eyes*

But what I really hated about this book, was how everything wrapped up too nicely, too perfectly. Life is not that perfect. Nacole Stayton has a tendency to set up her books with some (tragic and painful and difficult) subplots that should give her characters major development. However, her execution is poor. Hensley has daddy issues? Let's just kill him off and not even let her try and fix their relationship. Colby's father is an alcoholic and is physically abusive? Oh, let's put him in AA and give him a 6 month sober chip so that Colby will see the effort he's made and forgive him. Hensley takes the road to stardom and loses everyone she loves because she's a horribly selfish person who doesn't take the time for them? That doesn't matter; she's too amazing not to forgive. None of it was actually brought up as conflict, and neither did it add to the development of the characters. It all seemed too unreal in this story, too unnatural. You want your characters to actually have growth? Don't take away the conflict. Don't make everything too easy for them. Make them suffer. Then let them heal.

The only thing I liked about this book was the fact that it was a quick read, so it didn't take me long to finish.


Rant. Over.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

In the Lyrics is the first book that I have read by Nacole Stayton, but it won't be my last. I wasn't prepared for all the emotions this book had me feeling, but I am so glad that I read it. This book really had me on an emotional roller coaster that had me smiling and laughing one minute and then wanting to rage and cry the next. This book was so good, and yet there were times that I was ready to pull my hair out in frustration. Colby and Hensley really got my attention though, and I had to keep reading to see how everything would turn out.

Hensley has always wanted to be a singer. Because of her circumstances and growing up with a mother who sacrificed a singing career to have her, Hensley has always kept herself from letting anyone in. The only exception is her gay best friend Dusty, who also wants a music career. When Dusty gets a new roommate, Hensley instantly feels an attraction and connection to him. Colby moved to Nashville in order to pursue his dream of singing, and love was the last thing on his mind. Hensley goes out of her way to be rude to Colby and try to make it appear as though she has no interest in him, but Colby can tell that it's an act. Dusty refuses to let her use that as an excuse to push Colby away though when he knows that Hensley likes him. Hensley apologizes and her and Colby end up spending time together. They grow close really quickly and fit together like they have never experienced with anyone else. Hensley begins to let her walls down, and soon Colby and Hensley are together. For the first time in her life, Hensley begins to dream of more than just a career in music. But what happens when the opportunity to have their dreams gets in the way of their relationship? Will either of them be willing to sacrifice their dream for a chance at a future together, or is there a way to have their careers and each other?

I loved Colby. Talk about a perfect book boyfriend, everyone needs to read about Colby. He is sweet and kind, patient and loving. He is an all around gentleman and treats those around him with respect. I loved everything about him, but especially how he was with Hensley. He was so understanding with her, and allowed things to move forward at her pace. I liked that he was always there for her and supported her unconditionally. I really can't say enough about how much I loved his character, and a few sentences would never do him justice. Trust me, you need to read this story if for nothing else Colby alone. Hensley on the other hand really frustrated me. I liked her and thought that she was determined and strong. She had been through a lot and was pretty single minded. A lot of her issues though came from her parents and things that were beyond her control. She really made some moves though that were selfish and awful. I couldn't believe how she treated Colby and Dusty for awhile in the story, and it absolutely broke my heart. I really wanted to hate her, and for awhile I did. But she ended up winning me over again in the end. Colby and Hensley's love for each other was clear, and I thought that they were really great together. They had amazing chemistry, but also they connected in a way that they couldn't with anyone else.

Overall, I loved this story. The reason I got so irritated with Hensley is because it was so obvious how much she cared about Colby and he cared about her. It's understandable that she made some bad decisions though considering her age as well as the fact that she had grown up with only one goal in mind. Its not an excuse for her actions, but it does explain how she made the choices that she did. I really loved Colby and I also really liked Dusty. I thought that they were both really great characters, and I love how they became such good friends also. This book had me experiencing many ups and downs, but in the end I was really happy with how things worked out. I think that this is a great story about two people who have an undeniable connection who found each other at a really young age and were not prepared for the feelings they were having. I loved reading their story and seeing how they were both thinking and feeling as they figured things out though. I love that this story was in dual POV, and I think it really helped the reader connect with both characters. This story had me so emotionally invested, and that doesn't happen very often. I really cared about what would happen with Colby and Hensley, and I knew that these two had to end up together. I highly recommend this story if you are looking for an emotional read about true love overcoming any obstacle. Colby and Hensley are worth the read, and I am really glad that I took a chance on an author that I hadn't read before. I look forward to reading more from Nacole Stayton in the future.

**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**

[Lauren ♥ Inked in Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
You can read this and other reviews at Madison Says!

Hensley Bradley and Colby Grant share the same dream – to hit the big time. They want to become famous singers/songwriters on the country music scene for two very different reasons.

Hensley is determined to get out of Nashville. Her mother was destined for stardom until she got knocked up with Hensley. From the first note she played, Momma Bradley has been pushing Hensley right out of town. She wants more for her daughter than she had. She wants her to live her dreams. In order to do that, Hensley has to focus on her career. She doesn’t have time for guys or gooey lovey dovey feelings. Everything is going just fine until Colby strolls up to one of her performances…

Colby Grant

It’s official. I am head over heels for Colby Grant. Holy hell. The man can do no wrong. On top of the fact that he’s just an all-around genuinely amazing man, his momma taught him right, he plays guitar and sings like a southern cowboy god. Who am I kidding? I was done for – from the very beginning. *sigh* He moved to Nashville to hopefully achieve his dream – one that stems from his deceased little brother. Everything seemed so cut and dry, so straight forward. He’s prepared to do whatever he needs to, to hit it big, until he lays eyes on Hensley…

“Maybe you haven’t been told enough how beautiful you are.” He reaches up and brushes a strand of dark hair off of my cheek. “Or how special you are, but trust me, Hensley, the world sees it, even if you don’t.”

While I fell hard for Colby, Hensley made me ca-razy! I understand that she was chasing not only her dream but her mother’s as well. I was reading along, feeling pretty good about the book, liking the pace and direction it was going in when, BAM! I was knocked on my ass by Hensley. I knew it was coming. I just wasn’t prepared – at all! I literally yelled, NOOOOO NO, NO, NO, NO, NO. HENSLEY, NO! My heart cracked and tears filled my eyes. Colby has this sweet heart and puts others before himself, while Hensley steam rolled over a few hearts to get where she through she wanted to be. So aggravating! I realize it sounds like I’m Hensley bashing and I don’t mean to. She just really… argh… She just pissed me off on more than one occasion.

When Hensley finally makes it into the ultimate spot light, her love life starts to dim. And in time is all but snuffed out. Yes, I did yell at my kindle multiple times; mostly at Hensley for being so, so, so stupid. The worst part is the amount of time that passes before she gets her head out of her rear and realizes what an utterly amazing man Colby is. That he’s worth more than a music contract; more than anything, really.

I hear her voice whisper in the darkness, “Colby?”
Turning around, I answer her, “Yes, Sunshine?”

“Why do you call me that?”

Without hesitation I confess, “Because my world was dark for a long, long time. When I first laid eyes on you, things seemed brighter for once. You didn’t know it, but I watched you as you prepared for your set, and you seemed so peaceful, like a ray of sunshine as it beams down on the world.”

Colby and Hensley make fabulous characters, but I can’t leave out Dusty. Who wouldn’t want a best friend like Dusty? He’s gorgeous, understanding, musically inclined and…gay! When Hensley made each of her choices, bringing her closer to the ultimate goal, she didn’t just hurt Colby, but Dusty, too. She’s lucky to have such amazing men in her life. Not everyone would be as understanding.

Now, naturally when you have such great guys in your life, there has to be a few turds sprinkled in. You know, that whole ying yang factor. What I’m saying is that both Logan and Brittani are TRASH. You just wait. Just wait. Logan has always wanted Hensley and while she doesn’t return his feelings, he’s pretty determined to get what he wants. Ugh, just thinking about him makes my skin crawl. And Brittani? Oh, she’s like the worst version of a mean girl. She’s sneaky, slutty and drunk in almost every scene she graces. A real winner *insert eye roll here*

I’ve read many of Nacole’s books and with each new release I grow to love her more. I had a very hard time putting In the Lyrics down. It was that good. I almost want to read it again. Maybe I will. Really though, make sure you add this to your TBR list, or better yet, one click this sucka – NOW. You’re gonna love Colby and Hensley. It’s impossible not to.

[Jennie Wurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 STARS**

First I want to say a special thank you to Nacole Stayton for allowing me the pleasure of beta reading this story. This story really moved me. In the Lyrics is a love story but it's so much more. It's a beautiful story of hopefulness, of making dreams come true and learning to live with the consequences, even when they hurt. Hensley is on a mission; she is determined to be "discovered" for her music and ultimately to leave town to be a successful country star. Colby has a similar dream. He's left his family, farm and a difficult situation behind in order to make it come true and become a country star. What happens once these two aspiring musicians meet and fall for each other is what In the Lyrics is all about.

Hensley is sweet; she's naive, innocent and beautiful and Colby wants her as his own. I love how she is so attracted to him at first sight that she doesn't really know how to act. Especially when it turns out he's her BFF's new roommate! She does the only thing she can - she acts like a bitch. It's very entertaining. However as the story moves along, Hensley makes some life-changing decisions and I found myself suddenly no longer a Hensley fan. I was angry, I was annoyed with her and I felt like I just didn't like her anymore. But you know what? This made me love Nacole Stayton's work even more. I'm almost always a fan of the main female character. There have been one or two exceptions, but overall I find myself usually rooting for the girl. The fact that I was frustrated by Hensley’s actions and called her names out loud while reading is a tribute to the author’s writing. It was something different for me and I really enjoyed the emotional ride she took me on. I actually liked having a heroine whose qualities I didn’t always admire and who in the end I’m still not sure I like.

Then there is Colby. Oh my country cowboy hotness. He is yummy. Colby falls hard for Hensley and it shows. He’s sweet, caring, considerate and very respectful of her situation and her circumstances. He’s a cowboy with a huge heart, and who wouldn’t love to curl up with one of those? He’s had a tragic past and my heart goes out to him. I could feel his every emotion and again I thank the author for allowing his feelings to come through so strong.

There are supporting characters that enhance the storyline. One is Dusty, Hensley’s long-time best friend. He’s gay, which we learn right away so we know there won’t be any sort of love triangle happening. He and Hensley have an incredible friendship that anyone would be lucky to have. Brittani is another character and one we learn quickly to hate. She’s a bitch that wants to get her hands (and more) on Colby and makes it quite obvious very early on. Again her antics only make this story better. Then there is Logan, a long-time friend of Hensley’s, but he’d much rather move into another more romantic category than “friend.” So imagine how he feels when Colby comes to town and sweeps her right off of her feet.

The story is told through alternating POV’s, so the reader can see into the minds of both Hensley and Colby as they tell their story. I love this. It makes everything that much more real, knowing how both of them feel about the circumstances they encounter on their journey towards their HEA. And yes, there is a HEA. It just takes them a while to find it. But knowing it’s there makes the story even that much better.

In the Lyrics is a great choice if you’re in the mood for romance, music and fun. I recommend it and know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you Nacole Stayton for bringing this story to life and for giving us the hotness that is Colby and the beautiful Hensley as well.

[Kerri’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sunny Stars for ITL

First off, I would like to thank Nacole Stayton for giving mean ARC of In The Lyrics in exchange for an honest review. I was so honored that she had given me this opportunity. Secondly, ladies get ready!!! There is a new book boyfriend in town. He goes by the name of Colby and he's coming for you wearing tight wranglers, cowboys boots, sexy as sin dimples, and spitting lines that will have you swooning for days. He is truly the ultimate book boyfriend. Just a few chapters in and he made it to my top 5 list.

Colby leaves home to escape after a tragedy has left his family in shambles. His father has turned to drinking to numb the pain and Colby takes the brunt of his anger. After one to many confrontations Colby deides to leave home early to go to school and pursue his dream of making it big in the music industry. He has an apartment rented with Dusty, who also happens to be Hensley's best friend. After one encounter with Hensley, Colby knows that she is exactly what he needs to brighten his days.

Hensley is a beautiful girl who has her mind and heart set on making it big in the music industry. Its been engrained in Hensley's mind since she was a child that she cant do relationships. It will get in the way of her dreams of escaping the small town she was born and raised in and it will cause her to lose focus. She wears a purity ring as a reminder. As soon as she meets Colby though, all bets are off. Their connection is palpable almost immediately and it is obvious to everyone around them. She uses sarcasm and nastiness as a defense mechanism but Colby's charm and good looks are just to much for her to disregard.

Hensley finally decides its time to let Colby in and all seems right in the world. But we all know that with the blink of an eye it can all change. As these two embark on their journey of love, situations arise that threaten to destroy the happiness they have both been looking for. Will their dreams tear them apart? Will the distance and fame overpower their love for one another? That is for you to read and find.

Nacole did an outstanding job with In The Lyrics. I love her writing style and her character development is great. The story just captivates you from the very beginning and there are so many emotions felt throughout the story. This is a story of love, of following your heart, and following your dreams. When i finished reading this book i kept thinking of the song "Listen to Your Heart" by Roxette. It just fits Colby and Hensley perfectly.

With that, i will leave you with some of my favorite quotes:

“I hear her voice whisper in the darkness, “Colby?” Turning around, I answer her, “Yes, Sunshine.” “ Why do you call me that?” Without hesitation I confess, “Because my world was dark for a long, long time. When I first laid eyes on you, things seemed brighter for once. You didn’t know it, but I watched you as you prepared for your set, and you seemed so peaceful, like a ray of sunshine as it beams down on the world.”

“Maybe you haven’t been told enough how beautiful you are.” He reaches up and brushes a strand of dark hair off my cheek. “Or how special you are, but trust me, Hensley, the world sees it, even if you don’t.”

"I'm turning it on, because now that you're home, I don't ever want you to lose your way again."

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nacole Stayton wrote an amazing story. I couldn’t put this book down! I love how she can weaves words together and pulls so many different emotions out of me. There were times I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and I’m sure I made some frustrated noises during my lunch breaks and got some weird looks from co-workers!

Hensley thought she had everything planned out in her life. She was going to finish college, get noticed by a big label and do her best to make it big as a singer. She wants to do what her mother didn’t get to do because she came along. That is until Colby comes to town and turns her her world upside down!

Colby just wanted to get away from home and the past that’s haunting him. He’s started college in Nashville and he wants to make it big in music as well. Hensley and Colby have the same dream. He didn’t expect to find love when he moved to Nashville.

Hensley doesn’t want to make the same mistake that her mother made. She wants to get out of town and make it big. She doesn’t plan on letting any man get in her way. It hasn’t happened yet and she doesn’t plan on it ever being an option, but when Colby steps onto the street corner that she’s singing on with her best friend she can’t take her eyes off of him. And it seems fate has smashed their two worlds together because Colby is now roommates with her best friend.

She tries hard to fight it at first, but she finally gets to the point where she is tired of feeling numb. She wants to be able to breath, to feel, and to know what it’s like to be held by Colby. So she throws caution to the wind. When big things start happening she wonders if their relationship can stand the test of time and distance.

This is one emotional roller coaster you don’t want to miss! I’d like to buy a season pass to this amusement park! Colby is definitely my new book boyfriend! And he can write a song about me anytime!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMFG!!! I read this book on a whim and had no clue what I was getting into when I started it. I remember reading the blurb sometime ago but when I started this, for the life of me I couldn’t remember. And I was definitely surprised. This was the first book I read by Nacole and definitely won’t be my last.

In The Lyrics is a country love story, it’s not a sweet love story but it is a beautiful story. And so well written. Nacole has definitely gained a new fan!

Hensley is a very guarded and touch woman. She has one goal in life – to become a country star and get the hell out of her tiny little town. She refuses to become attached to anything that would cause her to want to stay. I love Hensley for her fierceness but I hate her because she can also be a down-right ignorant bitch. But there is one person that can shake her and possibly make those huge walls come crumbling down – Colby.

Colby is your true cowboy – southern charm and all. He has the same dream as Hensley – becoming a country star. He grew up on a farm and decided to keep his promise to his brother and chase after his dreams. He too will stop at nothing to reach that goal.

And here’s where shit gets ugly!! These two fall in love even though they both tired their damnest to fight it. But life isn’t always filled with rainbows. In order for that rainbow to appear, there has to be some storms & rain stirring shit up. Can Colby and Hensley both achieve their dreams and also have that love they have never felt before? Every choice has a consequence.

In The Lyrics is written in two different POV’s and I really enjoy that. I like seeing how things play out through more than just one character in certain books. It gives the story more depth and understanding, espcially when written correctly. Nacole knows how to keep you turning the pages and wanting to know where these characters go. Great story and well written.



***VISIT WWW.LOVENBOOKS.COM FOR MORE REVIEWS***

[Sarah Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely love Nacole's writing style. I have read and fallen in love with every one of her characters.

Colby leaves home to escape after a tragedy has left his family in shambles. His father has turned to drinking to numb the pain and Colby is always fighting with his dad. After one to many fights with his dad Colby decides to leave home early to go to school and pursue his dream of making it big in the music industry. He finds an apartment to rent with a guy named Dusty who also happens to be Hensley's best friend. After one encounter with Hensley, Colby knows that she is exactly what he needs to be happy with life again.

Hensley wants to make it big in the music industry and move out of town. Her mom is always telling her to avoid men and never let them hold her back. The minute she sees Colby she is immediately attracted to him but fights it tooth and nail. She is offered a singing contract and immediately moves out of town leaving everyone in her life behind. She soon realizes that this life is not worth it without her family and friends by her side to support her. I was really upset with Hensley when she just up and let without worrying about everyone else's feeling.

I really enjoyed the connection between the characters. I love how Dusty was always there to support Hensley and Colby waited for her when she went to chase her dreams. In the Lyrics is a story about letting go of the past, moving on, and making your dreams come true right beside the ones who mean the most to you. I can't wait to see what Nacole is working on next.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book Nacole writes just gets better and better. In the Lyrics will not disappoint. This book has everything that you look for in a great love story. That connection, heartache, raw emotions, laughter, love and redemption.

Colby and Hensley have that connection, that pull making you root for them from the beginning. Even though they seem to have everything that would say they can make it, sometimes that is not enough. And for once, it's not the guy! There will be points that you want to scream and cry and laugh and swoon and this book will send you over the edge but in a good way.

I promise it will not disappoint. 5 Stars for In the Lyrics!

[Casey Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nacole really outdid herself with hotter than fire, Colby and sassy, but lovable Hensley. Not to mention the supporting characters. They just leaped off the page. I found myself envisioning every moment and what amazing moments she painted in this book. The thing made me tear up twice. She almost broke my heart, but I'm not one to read and tell, so you'll just have to get your own copy and read for yourself. The plot was well-paced and beautiful. I just really enjoyed this book so much. It was sweet and funny, at times sad and tragic. But, beautifully poignant and a wonderful read. Highly recommended.

[Delisa Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Lyrics, was an amazing story. I could not put it down, once I started. I loved the chemistry between Colby and Hensley. Have you ever read a book, and just felt like it was perfect from beginning to end? That's how I felt about this one. There were times I laughed out loud. And then times, I had a WTF moment and wanted to scream at the characters!! But then there were times when I cried right with them. If you love romance and music (who doesn't?), Then you will love this book and the characters.

[Savannah Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Colby was such a lovely man and I want a friend like Dusty! Hensley...poor girl was torn with the decision to make it big or follow in her moms foot steps. I had so many emotions while reading this! But loved every minute of it. Great job, Nacole!

[Lustful Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

**JODIE'S REVIEW**

“Once you love someone and give your heart to them, they own it. Trials and triumphs come along the way, but true love can overcome all of it. At least it’s supposed to.”

First let’s start this off by saying I have never EVER thrown my kindle, slammed my kindle, and shook my kindle to the extent that I did reading this story. Seriously before you start, consider this my tip put pillows around any areas of concern your kindle will thank you. What can I say about this book in just a couple paragraphs, In the Lyrics is a country love story, a story of real, raw, love. A story that makes you hurt, a story that makes you smile, it makes you want.

“You can love someone unconditionally, and they can even love you back, but like death, there are so many of life’s obstacles that keep us apart.”

And that’s the reality of this book it’s full of obstacles, full of choices. I am going to start out by talking about Hensley. Hensley is a girl on a mission. She has one dream and that dream is to be a country star, she wants out of the small town she is in. She is guarded, and I am going to tell you this character had me at the beginning I thought she was different and I liked her. But now I am just going to say I have never hated a main character the way I hated Hensley. Oh yes, she is sweet, she is innocent, she is beautiful and she seems perfect, right that is what I said? Oh just wait you will see she is selfish, she is a bitch and she cut me deep. She made me angry, she annoyed me and I was sitting in my bed saying, “Wait how in the hell did Nacole make me feel like this.”

“Hensley is like a jigsaw puzzle. Just from looking at the box on the outside, it appears easy. You think, “I could put this together in no time,” when really, once you open the box and take a glance inside, there are so many tiny pieces. The reality is the little project you thought would take a mere hour to complete is way more complex than you realized.”

Hensley is just that she is a mess and seriously I still want to shake the shit out of her. But the one thing that rattles her, makes her forget her dream for a second is Colby, the stranger who appears and literally takes my breath away with his presence.

“He is so handsome in a rugged, hardworking , manly way. Where his face is flawless, his hands are rough from working on the farm, and his body is lean and muscular. He’s the type of guy my mom warned me about. Not in the sense that he’s a bad boy biker dude or anything crazy like that, but he’s the type to steal your heart.”

Shit that happened.

“Holy shit, stop the clock. He is a real f***ing cowboy.”

Oh yeah he is really a cowboy, full of all the southern charm and everything that makes your heart stop. He also has the ability to make your knees weak and tears to fall down your cheeks. Colby has the same dream as Hensley, he left everything to chase his dream, the dream of being a country star. When these two meet you see the sparks, you see all this potential and you can’t help but want them together and for their dream to become reality. However that’s when Nacole throws a curveball that made me throw my kindle straight across my room and then had me jumping up to grab it so I could shake the shit out of it and pray that I could keep reading. Honestly at this point I almost gave up I was so angry, I messaged Nacole and said, OMG ARE YOU SERIOUS THAT STUPID B**** I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WROTE THAT!!!” I was annoyed, I was pissed but at the same time I had to keep reading.

At this point I realized one thing. ..

“She’s the master; I’m just the puppet along for the ride now and she is holding the strings.”

That’s right Nacole is word manipulator and she had complete control over my emotions with each chapter she wrote and I was completely in love with her. There are supporting characters in this book that I swear are some of the best I have ever read. Dusty is the gay best friend every girl wants. What I loved is the bond him and Hensley had, he immediately made with Colby and they were just this perfect threesome. Then there is the douche, Logan. Logan is the boy that has waited for Hensley, he is just waiting for his chance. Then because Nacole just had to do it she created an even bigger bitch, Brittani. She’s the girl that has always wanted Colby and she doesn’t hide this from anyone. She is a character you hate but you see her purpose in the storyline, she is needed.

“BRITTANI IS LIKE the Evil Queen and Lord Voldemort all wrapped into one, except instead of a magic mirrior or just magic in general, she has the power of bitchiness.”

Holy Hell this book!!! I just keep saying emotion because this is true heart pounding, makes you feel like it is happening to your friend emotion. The story is told through alternating POV’s, and I think that is what makes it so powerful. You are in their heads, you know the thoughts of both of them as the story goes on and that will get me every time, I love it. You know where the characters are, you know what they are thinking and even though you are angry and you are hurt you can see the HEA. And it’s a true HEA because the true road to happiness has bumps, it has those I think I am going to throw up moments, those moments you regret.

“It’s like the first time you hear a song, it can be happy one, or a gut wrenching one. No matter what type of ballad it is, it’s the moment when you become part of it, when the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up, or the way that you relate the lyrics to your life or situation in that moment. Regardless of how you feel, it affects you.”

This book is sure to affect you, make you feel and that is something ever reader looks for. This is a book that you get lost in, you for a brief a moment live with these characters and for that Nacole deserves every star she receives.

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Carrie Richardson-horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I was not only a beta for this awesome book, but I get to review for our blog. In the Lyrics is probably my favorite book from Nacole yet. Not to say I don't love her other ones! ITL had me turning the page, and wanting more of these characters.

Colby Grant - Oh my word! My description of Colby would be a younger version of George Strait. <-----yeah I know hold on to your seats ladies! Colby is getting ready to swoon your socks off! Wrangler wearing, cowboy boots, real cowboy. Dimples<---- YES I said dimples that I wanted to reach in my kindle and pinch!! Colby leaves home earlier than expected to get away from his father, and go to school while trying to make a name for himself in the music scene. He moves in with Dusty and little does he know someone else would be living with them too. Dusty has spoken about Hensley, but feelings surface as soon as he sees the beautiful brunette in person. Colby doesn't know it yet, but Hensley is just what he needs in his life. After losing a brother in a terrible accident life hasn't been the same for Colby, and he's not sure it ever will be. All hope is lost until Hensley...

Hensley- Hensley is also trying to make it in the music scene and has no desire to start a relationship. She wears a purity ring for a reason. Her mama always told her to not let guys get in the way of her dreams, and to stay focused! That's exactly what she wants to do until Mr. Cowboy Colby walks in the room. Their connection is undeniable, and even her best friend Dusty sees it right away. She's determined to stay away, but Colby's southern charm and HOT looks are just too much to ignore. She can't keep ignoring this hot piece forever!

The two embark on a relationship that is all new to Hensley and very different than Colby has ever known, but will they both be able to handle their new found love or will it be too much for them to handle? Can they overcome pain from their past, and move on or is it just too much to carry on? Things happen that could keep them apart forever but you will have to read and find out what happens, and how they get through it all.

Here are a few highlights that I loved!

"Maybe you haven't been told enough how beautiful you are." He reaches up and brushes a strand of dark hair off of my cheek. "Or how special you are, but trust me, Hensley, the world sees it even if you don't." <------- I melted here!! Tears for real!!!

"Yes, Sunshine."
"Why do you call me that?"
Without hesitation I confess, "Because my world was dark for a long, long time. When I first laid eyes on you, things seemed brighter for once.You didn't know it, but I watched you as you prepared for your set, and you seemed so peaceful, like a ray of sunshine as it beams down on the world." <----- Colby Grant can stalk me everyday! Gah!!! I love this man!

"There's nothing to be scared of Sunshine. Do you know why?"
"Because when something is mine, I own it and protect it. Hensley, I want your mind, body and soul. <-----Sweet baby Jesus he can have all mine!! Goodness!!!

Colby Grant just let me say is who you would bring home to Mama and she would approve!

There are so many more moments I loved! I give ITL FIVE huge glittery stars! Nacole can I keep Colby? Just wrap him up and send my way! I loved this book. Go grab it and love these characters like I do! Thank you for letting me into your world! I am so grateful for this opportunity.

[Smut Fanatics · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW INCLUDING THE PLAYLIST

Summary/Blurb:

Hensley Bradley is the definition of the girl-next-door. She’s kindhearted, beautiful, and talented. Bored with her mundane life, thoughts of fleeing her small town begin to consume her. With aspiring dreams to use her voice as a one-way ticket, she suddenly discovers that music might not be her only passion.

After a fallout back home, Colby Grant decides to leave his family’s farm, determined to show his father he’s more than just a wanna-be country singer. With his All-American good looks, it doesn’t take long for girls in his new town to focus their eyes on him. But things aren’t what they appear from the outside, and it isn’t long until Colby feels he doesn't fit into the perfect world that so quickly embraced him.

A chance encounter places Hensley in Colby’s path, but it isn’t her natural beauty that first captures his attention – it’s her voice.

When love and music mix, will the combination blossom into a beautiful melody or wither into a heart-wrenching tune?

What I loved:

This was my first Nacole Stayton book. I must say I am ashamed that I didn’t know about her sooner. The characters in this book were amazing. The name of the female lead, Hensley, was so originally. I had never heard it before and am in love with it!! The male lead, Colby, is such a sweetheart and his situation broke my heart and made me love him more!! The author has a great writing style that easily envelops you in the story.
Everyone has a connection to music in some way or another. The book is centered around music and I always love stories that have to do with musicians. What i didn’t expect was the actual music interfering in a way. I don’t want to say too much or give it away but the story took a twist for me that was unexpected. It was a grand gesture and a complete explosion all wrapped up in one. I am so looking forward to more from this author!!!

What I didn’t love:
For the most part, this story was perfect for me. I do have one gripe. That would be Hensley’s mom. When parents try to force their beliefs, dreams, or live vicariously through their children, it makes me angry. This was the case for her mom. I am understanding if it means you want your child to have better then you, but this didn’t seem that way to me for most of the story and I think Hensley carried a burden that she should have never been given in the first place.

Overall:
This was such a refreshing book. It sends a message that it is easy to lose your way and its ok. Sometimes we are forced to want things because we are told so much that its what is best, that we forget about compromise and logic. The way this book played out, was a bit shocking but such a great change. Usually the guy is the ass clown, but here we see that the girl can be just a big of an ass as the guy.
Compromise, love, passion, and music. In The Lyrics opened my eyes to country music that I normally wouldn’t listen to. There is a playlist associated with this book and I have to be honest. At first, I was sad by this music. But as I continued to read, it enhanced my experience and made me love country music again!!! Check out the playlist below!!!

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars!!

Source: eARC for Honest Review from Author

Here we have two people with big dreams of becoming the next best country sensation. All Hensley has ever known is to shoot for the stars. Her mom has pushed and pushed and pushed Hensley to want this dream for herself. For Colby music has been his savior for tough times and with a loss dear to his heart he wants to pursue this dream to feel he has down right.



The minute Colby sees and hears Hensley he is hooked but it's not all easy as Hensley has a huge chip on her shoulder because NOTHING should get in the way of her dreams but the heart is a sneaky bitch and changed everything.



After Hensley gets her head out of her ass and let's Colby in everything changes. When Colby gets the chance of a lifetime he chooses love over success only to have it thrown back in his face. But the heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes it wins in the end.



This book is a journey of Colby and Hensley trying to find their way in the music world as well as a place in their hearts and trying to make both work for them.

Hmmm, it had all the elements I wanted by reading the synopsis. But once I started to read it I was left feeling erratic and wasn't quite feeling Colby or Hensley I wanted to but I just couldn't . I think the erratic part was the author trying to capture love at first sight.



Oh boy I will be honest it took me awhile to get into it, then for awhile I was in the groove of it then BAM I started to completely hate Hensley so much it was hard for me to finish. Now when I hate a character I don't blame the author because it could just be me or it could be a stroke of genius if that was what the author was going for.



I wanted to like this so much more than I did. This book was not my personal favorite but I think it had huge potential and it will be a favorite for others for sure

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[Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I have said this several times already, but I feel compelled to say it again… this is the year of truly amazing books! In The Lyrics is absolutely no exception. Nacole Stayton had my emotions flowing big with this book. This book was phenomenal. It touched my heart, it broke my heart, it made me believe in true love and it stole that faith away. This book was such an emotional journey, not only for the characters, but for me as well and it was 100-percent worth every feeling.

Hensley has lived the same small town her entire life. She is desperate to get out of it. But her desperation is not just hers. She has built this wall around herself in every aspect possible. She has been hurt by the people she has known her entire life and truly only seems to have one friend in the world.

Colby is desperate to escape the tragedy in his life. The loss he lived has never left his heart, but more so, it has nearly destroyed everything he has remaining. He needs to break free and live the life he promised he would live. Determined to be more than his surroundings have allowed him to be.

When the final straw is reached at his home, Colby sets out on a new journey in his life and manages to walk right into the life of Colby. Unintentionally but without regret. The moment he sees her for the first time, he is hooked. But there is so much more to her. She is so bitter, cynical and angry with the cards she has been dealt. She is desperate to escape, until Colby shows up.

I fell in love with Colby instantly. But maybe it wasn’t so much for the amazing cowboy that he was, but for the amazing love he had for his little brother. The promises he made to his brother after he died. The promises that he was going to stand by and live up to. But for Colby, the music that set his soul free from pain ultimately ends up causing him the most pain.

The beauty of the music is that Hensley has the same passion in her soul. She has the same desire to make music her life that Colby has. But when it comes down to it, will Colby say no to a big record deal for the love he has for Hensley? What would Hensley do if their roles were reversed?

I didn’t know what to expect and what emotion I was going to get with each page of this book. I was so in love with the characters, all of them. Though this book literally brought out every emotion I could think of, I still loved every minute of it. One minute I was laughing, the next I was sobbing. I was giddy for the love and I was angry for the loss. This book lifted spirits up and broke them right back down and built them up again.

Nacole Stayton does something with this book that I just don’t get often enough. She connected me to each of her characters so even when I found myself mad at something, I still believed in the best outcome. No matter what was in their past, or the people that hurt them the most, this book made that connection in my world and I felt right along with them. No, I didn’t experience the same tragedies or lives they led, but I still felt a connection to them. I screamed at them and I embraced them. This book is a five star read without a doubt. I loved every emotional minute of it!

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC RECEIVED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW - 4.5 stars

We are all running away from or hiding something. And with In The Lyrics, we see that running from something can lead us right to what we have always needed.

Henlsey has been told all her life by her mother not to settle, to use her talent as a singer to get out of this town. She has been been by those around her all her life, so Hensley is determined to jus.t that - get out of there.

Since a family tragedy, Colby's home life has been hell. He still feels the loss like it happened yesterday, and it has ruined his family, perhaps behond repair. When that final straw breaks, he immediately ups and leave the farm, and heads to Nashville

His new life brings him straight into contact with Hensley. It is not her looks that first get his attention, it is her voice as he sees her busking in the street.

Hensley is pretty bitter about things, cynical about life, she has no real friends except for her best friend Dusty. But boy oh boy, when her eyes land on Colby, she feels things she has never before felt. And she is confused.

I immediately liked Colby, from the minute things happen on the farm, to the minute he turns up in Nashville. It is not just because he is the sexy cowboy. It is the Colby on the inside that you will fall in love with ~ thought the fact that he is hot doesn't make it hard to love either!

He is determined to keep the promise he made his brother ~ to make something of himself. But the music that he loves so much, could also be the thing that hurts him the most.

I love the interactions between Colby, Hensley and Dusty. Hensley really is a bitch to begin with when she deals with Colby, but you can kind of understand her reasons for why she acts like she does. And Dusty - we all need a Dusty in our lives. He keeps Hensley on the straight and narrow, calls her out on her BS, but is there for her whenever she needs him.

When they all start making great music together, their careers start to take off. Could this be what they all need to get out of town and become the people they want to be, or will it be the thing that tears them all apart?

I have to say, there was not much to like about most of the secondary characters! Colby's father was an a-hole most of the time, then there are the "friends" Logan and Brittani. Ugh typical spoilt, privileged, mean people, out for whatever they could get for themselves. Booooo don't like you AT ALL!!

Ms Stayton not only took her characters on a roller coaster of a ride, she takes her readers right along with them. I never knew from one chapter to the next what emotion I would be faced with, whether I would be jumping for joy or whether my heart would be ripped right out of my chest. I felt happy and sad, angry, heartbroken, heart lifting.

It is not every book that I get completely immersed in, but I definitely did with In The Lyrics.

I will definitely be reading more of Ms Stayton's work in the future if this is the kind of work she releases.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I remember seeing the Cover Reveal for this book on Facebook and instantly falling in love with it! I couldn't wait to read the story behind it, so when I got an email about the Blog Tour for it, I quickly signed up! This book was amazing! It was about finding out what's really important in life and realising that if you work hard then you can make your dreams a reality! I adored it! The plot, for me, was really easy to follow and I really enjoyed it! I did think that there were times were it was maybe a little bit slow, but then something would happen to make it sort of speed up again or develop further! Apart from that, I don't have a single bad thing to say about it! It was written brilliantly and also developed perfectly as well! There were a few twists and turns in this book that changed the direction of the plot as well! I really liked the twists and turns because they added so much to the plot and also the development of the characters! The characters were pretty damn amazing! Hensley was the main female character and all she wanted in her life was to make it big as a singer! I know that's what every singer wants to achieve, but I could see just how much Hensley wanted to make it and certain people came along in this book that make her rethink her future and what she really wanted in her life! I just loved Hensley! I connected really well with her and I could see that when she did make it as a singer, that she was unhappy and wanted her old life back! Hensley did surprise me in this book when she signed the music contract, but she sort of redeemed herself really quickly because as she soon as she became unhappy, she actually did something about it to become happy again, which I loved! Colby was the love interest of Hensley and he was such a sweetheart! Like, I wanted to hug him so much during this book! I loved that he gave up his dreams to let Hensley live hers! That, my friends, is commitment! He was also really protective of Hensley and I could see that he was willing to give up so much more than just his dreams for her! I just loved Colby! He had been through so much, but what he had been through made him such a strong person and it made him the perfect person for Hensley! Everyone needs a guy like Colby in their lives! I also loved that there were quite a few secondary characters in this book that added so much to the plot! There were several characters that I loved, but then there were several characters that I didn't like that much, which is normal in a book lol! I can completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything in it was wrapped up and it ended beautifully! I sort of squealed at the end because I had been waiting for that scene since chapters and chapters before and it finally happened! As I said, I fell in with the cover for this book! It's absolutely stunning and definitely suits the book! Big thank you to Nacole for an ARC of In the Lyrics and to Inkslinger PR for having me on the Blog Tour!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4.5 STARS ****


What would you do if your dream was to be a famous singer and one day you are given the opportunity to fulfill that dream? Only, it means leaving school, and the person you just started dating, who also happens to have the same dream.


Colby Grant lives on his families farm and he is miserable. Ever since a tragedy struck things have gone way downhill. His father has turned into a mean physical drunk and his mom is a complete wallflower. Colby needs to get away so he transfers to another college. He loads up his guitar and kisses his mamma goodbye.

Hensley Bradley is a guarded girl. She believes love is for losers and music is what drives her. She spends most of her time with her best friend Dusty and even stays at his apartment a lot of the time. She is just waiting for the day she gets her big break and can get out of town and no boy is going to stand in her way.

Hensley and Dusty sing on the street and in bars trying to earn as much money as they can for rent and to chase the big dream. One night they are playing in downtown Nashville and Hensley feels someones eyes on her. When she looks up her pulse races as they check each other out.

Her- "I knew it the moment our eyes locked, and he listened as I sang. Not just to my voice, but to my soul. Colby Grant is going to be hard to keep at a distance..."

Him- "I know all too well that sometimes what we want and what we need are two extremely different things. My aspiring career is why I came here, but she just might be the reason why I stay."


I ADORED Colby! He breaks down all of Hensley's defenses and makes choices, life changing choices, all with her in mind.

Hensley irritated me! I kept thinking, "Gah, can't she see how awesome he is!? What the hell is wrong with her? Why is she such a bitch!?!"

"What is it about those damn dimples that renders me speechless and irritates me? I can't put my finger on it, but it's like being around him brings out the giddy schoolgirl in me at the same time as the raging bitch that hides in my soul."

Colby just happens to be Dusty's new roommate much to Hensley's surprise as this puts a damper in her plan to ignore the attraction she feels towards him.

"Colby?"
"Yes, Sunshine."
"Why do you call me that?"
"Because my world was dark for a long, long time. When I first laid eyes on you, things seemed brighter for once."

Swoon!!! I mean HELLO, how can you not fall for that???
Easy, you can't. So, what happens when Hensley, Dusty, and Colby are playing at a bar one night and music execs show up? What if they only want one of you? Would you go if it was your dream? Would you discuss it with the others? And, if you do accept the execs offer, what happens now?

Nacole Stayton does not disappoint with In the Lyrics. You will be laughing, then screaming, then crying, then screaming again. Read it and find out what happens as Hensley and Colby find each other while chasing their dreams.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Arc was provided by author in exchange for an honest review***

Country music is about heartbreak, loss, and ultimately, redemption. These themes are perfect for the main characters, Hensley Bradley and Colby Grant, of Nacole Stayton’s In the Lyrics.

For as long as Hensley can remember, her focus has been on getting a recording contract. Her mom’s dreams of being a singer were left aside when she got pregnant with Hensley, so Hensley feels like she needs to achieve this dream not only for herself but also her mother. Because her life has revolved around music, she has very few friends and has never been in a relationship – she doesn’t want anything to prevent her from leaving her small town behind. She doesn’t regret her choices until Colby walks into her life.

Colby heads to Tennessee to pursue a music career, but he also leaves his family farm to escape his alcoholic father and the loss of his brother. He promised Levi that he would make him proud and follow his dreams and that is what he intends to do. As soon as Colby hears Hensley’s voice, he’s hooked, and his attraction for her only intensifies when he sees her feisty side. He wants her, but he’s going to have to tear down her walls and make her see beyond a career in music.

Despite miscommunications and jealousy, Hensley and Colby do fall in love until one decision ruins everything and separates them for almost a year. When a devastating loss brings them back together, only they can decide if too much time has passed. Will Colby get his “Sunshine” back or will the light go out on their relationship for good?

I really enjoyed In the Lyrics. It’s told through alternating POVs, which is probably my favorite way to read a story because as a reader, you get to know what both the hero and heroine are thinking and feeling. I really enjoyed the first 60% of the book; as a reader, we get to experience all of Hensley and Colby’s firsts. We get to see how their love for each other began and how they grew together by the work that they did and the music that they wrote and played. Where I started having difficulties with the story is when Hensley starts listening to her mother and becomes a person I never thought she would be. It’s hard to believe that someone who seemed so completely grounded could change so easily. Hensley and Colby’s problem communicating also is a sore spot for me – so much could have been prevented if they would have been honest from the beginning. But, both do redeem themselves in the end, which is what I needed to see happen. I’d love to see Rusty get his own story – he was a great supporting character, and I’d love to get a behind the scenes look into his life.

Hensley and Colby’s story is just like a country song – there’s love and loss as well as jealousy and betrayal, but fortunately, unlike most country songs, their HEA happens!

4 poison apples! (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[Tami Talbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered the ARC of In the Lyrics in exchange for an honest review. I haven’t had an opportunity to read any prior novels written by Nacole Stayton, but after having the pleasure of meeting her and finding her to be a very sweet young woman, I looked forward to reading one of her stories. I am so very glad that I did.

Hensley lives in a small town near Nashville. Her dream has always been to play music, be discovered and escape the small town life she lives. She spends all of her time with her best friend always hanging out together and performing on street corners in hopes of earning enough money on which to live while they await discovery. One night while performing, Hensley glances up into the eyes of a true cowboy and her soul is immediately transported to a place it has never been. But refusing to lose focus, Hensley makes the immediate decision that she must keep her distance from him as any romantic involvement with Colby is out of the question. But what she doesn't realize is that Colby's heart is transported to the heavens as well, and her hope of keeping her distance never comes to fruition as she soon discovers he is also her best friend's new roommate.

Colby comes from a small town himself. But when a tragedy from the past hinders the life he lives and continues to harbor pain and anguish for him as well as his family, he makes the decision to leave and pursue his life's dream: to sing and make music. But when he arrives in his new home, he eyes collide with the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and as soon as she begins to sing, he is captivated. Though Hensley doesn't appear to show any interest, Colby feels the intensity and pull between them and as they continue to be in each other's presence, they both begin to give in to the connection they feel. Though the relationship between them grows, when a decision is made that suddenly impacts their lives, will they ever be able to overcome separation and the hurt that is caused?

This is a really wonderful story of love and overcoming obstacles that sometimes get thrown into our life paths. There were times when I was so mad at Hensley for decisions she made, and in turn I would get mad at Colby for the decisions he made. As we have all been raised to realize, communication is so important to overcoming misunderstandings or even mistakes that have been made. I enjoyed the connection and draw of these two characters who shared such a deep love with each other. Although I really feel compelled to say more, I'm realizing that I just can't for fear of spoiling the story for those who have yet to read it. But suffice it to say, if you love romance with a bit of angst and danger as well, In the Lyrics is a story you must read. You will not regret it.

[SammiesBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for my honest review.

I am torn what to give In the Lyrics. Between a 3.5 and a 4. I loved like the first 70-75% of this book and then, BAM...Hensley did what I never thought she would and she broke my heart right along with Colby's. And About the last 10-15% of the book I enjoyed also.
So this is really tough for me.
We meet Colby a young man broken, hurt, alone and wanting to make a change, wanting to keep a promise to his brother. He heads to the city for school and to make it as a big country star. He meets Hensley, a girl who is also broken in ways and hell bent on leaving where she grew up, she wants a bigger and brighter life than what she see's for herself now. Colby and Hensley make an instant connection seeing as he is her best friends new roommate. They cannot take their eyes away from each other or fight the instant connection they feel. These two are adorable. Colby is probably the sweetest book character ever to grace written literature. I want a Colby, seriously. I love my husband, but damn...there are no words for Colby Grant. Anyways, these crazy kids in love, practice hard and fight to make their dreams come true. One day, some big shots come along and make Colby and offer he can't refuse? can he take the deal knowing they are only interested in him and not his girl friend and best friend? can he leave Hensley and hope for the best of both worlds? can these two have a future? you will have to read to find out.
Nacole delivers yet another emotionally captivating story. I was drawn in from the beginning. I laughed, I cried, I was mad, angry, I felt probably every human emotion you can possibly feel, while reading a book. I did enjoy the this story, but there were some things I did not enjoy and I was very mad with a certain person and although they gained my forgiveness, I was still hurt. I can't see how someone can change that much and hurt people they care about, but again, it wouldn't be a book or there wouldn't be a story to tell then, would there? over all I really enjoyed this book and it was refreshing having a sweet, charming, amazing character like Colby for a change. I love bad boys, but sometimes you want a man like Colby and he was a breath of fresh air that one. This is a must read story that you will likely enjoy just as much as I did :-)


"There is no one in this entire world I want sitting here, in my lap or beside me on stage. I love you."


"I'm turning it on, because now that you're home, I don't ever want you to lose your way again."

"Because once I've tasted you, felt you, there's no way in hell I'd let another man ever come close to you- close to what's mine."

[Kieralee Crowfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to start by saying HOT DAYUM this book was AMAZING and i think i may have a new found appreciation for Country Music Singers.
Meet Hensley Bradley a small town country girl with dreams of using her voice as a one way ticket out of the town that has started to consume her life. Trying very hard not to take the same path as her mother by not letting a man hold her in the town Hensley was doing great right up until she meets sexy (REAL-LIFE COWBOY) Colby Grant.
Colby wants away from his family farm and alcoholic father to chase his dream of becoming a Country Music Singer. He wants to prove to his father that he aint’ no wannabe singer but most of all he wants to do it for his little brother.
Fate has Colby becoming the new room mate to Hensley’s best-friend Dusty. Hensley tries her hardest to ignore and be a stand offish bitch to him so she wont find herself being attracted to the heart of gold the cowboy has. I said she tries and she does but Colby is hard to resist with his good-looks, charming southern accent, great voice and his kind heart.
Both are offered record deal contracts but only one takes it. The one that does finds out that is inst all its cracked up to be. Missing their old, life but sticking with the opportunity given and plastering the biggest fake smile they can is becoming a life one of them can not stand anymore.
Is there a HEA in the country music world or will the one that becomes a star miss out on their opportunity for a happy life with family and love of their life? Please read to find out, i promise it is 100% worth the read.
Hensley and Colby are new raw characters that i loved reading about. They are both strong in their own individual way but together they are dynamite I ADORED THEM. Connecting in their music, their love for horses and special needs kids.
The story was a fast-paced, an explosive love story with country singing and hotheaded cowboys. Newly different and refreshing to the MAX, i have never read a story the same or similar to this which is brilliant.
The epilogue was a perfect way to end the story. No cliff-hangers but also leaves it open for HOPEFULLY FINGERS & TOES CROSSED for a second book.
Nacole Stayton i loved your writing in this, your imagination and creativity are astounding. That was my first book of yours but i promise it will not be my last. PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS A BOOK 2???
Highest rating deserved for this book
5 hearts out of 5 a book to add to the top of you to-read list NOW..

http://kbridge89.wordpress.com

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Was Given To Blog For An Honest Review

This was a very different story to me. It is not often that the male lead in the book is the good guy. I also loved that it was in both points of view. How two people see things that are the same but entirely different, how the wrong decision can cost you everything and how the right decision can also cause you to lose everything? That was a mouthful but the moral of the story is ultimately communication.

Colby, he is such a love and all I wanted to do was wrap him up in a hug and never let go. He was so selfless in life and for those he loved. He is the give his shirt of his back type of person. I loved the way the author wrote him as a man with a passion and amazing morals. Colby was so young but yet very wise for such a young man. It takes truly an amazing person that will sacrifice his own happiness for others. The author described him as a very sexy cowboy, but his true beauty was within.

Hensley, now her I could go off and on. The way I felt about her makes me cringe. Hens was the complete opposite of Colby, her tunnel vision left everyone in the dust. I was so angry with her. I know she had a dream, but I guess it just shocked me how she did not think about how things would affect anyone other than herself. I began to find her an ugly personality. I was so surprised at how she affected me. I admit for the first time that I did not believe a character should get a happy ending. Hensley made her bed and I really felt she needed to lie in it. Colby deserved more and a whole lot better.

I really loved the book; I know this when an author can evoke such strong emotions from me while reading it. As you can probably tell, characters often become bit to real to me. That ‘s what makes a great story for me. The concept was so original in an organic way. I am so use to the male lead being the screw up. The writing has a musical quality to it and what I mean by that is it read like a beautiful country song that was filled with heartbreak but ends with happiness. The title is very fitting for this story.

Lyrics are words for a song, this story is a song in words that is read like music and author did an amazing job with it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This book was awesome. Let’s start by talking about the characters….
Colby- Oh, sweet Colby. He’s truly what book boyfriends are made of. He’s aspiring to be a musician, but when you first meet Colby you can’t help but feel bad for him. His father is a mean drunk. It’s sad to watch this because Colby just takes it… He doesn’t let it get him down or deter him in his plans.-

“NO, YOU LISTEN TO ME, Son, and you listen good. Your mother and I have bitten our tongues for far too long. This here music, you think you can do that forever? You think singing at these Podunk bars is going to pay your rent?”

Hensley – She is also aspiring to be a musician and she will do everything within her power to get out of their town. Her best friend Dusty is a gay guy whom you’ll immediately fall in love with. I mean come on who doesn’t want a gay guy best friend?! Hensley loves to play, and sing but its her mothers dream and she is living it for her. She had drilled into her head not to get stuck in the town.

Hensley has built up these walls around her… She refuses to let anyone in, for fear of being stuck in the town. Soon the three of them; Colby, Dusty and Hensley start a band – Chasing Strings. Without giving away too much of the book I just want to say I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!!! Nacole did an awesome job pulling you in from the very first page and hooking you into the story. I had to read this in one sitting.

Hensley and Colby together is perfection. <3

“Maybe you haven’t been told enough how beautiful you are.” He reaches up and brushes a strand of dark hair off my cheek. “Or how special you are, but trust me, Hensley, the world sees it, even if you don’t.”
OKAY LADIES…. TOTAL SWOON!!!!

Never have I EVER. Wanted to throw and shake my kindle. I wanted to smack some sense into these people. YES, it drew out that kind of emotion. But, to me that is what makes an amazing novel. I was so beyond emotionally invested in this book. I loved Colby and Hensley together. Im not gonna lie, I got teary eyed at the end. This is a definite must read!!!

[Holly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****Five Stars for In the Lyrics by Nacole Stayton*****

Colby grew up on a farm in Texas with his mother, father and little brother Levi. When tragedy tears his family apart Colby makes a promise to his brother that he will make himself into something. He will make his dream of being a musician come true.

Hensley has wanted nothing more in life than to pursue music and get the hell out of town. She made it her goal in life to not get attached to anyone (other than her gay best friend Dusty) in town because getting attached might mean being trapped. But when Dusty's new roommate Colby gets in town and their eyes lock Hensley's world get rocked.

Fighting her feelings for Colby is impossible so she decides to let him in her heart. Will their dreams tear them apart? When stardom hits will they be able to fight through the distance, the lack of communication and the changes that are sure to come with fame? READ AND FIND OUT!



I LOVED this book. I was drawn in instantly and didn't want to put it down. I loved the authors writing. It kept me interested and was easy to read. I am all for that moment when two characters eyes lock and there is that instant current that flows between them. *SWOON* I love the back story in both Colby and Hensley's lives and what makes them who they are.

My only problem with this book is…. THAT I WANT MORE! I am so ready to hear more about Colby and Hensley. I also want my own Colby. I love the way he loves Hensley. *SWOON AGAIN!*

Honestly I am at a loss of words on what I want to say about this book because it's just so good! I recommend it to anyone who wants a great love story about two people with dreams, one person who doesn't want to let anyone into her heart and how a boy who waltz into town instantly rips down the wall she's built around her heart.


LOVE!

***** FIVE AMAZINGLY WRITTEN STARS*****